CBD thefts
A string of retail-related incidents have prompted multiple police callouts in Masterton’s central business district. Four youths were reported to be shoplifting from a Queen St commercial premises at 5:45pm on Monday. Police said officers located and spoke to one of the youths involved but determined nothing of significant value was stolen. Police again returned to Masterton’s main street yesterday shortly before 10.30am yesterday after receiving reports of a man attempting to sell items from a cardboard box from inside a Queen St store. At 3.30pm police responded to an alleged shoplifting at a commercial premise on the corner of Dixon and Herbert streets. Police said they were working to locate those thought to be responsible for the theft.
Apology scheduled
Wairarapa’s historical Treaty Settlements of Rangitane o Wairarapa and Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa have reached their respective completion. The official Crown apologies for Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa will be held on Saturday, March 25, with Masterton the likely venue. The apology for Rangitane o Wairarapa and Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa [joint redress] is yet to be confirmed.
Meeting moves
South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] has announced a new location for its finance committee meeting. It said the weather conditions caused by Cyclone Gabrielle meant today’s meeting would now be held in the SWDC offices. The council said attendees would be limited to committee and staff members due to space availability. However, the public will have the option to tune-in via a live-stream on the council’s YouTube channel.
Road closures
impact Fenz
A Whareama shed was razed to the ground yesterday, with multiple road closures hindering Fire and Emergency’s [Fenz] response. Rural fire brigades in Tinui and Castlepoint were unable to reach the property due to flooded and closed roads, meaning only Masterton’s fire truck was in attendance. Fenz said the alleged electrical fire was reported shortly before 2pm. Fenz said the fire was not being treated as suspicious.
