Stranger danger
Despite receiving a report that a man tried to entice school students into his van in Masterton on Friday, police do not believe there is any cause for concern. Lakeview School students were reportedly offered drinks by the man on their way home from school last week. The man then asked them to get into his van – a white vehicle with a coloured design. It was reported that the oldest student declined aggressively and informed her parents. Lakeview School said teachers will be discussing ‘stranger danger’ with students and reminding them what to do in such a situation. Police said initial inquiries did not lead them to believe there were any safety or risk concerns at this stage.
Local hoons
On Sunday night, police responded to a report of two vehicles allegedly drag racing on Loop Line, Opaki, at about 10.15pm. Yesterday police received another report of two vehicles driving erratically on Colombo Rd in Masterton at about 9.20am. Police said enquiries for both incidents are ongoing.
Shining stars
The dedication required to secure Wairarapa ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ status has been nationally recognised. Wairarapa Dark Sky Association patron Sir Maarten Wevers, chair Viv Napier, and dark sky reserve application lead Tom Love received the Bright Star Award at the recent annual Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand conference in Auckland, recognising the effort required to achieve accreditation for the reserve with the International Dark Sky Association, and its contribution to dark sky conservation in New Zealand.
Metlink trial
The future of an ‘on demand’ public transport trial will be decided at a Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] meeting tomorrow. Metlink’s “shared transport solution” – trialled in Tawa and Grenada North since May 2022 – involves passengers requesting pick up and drop off across the suburbs via an app. GWRC said the service has been well received by the community, with a total of more than 40,000 trips. Regional councillors will also hear an update on public transport staff shortages and how recruitment efforts are anticipated to impact services. GWRC’s Transport Committee will meet tomorrow at 9.30am, and can be watched via the council’s website.
