Stories by Emily Ireland
News
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.
'Split society' claims over vaccine passports in Wairarapa
The South Wairarapa Council is looking at plans to scrap vaccine mandates in their community, as a local board member was arrested at Wellington protests.
Masterton joins Three Waters opposition group
Masterton District Council has voted to join a group opposing the government's Three Waters Reforms.
Wairarapa councils mandate vaccination for 'high-risk' roles
Wairarapa's three councils have mandated vaccination for "high-risk" roles, using the WorkSafe risk assessment framework for consistency.
Ombudsman investigates Masterton council's civic centre process
The Chief Ombudsman is formally investigating Masterton District Council's civic centre process, it has been revealed.
Fix on the way for Masterton's slumping bridge
Masterton residents have expressed concern about whether it is safe to use the southbound Colombo Bridge in its current condition.
'Mind-boggling' water loss in Featherston
A "mind-boggling" 80 percent of Featherston's treated water was lost in the network in October last year, a council report shows.
Golf course may go to the dogs
South Wairarapa District Council is looking at building its new dog pound at Featherston's old golf course, killing two birds with one stone.
Council's damaged drip line wastes water
Masterton District Council was spotted using an unattended watering system on public gardens, despite strict water restrictions being enforced throughout the district.