Wairarapa still welcomes visitors, tourism boss says
As the door is shut on some of Wairarapa’s iconic events, a marketing campaign is
underway to remind people that visitors continue to be warmly welcome.
Destination Wairarapa general manager Anna Nielson says, “Wairarapa - still plenty to do”, is pitched at visitors who had maybe planned to come to the region for an event but are now having second thoughts because the event has been cancelled.
“All of the things that people love about Wairarapa such as our fabulous food and wine, big open spaces, stunning scenery and so on are all still here, ready and waiting to be enjoyed,” Ms Nielson says.
The New Zealand Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has effectively either cancelled or postponed indefinitely all events and public gatherings of over 500 people.
In Wairarapa, immediately impacted is this weekend’s annual Martinborough Round the Vines and the National Drag Racing competition in Masterton. Other big annual events such as the Wairarapa Balloon Festival over Easter Weekend have also been
either cancelled or postponed.
“These events bring lots of visitors to the Wairarapa, and our message is, although these events are now no longer running, there is still plenty on offer, so please come,” Ms Nielson says.
Tourism spend contributes about $195 million to the Wairarapa economy, employing around 1500 people. There are about 250,000 commercial guest nights in the Wairarapa each year.
“These are extraordinary times, particularly for people working in the tourism industry. As an organisation with over 300 members we need to do whatever we can to help businesses navigate through this period of uncertainty," Nielsen said.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
SHOP LOCAL THIS XMAS - FARMERS MARKET SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS MASTERTON
Come along to our Farmers Market & Crafts held EVERY Saturday Rain or Shine
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG FOR MORNING TEA AND COFFEE, AND HAVE A BROWSE AROUND OUR WONDERFUL MARKET
Last market before Xmas!!!
We have 42 stalls attending this week.
HOT OFF THE PRESS:
DANIEL’S SPUDS are back at the market this week. Agria potatoes freshly dug this week.
WHAREMUKU ORCHARD will be at the market this Saturday - Freshly picked Cherries for Christmas. We will also have a small amount of our early Plums.
Peaches, Nectarines and our later season Plums are looking great - We will have these available from late January.
And of course, there is always lots on offer: Hot Food, fresh Coffee, Fresh Vege stall, Yummy Honey, fresh bread to name just a few.
We have a fabulous array of creative gifts on display and available for purchase.
Don’t miss the awesome Paua art, wooden toys, embroidered tea towels, olive oil, Crocheted toys, woollen items to mention just a few
We even have live music to get your toes tapping and we are always ready for a friendly chat. For a great day out or an early morning visit we have something for everyone.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
You can also sign up to our weekly newsletter below, just click on the link, this will show you all the stalls attending on that week:
mailchi.mp...
We have a new Facebook page:
Wairarapa Farmers Market 2025 - have a look and view our newsletter for this week.
We also have a Eftpos terminal where you can access cash for your Farmers Market purchases. Come and have a look, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Look forward to seeing you.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.7% Yes
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33.5% Maybe?
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24.8% No
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