Martinborough Community Board is putting together its feedback for Council in preparation of the 2027-37 Long-Term Plan. The feedback is based on what we heard during our engagement with the community over the past four months. The Long-Term Plan is the council’s 10-year plan for delivering services, maintaining infrastructure, and investing in the community. It’s reviewed and consulted on every three years and provides an opportunity to consider future priorities and projects, including how these activities will be funded.
Given the funding constraints that all Councils are under, money for new projects or additions to projects already under way is severely constrained.
This means that where Council may support, and in some cases provide some level of funding, many of the ideas and wishes proposed by the community for the future will not proceed without external funding and significant community contribution.
It’s important to recognise that Martinborough has a history of supporting projects that benefit the community as a whole. Here are just a few examples:
The establishment of a trust to fundraise for the Medical Centre and see its development through to conclusion is one prime example.
The Martinborough Youth Trust raised significant funds within the community in order for the Pump Track to be built. This is a well patronised facility which has added greatly to the skills and enjoyment of our young people.
The Lions Club for example, has fundraised for the Pump Track, leases part of its land to the Medical Centre, provides free firewood to seniors and enables young people to undertake courses such as Outward Bound.
South Wairarapa Rotary supports Martinborough and surrounding areas primarily through funds raised by organising the iconic Martinborough Fair, distributing tens of thousands of dollars annually to local community groups, schools, and civic projects.
Care of the environment is a strong community driver and includes the Aorangi Trust which has many members operating trap lines throughout the conservation area to control pests combined with planting sessions and track clearing. The Men’s Shed have built many of the traps for pest control and nesting boxes for little blue penguins nesting on the coast.
Native plant restoration along the riverbanks close to Martinborough is carried out by the Ruamāhanga Farm Foundation and includes a public riparian walkway and community education programmes.
Local students from Martinborough School and Kahutara School work alongside Hau Ariki Marae under their programme Te Reo o Te Wai, supporting local waterway health and wetland recovery.
There are many examples of volunteer community support including the operation of the museum, delivery of Meals on Wheels and technology help for Seniors.
Without community input the life of our village would be severely constrained. The Community Board’s role is to reflect the issues and desires of the whole community to Council but also to initiate and assist in the development of new ideas and projects that are of significant benefit to the community along with working to resolve concerns of residents.
You are invited to discuss with us any ideas or concerns you may have. We run our drop-in session on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 12pm at the library. Contact us anytime: martinboroughcommunityboard@swdc.govt.nz
