Around the country, mayors are reaching the half-way point in their three-year terms. Local Focus journalist Patrick O'Sullivan talked with South Wairarapa District Council Viv Napier about what makes the district special and the challenges ahead.
Your rates dollar has to reach a long way in South Wairarapa, mayor Viv Napier says.
The district is unusual with three towns: Martinborough, Featherston and Greytown as well as an extensive rural area, all the way to Cook Strait.
"Our big challenge is always a low rating base and a big geographic area," she said.
The large network of roads was an expense, with many yet to be sealed and three towns meant a duplication of services such as sewage, libraries and swimming pools.