Changchun leaders at pavillion opening. Beautiful asset to the town...
Kuripuni’s Chinese Pavilion has been officially opened today (19 December), with representatives from Masterton’s sister city, Changchun, and the Chinese embassy on hand for the event.
The pavilion has been a long-term project, with the Changchun Gardening Bureau providing eight tonnes of authentic roof tiles several years ago, along with plans for the pavilion.
Former district councillor and member of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society Jonathan Hooker worked with project manager Dave Borman on the project.
The challenge was installing the tiles, but retired building inspector Hans De Vries and fourth-generation brick-layer Len Lamb excelled in translating a traditional Chinese design to meet New Zealand building requirements.
Opening the pavilion, Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said the extended construction time had been worth it.
“This job was not without its challenges but it is a testament to those involved that we now have a beautiful space that I believe people will enjoy for years to come,” she said.
“It is a permanent reminder of our close links with the community of Changchun.”
Masterton architect Darryl Silverwood ensured the final design complied with the New Zealand building code, and Masterton District council providing $82,000 in funding, with additional funding coming from Trust House, the Masterton Trust Lands Trust, and private donations.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
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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53% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.7% Critical thinking
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28.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
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.
SHOP LOCAL THIS WEEKEND - FARMERS MARKET SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS JUDDS ROAD MASTERTON
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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