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 2022
Quick updates about what’s going on at Council
Masterton Monthly Wrap 2021
Masterton Monthly Wrap 2020
Masterton Monthly Wrap 2019
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Updates from Masterton District Council
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.