Stories by Marcus Anselm
News
Carterton's deputy mayor calls for urban and rural rates
Carterton's deputy mayor has called for changes in the district council's rates strategy in its first meeting since a report found the town's residents were paying the highest rates in the country.
Carterton District Council plans for population growth
A plan to accommodate 1000 new homes in Carterton's east has been put to townsfolk.
Wairarapa councils stalling on million-dollar digs for dogs
Impounded dogs in Wairarapa could soon get million-dollar accommodation, but the district's animal shelters are currently below national standards.
Wairarapa joblessness fears realised in benefit numbers
Recent government statistics bore out fears over Wairarapa's economy expressed in a recent district council survey.
Principal says quarry's potential health risk 'of huge concern'
A Featherston principal has told the council giving the quarry resource consent would create a health risk, affect sports and would lessen attraction of school and town. A Featherston principal...
Carterton residents able to return home after Kaiwhata slips
Residents of a flood-stricken Carterton community can return to their homes after more than a week.
Councils face burnout from Covid-19, govt projects - risk advisor
The local government sector and wider communities could be close to "breaking point" after a rollercoaster 2020, risk expert Philip Jones says.
Masterton's playground vehicle icons to stay – for now
Masterton's iconic tractor and bulldozer will stay at the town's Kids Own Playground - for now.
End of the road for playground vehicles?
Safety concerns may result in the removal of two much-loved vehicles from a Masterton playground.
'Damning' report into Lake Ferry blunder
A South Wairarapa District Council committee received a "damning" report into July's damage to Lake Ferry's wastewater system, with a six-figure repair bill likely.
Properties under threat after landslide
A community in rural Carterton remains cut off after a landslide caused flooding and closed the district's Kaiwhata Rd.
Clock stops on South Wairarapa quarry consent
The clock has stopped on a controversial resource consent application for rock-crushing in rural Wairarapa.
One-man 'shop local' campaign goes the distance
Masterton councillor Tim Nelson has gone six months with shopping only at local brick-and mortar-stores.
Digital divide in Wairarapa's local democracy
A digital divide has opened in Wairarapa's local democracy with the area's district councils at different stages of broadcasting meetings and workshops to residents over the internet.
Wāhine grab chance to have voice at the council table
Local government in Wairarapa is no longer the "pale, stale male" environment it once was, according to a recent survey.
Roads to nowhere? Wairarapa councils considering bypass options
Bypass roads are serious options to ease the load on Wairarapa's creaking main streets for the three district councils.
Quake concerns remain as building deadlines loom
Concerns over the strength of dozens of Wairarapa buildings to stand up to earthquakes remain, more than two years on from the first warning signs going up.
Water woes cause early worries in Wairarapa
Just days after Wairarapa suffered flash flooding, local councils have cut back on water supplies.
Funding blow blocks Broadway dreams
Wairarapa projects worth millions of dollars have been turned down for central government funding, with a major Carterton scheme the latest to lose out.
Council set to approve 'overdue' name change
In a timely move, Masterton councillors will aim to correct spelling of a local road during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori/ Māori Language Week.
Trust U-turn gives historic rugby club a possible future
New Zealand's second oldest rugby club may see out next season on its traditional home turf after a rethink from its landlord, a local community trust.
Wairarapa residents to have their say on Dark Sky reserve
Wairarapa stargazers will have their chance to support moves to open up more of the area's night skies when two district councils seek public input into lighting changes.
Road cash cuts may cause slashed services, rates rises
Rates rises and risks to Wairarapa council roading services could be on the cards following revelations of a likely funding slash by the national transport agency.
Wairarapa rates arrears may indicate financial hardship
Rates arrears in Wairarapa are growing, its district councils have revealed, which experts say is a telling sign of financial hardship in the area.
Opportunity for affordable homes 'squandered' - businessman
Masterton's best chance to help fix the housing crisis has been "squandered" by a recent resource consent decision, a Wairarapa businessman says.