Latest from WTA - Midweek

Big 6-0 for "exciting" Rimutaka tunnel

Featherston historian and rail buff Pat Flynn can remember the buzz in the air at the Rimutaka Tunnel opening like it was yesterday.

Community comes through for Aliyah's birthday

A quick post on Facebook and a big-hearted Carterton community has ensured Aliyah Stammers had a birthday to remember.

Lucy takes SADD step up to national level

Lucy Gaskin has stepped up to become a national leader for Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) -- the first from Wairarapa in three years.

Two for one for region's needy families

A Wairarapa children's charity and a well known Masterton bar are joining forces to help fight poverty in the region in the lead up to Christmas.

Reluctant hero's precious gift for families

A "reluctant hero" has been recognised nationally for her home-made flax cocoons - to house that which nourishes life and the lives that ended too soon.

For the love of Greytown

A new settler in Wairarapa and a descendant of the first settlers have teamed up to help show off their "favourite little village".

Sallies offer help for stigmatised gamblers

A service for those struggling with a stigmatised and misunderstood addiction has opened in Masterton.

OPINION: Grief part of life - so drop the taboo

With death being one of the only two certainties on this planet, we're all going to lose someone special at some point. To mourn, some say, is the price we pay for love.

Inventor takes step to predator-free NZ

A national conservation award could help John Hart fulfil the dream of a pest-free New Zealand.

South Wairarapa business women recognised

Their two home enterprises couldn't be more different, but their creativity, hands-on approach and home-sourced ingredients has landed two South Wairarapa women in the running for a national business award.

Big dreams key Shannan's success

Whether it's as an officer in the army or founding an innovative power provider, Shannan Hargreaves credits her success to her industrious Wairarapa roots.

Community spirit celebrated at kindy's 60th

The fences at Greytown Kindergarten are bigger than they were 60 years ago, the old fort has been taken down, the playground equipment has changed several times, and the parents' fashions are different.

Wardrobe mistress puts elaborate costumes on show

A Carterton resident is bringing the Royal New Zealand Ballet to the Wairarapa -- in the form of marionette outfits, embroidered peasant dresses and swan costumes with miles of lace and beading.

OPINION: Small businesses fascinating and creative

This week, as opposed to launching a critique of societal ills, I thought it was time to praise a sector of society instead -- and this edition gave me plenty of fodder.

Discarded dolls given new lease on life

By creating adorable miniature "Kiwi Kids" from discarded playthings, Tulletha Pollett-Scott's new business venture combines two of her passions -- handcrafts and "old school recycling".

Greytown gets own country market

For Catherine Whyte, a market was the perfect way to showcase "the clever people" living in her community -- and bring some new life to a "secret" green space.