History in the making

n earthquake and a busy highway delayed its arrival but a new information panel welcoming people to the Wairau Valley is finally in place.

Rain failed to dampen spirits as the community turned out to celebrate the Marlborough township’s newest arrival on Wednesday.

Four years after the plan was first mooted, it takes pride of place in the area outside the Anglican church as you first arrive in the township.

Wairau Valley School pupil Thomas White, 10, joined councillor Cynthia Brooks to officially open the sign as part of the council’s Small Townships Upgrade initiative.

Wairau Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association chairwoman Kate Smith says the new area is part of a long-term plan to ‘‘beautify’’ the township.

Welcoming people to the opening, she said while the project took longer than expected, it was ‘‘worth the wait’’.

‘‘Frankly, I think it looks better than I’d hoped. The township looks loved now and a lot less tatty than it used to.’’

Marlborough District Council community advisor Adi James has been involved with the project, which has also seen a new pathway developed and landscaping around the church’s car park.

She says more improvements, including a picnic area, are planned for the future.

Residents of the small township, situated 38 kilometres west of Blenheim, are keen to contribute to plans to better their community.

Brooks says the kiosk is a result of a consultation process. ’’Good things take time. This is about loving where you live and we want to encourage people to have their own community identity and a sense of pride in that.’’

A group of senior class pupils from Wairau Valley School joined in the festivities and watched with pride as their classmate cut the red ribbon.

Teacher Lisa McDonald said the children had been asked how the township could be improved.

‘‘They have a real sense of pride that they were asked for their opinions. This means a lot to them.’’