The newly established Martinborough Access Reference Group (MARG) held its inaugural meeting in late March, bringing together a group of Martinborough locals who will provide advice to South Wairarapa District Council on important roading, walking, and cycling access issues affecting the town.

The group was appointed by a panel comprising the Martinborough ward councillors and Mayor Fran Wilde following an Expressions of Interest process. Members were selected to ensure a strong mix of local knowledge, lived experience and professional expertise.

MARG has been set up to give the community a meaningful way to contribute to Council’s thinking, particularly on matters related to safety, accessibility, and the impacts of visitor and freight traffic -issues that are especially complex in and around Martinborough.

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.

MARG will meet regularly over the next six months and will present its recommendations to Council in September, supporting the development of the Council’s 2027-37 Long-Term Plan.

ENDS

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