Media Releases
Stratford District Council produces a weekly newsletter in the Straford Press called Central Link which is full of snippets of Council and community information, which can be found here.
You are also welcome to look at our media releases, listed here with the newest at the top.

MTFJ Workforce Programme exceeds 100 youth registrations
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 20 January 2021 09:21
Congratulations to Emily Armistead who was the lucky winner of a Bluetooth speaker as part of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Workforce Programme prize draw which was drawn once registrations reached 100.
Stratford District Youth Council applications open now
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 20 January 2021 09:14
Applications are now open for the Stratford District Youth Council (SDYC) 2021/22 year.
This is your chance to be a part of an awesome group of youth making a difference in our community.

Celebrate the Republic of Whangamomona
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 18 January 2021 14:17
This month is the anniversary of the Republic of Whangamomona becoming indpendent in 1989 – that means it’s time for the famous biennial rural party like no other!
This Saturday 23 January 2021, you’re invited to join in this great family fun day out as New Zealander’s from far and wide flock to the small town for that famous passport stamp.

A lot to discover in Stratford this Summer
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 December 2020 16:50
Spending the summer holidays in Stratford?
There’s a lot to discover, whether it’s your favourite Shakespeare sonnet, the history of a heritage building, our natural wonders along the Pātea River or the wonderful talent of local street artists!

Summer Nights returning to Stratford in 2021
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 December 2020 11:19
Stratford District Council is excited to announce that Summer Nights will be back on the events calendar for its 11th year – scheduled across two weekends in February 2021.

TSB Pool Complex evacuation
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 December 2020 08:24
On Sunday 20 December the TSB Pool Complex was evacuated when a chlorine alarm was triggered.
Up to 20 people were using the facility at the time and pool staff safely evacuated them when the alarm went off.
Stratford i-SITE and Library a one stop shop
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 14 December 2020 16:48
The Stratford Visitor Information Centre i-SITE is on the move and will be co-located with the Stratford Library in Prospero Place from 15 December 2020.
From this week people will be able to book a driving test, buy concert tickets, plan a trip around New Zealand, renew library books and access digital support services all in the one place.

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours 2020/21
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 December 2020 10:19
Christmas and New Year holidays are fast approaching, and some of our Council facilities will be closed over the break.
Check out what's open and when by viewing the below PDF.

Emergency water shut down - Celia Street
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 14 December 2020 12:33

Improvements to community halls underway
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 08 December 2020 10:52
Improvements to eight community facilities in the Stratford District are well underway with five of the eight now complete and the Centennial Restrooms due to open following its makeover at the end of this week.
Summer school holidays in Stratford
- Details
- Last Updated: Thursday, 03 December 2020 14:59
Find out what fun family activities are on these summer school holidays in Stratford!
Download our School Holiday Programme booklet or pick up a hard copy from the Stratford i-SITE, Stratford Library, Council Service Centre or TSB Pool Complex.

13 young people employed through Workforce Programme to date
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 30 November 2020 10:33
Stratford’s Workforce Programme aims at connecting young people with employment opportunities, and it’s done exactly that for 13 keen workers within two months of launching.
The Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) initiative launched in September and since then Stratford District Council has employed Lisa Holland as Workforce Coordinator in a part-time capacity.

Council agrees to financially support A&P Association vision
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- Last Updated: Thursday, 26 November 2020 12:17
At an Extraordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 24 November 2020, elected members agreed to loan the Stratford A&P Association $7.18m towards their vision of a multi-use facility in Stratford known as the ‘Stratford Park Project’.
More than 50 people were in attendance to hear the decision which was received with applause around the room.
Children's Bike Park getting underway
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 November 2020 17:22
The location of the new Children’s Bike Park in Stratford was blessed last week by matua Herewini Nopera of Whakaahurangi Marae in a ceremony supported by Council staff, elected members and local pre-schools. Construction work now getting underway and is due to be completed by April 2021.

Gift donations called for in Stratford district
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- Last Updated: Monday, 23 November 2020 17:15
Christmas is fast approaching and Stratford District Council is once again asking residents to donate gifts and bring a little extra joy to some of our local families in need.
The Mayoral Christmas Gift Appeal is a tradition in Stratford encouraging local residents to donate new or pre-loved toys and gifts in good condition.
2019/20 Annual Report and Summary available online
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- Last Updated: Friday, 20 November 2020 08:43
Stratford District Council adopted its 2019/20 Annual Report at its Ordinary Meeting in October 2020. A four page summary and the full report can be viewed online here.

Scarecrow winners announced
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- Last Updated: Thursday, 12 November 2020 07:29
Stratford district’s annual Scarecrow Trail is coming to an end this Friday 13 November, but there’s still time to jump on the trail and check out the scarecrows including our category winners!
If you haven’t already, grab a map from the Stratford i-SITE or online here.

Funding creates two new roles for Stratford Library
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- Last Updated: Wednesday, 11 November 2020 14:06
Stratford District Council has been successful in receiving funding from the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme, allowing the creation of two community focused positions within the Stratford Library.

Congratulations to Stratford's Trade Graduates
- Details
- Last Updated: Friday, 06 November 2020 15:45
On Thursday 5 November, Stratford District Council celebrated the hard work and effort that goes into achieving a qualification and skills training. The 2020 Trade Graduation Ceremony held in Council’s Chambers congratulated 20 local people who had recently completed a trade certificate.

Stratford Positive Ageing - November Forum
- Details
- Last Updated: Friday, 06 November 2020 13:40
Stratford Positive Ageing forums provide an opportunity to hear from speakers on topics important to you and connect with likeminded people.
Come along to the next Stratford Positive Ageing forum on Thursday 19 November, 10.30am to 12noon in the Stratford War Memorial Centre.
24 HOUR PHONE:
(06) 765 6099
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