The “Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” afternoon at the Wainuiomata Marae on 10 November “was awesome,” says Keelan Renata of Ng ti Wainuiomata Activists.
The afternoon was a joint initiative by the Wainuiomata Marae and a newly formed r pŪ, Ng ti Wainuiomata Activists, established by Wainuiomata High School’s Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata (M ori activism classes).
Continued on page 2.
Matthew Maniapoto with one of the placards painted at the “Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” event. Photo: Frank Neill.
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Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata was great
Continued from page 1
“I would say it was a very successful day,” Keelan says.
More than 100 people attended. That was great and “it was also great because people were driving past tooting because they could see the signs.”
A whole line of signs those attending the event had painted were lined up at the edge of the Marae grounds along the side of Parkway.
“It was also good to have such a diverse turnout,” Keelan says.
The turnout included people of a variety of ethnicities, people from all ages, from three years right through to elderly people, and also included people from Lower Hutt.
“Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” was a free event to warm up Wainuiomata for the national hĪkoi led by Toitū Te Tiriti which began on 10 November and runs to 19 November.
Its aim was educating people about Te Tiriti o Wainuiomata and making connections with each other in the community.
As well as the major focus on Te Tiriti, the afternoon also featured banner making, painting, band music and tamariki games “to get us prepared and excited about the hĪkoi,” says Whaea Becky Le Lievre of Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata.
The aim of HĪkoi M Te Tiriti 2024 is to demonstrate the beginning of a unified Aotearoa response to the government’s assault on tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
It began with people gathering on 10 November at P tahi Marae in Te K o, on Cape R inga. They then began marching south on 11 November.
It will end at the House of Parliament on 19 November.
“This is a peaceful hĪkoi,” says long serving Wainuiomata Marae member Matthew Maniapoto.
“We are not protesters. We are protectors,” he says.
“We have a clear message and a clear directive: M ori will not be bullied when it comes to Treaty issues.
“We are definitely taking a stance.”
What the government is proposing “impacts on everyone” not just M ori.
“Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” was an “awesome day,” Matthew says.
“It is part of mobilising our community –mobilising not only for the hĪkoi but for future action.”
He also noted that it was essential that the event involved young people.
“It is so important we get the rangatahi in-
volved because it’s their future,” Matthew says.
“We are preparing their wairua (spirit) for future action and we are preparing their hinengaro (mind).”
The Wainuiomata contingent that will join the hĪkoi will meet at McEwan Park, Petone, at 3:30am on 19 November, and everyone in the valley is welcome to join them. They will begin their hĪkoi at 4am, walking along the Petone Esplanade to State Highway 2.
They will then walk south alongside State Highway 2 to Ngauranga where they will move onto the old Hutt Road and then walk along Thorndon Quay, arriving at Wellington Railway Station at 8:30am.
The Wainuiomata contingent will then meet up with the main hĪkoi, and they will all march to Parliament, arriving at around 11am.
Painting a big Te Tiriti banner. Photo: Frank Neill.
Keelan Renata holding a Tino Rangatiratanga flag. Photo: Frank Neill.
A big banner that was painted at the “Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” event. Photo: Frank Neill.
Wainui High wins rowing scholarship
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School has won the 2024 Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship, announced on 6 November.
As the scholarship recipient, Wainuiomata High School has received $5,000 to support their rowing programme expenses.
Rowing was introduced to the school just this year by first year teacher Gordon Milne. Gordon has been rowing for a few seasons and is passionate about the sport and this inspired him to introduce it to his students and the school.
Gordon believes his efforts will ultimately teach students important life skills through the nature of the sport.
“It’s a different kind of sport,” he says. The students “have to work together. There are no heroes, it’s all about teamwork.”
Gordon established the school’s rowing programme over winter in collaboration with the Wellington Rowing Club. It began with a learn to row programme. Wainuiomata High School and the Wellington Rowing Club are currently in the process of providing training and skills development so the students can begin racing competitively next year, Gordon says. When Gordon received the news the school had been selected as the recipient of the Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship, he was excited and grateful to Aon and Rowing NZ for the grant, which will significantly help with regatta and membership fees.
“It’s probably the reason we can have a full season,” Gordon says.
“I didn’t want cost to be a barrier for the students.
“My goal for the students would be multiple seasons competing at local regattas – perhaps
Maadi Cup, [the New Zealand secondary schools rowing championships] down the track.
“They are coming along well. They have come a long way. They are turning up regularly and enjoying it, which is the main thing.”
Mark Weatherall, GM of Community and Development at Rowing NZ, attended the Learn to Row session with the Wainuiomata High School team at the Wellington Rowing Club. He was thrilled to see all the students on the water, some for the first time.
“Looking out here today, I see smiles on their faces,” Mark says.
“Some of them have never been on a rowing boat before. Whether they go on to win medals or simply cultivate a love for the sport, it’s wonderful to see the kids out on the water.”
“I love rowing for the training,” says Nyronne Clark who won the Principal’s Award at the school’s prize giving.
“It gives me something different to try.
“It was hard at first but it’s a cool sport. I enjoy the environment. The people around me makes me want to come back for more.”
Single sculler Dilyan Kusnadi says that Gordon is the reason she started rowing.
“Mr Milne talked to me about rowing, and I thought, why not give it a try?” Dilyan says.
“I need to get out of the house and do something sporty.
“At first, it was challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes really easy.”
Dilyan enjoys rowing in a single scull because she likes having control over the boat, but she also appreciates the team aspect of the sport, as they are all on the water and train at the same time.
Dilyan is excited about representing her school.
“It means a lot to me,” she says.
“I look forward to making my school proud. The thrill of being on the water is what keeps me rowing.”
Dom Barclay was also recruited by Gordon along with his friends, who encouraged him to give rowing a try.
“I enjoy it,” he says.
“I love being out on the harbour, as I don’t get the opportunity to go on the water otherwise.
“I also appreciate the physical aspect of rowing – getting on the ergs and staying active. Since I don’t represent the school in other sports, it will be exciting to do so in rowing.”
He also said he’s looking forward to improving his technique this season and the training camps the school has planned.
Liam Cooper, who plays several sports, wasn’t sure if he would continue with rowing, but he has had a great time and has now committed to the season and is looking forward to racing against other schools.
“I think it will be a cool experience to participate in our first regatta, representing Wainuiomata High School,” he says.
“I’m grateful for the grant from Aon and Rowing NZ, as I wouldn’t have been able to afford the fees or maintenance otherwise. I also want to thank Mr Milne for his hard work and support.”
Community support for the sport has been incredible, including the school and local gyms like Way of Life Fitness. There’s a real drive to see a sport like this succeed, and Gordon hopes this will encourage other schools to try it out.
The school’s rowers are about to take part in a three-day tranining programme, which will take place in Whanganui in early December.
A second training camp is also on the horizon early next year.
Love Wainui AGM
Everyone in the community is welcome to Love Wainuiomata’s annual general meeting.
The meeting will be held between 6pm and 8pm at the Wainuiomata Community Hub, 1A Queen Street. At the meeting people will learn more about what Love Wainuiomata does and will hear about the “exciting plans” they have for the community.
“Would you like to be involved with Love Wainuiomata ... come along to our upcoming annual general meeting,” Love Wainuiomata says.
No bike racks
Bike racks on Metlink buses will not be available to passengers from Saturday 9 November until further notice, following guidance from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
In October, NZTA issued an alert reminding public transport authorities that bicycles fixed to bike racks on the front of buses should not obscure bus headlamps during the hours of darkness.
Passengers can continue to travel with bicycles on Metlink trains.
Liam Cooper learning to row in the bow seat of the quad sculls. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. Email them to news@wsn. co.nz. Please note that your name must also be provided in e mails.
Flood risk
Dear Editor, It was an interesting article in the “Wainuiomata News” dated 6 November 2024 on the back page about the flood risk in Wainuiomata. I am not sure if anything is being
Busy day for local MPs
Locally-based MP Ginny Andersen had a busy day in Wainuiomata on 8 November.
Ginny crashed Ikaroa-R whiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel’s community catch up at the Wainuiomata Library.
The two then headed over to see Linda Olsen at the Wainuiomata Marae.
The Marae is busy getting ready for the big group of manuhiri coming for the November hikoi against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles
Bill.
“We were lucky enough to talk with the awesome w hine graduating from the Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT),” Ginny says.
The next stop was dropping off some afternoon tea for the kaimahi at Kokiri Marae P taka Kai.
“It’s a tough time for food banks right now who are struggling to provide for so many wh nau in need of kai,” Ginny says.
The two MP’s last stop was checking
done about the trees that are growing in Black Creek near where the Bowling Club is. Maybe one day a stopbank will be built to protect the lower part of Hine Road between Richard Prouse
out how the rebuild of Wainuiomata High School is progressing.
It is “full on for all the teachers and students who have had to teach and learn in a construction zone.”
It is “great to see things are progressing well and hopefully on track for completion in March next year.
“Last but definitely not least, shout out to Daily Bread Bakery – delicious and affordable kai for some well deserved morning and afternoon tea,” Ginny says.
Park and the Hine Road Recreation Reserve from flooding. I recall there were plans to put one in this area in the 1980s. Former Wainuiomata resident
Cushla Tangaere-Manuel and Ginny Andersen. Photo: Supplied.
Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes
1-30 November 2024
Significant increase in diabetes
The latest annual data from the national Virtual Diabetes Register (VDR) has revealed a significant increase in the incidence of diabetes in New Zealand, which is well ahead of earlier projections. According to VDR figures released in August by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the number of New Zealanders living with diabetes is now 323,700, an increase of 95,700 people in just three years.
The economic and social cost of Type 2 Diabetes report released in 2021 predicted that by 2040 there would be up to 430,000 people living with type 2 diabetes in Aotearoa.
The new data shows the figures are tracking well above this prediction.
“We can’t sugar coat the size of the problem,” says Heather Verry, chief executive of Diabetes New Zealand.
“If we continue at this current rate there will be approximately 510,000 people living with diabetes by 2040, which is alarming.
The prediction that was made in 2021 was one that none of us wanted to be right and now our worst-case scenario is coming true, with a more than 90% increase in the prevalence of the condition,” she says.
However, that’s not the only thing concerning Diabetes New Zealand.
The organisation is calling for more clarity around the data. While the rise in numbers is worrying, Ms Verry stresses that the data is incomplete and hampers efforts to plan for effective care.
“While we welcome any new data, the Virtual Diabetes Register fails to recognise that diabetes is not one condition.
“We simply don’t know how many people are living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in Aotearoa, we only know a total.
“This makes it incredibly difficult to design targeted healthcare services and patient support programmes.
“Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are distinct conditions that require different approaches in care, treatment, management and prevention. There are different types of diabetes just as there are different types of cancers.
“Without better data, we risk missing the
opportunity to address the needs of those impacted, which is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes,” Ms Verry says.
Diabetes New Zealand’s call for more specific and accurate data comes as the organisation launches its annual Diabetes Action Month, with the theme ‘Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes’.
The campaign, which runs throughout November, aims to raise awareness of diabetes as well as breaking the stigma around diabetes by busting common myths.
“Lumping different types of diabetes together creates stigma in itself, because not all types of diabetes are the same.
“Misinformation and confusion about the types of diabetes leads to a lot of judgement and that perpetuates the stigma,” Ms Verry says.
“Education and awareness play a huge role in breaking down this stigma which is why we have chosen to focus on busting myths and telling the truth about diabetes this action month.
“We can’t sugar coat the size of the problem any longer. Real change requires real numbers.”
As part of Diabetes Action Month, Diabetes New Zealand is launching several initiatives including a myth-busting series aimed at dispelling misconceptions about diabetes and promoting accurate information.
World Diabetes Day on November 14 also serves as a reminder for everyone to know their risk and understand the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes New Zealand is encouraging all Kiwis to take the “Know Your Risk” quiz, an easy online tool designed to help individuals understand their diabetes risk.
Diabetes New Zealand’s annual fundraiser, Sneaker Friday, is taking place on Friday 15 November, inviting everyone across the motu to wear sneakers to work, school, or play to raise funds and show support for those living with diabetes. For more information about Diabetes Action Month and to learn more about diabetes, visit http://diabetesactionmonth.org.nz. SMALL
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Save our Community Board
“Save our Community Board,” says a sign painted on a container at the Wainuiomata Marae.
The sign was painted last Friday, 8 November.
Wainuiomata residents “will be powerless without our community board,” says Wainuiomata Marae’s manager, Linda Olsen.
Hutt City Council’s decision to abolish the community board “is so unfair,” she says.
One of the reasons Hutt City Council has given for abolishing the city’s three community boards – Wainuiomata, Petone and Eastbourne – is that there is an equity issue, as only some of Hutt City is served by a community board.
Instead of abolishing community boards, Hutt City Council should have planned to provide community boards for the whole of Hutt City in the future, Ms Olsen says.
Hutt City Council decided to abolish the city’s three community boards when it made its decision on how the city will be represented at next year’s local body elections, and the
elections that follow it.
The decision came following a representation review, conducted by an independent panel.
Among the recommendations the panel made was that the council abolish its three community boards.
WANTED
Newspaper Deliverers
AREA 1: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
AREA 2: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 3: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main 280 papers
The panel’s proposals were then open for public submissions.
The council received 370 valid submissions on the proposals put forward by the panel, with 268 of the submissions opposing the disestablishment of community boards and 79 in favour.
Community boards should be extended to all wards 61 of the submitters said.
The council considered the submissions then made a decision on the representation review, including abolishing community boards.
This decision could be appealed by people who had made a submission.
Sixteen appeals have been submitted, including an appeal by Ms Olsen and an appeal by the Wainuiomata Community Board.
The Local Government Commission is leading the appeals and objections process
for Hutt City Council’s Final Representation proposal.
The appeals will be heard on 26 November and the Local Government Commission has until April 2025 to release its final determination.
AREA 4: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 5: Naseby Gr, Bexley Gr, part of Wellington Rd - 285 papers
AREA 6: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
AREA 7: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St- 260 papers
AREA 8: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, parts of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers
Small Island (4)
Formerly Ceylon; Lanka (3)
Finale (3)
Formal (4)
Lasso (6)
Faint (3)
Benefit (6)
Aims (7)
Quarrel (4)
Large deer (3)
Estimated time of arrival (intls) (3)
Run swiftly (4)
Conpetitor (7)
Sperm whales (9)
Not tied (5)
Brochure (7)
Avoid (5)
Soaks up (7)
Allure (11)
Scanty (6) 48. Of plants (9)
Perspective (5,2,4)
Bursts (8)
Amateur (6)
Small orange (7)
Short story (8)
Disclose (6)
Bandits (7)
Monetary unit of Ecuador (5)
Weight measurement (5)
(3)
Photo: Frank Neill.
Brooke joins Phoenix women
Brooke Neary has joined the Wellington Phoenix women’s team on an amateur contract.
Brooke joined the Phoenix academy at the start of last year, moving from the Wainuiomata Association Football Club.
She was a regular in goal for the Phoenix reserves this season, which included their run to the Kate Sheppard Cup semi-final.
Last month Brooke travelled to the Dominican Republic with the New
Zealand squad for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and she was in goal for two of their three group matches.
Brooke will wear the number 13 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix and is the 22nd player confirmed in the women’s squad for the 2024-25 season. Brooke began playing Football with the Wainuiomata Football Club when she was five years old.
After nine years playing for Wainuiomata, last season she began
playing for the Phoenix Academy in the Capital Development League and played for them again this season.
She also played Football for her primary school, Fernlea School, and then played for Hutt Valley High School. As well as Football, Brooke played Cricket, including playing in Wellington representative teams, although she has now given that up so that she can focus on Football.
National junior Ki o Rahi champions
Century for Ryan Jackson
By Frank Neill
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School’s Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata KĪ o Rahi team are the new national junior champions.
In doing so they became the first Wellington school to take out a national KĪ o Rahi championship. The team was undefeated in all its eight matches at the national junior tournament, held in Taupo last week.
Coached by M tauranga Te Rauna, the team defeated Te Kuiti High School 18-8 in the final to clinch the title.
Te Kuiti had earlier completed the pool play in first place, with Wainuiomata taking second spot.
Wainuiomata met last year’s tournament runner-up Te Koutu in the semi final, winning 18-10.
Their most comfortable win the post-pool play came in the quarter final against RĪtana, which Wainuiomata
won 22-3.
The first post-pool play encounter, against Kahungunu, ended up being Wainuiomata’s hardest fought victory when they won 21-14.
Following the last match, Wainuiomata’s Brooklyn Waite-Leach was named the tournament’s most valuable male player.
MahinaRiana Hughes and R J Walker were named the most outstanding players in the final.
Although they are the national junior KĪ o Rahi champions, Wainuiomata is yet to win a regional KĪ o Rahi title.
This year the national event was held before the regional event, and Wainuiomata will be looking to add the regional title next week.
In its four pool games Wainuiomata defeated Ruatoki 30-1, Raukura 17-8, Peowhairangi 34-9 and Te Kaokaoroa 18-7.
Fire totally destroys flat
By Frank Neill
A flat in Rowe Parade was totally destroyed after a fire broke out early on Saturday morning, 9 November.
All the possessions the occupiers had were also destroyed.
Nobody was home when the fire broke out.
When the occupants came back home just after midnight they heard the sound of a smoke alarm. When they opened the front door,
they were greeted by smoke and flames, Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson says. They then called 111, and the brigade responded at 12:21am. Initially the occupants of the flat thought that their dog was still inside. However when firefighters searched the flat there was no sign of the dog, CFO Thompson says. The dog was then found elsewhere in Wainuiomata the next morning.
Although firefighters were not able to save the flat from being destroyed “the initial crew did a good job protecting the house over the fence in Gibbs Crescent,” CFO Thompson says. The flat was one of a block of two flats. They were separated by a concrete block fire wall, which protected the second flat well. It suffered only minor smoke damage.
A century by Ryan Jackson was the highlight for Wainuiomata’s first Cricket XI on 9 November.
Ryan scored 110 in Wainuiomata’s match against Johnsonville, played at Alex Moore Park.
For the second successive week Wainuiomata lost narrowly, when Johnsonville scored just 14 runs more than their visitors.
A week earlier they lost by just 13 runs to Naenae Old Boys.
Batting first in the division 2 Hazlett Trophy match, Johnsonville was all out for 254. Wainuiomata was not quite able to reach that total when they were all out for 230.
As well as batting well, Ryan also bowled well, taking one wicket for 34 runs.
Another Wainuiomata player, Jackson Hemmingway, also featured prominently with both bat and ball. After taking two wickets for 35 runs, Jackson scored 70 runs from just 56 deliveries.
Logan Stoupe was outstanding with the ball, taking four wickets at a cost of 35 runs.
Gurpreet Singh was also among the wicket takers and he finished with figures of two wickets for 55. Callum Mackanness took one wicket for 17.
Wainuiomata’s next match will see them play Petone Riverside at Petone Park on 16 November.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade was well supported by two crews from Seaview, one from the Hutt and the breathing appartus tender from Remutaka, CFO Thompson says.
Following the fire, the occupants have been gifted a number of much needed items, including a bed, bedding, linen, clothes and some kitchen items.
This was the second fire in a week that the brigade attended.
They were called after a stolen van had been set alight on 6 November.
The van, located down a driveway near Mary Crowther Park, was a total loss.
The brigade received the call at 11:39pm.
Guy Fawkes was quiet for the brigade this year, in contrast to the usual situation.
“We didn’t have any fireworks related fires this year, which is unusual,” CFO Thompson says.
The national junior Kī o Rahi champion team (back row from left) Brooklyn Waite-Leach, Tāne Teepa, Jahzaiah Mill-Simpson, Kayde Vulu, R J Walker, Carter Lewis, Legion Puata-Noble and Hamiora Rapata (front row from left) Zerenity Mill-Simpson, Hana Toatoa, Cherish Harrison, MahinaRiana Hughes (CoTewhatewha), Nevaeh Puketapu-Utanga (Co-Tewhatewha), Arcadia Tuari, Waihania Awa and Kairangi Coffey. Photo: Supplied.
Brooke Neary, who has been selected in the Phoenix women’s team for this season. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Ryan Jackson, who scored a century for Wainuiomata on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.
Open day at Pioneer Church
In celebration of Heritage Month throughout New Zealand the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church will be open for visitors from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 17 November.
People who are interested in seeing the restoration of this 160 year old historic building and hearing the history of the church and surrounding graveyard are welcome to attend.
There is no charge for entry.
Visitors can join with other visitors or just catch up with friends.
People are also welcome to also join the open day’s organisers for their renowned devonshire tea, hopefully outdoors in the park-like gardens surrounding the church.
The charge for the devonshire tea is $5.
The historic Pioneer Church was
built by pioneers in 1866 and is the oldest original Methodist Church in the Wellington region.
It was used until 1958.
In 2009 the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society was formedandtook over ownership of the church and surrounding graveyard which were in avery sad state.
Since then the society has fully restored the interiorandexterior of the Church– which is now a listed Category ll Heritage building – and repaired headstoneswhich had been damaged over the years.
In recognition of its work, the society was awarded winner of the Heritage and Environment category of the 2013 Hutt City Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Exercise for Alpine Fault earthquake
More than 500 staff from partner agencies and the Wellington region’s nine councils participated in Exercise RŪ Whenua a Rohe last week.
The exercise used a scenario designed to simulate the response to a Magnitude 8.2 earthquake on the Alpine Fault.
Research indicates there is a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next
50 years, with an 82% chance of it being a magnitude 8 or higher.
In an Alpine Fault earthquake, the Wellington region could face major damage to buildings, roads, and essential services, with impacts greater than those experienced from the 2016 Kaik ura earthquake.
Wellington Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Controller Charlie Blanch says
exercises provide an opportunity to test response plans and work together as a group.
“We regularly hold exercises to strengthen relationships with councils and partner agencies,” Mr Blanch says.
“Many people may not know that local council staff lead and co-ordinate the emergency response during a major earthquake.”
Staff from the nine local coun-
Summer sports coverage in the paper
By Frank Neill
The “Wainuiomata News” is keen to ensure good coverage of summer sport for all teams based in the valley.
In order to do this, the paper’s reporter Frank Neill is keen to touch base with the appropriate contact people for each sport.
Frank is asking each sport to make contact with him, either by email at frank@wsn.co.nz or by telephone at 027 490 3916, providing the up-to-date contact person and their contact details.
The ideal scenario is that every sporting
code in Wainuiomata is able to make contact with the “Wainuiomata News” once a week where there are weekly competitions, or where the competitions are less often than weekly whenever the competitions take place.
Some winter sports also run events during the spring and summer, and the paper is also interested in hearing about these events.
“We look forward to hearing from you,” Frank says.
“As the ‘Wainuiomata News’ has only one reporter, the paper is reliant on receiving information and photographs from the sports clubs and organisations.
Stopping parcel theft
With Christmas approaching the Police are providing advice so people can avoid parcels that have been delivered being stolen.
“We’re heading into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries and Police want to remind everyone to do what they can to stop parcel theft,” says Sergeant Rowan Steenkamp, the Wellington Prevention Co-ordinator.
“Coming into Christmas there are more parcels being delivered, and more chance for your presents to be stolen.
“Thieves will take any opportunity to steal, and parcels left on front doorsteps or in apartment building common areas are an easy target.
“Our advice is: someone will be home to receive them, or to a work address.
home, make sure you're going to be home to sign for them, or have a secure location where they can be left.
clear, and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door, or on top of an apartment building post box.
parcel is delivered, arrange to collect your parcel from the depot, or have the parcel redirected to the address of someone you trust.
so passers-by can’t see what you’ve been buying.
– for example if you see a car following a courier van, or an unexpected visitor knocks on your door asking for someone you don't know.
cils in the region activated their Emergency Operations Centres on the day to practice co-ordinating together.
Various partner agencies with emergency response roles helped support the exercise, including GNS Science, MetService, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Wellington Free Ambulance, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Ministry of Business, Innovation
and Employment, Te Whatu Ora, Ministry of Social Development and Welfare Agencies, NZ Red Cross, Te Puni K kiri, Ministry for Primary Industries, Corrections, and the National Emergency Management Agency.
Volunteers from NZ Response teams carried out simulated impact assessments in their communities while other volunteers supported displaced people across the region.
Concerning reports need investigation
Reports that the New Zealand Medical Council punished dissenting medical practitioners who expressed concern regarding Covid-19 vaccination must be investigated, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.
The reports were released in “The Centrist” (https://centrist.co.nz/) on 9 October.
As well as punishing doctors, “The Centrist” said that the Medical Council instructed doctors in a “Guidance Statement” that anti-vaccination messages regarding the COVID-19 vaccine had “no place” in professional health practice.
“Informed consent, which ensures patients are aware of the risks involved before they accept medical treatment, is only possible where medical practitioners are able to speak freely,” Jonathan says.
“This is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice, and is outlined by the NZ Medical Council themselves in their informed consent guidelines, as well as in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.
“These concerning reports are not about the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine but rather whether medical professionals were able to exercise professional judgement and use their speech rights to perform their duties ethically.
“Allegedly, the NZ Medical Council put doctors who had concerns over the Covid-19 vaccine in an impossible position where they had to choose between these principles of informed consent or the contradictory ‘Guidance Statement’ on the vaccine.
“If the public is to trust medical profession-
als and be able to make informed choices, they need transparency of information, the ability to freely access a variety of perspectives, and a full understanding of the risks involved.
“Free speech is not just about the right to speak your mind. It’s also about the right to listen. And transparency leads to trust,” Jonathan says.
What “The Centrist” reported “is consistent with cases where we have defended nurses who were silenced and punished for giving their perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine.
“There are few more powerful ways to censor someone than by threatening their livelihood.
“The NZ Medical Council outrageously put doctors in an impossible situation where they were unable to provide patients with informed consent without facing disciplinary action.
“If these claims are true, it is a travesty that the NZ Medical Council sought to pick and choose the views their doctors could or couldn’t share with their patients, putting them in such ethically impossible situations.
“These reports must be investigated in order for trust in our public health system to remain strong,” Jonathan says.
