Here you can find news and updates from Masterton District Council. Head over to our Media Centre for media releases and other information useful for journalists.
The Mayor’s Message page has information coming directly from the Mayor’s office.
Masterton Monthly Wrap 2021
Quick updates about what’s going on at Council
Masterton Monthly Wrap 2020
Masterton Monthly Wrap 2019
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Updates from Masterton District Council
Free Home Health Assessment via Libraries
A new home health assessment toolkit is available from Wairarapa libraries, in a joint initiative by Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils.
Long-term plan adopted, 2021/22 rates set
Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson has acknowledged the work of councillors, and the range of differing views, as Masterton District Council today adopted its Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2021-31 and finalised rates for the 2021/22 year.
Council makes progress on ‘Big decisions’
Masterton District Council will proceed with construction of a civic facility, including the library and archives, starting in 2022/23, seeking $4 million in external funding, and using $26.8m in loan funds.
Reduction in dog registration fee increase
Masterton District Council has responded to public submissions and agreed a lower increase in dog registration fees, down by up to $12 per dog on increases proposed in the draft Long-Term Plan fees and charges.
The increases are an average of around 16 per cent, down from proposed increases averaging around 26 per cent.
Council carparks to be provided for vaccination clinic
Masterton District Council has agreed to provide 31 carparks next to the Departmental Building (35-37 Chapel Street) for use by the Wairarapa District Health Board’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Masterton District Council to establish Māori wards
Masterton District Council will establish at least one Māori ward for the 2022 local authority elections, after a proposal to establish Māori wards was passed by 10 votes to one at an extraordinary council meeting today.
Contract signed for skatepark revamp
Hunter Civil Ltd, of Christchurch, has been awarded the tender for the revamp of the Masterton skatepark, with work scheduled to start after Queen’s Birthday weekend.
New home for Wairarapa Archive
The Wairarapa Archive is now operating from the Library Learning Centre next to Masterton Library, after a move from offices on the opposite side Queen Street.
New roundabout for Te Ore Ore Road
Work will start next week on a new roundabout at the intersection of Te Ore Ore Road with Blair and Totara Streets, increasing safety in an area of longstanding concern.
Swingbridge to close temporarily for upgrade work
Masterton’s swingbridge across the Waipoua River will be closed from Wednesday (21 April) as work begins to replace its deck.
Proposed changes to fees and charges
A focus on ensuring the cost of delivering council activities is fully recovered is behind the increase in some fees and charges, proposed as part of the current consultation on Masterton District Council’s draft Long-Term Plan. Costs have increased due to adjustments for inflation, to respond to changes set by central government, and to cover borrowing costs for capital projects associated with the services.
Masterton – It’s time to step up and have your say!
Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson believes there are thousands of great reasons and a couple of excellent incentives for people to take time to make a submission on the Council’s long-term plan consultation, which opens tomorrow (1 April). The draft plan, called Stepping Up, sets out plans for a new civic facility, a 10-year Masterton revamp, and 25 new pensioner houses on council-owned land.
Water restrictions lifted
Rain in the Tararua Range has enabled Masterton District Council to lift all water restrictions from tomorrow (Wednesday 31 March).
Council grants total almost $90k
Nearly $90,000 in community wellbeing, events, and COVID-19 sports grants have been approved by Masterton District Council’s Awards and Grants Committee.
This includes nearly $50,000 in Community Wellbeing grants, more than $17,000 in Community Events grants, and $21,000 in the COVID-19 Sports Grants.
Sprinkler ban returns
An extended spell without significant rain has forced Masterton District Council to tighten its water restriction, limiting watering to hand-held hoses only.
Essex Street carpark closed for a day – Friday 19 March
Essex Street carpark will be closed on Friday 19 March to allow tree removal ahead of a major revamp that will see park numbers increased from 117 to 125.
Independent assessment lifts Council rating
An independent assessment of Masterton District Council has highlighted significant improvement since it was first assessed as competent in 2017. The Local Government NZ CouncilMark assessment is a voluntary process, with the Council’s assessment now a “strong” BBB, up from a BB.
Water restriction eased to sprinklers on alternate days
Rain in the Tararua Range has raised the level of the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton’s drinking water, enabling water restrictions to be eased to allow sprinklers on alternate days.
Watering restricted to handheld hoses
Garden watering in Masterton is now limited to handheld hoses, following a sustained period of dry weather and falling levels in the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton’s drinking water.
First images of how “the community’s living room” could be used
Masterton District Council has released images showing how the town’s new civic facility could be used by the community, ahead of a meeting on Wednesday to approve the draft long-term plan consultation document before it gets audited.