Frequently Asked Questions

  • Wairarapa – Our Voice is about our region coming together to tell a clear and shared story about who we are and what makes Wairarapa distinctive. 

    The project will bring together the voices and perspectives of local iwi, communities, businesses, industry, organisations and councils to develop a narrative that reflects the Wairarapa we know and want to share with others. 

    It will help us better communicate what makes Wairarapa special, support regional development and promotion, encourage investment and attract people, talent and visitors. 

    Most importantly, this is a story we want to build together. 

  • Wairarapa has many great stories to tell, but there isn't currently a shared regional narrative that brings them together. 

    This can make it harder to clearly communicate: 

    • What makes Wairarapa different from other regions 

    • What we value and what matters to us 

    • What the region has to offer people, businesses and investors 

    • The connections between our communities, industries, environment and culture 

    Wairarapa - Our Voice provides an opportunity to develop a story that better reflects who we are today and where we want to go. 

  • This project will deliver a clear and authentic Wairarapa story to enable consistent communication of the region across sectors and audiences. This story will shape how Wairarapa is understood, communicated, and represented within and beyond the region. 

  • This is a region-wide project, with input from a broad range of organisations, sectors and communities led by Destination Wairarapa in partnership with the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy, along with local iwi and councils. 

  • The project will take approximately two years. 

  • Because Wairarapa's story belongs to all of us. 

    Wairarapa is made up of many communities, cultures, industries, landscapes, histories and experiences. We want the project to reflect that diversity, and your perspective will help shape the story we tell about Wairarapa. 

  • There will be a range of ways to contribute, both online and in person. 

    These may include: 

    • Open community sessions in South Wairarapa, Masterton and Carterton 

    • Surveys and online feedback 

    • Engagement through schools, community groups and local organisations 

    • Surveys distributed through community networks and local media 

    • Dedicated hui with local iwi 

    • Dedicated industry and business events 

    • Dedicated environmental sessions 

  • No. Wairarapa – Our Voice will benefit the whole Wairarapa region by focusing on our shared values and stories.

  • Once the narrative is finalised, there will be guidance on how it can be used across the region, along with recommendations for implementation and adoption. 

    The intention is that it becomes a useful framework that can support the way Wairarapa is represented and communicated over time – locally, nationally and internationally.