12 June Wainuiomata News

By Frank Neill

Two Wainuiomata Baseball players – Connor Keall and Logan Woolley – have been selected to represent New Zealand.

Connor and Logan have been named in the Southern Cross Baseball Academy “Pac-Men” under 16 team that has been selected from players throughout New Zealand to play in the Babe Ruth Baseball World Series in Branson, Missouri.

continued on page 2.

Logan Woolley (left) and Connor Keall, who have been selected to play Baseball for the New Zealand region.

Photo: Lance Keall.

How to reach us

Phone (04) 587 1660

www.issuu.com/wsn11

WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

REPORTER

Frank Neill

wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916 YOUR

SALES

Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008

Sam Barnes

sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406

Connor now a double national rep

Continued from page 1

This event begins on 9 August and will see teams from the United States compete in one section of the tournament while there is an international bracket that teams from the rest of the world compete in.

The two winners will meet in the Babe Ruth world series final.

Connor’s selection in the under 16 Baseball team makes him a double national representative.

Last year he was selected in the International Softball Academy New Zealand Under 15 Softball Team that competed in the Under 15 Blue Blaze Tournament in Sydney.

Connor tasted victory in the Blue Blaze Tournament too. His team, New Zealand Black, won a very closely fought battle against New Zealand White in the final, winning 11-10.

Both Connor and Logan are “pretty stoked and pretty excited” about going to the upcoming tournament, Connor’s father Lance Keall says.

“It’s a pretty awesome experience for them.

“I’m pretty proud of Connor, absolutely,” Lance says.

“He’s had this as a goal and he’s pretty rapt to have achieved it.”

“We are very excited that Logan has been given this opportunity,” his father, Paul Woolley says.

“It was one of his major goals to travel to the States.

“He’s the only one of his family who hasn’t been to the States, and he is really looking forward to it.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to go and play in a tournament in Missouri.

“We are beyond proud of him. He’s put in the hard work to get to where he is.”

This is not the first time Logan has been named in a New Zealand team. In 2022 he was selected in the under 12

Woolley.

New Zealand Baseball team. However the team was not able to travel to the tournment in the United States because of Covid travel restrictions.

With that selection he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Brian, who played for New Zealand in the under 12 team.

Both Logan and Connor play Baseball for the Hutt Valley Hornets, the only Baseball club in the Hutt.

They both began by playing Softball, both with the Wainuiomata Softball Club until the club was not able to find the numbers to make up a team in the age group competitions last year.

Logan and Connor then began playing Softball for the Hutt Valley Dodgers.

The two boys can also play in a variety of positions in Baseball matches.

Connor is a left-handed pitcher and batter, who also plays catcher. Logan is a righthanded pitcher and batter who also plays

base.

As well as representing New Zealand in the under 16 team, Connor has also been selected in the New Zealand under 18 Baseball wider squad of around 35 players.

Later in the year the selectors will choose a team to play in the under 18 World Cup qualifying tournament near the end of the year.

“That’s a feather in his cap as well,” Lance says.

“It’s another achievement which he has worked hard towards.”

Lance is very appreciative of all the support the family has received from Wainuiomata.

“Thank you to the local community and friends and family for all the support and help they have given us,” he says.

That support has included sponsorship, support with their fund-raising and general assistance.

“The support has been pretty overwhelming and pretty humbling,” Lance says.

WAINUIOMATA COMMUNITY BOARD

Connor Keall in the batter’s box. Photo: Paul

Logan Woolley in action with the bat. Photo: Paul Woolley.

Wainuiomata has new centenarian

By Andrea Lister

The amazing Dorothy Reuschler of Wainuiomata has reached the grand age of 100.

To mark the occasion Dorothy, along with a gathering of family and friends, had a celebration afternoon at the Petone Workingman’s Club on 9 June where she is the club’s oldest member and a regular supporter.

Dorothy was born in Nottingham, England.

As a youngster she enjoyed running, hockey and netball, winning a number of prizes for her efforts. She left school at 14 and had a number of jobs.

During the Second World War, she joined the land army based in Kent, working on the farms while the men were away at war. Dorothy emigrated to New Zealand in 1973 and settled in Wainuiomata, where she still lives with her husband Manfred.

During her time in Wainuiomata, Dorothy has belonged to several clubs and groups including badminton, walking groups, 60s Up and the Senior Citizens Club.

Up until the young age of 98, she actively enjoyed playing Table Tennis in the local club, where she showed great hand eye co-ordination.

Dorothy still enjoys baking and is an avid poet, writing poetry about life experiences and current topics, all with a touch of good humour. She has also written a book about her time in the Land Army during the war.

When asked about her longevity, she replied that she doesn’t know why she lived so long and that she didn’t really want to live to reach 100.

Her table tennis friends, however, believe that it is more likely to be attributed to her sense of humour and her sharp mind.

Big challenges ahead for Grey Power

The New Zealand Grey Power Federation will hold its Annual General Meeting later this month and Wainuiomata Association will be present.

This year a new President will be appointed after the sudden resignation of Jan Pentecoste.

Jan worked tirelessly on behalf of all Grey Power members. She is facing some health challenges and family responsibilities that must now come first.

There are two candidates who have stepped forward to be the next national President.

Along with the Federation Board, the new President will be lobbying the government about the high cost of rental accommodation for the steadily growing number of retirees renting.

Young Football group

Capital Football is looking for young players aged from 14 to 18 years to join its Youth Participant Group (YPG). The YPG aims to meet two times a year to discuss youth football and provide feedback and insight into the game in the Wellington region.

Capital Football is looking for a diverse group of participants who can input their experiences to help improve youth football in the region. This can include those still playing the game (competitively, socially, at clubs or college) and those no longer playing.

People interested in being part of the YPG or who have any questions can email Maika by 5pm on Friday 21 June at maika@capitalfootball.org.nz.

Community Football awards nominations open

New Zealand Football is calling for nominations for the 2024 Community Football Coach of the Year and Referee of the Year.

People can nominate a coach who stands out. They could be a parent who fills the coaching role for their local junior team every weekend or a coach that has made a significant impact on the beautiful game in the Wellington region.

Nominations for Community Football Coach of the Year close on 31 October. New Zealand Football is looking for referees who volunteer every weekend and who ensure a safe and fun game for all.

With diminishing membership of Grey Power associations throughout New Zealand the board is also facing the challenge of radical structural changes required if Grey Power is to have a viable future as a strong advocacy organisation.

The Wainuiomata group can boast an increase in membership and stands firm in its quest to keep members supported and well-informed on issues relevant to them.

The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:30pm at the Wainuiomata Bowling Club. People who are keen to hear what Wainuiomata Grey Power does can contact the President, Helen Thomas, on 022 109 6722.

This is a huge cost to those who rely totally on the pension and many are now turning up at local soup kitchens and food banks around the country.

This could be the local referee who shows up every week through rain or shine, or the parent who takes up the whistle for their kid’s team week in and week out.

Nominations for Community Football Referee of the Year close on 7 November. Nominations can be made on the website www.nzfootball.co.nz/communitycompetitions.

Dorothy Reuschler and her husband Manfred, taken at her 100th birthday celebrations. Photo: Supplied.

Wainui Intermediate wins at Showquest

By Vatau Sagaga Jnr

Wainuiomata Intermediate School (WIS) students were given a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Wellington Showquest held at St James Theatre on 28 May.

Their powerful performance saw them win three awards for Best Drama, Most Accomplished Lighting Award and the Best School Spirit Award given to the school which showed good school values throughout the day-long rehearsal and performances.

Showquest is a performing arts platform for schools run by Rock Star Promotions with the support of the Ministry of Education, Rockshop & ZM.

Showquest supports konga around Aotearoa from years 1 – 13 to showcase art, music, dance, drama, culture and technology. This year’s show included entries from six other intermediates in greater Wellington.

The school’s Tamaiti o le Pasi-

fika (TLP) class showcased their talents with the play, “O La Tatou Taulaga” (Their Sacrifice) which is about the devastating impacts on the Pacific people during the controversial Dawn Raids between 1971 and 1974.

The story, written by the class, follows Iosefa, a Samoan man who moves to New Zealand in search of work and a fresh start, making the difficult decision to leave his wife Alofa and two tamaiti in Samoa.

However, his new life in New Zealand is not as smooth as he had hoped.

Facing rejection from many employers, he was also a victim of prejudice from others in the community.

The only form of communication with his family in Samoa was through letters.

Despite being reunited as a family when his wife and children arrived in New Zealand, their joy would not last long.

Iosefa was arrested and deported

to Samoa. This left Alofa shattered when she and the children Moana and Nalesoni remained in New Zealand hoping for his return.

That is when the Polynesian Panthers, who fought for the rights of Pacific people, stepped in to support the family, giving them hope once again.

The show was described as “very confronting, compelling, and emotive as it is a very dark time in New Zealand history,” by a parent.

“I am extremely proud of our tamaiti,” Tamaiti o le Pasifika teacher Eleanor McLeod said.

“To write, produce, direct, perform and tell a story that means so much to our people was very emotional and so exciting for all involved.”

The class acknowledges the great support and guidance from Mrs McLeod and Ms McCoole and the great support from all of its aiga. WIS hopes to return to Showquest again next year.

Student leaders Jacqui McCarthy and Jackson McLeod holding the three awards won by WIS. Photo: Supplied.

Wainui Marae open day coming up

Wainuiomata Marae is inviting the community to join them at the Wainuiomata Marae open day on Saturday 15 June from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

Everyone is invited to the Marae for a cuppa and some kai and to have a look at the renovations that have been completed over the past 12 months.

Members of the Marae Committee will be present to discuss these renovations and the plans for the future of the marae. “We would like to thank everyone for your patience and your understanding while the marae has been closed,” says the Marae’s Chair Star Olsen. “We are sorry our repairs have taken so long but there have been some major tasks that we have finally been able to work on. “Over the past 12 months we have replaced the large wharekai roof that has had major leakages over a long period of time.

“This was a huge accomplishment for the marae to complete this work.

“We have replaced all the lights in the dining room and the passageway with LED lighting. “We have also been able to replace the faulty old gas heating system in the wharekai with new heat pumps. “We have fans that hang from the ceiling in the wharekai to help keep

High School planning community mara kai

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata High School is planning to develop a m ra kai – community food garden – at the school. And the school is looking for community leadership and support for the initiative. The school has organised a hui on the m ra kai plan. The hui will be held at the Wainuiomata Community Hub meeting room from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday 14 June.

“We don’t want [the project] to be teacher-led because we want it to be sustainable,” says Whaea Becky Le Lievere, who got the initiative started. “We want it to have community leadership,” she says. The aim of the hui is to “get the community involved early so they can lead it.”

The m ra kai will be both for the school’s students, particularly those who are disconnected from learning as an activity that can draw them in, and also for the wider Wainuiomata community. People will, for example, be able to have their own family plot in the m ra kai, and they will be able to take kai they have grown home to eat. Another benefit of people coming to the school to garden, Becky says, is that it it means that they can become more engaged in their children’s learning. The new m ra kai will meet three needs: nau presence in the kura; the nurturing soils of papatŪ nuku; andability in the community.

Currently the school has two small garden areas. The new plan is to develop a large garden area and the school’s greenkeeper Clarry Collier is very keen on the project, Becky says.

The school’s initiative has the support of the He Pu wai Trust. This Hutt Valley organisation has a mission to build resilience in whenua, wh nau, and h pori through restoring and developing sustainable, local food systems. It works alongside Kokiri Marae’s Pataka Kai in Wise Street, playing a supporting role.

the heat circulating around the room.

“We have placed radiant heating in the ceiling along the passageway.

“The kitchen has been gutted and repainted. We are waiting on the installation of our new appliances - a new gas oven, commercial bratt pan and a dishwasher. “A number of leaky window frames have been repaired or replaced and painted.

“The wharenui roof and the Bubby Turner whare roof have been painted the same colour as the wharekai roof. “The little entrance porchway

into the passageway has had the roof replaced and has been painted.

“Parts of the external marae walls that are showing signs of disrepair have been repaired and painted. Interior doors have been repaired, replaced and painted.

“Once again e te whanau, thank you for always supporting the marae. “We look forward to you coming down to visit and check out our renovations and to hear about our exciting plans for the future,” Mr Olsen says.

Wainuiomata’s Marae’s wharekai with its new roof, which proved a major undertaking. Photo: Frank Neill.

WANTED

Newspaper Deliverers

The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:

Trades

Graham’s Painters

High School outstanding in Nga manu korero

Experienced tradesmen and large team

Get your House Exterior and Interior painted! ~ Pensioner Discounts ~

E: grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com

W: www.grahamspainters.nz

Ph: (04) 564 9202 021 183 9492

AREA 1: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers

AREA 2: Meremere St, Manurewa GR, Mataura Gr 300 papers

AREA 3: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers

AREA 4: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, part of Wood St and Coast Rd 235 papers

AREA 5: Donnelley Dr, Roberts St, Norfolk St 290 papers

Contact Sandra

The Ministry of Education has identified that Arakura Primary School has experienced significant roll growth and is at risk of overcrowding and has given the school board notice of this.

After earlier consultation with the Board the Ministry has developed a proposed enrolment scheme for Arakura School under section 72 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

As part of this process, we are consulting with the school’s community and with people living in the area for which the school is reasonably convenient.

The enrolment scheme could affect which school a student will be entitled to enrol in.

If you have any comments about the proposed enrolment scheme for Arakura School that you would like included in the final report about this proposal, please forward them to: network.lowerhutt@education.govt.nz by Friday 26th July 2024

A copy of the proposed scheme can be obtained by email from network.lowerhutt@education.govt.nz

R O O R C S D S

ACROSS

Pets

CATTERY Casa De Wootton, home away from home. Rural surroundings. 187 Moores Valley Road. Phone Jane 5644310

Wainuiomata High School not only hosted this year’s regional Ng manu k rero competition, their Wharekura students also performed outstandingly. They won three out of the four sections in the speech competition, came second equal in one section and finished third in three sections.

Mya Vulu was dominant in the senior M ori k rero, winning all three sections of the competition. Mya was named best prepared, best impromptu and best impact as well as being best overall.

Anahera Eru-Solomona was also outstanding in the senior English speech section. She won the best prepared, best ipact and best overall awards.

Te Aniwaniwa Hori-Temara won the junior M ori k rero competition.

Following their victories in the regional event, Mya, Anahera and Te Aniwaniwa will go on to compete in the national Ng manu k rero competition, to be held in Auckland in September.

Reihana Te Rauna gained the school’s second placing when he finished second equal in the senior M ori k rero.

Keelan Renata gained his third placing, also in the senior M ori k rero.

Mahina Riana Hughes was third in the junior M ori k rero, while Angela Monu also finished third in the English speech section.

Wainuiomata entered nine speakers in the regional event. As well as the seven who gained placings, Merlene Maxwell and Irie-Jae Grant were also right up near the top.

The Ministry of Education has identified that Konini Primary School has experienced significant roll growth and is at risk of overcrowding and has given the school board notice of this.

After earlier consultation with the Board the Ministry has developed a proposed enrolment scheme for Konini Primary School under section 72 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

As part of this process, we are consulting with the school’s community and with people living in the area for which the school is reasonably convenient.

The enrolment scheme could affect which school a student will be entitled to enrol in.

If you have any comments about the proposed enrolment scheme for Konini Primary School that you would like included in the final report about this proposal, please forward them to:

network.lowerhutt@education.govt.nz by Friday 26th July 2024

A copy of the proposed scheme can be obtained by email from network.lowerhutt@education.govt.nz

1. Minister without portfolio (4-7)

7. Of the stomach. (7)

11. Vision. (5)

12. Dregs(pl) (7)

13. Volume of maps. (5)

14. Oil. (9)

15. Explain. (9)

16. Priest’s assistant. (6)

18. Hairy. (7)

21. The Loch monster. (4)

23. Existence(Phil) (3)

25. Purpose. (3)

27. Fertile soil. (4)

28. Temper fit. (7)

30. Cask maker. (6)

32. Limb. (3)

33. Movie,”silence of lambs” (3)

34. Corset. (6)

35. Windpipe. (7)

36. Jump. (4)

37. Ex N.Z. first minister Henare. (3)

39. Literary gossip. (3)

41. Small whirlpool. (4)

43. Too eager to fire gun, ... happy. (7)

45. Group of performers. (6)

48. Entrusted friend. (9)

49.Sufferer of sleeplessness. (9)

51. Anoint with oil. (5)

52. Repeat. (7)

53. Banal. (5)

54. Skill. (7)

55. Impressive. (11)

DOWN

1. Flat seafish. (5)

2. Bedroom servant. (11)

3. Short summary. (8)

4. Normandy Native. (6)

5. Swiftness. (5)

6. Set right. (7)

7. Divide into degrees. (8)

8. Motionless. (6)

9. Free. (7)

10. Social rank. (5)

16. Size of gun bore. (7)

17. Beg. (7)

19. Bury. (5)

20. Bewitch. (7)

22. Division of ode. (7)

24. Kiwi actor, Neill. (3)

26. Hare(fem) (3)

Male relative. (5)

Injurious. (11)

Deed. (3)

(3)

38. Town-dweller. (8)

42. Underground

For January 19, 2005

40. Fragrant. (8)

cell. (7) 44. Reaps. (7) 46. Upper-arm muscle. (6) 47. Concur. (6) 48. Corn husks. (5)

Angry.. (5)

Comfort. (5)

CASSIE MURPHY Funeral Director GAVIN MURPHY General Manager

Notices

Notices

Wainui wins dramatic 7 goal thriller

By Ryan Imray

For the second week in a row the Wainuiomata First Football team left it late to win a thrilling contest against Brooklyn United.

With both teams sitting bottom of the table on the same number of points, it was a must win game and it was Wainuiomata who got off to a great start.

Lachlan Harris put Wainuiomata 1-0 up before Tyron Curtis scored his second in two weeks to put the

Nui 2-0 up at half time.

The teams came out for the second half and it was Brooklyn who came out firing, scoring three goals in 20 minutes to take a 3-2 lead.

When a Brooklyn player celebrated a goal by coming over to the Wainuiomata fans shouting

“who’s chirping now”, it seemed to add fuel to the fire and the men in green and black went up another gear.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, it seemed like Brooklyn

would hold on but the drama was only just starting. With four minutes left on the clock, captain Max Scheule sneaked around the back post and got a simple tap in to level the scores at 3-3.

Brooklyn player Ciaran Kelly got his second yellow card of the game and was sent from the field for the third time this season and Wainui could sniff a winner and in the last minute of the game, they found it.

Jahkaya Atkinson received the ball on the wing and in David

Wainui Intermediate wins Rugby title

By Jacqui McCarthy*

are the 2024 Wellington Regional Intermediate Schools Sports Association (WRISSA) girls Rugby 10s champions.

The school won the title when they defeated Naenae Intermediate School 30-15 in the tournament final in Masterton on 5 June.

The Wainuiomata Intermediate team was made up of members from the school’s winning girls Rugby sevens team along with some extra players. The team was blessed to have Samoan Rugby sevens superstar Uale Ma’i coaching them.

The first game was against Tawa Intermediate. It was a tough match because so many of the team are Rugby League players and sort of forgot what to do. However the team managed to walk away with a 20-0 win.

The second game was against Maidstone Intermediate. The girls all worked as a team, doing moves, working on defence and com-

municating, which helped them to win 25-5.

The next game was against Brandon Intermediate and Wainuiomata had a fantastic win with a score of 35-0.

Some girls thought the next game against Masterton Intermediate would be the toughest competition. But they were wrong and Wainuiomata finished the game with a 40 to 5 win.

Evans Bay Intermediate was the next opposition. It was a fun game, with Wainuiomata again taking out a 25-0 victory.

Lastly the team met its biggest rivals, Naenae Intermediate. At first it was just back and forth with tries. With some barnstorming tries and a lot of determination Wainuiomata managed to win 30-15.

Going unbeaten throughout the tournament meant Wainuiomata outright won the WRISSA trophy and the title for 2024.

* Jacqui McCarthy is co-captain of the winning Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s girls rugby 10s team.

Comprehensive win by Ulalei Aute

By Vaegaau Isaac

Ulalei Aute were uncompromising in their comprehensive 57-38 victory over Maidstone United 2 in the Premier 1 Netball Hutt Valley competition on 8 June.

Ulalei Aute started strongly and led 17-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Emma Murray-Fifita at goal attack worked well with Ulalei stalwart Sina Tamaali’i in the goal circle both shooting with pin point accuracy. Emma’s timing and pre- movements were perfectly executed to make herself available for the ball. Tearii Pilitati-Firm at Centre was instrumental in the mid court controlling the pace of the game, hitting the circle edge to put herself in a prime position to feed good ball to her shooters. Cerie Milovale utilized all her experience at goal defence to organise a relentless defensive unit, with Kimiora Winiata at wing defence applying pressure on the Maidstone attackers, allowing goal keeper Tahlia Samuelu to collect intercepts at will, and Kimiora and Cerie transitioning effectively to take the ball down the court for their attackers. Up at half time by 32-18 coach Poni Smith had the luxury of putting out new combinations in the shooting circle, the midcourt and in the defensive circle who continued the onslaught. Lace Tangianau contributed with a strong performance at centre.

Ulalei Aute are currently second on the table and take on top of the table Maidstone 1 at

Tangianau had a strong game at Centre

12.30pm on 15 June at Walter Nash Stadium.

Ulalei recently held a successful Bingo fundraiser at the Wainuiomata Rugby League Clubrooms and would like to acknowledge the generosity of table sponsors: TIME Insurance, HEDZ for Hair, TJ Plumbgas, Muzzy Shirts, Aerial Master Wellington, Glover Memorials and Chalet Caterers.

Many local businesses kindly donated fantastic prizes and Ulalei would like to acknowledge the generosity of: STIHL Petone, Wellington Rugby, Pak n Save Petone, Clive's Chemist, Creative Meats, Charlie's Sushi, Domino's Pizza Wainuiomata, Dawn Bakery, Hutt City New World, Speight's Ale House Petone, The Victoria Tavern, The Bottle O Wainuiomata, Boost Promotions, McDonald's Hutt Valley, Shoe Clinic Lower Hutt, Sweet Vanilla Cafe, Hutt City Council, Light House Cinema Petone and Muzzy Shirts.

Beckham style, curled the ball into the box where Flynn McCaul leaped like a salmon to head the ball home and give Wainuiomata a 4-3 win.

In other games across the club, the Reserves, Fiddick’s, Halfbaked Roundballs, Pasifika and the OC’s all suffered narrow defeats in their respective matches.

Pasifika Old Boys beat Stop Out 2-1 and a Marcel Brunner 30 yard strike helped The Undertakers beat Island Bay 3-1.

Flynn McCaul and Lachlan Harris celebrate Lachlan’s goal. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.

Wainuiomata Intermediate School

The winning Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s girls rugby 10s team with their WRISSA champions cup. Photo: Supplied.

Lace

for Ulalei Aute. Photo: Lahraine Sagaga.

High School joins hikoi

By Frank Neill

A group of students from Wainuiomata High School’s Wharekura, along with some other pupils, joined the Budget Day hikoi that marched on Parliament.

The students took part in the hikoi to demonstrate “the might of tangata whenua and tangata tiriti working together, the revolution of Generation Tiriti standing up for, protecting the rights of all mokopuna, and asserting the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as enduring and everlasting”.

Seeing the school’s konga take action, be curious and not settle for the status quo “makes me feel incredibly hopeful,” Wainuiomata High School’s Tumuaki (Principal) Lea Vellenoweth says.

“Our group that was part of the hikoi to Parliament ... knows the importance of learning about politics and is developing fully formed options to be able to speak up for what is important.”

The hikoi was “an awesome experience for our kids to be part of that activisim,” says M tauranga Te Rauna, the had of the school’s Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata.

Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen and Wainuiomata High School student Keelan Renata at the Budget Day hikoi. Photo: Supplied.

Good results for local harriers

With the Wellington Cross Country running champs only a few weeks away, runners from the Wainuiomata Running and Walking Club have been training hard and reaping benefits at some recent races around the region.

The first two events were both cross country relays. These are always a favourite of the club’s runners, who join together as teams to race against other teams from the greater Wellington region.

The races, one at Battle Hill Paekakariki and the other at Queen Elizabeth II Park, take in water jumps, hurdles, hills, mud and fun.

The hikoi had their genesis in a call by Te P ti M ori (TPM) for people to go on a strike on Budget Day.

TPM’s call for a Budget Day strike was supported by people connected to the ToitŪ Te Tiriti (Honour the Treaty) movement.

The aim of the strike was to protest the coalition government's policies affecting M ori and to demand a better, more equal system for M ori.

While at Parliament, the Wainuiomata group met with Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen.

The Wainuiomata High School students joined thousands of M ori and their supporters who gathered in various locations around the country, including a hikoi that marched on Parliament on Budget Day.

Saturday 1 June saw the first individual race of the season – the Vosseler Shield, held on Mount Victoria in Wellington.

This is one of the toughest races in New Zealand, and certainly separates the men from the boys.

This year was the 100th anniversary of this race and Wainuiomata had five athletes competing, with the performance of the day going to Ashton Tietjens, who finished third in the men’s under 18 3km race in a time of 12 minutes 32 seconds.

The second individual cross country race of the season, and the last race leading into the Wellington Cross Country Championships took place on 8 June.

The Dorne Cup is held on Tren-

tham Memorial Park, and is a much tamer race, run mostly on flat grass with the odd water jump and stop bank to tackle. This will make for much faster racing and faster times.

Anyone wanting more information on the Wainuiomata Running and Walking Club can contact Nikki on 021 0234 8292, or check out the club’s Facebook page, facebook. com/wainuirunnersandwalkers.

The club’s current meeting days are: Tuesdays, 5.30pm at Waiu

Street bike park; Thursdays, 5.30pm at Waiu Street bike park; Saturdays, 9am at the clubrooms, Richard Prouse Park, Hine Road; and Sundays, 8am at the clubrooms. No experience is necessary. The club caters to all levels from absolute beginners to those wanting to improve in races or take their running to the next level.

Not all club members race, but they do all enjoy running and walking.

DISCOVER CHATHAM ISLANDS

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Tour #47 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington Incorporating Festival of Science (Complimentary)

Explore unspoiled Chatham Islands

If you’re seeking a unique, unforgettable adventure in New Zealand, Iook no further than Chatham Island Tours.

xperience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique aces. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders n get to international travel without packing their passport.

Nestled in the remote reaches of the South Pacific Ocean, the Chatham Islands offer a pristine and unspoiled natural paradise, and Merv Halliday, owner and operator of Chatham lsland Tours, is your key to unlocking its wonders. Here’s what makes Chatham Island Tours and Merv Halliday stand out:

Mon 14th August 2023, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30

our #43 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Auckland 4th June 2022, departs Auckland 1.30pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Tour #48 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Tour #53 (Incorporating the 2024 Festival of Science)

Tue 13th Aug 2024, depart Wellington 1:00pm - arrive 3:30pm (CI time)

Tue 20th Aug 2024, depart Chathams 8:30am - arrive Wellington 9:45am

Mon 21st August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.1

August 2023, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 5. August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Christchurch 1

Tour #56

Thur 19th Sept 2024, depart Wellington 1:00pm - arrive 3:30pm (CI time)

December 2023, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands December 2023, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Christchurc

Thur 26th Sept 2024, depart Chathams 8:30am - arrive Wellington 9:45am

Tour #57 (Incorporating the 2024 Transit of Venus Celebrations)

January 2024, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30 January 2024, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Wellington 11

Thur 17th Oct 2024, depart Wellington 1:00pm - arrive 3:30pm (CI time)

Thur 24th Oct 2024, depart Chathams 8:30am - arrive Wellington 9:35am

All inclusive costing per person X Christchurch or Wellington.

Authenticity: Merv, possesses an intimate knowledge of the island’s history, culture, and ecosystems. His passion for sharing the island’s treasures with visitors is palpable, ensuring that every tour is an authentic and enriching experience.

Customised adventures: Chatham lsland Tours caters to private groups. Whether you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seek a tranquil escape, Merv can design a tour that suits your group’s desires. Other highlights are visiting the Kaingaroa Tree Carvings and the amazing Basalt Columns at Owenga, Waitangi West. The early Moriori carved designs, known as dendroglyphs, are estimated to be up to 300 years old but are still visible on the trees. The basalt columns are a series of pentagonal shaped volcanic rock columns on the shoreline, and not found anywhere else on the island. Options of fishing trips and flights to adjacent Pitt Island are also taken advantage of. The Chatham Islands is generally not on the ‘Tourist Trail’ and therefore its unique history is still virtually untold.”

Exclusive access: With Merv’s connections and expertise, you’ll gain access to areas and experiences that are off-limits to most tourists. All concessions are taken care off. Explore secluded beaches, discover hidden coves, and encounter

rare wildlife while enjoying the serenity of an unspoiled natural environment.

Rich history: Chatham Islands have a fascinating history, from the Moriori people’s ancient culture to the European whaling era

Diverse wildlife: The Chatham Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Encounter rare and endangered species, including the Chatham Island wood pigeon (Parea), Merv’s tours provide unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Tranquil beauty: Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of rugged landscapes, rolling hills, pristine beaches; a place where time seems to stop.

Personalised service: All tours are escorted by a “Tour Leader” and a “Local Guide will regale you with captivating stories and insights, bringing the island’s past to life. “We travel over 300 kilometres by bus, visiting the four corners of the island and the special places in between, Chatham Island Tours – We have the facilities. We have the aircraft. We have the opportunity. Best of all …. Our prices won’t be beaten.

For any inquiries, contact Merv on (03) 249 8294 or email chathamislandtours@gmail. com. PBA

Toby Ireland on the last hurdle before the finish line at the Shaw Baton Relay. Photo: Supplied.