The deprivation index also appears to indicate successful and lucrative farming, and a wealthy farming population, does not translate much to the towns supporting them. The flow-down effect of the money isn't really happening.
Towns obviously achieve some revenue from farming, but seemingly have to survive on their own. Contrast that with Wellington, where the economy of a city translates directly to the wealth in the suburbs. High population urban centres spend money, on basic needs and luxuries. The money moves around.
But, if Wairarapa towns have to look after themselves, there's definitely positives there. Carterton is making a name for itself as a growing commuter town, boasting new subdivisions, and Featherston is enjoying a bit of a revival in retail, with a supermarket being built and a small flurry of specialist shops.
Maybe we don't have the big spenders of Wellington, but we do have people who want to spend money in Wairarapa. It's pleasing to watch our towns respond to it and create businesses which match that small scale. And it's especially pleasing when we see visitors engaging in it as well.