12 April Wainuiomata News

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Continued from page 1

The opening of the school’s Wharekai, Te Rongopai, and the reawakening of its marae, Te Ea Whakawaia, was also acknowledged at the dawn blessing.

The new Ng huia block includes a dance studio and a music studio, along with recording studio and break-out music practice rooms.

When term two begins on 24 April, Ng huia will also become the home of the school’s Wharekura – Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata.

The Wharekura’s courses are focused on a M ori perspective, and have three main aims.

These aims are:

ori; ori

(M ori customary practices); and ori (the M ori world view).

The learning is in two environments. One is total immersion, where students spend all their day learning in Te Reo M ori, and the other is bilingual, where both English and Te Reo are the languages of instruction.

“It was such an honour to be part of the dawn blessing and official opening of our next new block, Ngahuia,” says Wainuiomata High School’s Principal, Janette Melrose.

“Our staff and students are excited to be able to utilise our new Wharekai and we are grate-

ful to be able to come back to our Wharenui, which has been inaccessible during the rebuild.

“Thank you to Te Atiawa, special guests, wh nau, community members and students who attended this special event.

“A huge acknowledgement and thanks to our Wharekura students and staff who participated in the opening ceremony,” Principal Melrose says.

The dawn blessing and official opening “was incredibly special to me,” Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen says.

“The energy and excitement of rangatahi was so powerful as the first rays of dawn light shone on the new buildings.”

That demonstrated “ so much hope and potential.

“This investment in our community is long overdue and I can’t wait to see the next stage of the rebuild completed.”

The journey that culminated in the dawn blessing has been a long one.

In 2007 the Ministry of Education began to investigate replacing the Wainuiomata High School buildings.

Plans were made but following the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes the plan to rebuild Wainuiomata High School was pushed back.

In 2018 Prime Minister Jacinda Adern promised that if Labour was elected she would see to it that $24 million was provided for the rebuild. She made good on the promise.

We are inviting volunteers to take part in a clinical trial of a new investigational vaccine aimed at providing a broader protection against pneumococcal disease.

To be eligible for inclusion in the study participants must be 18-64 years and have one of the following chronic health conditions: Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Heart Disease, or Chronic Liver Disease. Participants must not have received any prior pneumococcal vaccine since childhood and not have had pneumococcal disease within the last 3 years.

For more information and to apply online visit: www.p3research.co.nz or phone on to speak with a member of the study team.

Wharekura students presenting a waiata during the dawn blessing.

Photo: Samuel Mc Guire.

Q: What is your favourite car and why do you like it?

Firefighters taking on Sky Tower

By Frank Neill

A team of five Wainuiomata volunteer firefighters will take part in this year’s Sky Tower Challenge on 20 May.

The Wainuiomata team is Senior Fire Fighter Darren Page, Qualified Fire Fighter Roger Whioke, Senior Station Officer Tamati Kaa, Fire Fighter Alex Hunt-Painterand Fire Fighter Sean Bates.

They will join fire fighters from throughout New Zealand and overseas in a competition that has the main aim of raising money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand's mission to care and vision to seek a cure.

The Wainuiomata team will climb the 51 flights of stairs at Auckland’s Sky Tower, dressed in full firefighting kit, including breathing apparatus.

This is the same gear fire fighters wear when attending a structural fire.

This kit weighs in at more than 25kg, making the 1,103 steps they must climb up to the observation peak on level 51 of the Sky Tower a gruelling undertaking.

They will be, after all, climbing up the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, which is 328 metres high.

Each participant will be timed, allowing for individual and team results to be determined.

Four members of the Wainuiomata team are new to the Sky Tower Challenge, while Tamati Kaa will be taking part for the fourth time.

Tamati competed in the challenge in 2014, 2015 and 2016, but injured his knee during the 2016 event. He had now largely recovered.

“It’s a tough event,” Tamati says.

Because of that the Wainuiomata teams members are on training regimes, with some members using the stair climbers in gymnasiums and some members walking the Wainuiomata hill.

The team is also considering having a team training exercise, possibly at Wellington’s Majestic Theatre.

Every day eight New Zealanders are diagnosed with blood cancer or a related blood condition.It can affect anyone, at any age and any time in life.

Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand supports thousands of New Zealanders affected by blood cancer, as well as their families.

In addition, the organisation supports and funds research into better treatments and into

finding a cure for blood cancers.

The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge had already raised around $500,000 when this issue of the “Wainuiomata News” went to print.

Now in its 19th year, the Sky Tower Challenge has raised more than $12 million for blood cancer patients and their families.

It raised $17,500 in its first year – 2005 – and now consistently raises more than $1 million a year.

People wishing to support the Wainuiomata team’s Sky Tower Challenge climb can make a donation at https://firefighterschallenge.org. nz/t/wainuiomatavolunteerfirebrigade or by scanning the QR code.

Zac Wallis Nissan Navara. It’s a good ute, especially when you get the 4x4 version.

Margaret Torrens Suzuki Ignis. I’ve had it for five years. My daughter bought it as a present.

Dehan Singh Gary Pouzaid Chevrolet. They are great. I bought a Chevrolet in 1977 and I still have it.

Chloe Norling

Tupari Cowan

There’s only one choice –Tesla. I like them because they are electric.

Toyota Corolla. It’s doing well for me.

Nissan. It’s a very nice car.

The Wainuiomata volunteer fire fighters who will be taking part in this year’s Sky Tower Challenge (from left) Darren Page, Roger Whioke, Tamati Kaa, Alex Hunt-Painter and Sean Bates. Photo: Supplied.

THE ROAD FORWARD

“You deserve support, it’s never too late,” says Tony Thorn, peer worker and General Manager of The Road Forward. With offices now in, Wellington CBD, Lower Hutt, Kapiti and Masterton, The Road Forward is currently funded to work with survivors of sexual harm. There’s no cost, no judgement, and no limits on your access to support. Privacy is absolute. “We use the term sexual harm,” says Tony, “to include any experience where a sexual boundary has been crossed, causing us harm.

As survivors ourselves, our job as peer workers is to be present for whatever support is needed.” 2023 statistics from the Ministry of Social Development shows that one in six males are sexually harmed by the age of 16. Research suggests that the prevalence of sexual harm is, alarmingly, even more common for gay and bisexual males. About 50 percent (one in every two) transsexual males are sexually harmed at least twice by the age of 16. “To put that into context, there are about 500 rugby teams in New Zealand. If we assume an average of 12 players per team, that’s about 6,000 men and boys playing rugby. Based on the statistics, about 1,000 of those may have been sexually harmed.” Research tells us it can take up to 20 years for men and 9 years for women to come forward and disclose and seek help after

sexual harm. “The concept surrounding masculinity keeps men silent.” It can also take years to reach the top of a waiting list for ACC-funded counselling for sexual harm survivors. Peer workers at The Road Forward know from their own experiences that the sooner a survivor discloses and seeks support, the sooner they can start to lead happier lives.

“Getting support is so important,” says Tony “Survivors keep themselves isolated, living in a ‘fight or fight’ mode, expecting to be hurt again, and struggling to trust anyone especially if they’ve been harmed by a member of their family, whānau, or church – someone they should be able to trust.” “It’s never too late, but the earlier the better. We can walk alongside survivors whether or not they’ve sought counselling, are waiting for counselling, or are already receiving counselling.”

Reach out to The Road Forward. You will be responded to within 24 hours, no matter how you make contact. Support is entirely client-led. You might want to sit with a peer worker and simply have a cup of tea in the knowledge they understand you, or go for a walk together, or cry, or talk either over the phone or in person.

Group and social options are also available to help reduce isolation. Call, text, or email today.

Fire teddies return to Wainui

By Frank Neill

Fire teddies are back on one of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade’s fire engines.

Carolyn Odeyemi has knitted three fire teddies, complete with the Wainuiomata station number 44 on their helmets, and delivered them to the brigade.

More teddies are also in the pipeline, not just for the fire brigade but also for the Wainuiomata Ambulance service.

The move to get teddies was initiated by Brenda Janes, the brigade’s Recruit Operational Support Fire Fighter.

“Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Service have had teddies on the truck in past that have been great for keeping young kids occupied after experiencing a traumatic event like a house fire,” Brenda says.

“When I realised there weren’t any left I thought I would get a pattern of a firefighter teddy and some wool and make [some teddies] myself.

“Unfortunately because of my busy lifestyle, I didn’t have the time to make them so I thought I would put it out to the community to see if anyone was available to donate their time to make us some.

“I had a fantastic response which saw the arrival of our first three teddies complete with our Station Number 44 on the helmet.

“A big thank you to Carolyn Odeyemi for our first ones.

“These three bundles of joy will go to young ones that need a little bit of love at a stressful time.

“Due to the awesome response I also have some coming for our local ambulance,”Brenda says.

Brenda Janes with the three fire teddies that are now available to give children experiencing a traumatic event. Photo: supplied.

House passes local MP’s bill

By Frank Neill

Ginny Andersen’s bill – the Crimes (Child Exploitation Offences) Amendment Bill – was passed by Parliament on 5 April. Only one more step remained before the bill becomes law following its passage through the House, the assent of the Governor-General. That is where the Governor-General formally signs the bill into law.

The new law amends the Crimes Act 1961 to make it an offence for a person over 18 to use online communications to falsely represent their age or identity with the intention to meet with someone under 16.

It also makes it an offence for someone over 18 to use online communications to plan to cause harm to a person under 16.

“I’m so pleased to see [the bill] pass into law,” Ms Andersen says.

“I know many parents are fearful of their children being exploited online.

“We know that sex offenders use online platforms to target children and young people in order to facilitate sexual offending.

“This bill creates new offences to protect our kids and I’m so pleased to see it pass into law,” she says.

After Ms Andersen placed the bill in the Parliamentary ballot, it was one of the pieces of proposed legislation that succeeded in being drawn on 5 August 2021.

It then succeeded at its first reading on 20 October 2021 and its second reading on 9 November 2022.

When Ms Andersen was promoted to Cabinet on 31 January this year, she had to hand over responsibility for the bill, as Cabinet Ministers cannot sponsor private member’s bills.

“I’d like to give special thanks

to my colleague and friend Angie Warren-Clark for taking this bill through its final stages after I became a Minister,” Ms Andersen says.

Love Wainuiomata.

Another free fun day

By Frank Neill

Love Wainuiomata will host another free fun day and barbecue next month.

It will be held at the Antrim Crescent Park from noon to 2pm on Sunday 7 May.

This will be the third free barbecue and fun day Love Wainuiomata has run this year.

The first was held at Nga-

turi Park in February and the second at Arakura Park on 19 March.

Both events were “awesome,” Anaru Ryall, Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator says.

Anaru estimates that around 400 people attended the last fun day at Arakura Park.

As well as the free sausage sizzle, there will be a wide range of activities for the children.

Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen speaks during the third reading of the bill she introduced. Photo: Supplied.

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Area 3: Hamstead St, Kendal Gr, Enfield St, part of Wellington Rd - 220 papers

Area 4: Ruthven Rd, Antrim Cres, Pollard St - 300 papers

Area 5: Petrie St, McKillop St, Bull Ave, part of Moohan - 280 papers

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Contact Sandra

New scootering time

By Frank Neill

The free scootering lessons at Wainuiomata’s skate park on The Strand are now running at a different time.

Run by Thomas Peacock, the lessons will now be held on Sunday morning, starting at 11am.

They were being held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7pm.

The change has been made because of the darker evenings, following the change from daylight saving which took place at 2am on 2 April.

The lessons are also weather dependant, as wet weather can make scootering on the skate park unsafe.

An unforgettable night

Wainuiomata Intermediate School students were fortunate to have Te Ahi Ora visit and provide balance stick instruction recently. They learned tricks, created routines, and later that evening, wh nau were invited to join in the excitement as the sticks were set ablaze.

Principal Craig Sharp expressed his delight at the students’ growing confidence and emphasised the importance of exposing them to diverse opportunities, potentially sparking new interests or passions. One parent gratefully thanked the school for creating an “unforgettable night” with his son.

East Coast whanau still need food

By Frank Neill

East Coast people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle continue to receive food, clothing, blankets and other items generously donated by Wainuiomata people.

Both K kiri Marae and the Wainuiomata Marae have already sent a large number of loads to the East Coast, and they are still looking for more supplies.

The greatest need for East Coast now is food, Teresea Olsen, general manager of health and social services at K kiri Marae, told the “Wainuiomata News”.

They are also wanting spades, shovels, kitchen utensils and blankets.

When did the peace sign originate?

The internationally recognized symbol for peace (U+262E peace symbol in Unicode) was originally designed in 1958 for the British nuclear disarmament movement by Gerald Holtom.

Puzzle

However they are not seeking either clothes or sheets.

As well as K kiri Marae sending two big trucks and trailers and Wainuiomata people taking loads to the East Coast in their private vehicles, one person from Wainuiomata also travelled to the Hawke’s

Bay to help a family with their house.

K kiri Marae had received a great many messages of thanks from East Coast people, Ms Olsen said.

At least one person has also publicly thanked K kiri Marae on Facebook.

“To my cousin Teresea and all the workers at the K kiri Marae, I have been asked by my whanau up the East Coast to convey a message to you and your team.

“A big thank you to the K kiri Marae for their generosity for the food and clothing etc, that was delivered up the East Coast to all the flood victims and their families,” Harawira Taare wrote.

“May God bless and keep you all safe in the wonderful mahi that you do for struggling families.

“A big thank you from us all here on the East Coast. Nga mihi.”

Donations for East Coast people are still welcomed at both the Wainuiomata Marae and at the K kiri Marae in Seaview.

ACROSS

1. Inundate (9)

6. After birth. (9)

11. Rate in music(pl) (5)

12. Grease from wool. (7)

13. Disturb. (5)

14. Make less severe. (8)

17. Hackneyed convention. (10)

18. Pounds,shillings & pence(abbr)(3)

20. Heavy wooden hammer. (4)

22. Sets fire to. (7)

24. Halo round heavenly body. (6)

26. Consumed. (3)

28. Papal letter. (5)

29. Cotton fabric. (7)

32. Accustom. (5)

33. Parson-bird. (3)

34. U.S. Intelligence agency (abbr) (3)

35. Facial twitch. (3)

36. Ingenuous. (5)

37.One who urges wrongdoing. (7)

38. Muslim title. (5)

39. Electric fish. (3)

41. Tributary stream. (6)

42. Embellished. (7)

44. Agitate. (4)

47. The same. (3)

49.Paid motor-car driver (fem) (10)

51. Valet. (8)

55. Of sight. (5)

56. Soaked in blood. (7)

57. Cooped up. (5)

58. Act of formally withdrawing from the church. (9)

59. Loathes. (9)

DOWN

1. Most favourable. (7)

2. Ant. (5)

3. Twists. (6)

4. Splendour. (5)

5. Covering for horse’s head, -sheet. (4)

6. Artist’s paint board. (7)

7. Girls name (6)

8. Of the nerves. (12)

9. Sapid. (5)

10. Professional writer. (11)

15. Ailing. (3)

16. Mine entrance. (4)

19. Husband-to-be. (6)

21. Use. (7)

23. Friendly. (6)

25. Rich. (7)

26. Consequences. (5-7)

27. Right of access. (6)

28. Well-doers. (11)

30. Outfit. (3)

31. Cafe. (6) 40.Prepare for publication. (4)

43. Rubbish container. (7)

44. Snow runner. (3)

45. Ornamental screen behind altar (7)

46. Star sign. (6)

48. Early cavalry soldier. (6)

50. Garret. (5)

52. Furnish. (5)

53. Dusk, fall. (5)

54. Real name Ella Geisman, actress Allyson. (4) Solution

SOLUTION

Last Week: 5 April 2023

For December 22, 2004

Thomas Peacock with a group of young scooter riders during lessons at the skate park. Photo: Love Wainuiomata.

Tirity Te Kani rolls the six flame bar down his arms. Photo: Supplied

Great comebacks by Wainui footballers

By Ryan Imray

Both the Wainuiomata premier team and the reserves made great comebacks to claim points in the latest round of the Capital Football competition on 8 April.

Both teams were slow off the mark and trailed at half time in the double header at Richard Prouse Park.

The Wainuiomata premiers, playing in the Capital Premier division , defeated Lower Hutt 2-1.

The game was evenly poised in the opening half but it was the visitors who took the lead three minutes

before half time as Wainuiomata’s keeper Adam Trott was unable to get down quickly enough to prevent the low effort on goal from hitting the back of the net. The second half began with Wainui pressing for the equaliser but Lower Hutt seemed to have an answer for everything thrown at them.

Heading into the final 10 minutes of the game coach Mark Foster made some changes as they went in search of the equaliser.

Cheered on by the vocal Wainuiomata faithful behind the goal, Isaac Harper stepped up with a contender

for goal of the season in the 88th minute.

A Baxter King corner was cleared by the Lower Hutt defence and from 25 yards out on the volley, Isaac hit the ball into the top corner past a Lower Hutt keeper who didn’t stand a chance.

In the 93rd minute a goal mouth scramble saw the ball trickle past everyone and over the line to seal a memorable comeback as Wainuiomata walked away 2-1 winners.

Curt Trotman got the Wainuiomata reserves – playing in the Capital 4 division – off to a great start when he found the back of the net

in just the 4th minute of the game.

Island Bay responded in magnificent style as they scored four goals to give them a 4-1 lead at half time. Wainui came out the second half inspired by whatever coach Gregg Watson said at half time.

Under 17’s player Nikesh Goundar – in his first season playing senior football –scored two goals in the 50th and 55th minutes to reduce the deficit to just 1.

The home side had their tails up and it was only five minutes later when the scores were level as Rowan Whitfield beat the keeper

Wainui Rippa Rugby wins gold

By the students of Learning Support at Wainuiomata High Sschool

The Wainuiomata Panthers won the Athletes with Disability (AWD) Rippa Rugby tournament on 4 April.

The tournament took place at Onepoto Park, Porirua where both mainstream and AWD teams played side by side.

The Panthers had 18 players both boys and girls. The students range from 13 to 20 years old. Every student participated. Some had to display manaakitanga and join forces with Wellington East Girls’ College as they were low on numbers.

This is a first for the Panthers. They have played in many Rippa tournaments but never come home with gold. There were many special moments in the game.

One was Giovanni Brown who was extremely shy and scared of rugby. This year he played two games and felt more confident in playing.

“I had more confidence and wanted to join in,” Giovanni says.

This year, Moana Kuma came in and worked with the Panthers.

“Moana took care of my phone to make sure I could play the best rugby,” Nikolai MacKenzie says.

Stephen Graham, a five-time participant of the Rippa rugby tournament says: “We had lots of players, and everyone played together as a team. Moana was on the field with us and helped us pass and play. But most importantly, we had to communicate with each other”.

Everyone had a great day. Everyone played some Rippa. Everyone came away with a gold medal. We attribute some of our success

to the members of the community who funded our brand-new hoodies. We looked amazing and everyone commented on our smart appearance. We can’t wait until our next sporting league.

In term two, Wainuiomata High School Learning Support will be the first AWD team to join the mainstream Netball league.

“We can’t wait to try our skills out on other competitors in the Hutt Valley,” the students say.

‘We’d love anyone from Wainuiomata to come along and support the Panthers doing what we love best – having fun.

Two Wainui reps on new transport group

By Frank Neill

Community Board member Tamsyn Harker and Linsey Higgins are the two Wainuiomata members of the new Public Transport Advisory Group (PTAG).

The aim of the PTAG is to inform both Metlink and the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) Transport Committee on issues relating to public transport.

Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie says he is “delighted” to have these “superb” people joining him “in the mission to fix and supercharge our public transport system.

“Tamsyn and Linsey will be strong and smart advocates for supercharging public transport for Wainuiomata.

“Council is confident that cancellations will progressively reduce over coming months, as dozens

of new bus drivers enter the local workforce.

“Despite the current unreliability, patronage is trending up as more people find buses and trains a convenient and very affordable way to get around.

“Once we restore reliability of current services, council can look closely at increasing frequency and expanding routes.

“Top of my list are direct bus routes from Wainuiomata to the hospital, Petone and Wellington.

“Wainuiomata is a large and growing suburb, and it needs and deserves more and better public transport options,” Cr Duthie says.

“I’m excited to get into this mahi and see what we can achieve,”

Tamsyn Harker says.

GWRC appointed the initial 23 members of the new PTAG at its meeting on 30 March and the new group will hold its first meeting on 20 April.

Of the 23, 22 were members of the public, and Regional Councillor Simon Woolf was appointed as the GWRC representative. Around 60 people applied for a position on the group. There is room for up to 30 people on the PTAG, and GWRC and Metlink will continue to receive membership applications. They are particularly seeking people to represent the following perspectives:

with a composed finish in the 60th minute.

The game went up another level with tackles flying in, red cards being shown and Greg Agius in between the posts for Wainui being called upon several times to keep the scores level. However neither team could break the 4-4 deadlock.

From 4-1 down to 4-4, the reserves showed immense determination and belief.

The premier’s next game is against Wellington Phoenix Thirds at Fraser Park at 12 noon while the reserves play Western Suburbs at Endeavour Park at 2:30pm. Both games are on 15 April.

Wainui retains Bill Jones Cup

those who can represent secondan emphasis on those who can

The application form is at https:// www.gw.govt.nz/your-council/ council-and-councillors/advisorybodies/.

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata defeated the Wellington Axemen 31-16 in the second round of Wellington Rugby’s Swindale Shield competition on 6 April.

In doing so they retained the Bill Jones Cup – named after an early Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club stalwart – for the fifth consecutive year. Playing under lights at Hataitai Park, Wainuiomata started slowly, allowing Wellington to score the first 10 points early in the match.

Wainuiomata hit back, however, thanks to winger Niko Patelesio, who made a huge break and passed to Tyler Tane who ran in to score in the corner.

Most of the first half saw a lot of stop-start action, with both teams making numerous errors and giving away penalties.

Just before half time, however, Wainuiomata finally created a great opportunity, leading to captain Greg Lealofi scoring a try.

This saw the Axemen move into the half time break with a narrow 13-12 lead.

Wainuiomata dominated the second half of the match, ending up with a comfortable victory after they scored 19 points while the Axemen scored just three.

They began spell two by scoring two quick tries.

Markus McCarthy was the first to dot down, followed by Greg Lealofi, who scored his second try giving him a brace for the match.

The two tries gave the men in green and black a 24-13 lead. Wainuiomata continued to dominate the second half, although errors kept them from adding to their total until late in the game.

Campbell Cowie finally breached the Wellington defence and scored the final try of the encounter.

As well as scoring a try, Tyler Tane kicked two conversions, and Jacob Renor also got on the scoreboard when he kicked one conversion.

The victory saw Wainuiomata start its season with two wins. In their first match on 1 April they beat Hutt Old Boys Marist 16-15. Their third round match will be a home game against Oriental Rongotai on 15 April, with a 2:45pm kick off.

The combined Hutt Old Boys –Wainuiomata women’s team did not have such a good day in the women’s premier competition on 8 April, however.

Avalon took out a comfortable 48-12 win over the combined team.

The Wainuiomata team in a huddle under the lights at Hataitai Park on Thursday 6 April. Photo: Supplied.

The Wainuiomata Panthers, who won Rippa Rugby gold. Photo: Masanori Udagawa.

Isaac Harper gets mobbed by his team mates after equalising in the 88th minute. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.