Mayor's Minute - December

Date:

16 Dec 2025, 9:26 am

Categories:

News

Mayoral Columns

Mayor Bex Johnson wearing the mayoral chains

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to share some highlights of the meetings and events I’ve attended over the past few months and thank you for the community spirit that makes Masterton such a special place.

Celebrating our young people

From prizegivings at Solway and St Matthew’s Colleges to the Pasifika o Wairarapa Scholarship Awards, I’ve seen incredible talent and dedication among our youth. Events like the Intercollege Athletics and IDEA Services Kapa Haka Festival remind us why creating opportunities for the next generation matters.

Connecting communities

Our diversity is our strength. I’ve met with groups including the Wairarapa Filipino Society, Masterton Muslim Community, and Pasifika Trust to hear their aspirations. Christmas at the Pā and morning tea with Council tenants were wonderful chances to connect. I also joined the Refugee Settlement Steering Group to discuss how we can better support new arrivals.

Four people including the Mayor sing Christmas carols as one person wearing a santa hat plays guitar

Supporting each other

Visiting the Masterton and Wairarapa Resource Centres and attending Te Awhina’s AGM reinforced the importance of helping those in need.

The Pack the Bus campaign showed the generosity of our community. Meetings with the RSA, Masterton Club, and other associations keep me connected to those who support veterans and social wellbeing.

Six people stand in front of the 'Pack the Bus' bus — Pack the Bus

Planning ahead

Growth and resilience remain priorities. Hood Aerodrome development continues, and the Masterton Summit brought leaders together to plan for our future. Regional forums give me the chance to advocate for Masterton’s interests. Emergency preparedness exercises with WREMO and local mayors ensure we’re ready for whatever comes.

Honouring achievement

The Wairarapa Business Awards and Art Review at Aratoi showcased local innovation and creativity. Celebrations like Tranzit’s Centenary Gala and the Wool Shed Museum’s 20th anniversary honoured those preserving our heritage. I’ve also worked closely with Police Area Commander Nick Thom to support community safety.

Mayor Bex Johnson and two children ride in a convertible in the Christmas Parade

Merry Christmas

The Christmas Parade was a fantastic celebration of togetherness. Thank you for your feedback, conversations, and support. Whether we’ve met at an event or shared conversations, your input shapes the Council’s work.

Have a safe and happy Christmas. I look forward to working with you in 2026 to keep building a Masterton we can all be proud of.

Ngā mihi nui

Bex Johnson - Mayor of Masterton