News in brief, 13 Sep 2023

Meter charging

put on hold

A report to today’s Masterton District Council [MDC] meeting has said charging property owners using water meters is on hold, pending a new water authority being established under the Three Waters regime. The report said for MDC to start the process of setting up a billing system was not worth the time involved when it would later be transferred to the new entity.

Grants
considered

South Wairarapa District Council will today consider applications from community groups for $120,000 of available funding. In this funding round, $345,880 has been requested by more than 30 groups and organisations. More than 20 applicants are expected to be heard at today’s meeting of the council’s finance committee. The all-day meeting has a reserve day scheduled if needed.

Smashed
window

Masterton Police responded to reports of a brick that had been thrown through a window at a commercial premises on Queen St, Masterton, at around 2.50am yesterday. A police spokesperson confirmed that the culprit did not gain entry into the building. Enquiries are ongoing.

Fire, no fire

Masterton Fire Emergency Services [Fenz] responded to reports of a house fire in Kiriwhakapapa, Masterton, at 8.10pm on Monday. A spokesperson said that when Fenz arrived at the scene, the fire turned out to be a “large controlled fire” and that no further action was required.

Kahutara crash

One person has been transported to Wellington Hospital in critical condition after their SUV car collided with several trees before crashing into a ditch at the intersection of Whareroto Rd and Kahutara Rd at 7.30pm on Monday. A spokesperson for Fire Emergency New Zealand [Fenz] said two trucks from Greytown and Featherston attended the scene, as well as a medical unit from Martinborough and two operation support units, which helped to control traffic and ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter could safely land on the road. The Fenz spokesperson confirmed that the patient was not trapped in their vehicle.