Designer Bevan Wills created an unusual curve-of-the-earth front page graphic, complementing the distorted view from the drone's GoPro camera.
Deputy mayor Graeme McLymont, who organised the works, may have felt himself under scrutiny if the works had gone wrong. His remark for the front page, "the whole thing is going like a box of fluffy ducks", may have been part relief at the success of the operation, but it struck a bitter irony with environmentalists, concerned for birdlife.
The island was later found to have been infested with rats.
Number 2
A stern police message on drink-driving combined with a wartime piece on HMS Leander's service, featuring Masterton's Hugh Simpson.
Number 3
The lake gives up another story, this time the discovery the world's rarest gull rather likes the remodelled island.
Number 4
Darryl Cox claimed he was "sleepdriving" when he drove through a fence, smashing up a garden destined for a wedding. He will get his chance to defend his case when he appears in court next year.
Number 5
The Wairarapa Times-Age ran a tribute page for the Donald teenagers, killed in a car crash on Western Lake Rd in July.
Number 6
Two women describe how they were terrorised on the open road by a vehicle pursuing them.
Number 7
St Mary's Church in Carterton is disgusted by the theft of a 5ft tall brass candle holder from the premises.
Number 8
The five accused in the Glen Jones murder trial are found guilty.
Number 9.
Carterton identity Alf Bird, scornful of retiring, dies in his sleep, aged 96.
Number 10
Fiona Margaret Wilton, aka Teal, leaves Masterton District Court covered in a blanket, during proceedings which ultimately saw her jailed for stealing her father's retirement fund.
