Latest news with #MastertonDistrictCouncil
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council Negotiations Take New Water Entity One Step Further
Key conditions for a Wairarapa-Tararua water entity have been negotiated by councils, including a 9-year period of non-harmonisation of prices and debt. Now, Carterton and Masterton councils will need to confirm their participation in the joint entity, or drop out and go it alone. South Wairarapa and Tararua councils have already formally committed to the partnership, but Carterton and Masterton both sought more clarity on price harmonisation, debt transfer, and governance matters before committing. Masterton District Council would meet in public exclusion on Wednesday to discuss foundation principles for the proposed Wairarapa-Tararua entity. Meanwhile, a report to Carterton District Council, which would also meet on Wednesday, outlined the terms that had been agreed upon through negotiations. It said the proposed joint entity would be a council-owned organisation with a board of seven directors at a minimum. These directors would be skills-based appointments and would include a member from Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and a member from Rangitāne o Wairarapa. All board members would be assessed against a skills matrix. A shareholder/stakeholder council would oversee the activities of the entity, appointing and removing directors, approving the Statement of Expectations and monitoring compliance with standards, and council performance targets. The shareholder/stakeholder council would be made up of six representatives - one representative appointed from each of the four councils, and one representative each from Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Wairarapa. Each would have one vote. The four participating councils would also be allocated shares based on connected water services customers. On this basis, 40% of shares would be allocated to Masterton, 27% to Tararua, 20% to South Wairarapa, and 13% for Carterton Changes to the non-harmonisation rules within the first nine years would require a unanimous vote of all four councils. Changes to the non-harmonisation rules after the first nine years would require a super majority (75%) using council shareholdings. A nine-year period was decided upon to tie into the three-year cycle of when water services delivery plans would need to be refreshed. A joint water services delivery plan would need to be adopted by each council in August, before being signed by the four council chief executives and submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs for consideration before September 3, 2025. The high-level cost of establishment of the entity is estimated at $5m which was proposed to be shared equally between participating councils, meaning each council's share would be $1.25m. In Carterton's case, council staff have recommended that establishment costs be loan-funded and that this debt be transferred to the entity along with other assets and liabilities at 'go-live'. The participating councils have agreed that the very last date for 'go-live' can be no later than July 1, 2027.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Grants Open For Events, Climate And Wellbeing Funding
Applications are now open for multiple funding opportunities at Masterton District Council. The Community Wellbeing Fund, Community Event Fund, Climate Action Fund, and Youth Micro-grants are all currently taking applications. Community Development Team Leader Kelsi Rutene encourages people to apply 'we know there are people doing great things in Masterton, these funding options are here to help our community organisations take the lead.' 'It's getting harder for groups to keep doing the work that brings us together. If people have ideas but aren't sure about applying, we'd encourage them to get in touch with us – we're happy to help'. Application forms and information sheets can be found on the Council website. Hard copies can be picked up from the Customer Service Centre, 161 Queen Street or Masterton District Library, 54 Queen Street. Anyone who may need help or advice about making an application can contact the Community Development team by emailing communitydevelopment@ or calling 06 370 6300. Community Wellbeing Fund Applications will close at 4.30pm, Thursday, 31 July 2025. Community Event Fund Applications will close at 4.30pm, Thursday, 31 July 2025. Youth micro-grants Applications will close at 4pm Thursday 31 July 2025. Climate Action Fund Applications will close at 5pm, Thursday, 31 July 2025.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Masterton District Council Adopts 2025/26 Annual Plan
Masterton District Council has formally adopted its 2025/26 Annual Plan, setting out a clear path for delivering key projects and services in the second year of its 2024–34 Long-Term Plan (LTP), Tō Wahi, Tō Mahere – Your Place, Your Plan. The plan outlines a range of initiatives that will benefit the Masterton community, including progress on major infrastructure and community facility upgrades. These include the redevelopment of the Masterton Library and Archive, the demolition and future rebuild of the Town Hall, and the new animal shelter on Ngaumutawa Road which will provide improved facilities for animal welfare and is on track for completion later this year. Mayor Gary Caffell says the adoption of the plan is a significant milestone. "I'm really pleased to see this plan adopted. It reflects the priorities our community told us matter most – getting the basics right, investing in our future, and making Masterton a great place to live." The plan prioritises core infrastructure with more than $25 million allocated for roading maintenance and renewals, $12 million for water services operations and capital projects, and $10.8 million for wastewater operations, capital and debt repayment. "Our focus remains on the fundamentals of roads and waters – getting the basics right," says Mayor Caffell. "We are on track to deliver what we agreed as part of the LTP with some minor variations, and people will begin to see progress on the ground with these major projects in the coming months." The plan also confirms Council's continued work on water resilience, including the installation of water meters and the development of a regional Water Services Delivery Plan in partnership with neighbouring councils. To support the delivery of these projects and respond to rising costs, the plan includes an average rates increase of 7.5% across the district. However, this varies by property type, with the average urban property seeing an increase of 5.5%, while rural properties will experience a higher average increase of 13.6%, largely due to increased investment in roading infrastructure. The rates increase reflects ongoing financial pressures, including the lasting impact of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery costs. "We are nearing the end of the recovery process for Cyclone Gabrielle. Despite central government assistance, this has still been a significant financial burden for council," says Mayor Caffell. "We know any rates increase is challenging, especially in the current economic climate. Council has worked hard to keep costs down while still delivering the services and infrastructure our community needs. This plan strikes that balance." Implementation of the Annual Plan begins on 1 July, with major project milestones expected to become visible throughout the year as construction and development work progresses. The full 2025/26 Annual Plan is available on the Council's website at
1News
25-06-2025
- Business
- 1News
Masterton airport runway falls short of gaining safety credential
Despite a multimillion-dollar upgrade to Masterton's airport, the runway has failed to achieve safety standards required by most passenger aircrafts. In a report to council, chief executive of Masterton District Council Kym Fell said aircraft with more than 30 seats could not operate from Hood Aerodrome because the current proposal for a 90m Runway End Safety Area (RESA) did not meet the threshold set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Duane Emeny, the chief executive of Air Chathams which had expressed interest in establishing a regional airlink with Masterton, said it was a disappointing that the airport had not gained RESA certification. The RESA, situated where the runway finishes, was expected to be a distance of 240m or greater where practicable — a rule the CAA enforced. When a 240m length could not be done, the aerodrome operator must provide evidence supporting the next most practicable RESA length. ADVERTISEMENT Fell said the CAA had outlined areas requiring "further refinement" in the council's runway proposal, including "more robust analysis, clearer presentation of alternatives and mitigations, and updated technical and financial data aligned with current regulatory standards". "While their feedback offers guidance for any future submission, it's important to note that further investment in the RESA proposal may not be prudent," he said. "The threshold for approval is high, the costs significant, and there is no guarantee of success." He said smaller aircraft services with 30 seats or fewer could continue to operate. Emeny said Air Chathams was open to considering a change to its Saab fleet whereby the aircraft would be reduced from 34 to 30 seats. "Despite losing four revenue seats per flight, there would be some improved operational efficiencies of making this change along with the opportunity to provide scheduled air services into Masterton," Emeny said. "Air Chathams will review the options and continue to engage with the Wairarapa community and the regulator on a potential way forward." ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, the council was continuing to explore other commercial opportunities such as developing hangars at Hood Aerodrome. Fell said this work was part of a broader strategy to "unlock commercial opportunities and better activate this strategic regional asset". He said initial assessments indicated that expanding hangar capacity could attract and retain a diverse range of users — including private aircraft owners, recreational flyers, small commercial operators, and aviation service providers. "Improved hangar infrastructure would support long-term leasing and ground rental income, while generating broader economic benefits such as increased fuel sales, maintenance activity, and aviation tourism. "This would contribute to a more vibrant and operationally active aerodrome, reinforcing Hood's role as a gateway and economic contributor to the Wairarapa." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air
Scoop
05-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Mayor To Host ‘The Big Shout Out' – Celebrating Masterton's Volunteers
Press Release – Masterton District Council Whether you've been volunteering for decades or just started last week, whether you give an hour a month or countless hours every week – this event is for you. Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell is shouting morning tea to recognise and thank Masterton's incredible local volunteers. The Big Shout Out will take place at the Trust House Recreation Centre on Thursday, 19 June, 10am to 12 noon, bringing together volunteers from across the community for a well-deserved celebration of their outstanding contributions. Volunteers across every sector of the Masterton community are invited and should register by emailing: events@ by 5pm on Friday, 13 June. 'As Mayor of Masterton, I am in the privileged position of seeing first-hand the extraordinary work our volunteers do every single day,' Mayor Caffell said. 'These remarkable people keep our district running – they coach our kids, support our elderly, care for our environment, run our events, and step up wherever there's a need. 'Their selfless dedication and community spirit is what makes Masterton such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.' The morning tea provides an opportunity for volunteers to be celebrated, connect with each other, and hear from the Mayor about how valued their contributions are. 'Too often, our volunteers work quietly behind the scenes without the recognition they deserve,' Mayor Caffell said. 'The Big Shout Out is a chance to shine a light on these community champions and say a proper thank you on behalf of all Masterton residents.' 'Whether you've been volunteering for decades or just started last week, whether you give an hour a month or countless hours every week – this event is for you. Every single contribution matters, and every volunteer makes our district stronger. Please come along and let us show our appreciation properly – you've more than earned it.'
