The newly formed Friends of George Pain Estate has stepped forward to ensure Martinborough’s community‑owned asset remains fully protected as council amalgamation discussions continue. The group has asked South Wairarapa councillors for clear assurances that the historic estate – and the legal obligations tied to it – will not be lost, altered or absorbed in any future restructuring.
The new group Friends of George Pain Estate has sought confirmation from Mayor Fran Wilde and councillors that the community-owned asset will be fully protected in any amalgamation project.
Three members of the group met with councillors recently to seek assurances the estate won’t get lost or bundled into the asset transfer mix if South Wairarapa joins with other Wellington and/or Wairarapa councils. “What steps will be taken to protect Pain Estate?” the group asked.
It will retain “the same status as a Trust and it will have the same requirement for the proceeds (from the Estate) to go to Martinborough. That won’t change because it’s a legal thing (contract),” Mayor Wilde told the group members.
Former Community Board chair Storm Robertson and member Angela Brown were among the group seeking assurances over the future of the estate. During their board term the duo sought and had returned to the Pain Estate Trust’s bank account more than $300,000 of Estate earnings which had been “erroneously” banked in council accounts. The former community board members also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with council to ensure open access to Estate accounts which they had made public in their meeting notes.
Storm Robertson asked councillors why the financial statements “are no longer available publicly?”
There was no direct answer to the question or to the status of the accounts. Mayor Wilde noted while the Trustees (councillors) have not yet held a formal trust meeting since the 2025 election, they will work with the Community Board on recommendations, as “the final decisions are with the council.”
It will retain “the same status as a Trust and it will have the same requirement for the proceeds (from the Estate) to go to Martinborough. That won’t change because it’s a legal thing (contract),” Mayor Wilde told the group members.
Robertson later emphasised a Memorandum of Agreement is a legally binding document, and “it is strange that it has not been brought to the attention of the new council. Friends of George Pain Estate have set up a website (see below) as a resource to collect and post information on Estate matters which friends will have access to, Robertson added. “We are reaching out to those community members who have previously expressed an interest in the ongoing affairs of the Pain Estate.”
The 85-hectare estate was bequeathed to the community by local merchant George Pain for use as a sports ground and children’s playground. A 1966 High Court ruling directed that income from the trust lands be used to maintain local parks, recreation, and sports facilities.
Pain’s Will stipulated: “Any funding distribution from the Pain Farm must be of benefit to the residents of Martinborough,” SWDC noted in a 2024 website notice. The current rateable value of the land and buildings is recorded on the SWDC register at
$4.151 million.
The group’s project is online at: friendsofgeorgepain.co.nz
