A way with words p4 Wednesday, March 17, 2010
news Your lives, Your community, Your news
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Mural for martial arts master
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hose who peer round the corner of the new Piri/Tana mural on Moores Valley Rd will notice a third face, and one not so familiar to the general public, but still just as deserving. Local Tipene Rangihuna was given his own piece of immortality for his services to Maori martial arts when his depiction was painted at the same time as the two All Blacks. It also came about through his acquaintance and assistance of the mural’s artist. “I know the uncle of the guy who did the mural (Kawhena Wiringi). “He wanted a picture of the marae so I gave one to him. He then asked if I would like to be on the mural, so he took a photo of me
IMMORTALISED: Tipene Rangihuna unleashes the “toa” in him next to the mural painted in his honour at Moores Valley Road.
Photo: Jamie Adams / YW TipeneRangihuna01 100310
and there it was.” Mr Rangihuna, 59, has spent virtually all his adult life mastering martial arts, starting with karate in 1970. His background culminated in his appearance as the oldest contestant in the first series of a Maori TV reality show called Toa o Aotearoa (Warrior of New Zealand). “I wanted to have a go and test my skills.” In it he competed against nine other men in the art of Maori weaponry over a two-week period in the isolated setting of Mokoia Island, in Lake Rotorua. Contestants were required to perform a series of challenges that would determine who would combat each other with a taiaha. The loser of each fight was eliminated. Despite the fact the secondoldest competitor was 40, Mr Rangihuna finished runner-up on the show, proving his rivals’ younger athleticism couldn’t win over his experience and wisdom. The two weeks were very demanding, with 4am starts, but he would “do it all again” if asked.
A double pass to
see p2
Join the rifle see p5 club
Continued on p10
Bus timetable changes irk jamie.adams@citylifenews.co.nz Direct Dial: 587-1676
Earlybird Wainuiomata residents have been driven round the bend following changes to the bus timetable. Greater Wellington, which manages bus services in the region, made changes to its Metlink timetable on February 22, including the 160 (Wainuiomata North – Lower
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Matching families with homes
Linda Turner
564 5317 anytime
actually not supposed to drive because I suffer from anxiety and need to take medication.” The alternative would be to catch the Airport Flyer at 6.30, a ride that only takes 20 minutes. “But it costs $12 to get to Wellington on that bus.” Miss Hall says many other earlymorning commuters have had to convert to private transport, and passenger numbers are “dwindling”. Another commuter says cuts in the number of buses using the Parkway Loop – a route that incorporates Mohaka, Manutuke and Momona streets - has seriously un-
dermined the ability for residents in the area to use the 160 service. With the earliest available bus now at 7.30am, Rakaia Grove resident Ilene Kennedy now has to walk for up to 10 minutes to the nearest bus stop on Parkway. “That’s fine at the moment but once winter arrives who would want to walk all that way?” Ms Kennedy also takes exception to waiting at an unsheltered bus stop, in an area that’s not exactly safe before dawn and after dark.
Sports roundup
see p14
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PLU p14
Regular puzzles Sudoku and Crossword
Continued on p4
HAND BAGS Fabulous new seasons handbags in store NOW! BRIAN’S PHARMACY 8 The Strand, Wainuiomata Phone/Fax: 04 564 8488 Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am–5.30pm Sat 9.00am–12.30pm
076YN009-10.47/N
Jamie Adams
Hutt) service. The changes are supposed to make services more efficient and encourage more people to take public transport, but two residents say it’s had the opposite effect. Wise St resident Carol Hall says her bus used to depart from its Main Rd depot at 5.45am but now it leaves at 5.55am. The extra 10 minutes means the bus doesn’t arrive at Queensgate until about 6.25, by that stage too late for her to make her transfer to the another bus to Wellington to get to work by 7am. “I now have to drive to Queensgate to catch my 6.15. I’m
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Cook Strait News
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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MEN’s
t last, New Zealand men’s winter coats finally look appealing. The days of single-breasted, basic collar, and vertical drops from the shoulder have nearly gone, in favour of a Euro look that’s slimming, with great collars and snazzy epaulettes, and would not look out of place on an MI5 spook meeting his contact at Hyde Park. Editor Andrew Bonallack tries on some of Wellington’s best coats, and rates them on much he could look like a character from BBC’s Spooks.
for
WINTER
Illustration: Colin Kaldenbach
Rodd and Gunn, Lambton Quay Pattinson double breasted jacket
Yd, Lambton Quay Kilmer charcoal coat
This looked great on the tall manikin and even better on the six-foot salesman Eddie Griffiths, but unfortunately at five foot eight I’m not tall enough for it. The coat is named after actor Robert Pattinson, who wore something similar in the Twilight movie while he was lusting all over Bella. He’s probably the reason why grey tweed is very in. It has a massive collar that suits a bigger man, but is a bit overwhelming on me. The detail and quality workmanship is what you’d expect at Rodd and Gunn, the lining is satisfyingly heavy, and it’s very slimming. At time of press, it was on offer at $100 off.
The editor shows off this casual coat from Yd. Not as dressy as some, as they’ve gone for a dark, soft grey (40 percent wool) which looks great with jeans. The look is a bit blocky, with sharpedged shoulders that would likely soften in time. The high breast pockets – and in fact the entire garment - mimics a US Marine dress uniform. Ideal for the shorter man.
Price: $240
Price: $499
Spooks factor: 4/10
Farrys Menswear, Willis St Full Circle Precism double breasted coat
Country Road, Lambton Quay Standard pea coat
If you can’t afford a Ted Baker or Hugo Boss, and not many of us can, this is still a stunning coat. Okay, expensive, but this is what you go to Farrys for. The jacket is threequarter length and probably the warmest coat I tried on that day. The 80 percent wool is soft, the lining is quality, and any man, tall or short, would look seriously easy on the eye in this piece. It looks especially good worn open and casual.
This is one of the nicest classic pea coats I’ve come across, and I would include items I’ve seen overseas. Pea coats look fantastic either open or closed, and this particular one, besides feeling great, looks fabulous on a man with a tie, or casual with a scarf. The classic naval coat flaps are done to perfection with this item. You’ll be lucky to get your hands on one – this was the last one in the store. Hopefully they’ll get more.
Price: $329
Spooks factor: 9/10
Gordons Outdoors, Cuba St Icebreaker Coastal Outpost
Hallensteins, Willis St Thomas Black double breasted coat
Sales manager Matty Popplewell shows how sharp this particular number from Barkers is. Since their latest campaign is clothing for the All Blacks, it’s not surprising the coat has room for the broad shoulders while emphasizing the slim waist. The adjustable waist band, for the larger gentleman, is a handy feature and actually looks good on the coat. All in all, it’s a nice looker for both short and tall men.
Icebreaker have finally come up some dressy winter coats that don’t look like something you’d wear to Alpha Hut in the Tararuas. The Outpost jacket isn’t cheap, but hey, it’s 100 percent merino wool, and you can see where they’ve spent the money. The shortlength, lightweight jacket has a classic collar, slightly exaggerated in size, nice epaulettes, and a slim, classic look without too many zips and flaps. The grey trim and collar strap are nice casual touches, and the warm pockets are deep.
This is a very long coat and rather full, but is very pleasing on the eye with an attractive looking collar and epaulettes. It looks great worn open as a casual coat, and pretty warm at 60 percent wool. It would probably suit a solid build – you’d lose a skinny bloke in it – but would work very well over a suit. At time of press Hallensteins were knocking $50 off their stock, so stop in.
Price $359
Price $955
Spooks factor 4/10
Barkers, Lambton Quay Double-breasted pea-coat
Spooks factor: 6/10
Spooks factor: 7/10
Price: $479
Spooks factor: 7/10
Price: $299
Spooks factor: 8/10
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Wainuiomata News
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
No Regrets
ANZAC DAY
‘Lest we forget’
Anzac Day is a time to reflect on New Zealand’s involvement in military conflict throughout the 20th century. One Wainuiomata veteran who served in the NZ Army in World War 2 is Jim Morgan. Jamie Adams caught up with him.
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member of the NZ Army Expeditionary Forces, Jim served as a driver and gunner as part of the 2nd NZ Division that went to North Africa and Europe in the latter part of World War 2. The esteemed Major-General Bernard Freyberg, whom Jim never met but did briefly see in person, led that division. Jim was just 16 (and underage) when he joined the army in 1940. “My parents found out and I was discharged. I had to get their consent to rejoin as you had to be at least 20.” He began as a telephone operator at Trentham Army Camp before joining the infantry at Papakura. Itching to get out and see the world, he was still in his teens when he joined the 4th Field Regiment (the 10th reinforcement of NZ troops) and went abroad to fight the Axis. After six weeks by boat he and his squad landed at Camp Meena in Egypt where they were stationed for three months to fight in the Western Desert campaign. “While I was there an advert came through that (the NZ army) was looking for a driver to help over in Italy.” Although he’d never driven anything except for a motorbike, Jim put his hand up and was deployed across the Mediterranean to Bari, southern Italy. “They found out I couldn’t drive, so they turned me back into a gunner,” Mr Morgan laughs, though he did do some despatching duties via motorbike. At the time of his arrival in 1944 the epic Battle of Monte Cassino had ended and Jim had joined the British 8th Army group in the “Race to Trieste”, a campaign to prevent
DASHING: Gunner Jim Morgan in full regalia.
Photo: Supplied
sion to help pay for medical fees.” Born in Scotland, Jim came to New Zealand at the age of four, living in Wellington before being stationed in Auckland prior to serving abroad. He married soon after returning to New Zealand and being discharged from the army in 1947. He and his wife Merle lived in a transit camp in Miramar in the early 1950s before shifting to Karori. They moved to Wainuiomata in 1995. Having never missed a Dawn Parade, Jim appreciates the fact more children are coming to them on Anzac Day. “Sometimes there’s more kids than returned servicemen.”
Some facts about NZ’s involvement in World War 2:
ADVENTURE: Gunner Jim Morgan on horseback Photo: Supplied while in Egypt, 1943. Yugoslavia leader Joseph Tito taking over the city in the north-eastern corner of the country. Although the Fascist regime had been toppled, German occupation was still rife, and the young soldier was frequently out in the firing ranges as the company made its way up the Adriatic coast. “I saw a number of my own killed.” Despite the horrors of war, he formed friendships with troops from the Australian, US and British armies that fought alongside NZ, and says the Italian civilians “were very good to us”. By the time he arrived in Trieste the war was over, but Jim spent another year in Italy. “I volunteered to go to Japan because my brother was there. While I
About 140,000 troops were initially deployed overseas, including 104,000 in the NZ Expeditionary Force to Europe By the time the war had finished more than 200,000 NZ men and women had served in the armed forces A total of 11,928 New Zealanders lost their lives while in service Post-war calculations indicate New Zealand’s ratio of killed per million of population (at 6684) was the highest in the Commonwealth (with Britain at 5123 and Australia, 3232) In the critical years of 1942-44 nearly 50 percent of national income was spent on the war effort
THOUGHTFUL: World War 2 veteran Jim Morgan, reflects on his days defending the Allies.
Photo: Jamie Adams/ YW WarVeteran01 130410
was waiting for the transfer to come through they were calling for volunteers for grave registration (in Italy). “You went round digging up the dead, putting blankets on them and burying them at military cemeteries. It wasn’t my cup of tea but I did it.” Constant gunfire took its toll on Jim’s hearing. An operation on his ears later in life couldn’t save one of
them. “We had no earmuffs in those days. I’m now totally deaf in my left ear.” However he has no regrets about going to war. “The army has been very good to me. They put me through motorcycle and driving courses and helped me and my wife buy our first house. I also get 40 percent extra on my war pen-
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PETER TAPP Panel & Paint
ANZAC DAY The Wainuiomata Marae would like to extend an invitation to all friends and families of veterans who fought in the 1st and 2nd World Wars and all past and present wars to walk with us in the Anzac Day Parade on 25 April 2010. Dress code: black and white.
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Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm
Friday 23rd April
Please contact Linda Olsen 564-8395 or 0274 393 413 for more information or meet at BP, Fraser Street at 10.45am.
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If wet, will be held in War Memorial Hall Queen St. 111YN005-10/47.H
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Cook Strait News
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
TRAMPING
KIDS
P
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NEWS BRIEFS Competition
The winners of CityLife’s L’OrÊal Youth Code Pack are Diane Reynolds, Whitby; Brig Hammond, Ngaio; Elizabeth Parlakchief, Wainuiomata; V. McKechnie, Seatoun; Elise Hartley, Paraparaumu.
Council Draft Plan
Wellington City Council confirmed its 2010/11 draft Annual Plan for consultation. The plan includes some initiatives to help Wellington prepare for and make the most of next year’s Rugby World Cup. If it is approved, the plan will result in an overall average real rates increase of 2.88 percent, which is the lowest for the commercial and residential sectors for seven years. Wellingtonians can find out more and make submissions on the plan from April 9 to May 10. At the same time, the Council will seek comment on its draft 2010 Climate Change Action Plan and draft Community Facilities Policy and implementation plans.
Flu Vaccine for Pregnant Women with Asthma
Pregnant women with asthma have a much greater risk of severe complications from influenza and are advised to receive an immunisation. According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand who had the swine flu were 13 times more likely to become critically ill and be admitted to the hospital, and those with a respiratory condition such as asthma faced an even greater risk
School of Rock
Take part in the Wellingotn School of Rock’s first songwriters’ competition on Saturday April 10, for rock entrepreneurs aged eight to 17. Prospective songwriters need to register at songwritercompetition@gmail.com with their name, age, school, contact number and 100 words about themselves and their music. Registration costs $5. The age groups are split into two categories 8-12 and 13-17. Competition prizes include a live spot along side iconic New Zealand songwriter John Hanlon and Cherry Gemstone. Members of the public are welcome to come see these future stars perform from 1pm 10th of April.
ink bunny, fluffy pink blanket, pamol ‌ surely those aren’t essential tramping items? Well, that’s what we had in the pack as Shaun and I headed off into the Orongorongo Valley on the first overnight Lewis Family tramp. With Finn (7) and Blake (5) carrying their own sleeping bags, Kate (2) skipped off in her pink fairy dress and sparkly shoes - insisting she was dressed appropriately for the occasion. It’s something we’d been longing to do – to introduce our children to our love of the New Zealand bush. Finally, we thought we were ready. It’s a two hour walk into Oaks Hut, a DOC maintained facility nestled beside the Orongorongo River. It took us three, probably due to the many chocolate stops rather than the speed of the walking. We were also slowed by mud on the
Wellington’s Lynley Lewis has always loved tramping. Will it be the same with three small children? fairy dress and the extensive negotiations which followed, finally resulting in a change of pink clothes. The boys walked well, Kate only needed carrying for about the last hour. When we reached the Orongorongo River everyone was tired. Shaun and I had previously agreed that if the river was over knee height we wouldn’t cross, but turn around and walk out again. Thankfully it was just over the ankle, and we piggybacked the kids over. Oaks Hut was just as expected. Long drop toilet, bunks, gas cooking and running cold water. Best of all, it had resident keruru who constantly soared from tree to tree
around us. There was also a beautifully tall rata with a tarzan vine. After the kids worked out how to swing on it without smacking into the trunk it was a constant source of fun. Dinner, sleep, possum fights on the roof ‌ then breakfast and off again. It took three hours to return, but this time Kate needed carrying nearly all the way. Thankfully the first aid kit was only used once. We had anticipated blisters, insect bites or stings, even the odd grazed knee. But no – it was a freak accident with a collapsible frisbee the kids found. A thin wire from round the outside embedded itself in Blake’s forehead. Go figure.
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For information on huts in the Orongorongo Valley visit http://www. doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/ For tramping and river crossing safety info visit http://www.mountainsafety. org.nz/
ď Ž
Lynley Lews is a Community Education Centre night class student studying journalism practices
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he highlights? For Finn, the river crossings; for Blake, the chocolate; for Kate - nothing, she doesn’t want to tramp ever again. But for Shaun and I we loved (nearly) every minute. No TV, no computer, no iPod, no toys – just 100% pure New Zealand experience. The Lewis Family tramping trip number two won’t be too far away. Maybe next time we’ll even try it under canvas‌ if we can squeeze a tent in the pack.
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Music by Mozart, Judy Bailey, Stuart Greenbaum, Arvo Pärt & Schumann
Illustration: Colin Kaldenbach
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Wainuiomata News
Main pipe upgrade means Main Rd delays
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Fifty-six years after its establishment, the Wainuiomata Baths Funds Trust officially wound up with a farewell function on February 27.
Drivers should expect some disruption along Main Rd over the next few months as Greater Wellington replaces 300m of the main water supply pipeline. It will also mean some trees will be removed as part of the $850,000 project, which aims to improve the security of Wellington’s water supply in a major earthquake. As well as Wainuiomata, the pipeline is the principal supplier of water for Wellington city. In 2003 a geotechnical report commissioned by Greater Wellington identified that the current water supply pipe is likely to fail in a major earthquake, as the site on Wainuiomata’s Main Road where the pipe crosses with Black Creek is prone to liquefaction. This is when solid ground becomes loose and takes on a liquid quality due to strong shaking. “The current pipe has served the community extremely well – it’s 125 years old and is still supplying top grade water to our region’s four cities,” says Murray Kennedy, General Manager of Greater Wellington’s Utilities and Services Group. “However, the upgrade of the Black Creek section is critical for future proofing our water supply system and increasing the community’s resilience in a major earthquake.” Work began in the first week of March and will go for up to 10 weeks, between 83 Main Road and the carpark behind Louise Bilderbeck Hall. Greater Wellington’s contractors will replace the 750mm diameter old pipe with a 900mm diameter fully-welded steel pipe that is more likely to withstand a major earthquake and is designed to hang like a snake if liquefaction occurs. As well as the old pipe, the new pipe will replace a parallel pipe that dates back to the 1920s, once it reaches the end of its life. Traffic disruptions will be kept to a minimum but there will be one lane of traffic each way along Main Road. While access to all properties, driveways and footpaths will be maintained, bus stops outside 90 and 93 Main Road have been relocated a short distance. A small number of trees in Williams Jones Park are currently on top or near the pipeline and will need to be removed. Replacement trees will be planted away from the pipeline, in consultation with Hutt City Council. Mr Kennedy says water supply to properties won’t be affected as the parallel pipe will be used to maintain water supply throughout the duration of the project. Greater Wellington will continue to upgrade the main pipeline, with replacements in less vulnerable areas over the next 10 years.
FINE FAREWELL: Members of the Wainuiomata Baths Fund Charitable Trust and others celebrate the winding up of the trust. Behind the cake are Dulcie Langridge, the first treasurer of the Wainuiomata Swimming Club, and Pat Fitzgerald, Photo: Supplied the first president of the fundraising committee.
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round 80 people from as far as Gisborne turned up to a farewell function held at the Wainuiomata Pool to celebrate the achievements of the Wainuiomata Civic Charitable Trust. Many of those present were originally involved in the fundraising efforts that captured the hearts of Wainuiomata residents who gave so generously to build the community swimming pool. Some of the volunteers had not seen each other for over 30 years. The trust, originally known as the Wainuiomata Swimming Club was founded in 1958, and later established the Baths Fundraising Committee, to raise funds to build the outdoor pool. A number of the attendees reminisced about some of the fundraising efforts. Malcolm Vincent said Saturday night raffle selling became a regular part of life for many of the volunteers. “One of the main raffles was a new car and that was in the days when you had to have a special licence to import a new car in to New Zealand. It was a Hillman Hunter which was a very flash car back then.” Peter Lesley said a lot of preparation
went into Christmas parades that drew in a lot of cash. “The parades in those day lasted nearly all day. Santa would push a wheelbarrow around the streets and people would throw donations into it. “That same wheelbarrow was also pushed all the way over to Hutt and around many of the pubs in the Hutt encouraging patrons to donate or buy raffle tickets.” Hutt City Councillor Ray Wallace thanked, on behalf of the council, all the volunteers for their outstanding effort. “It is a privilege to attend the function with people who had worked so hard to make the pool a reality. You all had such great vision and leave a wonderful legacy for Wainuiomata. Your efforts have produced the best outdoor pool in the region. It was the best when it was built and it’s still the best.” Former Hutt County councillor and trust member Reg Moore says the trust made the decision to wind up due to dwindling funds and membership. With the facility complete and maintained by the council, a fundrais-
ing charity was no longer necessary. Mr Moore said with the entrance foyer to the pool to be upgraded next year, it would be fitting to include a display recognizing the history of the pool and all those that had made it possible, as part of the foyer upgrade. As a tribute many of the ex-trustees afterwards had a beer at the Palliser Hotel, the pub that used to be known as the Empire Hotel, where the first discussion about creating a pool was made. The final act of the trust was fittingly generous. On the same day as the function, up to 1500 children turned up to the pool to take advantage of free access paid for by the trust.
SHOWING OFF: Tom Kiernan was one of the hundreds of patrons who took advantage of the free open day at the Wainuiomata Pool. Photo: Daryl New / YW BathsFund02 sdn
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Independent Herald
Sort out your
NEWS BRIEFS
C LUTT ER
Paparangi Scouts Need Leaders
With their ever-expanding troop numbers they are in need of leaders. They are looking for both male and female leaders for their Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. Being a leader is a great opportunity to contribute to the community, it requires a commitment of two hours a week and participation in some weekend activities. An interest in the outdoors, a sense of adventure and enthusiasm is ideal. The Paparangi Scout Troop has a great support structure including a strong committee, a committed set of leaders and adventurous outdoor-focused programme. More info: Group Leader Tony Gray, 971 8276.
Mobile emergency alerts
The Wellington Emergency Management Office (WEMO) has a new text alert system which will help warn people about emergencies, like an approaching tsunami. The Twitterbased service is free, and signing up will cost four text messages at the standard rate. People who already have a Twitter account can follow @wemonz and allow tweets from WEMO to be sent to your mobile. For non-Twitter users, text the word ‘start’ to 8987, wait for a reply, then text ‘signup’, followed by a unique username. Then text ‘follow WemoNZ’. More info: 460 0650, wemo@wcc.govt.nz or Wellington.govt. nz.
Reunion
A class reunion for students from Roxburgh District High School (now Roxburgh Area School) in the South Island is planned for Labour Weekend. The reunion is for students who were in Form 3 in 1954, Form 4 in 1955, Form 5 in 1956 and 1957. Those interested in the reunion can contact Jean Dance (nee Gordon) at jdance@xtra.co.nz.
Volunteers needed
Samaritans are looking for collectors for their Annual Street Appeal on August 20 and 21. Collecting areas are Wellington, Kilbirnie, Karori and Johnsonville. More info: Jo Miller on 472 3676 or marketing@samaritans.org.nz.
Budgeting advice
The Johnsonville Citizens’ Advice Bureau Budget Advice team would like more volunteers to help out. People who can spare two hours a week or each fortnight can get involved, and six days’ free training will be provided over a period of nine weeks. More info: Henry Yeoh, 478 5690.
NATURALLY TIDY: Galit Maxwell, Karori, says de-cluttering is a great way to move forward and create an enjoyable living space. Photo: Supplied / NW sortyourclutter sup.
Kate Bleasdale kate.bleasdale@citylifenews.co.nz
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Direct Dial: 587-1675
aving a de-cluttered space can also mean a clearer mindset, says professional organiser Galit Maxwell. The Karori resident recently started her own business, Sort Your Clutter, to help people make their home a more welcoming environment. An artist who works with ceramics a lot, Ms Maxwell says people expect her workshop to be a messy and cluttered place, but that’s not the case. “I’ve been tidy all my life, I’ve always liked the organised and pleasant environment. “As an artist, I apply composition in the house, playing with colours as well.” She says a big problem many people have is holding on to bits and pieces they don’t need.
Illustration: Colin Kaldenbach
Tips for living a de-cluttered life Have one place for your keys Use one diary or calendar for all your activities Organise the clothes in your wardrobe according to colour Don’t keep too many plastic
“It can be emotionally very hard for people to let go of things. They feel so much safer when they’re surrounded by stuff.” A reason for this can be keeping items that were presents that people are too guilty to give away, or holding on to things they think could be used again in the future. Ms Maxwell says a home should be full of things that mean something to the people living in it. “If something doesn’t mean anything to you then let it go.”
containers In the kitchen, keep your mugs, tea and coffee close to your kettle
More info:
sortyourclutter.com
Helping people clear up their home is “satisfying”, says Ms Maxwell. “You really feel like you help people lead a better life; they’re more in control.” When clutter starts to build up, she says people might buy more of items they already have because they can’t find them. Advertising is also a big driver for amassing clutter, constantly driving people to think they need the newest gadgets.
As well as sorting out rooms, Ms Maxwell works on wardrobes, garages and can help to prepare a house for renovations or to be sold. She says some kitchens can be absolutely full to the brim of unnecessary items, like piles of plastic containers and expired food. “It’s unhealthy for people to live like that.”