Town square a meeting place

PROCESSION: Kaumatua Mike Kawana (left) and PJ Devonshire at the head of the procession of guests attending the opening of the town square yesterday. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Masterton now officially has a town square after a small ceremony in the sunshine was held yesterday.

The square which has been constructed on land that was previously a carpark linking the Wairarapa Times Age building and Masterton Town Hall is expected to become not only a focal point but also a meeting place, especially at lunchtimes.

Guests at the opening were given a traditional Maori welcome into the square and Nelson Rangi and PJ Devonshire unveiled a plaque explaining Poutama, the traditional Maori pattern used in the square's construction.

Masterton Licensing Trust board member Craig Cooper said Trust House and the licensing trust had no hesitation when approached by the man behind the project David Borman for funding help.

He said now that the square had been completed, comments from throughout the community showed the people of the district were very happy with it.

"It's all been very positive and as the trees get bigger and there is more shade I can foresee hundreds of people using the square at lunchtimes and at other times," Mr Cooper said.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson thanked all those involved and said Mr Borman had shown the "drive, energy and passion" to turn a dream into a reality. She said the square was a meeting place and a passive area for people to "enjoy, use and look after".