News

Science scholarship for top Wairarapa College student

Science scholarship for top Wairarapa College student

Former Masterton student Anika Stewart was awarded the Alan MacDiarmid Scholarship to contribute towards her studies at Canterbury University for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. Anika was Wairarapa College’s Proxime Accessit for 2022 receiving 1sts in biology, chemistry, calculus, physics and geography. Anika held leadership roles at school and pursued a wide variety of sporting interests that she excelled at. These included representing Wairarapa in hockey and receiving distinctions...

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Summer Hummer

Summer Hummer

The Trust contributed $5,000 to support the revival of Summer Hummer – a Masterton music tradition initiated 25 years ago. The family friendly music event at Queen Elizabeth II Park featured well known Kiwi bands and the chance to hear local college bands. The Trust’s grant helped keep entry costs affordable for locals.

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Murals for Masterton

Murals for Masterton

Watch this short video to hear mural artists FLOX, Sean Duffell, Lotte Hawley and duo Pip & Zoe Paint talk about their artworks for Masterton. 

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Community Christmas Tree spreads joy

Community Christmas Tree spreads joy

In the spirit of giving, Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) has joined with Eastwood Motor Group to spread a little joy this festive season. Trust Chair Christine Brewster launched the Community Christmas Tree initiative last year. “The Trust is all about supporting Masterton people so the concept of community gifting for Christmas is a natural fit.” she explains. This year the Trust is partnering with Masterton car dealership Eastwood Motor Group. General Manager Gary Allan was eager to team...

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Masterton student receives science scholarship

Masterton student receives science scholarship

Kian Jones received the 2022 Alan MacDiarmid Scholarship to support his studies towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Kian was recommended by the Wairarapa Secondary Principals’ Association for the scholarship in recognition of his academic success gaining highest equal passes in Level 3 chemistry – four excellence passes and one merit. Kian also gained scholarship in maths and physics and was Rathkeale’s deputy head boy.

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Trust creates mural garden for Masterton

Trust creates mural garden for Masterton

Masterton Trust Lands Trust has dedicated a green space to enhance its recently commissioned mural by FLOX on Lincoln Road. “The garden was part of our goal to beautify the pocket of Trust-owned land alongside the mural to complement FLOX’s artwork,” explains Trust Chair Christine Brewster. Experienced local landscape designer Rachel Callaghan was engaged to create a concept for a green space for locals and visitors to retreat to and enjoy the mural. The garden serves as a pedestrian link...

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Masterton gets a fresh lick of paint

Masterton gets a fresh lick of paint

Masterton has received a new lick of paint, thanks to mural artists from across Aotearoa gathering to freshen up its walls. The project conceived by Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) called on renowned artists including FLOX, Sean Duffell, Lotte Hawley, and duo Pip & Zoe Paint.

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Inspire a child to read

Inspire a child to read

The Inspire a Child to Read programme run by Hedley’s Books during the Yarns in Barns: Wairarapa Festival of Reading received a $16,000 grant. Around 700 students in years five and six across eight Masterton schools were given vouchers for a free book. They were also invited to meet four Kiwi writers. A te reo event was held at Te Kura Kaupapa with local writer Maxine Hemi.

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NZ Society of Genealogists – Wairarapa

NZ Society of Genealogists – Wairarapa

In September 2022, the Trust found a new  home for the local branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists (NZSG). The branch opens weekly and supports people to research family histories. It has an extensive library, microfiche records and a host of historical research aides. “The concessional rent has enabled us to keep our resources safe and available for use by our members and the public. Tracing the journey of our families - where they came from, how they got here and their journey within New...

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MTLT celebrates 150 years

MTLT celebrates 150 years

To mark 150 years of Masterton Trust Lands Trust, in July 2022, a special event was held at Aratoi for current and former Trustees and staff, kaumātua and iwi representatives, local dignitaries and community leaders. The formalities included speeches from then Trust chair Leanne Southey, who used the occasion to launch the Trust’s bold new vision for public art – announcing the first of a series of murals that would be created later that year on Trust-owned buildings in Masterton’s CBD....

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Masterton community to benefit from $1.5m

Masterton community to benefit from $1.5m

Community-owned Masterton Trust Lands Trust has announced an historic annual grants budget of 1.5 million for 2022/23. It coincides with the Trust’s 150th year. “My fellow trustees and I are thrilled the Trust has achieved a record-high grants budget to support our community in the year ahead. We look forward to the benefits the boost in funding will provide locally,” said Leanne Southey, Trust chair. The $1.5 million represents the largest amount of money the Trust has ever made available to...

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Whakaoriori Wellbeing Project – Fostering social competence

Whakaoriori Wellbeing Project – Fostering social competence

The Whakaoriori Wellbeing Project aims to foster social competence as young people transition from early childhood to primary school and from primary to secondary school. A total grant value of $600,000 has been committed for this project over the next two to three years. The project takes a long-term approach with participants involved in programmes that span at least 12-24 months. The first recipients of funding from this project are St Patrick's Primary School and Chanel College. Together...

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Art scholarship for top student to study animation

Art scholarship for top student to study animation

Former Kuranui College student Isabelle Davidson was awarded the 2021 Golden C’Art Scholarship from Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) to support her studies towards a Bachelor of Animation at Yoobee Colleges in Wellington. Worth $1,000, the scholarship is awarded annually to a top performing Wairarapa student in a fine arts subject going on to study an arts-related course at a New Zealand tertiary institution. The recipient is selected through agreement by Wairarapa secondary school...

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