11 October Wainuiomata News

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Frank Neill wainui@wsn.co.nz

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Eight years in the making

Continued from page 1

“It’s been eight years in the making,” the designer of the new sign, Tamariki Ferguson said at the official reveal.

The two carved pou, he said, “represent the spiritual guardians of the community. They also pay homage to the tangata whenua of our community.”

The pou were carved by Tiaki Puketapu-Dahm. The three green curved lines on the sign represent the rivers and creeks that run through the valley – Wainuiomata Stream, the Wainuiomata River and Black Creek.

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The hill shaped top represents the hills that surround Wainuiomata and the brushed steel plate represents the contemporary way forward.

In his speech Tamariki thanked Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator Anaru Ryall for his “unrelenting drive to get this project finished”.

occurred “back in 2015,” Hutt City’s Mayor Campbell Barry said.

When the judging team looked at the entries “Tamariki’s looked so good in comparison with all the others.”

The new sign, the Mayor said “will stand the test of time I am sure.”

In his preesentation Anaru paid tribute to the many people who have been involved in the project. These include:

the weather elements); did the signwriting;

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Tiaki also thanked Anaru “for getting all this under way, and all the people who did the work before him.”

“I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to carve the pou,” he said – a task that took him two years.

A number of other carvers, including student carvers, were also involved – including Ihaia Puketapu and some of his students.

“Thank you to all the carvers who participated,” Tiaki said. The competition to design a new welcome sign for Wainuiomata

After the judges selected four finalists, these were presented to the community to vote on.

“Tamariki’s design won the community vote and the work started from there.

“It took a little bit longer than we expected – but good things take time,” the Mayor said.

He acknowledged all the people who had contirbuted to the project, including the former Love Wainuiomata Co-ordinator Esther Venning.

“This has truly been a Wainuiomata effort.”

the Chair Lisa Black and Anaru’s predecessor Esther Venning; the design competition in 2015 and designed the sign; carver;

Wainuiomata company that fabricated the steel sign;

and his team of Wainuiomatabased builders who installed the sign over the two weeks before the blessing and reveal (battling

Commercial Signals for installing the lighting so the sign is illuminated at night time; and local kaum tua for conducting the karakia.

Anaru also thanked the local MPs, City councillors, Community Board members and community leaders for their support.

The four heads of the pou, Anaru said, represent Pukeatua, Remutaka, Orongorongo and Turakirae – all landmarks that overlook Wainuiomata.

The other designs at the bottom half of the Pou represent the diverse cultures in Wainuiomata.

High likelihood of big earthquake

“There’s a high likelihood—a 75% chance—of a magnitude 8 earthquake on the Alpine Fault in the next 50 years,” says Associate Professor Jamie Howarth, from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

significantly change the state of stress in decades of more large quakes.”

A major research project investigating Zealand will face an increased risk of more large earthquakes following the next big shake has secured $12,670,372 in funding.

The project will explore the likelihood that a large earthquake could set the scene for decades of further massive shakes, Associate Professor Howarth says. As part of the project, researchers will investigate the pattern and frequency of previous large earthquake sequences,

using lake sediment records that reveal earthquake activity up to 10,000 years in the past.

“This data will help inform computer simulations of earthquake processes, dramatically improving our ability to forecast future quake sequences and understand thenities,” Associate Professor Howarth says.

Associate Professor Caroline Orchiston, from the University of Otago, is co-leading the research with Associate Professor Howarth.

“By giving us better information about the likelihood of future quakes, this projectmates and help inform decision making so we can minimise costs from these events, potentially saving billions of dollars,” she says.

The research will begin this month and run for five years.

Country concert on Sunday

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata Pioneer Church is hosting a Country and Western concert at the church on Sunday 15 October.

Everybody is welcome at the concert, which begins at 6:30pm and entry is by donation.

The concert will feature many well known artists, all of whom were formerly members of the Wainuiomata Country and Western Club.

This club has now unfortunately ceased

operation, doing so in the same year that it turned 40, having been launched on 6 February 1983.

This is the second Country and Western concert the club has held this year.

The first was held on 19 March when the club’s nine singers, along with the instrumentalists, performed 16 numbers to an appreciative audience.

That concert saw the club raise the most money for the Pioneer Church since it began running concerts at the historic venue.

Just some of the many people who attended the reveal of the new Welcome to Wainuiomata sign. Photo: Frank Neill.

Q: What are three things you can’t live without?

Local rider performs outstandingly

By Frank Neill

Young Wainuiomata motorcycle rider Zack Furniss surprised many people with just how well he rode in three trial events in Australia recently.

Often riding against much more experienced riders, Zack finished his Australian campaign, where he represented New Zealand, with three fourth placings.

At just 11 years old Zack was the youngest rider in the team of five from New Zelaand, and he has received many favourable comments on is showing.

Zack placed fourth in the South Australian Trials Champs in Tungkillo on 23 and 24 September. This was a great result, given that he was competing against riders of all ages and was getting used to a strange bike in foreign conditions and 30 degree heat.

He again placed fourth in the Midweek X-Treme Trial at Mt Pleasant on 27 September.

This was a unique event with some

of the sections on rocks while others were man-made.

Again Zach was against riders of all ages and the scores were tight. He was beaten by three adult riders.

In the main event, the Oceania Trials Championship at Eden Valley on the weekend of the 30 September and 1 October, Zack once again finished fourth.

This was against Junior riders from throughout Australia and the competition was tough. It could have gone either way but a couple of minor mistakes on day one cost Zack.

In a very close competition, Australia won the Oceania title, beating New Zealand 1140108.

“We believe he is fully capable of winning his class and are hoping he can compete again next year when the Australian Championships will be in Victoria,” his father, Wayne Furniss, says.

Zack is now focused on the New Zealand National Trials Championship, which will be held in Tauranga on Labour weekend.

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Zack Furniss wearing the sash he received for finishing fourth in the Oceania Trials Championship. Photo: Supplied.

Zack Furniss in action in Australia. Photo: Supplied.

Streets for People drop-in

By Frank Neill

Hutt City Council will hold its second drop-in session to hear feedback on the Wainuiomata Maru – Streets for People project tomorrow, 12 October.

The session will be held at the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub between 10am and 4pm.

People can also send their feedback or questions to the council at

wainuistreets@huttcity.govt.nz by 5pm, Monday 16 October.

The council is seeking feeback on the latest plans, which it revised following trials held in May this year.

Once it has analysed the community feedback, the council will develop a semi-permanent design for the project.

This is expected to be in place over the next few years as the council progresses towards a permanent

design.

Once the semi-permanent design is in place, the council will check in with the community again over the 2023-24 summer.

The Maru – Streets for People project aims to make it feel safer, more inviting and accessible for residents of all ages to walk, skate, scooter or bike through the area and to spend time in public spaces.

Key features of the project are:

the south side of Konini Street, restricting parking during peak times of school drop-off and pick-up;

increase visibility of/for pedestrians and reduce congestion;

to reduce crossing distance for pedestrians and slow traffic down;

to reduce speeds;

near laneways on Totara Street, Karamu Street and Hinau Grove to indicate safe points to cross the road; and

point at the end of Rata Street.

More information about the project is on the council’s website, at www. huttcity.govt.nz/council/our-projects/ streets-for-people/semi-permanentdesign.

Croquet club celebrates 30 years

The Wainuiomata Croquet Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with a very successful afternoon on 4 October.

Between 20 and 30 people attended the celebration, including local MPs Ginny Andersen and Chris Bishop, Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown and guest Clive Cannon from Clive’s Chemist.

The club’s Patron, Ray Wallace, also attended, along with four foundation members of the club. Joyce Jones, Betty Nicholson, Margaret Engelbretson and Janice Harrington were original members and are still active in the club today. The celebration began with some fun games of croquet, followed by the formal speeches and then afternoon tea.

The birthday celebration also

marked the start of the 2023-24 croquet season, which will run to April next year.

Mayor Barry ran the first hoop of the season. Chris Bishop and Ray Wallance then followed up by running hoops.

During this time the Wainuiomata club will host two Wellington regional croquet tournaments, one in mid February and the second in March.

The club holds free coaching sessions between 11am and noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“Anyone who is interesting in becoming a member is welcome to come down and have a try,” says the club’s President, Lesley McSharry.

“The club is looking for new members both young and old.”

For more information email croquetwainui@gmail.com.

Election Day on Saturday

By Frank Neill

It’s time to vote. Election Day is Saturday 14 October.

This is the day that comes around every three years when New Zealanders elect who will represent them in Parliament.

Everyone who is old enough to vote is encouraged to do so. There are five voting places in

Wainuiomata and they will be open for voting between 9am and 7pm.

Whether you are registered on the General Roll or the M ori Roll you can vote at any of the five Wainuiomata polling places.

They are localed at:

Wellington Road;

School, 66 Konini Street;

Parkway; 1 Homedale Road; and Hall, 1 Queen Street. The polling station at the Wainuiomata War Memorial Hall is also open for early voting on the three days before the election –

11 and Thursday 12 October and between 9am and 3:30pm on Friday 13 October

“If you were enrolled at your current address by 10 September, we’ll send you an EasyVote pack,” The Electoral Commission says.

“Your EasyVote pack includes information on how to vote, who the candidates are, and where you can vote.

“It also includes an EasyVote card that you can take to the voting place to make voting easier. “However, you don’t need your EasyVote card to vote.

“If you don’t have one, staff at the voting place will ask for your name and address and look you up on the electoral roll to make sure you receive the correct voting papers when you vote.”

Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen lining up a shot to hit the peg, marking the finish of a croquet match. Photo: Supplied.

Mayor Campbell Barry runs the first hoop to start the new croquet season.

Photo: Supplied.

New book details proud League history

By Frank Neill

Part of the proud history of the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club features in a new book.

“Rugby League in New Zealand – A People’s History” by Ryan Bodman has just been published by Bridget Williams Books.

Such well known figures as Ken Laban, Kara Puketapu and John Lomax feature in the book, along with the club itself.

“During the 1990s, Wainuiomata Rugby League Club was a powerful force on and off the field, serving as a vehicle for community unity and Wainuiomata pride,” the books notes.

“Wainuiomata won the Wellington Rugby League premiership in 1989, 1991 and 1992.”

In the face of hardships resulting from industrial closures in the Hutt Valley “the Wainuiomata Lions emerged as the dominant club in

New Zealand Rugby League.

“This on-field strength was built upon the foundations of community cohesion and Wainuiomata pride.

“’The Lions helped bring M ori and Pacific peoples together,’ explained Ken Laban, a New Zealand-born Samoan who captained the club’s premier side from 1987 to 1990.”

Kara Puketapu, of Te ti Awa descent was behind this sense of community cohesion, the book notes.

“’Kara ... was the coach, consultant, advisor, father figure, club matua [and] mentor,’ said Laban.”

It was his vision that ‘the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club would be the vehicle by which everybody would be connected’.

“Guided by this vision, the Wainuiomata Lions developed into something much more than just a sports club.

“It was a place where the com-

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munity gathered, socialised and addressed the challenges they faced in their own ways.”

And this is just a taste of the book’s excellent reporting on the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club. That includes a photo of front rower John Lomax celebrating the Lions 25-18 victory over Northcote Tigers in the 1992 Lion Red Cup final.

Author Ryan Bodman is an historian with an MA in history from the University of Auckland. This book is based on years of research and interactions with clubs, players and fans across Aotearoa.

It traces the history of Rugby League from its introduction to New Zealand in 1907.

Already lauded as “one of the very best books ever produced on the history of sport in New Zealand”, Ryan Bodman’s “Rugby League in New Zealand” shows why Rugby League is so much more than a game.

To the Editor

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication. The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@wsn.co.nz or drop in to our office at 23 Broderick Road, Johnsonville.

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails. Letters/Opinions not necessarily those of the Wainuiomata News management.

Pioneer Church

It has been quoted recently that I was the person who "launched the initiative to restore the Pioneer Church".

I am certainly very proud to have been involved with the restoration of our lovely little Church. However, I am only one of a

very small group of Wainuiomata residents who have achieved this. Our committee has worked tirelessly over the last eleven years and are all equally deserving of these accolades. My sincere thanks to all of them.

Joyce Lockyer

Yoko ... (3)

20. Diplomacy (4)

22. Quandary (7)

24. Crown of flowers (6)

26. Water barrier (3)

28. Steeple part (5)

29. Omen (7)

32. Old Roman language (5)

33. Belgium town (3)

34. Sphere (3)

35. Meadow (3)

36. Deserts’ fertile area (5)

37. N. American deer (7)

38. Naming words (5)

39. Goad (3)

41. Aristocracy (6)

42. Infatuations(inf) (7)

44. Continent (4)

47. Donkey (3)

49. Womans riding style (10)

51. Precious stone (8)

55. Surpass (3,2)

56. Alfresco (4,3)

57. Respond (5)

58. Controls (9)

59. Los Angeles suburb (9) DOWN

1. Endeavour (7)

2. Curves (5)

3. Plaid (6)

4. Academy award statuette (5)

5. Type (4)

6. Stiff linen fabric (7)

7. On fire (6)

8. Canadian Province (12)

9. Assumed name (5)

10. Affectionate utterances (11)

15. Drunkard (3)

16. Final part(music) (4)

19. Shooting star (6)

21. Vivid red (7)

23. Collision (6)

25. Byways (7)

26. Eating utensil (7,5)

27. Inundation (6)

28. Buffet (11)

30. Lanka (3)

31. Lady superior(monastery) (6)

40. Quickly(Abbr) (4)

43. Hair curlers (7)

44. Deciduous timber tree (3)

45. Turned away (7)

46. Skilful (6)

48. Athletic (6)

50. Fact (5)

52. By ear (5)

53. Its’ capital is Boise (5)

54. Vow (4) Solution

Last Week: 4 October 2023

Wainuiomata’s Ken Laban lifts the national Rugby League club competition trophy, the Lion Red Cup, following the Lions 34-12 win over Otahuhu in the 1990 final at Carlaw Park. Piri Weepu, the Wainuiomata born future All Black is standing on Ken’s left. Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library.

Ulalei bringing summer Football here

Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport is promoting the beautiful game of Football (soccer) to Wainuiomata’s tamariki with a fun day on 21 October, the Saturday of Labour Weekend.

The fun day will be followed by the first all-primary school competition which will run over summer at Wise Park.

The fun day is for children of M ori and Pasifika descent, a group where the playing numbers across all age groups in football in Aotearoa are low.

Addressing this is something that is long overdue says event organiser Katrina Barclay.

“Many of us have always known that our M ori and Pasifika tamariki have the natural attributes to excel at football but for many reasons like cost and other winter sports, we have never seen high playing numbers at club level.

“That is what this fun day is about – to start turning that stat around.”

The fun day will act as Ulalei’s launchpad into Wainuiomata’s first all-primary school competition, which is open to all children and all of the suburb’s primary schools including

Wainuiomata Intermediate.

The competition will use the popular Fun Football format which was introduced by New Zealand Football in 2015 for those new to the game.

“This competition is not only great for our tamariki and the game of football, but it adds to the strong wave of rejuvenation and revitalisation that is occurring in Wainuiomata right now,” says organiser Scott McLeod.

“It’s fantastic that our families won’t need to make the trek over the hill for events like this.”

Parents can register their tamariki for the fun day by contacting Ulalei at ulaleiwainuisport@gmail.com or via Instagram @ulaleiwainuisport.

Children can register for the summer football competition via their school’s sports co-ordinator.

Ulalei acknowledges the fantastic support from Hapai te Hauora (Maori Public Health), Nuku Ora (via Tu Manawa), Impact Legal Solicitors, Capital Football, One Foundation, Reids Family Lawyers and Justice Paul Radich KC.

Wainui players make semi-final

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata Rugby players Peter UmagaJensen and Ruben Love are due to see more National Provincial Championship Rugby action.

The two are members of the Wellington Lions team that qualified for the semi-final after defeating Waikato 32-28 at Sky Stadium on 7 October.

The Lions looked in a comfortable position when they led 25-7 at half time.

However Waikato came back strongly in the second half to come within striking distance of the hosts.

They then launched attack after attack during the last four minutes of the match in

Free junior cricket this season

By Frank Neill

Junior cricketers can play for free this season with the Wainuiomata Cricket Club.

The club is able to offer free cricket for all tamariki for the 2023/24 season thanks to its sponsors providing the funds.

The sponsors are Des Smith of Ray White Real Estate, Kerney Brothers, Design and Build Homes Ltd and Ninox Construction.

Not only will there be no cost to membership, but the club’s coaches

a bid to overhaul the Lions total.

The Lions defence held them at bay, however, allowing them to clinch their semifinal spot.

The Wellington Lions will meet Hawke’s Bay in the second semi-final, which will be played at Sky Stadium on 14 October. Kick off is at 7:05pm.

The Lions will be seeking a different result from their last encounter with Hawke’s Bay, when they lost 2018 on 30 September.

That is the only loss the Lions have suffered this season, and it also saw them lose their tenure on the Ranfurly Shield.

Taranaki will meet Canterbury in the first semi-final at Yarrow Stadium on 13 October. Kick off is also at 7:05pm.

Cat desexing and microchipping planned

By Frank Neill

Mandatory microchipping and desexing of cats is being proposed by Hutt City Council. Amendments to include cats in the council’s Control of Animals Bylaw were adopted by the council on 3 October.

The council is now consulting on the proposed changes, which are currently open for submissions.

Submissions can be made any time until 5pm on 6 November.

The three key proposals are:

cats on the New Zealand Companion

“These changes would help to reduce feral cat populations and make it easier to reunite lost cats with their people,” the council says.

“We want to ensure our beloved moggies aren’t causing harm to wildlife, and managing numbers by desexing will reduce the number of domestic and feral cats in Lower Hutt.

“Desexing also has welfare benefits for the desexed animal such as being less aggressive and less prone to urine and scent marking behaviour.”

In addition, the changes would reduce the risk of disease transmission, the council says.

To help develop the proposed bylaw amentments Hutt City Council sought feedback from the SPCA, local cat rescue organisations and the council’s animal control team.

“Feeback received supports the proposal,” the council says.

“Several councils in New Zealand have similar bylaws regulating the keeping of cats.

“It should also be noted that in August this year the government’s Environment Select Committee recommended to government that it mandate the registration and desexing of cats nationwide.”

Following the public consultation and the analysis of submissions, the council is scheduled to deliberate on the proposed amendments and adopt an amended bylaw in March 2024.

will also provide playing gear for all the young players on Saturdays and at training.

Tamariki of any age are welcome and new players are also welcome. Registrations are also open for all grades of cricket.

The Wainuiomata Cricket Club offers a variety of options, including men’s (both social and competitive), women’s and T 20 as well as the juniors.

Both older and younger cricketers can register to play at https://www.playhq.com/new-zealandcricket/ (see page 72).

Pioneer Church seeks organist

The Pioneer Church is looking for an experienced organ player to play its historic pump organ.

The Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society would really like to talk to anyone who is interested in this opportunity.

The services of an organist are only required on a casual basis for a wedding or funeral, so an organist would probably only be called on two or three times a year. They would also be reimbursed for their service.

Anyone interested in having a chat about

Authorised by Chris Bishop, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Wainuiomata junior cricketers prepare to begin batting. Photo: Supplied.

Pioneer Church’s historic pump organ.

Photo: Supplied.

this opportunity, or visiting the Church to try out the organ, can contact Joyce Lockyer on 022 326 0235.

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Spring is a good time to garden

Spring is an excellent time to become involved with your garden.

October is the middle of spring. This is a time when spring crops and time to plant more to ensure a continuous supply of delicious vegetables, juicy fruit last you into the summer months. spring vegetables including salad greens and herbs.

Labour weekend is traditional planting time for tomatoes, so get yours in for a summer.

Continue planting a variety of berries for summer snacking and desserts.

Plant up pots with citrus to enjoy trees laden with juicy lemons, oranges, limes and mandarins ready to be plucked from the branch.

Plant vibrant blooms in the vegetable patch to brighten things up.

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The Masonic Villages Trust

Come join our friendly Village community. We have two new build one-bedroom Villas almost complete and ready to book now. Also a couple of new build two bedroom Villas

Villas will be completing late 2024 and we’re taking expressions of interest. Call to Esther

Wainuiomata Football Club

Wainuiomata AFC next year are putting together girls teams for 9th to 14th grade. The teams play on Sunday mornings around Hutt Valley and the Wellington region.

The Women’s FIFA world cup was a huge success, and with so many families attending these amazing games and watch-

ing it on TV we hope this has encouraged some girls in our community wanting to give it a go.

The two sessions will give you a chance to try something new and hopefully like it. We would love to see as many girls as possible giving it a go at these sessions.