Community News

We’re proud to be part of our community. Over the past 150 years we’ve been giving grassroots support to hundreds of organisations who care for the region like we do.

On this page you’ll find news about the wonderful initiatives and organisations we support, as well as interesting updates from our team.

Wairarapa Film Festival 2023

Wairarapa Film Festival 2023

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.

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WBS announces additional $150,000 investment into Wairarapa community

WBS announces additional $150,000 investment into Wairarapa community

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.

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Wairarapa Times-Age Sports Awards 2023

Wairarapa Times-Age Sports Awards 2023

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.

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Golden Shears

Golden Shears

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.

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WBS ratings stay strong

WBS ratings stay strong

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.

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Local hockey club punching above its weight

Local hockey club punching above its weight

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.

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WBS proud to be supporting our local food banks

WBS proud to be supporting our local food banks

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.

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