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
Generous response from Ashburton District to Masterton cousins affected by Cyclone Gabrielle
Nearly $17,000 has been donated to Masterton District Council by the people of Ashburton District, which adopted Masterton District as part of Local Government NZ’s “Adopt-a-Community” initiative to encourage support of areas hit by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Applications open for Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund
Applications open from 8pm tonight (Wednesday 15 March) for financial support from the Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Masterton Mayor joins MP in urging speed rethink
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell and Wairarapa MP Kieran McAnulty are asking Waka Kotahi to reconsider its decision to impose an 80km/h speed limit on the open stretches of road on State Highway 2 between Carterton and Featherston.
Dog park up for discussion
Masterton District Council will next month consider making land available at Henley Lake for a fenced dog park.
Call for members – Masterton Retailers’ Business Group
Masterton District Council is now inviting interested businesses in Masterton to join a new Retailers’ Business Group being set up to help address challenges around antisocial behaviour and to help bring back vibrancy and positivity to the Masterton CBD.
First celebration of Holi a success
Around 80 people gathered at Solway School on Saturday for the very colourful Hindu festival of Holi, celebrated for what is thought to be the first time in Wairarapa.
Water restrictions lifted
A sodden February has allowed Masterton District Councl to lift all water restrictions heading into the official start of autumn tomorrow, 1 March.
Queen Elizabeth Park maintains Green Flag status heading into Parks Week
Masterton’s Queen Elizabeth Park has received a Green Flag Award for the fourth year running, among only 20 parks across New Zealand to receive the award this year.
Rapid building assessments following Cyclone Gabrielle
Masterton District Council has carried out rapid building assessments in the Tinui area to determine whether buildings affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are safe to occupy.
Masterton-Castlepoint Road closed to maintain crew safety – expect delays
The Masterton-Castlepoint Road will be closed between 8am and 4pm daily from tomorrow (Tuesday) until, and including, Friday 24 February, opening for one hour for traffic between noon and 1pm.
Call for Climate Advisory Group members
Masterton District Council is calling for passionate climate advocates to apply to become members of its new Climate Advisory Group, the first initiative in its Climate Action Plan, adopted last year.
New Prime Minister urged to re-think Three Waters reform
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell is 100 per cent behind calls from Communities 4 Local Democracy He hapori mō te Manapori (C4LD) for new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to seize the opportunity to amend Three Waters reform proposals.
Mayor backs budget bid to improve local rail
Masterton’s Mayor Gary Caffell has added his support to a joint budget bid that would see improved rail services across the lower north island.
Masterton retailers’ business group to be formed
Masterton District Council is leading the formation of a retailer’s business group to provide support within the retail community for some of the challenges it has been experiencing around antisocial behaviour.
Water restrictions introduced for Masterton
Low flow levels in the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton’s drinking water have forced Masterton District Council to introduce water restrictions for the first time this summer.
General waste fee increase to meet increased cost of disposal
Fees for general waste disposed of at Masterton District Council’s Nursery Road transfer station will increase from 1 February to reflect an increase in the cost of waste disposal at the Bonny Glen Landfill near Marton, the final destination for general waste.
Cyclone Hale rural recovery assistance
Wairarapa farmers and growers affected by Cyclone Hale are invited to ask for help if they need it.
Learners’ pool closed due to safety concerns
Masterton District Council has closed the small learners’ pool at the rear of the Trust House Recreation Centre today due to safety concerns after roofing was found damaged.
Working Group to report to Council on Civic Facility
The independent working group tasked with preparing a review of the rationale for the progression of the Masterton District Council Civic Facility project will present their report at the Council’s 14 December meeting.
Three Waters funding approved for Council projects
A total of $3.88m in Three Waters Better Off Funding has been approved by the Government for Masterton District Council projects.
Masterton eastside cycle route gets funding green light
Masterton District Council has been granted funding towards a Lansdowne to Kuripuni Cycleway through the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Transport Choices programme.
Labour weekend alcohol ban in Castlepoint and Riversdale
Masterton District Council is reminding people enjoying Labour Weekend in Castlepoint and Riversdale that alcohol-free zones will be in place in public areas.
New Masterton District Council Progress Results Released
Masterton District Council has today released progress results for its newly elected Council, following this year’s Local Elections. They are: Mayor: Gary Caffell Masterton Whakaoriori General Ward Councillors: Bex Johnson, Tom Hullena, Tim Nelson, and Craig Bowyer....
Commemorative tree planting in memory of Queen Elizabeth II
To mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson will plant a commemorative totara in Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton, on Monday 26 September 2022.
Hood masterplan recognised with national award
Masterton District Council is delighted its work on the Hood Aerodrome Masterplan has been recognised in the 2022 NZ Airports Awards.
Next generation technology for new Masterton building consent process
Masterton District Council is moving to a new online building consent application and processing system from today (16 September).
Council grants top $200,000
Masterton District Council has allocated more than $200,000 in Community Wellbeing and Community Events grants. A total of 36 applications were received for Community Wellbeing grants, totalling $297,812 from a budget of $130,102. The Council’s Awards and Grants...
Adoption of draft Wairarapa Combined District Plan imminent
The Combined Wairarapa District Plan Review Process will celebrate an important milestone next week. On Wednesday 15 September, the Draft District Plan will be adopted by the Joint Committee, which marks the end of the initial research and scoping phase.
New Waipoua bridge a spectacular addition to recreation trail
6 September 2022 The opening of the new Whitipoua walking and cycling bridge across the Waipoua River today (6 September) adds a spectacular physical and cultural asset to the Waipoua recreation trail. Masterton District Council approved construction of the bridge in...
Age Concern Wairarapa Senior Person of the Year Award 2022
We’re proud to support Age Concern Wairarapa Senior Person of the Year Award 2022.
Nominations are open until 16 September and we would like to hear about the fabulous older persons you know.
Council to deliberate on draft Climate Action Plan submissions
Masterton District Council will on Wednesday (24 August) deliberate on its draft Climate Action Plan, after receiving 87 written submissions and hearing in person from 23 submitters.
Colombo Road bridge – temporary closure
The Colombo Road bridge over the Waipoua River will be closed entirely on Monday and Tuesday next week, 22-23 August, as work starts on replacement of the southbound side of the bridge.
Nominations closed for Masterton elections
Nominations have now closed in the Masterton Local Elections for 2022.
How should Masterton spend $3.88 million?
Masterton District Council is asking residents how it should spend $3.88 million in funding being offered by the Government as part of the ‘Better Off’ support package in the Three Waters Reforms.
NEW BRIDGE OVER THE WAIPOUA RIVER | UPDATE
Kia ora! We are pleased to advise on the next steps for the new bridge over the Waipoua River. Building will commence as of Monday 18 July with an estimated build time of 4-5 weeks to completion.
New accessible toilet open for business in time for school holidays
Masterton District Council has opened a new accessible toilet in the boatshed, at the end of the Lake of Remembrance in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Climate Action Plan consultation opens
Masterton District Council has begun consultation on its Climate Action plan, with three different options available for people wanting to have their say on one of the most pressing issues facing our District.
Civic Facility Working Group appointments named
1 July 2022 Masterton District Council has confirmed an independent Chair and an independent community representative for its Civic Facility Working Group following the adoption of the 2022/23 Annual Plan. Ian Collier, JP, has been named as Chair, and Rachael Dean,...
2022/23 Annual Plan adopted – new fees and charges
Masterton District Council has adopted its Annual Plan for 2022/23, and new fees and charges, along with an associated average residential rates increase of 6.8 per cent.
New Burling Park play equipment open for Matariki holiday
A range of fantastic new play equipment has been opened at Burling Park in time for tomorrow’s Matariki holiday.
Office of Auditor-General’s response welcomed
Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson has welcomed the response by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to complaints relating to Council decisions around the Civic Facility.
New Council to decide next steps on Civic Facility project
The next steps in Masterton District Council’s Civic Facility project will be a matter for the new Council, to be elected in October.
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.