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
Sprinkler ban introduced
Masterton District Council has introduced further water restrictions following continued dry conditions. Sprinkler use is banned – only hand-held hoses may be used. Restrictions are linked to flow levels in the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton’s drinking water.
HENLEY LAKE CLOSED DUE TO TOXIC ALGAE
Masterton District Council has closed Henley Lake for recreational purposes and issued a health warning after tests show concentrations of cyanobacteria (toxic algae) to be at high levels.
Toxic algae (cyanobacteria) is found in the majority of lakes and rivers in New Zealand. Under certain conditions, including warm temperatures, prolonged periods of sunshine and low water flow through the lake, the algae can proliferate to very high numbers.
Temporary closure of Colombo Road for pedestrian safety improvements
Masterton District Council is taking advantage of school holidays to make access to Lakeview School safer for pedestrians.
This work will require Colombo Road to be closed at the intersection from 10-21 January.
Water restrictions introduced for Masterton
Ongoing dry conditions have forced Masterton District Council to introduce water restrictions for the first time this summer.
Garden sprinklers may now only be used on alternate days.
Chicanes installed on Waipoua recreational trails
Masterton District Council is working with Eastside Community Group to keep our Waipoua River recreational trails safe for walkers and cyclists.
Architect appointed for Civic Facility
Masterton District Council has chosen Architectus as lead architect for the Civic Facility project.
Wairarapa councils respond to COVID-19 traffic light system
Introduction of the Government’s ‘traffic light’ COVID-19 protection system tomorrow (3 December) will see vaccine passes required for anyone aged 12 years and over at Wairarapa swimming pools and all libraries except Masterton District Library.
Fundraiser and quantity surveyor contracted for Civic Facility
Masterton District Council has filled two key roles as part of the Civic Facility project. At an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, the Council agreed to appoint SGL Ltd to undertake the capital raising for the project,
Colourful Christmas for Masterton – but no parade
COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of Masterton’s Christmas parade, but a lighting extravaganza in Queen Elizabeth Park will give residents and visitors a colourful festive experience.
Masterton District Council appoints new CE
Masterton District Council has appointed David Hopman as its new Chief Executive.
Hopman, who has been acting in the role of CE for the Council since July, was offered the role following several weeks of recruitment by agency JacksonStone & Partners.
Council testing potential site for new Civic Facility
Masterton District Council is moving forward with finalising site options for its new Civic Facility, agreed in June as part of the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan.
Youth hub added to skatepark project
Masterton District Council has signed a contract with Podular to supply a building next to the revamped skatepark site as a youth hub. Designs have been approved and construction is scheduled to start in the New Year.
Masterton District Council seeks clarity on Three Waters Reform proposals
Masterton District Council wants clarity on a substantial number of issues before it is able to make a decision on the Government’s proposed Three Waters Reform Programme.
Council grants top $200,000
More than $200,000 in Community Wellbeing and Events Grants have been allocated by Masterton District Council.
Architect sought for Civic Facility
Masterton District Council is inviting tenders for architect services for the Civic Facility. Negotiations are continuing for the purchase of the preferred site for the Civic Facility, in the north end of Masterton.
Call for public feedback on proposed councillor numbers
Public submissions open tomorrow (Friday 3 September) on Masterton District Council’s 2021 Representation Review proposal covering the next two local body elections.
Wairarapa’s three Mayors have urged residents to remain extremely vigilant as Wairarapa moves into Level 3.
“It’s great news that we have been able to drop down a level but after doing the mahi for the past two weeks, now is not the time for complacency,” Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said.
Mayors commend community response as Alert Level 4 extended
Wairarapa’s Mayors have commended the community response to the Level 4 lockdown so far and called for calm and a continued effort as Level 4 is extended into next week, 11.59pm on Tuesday, following Covid-19 cases identified in Wellington.
Councils quick to respond to Level 4 lockdown
Wairarapa’s three district councils moved quickly to reactivate a coordinated response to the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown that came into effect at 11.59pm on Tuesday (17 August).
Regional response to Government’s Three Water Reform Programme
Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils are each working through the process of considering the Government’s Three Waters Reform Programme, first announced a year ago.