Wairarapa still welcomes visitors, tourism boss says
As the door is shut on some of Wairarapa’s iconic events, a marketing campaign is
underway to remind people that visitors continue to be warmly welcome.
Destination Wairarapa general manager Anna Nielson says, “Wairarapa - still plenty to do”, is pitched at visitors who had maybe planned to come to the region for an event but are now having second thoughts because the event has been cancelled.
“All of the things that people love about Wairarapa such as our fabulous food and wine, big open spaces, stunning scenery and so on are all still here, ready and waiting to be enjoyed,” Ms Nielson says.
The New Zealand Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has effectively either cancelled or postponed indefinitely all events and public gatherings of over 500 people.
In Wairarapa, immediately impacted is this weekend’s annual Martinborough Round the Vines and the National Drag Racing competition in Masterton. Other big annual events such as the Wairarapa Balloon Festival over Easter Weekend have also been
either cancelled or postponed.
“These events bring lots of visitors to the Wairarapa, and our message is, although these events are now no longer running, there is still plenty on offer, so please come,” Ms Nielson says.
Tourism spend contributes about $195 million to the Wairarapa economy, employing around 1500 people. There are about 250,000 commercial guest nights in the Wairarapa each year.
“These are extraordinary times, particularly for people working in the tourism industry. As an organisation with over 300 members we need to do whatever we can to help businesses navigate through this period of uncertainty," Nielsen said.
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.
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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54.3% Human-centred experience and communication
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13.8% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
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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