Community News

It is with great pride we share that WBS has been unveiled as the naming rights sponsor of this year’s Wairarapa Awards, in an exciting new partnership with the region’s local Chamber of Commerce, Business Wairarapa. The event will become a feature of WBS’ 150th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing our strong commitment to supporting residents and businesses in the region.

As WBS celebrates 150 years, we reflect on some of the significant Wairarapa landmarks we’ve been involved in. This story takes us just down the road to South Wairarapa and some beautiful Martinborough landmark buildings.

WBS is truly delighted to be a major sponsor of the 2023 Wairarapa Film Festival, to be held in Masterton 25 – 28 May. The four-day festival is a special celebration of local film and film-makers, including inspirational stories, book signings, film workshops and fabulous guest speakers.

As WBS celebrates 150 years, we reflect on some of the significant Wairarapa landmarks we’ve been involved in. As we continue our trip down memory lane this month, the next story takes us to Greytown, and a building that now serves as a destination of choice for locals and visitors alike.

As WBS celebrates 150 years, we reflect on some of the significant Wairarapa landmarks we’ve been involved in. This month we take a trip down memory lane to share some of those stories, which you might be familiar with, or it might provide new insights into ways we’ve impacted our wonderful region since we first began. We hope you enjoy.

Look up… as Easter weekend promises to be extra magical this year with the return of the beloved Wairarapa Balloon Festival for 2023.

This month marks an impressive 150 years since WBS began business, and with this, its long term support for Wairarapa businesses, locals, and the community. In recognition of this milestone, WBS through the WBS Charitable Trust have announced they will commit an investment in the region of $150,000 from now until the end of 2024.

Is there anything more exciting than the anticipation, the nerves and excited cheers from the many busy side lines of our Wairarapa sports grounds? If there is one way to bring our community together, it is through our love of sport.

WBS is thrilled to be once again supporting the world-renowned Golden Shears competition, being held in Masterton from Thursday 2nd March to Saturday 4th March 2023.

The WBS Board are pleased to announce the appointment of John Healy as our new Chief Executive, as of 15 February 2023.

WBS credit rating has been reaffirmed by international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings, at BB+ (Stable), a rating we’ve maintained for close to 15 years, confirming our position as a robust and credible alternative for Wairarapa investors and borrowers.

WBS is proud to be partnering with Carterton District Council (CDC) to bring the WBS Carterton Heart of Winter Festival to the region from the 9th to the 18th July this year.The partnership will see hands-on support from WBS, with staff on hand to help with the...

Back in 2014 Dalefield Hockey Club had a big problem to solve. Players who had come up through the club were leaving to go to Victoria University and naturally joining Wellington teams. The club needed them back.

Our local food banks do a fantastic job in helping those in need across our communities.

Already under pressure to meet the demand for their services, all our local food banks have seen an increased need for food parcels during COVID-19.

In the middle of Martinborough, in the old Courthouse building, surprising creations are being built from scratch or brought back to life.