Ben Stokes from Wainuiomata is the Lower North Island 2024 Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year. Ben’s victory in the contest was announced at the regional awards ceremony, held at Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club on 6 September.
Continued on page 2.
The apprentice of the year, Ben Stokes, with his winner’s certificate.
Supplied.
Photo:
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
Hearing he had won was ‘overwhelming’
Continued from page 1
NATIONAL SALES
Sam Barnes
sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406
Ben was trained through BCITO and is employed by Naenae-based SGB Construction.
When asked his reaction to winning the award, Ben said that it was “a bit overwhelming to be honest”.
When the third and second place getters were announced at the awards ceremony “I kind of thought it is either going to be nothing or its going to be great.
“And then it came and I was thrilled at that point.
“A lot of hard work went into it so it was nice to have a pay off,” Ben said.
“I’m very thankful to SGB Contruction and all the guys for teaching me.”
“Ben performed well under pressure at the practical event,” the judges said.
“The time he took to read through the plans and documents ensured a successful project delivery.
“A well-prepared all-rounder, Ben demonstrated clear, confident thinking throughout the challenge.
“Ben maintained a fantastic rapport with clients and the onsite team during his site visit, and his confident walkthrough of a problematic build was impressive.
“His comprehensive health and safety induction and ability to work independently on a tricky site further highlighted his capabilities.
“His desire to learn and excel is evident, promising a bright future in the industry.
“Congratulations, Ben, on your outstanding achievement,” the judges said.
For the regional competition, each apprentice had to submit details of a building project they were working on and participate in a two-hour practical challenge, constructing a bench seat.
Ben began working at SGB Construction in January 2022.
Before that he worked for 18 months at Weta Workshop.
Paid parking in Petone
During his time at Weta “I decided it was time to look into something a bit more career wise.”
Before the Covid epdemic Ben was an outdoor guide for the better part of a decade, guiding through the glaciers in Iceland, working in the outback of the Northern Territory and also in the South Island.
“I had a quite interesting career before getting into construction,” he says.
He and his partner moved to Wainuiomata around two and a half to three years ago.
“Definitely Wainuiomata feels like home.
“We really like it here,” he says.
Hendrik van Stryp from Miramar was second in the regional Apprentice of the Year competition and Alfonso Escobar from Wellington was third.
Ben will now go head-to-head with the other top apprentices from regions throughout New Zealand in the national competition, which will take place on 7 and 8 November in Auckland
Now in its 21st year, the Apprentice of the Year competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry.
The competition assesses the project management, business presentation and practical skills of future leaders in the sector.
Paid parking on Jackson Street and in the Peel Street Carpark starts from 1 October 2024.
Charges are $3 per hour, 9am-5pm, seven days.
There is a two-hour time limit to maximise access and availability of parking around businesses and services.
Find out more at: hutt.city/petoneparking
The top three apprentices of the year (from left) Alfonso Escobar, Ben Stokes and Hendrik van Stryp. Photo: Supplied.
Fire Brigade celebrates 80th birthday
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade turned 80 on 4 September.
Following a major fire in 1943 local residents decided to form their own fire brigade and this led to the official formation of the new brigade on 4 September 1944 with 19 founding members. Wainuiomata’s first fire station, named Homedale, was built in 1945 opposite the Wainuiomata Primary School.
The Wainuiomata Development Company donated the land and timber with other brigades and companies donating hose, ladders and standpipes. The standpipes gave fire fighters access to underground mains. The Stokes Valley fire brigade supplied a Gwynne Trailer pump. When it first began the brigade did not have a fire engine. Its first “appliance” was a Morris 8 car owned by Ted Smith. When the siren sounded the car would race to the station and pick up the gear before proceeding to the fire.
In the early days any available vehicle would tow the pump and trailer to calls. Often this was a 30-seater bus. The brigade took delivery of its first "real" fire engine in 1946. The Ford
V8 Marmon-Herrington four-wheel-drive was an ex Air Force tender. It remained in service until 1965. That first fire engine had no flashing lights, only a siren and on occasions this failed. It was not unusual for members to yell from the truck "get out of the way", or words to that effect. The current fire station was officially opened in 1971 and for some years the brigade operated both from the new
joined the United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand (UFBA) in 1944.
A book has been written about the first 50 years of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Written by Penny Walker, “Sound the Siren: a history of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, 1944-1994” has the ISBN/ISSN 0473022141.
The brigade’s foundation members are believed to be: Jack Dunn, Superintendent; William (Frank) McGowan, Senior Station Officer; W Davenport, Station Officer; James Fenton, Station Officer; Wilfrid Pope, Station Officer; James Gray; M Grant; A Gilbert; Charles Hawkins; Charlton Hair; James Hill; Arthur (Artie) Kilmister; F (Dick) Lahood; Thomas (Tommy) Morris; Stanley Morris; F Moat; L Neale; Norman Sandford and William (Ted) Smith.
“The records from the early days are few and far between with many lost or just not recorded and unfortunately we can no longer ask the firefighters from the day,” the brigade’s Facebook page says.
“Some very valuable information has been passed on to us by their children, for which we are extremely grateful.”
The brigade says it looks forward to “serving the Wainuiomata community for at least another 80 years.”
Brigade
Wainuiomata’s first fire engine, a Ford V8 Marmon-Herrington four-wheel-drive. Photo: Supplied.
The Wainuiomata Fire Station. Photo: Fire and Emergency New Zealand. station and the Homedale station until its closure in 1988. The Homedale station now sits behind the current station on Fitzherbert Rd.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire
Wainui’s Frankie a top dog
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s Eric Waghorn’s dog Frankie the Soundhound made it to the finals of the 2024 Frog Recruitment NZ Top Dog competition.
“Frankie started his career as a rescue dog in Ngawha Prison, and then went on to grace the halls of Parliament, where he helped do sound checks of the press gallery and assisted with school group visits,” Eric says.
“Now he works at Kordia, the national agency looking after transmitter towers, both in the office and at transmitter sites throughout the lower North Island.
“He doesn’t get the same level of attention as he did in Parliament but his personality continues to bring calmness, and he recently earned a Kordia employee award!”
Frankie started his career as
a rescue dog in Ngawha Prison where he was trained by a man behind the wire.
He then went on to grace the halls of Parliament following around his owner with great zeal. He worked there for about five years, helping his owner do sound checks of the press gallery and being a presence at events while a stress release for MPs and visitors.
While not an offical working dog, Frankie the Soundhound did have a professional working diary while at the Beehive. This diary was dedicated to school groups including sensory-needs groups.
He would come out and let the kiddies pat him.
By the time he finished at Parliament he made it onto mainstream media (just search for Frankie, dog, and NZ Parliament or Beehive to see quite a number of news
items).
The Frog Recruitment NZ Top Dog competition, which is now in its ninth year, has become a firm calendar highlight among doggie devotees nationwide.
“This competition was established to celebrate man’s best friend, and acknowledge the extraordinary impact they have on people’s lives, and the positive contribution they make to society,” says Frog Recruitment Managing Director Shannon Barlow.
“The huge popularity of this annual event highlights the immense value we place on our four legged friends.”
New Zealand’s Top Dog competition is organised by Frog Recruitment in partnership with sponsors Simparica Trio and JetPark Hotels, and this year raises money for New Zealand mental health and dog-related charities.
Trades&SERVICES
www.ecowindows.nz sales@ecowindows.nz
Frankie the Soundhound. Photo: Supplied.
PAINTERS
23 29 SEPTEMBER
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Community is what we create together”. “We made the decision to focus on
community ... as a result of research we carried out surveying over 1,500 people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather
Community is the key Teen Parents!
events,” Shaun Robinson, the Mental Health Foundation’s chief executive, says. “The findings revealed that community is the key to getting
through tough times.
“We want to encourage people to take the time to define, build and celebrate community and all that it
We are a secondary school for young parents who
Hill run on Saturday
By Frank Neill
The inaugural Mitre 10 Mega Wainuiomata Hill Run will take place on Saturday 14 September. This is the first of what will be an annual event.
Starting at Hugh Sinclair Park, there will be two runs and walks available.
The run and walk of 6km will take participants to the lookout and back and the 10km run and walk will take people all the way over the hill and back.
The 10km runs starts at 7:30am,
the 10km walk at 7:45am, the 6km run at 8:15am and the 6km walk at 8:30am. There will be a prizegiving at 11:30am.
People can register for the event at https://wainuiomatahillrun.co.nz.
The Hill Run is organised by Inspired Event Co, and sponsored by Mitre 10 Mega, Clive’s Chemist and Hutt City Council.
It has three key purposes, to: walking routes, lush greenery and, above all, the beautiful community; nau moving – participants will be setting fitness goals,
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata resident David Smith can now get around easier thanks to the charity Free Ride.
Free Ride provided David with a free pre-loved bicycle that is fully roadworthy, a free new helmet and a free vest.
“I attended their member hui on Sunday 25 August,” David says, noting that registering as a member is free.
“The atmosphere was totally family oriented with children as young as four attending and kept occupied.
“There were spot prizes. I got a grocery hamper.
“The photo magic box was the star attraction with photos turned into fridge magnets, badges or bookmarks.
“The food was plentiful and some gluten free – little mince pies and quiche, not
Mental Health Awareness Week
forgetting the tomato sauce.
encouraging others to get active and making the most of the great spaces to exercise on their doorsteps; and
Hutt Food Bank – demand is at an all-time high for the food bank’s services, so a portion of every registration will be directly donated to the charity.
Love Wainuiomata is organising stalls for the Hill Run and will also be collecting food donations for P taka Kai at the hill run.
The stalls will be set up in the Whai Oranga Medical Car Park in the Strand.
Free bike from Free Ride
“There were even cute cupcakes with chocolate squiggles in form of a bike, all arranged by Lilly and her team of volunteers with love of bikes and their community as their only motivation, supported by sponsors and public donations.
“Do look them up and keep an eye out for when members of their team come to Wainui and do on the spot minor repairs to bikes and explain more about their free services,” David says.
“Want your children to learn to ride a bike but have safety concerns or just can’t afford a bike, or have bikes but not road worthy and don't have a helmet? Then think again.
“Free Ride at 35 Hillary Court Naenae could just be the ticket for you,” David says.
Regional Council affirms
Maori constituency
Greater Wellington councillors have unanimously affirmed their resolution to establish a M ori constituency for local elections in 2025 and 2028. The resolution was made in October 2023 with unanimous support from the regional council’s mana whenua partners.
Council chair Daran Ponter says the decision to affirm the resolution puts Greater Wellington “on the right side of history”.
“For our journey to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Wellington Region elected leaders with the wisdom to establish a M ori constituency,” Cr Ponter says.
“In the best interests of our communities, we continue to support M ori aspirations for seats at the council table.”
Councillors agreed the Government has taken an ‘unfortunate approach’ with the law change that requires a poll to determine whether the constituency will continue for the 2028 and
2031 local elections.
The council’s electoral officer estimates the poll, to be held at the 2025 election, will cost $350,000 (GST exclusive).
This is equivalent to about 0.07% of council expenditure in the 2022/23 financial year.
Chair of Greater Wellington’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi Komiti Hikitia Ropata says the council disagrees with the need for a poll.
“M ori have always been under-represented in local decision making. Bringing back polls reinstates a longstanding barrier to M ori representation and inclusive democracy,” Cr Ropata says.
“We stand beside mana whenua and M ori knowing the potential for harmful race-based commentary in the run up to the election.
“Let’s rise above the rhetoric of fear and division and give M ori a voice in regional governance for years to come.”
Wainuiomata resident Greg Nolan training for the upcoming hill run. Photo: Supplied.
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. Email them to news@ wsn.co.nz. Please note that your name must also be provided in e mails.
NEWS TIPS
Love your parents
Dear Editor,
How much do you love your parents? Once a year or every day?
Fathers day is just a money making commercial revenue like mothers day.
Do you need to be reminded each year to go and visit your parents?
I used to treat my parents once a
Queen St parking
Dear Editor,
I wonder how many Wainuiomata Residents feel as I do?
I refer to the congestion in and around Queen Street. Lack of car parking is becoming more accute.
We have lost a lot of spaces around Queen St and the Community Centre due to the “upgrade” and the construction of multi storey apartments around the area, with no off street parking, has exacerbated the situation.
month with something like a box of roses chocolates. The thought comes from the heart not the wallet.
Some elderly people hardly see their grown up siblings.
I looked after my parents right to the end. They brought me up, fed me, clothed me and sent me
We have the opportunity to plan for vehicle parking. These developers are laughing all the way to the bank. They need to provide off street parking for at least one vehicle for each apartment .
I certainly would not be happy to leave my vehicle overnight on the kerbside, open to theft and vandalism.
We all acknowledge the need for more housing but I don’t think enough thought was given and all the original building
to school. What greater love than to be able to give your parents the same love back that they gave you.
You don’t have to wait 12 months to see your parents. If you only are left with one parent cherish them and most of all respect them. Both my parents are deceased and I still miss them dearly. I am
Newspaper Deliverers WANTED
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St 260 papers
AREA 2: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
AREA 3: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, part of Wood St and Coast Rd 235 papers
regulations seem to have been forgotten in the haste to erect these ticky tacky cardboard monstrocities.
When the multi storey idea was first introduced I recall someone in the hierarchy mentioning that residents of these apartments would not need a vehicle as they would be close to public transport and the CBD. Well I have news for them. There are not many dwellings where there is not at least one vehicle.
Dorothy Gallagher
getting on in years. I was my parents’ caregiver and I treated them with dignity and respect.
If you leave seeing them too late you will feel guilty for ages.
I have a high standard of respect for people older than myself. I also respect disabled people as well.
Think about that. You could be that way yourself one day.
Stop parking in disability car parks if you are not disabled. I will have no sympathy for you if your vehicles are towed away.
Treat people like you would want them to treat you.
Peter Wells
CARETAKER POSITION
St Claudine Thevenet School has a part time position as school caretaker (25 hours per week). We require someone who is experienced in maintaining buildings and grounds. We are looking for a reliable, energetic caretaker for our school. The position involves carrying out a wide range of duties to help us ensure that our school is maintained as a clean, safe and secure environment.
AREA 4: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 5: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main 280 papers
AREA 6: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 7: Naseby Gr, Bexley Gr, part of Wellington Rd - 285 papers
AREA 8: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
The successful applicant will be required to identify hazards and address building and ground maintenance. You will be responsible for carrying out and recording Building Warrant checks. You will be responsible for grounds, weed removal and garden maintenance.
This position requires a proactive, reliable person who is able to work alongside staff and pupils in a busy school environment.
The successful candidate will need to be police vetted, have a full driver’s licence, excellent time management skills, flexibility and a willingness to learn and have basic handyman skills to carry out repairs and maintenance.
Salary will be commensurate with the NZ Caretakers and Cleaners Collective Agreement
A job description is available from the school office, phone 04 9399189
Email office@stclaudine.school.nz.
Please forward CV and cover letter to principal@stclaudine.school.nz
Closes Friday 27 September
Young Footballers celebrate successful year
By Ryan Imray
Family and friends gathered to celebrate a successful year of junior and youth Football at the Wainuiomata Football Club over two nights.
This year saw a big increase in numbers which allowed the club to field 17 junior and youth teams, including two girls only teams for the first time.
Caroline, Katrina and Hannah from the Junior Committee did an awesome job organising both evenings with the help of Wainuiomata Rugby Club and Wainuiomata Baptist Church allowing the club to use their facilities to gather together for two nights of celebration.
All coaches who volunteered their time this season were acknowledged and thanked for the endless hours they put in during the year.
All players were awarded with certificates for their participation and each coach had the hard task of selecting three trophy winners
– Most Valuable Player/Sports Person of The Year, Most Consistent
Player and Most Improved Player.
The Under 13 Phoenix were presented with two Capital Football Trophies for winning two of their leagues during the season and this was among the highlights of the two nights.
In the second round they finished top of their league gaining promotion. They then backed up that success with winning that league as well.
Coaches are asked to submit a nomination for Junior Player of The Year.
The committee then goes through the nominations and selects the recipient of this award.
This year's winner was Jeremiah Fuimaono from the Under 11 Villagers.
It was an enjoyable couple of nights for Dean Brown and Nerissa Mair. Both of them are heavily involved within the club with Nerissa being on the committee and Dean also being on the committee as well as assistant coach for the men's Reserves team and head coach for the Under 17s.
SPRING SPECIAL
Limited
GUM 4m3 $740, 2m3 $430
DOUGLAS-FIR 4m3 $730, 2m3 $420
MACROCARPA 4m3 $730, 2m3 $420
SPLIT PINE 4m3 $620, 2m3 $360
BAGGED KINDLING $17each
COMBOS (2m3 & 2m3 = 4m3)
GUM & FIR $760, GUM & MAC $760
GUM &S/PINE $700 D/FIR & MAC $750
D/FIR & S/PINE $690, MAC & S/PINE $690
Delivery & GST included, Winz Approved
They also have two children who play at the club and they both walked away with a trophy.
Sophie Brown was the recipient of the Sports Person of The Year award for the Girls Only Under 12 Whakanui Side. Logan Brown received the Most Consistent Player of The Year for the Under 17s and was selected from the nominations submitted to receive the Youth Player of The Year Award.
Fixed Term
date - as soon as possible to 19 December, 2024
Are you a NZ registered teacher holding a current practising certificate, looking for a part time job?
Aroha tahi, ako tahi - Loving Learning Together. Join a strong learning community, where students, whānau, staff and Board have positive relationships; work collaboratively on such things as passion projects, environmental issues and personal inquiries; where PB4L and restorative approaches are a way of life; and all learners thrive in a caring and appreciative learning environment.
Position is for 2 or more days to release classroom teachers. Number of days, and days can be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Send a letter of application and CV, including the names of 2 referees to: Principal, Konini Primary School, 28 Konini Street, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt; or email principal@konini-primary.school.nz
Fernlea Primary School
Enrolment at Fernlea School is governed by an enrolment scheme. The board has determined that there are likely to be some places available for out of zone enrolments during 2025 at new entrant level only. The exact number of places will depend on the number of enrolments received from students who live within the school’s home zone. The deadline for receipt of applications is 3pm, 11 September 2024. Out of zone enrolments received after the deadline will not be considered.
the Wainuiomata News online at online: www.issuu.com/wsn11
Logan Brown with both of his trophies alongside his sister Sophie, father Dean and mother Nerissa. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Akeelah Rangi-Moses and Ella Daniel with the two League Trophies won by the Under 13 Phoenix. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Jeremiah Fuimaono, Junior Player of The Year. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Wainui Spirit Awards now open
By Frank Neill
Nominations for the Wainuiomata Spirit Awards are now open.
These awards are presented each year by the Wainuiomata Community Board to recognise people who have given outstanding voluntary service which has contributed to the spirit of the valley’s special community.
Nominations close on 4 October.
Nomination forms are available at the Wainuiomata Community Hub and can also be requested by email to the community board’s Chair Te Awa Puketapu at TeAwa.Puketapu@ huttcity.govt.nz.
The 2024 awards will be presented at an awards night on Wednesday 23 October at 5.30pm.
The ceremony will be held at the Wainuiomata Library and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
Three individuals and one group were presented with Wainuiomata Spirit Awards last year.
Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer
Ewen Heron, the President of the Wainuiomata Bowling Club Richard Morgan, Wainuiomata High School trustee Lahraine Sagaga and the #TAGS were presented their awards for the many thousands of volunteer hours they have provided in the community.
Ewen was the recipient of the 2023 Kaitiakitanga Award.
Ewen has been volunteering his time and service to emergency services since 1975. He started his
time in the Bush Force then joined the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, where he was until recently the Chief Fire Officer.
“Ewen has been a role model to many people who have come through the service and continues to support new people into their voluntary roles ensuring they are included and empowered as they progress through the ranks within the fire service,” his citation says.
“This dedication and commitment, leaving at the sound of the siren ringing, comes at a cost, and that cost is leaving immediately to respond to the unknown, rain, hail or shine, family events, gatherings, and celebrations, then often experiencing times of sadness when they have to watch all their efforts come to a bitter end.
“He is a well-respected person in his community and also in the wider community of Wainuiomata.”
Richard Morgan received the 2023 M ramatanga Award.
“In 1990, Richard was one of the junior Rugby coaches for the Wainuiomata Rugby Club,” his citation says.
He did this for three years before moving on to Parkway College where he coached their second team and then the first fifteens.
In 1994, Richard was asked for his expertise and skills to help fundraise money for Fernlea school so they could take children on an education school trip to Napier.
From 2018 to 2022 Richard was a volunteer cancer patient driver for Wainuiomata.
Lahraine Sagaga was presented the 2023 Whanaungatanga Award.
“Lahraine has been working tirelessly in the Wainuiomata Community for many years,” the citation says.
In 2008, Lahraine joined the Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Committee and has been a player, coach, manager, scorer, social media and PR officer, club administrator, fundraising co-ordinator, basically the glue that holds Ulalei together.
In 2022, Lahraine began the UlaFit Community Fitness Classes as a way to assist in the improvement of fitness for the netball teams.
Lahraine was approached to sit on the Wainuiomata High School Board where she has been a trustee since 2022. During this time she coached the Wainuiomata Junior Netball Team again, after also holding this role in 2015 and 2016.
In 2023 Lahraine was approached to manage the Wellington Men’s Netball representative team and the Love Wainuiomata Board.
During 2016, Lahraine was involved in the Wainuiomata Pasefika Education Success Initiative (WaiPESI).
The #TAGS were presented the 2023 M ramatanga Award.
“This award goes to a group of individuals working collectively within their own agency and leadership to achieve change,” their citation says.
The #TAGS, which stands for Holistic Action Sustainable Health Through All Generations, are a group of Rangatahi or young people that have managed to achieve big things not just locally in Wainuiomata, but also nationally.
The #TAGs were set up in 2012 by the Wainuiomata Smokefree Working Group. All rangatahi were chosen to champion the Wainuiomata Smokefree Car Campaign.
This Saturday 14th Sept 9am to 3pm MAIN ST
The 2023 Wainuiomata Spirit Award winners (from left) Lahraine Sagaga, Tumua Le’afa, Franua Rimoni, Riana Le’afa-Paki, Keelan Renata, Ewen Heron, Aayla Toman and Richard Morgan. Photo: Frank Neill.
