2203 days ago

Lots happening at Pukaha around Waitangi Day

Piers Fuller Reporter from News of Wairarapa

Mount Bruce, Masterton: Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is offering a whole week of activities to honour Waitangi Day. A key focus will be a series of harakeke wānanga (flax workshops) that will run from Monday 3rd February to Friday 7th February. The workshops will run twice daily for two hours from 10.30am – 12.30pm and from 1pm – 3pm.
The workshops are free to everyone and designed to educate and teach people the correct way to harvest and weave harakeke. Everyone is encouraged to come and participate. Local kairaranga (flax weaver) Waiaria Pitau from Te Pātukituki o Wairarapa will lead the workshops at Pūkaha. Each harakeke wānanga session will be limited to ten people.
The first hour will include a hīkoi to Pūkaha’s wetlands to learn about harakeke tikanga and sustainable harvesting. This will be followed by hands-on learning of harakeke weaving techniques and culminate in participants weaving their own tuna (eel) to takeaway.
Throughout the week visitors to Pūkaha will also be handed a harakeke putiputi (flower woven from flax with a whakataukī (proverb) to commemorate the week.
The Waitangi Day countdown and workshops are designed to also acknowledge the importance of the settlement redress that is happening between the Crown and Rangitāne on Saturday the 8th of February 2020 at Pūkaha. The occasion will mark the formal return of the 942 ha Pūkaha forest reserve to Rangitāne. While that ceremony will be a private event for Rangitāne whānau and invited guests, the wildlife centre will remain open and visitors will be welcome in the reserve on the day.
Throughout the ceremony, it is expected to be business-as-usual for Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. Their forest restoration, breeding programmes and tourism activities will also remain unaffected by any changes that the settlement may bring.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 25.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.3% Complete
  • 15.4% ... It is complicated
    15.4% Complete
755 votes
4 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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L
2 days 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:

OUT AND ABOUT CATERING – Yammy will be at the market with her yummy chutneys, chilly range, Sauerkrauts, Relish, Pickles and Marmalades

DANIEL’S SPUDS are back at the market this week. Agria potatoes freshly dug this week.

WHAREMUKU ORCHARD is back this week also.

FRESH LOCAL VEGES also for sale

THE CLAREVILLE BAKERY is back this week 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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