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2150 days ago

Very sad to hear about passing of former mayor Barry Keys

Piers Fuller Reporter from News of Wairarapa

Carterton District Council acknowledges the passing of former Carterton Mayor, and local barrister, Barry Keys.
Barry was Mayor from 1984 to 1995. He oversaw the amalgamation of Wairarapa South County Council and Carterton Borough Council under the local government reforms in 1989 and became the first mayor of Carterton District Council in 1989.
Under his leadership the transition went very smoothly. He reduced 12 councillors down to 8.
Inside the Council chamber he had a reputation of sticking to procedures. He wasn’t one to stand for nonsense and made sure all councillors had their say before strongly expressing his opinion. He was also known for quietly working away behind the scenes and making sure all councillors had the opportunity to express themselves.
His Council’s foresight saw the establishment of the Frederick St water supply bores and a large volume of road sealing and infrastructure work.
Current staff member Wendy Maclver-Mullen remembers him as a true gentleman. “He was very approachable and had a great sense of humour” said Mrs Maclver-Mullen.
Current Mayor Greg Lang said Barry’s passing was a sad day for Carterton. “As the current mayor of Carterton District, I can really appreciate Barry’s outstanding contribution to our community. I pass on to his family our sincerest condolences on behalf of Councillors, Council staff and our community that he served”.
Barry was still working in his business Tavener Keys & Co right up to his passing.
Barry’s son, Russell, is a current Carterton District Council Councillor.

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16 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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1 day ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

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🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
  • 54.3% Human-centred experience and communication
    54.3% Complete
  • 13.8% Critical thinking
    13.8% Complete
  • 29.3% Resilience and adaptability
    29.3% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I will share below!
    2.6% Complete
341 votes
L
6 hours ago

SHOP LOCAL THIS WEEKEND - FARMERS MARKET SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS JUDDS ROAD MASTERTON

Lynne from Masterton District

Come along to our Farmers Market & Crafts held EVERY Saturday Rain or Shine
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG FOR MORNING TEA AND COFFEE, AND HAVE A BROWSE AROUND OUR WONDERFUL MARKET

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
DANIEL’S SPUDS Agria potatoes freshly dug this week.

WHAREMUKU ORCHARD is back this week also.

FRESH LOCAL VEGES also for sale

THE CLAREVILLE BAKERY with all our customer favourites.

And of course, there is always lots on offer: Hot Food, fresh Coffee, Fresh Vege stall, Yummy Honey, fresh bread to name just a few.

We have a fabulous array of creative gifts on display and available for purchase.
wooden toys, embroidered tea towels, olive oil, Crocheted toys, woollen items to mention just a few

We even have live music to get your toes tapping and we are always ready for a friendly chat. For a great day out or an early morning visit we have something for everyone.


We have a new Facebook page:
Wairarapa Farmers Market 2025 - have a look and view our newsletter for this week, or alternatively sign up to receive the newsletter into your inbox.
We also have a Eftpos terminal where you can access cash for your Farmers Market purchases. Come and have a look, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Look forward to seeing you.

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