Stories by Sue Teodoro
News
'You don't have to be a super-fit 25-year-old' - Former Wellington mayor hikes entire country
Former Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown describes what scared her most and the food she craved while walking the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail.
Joy Cowley’s ‘heart is full’ as hundreds attend playground blessing
Hundreds of people, including about 140 children, turned out for the blessing of the Featherston playground which now bears author Joy Cowley's name.
15,000 redundant state workers could be resource for councils – mayor
Wellington public servants out of a job could become a resource for councils looking for staff, according to a Wairarapa mayor.
No more poo - or portaloos - in Masterton gardens
Council supplies 21 properties with new reflux valves and wastewater tanks.
Thousands attend Wairarapa events despite economic headwinds
More than 18,000 visitors attended Wairarapa events in the past two weeks, giving the region a tourism boost after a slower winter.
Concern some owners will not act over dozens of quake-prone buildings
Masterton has 79 earthquake-prone buildings, with some needing strengthening work by as early as 2026.
Buyout proposed for Cyclone Gabrielle damaged Tinui homes
The Masterton District Council set out details for the $2.5 million proposal on Monday.
Toilet paper, faeces in the backyard: fix in sight for sewage woes
Masterton residents with wastewater and toilet paper flowing through their backyards in heavy rain are relieved a fix is in sight.
Who let the dogs out? Masterton council gets more than 2000 dog callouts
"Animal Services actively tries to engage with dog owners to encourage them to register their dog before an infringement is issued."
Airbnb charge proves contentious for tourist region
A proposal to introduce a targeted charge for Airbnb operators in South Wairarapa is proving contentious for the region.
Owners of flood-hit Tinui homes in discussions with Masterton council
Cyclone Gabrielle tore through parts of the district in February causing serious flooding in the small community.
Former Wellington mayor says ‘slim possibility’ she'll make Parliament
Wairarapa Green Party candidate Celia Wade-Brown is still hoping to be part of the Green wave of MPs.
Senior doctor warns the population has outgrown Wairarapa Hospital
The warning comes as new numbers show the hospital was operating close to capacity over the winter months.
Local Government Minister McAnulty unseated but tipped to remain list MP
Kieran McAnulty looks set to remain in Parliament as a list MP but has been unseated from his position in the Wairarapa electorate MP by National's Mike Butterick.
'The child in me will never die': Author Joy Cowley on embracing life and moving house
Joy Cowley, who has been described as a national taonga, will head south to a new home in Dunedin, closer to family and friends.
The North Island road slowly falling into the sea
Narrow and winding, with large chunks of it already slumped towards the sea, it seems just a matter of time.
A new section of a Great Ride cycle track, which is just 10km long
The South Wairarapa town of Featherston is now officially on New Zealand's cycling map.
Remote campground OKs dogs, despite officials' advice
Despite concerns from dog control officers and councillors, dogs will be allowed a at popular South Wairarapa camping destination this summer.
Playground named for children's author Joy Cowley
Much-loved writer Joy Cowley is to be honoured by having a children's playground named after her.
Booze ban for Wairarapa holiday hotspots
Alcohol will be banned from popular local hotspots in Wairarapa for the upcoming holiday period.
Airbnb owners in South Wairarapa may face new council charge
South Wairarapa District Council will be asking the community for feedback on a wide-ranging review of the rating system.
Gambling changes could be on the cards in Wairarapa
Faced with reports of gambling harm, two Wairarapa district councils are considering tightening restrictions on gambling.
South Wairarapa council to discuss establishing Māori ward
South Wairarapa District Council is having conversations about establishing a Māori ward in the district.
Two out of three Wairarapa councils in merger discussions
Two out of three Wairarapa councils are progressing merger discussions, with one council sitting it out for now.
'Perfect storm' insurance warning to local authorities
An insurance industry adviser has warned of an approaching 'perfect storm' affecting premiums for local authorities.