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
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.
WBS supports the Wairarapa Balloon Festival 2023
Look up… as Easter weekend promises to be extra magical this year with the return of the beloved Wairarapa Balloon Festival for 2023.
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.
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.
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.
John Healy appointed as Chief Executive
The WBS Board are pleased to announce the appointment of John Healy as our new Chief Executive, as of 15 February 2023.
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.
WBS partnering with CDC to bring the 2021 Carterton Heart of Winter Festival to the Wairarapa
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...
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.
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.
Building up the Martinborough Men’s Shed
In the middle of Martinborough, in the old Courthouse building, surprising creations are being built from scratch or brought back to life.