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Customer Service Centre at 161 Queen Street Reopens

Our customer service centre at 161 Queen Street reopens to the public from 9am, Tuesday 13 October. If you need to speak with one of the team, you can reach them there. Please note, for appointments with the rates team, these will continue at Waiata House.

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Mayor's Minute - November

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News
Mayor Bex Johnson

As Mayor, I’m determined to keep our community in the loop by sharing what Masterton District Council is working on across our district. I want to make sure you can share our collective successes, and find ways to have your say on the areas of the Council that matter to you.

Ready for the world stage

Our War Memorial Stadium is getting a facelift with some upgrades underway in time for March 2026, when Masterton hosts the Golden Shears World Shearing and Wool-handling Championships. This is the first time since 2012 that Masterton has hosted the world championships, and it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our district on the international stage.

Next stage for Town Hall

Work has started on-site at the Town Hall, with demolition crews carefully salvaging heritage features from the building including flooring and the original doors and windows, which will be preserved for use in the new facility. The two foundation stones laid when the Town Hall was opened in 1915, and reopened in 1954 following its rebuild, will be joined by a third when we create something that will serve our community for the next hundred years.

See the Town Hall project page

Hood Aerodrome: On the rise

We’re seeing strong interest in our Hood Aerodrome hangar development, with registrations of interest already received for the hangar sites available. The roading and infrastructure work is on track for completion by the end of this year, setting the stage for this exciting development. We haven’t got a passenger service just yet – but we’re hopeful operators will consider Hood as part of any regional routes they’re developing.

Temporary library while we build something special

The Masterton District library has moved to temporary accommodation at 45 Chapel Street (the old My Ride building). This move allows us to begin the $10.75 million refurbishment and extension that will transform our library into a true community hub. Construction is scheduled to begin late this year, and I can’t wait to see the new Library buzzing when it opens in Spring 2027.

Library project page
Santa waving from his sleigh

Christmas is coming

Our Christmas celebrations are just around the corner. The Masterton Christmas Parade returns on Saturday 29 November at 12.30pm, starting on Queen Street next to Woolworths and finishing at the Farriers carpark. I’ll be taking part, and I hope to see many of you lining the streets. The Masterton Christmas Fair follows on Saturday 6 December, from 9am to 3pm, organised by Masterton South Rotary. This is your chance to find special, locally made gifts while supporting community groups and charities. The Wairarapa Farmers Markets will also host their Christmas Market on Saturday 20 December at Solway Showgrounds from 9am to 1pm.

See Christmas Parade event

Highlights of the year that was 2024/25

The Council has adopted its Annual Report for 2024/25, highlighting some of our achievements for the past 12 months. The 2024/25 Annual Report will be available shortly on this website.

  • 812km of roading network maintained – that’s the same as the distance between Masterton and Paihia.
  • 9,000m3 of gravel was added across the unsealed road network.
  • 360 road signs were replaced and 20 new ones added.
  • 4.6km of water mains renewed in key locations – the same length as Farriers to Solway Park Hotel.
  • 1.9km of sewer mains replaced or relined – that’s longer than the runway at Hood Aerodrome.
  • 322 meters of old stormwater pipes were replaced – that’s almost the length of the Colin Pugh Sports Bowl running track.
  • 924 tonne (6.9 percent) reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill by Masterton residents - that’s equivalent to 460 cars.
  • 700+ free events at the Library – that works out to be nearly two per day.
  • 4,200 native plants planted in the Southern Reserve at Riversdale Beach.
  • 161,719 visits to the Trust House Recreation Centre, or more than 5 visits per resident per year.
  • New Henley Lake Playground opened, creating an accessible, inclusive play space.

These projects show what we can achieve when we work together. From hosting world championships to creating modern community spaces, we’re building a Masterton that honours our past while looking confidently to the future. I’m proud to be leading the Council that’s doing this work for you, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for our district.

Ngā mihi nui

Bex Johnson - Mayor of Masterton

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