Events In History
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6 June 1996New Zealand’s first wind farm becomes operational
Commissioned by Genesis Energy, New Zealand’s first commercial wind farm opened in the windy hills of Wairarapa. Read more...
Township 18 km south-east of Featherston. Martinborough began in 1870 as the township of Wharekaka, close to the Māori settlement of Waihenga. In its first decade churches, a school, hotel, general store and post office opened. In 1879 John Martin, a wealthy local runholder, purchased neighbouring land and founded a new town, naming it after himself. The 1880s depression meant Martinborough grew slowly. Unlike in other towns, Māori retained a significant presence. Grapes for wine production were planted near Martinborough in the late 1970s. Since then, the wine industry has had a dramatic impact on the town, providing work and economic stimulus.