Tinui Times

13/06/2026

Youthful Tinui School alumni having a great time at the school centenary dinner, held in 1976.

Front: Robyn Sperry
Back: Donald French, Richard Schofield, Jenny Gaskin, Mary Pottinger, Kay McLennan (hidden), Selena Groves, Stephanie Cairns, Jo Maunsell

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**REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE TINUI SCHOOL 150th CELEBRATION, 4 - 6 September 2026.

Read more, register and book accommodation here:
https://www.tinuischool150.org/home

13/06/2026

A Tinui Times reader has a group of photos which includes one that shows a sign that says "Wai-iti Shorthorns". The photo appears to be from the 1950s or 60s.

Research suggests it might be the Langdon property in the Whangaheu Valley, called "Wai-iti". It appears the Langdons also had a property in Tinui called "Wai-iti".

Does anyone remember a "Wai-iti Shorthorns?" Perhaps one of the Langdons may be able to help.

13/06/2026

An interesting new feature has developed at Castlepoint, thanks to one of our recent storms. It seems lots of sand has been swept out of the lagoon, which has lowered the causeway to the lighthouse that visitors walk across to begin the climb up the reef.

In time - probably during another storm - the sand will reappear again.

There is now continuous sea from Castlepoint Beach to the lagoon. That was fine while the old boardwalk was in place, but less fine in the middle of winter, even if it was a nice day.

I took these photos when the tide was full, around 3 pm today.

Visitors who had made it over to the reef when the tide was less full, spent time locating the shallowest and narrowest crossing, then it was off with shoes and socks and jean legs rolled up.

The water seemed about knee deep in the middle of the channel as the intrepid reef climbers carefully made their way across. The odd expletive could be heard when crossers put their foot in a deep hole and had seawater washed jeans.

13/06/2026

EMERGENCY ALERT TESTING

SUNDAY EVENING, 6 - 7 pm

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is testing the emergency alert system sent out by cellphone towers. So don't panic if your phone bursts into action, even if it's on silent mode.

If you rely on WIFI mobile coverage you won't hear it as the phone has to be within range of a cellphone tower.

Here's a sample:

This video shows you what Emergency Mobile Alert may look and sound...

12/06/2026

Big game for the East Coast RFC As down in Greytown tomorrow.

Weather's looking not too shabby, get on down there and make some noise for the lads.

You can bet the front-row in the picture will be there.

10/06/2026

Riversdale Beach Store's customer base expands.

10/06/2026

Wairarapa Archive has recently had the 1944 to 1950 editions of the Wairarapa Times Age digitised, in collaboration with Papers Past.

In the first paper I opened I came across this gem: Coie and Don O'Brien's wedding at St Matthew's Church in July 1944.

O’BRIEN—O’HARA

A pretty wedding took place recently at St Matthew’s Church, Masterton, when Marion Coie, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs S. O'Hara, of Whareama, was married to Donald James (recently returned from the Pacific), second son of Mr and Mrs J. O’Brien of Pirinoa.

The church was decorated with red camellias, red berries and white spring bulbs.

The Rev W. Tye, of Tinui, performed the ceremony. Mr Miller Hope was organist.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a becoming gown of deep cream satin, fully trained, and with long sleeves pointed over the wrists, and buttoned down the back. The high neck was finished with a petal collar. Her tulle veil, which was kindly lent by a friend, was arranged under an upright satin bow and orange blossom. A sheaf of arum lilies and maiden hair fern completed the toilette.

On leaving the church little Selwyn Tomlin presented the bride with a silver horseshoe.

Mrs Nancy Hazelrigg attended her sister as matron of honour. and wore a frock of scarlet velvet, cut on the same lines as that of the bride. She also carried a sheaf of lilies and maiden hair fern. A posy of red and white flowers was worn in her hair.

Able Seaman W. Ryan acted as best man.

After the ceremony a reception was held in the Savage Club rooms, when Mrs O'Hara, assisted by Mrs O’Brien, received about 70 guests, the usual toasts being honoured.

Mrs O’Hara wore a tan coloured suit with dark brown model hat and accessories, and cream shoulder spray.

Mrs O’Brien wore a black suit and hat with touches of white, and red shoulder spray.

The bride and bridegroom later left for the south, the bride travelling in a shadow stripe black tailored costume, with black model hat and fur stole, the latter being the gift of the bridegroom. Mr and Mrs D. J. O’Brien’s future home will be at Pirinoa.

Thanks to Vicki Hammond for the photos.

10/06/2026

From the Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 October 1950.

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Tinui School holds its 150th anniversary on 4-6 September 2026.
Registrations are now open. Details here:

www.tinuischool150.org
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1670781247499475

10/06/2026

I continue to be impressed with the Tararua District Council approach to the demands of the government to come up with amalgamation plans within the ridiculous deadline of three months.

Tararua Council and senior management held meetings within a few days of the government's announcement in all localities of the district. A great move!

Putting surveys up on the website just doesn't cut it at a time when residents want to be able to ask questions and find out council members' views.

I urge you to read the Tararua District Council's post and ask yourself why Masterton District Council can't do the same.

Here is our response to the community feedback on local government reform, in full. Quick summary available in comments. 👇

Tararua District Council has agreed on its next steps in response to the Central Government's proposal to reform (reshape) local government.

At an Extraordinary Meeting on 10 June, Council agreed to:

🔹 Back the community's support for Option Six (fight for a better option), including the community's wish to challenge the proposed reform timeframe and look at other ways to improve local government.

🔹 Investigate Option Four (go west to the Manawatū-Whanganui region), including financial modelling. This option had the strongest community support of any amalgamation option and was noted as either a first choice or backup option.

🔹 Investigate Option Two (go south to Wairarapa), including financial modelling, noting support from iwi and some community members for this direction.

🔹 Allow the Mayor and Chief Executive to continue talks with neighbouring councils.

No decision on amalgamation has been made. These are early decisions that reflect what the community told us: take the time to get this right, and put the district in the best position possible for whatever comes next.

From 18-27 May, Council held nine community meetings across the district, with more than 550 people in attendance. There were 409 people that shared their views through written and online feedback. Council also met with iwi partners and rural stakeholders.

Mayor Scott says the feedback from those meetings was consistent and clear.

"Our community was unhappy, and in many cases appalled, that a decision of this significance could be expected within just three months. This is the largest shake-up of local government since 1989, and potentially even more significant than that. Local voice was a recurring theme, with significant concern about changes that could weaken local representation. People also raised the importance of local accountability for roading, infrastructure, and emergency management, particularly given recent weather events in the district."

Mayor Scott says the clearest message was that the community wants Council to keep pushing for a better option than a simple amalgamation.

“Many people questioned whether amalgamation would actually deliver lower costs or better local government, and there was a strong view that reform should improve local government, not simply abolish it favour of more distant regional government."

“Even if our preference remains to pursue a better option, it is important that we understand the costs, benefits and implications of the options available. Having robust information will provide a valuable comparison and benchmark against the two options, and any alternative proposals that emerge. That’s why Council has decided to seek more detailed financial modelling of amalgamation options within both the Horizons region and the Wairarapa.”

“Where people did express a preference for an amalgamation option, support for looking west within the existing Horizons region was strongest. Importantly, that support often reflected a least-worst position.”

Mayor Scott said the community's message has been heard.

"Our communities should get the final say on any plan. Localism, local voice and local decision making should be protected and enhanced, not eliminated. And any plan should genuinely deliver greater efficiency and affordability for our communities. That is what I will be advocating for throughout this process."

What happens next?

Council will now talk with neighbouring councils to find out whether they are willing to take part in further discussions. Financial modelling will also be carried out where possible, and engagement with iwi and communities will continue. Council will report back before 9 August 2026, which is the deadline Central Government has given councils to submit their proposals under the Head Start process.

Scott Gilmore - Tararua District Mayor

09/06/2026

Some great photos by Rob Paris of the Castlepoint Reef today.

The lower section of the reef is completely submerged.