Stories by Emily Ireland
News
New Carterton Mayor Ron Mark - 'There are battle lines being drawn'
It's a homecoming of sorts for Carterton's new mayor Ron Mark, who makes a return to the position after a successful career in central government.
End of an era for Masterton
After 15 years of serving the Masterton District, Mayor Lyn Patterson is farewelling her role as an elected member.
Masterton District Council approves climate change plan
A 76-point plan to tackle climate change has been given the tick by Masterton District Council. But it did not receive unanimous support from elected members.
Carterton dog pound deal up for debate
Carterton councillors will decide on Wednesday whether they will progress a pay-per-night dog pound agreement with neighbouring councils.
Mayor tells govt 'to go back and consult' on Three Waters
South Wairarapa District Council has asked the government to delay the Water Services Entities Bill "until better consultation is undertaken".
'Winter is here', mayoral candidate warns
Masterton mayoral candidate Tina Nixon has donned a sword in her 2022 campaign, taking aim at central government-imposed reforms and promising to be a "powerful voice" for the provincial district.
'Our voice will not be silenced again': Iwi opposes limited representation in water entities
A Wairarapa iwi says parts of the Water Services Entities Bill will remove and diminish their voice and autonomy from water conversations. A Wairarapa iwi says parts of the Water...
$1m funding to aid Wairarapa's Three Waters transitional costs
Wairarapa councils will receive a combined $1.1 million of government funding to ensure they have the resourcing necessary to implement the Three Waters reforms.
Council tensions high over three waters co-governance
Tensions ran high during discussions on co-governance last week as South Wairarapa councillors prepared their submission on the government's Water Services Entities Bill.
Carterton asked to limit water use
Carterton residents may need to let the yellow mellow while the council waits for floodwaters to subside at the town's wastewater treatment plant.
Dog pound build costs blow out by $229k
With the new dog pound costs at $599,000, Carterton District councillors will vote this week on whether to stick to plan, delay, or switch to a pre-fab or similar design.
South Wairarapa District Council set to add official information requests to fees list
A South Wairarapa council committee has recommended official information requests be added to the list of fees and charges in the coming financial year.
MP’s alcohol advertising bill gets no support from Carterton council
Carterton District Council has voted against backing a Private Members Bill which seeks to end the ability to appeal councils' local alcohol policies, controlling alcohol sales, trading hours, and…
Masterton District Council land sale progressing
Masterton District Council has unanimously supported selling 4.2 hectares of land to be developed for public housing.
Wairarapa wastewater treatment plants not compliant
All three of South Wairarapa's urban wastewater treatment plants are non-compliant, documents from Wellington Water show.
Featherston wastewater options remain under wraps
Shortlisted options for Featherston's long-term wastewater treatment range from $30 million to $215m, a recent Wellington Water report states.
Council consults on Masterton's proposed $30 million facility amid ratepayer disquiet
The next step in the consultation process for Masterton's proposed $30 million civic facility is on its way.
Civic Centre: Funding options aplenty, but costs to increase
Inflation is likely to drive up the costs of Masterton District Council's civic facility project, which had a budget of $30.8 million early last year.
South Wairarapa residents keen to know rates rise
With inflation driving up council rates increases around the country, South Wairarapa residents are keen to know what their next rates rise will be.
More tenders advertised for controversial civic centre
Masterton District Council has put tenders out for four key roles in its $30 million civic facility project.
Carterton to charge for irrelevant information requests
Carterton District Council says it would charge $60 per half hour to answer requests in excess of one hour.
Three waters: Iwi engagement 'severely lacking', mayor says
South Wairarapa mayor Alex Beijen says the government's consultation and engagement with local iwi regarding three waters reforms has been "severely lacking".
Wairarapa mayors hope three waters recommendations will be accepted
A working group, comprising of local government leaders, presented their three waters reforms recommendations to the government this week.
Water supply resilience improved in South Wairarapa
Featherston and Greytown have an extra two days of water supply, thanks to the recent commissioning of the Waiohone Treated Water Reservoir.
Civic centre: Masterton council ditches land purchase efforts
Masterton councillors have unanimously voted to ditch efforts to buy a piece of land from Masterton Trust Lands Trust for its $31 million civic facility.