Martinborough Access Reference Group
We want your help to shape access, safety and movement in Martinborough
South Wairarapa District Council has established the Martinborough Access Reference Group (MARG) and has appointed a group of Martinborough ward residents who want to contribute to the future of local roading, access and town movement.
MARG will provide advice on issues such as safety, accessibility, visitor impacts, heavy vehicle movement and the function of Martinborough’s town centre. The group’s work will support Council’s Long‑Term Plan (LTP) and wider transport and access planning.
Why we’ve established this group
Martinborough is facing growing pressure on its transport network as population, freight activity and tourism numbers increase. Challenges include:
- heavy vehicle movements through and around residential areas
- pedestrian and cycling safety within the town centre
- the function of the Square and surrounding streets
- access to vineyards and key destinations
- balancing safety, accessibility, economic activity and town character
These are complex, interconnected issues that will benefit from local insight alongside technical advice. The Group will give the community a meaningful way to bring local knowledge, lived experience and fresh perspectives into Council’s thinking.
If this format proves successful, we’ll look to establish reference groups for our other wards to support their local issues.
What the group will do
The Martinborough Access Reference Group will:
- explore access and roading issues within and around Martinborough
- consider options and tradeoffs
- provide informed advice and recommendations to Council
Areas the group may consider include:
- pedestrian safety and connectivity
- cycling and walking infrastructure, including shared spaces
- revitalising the Square in line with the Square Management Plan
- cycle connections within and around the township, including vineyards
- alternatives to the current heavy truck bypass
- the role and alignment of State Highway 53
- implications for traffic, safety and the local economy
- signage, speed management and intersection improvements
While the group is advisory only, it will provide evidence based recommendations that Council (and other road controlling authorities where applicable), can consider through its annual and long term planning processes.
Who is part of the group
The group was appointed by a panel comprising the Martinborough ward councillors and Mayor Fran Wilde following the Expressions of Interest process. The group members are:
Conor Kershaw (Chair), Dudley Anne Hill, Jo Gascione, Josh Hawkins, Louise Lyster, Nathan Fenwick, Phil McArthur, Richard Rooney, Michael Honey, and Tim Smith. James Brodie will represent the Martinborough Community Board, with the Council represented by Mayor Fran Wilde and Councillor Rob Taylor. A member from Hau Ariki Marae is still to be appointed.
Members were selected to ensure a strong mix of local knowledge, lived experience and professional expertise.
- urban design
- roading and bridges
- the local economy (retail, wine, tourism, events)
- industries requiring heavy transport and transport routes
- traffic, pedestrian and cyclist behaviour and safety
- accessibility and inclusive design
- community, environmental or planning perspectives
- any other knowledge considered relevant
How the group will operate
- MARG will be community‑driven and facilitated by SWDC.
- Council staff (and Waka Kotahi where relevant) will provide technical and administrative support.
- Meetings will take place regularly between March and August 2026.
- A final report will be provided to Council by September 2026, contributing to the next Long‑Term Plan.
The group will be focused on a singular set of issues. It will be time-limited, operate under clear terms of reference and conclude once it reports back. Any costs will be modest and transparent.