Here is the latest news from our Community Operations team, which works across the district to strengthen facilities for the community.

An old observatory in South Wairarapa is set to have a new lease of life and remember the legacy of New Zealand’s first formal astronomer, Stephen Carkeek. 

Above: Remains of the Carkeek Observatory, which is a rare example of ‘Romsey-style’ construction globally and was originally built in 1867, using local tōtara.

Restoration work begins this month on the historic Carkeek Observatory, the remains of which are situated five kilometres south of Featherston. The first step towards restoring the remains is a protective structure, designed by architects and built by local contractors. This is anticipated to be installed by the end of May, with full project completion planned to take place by July. While the observatory remains on a working farm and is not yet open to the public, it has been designed with future access in mind. 

“We’re thrilled to be keeping this work local,” says Melissa Stockley, Acting Manager of Community Operations for South Wairarapa District Council.  

The Council is working with iwi, community stakeholders and Carkeek’s descendants to protect the site from further damage. The observatory also supports South Wairarapa being officially certified (along with Carterton District) as the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Above: precious remains of the framework, which will be protected in the Council’s new work.

The Carkeek Observatory retains some of its original framework, making it New Zealand’s only surviving 19th-century stand-alone astronomical observatory and a rare example of ‘Romsey-style’ construction globally. 

Carkeek (1815–1878) was a Welsh-born astronomer who arrived in New Zealand in 1841 and built the observatory in 1867, using local tōtara. His work gained international recognition, particularly ahead of the 1874 transit of Venus. 

Follow the path

A favourite Featherston picnic area has a new path to provide access to durable new seating that was installed last year. The path allows safe access from the street to the new seating, which has wheelchair accessibility and pram-friendly access. 

The new seats and tables were built to last. Their sturdy structure was crafted by Norse Ironworks. Old wooden bench seats were removed because they were no longer fit for purpose.  

Featherston War Memorial’s new lighting pays tribute to those who served

Above: New lighting has been installed at the Featherston War Memorial and will operate year round to highlight both the memory of those who served in World Wars I and II but also to highlight events in the town.

Featherston has a long and poignant history of war stories with events held throughout the year to mark the memory of those who served in both World Wars I and II. Now there is new lighting at Featherston War Memorial, which will pay tribute to those men and women. 

The War Memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day in 1927 by Sir James Allen, the Minister of Defence, to pay homage to the thousands of men and women who fought, were injured and died in World Wars I and II. A concrete plinth around the top of the memorial is inscribed with the places the Anzac soldiers were stationed during the respective wars, including Gallipoli, Mespotamia (now Iraq), France, Belgium, Palestine and Egypt. The lighting will operate year round. 

• To book a lighting colour for a specific event, please contact the Council’s Community Operations Team by email: enquiries@swdc.govt.nz

Laying the foundation for small steps

Martinborough Swimming Pool resurfacing on toddlers’ pool

Toddlers can now enjoy a fresh new surface when they splash and play at Martinborough Swimming Pool’s toddler pool over summer later this year.  

Above: Martinborough Swimming Pool toddler’s pools.

The work to resurface the toddler pool was undertaken in autumn this year while the pool is closed – an optimum time to minimise disruption and create a fresh and safer new space for little-ies. 

Martinborough Swimming Pool will open at the start of summer, along with other pools in the district.  

Find out more about upcoming community projects across South Wairarapa district here.