Masterton has no natural lake nearby and for many years its citizens and politicians looked for ways to create ‘ornamental waters’. A water supply dam on Lansdowne Hill, behind the Hansells factory, was a popular site from the 1890s until 1924 when it was destroyed in...
The area now occupied by ‘Middle Run’ farm was owned by Wellington-based businessman and farmer, and Carterton benefactor, Charles Rooking Carter, the central part of his extensive land holdings in the area. In 1889 it was purchased by Alfred Booth, the son of William...
Lighting The Way Castlepoint is a picturesque spot but the coast nearby could be treacherous until it was lit up. Wairarapa’s east coast is a dangerous place for ships. Over time reefs, winds and dangerous currents have conspired to wreck a large number of...
When the large Tauherenikau block was bought by the Government in the early 1850s, a block was set aside for the creation of a church village at Papawai just south of the Waiohine River, adjoining the land granted to the Small Farm Association for their settlement of...
Maori have lived in the Masterton district for over 600 years. Until the time of pakeha settlement the majority of tangata whenua lived primarily in coastal areas, although some kainga were to be found in the interior, usually near rivers and lakes. One of the closest...
Visitors to Martinborough might not notice something unique about the way the streets are laid out but anyone flying over the township would realise instantly – the streets are in the shape of the Union Jack, and it is all thanks to founder John Martin. There had long...
