Arts fund open
Masterton District Council has now opened its annual Masterton Arts Fund, the purpose of which is to make a difference in the quality, scope, or participation in the arts sector and/or the arts economy. If you would like to find out more about the fund, visit mstn.govt.nz and search ‘Masterton Arts Fund.’
Library notice
Wairarapa Library Service announced yesterday that the Carterton Library will be closed on Thursday, August 17 and Friday, August 18. Normal hours will resume on Saturday, August 19.
Cold snap
MetService has forecast an unsettled southwesterly flow hitting New Zealand with a succession of fronts bringing a continuous influx of cold air from the south. Nationally, Thursday is looking to be the coldest day this week, when large parts of the North Island can expect lows in the range of -2 to 3°C. This includes Masterton, which is predicted to hit a low of -2°C today and Friday.MetService said a cold front moving northwards over the North Island early Thursday will bring a period of rain, with possible snow over central and southern areas.
Special
screening
The Wairarapa branch of the Institute of International Affairs is holding a special fundraising screening of one of this year’s NZ International Film Festival offerings, ‘Beyond Utopia’, on Thursday, August 17. The 2022 documentary “follows audacious, high-risk quests to escape from North Korea, and the man who plans them, with a rare intimacy and emotional power.” Centred on middle-aged pastor Sengeun Kim, who has devoted his life to getting defectors out of the dystopian dictatorship, the film has received widespread international acclaim, with The Hollywood Reporter writing that its “immediacy is remarkable, especially in the sequences with the escaping family … [which] have the elements of an espionage adventure will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.” Tickets are $20 and available by phoning 027 8111 0006 or 06 3771359. Alternatively, they can be collected from the Regent 3 Cinemas, Queen Street, Masterton. Prior to the 8pm screening, there will be nibbles, drinks, and music from 7.15pm for those attending.
