Histories

Edward and Charles Grigg published the first newspaper in the Wairarapa district, the Wairarapa Mercury, printing three issues a week commencing on 5 January 1867. Journalist and editor Richard Wakelin edited the Wairarapa Mercury for three years and in 1872 later took over the business, and changed its name to the Wairarapa Standard first issue 17 August 1872. Wakelin wrote with much vigor till a short time before his death in 1881.
This newspaper ceased publishing due to a major fire on 31 March 1937

Two of Richard Wakelin's brothers, Thomas & George, also migrated to NZ with their families a few years later.

Click here for connection to Thomas Wakelin