The Tararua Ranges have been hit with their first blanket of snow it’s certainly time to wrap up in layers and keep the fireplace stoked. Most important to note this weekend.
Featherston’s Booktown Karukatea Festival 2023 is finally here, with the hard work of facilitators and organisers resulting in a spectacle of literary and arts events spanning today and tomorrow.
Booktown’s buzzing
Around Featherston all weekend there will be booksellers stalls and buskers, and the usual Saturday market will be on in full force at Fitzherbet St. There are 51 total events with 101 presenters over the course of the weekend, with 13 events ‘devoted to the craft of the book’ and 10 free events for tamariki. The lineup features legendary New Zealand authors and creatives, including Joy Cowley, Dame Robin White, Sir Richard Taylor and many more. Tickets for some events have sold out, but it’s not too late for others to jump online and get tickets sorted. This festival is a fantastic celebration of the literary and arts culture in Wairarapa and only happens once a year so make the most of it!
Head to booktown.org.nz/festival-2023 to view what events still have availability.
Cheers mum
The other important thing to note is Mother’s Day on tomorrow. Make sure you have breakfast in bed sorted, and if you are in need of a daytime activity, Pukaka Wildlife Centre is offering up free admission for mums on Sunday.
Whether you’re a mother, grandmother, foster parent or guardian, you’re invited to enjoy a day in nature with loved ones at the Mt Bruce reserve, which homes endangered wildlife like brown kiwi, takahe and kaka.
Waifilmfest Exhibition
Today also marks the Wairarapa Film Festival Photographic Exhibition opening on the Masterton District Library’s external display board as you enter the building from Queen St. It features a series of images and press stories telling the tales of local films and filmmakers and will be up for two weeks.
Choo choo, all aboard
Carterton’s Model Train Show for those rail enthusiasts is on today and tomorrow 10am at the Carterton Events Centre. It’s the biggest model train show in Wairarapa and boasts layouts on display and trade stands on sale.
Community Board
It’s the second Saturday of the month, so for those in South Wairarapa, it’s the chance to share any views, concerns and opinions with the Martinborough Community Board.
If this is you, head to the Waihinga Centre from 10am to 12pm today.
