Masterton: The Heart of Wairarapa

• HelloKia ora
  [key-ah or-ah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [aye]
• NoKāo
  [kah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomeTēnā koe
  [ten-ah koi]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [nah mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryWhakapāha
  [fah-kah-pah-ha]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [key teh pay-hay-ah koi]
• Fine. And you?Māmā. Ā koe?
  [mah-mah aye koi]
• Do you speak English?Kei te kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [key teh core-air-oh koi ee teh reh-oh pah-keh-ha]
• I don't understandKaore au e mohio
  [kao-ray oh ee moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe tirohia te menewa, tēnā
  [meh tee-raw-hee-ah teh men-eh-wah ten-ah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai mīti
  [kao-ray oh ee kai mee-tee]
• Cheers!Tumeke!
  [too-meh-key]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe utu au, tēnā
  [meh oo-too oh, ten-ah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [ay-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga atu ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rung-ah ah-too kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga atu ki te rata!
  [kah-rung-ah ah-too kee teh rah-tah]
• I'm lostKei te ngaro au
  [key teh nah-row oh]
• I'm illKei te mate au
  [key teh mah-teh oh]

• I'd like to buy...Me hoko...
  [meh haw-kaw]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro
  [key teh tee-tee-raw]
• How much is it?E hia te utu?
  [eh hee-ah teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe rawa te nui
  [heh rah-wah teh noo-ee]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah tie-ah eh koi teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [heh ah-ha teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKotahi karaka
  [kaw-tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
• Half past (10)Tekau mā rua
  [teh-koh mah roo-ah]
• MorningAta
  [ah-tah]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [paw]
• YesterdayInāianei
  [ee-nah-ee-ah-neh-ee]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [ten-ay rah]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [ah-paw-paw]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [aw-no]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-koh]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...
  [key hay-ah teh]
• What's the address?Ko wai te wāhitau?
  [kaw why teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai ki ahau (i te mahere)?
  [kah tie-ah eh koi teh fah-kow-too my key ah-how ee teh mah-heh-ray]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te wā nui (auta)?
  [ay-he-ah teh wah noo-ee ow-tah]
• A ticket (to ....)He taki (ki ...)
  [heh tah-key kee]

Masterton was founded in 1854 by the Small Farms Association, a group of Wellington and Hutt Valley workers seeking affordable farmland. Named after Joseph Masters, one of the association's founders, the town was established to provide opportunities for settlers to own and farm their land.

The arrival of the railway in 1880 was a significant milestone for Masterton, connecting it to Wellington and other parts of the North Island. This development spurred economic growth, facilitated the movement of goods, and made the town more accessible, contributing to its rapid expansion.

On June 24, 1942, a powerful earthquake struck Wairarapa, causing extensive damage in Masterton. Buildings were destroyed, and the community faced significant challenges in rebuilding. The earthquake remains a pivotal event in the town’s history, shaping its architectural and urban development.

Agriculture has been the backbone of Masterton's economy since its founding. The town is at the heart of the Wairarapa farming region, known for sheep shearing, dairy farming, and cropping. The annual Wairarapa A&P Show highlights the area's rich agricultural heritage, celebrating local produce and farming expertise.

Masterton is home to several educational institutions that have played a crucial role in the community. The establishment of Wairarapa College in 1923 provided quality education to local youth, while the UCOL Wairarapa campus offers tertiary education and vocational training, fostering innovation and skill development.

Masterton has a vibrant cultural scene, with institutions like Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History showcasing local art and historical exhibits. The Golden Shears World Shearing Championships, held annually in Masterton since 1961, celebrates the town's shearing heritage and attracts competitors and spectators from around the globe.

Today, Masterton blends its rich historical heritage with modern amenities. The town offers a mix of historical sites, like Queen Elizabeth Park established in 1897, and contemporary attractions, such as boutique shops and cafes. Masterton continues to grow as a vibrant community, balancing tradition with progress.

Masterton is located in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand's North Island. The nearest international airport is Wellington International Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Wellington, you can take a train on the Wairarapa Line, which offers a scenic journey through the Hutt Valley and Rimutaka Ranges, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive via State Highway 2, which takes about 1.5 hours. Bus services are also available from Wellington to Masterton.

Masterton is a small town, making it easy to navigate on foot. For longer distances within the Wairarapa region, local buses are available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also options for getting around. If you plan to explore the surrounding countryside, renting a car is a convenient choice. Masterton also has a well-connected train station for trips to nearby towns and Wellington.

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Masterton, including Visa and MasterCard. ATMs are plentiful throughout the town. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.

Masterton is generally a safe destination for tourists. Like any other place, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Masterton does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for immediate assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. Masterton Hospital provides medical services for more serious health issues. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually; smart casual is acceptable for most dining establishments. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in more conservative settings. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting places of worship; removing hats and speaking softly is appreciated. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'kia ora,' which is the Māori greeting. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like lamb and seafood. Don't refuse an offer to join a meal, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Masterton like a local, visit the Farmers Market held on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which is a popular spot for families and leisure activities. Explore the nearby Tararua Forest Park for hiking and nature walks. Don't miss the annual Golden Shears event, a premier sheep shearing competition that showcases local culture.