Next Week's Events

With the return of the good weather, there is no better time to enjoy a relaxing spring break in the Wairarapa. This year’s month long Wairarapa Spring Festival features diverse activities that will appeal to the whole family as well as a fantastic school holiday programme. In addition dozens of businesses and organisations will be offering events and discount vouchers for attractions. Check out the full events calendar on Destination Wairarapa's homepage: www.wairarapanz.com

The Wai Art Awards Exhibition will be held in the Wesley Wing at Aratoi Art & History Museum from 10am to 4.30pm daily. $3000 first prize was awarded on Friday 13th August and $1000 People's Choice Award will be awarded on 26th September. For more information contact Anna-Marie Kkingsley on (06) 379 9177 or email: info@waiart.org.nz www.waiart.org.nz

What's On: Main Gallery: From The Living Room - on until 10 October 2010 A public peek at art from private collections in the Wairarapa James Bragge's Wairarapa 1876 - 1878 Photographic Exhibition on until 10 October Historic photographs of the Wairarapa from the Aratoi Collection Entrance Gallery: Sibylle Eimermacher "Told with a borrowed split tongue" - a selection of works with paint and objects by German artist Sibylle. On until 24th September WaiArt Awards in the Wesley Wing: on until 26th September Windows Gallery: Mirek Smiek - 60 Years, 60 Pots runs from September 4th to October 24th. Holiday Programme - Animation and Mixed Media starts 28th September. Wairarapa History Gallery: Wairarapa Whakaputa Mohio - Settling the Land, Aratoi's permanent exhibition focussing on the rich 800 year history of the Wairararapa. For more information phone (06) 370 0001 or visit: www.aratoi.org.nz

Hot Club Sandwich with Andrew London (guitar/vocals), Terry Crawford (bass) and James Tait Jamieson (sax) will perform at St Marks Church, High Street in Carterton from 7.30pm. Tickets are $25pp and are available from the Masterton i-Site - phone (06) 3700900 & Martinborough i-SITE - phone (06) 3065010 or at Carterton Information Centre and Greytown Library. Wine & Refreshments available at the concert. Proceeds towards funding of Carterton's new event centre. For more information phone John on (06) 379 5687 or Eric on (06) 379 6510

Date: Tuesday 14th September Event name: Beach Clean Join DOC staff and locals to clean up our coastline at 10am. Location: Meet at the Lake Ferry fire station. What you will need: Warm clothes, rain-coat, sunhat and water bottle Cost: Free Snack and Orange juice provided Organised by: Department of Conservation, Masterton Contact details: Biodiversity Ranger, Sandra Burles - phone (06) 377 0700, email: sburles@doc.govt.nz

Paper Plus in Masterton are holding a books and bubbles evening with Kerre Woodham and special guest author Annabel Langbein. To start at 6pm. Tickets are $10pp, which includes bubbles and nibbles on arrival and can be purchased at Paper Plus Bookstore in Queen Street - phone (06) 378 8300. Spot prizes on the night.

Steve Wrigley one of the stars of TV3's 7 Days comedy show will perform at the Lounge Wine and Tapas Bar, Main Street in Carterton. Tickets are $15pp and are available at the Lounge. For more information phone (06) 379 6065 or e mail: pwatkinson@xtra.co.nz www.loungewineandtapas.co.nz

Masterton Motorplex and the good guys at Dave Hadley Tyres once again bring you the much anticipated SMOKEFEST Burnout Competition. To be held at Hood Aerodrome, South Road, Masterton from 2pm to 5pm. Gate Entry is $10, and under 14's are free. As with previous events, there are some REALLY great prizes, and classes to suit all vehicle types. For more information please contact Bob Wilton on 06 377 3803 or Tracey Cooper on 06 370 1291 www.mastertonmotorplex.co.nz

Jump on 'We love Pukaha' bus, departing Featherston at 10am with pick-ups from Greytown, Carterton and Masterton and arriving at Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre at 11am. Join the rangers and go straight into the forest for a behind-the-scenes experience of pest and predator control. Feed the eels and kaka and have a close and personal experience with Pukaha's resident kiwi. Lunch is at midday and you can bring your own or enjoy the goodies available from on-site Cafe Takahe. $10pp which includes bus fare and entry fee, children must be accompanied by an adult and bookings are essential. Phone 0800 471 227. This event is part of NZ Conservation week, 12 - 19 September 2010. www.pukaha.org.nz

Made in Wairarapa Expo will be held at the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre in Dixon Street, Masterton from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Free entry. The public will be able to view and buy from the diverse range of products available. The idea is to showcase the enormous number of goods made in or close to Masterton, some of which are quite unique. Prizes to be won. For entry details or for more information contact Pete on 021 488 137 or email: pete@pete.co.nz www.miw.co.nz

The Great Gurnard Hunt will be held at Castlepoint Beach. More details to be confirmed or contact the Club Secretary: Jan Beaumont on (06) 377 134 r 021 111 9108, e mail: THE.BEAUS@xtra.co.nz