You can find all our media releases, and other information useful for journalists, below.
For more information please contact our Communications team on 027 543 6635 or by emailing [email protected]
About Masterton District Council
Masterton District Council is the northernmost council in the Wellington region. Our purpose is to enable democratic local decision-making in the local community and meet the current and future needs for good-quality infrastructure, community wellbeing, local public services and performance of regulatory functions in a cost-effective way.
It means we set the strategic direction for the district in partnership with the local community, determine services that Council needs to undertake and manage networks and community infrastructure such as roads, water supply and waste management.
Our Council is made up of eleven elected representatives. We also have two iwi representatives who sit on council subcommittees.
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Media releases
Follow the stars for Matariki
Masterton District Council is inviting applications from groups and individuals planning community events for Matariki, offering grants of up to $500 to help organisers, and planning a map of events running from 20-26 June.
Council gives Police authority to trespass individuals from QE Park
Masterton District Council has responded to incidents of antisocial behaviour at Queen Elizabeth Park by giving Police delegated authority to trespass individuals under the Trespass Act 1980.
Recreation Centre management win national award
Masterton’s Trust House Recreation Centre has been named as the best-run swimming pool in New Zealand in Recreation Aotearoa’s Outstanding Pool Award for 2021.
New temporary home for Wairarapa Archive
Wairarapa Archive’s staff and collection will be brought back under one roof, with a new temporary location for the Archive secured in Albert Street, Masterton.
Healthy submissions on more housing at Panama Village
Nearly 30 submissions have been received in the first two weeks of Masterton District Council’s consultation on amending the Long-Term Plan 2021-31, to progress plans to build more housing on the vacant land at Panama Village.
Water restrictions lifted
Masterton District Council has lifted garden watering restrictions introduced on 3 January.
Tenders invited for key Civic Facility roles
Masterton District Council is calling for tenders for four more key roles in the Civic Facility project, a structural engineering consultant, a mechanical, electrical and hydraulics consultant, a civil engineering consultant, and a fire engineer.
Construction to begin on walking/cycling bridge over Waipoua River
Work will start next week (Monday 21 March) on a new walking and cycling bridge across the Waipoua River that will provide easy access between Oxford Street Reserve and the Akura Road recreational trail on the south side of the river.
First Civic Facility Steering Committee meeting
The first Civic Facility Steering Committee took place on Wednesday 9 March, with a focus on options for our potential future site on the council-owned land surrounding the Trust House Recreation Centre.
Council explores new potential sites for Civic Facility
Masterton District Council has directed architects, Architectus, to explore land at and around the Trust House Recreation Centre as a potential location for the Masterton Civic Facility.
Emergency discharge of treated wastewater
Unprecedented flows to the Homebush Wastewater Treatment Plant, caused by high levels of groundwater after recent storms, have forced Masterton District Council to carry out an emergency discharge of treated wastewater to the Ruamahanga River.
Colombo Road bridge to remain one-lane until section replaced
Masterton’s Colombo Road bridge over the Waipoua River will remain one-lane until the eastern, south-bound section is replaced.
Skatepark ready for action
Masterton’s revamped skatepark is open for action after completion of its revamp, funded with $1.3 million from the Government’s Provincial Development Unit, and $300,000 from Masterton District Council.
Water restrictions eased
The long weekend’s wet weather has enabled Masterton District Council to ease water restrictions to allow garden sprinklers to again be used on alternate days.
Pool inspections underway
Masterton District Council has begun inspecting private swimming pools, as required by law, to ensure access is restricted, to keep children safe.
No Waifest in 2022
Masterton District Council has reluctantly decided that it is unfeasible to hold Waifest this year, in the current Covid-19 environment.
Rain allows water restriction to be eased
Overnight rain has raised the level of the Waingawa River, enabling Masterton District Council to ease water restrictions to allow sprinklers to be used on alternate days.
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.
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.
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.
Masterton app launched for Council updates
From tomorrow (Saturday) Masterton residents can get the latest Council updates sent straight to their phone. The Masterton District Council has launched the Antenno app for Masterton residents.
Sprinkler restriction introduced for Masterton
A sprinkler restriction is now in place for Masterton – the latest start to summer water restrictions in years.
Half of rural residents struggle with internet access
Almost half of Wairarapa’s rural residents don’t have access to suitable internet speeds – a situation the Wairarapa district councils want to change.
Green Flag award for Henley Lake
Henley Lake has become one of only three parks in New Zealand to receive an international Green Flag community award. In awards announced this week by Recreational Aotearoa, Queen Elizabeth Park has also retained its Green Flag status, for the third year running.
Masterton District Council partners with Business Wairarapa
Masterton District Council is partnering with Business Wairarapa to ensure local businesses are supported through the recovery from COVID-19.
MEDIA RELEASE – Drivers urged to think of others when parking
Masterton District Council is urging drivers to save parking spaces for those who really need them before taking in-demand spots.
Construction boom prompts MDC to reassess town centre options
Masterton District Council is considering different options for progressing its Town Centre Revamp project following the recent tender process for construction of the lower Queen Street section.
New speed signs on the way
Masterton District Council has begun installing new road speed signs, the final step in confirming the speed changes made following the speed limit review earlier this year.
Community wellbeing the focus of $120,000 in grants
More than $120,000 has been allocated for activities enhancing community wellbeing in grants announced by Masterton District Council’s Awards and Grants Committee.
Council eyes cost savings by going digital
Masterton District Council wants to cut printing and postage costs by encouraging people to sign up to receive their rates notices via email.
Martinborough architect to design animal shelter
Martinborough’s Aspect Architecture has been chosen as lead architect to design Masterton’s new animal shelter after assessment of three tender proposals received by Masterton District Council (MDC).
Masterton Library boosted by NZ Libraries Partnership Programme
Masterton Library’s efforts to increase digital accessibility and reach more of the community have been boosted with a successful application to the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme.
Masterton District Council keen to buy local for key projects
Masterton District Council wants to hear from Wairarapa fabricators and engineers who may be able to make equipment for the town centre revamp or the new skatepark.
Masterton District Council exploring various locations for civic facility
Masterton District Council is looking at a range of potential locations for a multi-purpose civic facility after fine-tuning objectives for the community asset.
MEDIA RELEASE – Residents give MDC a thumbs-up
Masterton district residents have given Masterton District Council an overall thumbs-up in a satisfaction survey conducted in March-April this year.
MEDIA RELEASE – New walking and cycle bridge across Waipoua River
A new walking and cycle bridge across the Waipoua River will provide easy access to Oxford Street Reserve from the trail on the south side of the river.
MEDIA RELEASE – Government boost for Masterton assets
The Masterton District Council is welcoming the Government’s commitment of $11.3 million for community assets.
Queen Street redevelopment approved
Masterton District Council has approved redevelopment of lower Queen Street, with work set to be carried out next year. At its meeting yesterday, the council resolved to proceed to tender for construction.
World-leading tech aims to improve Masterton’s air quality
World-leading technology has been rolled out across Masterton to get a better picture of the town’s air quality during winter. The Greater Wellington Regional Council, Masterton District Council and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) are collaborating on the project, which involves 24 sensors being installed throughout the town.
Don’t let dog registration bite
Masterton District Council is determined to minimise the number of dog owners who pay more than they need to for dog registration this year.
Masterton aims for cleaner air this winter
Masterton District Council is optimistic that gradual improvements in the town’s air quality will continue this winter. Air quality is measured by World Health Organisation guidelines focused on small
Castlepoint toilet makeover begins
Castlepoint beachgoers will have fresh toilet facilities next summer as a rebuild of the toilet block near the lagoon kicks off this week. The circa $300,000 project is being partly funded through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Water meter installation on track
Installation of water meters in Masterton is progressing well, with extra contractors involved following the four and a half weeks of Alert Level 4 lockdown.
Masterton public art trail comes to life on Google
Just in time for the freedoms of Alert Level 2, Masterton District Council is launching a digital public art trail around town, giving locals and visitors an online map highlighting public art pieces.
Phased reopening for Council facilities
Council facilities will reopen in phases over the next few weeks as New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The Queen Street customer service centre and Masterton Library will both reopen on Monday. Masterton District Council Chief Executive Kath Ross said the Council was following the Government’s emphasis on reopening in a safe way.
It’s time to talk about speed
Masterton District Council is starting a conversation with residents about traffic speeds in and around Masterton, as the first stage of a review of speed limits.
Upgrade for swingbridge
Masterton’s swingbridge across the Waipoua River is likely to be re-opened to all users by summer, after Masterton District Council approved replacing decking on the bridge to make it once again accessible to mobility scooters as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
Community mourns pilot after crash near Carterton
The aviation and agricultural communities in Wairarapa are deeply saddened by the death of a pilot in a crash at Kourarau Hill, Carterton, this morning.
Transfer stations re-open from 28 April – but there’s no rush!
As part of the move to Alert Level 3, transfer stations in Masterton, Carterton, and Martinborough, will reopen for all waste and recycling from Tuesday, 28 April, with strict social distancing protocols.
Council drops fees, extends timeframes, in COVID response
Masterton District Council has dropped a range of fees and charges and extended timeframes as immediate measures to support the community during the COVID-19 response.
Councils focus on business support
All three Wairarapa district councils are putting measures in place to ensure ongoing support for local retailers and service providers during lockdown.
Water restrictions lifted
After one of the driest summers in recent memory, consistent rain over recent days has allowed Masterton District Council (MDC) to end garden watering restrictions for what is hoped is the foreseeable future.
Councils unite to fight COVID-19
The three Wairarapa Councils are uniting to fight the spread of COVID-19 and urgently asking the community to follow Government advice.
Water restriction eased after rain
Rain has allowed Masterton’s garden watering restriction to be eased to sprinklers on alternate days.
Total watering ban returns
Ongoing dry weather after weekend rain has forced Masterton District Council to reinstate a total garden watering ban.
Water restriction eased to allow sprinkler use
Weekend rain in the Tararua Range has lifted the flow of the Waingawa River, enabling Masterton District Council to ease garden water restrictions for the next few days to sprinklers on alternate days – houses with odd numbers on odd days, evens on evens.
Awards recognise outstanding service
Outstanding service to the community by groups and individuals has been recognised in the 2019 Masterton District Council Civic and Youth Awards.
Closure of swingbridge
Masterton District Council has temporarily closed the swingbridge over the Waipoua River after some users reported problems with the decking timbers.
Town Hall survey results released
More than 1,300 responses were received as part of Masterton District Council’s community engagement on the future of its Town Hall, closed in 2016 after being found to be earthquake-prone.
Total watering ban returns in Masterton
A total ban on garden watering has been reintroduced for Masterton, with weather forecasts indicating this could stay in place for at least a week.
Rain in Tararuas allows water restriction to be eased
Masterton’s garden watering restriction has been eased to sprinklers on alternate days, after rain in ranges boosted flows in the Waingawa
Total watering ban lifted – for a few days
Masterton gardeners are getting what is likely to be a brief respite from the total garden watering ban, after unexpected rain yesterday (Thursday) saw a rise in the level of the Waingawa River.
As a result, Masterton District Council (MDC) has eased the garden watering restriction to handheld hoses only.
Total watering ban in Masterton
Extremely low river levels in the Waingawa River have forced Masterton District Council (MDC) to introduce a total watering ban in Masterton until significant rain occurs, in line with restrictions throughout the region.