Flight paths case
By Frank Neill
Around two months after the date was set for Plane Sense Wellington’s legal proceedings against Airways, Aeropath Ltd, Wellington International Airport Ltd and the Director of Civil Aviation, Wellington Airport confirmed its support for the flight paths Plane Sense is asking the High Court to declare “invalid”. The High Court case is scheduled to begin on 12 May 2025. Continued on page 2.
The signage Plane Sense has placed at Wellington Airport, seeking contributions for its legal battle. Photo: Supplied.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660 www.independentherald.co.nz
REPORTER
Frank Neill
herald@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
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sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406
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SALES
Brenda Ingram-Johnson
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Aircraft noise devaluing properties
Continued from page 1.
Wellington Airport announced on 6 December that it was confirming its support, following a consultation process, for a flight path that Airways, the organisation that runs air traffic, introduced in December 2022.
At around the same time Wellington Airport made this announcement, Plane Sense announced the results of an analysis by an economist that the increased aircraft noise was significantly devaluing affected properties.
“Analysis conducted by an economist from Sapere Research Group reveals that increased aircraft noise caused by DMAPS [Divergent Missed Approach Protection System] is devaluing homes in the affected suburbs by an estimated $20,000 to $28,000 on average, with some properties losing up to $262,000 in value,”
Plane Sense says.
“Collectively, house values across the suburbs suffer a loss of $248to$453 million.”
This financial blow is compounded by serious health concerns for those who settled in the previously peaceful suburbs.
Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with noise-sensitive health conditions, are particularly affected.
“This is a textbook case of a negative externality – where one party to a transactions’ actions, in this case, Wellington Airport’s, harm bystanders without bearing
Plane Sense co-founder Roxy Steel speaking at the 14 April meeting that voted in favour of Court action. Photo: Frank Neill. the cost,” said Roxy Steel, CoFounder of Plane Sense.
“Residents are effectively subsidising the airport’s profits through the devaluation of their homes and at a detriment to their health.”
Documents obtained through the Official Information Act show that the DMAPS system aims to increase hourly flight movements from 13 to 21 in most conditions and up to 24 in others, enabling Wellington Airport to boost its annual profits.
The airport’s recent announcement of runway modifications to enable longer-haul flights, using larger and louder aircraft such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350-900, “threatens to worsen the situation,” Plane Sense says.
These aircraft are 50-100% louder than the current fleet of 737-800s and A320s, according to industry data.
“As the airport’s profits climb with increased passenger capacity, residents under the flight path face further disruption and financial losses.”
Plane Sense noted that the announcement came after documentation was distributed to residents seeking feedback about the DMAPS flight path.
However that documentation did not mention plans for increased long-haul flights and noisier aircraft.
“This is not the behaviour of a socially responsible organisation,” says Louisa Picker, CoFounder of Plane Sense.
“Wellington Airport is cashing in while communities continue to pay the price.
“Time and again, it’s an organisation that picks profits over people,” Louisa says.
Noting that Plane Sense is currently preparing for its High Court case, Roxy says that “this fight is about much more than property values.
“It’s about fair process, corporate responsibility, accountability and ensuring that the airport’s profits aren’t built on the backs of our communities.
“These organisations should be proactively working with communities to ensure their multimillion-dollar operations are not causing harm to everyday people and the local environment.”
The decision to take High Court action was made at a meeting held on 14 April at the Johnson-
ville Collective Community Hub. The meeting was called by Plane Sense and saw the hall at the community hub packed full. In order to pay the costs associated with the court action Plane Sense is calling on the community to help raise $25,000 by 2025.
The funds are needed to cover legal fees, expert witness costs, and other expenses as Plane Sense fights to reverse the controversial DMAPS flight path which, Plane Sense says, has caused “ongoing harm” to the local community.
The “$25k by 2025” campaign calls on Wellingtonians to stand up against big business profiting at the expense of small communities, Plane Sense says.
People can contribute to the “$25k by 2025” campaign by visiting wwwplanesensewellington.com/donate for more information and to make a contribution.
Wellington Airport has decided to confirm its support for the flight paths introduced at the request of Airways in December 2022, after careful consideration following a recent public consultation process, its media release says.
Earlier this year the airport asked Airways to develop alternative options for public consultation following feedback from some residents and the installation of noise monitors in 2023. Continued on page 6.
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Wonderful outcome for everyone
A small group met at Trelissick Crescent on 3 December to celebrate the new parcel of land that was recently added to Trelissick Park.
The land and native bush near the corner of Trelissick Crescent and Ngaio Gorge Road was saved from development by Frances Lee, who purchased the land and then gifted it to the Wellington City Council (WCC).
The land has been classified as Scenic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 and is now part of Trelissick Park.
The land is steep with a deep ravine and includes an old pukatea and a mature matai which provides seed for bush regeneration projects around the city.
“I certainly didn’t want to see the bush removed from this piece of land and for townhouses to be built there,” Frances says.
“Having the land added to Trelissick Park is a wonderful outcome for everyone, and for the birds.”
The land is close to the track that enters Trelissick Park on the upper Ngaio Gorge Road.
Now 96 years old, Frances was the founder of the Trelissick Park Group in 1991. She and the Trelissick Park Group volunteers have worked tirelessly since then to restore the park’s natural environment and ecosystems.
At the gathering, WCC staff recognised Frances for her foresight, generosity and passion for Wellington’s native bush.
The WCC ranger for the park, Adam Groenewegen, confirmed that a fence will soon be erected between the land and the neighbouring Trelissick Crescent property.
Neighbours in the vicinity spoke of their gratitude for the land and trees being saved from futuredevelopment.
Trelissick Park Group members assured Frances that the land will receive the benefit of working bees, weeding and planting into the future.
To mark the occasion, and to mark the boundary between the land and the Trelissick Crescent neighbours, three native trees were planted which will be lovingly watered through the dry summer months by Trelissick Crescent neighbours.
The Friends of the Karori Cemetery have been awarded a grant of $15,000 from the Transpower Community Care Fund. The Friends will use the grant in their Gum Gully project to buy plants, and add to the Friends tool supply.
WCC Park Ranger Adam Groenewegen and Trelissick Park Group committee member Angus Napier plant a commemorative tree to mark the boundary of the new Scenic Reserve land. Photo: Supplied.
Frances Lee (left) with Wellington City Council staff, Shona McCahon (centre) and Sherilyn Hinton. Photo: Supplied.
Christmas hampers for needy families
By Frank Neill
The Do Some Good programme is about to deliver 327 Christmas hampers to families in need throughout the Wellington region.
Families in Johnsonville, Tawa and Linden are among those who will receive hampers.
The Do Some Good programme covers 23 schools in the region, including kindergartens and Kohanga Reo.
In the lead up to Christmas, Do Some Good works with teachers to identify which children would benefit from a hamper filled with Christmas dinner essentials.
“Some people just have nothing on Christmas day and this makes a huge difference,” says Leigh Keown, the Operations Manager for the Vulnerable Support Chritable Trust, which runs the Do Some Good Programme.
“We are making a difference for 327 families, which is exciting.
“One things that stands out to me when I make the deliveries is that the children just hug me.
“They are just so grateful,” Leigh says.
Do Some Good will start delivering the hampers to the needy families next week.
They will make sure that each hamper has a big chicken and that it contains food that will “spread out and go far,” Leigh says.
The Do Some Good programme started at Wainuiomata’s Arakura School in 2017 before the Lunch in Schools programme was launched.
It was launched when the school found out children were going to school without lunches or any food.
It began by providing a toasted sandwich maker, bread and cheese, so that the children who did not have food were given toasted sandwiches for lunch.
It then spread to providing children breakfasts, and this initiative continues.
Showroom: 29 Hutt Road, Thorndon
Youthline fundraiser very successful
By Frank Neill
A V Funding Youth’s 2024 fundraising evening proved very successful, raising $7,000 for Youthline Wellington. Established by Khandallah residents Vino and Anselm Martyn, AV Funding Youth has been fundraising for Youthline Wellington since 2018.
In that time it has provided Youthline with $40,695.
This year’s fundraiser was a dinner and dance held at Atura Hotel.
Guests were treated to a threecourse meal accompanied by two bottles of Alana Wine per table.
“There was a lot of fun, music, prizes and dance,” Vino says.
“The atmosphere was great,a good ambiance, and everyone had a goodtime.
“Our objective, in addition to raising funds for Youthline, is to give a
rollicking good time to the patrons who attended the dinner dance.”
As well as the dinner and dance, the evening featured raffles and giveaways, with all the prizes being donated by well wishers.
ANZ Bankdonateda Blackcaps versus Australia 2024 Cricket bat signed by “Blackcaps Squad” and the ball initiated by the captain.It was auctioned for $500.
Harvey Norman Tory Street donated 55 inch Konka Smart Coloured TV, which was auctioned for $720, and a silent auction of a crate of goodies went for $100.
Live music was performed by Anselm and the band for the eveningwas “The Party Mammals” who were buzzing with their classic hits.
L O D Dance Studios entertained the guests with three different performances.
When you have lost someone dear to you, anniversaries and the times you were happiest are often the times you are at your saddest.
Come and join us at our service of remembrance and gather strength from others.
This Christmas let us support one another.
Anselm and Vino Martyn at this year’s A V Funding Youth’s dinner and dance. Photo: Supplied.
Next bus Wed 18th December 2024
This private bus service has been operating for more than 17 years.
Do Some Good team member Jess Armstrong delivering a hamper. Photo: Supplied.
Some of the items about to be packed into one of the Christmas hampers. Photo: Supplied.
Lunar Festival back for 2025
By Frank Neill
Wellington’s Lunar New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Snake, will return to the capital in February. The 2025 festival was launched by the Asian Events Trust at a function on 5 December. The record-breaking 2024 festival drew 50,000 attendees after being rescued days before cancellation by new and now returning sponsor, the food giant Lee Kum Kee. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and city councillors were among those at the launch event, which heard that the 2025 programme of performances and activities will be even bigger.
“For me and many Wellingtonians, festival day is one of the best events of the year,” the Mayor says.
“It brings vibrancy to the city and is crucial for supporting our diverse community.”
Asian Events Trust Chair, Linda Lim, says that this year’s festival is 25% bigger, thanks to the addition of a two-week Asian themed culinary experience, a street festival on Courtenay Precinct on 1 February and a family fun zone in Frank Kitts Park on Festival Day on 16 February.
“There’s 25% more time and ways to connect people through food, culture, and celebration,” Linda says.
“We expect the festival day on 16 February to remain a big hit, with cultural displays, performances and the ever-popular Asian Market that takes over the waterfront.”
This year’s programme introduces ‘Paint the Town Red’— a two-week culinary experience in partnership with Courtney Precinct. From 29 January to 16 February, restaurants across Wellington will offer dishes and drinks inspired by Lunar New Year.
“Wellington is the culinary capital, with no shortage of Asian and Asian-fusion restaurants,” Linda says.
“We are thrilled to work with the Courtenay Precinct team and support the hospitality sector to help draw Wellingtonians into the CBD this summer.”
On 1 February Courtenay Place will host a vibrant street festival featuring dragon and lion dancers, taiko drummers, musicians and other performers, followed by the iconic fireworks display on Wellington’s waterfront, sponsored by Stonewood Group.
The festival’s biggest day is 16 February, which will showcase Wellington’s diverse Asian communities.
TSB Arena will offer crafts, displays and performances, while Frank Kitts Park will have interactive activities for all ages, such as dragon dancing workshops. Shed 6 will transform into a street market, serving up dumplings, matcha and more.
Linda says the huge number of activities throughout the two-week festival will combine to offer a must-visit experience for both Wellingtonians and visitors to the city.
“A huge thank you to our principal sponsor Lee Kum Kee and all our other sponsors, for making the scale of this festival possible.”
“We are thrilled to support Wellington’s Lunar New Year Festival again next year,” Vincent Wong, President APAC of Lee Kum Kee, says.
“As a century-old brand deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions, we are passionate about sharing the rich flavours of authentic Asian culture with people around the world.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to join us in this vibrant celebration of culture and community.”
Onslow History – local churches
By Felicity Wong
Prolific architect Frederick De Jersey Clere (1856-1952), designed many local churches. Among them were the Anglican churches at Ngaio (All Saints, 1928), Khandallah (St Barnabas 1922), Newlands (St Michael and All Angels, 1922), Johnsonville (St John’s 1921), Makara (St Matthias, 1920), Karori (St Mary’s 1911) and Wadestown (St Lukes, 1908). In the city, De Jersey Clere also designed St Andrew’s on the Terrace (1923), and St Mary’s of the Angels (1922). The son of a clergyman he designed over a hundred churches, mostly in a gothic revivalist style. The style was a deliberate attempt to transform the physical (and spiritual) landscape into something resembling English rural parishes. St Luke’s, the Wadestown church, has a particularly beautiful interior recalling the English arts and crafts movement with timber beams, polished wood floor and red brickwork. It has recently been re-strengthened, restored and refurbished and was open to visitors during last month’s Wellington Heritage Festival.
St Luke’s received a grant from the David Luke Heritage Bequest (administered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga), donations and a grant from Lotteries to help fund the major two year work project which finished in June.
Under it’s floor are now two big plinths designed to stop the east unreinforced masonry wall falling out.
In the 1970s external concrete buttresses had been added to the building to strengthen it. Horizontal steel now ties those buttresses on the inside of the building to bring it up to a very respectable 60% NBS.
Special features of the building include the large memorial window commissioned for the church and made in London.
The addition of the window was dedicated in a 1952 ceremony by General Freyberg.
St Luke’s has the original 1868 organ from Old St Paul’s Church in Thorndon.
The organ arrived at St Luke’s in 1946 having been transferred to churches in Christchurch and Whanganui after it left Old St Paul’s in 1878.
It has had modifications since then with an additional keyboard and extra stops and was fully cleaned and recommissioned as part of the recent restoration project.
In 2004 an older wooden church building next door, which had been shifted from the original Blackbridge Rd site to be used as the church hall, was demolished.
A new community centre was constructed joined to the present church building by a glazed atrium or cloister between the two.
“St Luke’s Centre” is open for use by community groups, including music, yoga and pilates. With Wellington City Council’s sale of the nearby Wadestown Community Centre and the Presbyterian church along the road being empty and for sale on Trade Me, it’s a pleasure to see St Luke’s well loved as a local landmark, well used and contributing to meeting contemporary community needs.
In the meantime, All Saints’ Ngaio church, another De Jersey Clere church, stands forlornly as a monument to earlier times before its congregation merged with St Barnabas Church in Khandallah.
After a final service in 2011, All Saints’ Ngaio was deemed to be earthquake prone and sold into private ownership.
Ngaio’s Union Church is, however, an ever bustling centre of community activity, together with the 99 year old Ngaio Town Hall. It’s centenary celebration will be in August next year. Join Onslow Historical Society for talks, walks and local history.
Continued from page 2.
The four options consulted on were: maintaining the current jet flight paths; changing the northerly route for jet departures before 7am to fly between Horokiwi and Korokoro; changing the northerly route for jet departures to a similar route used before December 2022 over Newlands Ridge; and any other proposal raised through the engagement process.
“Of the options consulted on, the airport’s review has concluded the status quo (Option One) is the most preferable because it is: the safest; the most efficient for passengers, airlines and the airport in terms of reduced travel times, fuel use, cost, emissions and flight delays; is strongly supported by the aviation industry; likely affects the fewest number of people with noise; was the most favoured option from our public consultation. “Of the four options publicly consulted on, the status quo was the most popular choice as first preference (49.78%), more than twice the level of other options.
“Each option has benefits and downsides, but the case for the status quo is very strong,” Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke says.
“It delivers the best combined safety and efficiency outcomes, was the most favoured option from our consultation process, and likely affects fewer people overall with noise than before December 2022.
“We have listened carefully to all public and industry feedback over the past two years and empathise with all of the sentiments expressed during consultation.
“We understand this will be disappointing for some people. However, the unavoidable challenge for a city like Wellington with an airport relatively close to the CBD is that aircraft must fly over residential areas at times, no matter which flightpath option is preferred.”
“We welcome Wellington Airport’s decision and look forward to continuing to support Wellington Airport to provide services to and from the nation’s capital,” Airways Chief Executive James Young says.
Christmas carols at Halfway House
By Frank Neill
Christmas Carols in the Garden will be held at Glenside’s historic Halfway House from 3pm to 4pm on Sunday 15 December. Everyone is welcome at this Christmas event.
The carol afternoon will feature Dave Dell and his keyboard skills and is hosted by the Glenside Progressive Association.
“Enjoy listening or sing along to your favourite old-fashioned Christmas Carols on the lawn at the historic Halfway House,” the association says.
“Dave says you’re welcome to join him up on the veranda for a few songs, so feel free to bring your fine voice or musical instrument along.”
People attending are advised to bring a picnic rug, sun protection, drinking water and snacks.
Halfway House is on the Glenside Reserve, 246 Middleton Road, and is next to Twigland Gardeners World.
As there is no parking on-site, people are advised to get dropped off or walk to this event.
Glenside’s historic Halfway House, the venue for Christmas Carols in the Garden. Photo: Supplied.
Magic Show enthralls children
The annual ‘Magic Show’ in Wellington, now hosted by the Karori Lions Club, entertained hundreds of excited children on the afternoon of Saturday 7 December afternoon in the Wellington High School hall.
Karori Lions are one of 13 Lions Clubs throughout New Zealand proudly hosting the "World Festival of Magic NZ" which has been touring New Zealand for more than 30 years.
The two afternoon shows each comprised 90 minutes of fantastic family-oriented entertainment with lots of dancing, audience participation and mind-blowing magic.
Sponsored by businesses throughout New Zealand, complimentary tickets are given to special needs and disadvantaged children and their families and are not for general sale to the public.
The performers are brought in from Australia by International Entertainment NZ, in collaboration with New Zealand Lions, and tour from Auckland to Invercargill during November and December every year. While some of the Lions were busy hosting this
event, others were preparing Christmas treats for some of the more elderly and fragile folk in Karori, capping a very busy period for Karori Lions, who have been raising funds through Lions Christmas cake sales, sausage sizzles, scrap metal collection and other activities.
All net income from money raised from the public is returned to the community to support health, youth, environment and other causes.
An ongoing busy activity for the club is the repurposing of used spectacles, for distribution in the Pacific Islands.
Preparations are well under way for the club’s biggest annual event, the Karori Lions Karnival at Ben Burn Park on Sunday 16 February 2025.
Karori Lions wish to thank the public for their support during the year, and wish all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Lions are always happy to accept new members who want to make a positive difference in their community. For more information visit www.facebook.com/KaroriLionsClubInc or phone Trevor at 021 454 056.
We are a registered service in emergency makesafe situations
IMAGINE
A scene from the 2024 Magic Show. Photo: Supplied.
What’s hot in the
Wairarapa
Brewtown is taking its signature vibe on the road, teaming up with Matahiwi Estate near Masterton on Wellington Anniversary weekend, Saturday 18th January,. Get ready for an event filled with the best craft beer, fine wine, live music, and chill vibes.
Music lovers can hit the dancefloor with an epic lineup of live acts and for those who prefer to take it easy, the vineyard offers cosy retro seating and lawn games amidst the vines – perfect for relaxing with a drink in hand.
Have you ever wondered what the Star of Bethlehem really was? Stonehenge Aotearoa answers that in an event celebrating the Summer Solstice on 21 December starting 7.30pm. Stonehenge Aotearoa goes down to the henge to watch the sun set. After that they return you to an audio-visual show to watch the Summer Stars. As the sky darkens music is played and visitors can look at the stars.
Adults $30, Seniors $25, Child (primary) $5, School student (secondary) $10.
Also available at Stonehenge Aotearoa: Stones Trek (daytime self guided tour) or explore Stonehenge on a self-guided tour. The programme includes a map of the henge and an audio-visual that explains how it works. Bookings not required.
Special presentation of an audio-visual followed by a story-telling guided tour of the henge. Allow 90 mins. Tours at tiered rates. Family/School Guided Tour, daytime mixed groups, can be booked online.
Watch and learn about spinning and weaving!
What could be nicer than a picnic over
This beautifully presented Gift Hamper contains a selection of sustainable, ethically made, and locally sourced products.
Discover their range of chutneys, pickles,
infused olive oils, salts & vinegar, herbs & spices plus yummy fudge; all handmade with care and real ingredients, with no nasties, in their Greytown kitchen. All products are available to purchase individually, in a gift pack or in a hamper.
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CHOICE FRUIT PRODUCTS
Phone: 022 328 0056 www.choicefruits.co.nz
If you want to know what’s made New Zealand a great agricultural country you can learn about it by visiting the Museum of Sheep and Shearing in Masterton.
The complex is housed in two authentic old wool sheds trucked in from local farms, plus a newly constructed gallery building –full of sheep farm gear, including shearing and wool handling equipment. of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand was said to “live off the sheep’s back.” Demonstrations are held about spinning and weaving on Wednesday mornings and by arrangement. See the history of spinning from ancient times and our collection of spinning wheels.
Greytown Butchery keeps on winning the Golds
Greytown Butchery has added to their impressive reputation of winning Gold Awards, this year they’ve won it for the Italian Tomato & Spinach Sausage. They consistently win awards with their multi-award winning sausages having so far clocked up 26 awards in the last 19 years.
Established in 1873, Greytown Butcheryis still operating in the same historic building and still keeping old butchering traditions alive since it
was first opened by original owner, Sam Haigh. Artisan butcher Gavin Green and Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic and popular business into a gourmet, European-styled butchery. It prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match. Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your goods –there’s always plenty to choose from! See them at 67 Main St, Greytown.
Have fun learning about early Wairarapa European
Come and explore the ways in which European knowledge in the early days of Wairarapa. Discover the histories of the heritage listed church, woolshed, school, stables, cottage, and hospital, along with the incredible stories of bravery, resilience, and determination. Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens and park-like grounds and see how life was revolutionised by farming, transport, saw milling, and dairy industries. Have some fun and photo opportunities in
the stocks and lock-up or take a seat in the glass coach and marvel at the horse-drawn taonga and waka displays and delve into the narratives of the visionaries who shaped Wairarapa.
Or simply bring a picnic, sit under the trees and soak up the unique setting that is Cobblestones. Spring and summer hours are 10am to 4pm. Autumn and Winter 10am to 3pm. www. cobblestonesmuseum.org.nz or visit our Facebook page.
Solo dad wins Trolley Dash
By Frank Neill
Joshua Searle was overjoyed when he learned he had won the Wellington Rebel Sport Trolley Dash.
He was able to fill his trolley at Rebel Sport in Petone on 5 December when he was one of five nationwide winners in a competition that attracted more than 25,000 entries.
The 38-year-old father has raised his niece and nephew since they were one and two, and thanks to the Trolley Dash can give them the Christmas they deserve.
His 7-year-old nephew loves football and touch, while his 8-year-old niece is a budding netball and basketball star with a passion for fashion.
The Trolley Dash has filled their Christmas
with sports gear, boots, and anything that fuels their active, sporty lifestyles.
“Christmas is about family, relaxing and celebrating together,” Joshua says.
“My birthday’s on Boxing Day, so it’s a double celebration with family.
"I've never won anything like this before, and it honestly means the world.
“Being a solo dad is hard yakka, but I just want to give my kids a special Christmas after everything they've been through.
“Now, I'm going to focus on making memories with them instead of stressing about gifts," Joshua says.
Josh's Rebel Trolley Dash was a huge success.
He managed to pick up $4,970 worth of goods in just 90 seconds.
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On the lower level you'll find your entertainers dream. The open plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area is ideal for family living. It flows seamlessly to two flat outdoor spaces, perfect for BBQs, playtime or simply relaxing. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms, the master being the star of the show and a study nook on the landing.
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From the moment you arrive, the street appeal of 10 Edgecombe will draw you in. As you step inside, to your right you'll discover an open plan lounge and dining area which adjoins the kitchen - the perfect space for family gatherings. The kitchen offers abundant storage, with the convenience of quick gas cooking.
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Joshua Searle, with his nephew and niece who he fathers, with their full trolley. Photo: Supplied.
10 Edgecombe Street, Newlands
18 Trelawny Terrace, Grenada Village
& Health
Acorn Stairlifts – making your home so much more accessible!
It is a simple truth that staying in your own home gives you a sense of stability, safety and independence. An important aspect of this is being able to move around freely and easily, without worry, pain, or struggle. So why let getting up and down stairs keep you from fully enjoying your home?
Your home is your refuge, where you entertain, welcome family and friends or simply relax. Your home is also where you live your life, and the place you call your own. Acorn Stairlifts are innovative on every level, making Acorn the safest alternative for staircase use in every home.
All Acorn Stairlifts are easy to use, easy to maintain, and all feature the very best in design, engineering and safety. There are additional features built to keep you safe and provide a smooth ride around the curves of your stairs.
As people enjoy longer lives and wish to remain living independently at home, the demand for domestic stairlifts continues to grow.
Acorn Stairlifts will help you master ‘the three Rs’: Regain your independence, Retain full use of your home, and Remain in the home you love. Installing an Acorn Stairlift turns your home into a bungalow, by removing the obstacle of stairs if they become too challenging.
As an example of Acorn’s commitment to excellence and safety, they are proud that their products have earned the prestigious Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.
This commendation is only awarded to companies whose products have passed rigorous testing proving they are easy to use for people with arthritis.
Acorn is the world’s biggest company dedicated solely to the manufacture, direct sale, installation and maintenance of home stairlifts.
Warm weather footcare
As the temperatures climb, our feet have to adapt to summer shoes and activities.
Sandals offer a chance for the feet to breathe and stay cool.
The best sandals are ones that have a strap or closed heel to help provide support to the foot. It is important to clean sandals occasionally to prevent problems such as tinea or athlete’s foot.
Self-care in summer should also include using heel balm to keep the heels from
drying out and cracking. Podiatrists help in maintaining summer feet by trimming off the buildup and helping to prevent these heel cracks forming, known as
At Active Feet Podiatry we are here to assist and advise you to have pain free and attractive feet. Call for an appointment and start the new year with a spring in your step.
Active Feet Podiatry can be reached on (04) 473 8696. ActiveFeetPodiatry.com
Hand and wrist therapy
Hand Therapists use splinting, casting and taping to support and protect injured hands, wrists and elbows.
Exercises are used to regain range of motion, improve strength and reduce sensitivity.
Hands on treatment and education help you know what you’ve injured, what you
should do and what you should avoid to get back to your normal tasks as quick as possible.
Let us help you get back to doing what you love after injury to your hand, wrist or elbow.
Phone 04 237-0229 www.handwristandelbow.co.nz
Cherries – helping support heart health and joint mobility
Diet plays a huge role in our health with foods that offer specific health
Cherryvite’s Montmorency tart cherries is one such food.
As one of nature’s richest sources of your body’s free radicals, and support heart health and joint mobility, reduce stress and enable a better night’s sleep. Montmorency tart cherries are warmed and pressed to remove the cherry juice. Cherry juice is concentrated to 68° Brix by removing water. Cherryvite products contain no additives, preservatives or colouring
agents and are 100% natural. Tart cherry juice concentrate can be reconstituted into a single-strength beverage.
has published results from the 2023/24 New Zealand Health Survey.
‘The annual New Zealand Health Survey results provide valuable information about the health and wellbeing of adults and children in New Zealand,’ says Dr Harriette Carr, Deputy Director Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
The survey captures information about a range of health topics, such as alcohol use, vaping and smoking, mental health, eating habits, and access to health services.
‘The survey is an essential tool for the Ministry and wider health sector to identify
Survey provides valuable insights
key issues and monitor trends. The information collected supports the development of health services, policies and strategies,’ says Dr Carr.
‘The data shows that most New Zealanders continue to be in good health, and good progress is being made in areas such as reducing young people’s rates of hazardous drinking.
‘There are areas where more work is needed and work is underway. The Government Policy Statement on Health outlines the Government’s vision for the health system: to increase life expectancy with quality of life, and a health system that provides all New Zealanders with timely access to quality health care’ says Dr Carr.
Source: MoH
Christmas Church Services and Events 2024
Email: office@johnsonvilleanglicans.org.nz Ph: (04) 973 1729 www.facebook.com/JohnsonvilleAnglicans Sunday
Come and join us at St John’s, 18 Bassett Road, Johnsonville.
of St Paul 2 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington www.wellingtoncathedral.org.nz
Welcome news for rail network
Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has welcomed news from the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown, who announced a further $137.2 million in funding for the completion of a series of substation upgrades across the Wellington region. The substation upgades will enable future reliability and growth in the rail network, GWRC says. When announcing the plan on 5 December, Mr Brown said the amount of travel on Wellington’s metro rail network was expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Upgrading the network’s substations will enable this growth
and provide Wellingtonians confidence in the reliability of services.
“Some of Wellington’s existing substations are between 60 and 90 years old.
“Our significant investment in upgrading, repairing and replacing these critical substations will keep Wellington’s trains running and manage electrical capacity across the network to ensure consistent, efficient and uninterrupted service for commuters,” the Minister said.
“When the substations go down, so do the trains.
“Delivering five additional substations for Wellington will
provide enough electricity supply to power new Wairarapa and Manawat Ū trains and enable additional 15-minute timetables on existing lines.
“Upgrading our substations will also strengthen resilience when the network is faced with severe weather events, such as storms, heavy rainfall, and high winds,” Mr Brown said.
GWRC Chair Daran Ponter says the funding announcement will be a welcome boost to the region’s economy and its neighbours in Horowhenua, with the region’s rail system expected to respond to significant population growth over the coming decades.
“Wellington, K piti and Horowhenua will need to accommodate an additional 200,000 people, a 35% increase, and 100,000 jobs in the next 30 years.
“Three quarters of this growth is expected to occur to the north,
along the eastern and western growth corridors that follow our primary rail corridors.
“We have worked closely with KiwiRail on this project to date and we look forward to delivering it alongside them,” Mr Ponter says.
An example of a substation already completed in Petone in 2017. Photo: Supplied.
New mural for Wadestown
A new mural has been created in Wadestown by mana whenua artists Aidan Walbaekken and Manukorihi Winiata.
Depicting birds prominent in the area, the new mural is on the corner of Cecil and Wadestown Roads.
Artist Aidan Walbækken (Te ti Awa, Tainui), has created more than 50 murals across the Wellington region.
“I was approached by Manukorihi Winiata and Len Hetet from Baked Design Limited, and Manu brought me in on the project to help create something that spoke to a few key drivers of the area, mainly people and the land and the water,” Aidan says.
“We created a series of marks and used the niho taniwha to acknowledge the people so that speaks to wh nau, protection and stability.
“In terms of the land, we acknowledge that with some native bush, and we painted that as a scenery.
“To show the waters and the sea, the awa is represented inside the puhoro which shows movement.
“The awa was one of the core drivers behind this design and the korimako bird or the bellbird is something that sort of reflects through there too.
“Colour selection was also key.
“For the florals and the land, we used green, and then we picked a sort of sandy colour to represent the parŪ or the land, while the water and the seas are represented through the blue.
“And then we left some exposed concrete there so that it can speak to the history of the area and not take away what the wall has meant to people,” Aidan says.
“I guess I started with just drawing shapes onto a photograph that I took of the wall on my iPad and was just playing with the aesthetic and trying to figure out what sort of compo-
sition was going to work on the wall.
“I created the concept on the photograph.
“Then when it came to executing it, I went directly onto the concrete. I’m completely hands-
free with spray paint. I don’t use stencils whatsoever.
“It’s one thing to draw a picture on or put it directly onto a photograph, but sometimes there are hidden angles on the wall with things that are protruding from it.
Seniors Pack:
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“A couple of the big triangles had to be adjusted, and the aesthetic of the wall was very different to what I had planned.
“The whole mural was also a long triangle shape, which was new to me.
“We did all this learning alongside contractors who were doing road works at the same time.
“We ended up completing the work within a 40-hour work week, so I’m really stoked with the overall results,” Aidan says.
Family Pack:
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3 pack sausages quantities of 6 choice of flavour (18 Sausages total)
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Wadestown Road mural by Aidan Walbaekken and Manu Winiata. Photo: Wellington City Council.
Graham’s Painters
E: grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com W: www.grahamspainters.nz
Approval and house plans. Free estimates provided. Call Doug on 934-1398.
Circus in the Gardens
By Frank Neill
Circus acts will come to the Botanic Gardens at 7pm on 21 December. Circus in the Gardens will feature a vareity of acts from The Circus Hub, Wellington’s very own circus studio. The event will take place in The Dell at
the Botanic Gardens and is a collaboration between The Cirucs Hub and Wellington Gardens.
For those in the mood for dinner and a show, the Taco Addicts food truck will be onsite serving some delicious options before show time.
THURSDAY FACT
Junko
Funding support for Circus in the Gardens has come from the Creative Communities Scheme thanks to Wellington City Council and Creative New Zealand.
The Circus Hub teaches all kinds of circus classes to students of all ages.
(7)
Dress (6)
Remember (6)
Side by side (7)
Diplomacy (4)
Shallow vessel (3)
Age (3)
Baghdad is its’ capital (4)
Alike (7)
Hinder (6)
Residential area (6)
Act (7)
Cheese (4)
Waterproof fabric (9)
Body of musicians (9)
Rent (5)
Ban (7)
Giraffe-like animal (5)
53. Elector (11)
From preschoolers to adults, it has something for everyone whether they are interested in performing or just finding a fun way to keep fit. More information about The Circus Hub classes can be found atwww.circus.org. nz
54. Momentum (7)
1. Goodbye(Hawaiian) (5) 2. Solo concert performance (7)
3. Torment (6)
4. U.S. dept. of Defence building (8)
5. Guardian (7)
6. Endangered atmospheric layer (5)
7. Make certain (6)
8. Combine in pairs (8)
9. Near (11)
10. Hell(inf) (5)
16. Difficulty (7)
18. Stadium (5)
20. Drastic (7)
21. High mountain (3)
22. Employ (3)
24. City treasurer (11)
25. Vegas (3)
27. Lure (5)
28. Three (3)
31. Dram (3)
33. Unit of electric current(abbr)(3)
37. Ships’ weaponry (8)
38. Cabbage variety (8)
41. Kiwi catoon strip ‘ Flats’ (7)
43. Withdraw statement (7)
44. ‘Even though’ (6)
45. Compensate (6)
46. Purposeful (5)
47. Grand
Ettiene Kirsty
Karori wins top of table clash
By Frank Neill
Karori’s first Cricket XI emerged triumphant in their top of the table clash with Taita on 7 December.
Batting first on Karori Park, Taita was all out for 188 in the division one Ewen Chatfield Trophy match.
Karori comfortably overhauled the total, finishing with a six to reach 194 for the loss of five wickets in just 34.1 overs.
This saw Karori finish the round on 17 points, equal with Taita, while Onslow was just one point behind the top two in third place on the ladder.
Two Karori bowlers took three wickets each, with Louis Ayres finishing on three wickets for 37 runs and Kevin Weerasundara taking three wickets for 42 runs.
Liam Roche conceded only 21 runs in his 10 overs and finished with one wicket for 21 runs.
Shivang Choudhary took one wicket at a cost of 20 runs and Matt Rowe took one wicket for 21 runs.
As well as taking a wicket, Shivang notched up a half century, finishing with 55 runs.
Liam came within an ace of a half century and was not out on 49 when Karori passed the Taita total.
Oscar Wilson also batted well, scoring 45 runs.
Karori’s next match sees them play Onslow at Nairnville Park on 14 December.
Onslow’s first XI also recorded a victory on 7 December, beating Eastern Suburbs.
Batting first on Nairnville Park, Suburbs was all out for 98.
Onslow did not lose a single wick-
et when overhauling the Suburbs score and they took just 12 overs and four balls to claim the victory. Devan Vishvaka notched up a half century and finished on 52 not out. William Julian was 43 not out when Onlsow won the match.
Matthew Scoble took four of the Suburbs wickets to fall at a cost of 17 runs.
Daniel Rose took two wickets for 10 runs, Elliot Seddon two wickets for 22 runs and Oscar Jackson one wicket for 15 runs.
Micah Conroy bowled a miserly spell, conceding just three runs in his three overs and also taking a wicket.
Johnsonville’s premier women defeated City Suburbs at Kilbirnie Park on 7 December.
Batting first, Johnsonville reached 90 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
New WCC chief executive
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Council has appointed Matt Prosser from southwest England as its new chief executive.
Mr Prosser will succeed the council’s current chief executive Barbara McKerrow, who finishes her five-year term in March 2025.
With three decades of experience working in local government, Mr Prosser is currently chief executive of Dorset Council, a large unitary authority serving 380,000 residents with just under 5000 employees and 82 elected members.
Mr Prosser says he is looking forward to the move and the challenges ahead.
“I love New Zealand and have always thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Wellington,” he says.
“My wife and I are looking forward to becoming Wellingtonians and walking the lovely bush trails with our golden retriever, enjoying the excellent cafes and hospitality, and cheering on the Hurricanes and Poua.
“Wellington is just the kind of city we love, full of innovative, creative people, wonderful nature and a rich history.
“Local government is a complex environment with multiple stakeholders, competing interests and funding challenges, but also so much opportunity to contribute in a positive way to the wellbeing of our communities and environment.
“I’m looking forward to understanding how best to serve Wellington, working alongside the talented team at Wellington City Council,” he says.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says there was significant global and national interest in the role from highly qualified senior leaders, but Mr Prosser was selected due to his local government experience, focus on people and community outcomes, commitment to innovation and transformation, and proven leadership in developing teams.
“I look forward to working with him and introducing him to all that P neke has to offer,” Mayor Whanau says.
They then bowled out City Suburbs for 82. This saw Johnsonville finish the day in second place on the table, just one point behind North City.
Johnsonville’s Captain, Anissa Greenlees starred with the ball, taking four wickerts at a cost of just 17 runs.
Cara McCully took two wickets for 12, Aesha Sukhu two for 16, Kacey McCully one for nine and Estella Wallace one for 14.
Dhriti Girish was Johnsonville’s top scorer with 21.
The next match sees Johnsonville play Petone Riverside at the Petone Recreation Ground on 14 December.
The Johnsonville men came close to beating Upper Hutt in their division two Hazlett Trophy match at Alex Moore Park on 7 December.
Batting first, Upper Hutt reached 312 for the loss of five wickets. In reply, Johnsonville ended up losing by just seven runs when they scored 305 for the loss of seven wickets.
Three Johnsonville batsmen made half centuries.
Andrew Moir scored 80 runs from just 59 balls and Janakan Karunaharan 89 from 73 deliveries.
Matthew Nel was 52 not out at the end of the match, after having secured a run out when Upper Hutt batted.
Reece Edgecombe took two wickets for 64 runs, Maximus Petrie one wicket for 70 runs and Sean Wakelin one wicket for 75 runs.
Johnsonville’s next match is against Wainuiomata at Bryan Heath Park on 14 December.
