15 August 2019
Greytown’s Main St has been named a finalist in this year’s Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.
The South Wairarapa road is one of three streets nominated under the Best Street category and is up against Ridgway Street in Whanganui and Seymour Avenue in Nelson.
Main Street, which includes the Greytown Historic Heritage Precinct and makes up part of State Highway 2, is known for its heritage buildings and trees, its wide variety of cafes and restaurants, and chic retail shops and accommodation options.
The street was nominated by the Greytown Community Board, which said in its application that Main Street was enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
“We work hard to ensure it looks beautiful at all times and this means lots of work with little or no budgets. We work as a community with the help of volunteer groups, retailers, the Greytown Community Board and South Wairarapa District Council to ensure it continues to be beautiful,” the application said.
In the last year, many significant buildings on Main Street have been painted, renovated, or strengthened, and an attractive planting programme has brightened the street, on which historic buildings and sites are highlighted with informative signage. Dog parking signs were also installed outside retailers, and new welcome flags that embrace the heritage look of the town were hung.
This is the second time Greytown has been recognised in the annual Beautiful Awards. In 2017, Greytown won Most Beautiful Small Town (population under 5000), having been selected ahead of Raglan and Whirinaki.
The Greytown Community Board says, “We’re absolutely delighted to hear our town has been chosen as a finalist. Greytown locals have worked very hard to keep our Main Street attractive for both residents and visitors.
“Winning the Most Beautiful Small Town title two years ago has had incredible benefits for the town, with extensive media coverage both nationally and internationally and a growth in visitor numbers, strengthening our tourism sector and overall economy.”
The awards, run by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful charitable trust, recognise and celebrate positive actions taken by communities in local and urban areas to protect and enhance their local environments.
The application process involved submitting information on environmental action, community beautification, heritage conservation, community engagement, and historical beauty and tourism.
This year’s winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 24 October at the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin.
