Media Centre

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.

 Rain has allowed Masterton’s garden watering restriction to be eased to sprinklers on alternate days.

Ongoing dry weather after weekend rain has forced Masterton District Council to reinstate a total garden watering ban.

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.

Outstanding service to the community by groups and individuals has been recognised in the 2019 Masterton District Council Civic and Youth Awards.

Masterton District Council has temporarily closed the swingbridge over the Waipoua River after some users reported problems with the decking timbers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Masterton District Council (MDC) is planning to start installing around 9,000 water meters in Masterton residential properties in February, but meters will not be used to charge for water services until the 2021-22 financial year.

Ongoing dry conditions have forced a ban on sprinklers in Masterton, with garden watering limited to handheld hoses only until the level of the Waingawa River improves. Masterton District Council (MDC) is responding to flows in the river, the source of Masterton’s drinking water, falling below 1,300 litres per second.

Kiwi reggae royalty Herbs will headline the biggest Waifest lineup ever put together, in Masterton on Waitangi Day (6 February).

Garden sprinkling will be limited to alternate days for Masterton residents from Sunday 1 December, as Masterton District Council (MDC) responds to a sustained period of dry weather.

A new simplified water restrictions system will make it easier for Masterton residents to understand how to conserve water this summer.

Users of the Wainuioru Rural Water Scheme have been reminded to boil their water before it is used for human consumption, after a sample tested positive for E.coli.

Masterton District Council is putting a ballot box on the road on Friday (11 October) to enable voters around the district to drop their votes in without having to go to the Council office.

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.

There’s been strong usage of Masterton’s new wheelie bin service in its first fortnight.

A region-wide strategy addressing how to meet the wellbeing needs of the Wairarapa’s ageing community was launched this morning at an event at the Carterton Events Centre.

Statement from Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson:

Masterton District Council will prioritise a rejuvenation of Park Street after engagement with businesses across the town centre.

The Masterton District Council has today adopted its Annual Plan outlining key projects and activities for the 2019-20 year.

The Masterton District Council has launched a new campaign to boost voter turnout in October’s local body elections.

It is with profound sadness that Masterton District Council, the owner and operator of Hood Aerodrome, offers its condolences to the families and friends of those lost in the aircraft incident on Sunday 16th June.

The Masterton District Council will this year give 34 organisations a total of $189,500 through its Community Wellbeing Fund.

Hood Aerodrome, owned and operated by Masterton District Council, is supporting police and emergency services following an aircraft incident near Masterton this morning.

Casual swimming will be temporarily unavailable at Masterton’s Trust House Recreation Centre as maintenance work continues on the complex.

Masterton District Council will decide on the next steps for the Town Centre Revamp project later this month as final developed designs are received.

A collaboration between Masterton’s community groups and the Masterton District Council is helping keep families warm while also increasing funding for charitable projects.

Masterton’s northern entrance will be colourful once again with a fresh and modern garden bed design set to be planted later this month.

More people with a wider range of disabilities will be able to enjoy the swimming pools at the Trust House Recreation Centre thanks to a new mobile lifting hoist.

Submissions are being invited on a proposed review of combined Wairarapa district-wide bylaws.

Charges at Masterton District Council’s Nursery Road Transfer Station will increase slightly from today.

The final stage in a significant rejuvenation of a Masterton icon will kick off next week.

Toxic algae in the Waingawa and Otaki rivers are at extreme levels of more than 50% riverbed cover. Detached mats of dried algae are widespread along the river margins. Mats have also been found in the Waikanae River at Jim Cooke Park.

Work has commenced on the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy following its launch on Monday 12th November.

Masterton residents are being asked to only use handheld hoses as the district’s rivers drop to low levels.