Plenty on for weekend and week

There are always fun, and funky things going on in Wairarapa, and this weekend is no different, but it’s important to remember events coming up throughout the week too. What’s On includes events on in the upcoming week, so if your weekend is already booked up, a weekday event might offer another option.

The Wairarapa Walking Festival kicked off yesterday but there are still plenty of walks coming up this weekend and in the coming week. This afternoon’s walk is free and filled with insights into the whenua [land] of Wairarapa or, more specifically, the Hurunui-ō-Rangi marae and its surroundings. Catch a bus from the Carterton Events Centre to the marae where “Ngāti Kahungunu kaumātua will tell the stories of Hurunui-o-Rangi and the whenua surrounding it.” Tomorrow, there will be a session at the Rangatahi Hub of Carterton Events Centre with the editor of Walking Magazine, Frank Goldingham, and Celia Wade-Brown. Walking Magazine covers “walks here and abroad, festivals, new tracks, and old favourites too.”

Hurunui-ō-Rangi marae walk, today, 2 pm. Buses depart from the Carterton Events Centre, Holloway St.

Writing the Walk, tomorrow, 4 pm. Carterton Events Centre, Holloway St.

Scarecrow fair

Today is the 25^th anniversary of scarecrows being in Gladstone and the Gladstone School is celebrating with a Scarecrow Fair. From 9.30am to 2pm today, the fair will have stalls, games, food, and live entertainment. The event even boasts that you may be able to tackle some early Christmas shopping or participate in the “monster auction.”

Gladstone School, today, 9.30am to 2pm. 1471 Te Whiti Rd, Gladstone.

A day at the races

The Christmas Race Day at Tauherenikau Racing and Event Centre is tomorrow with a full eight-card race meet; the first race starts 1pm, with the last race running at about 4.30 pm.

Tauherenikau Racecourse, tomorrow, first race 1pm, last race 4.30 pm. SH2, Featherston.

See the light

The Festival of Light, Diwali, is being celebrated tomorrow at the Solway School Hall in Masterton. The Wairarapa Indian Association are running the celebrations and has said all are welcome to attend the family-friendly event.

Solway School Hall, tomorrow, 4pm-8pm, 318 Ngaumutawa Rd, Solway, Masterton.

Free to talk

Hedley’s Books is hosting a free book talk and signing with the son of Footrot Flats creator Murray Ball. Mason Ball will be talking about the inspiration behind Wal Footrot, Dog and more of his father’s cast of iconic characters – drawing from parts of his biography. The event is free but it’s essential to book a ticket to be guaranteed a seat. You can do this by emailing [email protected] or calling 06 378 2875.

Hedley’s Books, Monday, November 13, 6 pm-7.30pm, 150 Queen St, Masterton.

Bend and stretch

Wairarapa Women’s Centre runs yoga sessions every Thursday at 12.30 pm. The sessions run for an hour and are inclusive for all levels of experience with yoga. The weekly sessions accept koha, $5 suggested.

Wairarapa Women’s Centre, Thursday, November 16, 12.30pm-1.30pm, 41 Perry St, Masterton.