It was an honour to hold our first Council meeting of the next three year term at a very special place.
Pāpāwai marae in Greytown, which many readers will know or have links to, were our hosts and kindly welcomed us and the newly elected members of Council inside.
Pāpāwai is such a historic site in New Zealand politics, the site of the Kotahitanga (Māori Parliament) movement, and it was a great opportunity to strengthen our connection to our Māori partners.
After being welcomed and sworn in, the new Council got down to business and one of the matters discussed was the temporary farm track for Hinekura residents.
Hinekura residents, as you may know, have been forced to take a long route via Admiral Road since the road was irreparably damaged by a landslide in June.
We are grateful to local farmer Don McCreary’s track, across both his and neighbouring farmer’s, John and Liz Hancock’s, land which provides Hinekura residents with key access to Martinborough until the realignment of Hinekura Road can be built.
An additional $40,000 has been allocated to cover cost over-runs.
Because this road is intended to last many decades and knowing the history of the land, there is much technical work to do before construction can begin, hopefully next October.
In the meantime, the Department of Internal Affairs has made a $30,000 grant for the renovation of Hinekura Hall. This will make the hall more habitable and functional as a community hub.
Summer is approaching fast and so, can you believe, is Christmas. Our pools will be open from November 26, followed shortly after by our annual Pack the Bus gift collection for families needing a dose of Christmas cheer.
Last year’s Pack the Bus was an absolute delight to be involved with and the Council is actively supporting it again this year. South Wairarapa was very generous last year. Please, if you have a gift for any age – but particularly for children – look out for the bus when it stops in Martinborough on December 5.
It will be parked up near P&K late in the morning and will also visit some of our local schools. Our Facebook page will have times and details.
Ngā mihi
