Onslow College rowers won two gold medals at the North Island Secondary School Rowing Championships, held at Lake Karapiro on 9 March.
Lias Kern and Reuben Andrews won their gold medal in the boys under 15 double sculls.
Continued on page 2.
The Onslow College rowing gold medalists (From left) Ben Butel, Alfie Picker, Reuben Andrews, Costen Eley and Lias Kern. Photo: Supplied.
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Results came as a complete surprise
Continued from page 1.
Lias and Reuben then teamed up with Costen Eley, Alfie Picker and cox Ben Butel to win the boys under 15 coxed quad sculls.
In doing so they broke a 10 year gold medal drought for Onslow College.
The school’s last gold medal came in 2014 and was scored by William Fahey, who coached this year’s victors along with Sarah Cutten.
William was one of the rowers
in Onslow’s under 17 coxed four 11 years ago.
This year was also the first time since 2017 that Onslow College boy rowers have won any sort of medal at the North Island Championships.
The gold medalists are now preparing for the 2025 New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta, often referred to as the Maadi Cup Regatta, to be held at Lake Karapiro from 24 to 29 March.
Winning the two gold medals “was awesome,” William told
the “Independent Herald”.
“We were completely surprised by the results.
“We did not think we would go to that regatta and come back with medals.
“I was very impressed and very proud of the results.”
Winning the two gold medals was the result of some outstanding teamwork not just by the rowers who won the gold medals, but by all eight boys in the under 15 age group who row for the school.
“It really was a crew effort,”
Genealogy in the past and
At the next meeting of the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, on 19 March, the speaker Max Kennedy will contrast two views of the past with a view of how genealogy will change in the future.
Max will first discuss how his research, conducted over several decades, revealed the details of the lives of two ancestors who came to New Zealand in the 19th century.
One ancestor, Thomas Kennedy, arrived in New Zealand in 1838 aboard a whaling ship and was a shore-based whaler off Banks Peninsula. Thomas Kennedy. Photo: Supplied.
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William says.
“And we haven’t been blessed with the water this year.
“It has been very rough on the [Wellington] harbour and we have been going over to the Wairarapa and training on the Ruamahanga River.”
This was, William says, “Onslow’s best result in 40 years.”
It saw the college tied in 13th place overall in a regatta where 87 schools took part.
The school’s rowers qualified for six A finals, eight B finals and four C finals.
future
He later moved to Kennedys Bush (named after him) in Christchurch’s Port Hills and had a farm in Halswell.
The family did not know where he came from nor if he had any non-New Zealand relatives.
The talk will reveal how this mystery was solved.
The other ancestor, Thomas Jones, came to New Zealand on the ship Bombay in 1865, settled in what became Bombay, Auckland, and later retired in Taranaki.
He left a diary which richly reveals what everyday life in New Zealand was like in the 1870s and 1880s.
The final section of Max’s talk will be “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Genealogy”.
AI will transform how genealogy is conducted.
Max will offer a personal view of what the future of genealogy could look like in an AI world. Max is a biochemical engineer by trade.
The meeting is on 19 March at the Collective Community Hub, Johnsonville Road, starting at 7 pm with refreshments and a chance to meet others.
The talk will start at 7:30 pm. Visitors are very welcome.
I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.
There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.
Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
Here in Wellington, we are at the centre of much of the political back and forth occurring around the country and between parties. Wellington Water is never out of the news, the Prime Minister seems to find fault with everything the city has done and is doing, and the public service and servants are being pilloried and decimated by the coalition. Interestingly, they seem to be oblivious when they require those same public servants, who they are so quick to criticise, to be at their beck and call around Parliament, spending very late nights and weekends with diminished resources, attending Parliament and preparing papers and reports. It’s almost our own DOGE, which is Elon Musk’s sacking of swathes of federal employees in the US without any understanding of what they actually do. I see that they’re now having to hire many back, as the gaps occur. I would like to see some science
runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.
Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.
The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meetdemand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.
That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.
There’s plenty to be getting on with.
behind the decisions, not just politics. The tendency to simply blame the previous administration for what’s gone wrong is tempting, and you’ll see the American leader doing it in every speech, blaming Joe Biden. The same is happening here, and you very rarely hear a Minister making a statement without apportioning blame to the previous Government. It’s a worldwide phenomenon post-COVID. Every country was forced to borrow extensively to get through COVID, and inflation and interest rates blew out. Those governments got voted out, and incoming ones can’t seem to fix the issues, so just keep blaming the last one. And we here in Wellington as the centre of Government, like Washington in the US, are feeling the pressure. We have to be Wellington’s best advocates, and not join the chorus of criticism, from Auckland in particular.
Car parks may be reinstated
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Council will look at possibly reinstating lost car parks on Glenmore Street and a section of road near Karori Park.
City Councillors decided to ask its staff to bring a report on restoring the car parks in these two locations for consideration at its meeting on 9 April.
This move, Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Diane Calvert says, is “a win for local democracy”.
The decision to remove the car parks “raised real concerns both before and after the implementation.
“Residents and park-goers, especially families and those with mobility challenges, have said that these changes affect their daily lives,” Cr Calvert says.
“Wellington’s cycleways should work for everyone – cyclists, families, businesses and those with mobility challenges.
“That’s why I, alongside a majority of councillors, supported reviewing two sections of the [cycle] network, including Glenmore Street and Karori Park.
“Why? Because when people speak up about real issues – like struggling to access parks and gardens, or businesses losing customers due to sudden parking
changes – we need to listen and act.”
Removing the car parks so cycleways could be installed
“were made without proper consideration of how they’d impact everyday Wellingtonians,” Cr Calvert says.
“Families, elderly visitors and local businesses have all raised concerns, and it’s clear the Council must be more responsive to
their needs.
“Yet instead of constructive discussion, we’ve seen misleading claims suggesting this decision was anti-cycling.
“That’s simply not true.
“This is about practical solutions that ensure cycleways and public spaces remain accessible for everyone,” Cr Calvert says.
“I’ve pushed for the Council to urgently revisit the designs
of two problematic cycleway sections.
“We’re looking into options like bringing back parking on Glenmore Street and near Karori Park to ensure our infrastructure works for everyone.
“This move, backed by most councillors, shows our commitment to adaptability and finding balanced solutions,” Cr Calvert says.
Will Ōhariu stay
Wellington or Auckland will probably lose one of its seats in Parliament.
The Electoral Commission is currently working on developing the new electorates and is due to announce them at the end of this month.
One possibilitiy is that the Ōhariu seat will go.
Seats in both Wellington and Auckland are under the population quota.
Over the three Wellington seats of Rongotai, Wellington Central and Ōhariu there were 21,000 people short, Ōhariu MP Greg O’Connor says.
“Auckland is 30,000 under quota.
“Logic says take it out of Auckland, but Auckland is growing faster than Wellington.
“We will have to wait until the end of the month to see what is going to happen,” Mr O’Connor says.
Tunnel building
Predator Free Wellington is running a tunnel building workshop on 22 March. The workshop will run from 1pm to 4pm at 107 Pembroke Road, Wilton.
No experience is needed, Predator Free Wellington says.
“They can show you the ropes.
“These tunnels will house traps and be used by community groups across the city, like ours.
“You’ll play an important part in making Wellington predator free.
“We really need your help.”
People can register for the workshop on the Predator Free Wellington website.
The event will also feature a barbecue.
Feeling lonely?
Each week, the Rotary Club of Karori is sharing opportunities for people to connect, meet others and feel truly welcome in Karori.
“All of these activities offer a warm welcome and some organisers can even arrange transport to help people attend,” the club says.
“Together we can make Karori a place where everyone feels supported and connected.”
For more information visit www. rotarykarori.club/.
Cr Diane Calvert. Photo: Supplied.
The cycleway that has replaced car parks on Glenmore Street. Photo: Frank Neill.
Councils need to amalgamate
Wellington’s failure to put forward a proposal for a City-Regional Deal proves the need for council amalgamation, according to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. 18 regions across the country submitted plans for regional deals to the Government, but Wellington was not among them. Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus says it’s a missed opportunity to tackle the region’s needs. “Wellingtonians all face similar issues, regardless of where they live,” Mr Arcus says. “Problems with infrastructure, water and rates can’t be tackled in isolation. “There are real benefits to scale, and it’s clear the current model isn’t working.” Regional deals would unlock co-ordinated investment in infrastructure over the course of the next 10 years. “Submitting a proposal for a regional deal didn’t require amalgamation, but the failure to put anything forward only proves the case for a coordinated approach,” Mr Arcus says. “Aucklanders will be astounded Wellington can’t work together on this.”
It was disappointing the opportunity for a regional deal was allowed to slip through the city’s fingers, Mr Arcus says. “In December 2023 and afterwards, the Chamber reached out to Wellington City Council to encourage a focus on city-regional deals, and to offer assistance. “The failure to act on a regional deal means projects that might have unlocked additional funding will either not be done or be fully paid for by ratepayers.” It’s crucial Wellington’s councils co-operate more closely on water reform, Mr Arcus says. “Councils are quickly running out of time to design a new water entity that meets the Government’s plans for Local Water Done Well. “An amalgamated council would help tremendously. This should be the wakeup call our region needs.”
Ngaio Community Picnic
The Ngaio Community Picnic is being held this year at Huntleigh Park, Silverstream Road, on 23 March.
“We are hoping for another fantastic sunny day like last year”, said Ian Turk, Chairperson of Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association (NCDRA), “with plenty of entertainment and other activities organised for the day”.
The Ngaio Climate Crew will be at the picnic with a stall – so this will be a great chance to come and learn how to be part of the ambitious target to be the first carbon neutral suburbs in New Zealand, or maybe even the world.
Kena Duignan, who is on the
Ngaio Climate Crew leadership group said she is excited for the chance to meet more people, show them the mahi that is underway in the community, and help get people signed up to be a crew member.
The picnic is also being tied in with the Climate Action Support Team from Wellington City Council.
NCDRA and the community have been working with the team on a number of initiatives – including two fully subscribed guided bike rides from Switched On bikes on the waterfront to Ngaio.
The third of these rides is on the morning of 23 March, and will
finish at the picnic so all the riders can finish up by enjoying the fun on the day – and maybe a sausage from the Scouts barbecue.
This year there are plenty of Climate Action activities going on. It will be about getting around in our community using active transport options, and not the car for short hops.
“Get out and find the secret gems only known to those who walk, run or bike around our beautiful places,” Ian says.
“Choose your adventure and join in the sustainable transport fun with these activities all of which are free, and can be found on Ngaio Residents Association website (www.ngaio.org.nz).”
Activities will include: using an e-bike on the Ngaio community's new cycling paths starting from Switched On at the waterfront, and ending at the picnic.
Cummings Park that shines a light on some special shortcuts and gems in the neighborhood.
up and join the kid-friendly bike ride from Cummings Park to Huntleigh.
“All of these end up at our picnic –or, of course, you can just join us there for all the normal fun and entertainment of the Ngaio Community Picnic,” Ian says.
A scene from a past Ngaio Community Picnic. Photo: Supplied.
Local 100% Home Newbolds a winner
By Frank Neill
100% Home Newbolds Johnsonville is a winner.
Along with the 100% Home Appliances group throughout New Zealand it won the latest Consumer People’s Choice Award in the retail category.
This is now the tenth consecutive year the group has won the award, starting in 2015. Consumer’s People’s Choice award is given to providers that rate above average for customer satisfaction and meet our other performance criteria.
Awards are based on our customer satisfaction surveys, conducted with either Consumer members or a representative sample of the New Zealand population. The surveys are conducted during the final quarter each year.
100% Home also won the latest "Most Satisfied Customers' Award from Canstar Blue", in the Electronics Retailers category.
In the latest award ratings, 100% Home was the only brand to score a top 5-Star rating for Overall Satisfaction.
100% Home is nationwide, with 45 locally owned home appliance stores offering products online and in store.
They specialise in small and large home appliances, and all things electronic from featured brands – from kitchen appliances, TVs, IT, audio, camera accessories, phones to washing machines.
Each store is owned by people who not only live in the local community, but can also offer the brand range and buying power which come with being part of a large group.
The group includes 100% Home Newbolds, which has three stores in the Wellington region, where it has a history of more than 80 years trading. The three stores are in Johnsonville, Upper Hutt and Masterton.
In doing so, it won for the fourth year in
The Johnsonville shop has been serving the local area for 25 years and appreciates the trust and support from the local community.
Local history – prominent designer
By Felicity Wong
It’s not new for residents to leave.
The Chapman family once owned “Homewood” in Karori.
When Charles William Chapman, mining and pastoral investor, built a grand summer retreat at Mount Macedon near Melbourne in 1888, he called it “Karori”.
Karori’s historic homestead “Homewood” has been home to British High Commissioners since the 1960s.
It’s original portion was built in 1847 with
substantial expansion in 1903.
Its impressive grounds have hosted many community and fundraising events.
In 1943 5,000 guests attended a fete in the garden, designed by A W [Alfred] Buxton (1872-1950).
A prominent early twentieth century garden designer, Mr Buxton was responsible for over 350 gardens, many on rural properties all over New Zealand.
The Karori Historical Society last week hosted author and garden expert Claire Gleeson talking about Homewood and two
other local examples of Buxton’s work, at “Lochaber” in Lower Hutt and ”Mungavin” in Porirua.
After an apprenticeship with a Christchurch nurseryman, Buxton set up his own business when he was just 21 years old in 1903.
He ambitiously expanded into supplying trees and plants; landscaping and seed and florist retail operations.
Buxton supplied huge quantities of plants, including an astonishing 600 rose varieties.
He had numerous glasshouses, some available for rental for functions and had an asphalt operation to pave paths, drives and tennis courts for his landscaping business.
He employed over 50 staff including women in his floristry business.
Buxton’s business rose and fell with the peaks and troughs of New Zealand’s economy.
At one point unpaid for projects caused a liquidation before a renewed business emerged.
After starting in Christchurch he opened an office in Masterton in 1916 and Hawkes Bay, and later had a nursery business in taki in 1936.
Buxton loved a long driveway, as he designed for Homewood, and a variety of exotic and native trees.
He often used Monkey Puzzle trees, Golden Macrocarpa; Weeping Elms; Cabbage trees; Horse Chestnuts; Limes and Chinese Fan trees.
When he created the original garden at Homewood in 1928 he planted the driveway with a line of Southern Rata.
Homewood still has another of his features, a fern wall.
Made of concrete aggregate, the walled area provided shelter and a structure on which ferns were planted.
Buxton also loved concrete grottos of unusual shapes, sometimes with nearby glow worm areas, also at Homewood.
Most of Buxton’s gardens featured water, ponds and lakes and he often created bridges, some made of concrete to look like branches of trees.
Homewood also featured glass houses and averies.
Buxton’s gardens were labour intensive
and sadly most have not survived in original condition, with many having been simplified and reduced or subdivided for development.
A sorry state is the garden at Lochaber, the historic home compulsorily acquired by NZTA in the 1970s at 125 Western Hutt Road.
The house was built from 1899 of North American timber and later sold to Sir David Alexander Ewan and Marian Ewan, a prominent business family, in 1919.
Buxton designed the Lochaber garden for the Ewans.
He used his regular design of a formal rose garden containing one variety of rose in each quadrant of a bed dissected with paths and a sundial or bird bath in its middle.
There were stylish banks of mass planted hydrangeas.
Some years ago, when the Harbour View subdivision opened, the intersection was altered taking some of the garden along with its gate house.
A glimpse of the house, whose taking was resisted by the Ewan family, is still visible while crossing the Melling bridge.
The house and a remnant of its once magnificent garden are now tenanted by NZTA.
In Porirua at “Mungavin Homestead”, Buxton designed an extraordinary garden in 1916 of over 1.4ha area.
The garden included lakes surrounded by concrete borders with a plantation of trees for shelter.
The Mungavin farm originally spread over 363 acres of what is now Porirua East.
The house was shifted 30 metres to allow for roading and is now “Jugnus Indian restaurant”.
Some of its trees remain, including a Golden Macrocarpa which is adjacent to the house’s original site.
The disappearance of large private gardens, once shared with the community, makes free-to-visit civic gardens, like Wellington’s Begonia House, so much more important for the public.
(To find out more see Claire Gleeson’s book “The Fairer Side of Buxton: Alfred Buxton’s gardens and the women who loved them”, 2024.)
A 1912 post card of Karori. Photo: Supplied.
Lochaber in Lower Hutt, known for the design work of Alfred Buxton. Photo: Supplied.
Fence turns 25 years
By Frank Neill
Zealandia Te M ra a T ne is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ecosanctuary’s predator-proof fence.
The first of its kind in the world, the fence is 36km long and 2.2 metres high.
When the fence was originally being designed, no existing fences were found that were suitable for Zealandia's needs, so Zealandia decided to design its own.
It was tested against nearly 200 animals, including rats, mice, cats, stoats, possums, weasels and ferrets, and their capabilities such as jumping, climbing, digging and their ability to pass through different size gaps.
This design – along with the research, testing and more than two decades' worth of knowledge – is in public access, which means that anyone can use them to build their own fence to protect native wildlife.
Now, 25 years later, Zealandia is going to break the mould again with a refurbishment project.
They are in the early stages of planning the replacement of a small section of the fence and using this to decide the fence’s future.
To achieve this, Zealandia needs people’s help by making donations. People can donate using the link at https://visitzealandia.com/.
The fence had its beginnings more than 30 years ago.
A team of conservation managers, scientists and engineers got together in 1993 to design a totally new predator exclusion fence.
An extensive programme of animal trialling began in 1994 to test the range of animal capabilities such as jumping, climbing, digging and their ability to pass
through different size gaps.
These trials resulted in several prototype designs that were then tested against nearly 200 animals.
The chosen final design was the simplest, most robust and easiest to install.
The Rotary Club of Karori says it is proud to have played a key role in making this vision a reality.
In 1999 the club launched a fundraising initiative to sell naming rights for fence posts along the 8.6km sanctuary boundary.
“We purchased a block of posts ourselves and sold naming rights to both Rotarians and the wider public,” the club says.
“This initiative raised nearly $300,000, helping to establish what is now a thriving wildlife sanctuary.
“In 2003, under the leadership of our member and Past and Current President Allan Frazer, we took on an another big challenge – the ‘Discovery Area Project’.
“Working alongside other Wellington Rotary Clubs, we developed an interactive interpretation space showcasing the historic upper dam site.
“This included restored relics, a replica single-men’s hut, educational signage, and a gantry tower offering panoramic views of Zealandia.
“Rotary raised close to $200,000 to bring this project to life, completing it in 2007.
“A standout fundraising effort was the annual ‘Gutbuster Race’, a challenging run and walk around the boundary fence line.
“Many of our Club members participated or helped run the event, which not only raised vital funds but also contributed to the development of Zealandia’s education centre for school groups,” the club says.
LETTERS to the editor
Shoplifting
Like Gary Keenan (Letter to the Editor 6March 2025), I have also witnessed shoplifting at Woolworths Johnsonville.
On one occasion a man stuffed some ice creams under his jacket and promptly headed out the door.
On another occasion a man and woman with a large trolley overflowing with gro-
ceries raced through the checkout and out the door while staff just had to watch them take off.
The vast majority of people do not shoplift but there are a few who, for whatever reason, steal. I agree with Gary Keenan that we do not want these people in our community.
Megan Barber
Motorworx Services understands automotive maintenance, and the importance of keeping your vehicle running in top shape. We have over twenty years of experience in the car care industry specialising in European and Japanese vehicles and can help repair any part on your vehicle whether it’s new or old. If you are in or around Wellington and are in need of an oil change, new brakes or brake service, tune up or other car care service call the automotive maintenance specialists at Motorworx.
Part of the fence that protects Zealandia. Photo: Supplied.
What’s hot in the
Balloon Festival set to soar
Wairarapa will be the place to be this Easter as the Wairarapa Balloon Festival makes its much-anticipated return from 17–21 April 2025.
The festival will feature stunning morning ascensions in various towns across the region, with colourful hot air balloons lifting off at sunrise to create
Wairarapa
Just 20 minutes north of Masterton, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre offers a chance to reconnect with nature.
Visitors can see tuatara and kiwi, search for the elusive kōkako on the scenic Loop Track, and enjoy the daily ranger talks.
breathtaking sights over the Wairarapa landscape. Ascensions will depart from four Wairarapa towns over the Easter weekend; Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, and Martinborough, with a mystery departure location on Easter Monday. Each town offers its own unique scenic backdrop, from rolling farmland and vineyards to charming townscapes, making every ascension a spectacular experience for spectators and participants alike.
The highlight of the festival, the newly named Family Carnival, will be held
You can also see master carvers in action and witness tuna (long-fin eels) being fed. Plus, there’s an onsite café where you can
relax and enjoy a bite to eat after your adventure.
Pūkaha is open daily from 9am to 6pm in summer, offering an unforgettable experience with wildlife talks, scenic walks, and close encounters with New Zealand’s most iconic species — perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Check out pukaha.org.nz for more information.
Greytown Butchery keeps on winning the Golds
FAMILY CARNIVAL
SATURDAY 19 APRIL
TICKETS AND DETAILS www.nzballoons.co.nz
at Solway Showgrounds from 3pm on
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
offers immersive experiences such as balloon walk-throughs, face painting, balloon twisting, a Ferris Wheel, a merrygo-round, live music from The Noodles, an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and gourmet street food.
Event Director Jennifer Anderson says,
“The Wairarapa region is the perfect backdrop for this festival, with each town providing a unique and stunning setting for the morning ascensions. The Family Carnival will be an unmissable evening of fun and entertainment for all.
We’re looking forward to welcoming Wellingtonians over for it, to enjoy the entertainment.”
Tickets for the Family Carnival are available now, with family passes priced at $70 plus fees (two adults and up to
For more information on the full festival lineup and ticket details, visit https:// www.nzballoons.co.nz/.
Schedule of Ascensions:
Thursday 17 April – Masterton, 6:30am; Friday 18 April – Carterton, 6:30am; Saturday 19 April – Greytown, 6:30am; Sunday 20 April – Martinborough, 6:30am.
Shearing and farming memorabilia plus types of wool and their uses.
The story of shearing – its beginnings and how it became an international sport.
The history of sheep farming.
Live shearing demonstrations for groups arranged with prior notice.
Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement.
Wool garments and souvenirs.
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 4 pm. Autumn and Winter 10am to 3pm. www.cobblestonesmuseum.org.nz or visit our Facebook page.
Watch and learn about spinning and weaving!
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.
Newlands Neighbours Month event
Ng Hau e Wh o Papar rangi Marae is hosting a wh nau-friendly event for Neighbours Month 2025.
The event is on Saturday 22 March at the Marae, 30 Ladbrooke Drive, Newlands.
There will be a mihi whakatau (informal welcome) at 1pm, and the afternoon’s activities will run until 3pm.
Each year, Ng Hau e Wh o Papar rangi Marae organises a wh nau-friendly event for Neighbours Month, with Newlands Community Centre, Newlands Medical Centre, Newlands Paparangi Progressive Association and other local groups.
These groups co-operate throughout the year, but the Neighbours’ Day event is a way to connect the community as a whole and to celebrate its strengths.
“This year there will be even more on offer than previous years,” says Leighsah Rawiri, the kaitari (secretary) of Ng Hau e Wh o Papar rangi.
“The medical centre will be providing free blood pressure and ear checks and there will be other health initiatives for people to get checks and information from.
“There will be displays of rongo (M ori medicine) and r ranga (weaving) from groups based at the Marae.
“Lots of fun and games are on offer, with TŪ M tau Ora (winner of last year’s Wellington Airport Regional
Mural on Karori garage door
A scene from a past Newlands Neighbours Month event. Photo: Supplied. Community Rising Star Award ) providing traditional M ori games for all ages.
“Newlands-Tamariki Playcentre will also be there with some fun activities for little ones, the community centre are bringing M ori board games to have a go at, and Challenge 2000 staff will be doing face painting.
“The Cook Island Society drummerswill be providing some amazing beats.
“Predator Free Newlands and Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) will be there with information on conser-
Stamp out scam petition launched
vation and emergency preparedness.
“Wellington Free Ambulance’s Heartbeat CPR programme will allow people to learn some life saving techniques, and Newlands Fire Brigade will be there with the fire truck – always a hit with the kids.
“Light refreshments will be available free of charge and h ngĪ cooked on site will be on sale.
“We hope that people take the opportunity to spend time with their neighbours and wh nau and enjoy the afternoon,” Leighsah says. In the event of bad weather the event will be cancelled but the h ngĪ will still be on sale.
By Frank Neill
A photo of artwork on a Karori garage door has been posted on Facebook.
The post describes it as the “smartest garage door in Karori”.
The photo of the Firth Terrace garage door painting was posted by Peter Chapman on 8 March.
“I've loved watching it get painted over the last few days,” Martha Savage posted in a comment.
“Absolutely stunning,” another post said, and yet another said:
Movin’ March
Consumer NZ has launched a petition entitled “Stamp out scams”. The petition calls for:
authorised and unauthorised scam payments, unless the victim has been grossly negligent.ing banks, telcos and digital platforms to take action to address scams and outlining their liability if they fail to meet their obligations.
relevant organisations work together to keep people safe.
“Scamsare on the rise and ruining lives, with over a million households in New Zealand targeted by scammers in the past
year,” Consumer says.
“ButNew Zealand is falling behind countries like Australia, the UK and Singapore when it comes to scam protections.”
People can sign the petition by visiting campaigns.consumer.org.nz.
More than 13,000 people had signed the petition when this issue of the “Independent Herald” went to print.
Consumer NZ is also calling on the Commerce Commission to consider a ban on card payment surcharges due to growing concerns about excessive and hidden fees.
People can let the Commission know their thoughts by 5pm on 18 March 2025 using the simpleon the Consumer NZ website.
“this is sooo good!! Great idea”. The mural of Zealandia was painted by M ta Geiringer, who is a fine arts student.
“Very talented artist,” one of the very many positive posts said. “We need more of this in Karori.”
“We walked past this yesterday, and it's done so meticulously,” was another comment.
“It looks awesome and the artist was one with her creation, such a beautiful sight it was.”
“Love love love this. How beautiful is this,” was yet another comment.
Movin’March, Greater Wellington’s annual initiative encouraging tamariki and their wh nau to walk or wheel their way to and from school, is now in full swing in the capital.
The theme for 2025’s programme, “we walk or wheel to show our care for te taiao (the environment)” will highlight the environmental benefits of walking and wheeling.
Greater Wellington’s travel choice advisor Maddy McVie says Movin’March is also a time for wh nau and community to join in.
“This initiative is a time for the whole wh nau to get involved and show tamariki that they can have a positive community impact as well as having a heap of fun,” Maddy says.
“By walking and wheeling to school, participants can contribute to cleaner and healthier air and take time to connect
with te taiao.”
Parents who have participated in previous years have expressed their support for the initiative.
“It's wonderful to carve out time for our tamariki. My daughter told her dad ‘I really like walking and chatting with you,’” one parent said.
“It encouraged many children who wouldn’t usually walk to school,” another said.
“Movin'March really helps to emphasise the benefits of everyone walking together and provides an opportunity for other people in the neighbourhood to see just how many children are all heading in the same direction every day,” yet another parent said.
For more information see the Movin’March 2025 website, https:// schooltravel.gw.govt.nz/walk-or-wheelprogrammes/movinmarch/.
Māta Geiringer working on her mural of Zealandia on the Karori garage door. Photo: Peter Chapman.
Safety and wellbeing plan for Wellington
Wellington City Council is launching a dynamic, multi-pronged City Safety and Wellbeing Plan that introduces measures to combat crime, anti-social behaviour and negative safety perceptions while compassionately addressing homelessness.
“This plan reinforces our commitment to safer streets and stronger communities for Wellington, and we’ll be working with community organisations, businesses, residents and other strategic partners to make that a reality,” Mayor Tory Whanau said after the Council majority approved the plan.
“We’ve designed the plan to be flexible.
“It will adapt as our community changes, meaning we can stop what doesn’t work, build on successes, and try new things when needed.
“To ensure accountability, the plan also features targeted interventions, clear goals, and measurable outcomes, with progress reported to the Council every six months,” Mayor Whanau says.
A key initiative of the plan is Te Aro safety hub, a logistical centre designed to co-ordinate outreach services, the Police Beat team and community patrols.
Well-lit, CCTV-monitored ‘safety spots’ will be established in high-traffic areas of Courtenay Place, Manners Street, and Cuba Street, enabling rapid intervention through an active safety network.
To improve city-wide monitoring, the Council is creating a centrally co-ordinated CCTV system and increasing funding for community patrols, including M ori
wardens, Pasifika patrols, and ethnic patrols.
Urban Liaison Officers will work with local businesses, emergency services and social agencies to proactively address emerging safety issues.They will also enforce bylaws to manage street activity, mitigate anti-social behaviour and ensure public spaces remain accessible.
“We’ve made a key change by addressing homelessness directly in our City Safety Plan, starting with wraparound support for a group of chronically homeless individuals,” Mayor Whanau says.
Working with Wellington City Mission, Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) and He Herenga Kura, the Council is developing a support service that will operate beyond usual business hours.
“These organisations bring on-the-ground knowledge and direct access to the people we need to reach,” says Councillor Teri O’Neill, Chair of the Social, Cultural and Economic Committee.
“Partnering with them means best practice , use resources wisely, and achieve the greatest possible impact.”
To improve nighttime safety, Mayor Whanau said the Council was implementing strategic lighting improvements in the CBD.
The Council will trial CARE (Coordinated Assistance and Response for Everyone) Officers to partner with hospitality venues and bar security to help intoxicated individuals get home safely and will explore expanding access to drug-checking services through mobile facilities near nightlife and
Traffic lights causing long queues
By Frank Neill
The new traffic lights on the Burma Road, Station Road, Box Hill and Baroda Street intersection in Khandallah are resulting in long queues of vehicles, especially during peak travel times.
“The congestion has been pretty regular,” TakapŪ/Northern Ward Councillor Tony Randle says.
“There was at least one day when the queue went right back past Malvina Major, so the queue went back a kilometre.”
Wellington City Council installed the lights, replacing a “really had stop sign, so that the intersection would be a lot safer and easier to navigate.
“But it has caused big queues along that road.”
The problem may have arisen because one of the contractors cut an important cable connected to the lights towards the very end of the project.
As a result, the lights were being run on a timer mode, rather than an activation mode, Cr Randle says.
“That means the lights can’t operate properly.”
Because of the queues of people being held up at the intersection, Cr Randle emailed Council officers “to see whether the lights are working properly” and are on activation mode.
However he had yet to hear back when this issue of the “Independent Herald” went to print.
“A lot of people go into town, including me, via Ngaio Gorge.
“People from Johnsonville an even Churton Park, Khandallah and Broadmeadows may drive the back way into town, depending on where they are going in the CBD.
“So that road is very busy in the morning and the evening,” Cr Randle says.
entertainment areas.
The City Safety and Wellbeing Plan has been developed after months of consultation with strategic partners, including the City Safety Leadership Group established by Mayor Whanau.
It builds on the P neke Promise, which was launched in 2021 to improve public safety and wellbeing.
“We’re glad the Council is taking a holistic approach to safety and wellbeing, and support their efforts to make Wellington a safer and welcoming city for everyone,” Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge says.
“We’re proud to have collaborated with the Council and other strategic partners to develop this City Safety and Wellbeing Plan, which includes a strong focus on supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness,” DCM Director Stephen Turnock says.
“The New Zealand Police fully support Wellington’s City Safety and Wellbeing Plan,” Wellington City Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester says.
“We are committed to working with the Council and the community to make our city even safer.”
Free paddling safety workshop
A free paddling safety workshop for people interested in kayaking or paddleboarding will take place in Wellington on Saturday 30 March.
It is part of the KayakSafe NZ programme, run by the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (KASK) and made possible by Safer Boating Forum funding support from Maritime New Zealand.
Held throughout the country, the workshops are presented by experienced KASK members volunteering their time to share their knowledge. Topics covered include understanding the environment, hazards, weather and interpreting marine forecasts, essential
safety equipment, communication devices, suitable clothing, trip planning and what to do in emergencies.
“Some people think all they need to do is take their kayak to the water's edge, take a quick look around, and then head out,” KASK president Steve Cooper says.
“But that 'she'll be right' attitude can get paddlers into trouble.
“We aim to change that by helping people understand what they need to know to be safe, enjoy the experience of being out on the water and get home safely afterwards,” Steve says. For more information and to register for the free workshop, visitkask.co.nz/kayaksafe-nz.
A view of a recent paddling safety workshop. Photo: Supplied.
& Health
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All Acorn Stairlifts are easy to use, easy to maintain, and all feature the very best in additional features built to keep you safe and provide a smooth ride around the curves of
As people enjoy longer lives and wish to remain living independently at home, the demand for domestic stairlifts continues on every level, making Acorn the safest alternative for staircase use in every
A feature of the stairlift is an optional to avoid blocking a door or walkway at the bottom of the stairs, as well as eliminating Acorn Stairlifts will help you master 'the three Rs': Regain your independence, Retain full use of your home, and Remain in the
turns your home into a bungalow, by removing the obstacle of stairs if they become too challenging and restrict full
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
This commendation is only awarded to companies whose products have passed rigorous testing proving they are easy to
Acorn is the world’s biggest company dedicated solely to the manufacture, direct sale,
you, or someone you know,
coping alone?
The number of people living alone has offers a solution to bridge the gap between CaringStay provides two options for recovwhere individuals stay with everyday Kiwis, such as teachers and former nurses, who offer care and companionship in a welcoming
The second is care in your own home where in-home support services, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship, allow individuals to recover
Hand and wrist therapy
Hand Therapists use splinting, casting and taping to support and protect injured
Exercises are used to regain range of moHands 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 Let us help you get back to doing what you love after injury to your hand,
Warm weather footcare
As the temperatures climb, our feet have Sandals offer a chance for the feet to breathe
The best sandals are ones that have a strap or closed heel to help provide support occasionally to prevent problems such as
Self-care in summer should also include using heel balm to keep the heels from in maintaining summer feet by trimming off the buildup and helping to prevent these heel cracks forming, known as
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
As one of nature’s richest sources of your body’s free radicals, and support heart health and joint mobility, reduce Montmorency tart cherries are warmed and pressed to remove thecentrated to 68° Brix by removing additives, preservatives or colouring
The Ministry of Health has recently
The report presents data about the use of compulsory assessment and treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand under the Mental
MoH monitors these services to assure the Ministry and the public that people receiving compulsory assessment and MoH say they continue to see a high demand for services and increasing
Mental Health and Addiction Report
use of
Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy
OPENING HOURS:
Mon-Wed: 8:30am - 8pm
Thurs/Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm. Sat: 9:30am - 12:30pm
2 Trafalgar Street, JOHNSONVILLE
Michele Thompson
Phone: 920-8844
You’re not alone; we’re here for you.
ADVICE, TIPS AND IDEA’S
Staying Safe on the Road: Course helps senior drivers adapt
Older drivers in Wellington are being encouraged to refresh their road safety knowledge through the Staying Safe course, a classroom-based workshop designed to help seniors maintain their confidence and independence on the road.
Run by Age Concern Wellington in partnership with NZTA Waka Kotahi, the free four-hour workshop covers key aspects of safe driving, including updated road rules, handling complex traffic situations, and understanding how ageing can affect driving ability.
The course also explores alternative transport options for those considering reducing or stopping driving, ensuring seniors remain mobile and connected to their communities.
Age Concern Wellington says the programme is about more than just reinforcing road rules — it’s also about helping older drivers make informed decisions about their future mobility. Age Concern Wellington CEO, Stephen Opie, says: “This is a great programme and I’d love to see all older
drivers participating in it. We should always be learning and when it comes to driving, it’s important to keep our driving skills and knowledge current.”
The workshop is structured around four key themes: assessing current driving habits, revisiting essential road skills, managing challenging driving situations, and exploring safe alternatives to driving.
Several Staying Safe courses are scheduled in the Wellington region over the coming months, including sessions in the CBD,
Upper Hutt, Karori, and Kilbirnie. Spaces are limited, and participants are encouraged to register in advance.
With an ageing population and increasing traffic demands, programmes like Staying Safe play a crucial role in ensuring that older drivers continue to travel safely and confidently.
For more information or to register, visit Age Concern Wellington’s website (www. acwellington.org.nz) or contact their office on 04 499 6646.
Improve your driving skills and feel more confident out on the road. Free classroom-based course for senior drivers.
Wednesday, 26 MARCH, 10AM - 2PM, Karori
Register with Age Concern Wellington on 04 499 6646 or visit acwellington.org.nz skills and feel more classroom-based courseforseniordrivers
Kids TRYathlon on Sunday
The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon returns to Wellington on Sunday 16 March. The event begins at 9am and will start and finish at Kilbirnie Park.
The TRYathlon hits a major milestone this year, surpsassing half a million participants since its humble start in 1992 with just 500 children.
The organisers expect that more than 1,800 tamariki from across Wellington will swim, bike and run their way to the finish line.
After they reach the finish line the participants will receive a special medal from their Kiwi sporting heroes.
Registrations for 6 to 15-year-olds are open now at tryathlon.co.nz and remain open on the day of the event, or until spaces are sold out prior.
The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon has become a beloved tradition for Kiwi kids, taking its place as the world’s largest triathlon event for people under 16.
Two tamariki approach the finish at last year’s Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.
Supplied.
Contact Brenda 021 640 152
Photo:
Transport plan input sought
By Frank Neill
Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is currently consulting on its draft 2025-35 Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP).
People can make submissions on the plan between now and 28 March.
More information on the plan and the consultation are on the “have your say” section of GWRC’s website.
“Public transport playsa central rolein the daily lives of many of us in the Wellington region,” GWRC says.
“It is important that Greater Wellington and the Metlink group hear your thoughts on this key planning document for the public transport network.”
Public submissions on the draft RPTP will be heard by a hearings committee of Greater WellingtonCouncillorsat the Council Chambers, 100 Cuba Street, on 6 and 7 May.
GWRC will hold a drop-in session for those who do not wish to speak in a formal
THURSDAY FACT
hearingsformat. This will be held in the Council Chambers, 100 Cuba Street, on 30 April.
Public Notice
Khandallah School
Tatai ki te rangi
Out-of-zone enrolments are now open
Khandallah School currently has student places available for Years 1-6. These places are open to students living outside of Khandallah School zone.
Applications for out-of-zone places will close on Friday 4th April 2025.
For further information, or to apply for an out-of-zone place, please contact the school office, phone 04 479 6685 for the details regarding the application process or email office@khandallah.school.nz
During May and June 2025GWRC willconsider and respond to submissions and the insights and information collected through the consultation process and prepare the final RPTP 2025-2035for Councilconsideration.
Following public consultation, the final RPTP will be presented to GWRC for adoption on 26 June2025and, subject to Council direction, will be formally adopted for the 2025/2026financial year.
“We would like your feedback on specific questions we have in the development of this RPTP,” the Council says.
“Our consultation brochure gives key information relating to each question. As part of the consultation, we also requestinformation about your public transport context which is optional.
“This information will give us a more informed picture of how our strategic focus areas, policies and key initiatives are viewed across the region.”
1. Dispute. (5)
2. Style. (7)
3. Not mature. (6)
4. Religious assembly. (8)
5. Disorderly. (7)
6. Requires. (5)
7. Of a horse. (6)
8. Opening. (8)
9. Punctilious. (11)
10. Hornless cow. (5)
16. U.S. president(1963-69) Lyndon ...(7)
18. Extend. (5)
32. Proper. (3)
Farrow.
Goulash (4) 35. Dcument holder, ... case.(7)
Cavalry soldier. (6)
To lie snug. (6)
Cowboy movie. (7)
Musical work. (4)
46. Fraudulent. (9)
48. Genuine. (9)
50. Highest part of road. (5)
51. Mechanic. (7) 52. Spendour. (5)
53. Exploit. (11) 54. Rapture. (7)
20. Suffers. (7)
21. Border. (3)
22. Lout. (3)
U.S. spy agency(abbr) (3)
Butter muslin. (11)
Lessen. (5)
Zero. (3)
Consumed. (3)
Sailor. (3)
Coalition. (8)
False claim. (8)
Route. (7)
Knee-cap. (7)
Rub out. (6)
Alcove. (6)
46. Adage(pl) (5) 47. Supple. (5)
Girls name (5)
GARDENING THIS WEEK
I
find it an intriguing aspect of Nature how plants, soil, insects and bacteria all work in harmony in a natural setting, aiding and abetting one another in perfect balance. They are all interconnected and having similar but different DNA in their make up which is our connection to Nature. But when mankind interferes with the balance; temporally preventing Nature from doing its thing, but given time without interference Nature will restore quickly the balance to how it naturally should be. When we interfere; through lack of understanding or greed we upset the natural balance of things and create problems. An example is modern agriculture where the commercial grower or farmer wants to get more out of their land to increase their ‘bottom line’ which really means making more money by having their crops or grass growing bigger and faster but in doing so they create problems which erodes their ‘bottom line’. By applying superphosphate and man made nitrogen fertilisers they increase the speed and size of growth of vegetables and pasture.
This methodology destroys the soil life and weakens the health of the plants. Nature has its cleaners which we call insect pests and plant diseases; they are always waiting to do their work which is to remove the sickly plants to make way for the healthy ones. The commercial grower and the farmer look with dismay as their crops and grasses are attacked and so they apply chemical poisons to control the pests and diseases which further weaken the plants and making them unhealthy to eat. Forced growth equals lack of nutritional values which means people and animals/ stock that eat these chemically saturated foods become what they eat, unhealthy and sickly though lack of good nutrition and overtime will eventually require medical intervention.
To make matters even worse when we and the animals are consuming the chemicals in the food chain our health suffers, we gain weight and we shorten our life span
as our wallets are drained of our money to pay for man made remedies to relieve the symptoms. [Note] Relieve the Symptoms, not cure; as there is no money to be made from cures. Look at a picture of people at the beach in the 50’s and 60’s, slim and fit. Now days thats changed to fat, sickly looking and unfit. The reason is simple it is what we eat. This has taken place in our life time and and too many people have not woken up to the fact. It was well known when superphosphate and high nitrogen fertilisers was introduced that animals and people would become unhealthily and the fertiliser companies, the chemical companies and the medical, pharmaceutical companies would profit greatly.
Now in NZ face an additional food problem and that is the allowing of Genetic Engineering or GMO plants that are grown for food. Or as we have already in our food chain GMO’s that are used in food processing.
But with no labelling to advise us because if we knew most people would not buy.
A GMO is created when the DNA of a plant is spliced with the DNA of another organism, resulting in an entirely new organism (never before seen in Nature). Scientific studies have shown the GMOs wreak havoc on our bodies and can lead to serious diseases such as infertility, autism, organ failure and cancer.
If you eat GM (genetically modified) food, you are literally taking foreign proteins and DNA into your body, which then start to replace your own DNA. Thus, as horrible as it sounds, by eating GMO food, you are literally participating in genetically modifying yourself! (Remember ..You Are What You Eat!)
Biotechnology companies such as Bayer, Dow, DuPont, Pioneer, Syngenta and BASF, are now referred to as Big Biotech.
The major shareholders of these all these industries (Big Phama, chemical and fertiliser) are the likes of Black Rock and Vanguard investment companies.
[BlackRock and Vanguard are among the
largest names in global asset management. Vanguard has over £8 trillion in assets under management (AUM), while BlackRock has over £9.2 trillion in AUM.]
This is a fact and not a conspiracy theory. They profit while we and all other life forces suffer.
But we can resist them and change things back to the way we and Nature are meant to be. Grow your own food as mush as possible, its natural and that is what keeps you healthy.
I think I have mentioned this previously and I will repeat; how one farmer I know of, turned the tables and took the farm he had purchased into a wonderful, profitable farm.
He simply refused to follow the previous farmers agricultural practices of applying superphosphate to the pastures and instead used serpentine lime. What happened was within a season or so the earthworms returned, the soil life responded and multiplied and his grasses grew lush green and healthy, his stock was healthy and was producing more.
While across the road the farmer there, still using super, had lack luster grasses and poor cattle.
When it is allowed, Nature will return to how it should be, and will do so quickly when we stop killing the soil life and only use natural products such as animal manures, blood & Bone, Wallys Fish Fertiliser, Wallys BioPhos, (Reactive rock phosphate broken down naturally by microbes not acid like superphosphate) Wallys Neem Tree Granules, Wallys Unlocking the Soil (Minerals from rock dust) and Wallys Ocean Solids (Minerals from the sea) and Wallys Calcium & Health (serpentine lime with added elements like selenium and boron.) Stop destroying the worms and soil life by using chlorinated tap water, instead remove the chlorine which is there to kill microbes/bacteria by using one of Wallys 10 micron Carbon bonded filters on the outside tap to water the garden.
Your vegetables that you then grow will
By Wally Richards
be full of natural health and nutrition and you will be healthier, lose excess weight, think clearer, have a better state of mind, current health issues will be relieved and you will stay looking younger and live longer.
NEEM GRANULES
Sprinkle Wallys Neem Tree granules around your vegetables and put a little in the planting hole when you are planting any thing.
Wallys Neem Tree Granules is a great soil conditioner and at the same time helps to deter pest insects.
For instance if when planting your winter brassicas, cabbages etc put a few smaller Neem Granules in the planting hole and some larger ones on the soil by the seedling.
The oil in the Neem Granules is taken up into the foliage and when white butterfly caterpillars or Soldier worms hatch out and take a bite of the leaf, they get a dose of the Neem properties and stop eating, to starve to death quickly. On your cabbage you will see on the outer leaves little holes where they took one bite.
You have citrus trees? Well then sprinkle some Wallys Neem Tree Granules under
the tree and give a light watering to get them started. Within a period of about 6-8 weeks any pests in the tree will be gone like magic including borer.
Landscapers tell me that when they use Wallys Neem Tree Granules around the gardens , trees and shrubs they look after, then the plants are healthier and have far less insect problems. Many gardeners tell me the same and they swear by them for all their gardens. You dont need much just about 50 grams per square metre. Thus 1 kilo will do 20 Square metres of gardens and only need to apply it a couple of times of the year.
It will take care of root mealy bugs, root nematodes, grass grubs and other soil pest insects that can ruin our tubers, bulbs and roots of plants.
Hanging little gauze bags with Wallys Neem Granules in them will create a smell on your preferred plants that makes it harder for pests to find their host plants.
Use Wallys Neem Granules and garden naturally with the minerals we have written about and spray your plants with Magic Botanic Liquid once or twice a week and you will be amazed and healthy.
Cricketers in strong position
By Frank Neill
The Johnsonville premier men Cricketers have batted themselves into a strong position over Naenae Old Boys in the first day of their two day competition.
After winning the toss, they bowled Naenae out for 148 at Alex Moore Park on 8 March.
They then reached 141 for the loss of just three wickets in the Cricket Wellington division two two-day encounter.
Six Johnsonville bowlers were among the wickets.
Reece Edgecombe took four wickets for 46 and Ben Stephen took two wickets for 13 runs.
Maximus Petrie, Ashan Wanasinghe, Dominic McAlister and Avinash Shastri took one wicket each.
As well as taking two wickets, Ben Stephen also starred with the bat, and reached 60 not out at stumps.
Reece Edgecombe also followed up his excellent bowling when he reached 15 not out at stumps.
Will Martin batted well, scoring 33.
The Johsonville premier women’s match against City Suburbs was abandoned after just one innings on 8 March.
City Suburbs was all out for 209 in the division one encounter, played at Karori Park and then rain intervened.
Vice Captain Dhriti Girish bowled outstandingly, taking four wickets at a cost of 35 runs.
Estella Wallace and Aaesha Suku both finished with the same figures of two wickets for 39 runs.
Anvi Verma was the other Johnsonville wicket taker, with 1 for 30.
Johnsonville’s next match is against Petone Riverside at Kelburn Park on 15 March.
Karori and Upper Hutt United are locked in what looks like a close battle after day one of their match, played at Barton Oval.
Batting first, Upper Hutt was all out for 278.
Karori then reached 196 for the loss of six wickets in their division one match.
They will be looking to Alex Thompson, who was 41 not out at stumps and Purvin Anthony, who was 17 not out, to continue their batting momentum on 15 March.
Earlier Yahraj Kalsi notched up a half century and finished on 57.
Shivang Choudhary took three wickets for 47 and Matt Rowe three wickets for 55.
Sam French took two wickets for 42, Max Sargentina one wicket for 33 and Purvin Anthony one wicket for 15.
It is too early to predict the outcome of Onslow’s division one match with Taita at stumps on day one.
After Taita was all out for 238, Onslow reached 78 but had lost three wickets.
They will be looking to Devon Vishvaka, who was 37 not out at stumps, and Captain Sam Keegan on 7 not out to significantly increase their partnership.
Three Onslow bowlers took three wickets each.
Ryan Tsourgas took three for 37, Daniel Rose three for 49 and Henry McIntyre three for 63.
Elliot Seddon was the other Onslow wicket taker, with one wicket for 44.
The match is being played at Fraser Park’s Barry Clarke Oval.
Reece Edgecombe, who took four wickets for Johnsonville on 8 March. Photo: AW Media.
