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
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.
Master plan approved for hood aerodrome
A bright future for Hood Aerodrome has been mapped out with the approval of a masterplan by Masterton District Council for the key community asset. The masterplan was developed in consultation with Hood users and operators, and the wider community.
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.