13 October Independent Herald

Grenada’s new super

By Frank Neill

NZ Post officially opened its new “Super Depot” in Grenada Village on Tuesday.

The massive increase in online shopping that happened during the Covid-19 outbreak, and the fact that online shopping is likely to continue at high levels, meant NZ Post needed to significantly increase

its processing ability.

Using the latest scanning and sorting technology, the new depot can process up to 11,000 parcels an hour.

The new depot is the “single largest material handling investment programme within New Zealand in recent history,” NZ Post Chief Executive David Walsh said at the opening of the new depot.

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is

Super Depot opens as online shopping surges

Continued from page 1.

It is part of NZ Post’s 10-year “Te Iho” investment plan to meet ongoing parcel growth, largely driven by online shopping.

“This investment will allow us to process parcels more efficiently and accurately through automated sortation and address reading technology,” Mr Walsh said.

“With all trends indicating that online shopping is here to stay, we’re investing over $200 million across our network so we can increase our parcel processing capacity across the country to 190 million parcels annually by 2033.

“We’re growing from two automated sorting centres in Auckland and Christchurch up to 11 of varying sizes across the country, if parcel volumes continue to grow.

“This gives us greater ability to scale our business to match the growth of parcels into the future and deliver great service to our customers, and their customers,” Mr Walsh said.

NZ Post is “incredibly proud” to be opening the Wellington Super Depot that will use state-of-the art sorting technology to scan and sort parcels at a super-fast rate, he added.

“We are proud to continue to rise to the challenge of being the best delivery business for New Zealand, and the critical role NZ Post has in the recovery and growth of the New Zealand economy,” Mr Walsh said.

“It shows our real confidence in the Wellington.

“It’s great to have this service and we are very proud to be supporting New Zealand and the Wellington region,” he added.

NZ Post Wellington Super Depot Manager Shirley Povey said her team was “very excited”

to work from the new depot.

“The Wellington Super Depot has a processing floor of just over 10,000 square metres – that’s bigger than the size of a rugby field, or eight Olympic sized swimming pools.”

Parcels will be “sorted for our couriers using our new automated system, which sends thousands of parcels to the correct chute ready for our couriers to load up and deliver to our customers across the region,” Ms Povey said.

Sustainability was a central consideration for the Welling-

ton Super Depot site, alongside other new NZ Post depots across Aotearoa.

All building materials and appliances have been selected with sustainability in mind.

The site has thermal insulation and has been built using products with the environmental choice tick.

The site also has on-site storm water detention ponds and rainwater harvesting. The carpet tiles are 100% biodegradable and electrical appliances have a minimum 4-star energy rating.

to

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

Local body elections are done and dusted and we have six new and returning councillors in the Northern and Western Wards which largely make up the Ōhāriu Electorate. I know all of the individuals, and they are a talented bunch who will give their best locally and for Wellington. The new councillors will inevitably learn things are never quite as simple as they look from the outside, an experience I had myself when I entered Parliament. The wise ones will take time to learn how the current systems operate, which means a lot of reading, before setting about changing them. What has been missing around Council is councillors working together to achieve consensus and to arrive at the best workable solution. That is the job of the Mayor and her deputy, and Mayor Whanau has pledged to do just that. Wellingtonians understand the

threat to our future as a vibrant, high functioning and thriving city if we don’t get it right; and that is the job of the incoming Council. We need to support them in their work.

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.

The good news nationally is that the country and economy is $9 billion dollars better off than predicted this year, which means we are coming out of the COVID-induced spending, which every country in the world incurred to stay afloat, way ahead of other countries. This allows us to get into surplus sooner, and also to invest in our people who have been affected by the higher cost of living.

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

Locally, I attended the opening of the NZ Post Mail Centre in Grenada this week. It was built by and is owned by a local company, so is good for the local economy. It came in on budget as well, which shows the quality of our local industry and workforce.

NZ Post Chief Executive David Walsh on the floor of the new Super Depot in Grenada Village. Photo: Frank Neill.

Step by step for Tony’s trek

By Jacob Page

Karori’s Tony Williams is halfway to walking the length of New Zealand to raise funds for Médecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).

Tony crossed Cook Strait on Monday to start the South Island leg of his journey, just as motivated as ever, having walked 1200km to complete the North Island in 42 days.

“The body is holding up pretty well,” the 68-yearold says. “I’m feeling pretty good.”

“I’ve always been an endurance sort of guy and my SAS days have always taught me to keep going.

Tony says he has a “little mantra” which is keeping him going.

“Step by step, k by k, day by day, everything is going to be a-ok.

“It works for this and it works in life too.”

“I’ve had people say do

I feel good after doing the North Island?

“While I do feel good, it’s only half the job and I still have another 30km a day to walk for the next six weeks.

Tony remains committed to raising $1 million for the cause.

“It’s a wonderful cause and the support we’ve received has been incredible.

“Not just the veteran and first-responder community but everyday people have been so great.”

Tony says he has battled hail, wind, rain and sunshine.

“I’m an experienced outdoors guy so it’s about layers.

“I haven’t been freezing cold yet, just my hands and face at times.”

Tony, who is a singer/songwriter, says he likes to pass the time by writing songs in his head as he walks.

“I’d like to release an album which supports veterans and it’s been so great to catch up

with many of them on this walk.”

Tony says he is still eager to find a campervan or caravan to make things more comfortable on the road.

He does have his birthday plans sorted.

“I’m a Christchurch boy and on my birthday, October 24, through an old army buddy we’ll be staying at The George Hotel which I’m very much looking forward to.”

Tony says he plans to finish at Bluff on November 15 “by hook or by crook”.

“My mission is to raise $1 million and if I have to run naked down Lambton Quay to promote it, I will.

“I’ll be looking for a job after this,” he says.

“I’m not retired, i’ll never be retired.

People wanting to keep upto-date with Tony’s progress and donate to the cause, can do so at http://www.walknz4msf.co.nz

Tony says his legs, feet and mind are holding up well on the journey which sees him walk up to 30km a day.

Allington Rd Culvert replacement still being discussed

Karori Residents Association have had an initial chat with Wellington City Council’s Manager of Transport and Infrastructure Brad Singh after the community meeting which was held on 22nd September.

WCC officers agree with the community that the proposed bus route over Richmond/ Collier/Parklands/Woodhouse

will not work well. They have discussed with GWRC.

WCC have suggested GWRC are bought in on the next engagement session which will most likely be by zoom and will include invitations for the community to be included.

“Council Officers would like to extend their thanks to the residents of Karori who took

time to attend the community meeting and provide their input to the Alington culvert replacement project,” Brad says.

“Officers are now working through the feedback and suggestions received, both at the meeting as well as those written in afterwards, and will be investigating the options that have been suggested. We

will be coming back to the community to present the results of our investigations and our recommendations in due course.

“We would also like to extend a big thank you to the Karori Residents Association for working with us and helping us to better connect to the community that we serve.”

Food Bank collection on Sunday

O n World Food Day, this Sunday, Altrusa Ohariu will be collecting donations for the Newlands Food Bank, at New World Newlands from 11am. World Food Day is observed globally on this day each year, and aims to promote healthy diets and eradicate hunger issues.

Union meeting as buses replace trains

Today buses will replace trains on all lines from 9 AM – 3 PM during a rail union meeting.

In order to view the bus replacement timetables or find a bus replacement stop location, next week you will be able to use the Metlink app, visit https:// www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/buses-replacing-trains/, or give the Metlink team a call on 0800 801 700 .

More change than familiar faces after council elections

There is change at the top and change in the

tions

the

votes.

council

Ray Chung is the new councillor in Wharangi/ Onslow-Western ward joining the returning duo of Rebecca Matthews and Diane Calvert.

Meanwhile, it is a brand new trio in the Taka Northern Ward with Tony Randle, Ben McNulty and John Apanowicz all first-time councillors.

Tory Whanau has convincingly won the Wellington mayoralty according to a progress result from the local elections.

Incumbent Mayor Andy Foster finished second with Ray Chung in third and Paul Eagle in fourth.

The result shows Tory Whanau has received 29,458 votes compared to Mr Foster who received 13,032 votes. This is a margin of 16,426 votes.

Wellington City Deputy Electoral Officer Jennifer Parker says about 85 percent of the votes received have been counted but there was still a large amount of later votes still to be counted.

Saturday saw 9901 votes, including special

This unprecedented volume of last-minute votes means we won’t know the preliminary result until midday tomorrow, so this progress result may change.”

A final result will be available tomorrow.

Ms Parker says there has been a very large voter turnout in Wellington City – she is expecting the final voter turnout to exceed 45 percent – around four percent higher than in 2019.

Progress results for the Wellington City Council wards are:

Taka /Northern ward

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for Taka Northern Ward are:

Tony Randle

Ben McNulty

John Apanowicz

Wharangi/Onslow-Western ward

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for Wharangi/OnslowWestern Ward are:

Ray Chung Diane Calvert Rebecca Matthews

Pukeh au/Lambton ward

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for Pukeh nau/Lambton Ward are:

Tamatha Paul Nicola Young

Iona Pannett

Motukairangi/Eastern ward

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for Motukairangi/ Eastern Ward are:

Tim Brown

Teri O’Neill

Sarah Free Paekawakawa/Southern ward

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for Paekawakawa/ Southern Ward are:

Laurie Foon

Nureddin Abdurahman

Te Whanganui-a-Tara M ri Ward

On the basis of the progress result, the candidate elected as councillor is:

Matthew Reweti

Tawa Community Board

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for Tawa Community Board are:

Jill Day

Tim Davin

Rachel Allan Miriam Moore

Janryll Fernandez

Warwick Glendinning

M kara- riu Community Board

On the basis of the progress result, the people elected as councillors for the M kara- iu Community Board are: Mark Reed Christine Grace Darren Hoskins

Hamish Todd Chris Renner Wayne Rudd

Once all special votes have been validated by the Electoral Commission, we will announce the final results tomorrow.

They include all votes, including special votes, returned by 12 noon on Saturday.

Visit the historic World War Two Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori.

Ray Chung and Tony Randle are two of the new faces representing the northern suburbs around the council table.

Wadestown library buzzed about bees

There was a real buzz at Wadestown library last week during the first week of the school holidays with a special “Bee Curious” event for children and their whanau.

It was a chance to learn about the incredible value bees bring to our lives and how we can all help them.

Wadestown Community Centre Coordinator, Louise Davies invited well known Wadestown Apiarist, Eva Durant to make a return visit to the library to share her knowledge and love for bees (and honey)

with children and caregivers, following an earlier session three years ago before Covid constraints prevented such interactive school holiday activities.

The sun even obliged, allowing the outside segment of the session to take place in warm sunshine. Children were able to try on the special bee- keeper suits, view the interior of a “ demo hive” and try their hand with the special “smoker can” used to guide the bees.

And of course honey tasting was extremely popular.

Are

We’d

There was a real buzz at Wadestown library on Thursday during the first week of the school holidays with a special “ Bee Curious” event.

ACDC. They’re a good heavy metal band. I’ve always liked them.

Wrights Hill Fortress to open for Labour Day

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be reopened for public inspection again on Labour Day, Monday October 24.

The World War Two coastal battery will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On Labour Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about one hour and there will also be a number of guided tours during the day. Bring a torch with you for some fun.

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 meters of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10 meter-long gun barrel. On show will be historic photos, displays and a DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In

Wrights Hill Fortress will open to the public over Labour Weekend.

the early 1960s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15 or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (no EFTPOS).

Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is limited car parking at the summit of the Hill.

On sale will be a limited number of copies of a newly released history book Wrights Hill by historian Peter Cooke.

There will be a sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale. People are encouraged to wear stout footwear.

BTS. They are a Korean group and they are good at singing.

UB40. I love listening to reggae. It’s very relaxing.

Opportunity for all photographers

Because Ngaio Crofton Downs is a photogenic place, the Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association is running another photography competition.

Howard Moore, the association’s secretary, says “this competition is fast becoming a permanent tradition.

“We have had it three years in a row. It’s popular.”

This year the competition has three themes: water, letterboxes, relationships.

An entrant doesn’t have to nominate a theme though.

“Just shoot away and send in your entries. Anyone can enter. There are no age limits. We want anybody who can use a camera or a smartphone to have a go,” Howard says.

Judge Colin McDiarmid, a professional photographer, will sort the entries into the

three theme groups then choose a winner in each.

A prize of NZ$50 will be awarded to each winner. All entrants will be given a free year’s subscription to the Residents Association.

Entries need to be still photos taken in Ngaio or Crofton Downs, with no restrictions on date or type of camera.

They can be taken at any time – now or in the past.

Eligible entries just need to be still photos, colour or black and white, taken in Ngaio or Crofton Downs.

Please email entries, as attachments, to photo@ngaio. org.nz by November 6.

The results will be announced at the Association’s annual general meeting in Ngaio Union Church, 7.30pm, Wednesday, November 16

Q: What is your favourite band or music group, and why do you like them?

Lucretia Delmundo

Paula Nathan Kolohe Kai. They’re a Hawaiian band. They are a reggae-pop band, with quite a mix of genres. They cater for all ages.

Jackson WhiuRaymond Barrett

Dave Dobbin. He’s been around a long time and he’s quite relevant.

Jackie Bewley

Jacey Nicholas

Metallica. They are inspirational – a good heavy metal band.

The Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association is running another photographic competition. Pictured is the association’s secretary Howard Moore.

Think more time for quality time with a Summerset serviced apartment

Our serviced apartments at Summerset on the Landing in Kenepuru are located right in the heart of the village within a safe and secure gated community. They offer light and spacious open plan living, a kitchenette and separate double bedroom with a large ensuite. And, extra support is always on hand.

From taking care of meals and chores, to providing flexible options to bring in your existing home care services into the village, it’s all about stress-free living, giving you back your precious time.

It’s just so good to know that mum has the support, and we don’t have to worry about security. It’s great that there are care options available too, should she ever need them. Now that she’s settled in, we can all see how happy she is.

of Margaret, a Summerset serviced apartment resident.

serviced apartments

get in touch

out more.

Council takes hihi under its wing for Bird of the Year

Being one of Aotearoa’s rarest birds, and with their yellow and black colouring, we think the hihi passes this year’s underbird theme with flying colours.

The Bird of the Year Te Manu Rongonui o Te Tau competition has returned to the nest for 2022, with voting open from 17-30 October. This competition, hosted by Forest and Bird, showcases Aotearoa’s native birds and the importance of their preservation.

This year’s theme of ‘underbirds’ highlights the more underappreciated and overlooked native birds of New Zealand.

Wellington City Council’s Biosecurity Specialist Henk Louw says the competition really creates great awareness about our most at risk birds in P eke and Aotearoa.

“Thanks to years of collaboration between Council, Zealandia Te M a a ne, Predator Free Wellington and great mahi from thousands of volunteers and groups around the capital, native bird species numbers are constantly increasing and predator activity is down.

“This collective mahi through various dedicated organisations and the many conservation and restoration programmes in P neke have been so successful that birds that were border-

ing on extinction are now doing better. We’re heading in the right direction – but there’s still a long way to go.”

Council is putting its weight behind the hihi for its on-point colour scheme, and to give it as much airtime as some of its feathered friends.

Hihi are pollinators and have curved bills and long tongues that let them reach deep into flowers for nectar. While female hihi have olive feathers, male hihi share the Council’s yellow and black colours, fitting the bill perfectly to be our bird of the year.

The English name for hihi, the stitchbird, supposedly comes from their high-pitched zit tzit sounding call. The birds’ te reo M ori name means ‘healing rays of sunlight’, referring to the burst of yellow on the shoulders of the male birds which flashes bright when the bird moves through light.

As birds of a feather flock together, Council supported organisation Zealandia Te ra a T ne is also backing the hihi this year. Since their introduction in 2005, Zealandia is thought to have the largest mainland population of hihi, which were lost everywhere but Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island.

Zealandia Te M ra a T e conservation ranger, Rachel Selwyn, says hihi are one of

the most vulnerable species at Zealandia Te M ra a ne.

“We provide them with a lot of additional support to help the population by providing nest boxes, sugar water and regular monitoring. We want hihi to win Bird of the Year this year so people can know how hard these birds are fighting to stay alive and how they can help support them as well.”

Wellington is one of the few places in the country where you can encounter the threatened hihi. To support the hihi, and other native birds, consider taking actions to

protect them, such as joining a local volunteer trapping group, keeping your cat at home, or setting up a nectar feeder with sugar water at your home. You can also contribute to this month’s Zealandia Te M a a T e hihi appeal.

There are so many great manu in the running, but only one will rule the roost as bird of the year.

We’ll be celebrating the hihi throughout the competition, so keep an eagle eye on our social media channels, and make sure to vote hihi at birdoftheyear.org.nz.

Johnsonville Probus Club celebrates Probus Day

This year during the month of October thousands of Probus members across New Zealand are celebrating Probus Day.

Nationally, Probus Clubs provide retirees with the opportunity to socialise with fellow retirees in their local communities and have fun and foster new friendships. There are 140 Probus Clubs across the country where retirees participate in a variety of regular activities, join in trips and outings and listen to interesting guest speakers.

For over 48 years, Probus has been providing fun and friendship to retirees in New Zealand and those members who have discovered Probus in retirement have never regretted joining a Club.

Throughout the month of October, members will have the opportunity to celebrate the positive social connections they make through their Clubs. Probus Clubs have organised a range of celebrations including themed meetings, functions, BBQs, picnics, special morning teas

and so much more.

The Johnsonville Probus Club on Wednesday the 5th of October joined with other Probus Clubs in the Wellington area to celebrate Probus Day 2022. A total of 324 Probus members from the 22 Clubs in the Wellington area as far north as Levin were hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Grant Robertson, at a Parliamentary Reception in the Banquet Hall in the Beehive.

socially, stay mentally and physically active but perhaps more importantly, providing members with the opportunity to make new friends

NEVER PAINT YOUR WINDOWS AGAIN!

The programme was presided over by the President of the Wellington Central Probus Club, Margaret Emerre and comprised a welcome from the Deputy Prime Minister and presentations from a range of speakers including the New Zealand Probus South Pacific Representative Director, Tony Blaber; Past Rotary District Governor, Gillian Jones: Director of the Office for Seniors, Diane Turner and the Deputy Leader of the National Party, Nicola Willis. The common theme from all presenters was the important role Probus Clubs play in the lives of retirees through providing opportunities to connect

Those attending the celebrations at the Beehive were reminded that the benefits of social connections in the mature generation include an improvement in mental health and wellbeing, reducing the risk of anxiety, depression and of course, loneliness. Speakers commented that the last two years have highlighted just how critical these social connections are to the quality of life of seniors.

Another feature of the Probus Day celebrations in Wellington is the illumination of the Michael Fowler Centre in the Probus Colours of yellow and blue during the period 18th to the 21st of October to celebrate retirement and the unlimited opportunities it can bring to those who have reached retirement age. People who are retired or semi-retired are invited to reach out to the Johnsonville Probus Club on 04 382 8524 to find out more about how Probus can enrich their retirement.

Marsden

system is so good you don’t need to.

Council is putting its weight behind the hihi for its on-point colour scheme, and to give it as much airtime as some of its feathered friends.

Photo: Tony Stoddard.

Calling all art

a jewellery junkie?

A watercolour devotee? A pottery fiend? With more than 300 amazing artists at 100 locations

there’s something for everyone on Te Ara Toi o te Takutai

Art Trail 2022. It runs over the first two weekends of November so

assemble your crew now and escape for a weekend.

Weave your way at your own pace through coastal gardens and arty enclaves. Be

welcomed by the artist in their studio and indulge in a feast of colour and texture. Take home treasured art pieces

inspire you. Explore

The Manawatu Flyer with Steam Inc

This Labour Weekend catch a steam train around the Manawatu with our "Manawatu Flyer" steam shuttles between Feilding and Palmerston North.

Join us on this very rare and unique occasion where you can choose to travel

the Manawatu on Sunday 23rd October. Boarding either at Feilding or from

Palmerston North.

Travel through the Bunnythorpe dips, a challenging stretch of track for our steam train drivers, then passing the airport we veer right and on to the Milson Deviation which bypassed the original railway before arriving at the railway station.

General Admission (Ages 2+) $30ea.

New Zealand Chamber Soloists in Waikanae

Waikanae Music Society will close the 2022 season with a concert from New Zealand Chamber Soloists on Sunday 30 October, 2.30pm in the Waikanae Memorial Hall.

They will perform a popular programme of piano quartets by Mozart and Schumann, plus a piano trio by NZ composer Helen BowaterFekete Folyó (Black River) which refers to the river Danube, drawing on the poignant and exuberant folk music from that region.

Katherine Austin, Lara Hall and James Tennant are all well-known performers who teach at Waikato University Conservatorium of Music. Joining them for this concert is former

Auckland Philharmonia Concertmaster Dimitri Atanassov.

Ticket enquiries: 021 2517030 or www.waikanaemusic.org.nz

Events Calendar

TINA Simply The Best Tribute

Theatre, Paraparaumu,

Oct 8:00pm

and Jess Cornelius - Aotearoa Tour

Hall, Paekākāriki Sun

Nov 6:00pm

NEW ZEALAND CHAMBER SOLOISTS

with international reputations, and exciting new and emerging artists. Visit KapitiCoast ArtTrail.co.nz to create your bespoke, self-guided tour of discovery around Coast.

Kapiti Arts Trail 2022 5/6 and 12/13 November 10am-4pm. Free Entry.

The Manawatu

New Zealand C hamber Soloists K atherine Austin, James Tennant and Lara Hall

Artist: Birgitt Moffatt

FB

PAULA

Give the kids some space this school holidays

Head to Karori Library for a bit of atmosphere this Friday as two out of this world events collide at the centre of the universe to celebrate World Space Week.

Blasting off the day is an interactive talk and demonstration with a couple of space scientists. Then rangatahi are invited to join a workshop about exoplanets and celestial bodies, and propose a name for a recentlydiscovered exoplanet to be literally written in the stars.

Wellington City Libraries Children and Youth Services Coordinator Stephen Clothier believes the best way to learn is to engage, interact and inspire.

“The mystery and vastness of space appeals to kids of all ages – the infinite variety of planets, stars, and other astronomical objects provides a playground for the imagination.

“We aim to deliver programmes across our network of libraries that are creative, fun and educational – and these two events definitely

Can we solve the market issues?

Hey Everyone! With all the changes in the market last week and we have started to see a larger rejection and difficulty around what seems like a never-ending hike of interest rates / the cost of living. Keep in mind that the Reserve Bank uses a very, very blunt tool (OCR) to control inflation and in the case of property, they work with very delayed data. So… there are bound to be some side-effects. It is like putting out a house fire and by the time the fire is gone, there are other things to worry about now.

We worry about inflation primarily around cost the cost of living. But are we really going to see a fair/proportionate drop in cost of living against the rising interest rates? Keep in mind a massive portion of the population have loans / mortgages, and in my situation, repayments have doubled, and the cost of living has also gone up.

Yes, I get this may just be a correction phase and we should just suck it up and let the banks/reserve bank continue to dictate the financial health of the population – but there has got to be better ways to avoid the endless ‘passing on’ of increased costs. It is a cyclic butterfly effect, where a business needs to charge more as cost of operation (staff/materials) have gone up, the consumer then needs to pay more for things… which means they need to earn higher income, which then also affects the company they work for etc, and it the cycle continues.

Global economies and inflation are far more complex than just simply changing cash rates... but for now, homeownership is more expensive than renting and home buyers continue to see their Kiwisaver balance & pre-approvals decrease.

Although this is a global issue that may seem bigger than us, we can still look at the efficiencies in our own little worlds.

In our business we haven’t passed on higher costs, in fact we’ve opted to subsidise and provide more FREE marketing when selling, kept everyone employed, still delivered pay increases and continued to fund community projects to the best of our ability.

Yes, the market is hard right now, but if we continue to neglect the bigger picture and the wider wellbeing of our community, we will actually suffer more. Markets are dictated by human behaviour, so together if we look to work together, live simply, give more and expect less - we can hope to get our community back on track faster!

tick those boxes.”

First up and open to all is On A Planet Far Away: Discovering Exoworlds: Victoria University Wellington Te Herenga Waka space scientists Drs. Tulasi Parashar and Yvette Perrott will be pulling back the curtain on the various tools and techniques astrophysicists use to map distant space, including the discovery of exoworlds – planets beyond our solar system.

Following this talk at 12.30pm, Tulasi and Yvette will be leading Making Your Mark: Naming Exoworlds with rangatahi aged 10-15. In this once-in-a-lifetime workshop, rangatahi will learn about the science behind the discovery of exoplanets, how different cultures assign names to celestial bodies, and will work together to propose a name for one of twenty recently-discovered

exoplanets.

On a Planet Far Away: Discovering Exoworlds

Friday 14 October, 11.30am – 12.15pm

Karori Library, 247 Karori Road

Khandallah Rebus get info on Karori Cemetery

The speaker at the REBUS Club of Khandallah on September 30 was Barbara Mulligan, Vice Chair, Friends of Karori Cemetery, who talked about the Karori Cemetery.

Members are looking forward to a guided tour of the Cemetery later on this month.

Over 40 members of the Club had a coach tour to New Plymouth gardens from 26th29th September. The weather was very kind, being sunny and fine. The accommodation was at The Devon Hotel and buffet breakfasts and dinners were much enjoyed, as were the gardens and other attractions. Places visited were Pukekura Park; a short tour to the Mount Moturoa Lookout; Brooklands Park/Zoo; The Gables garden and historic hospital

built in the 1840s; Pukeiti Gardens; Tupare historic home and gardens; Hollard Gardens in Kaponga. There were stop overs at Foxton for morning tea and lunch at Hawera on the way up to New Plymouth, with morning tea at Hollard Gardens and lunch at Whanganui on the way home.

REBUS is a club for seniors and meets on the last Friday of the month. The next meeting is on Friday, 28th October at 10 am, at the Khandallah Bowling Club, Woodmancote Road. The guest speaker will be Dawn Sanders, who will talk about ‘’Shakespeare in Schools.” Visitors welcome. Further information about the club is on their website - search the internet for Khandallah

Written by William YIP

in

Some of the REBUS members waiting for the coach at Pukeiti Park.

P/T SCHOOL CLEANERS needed

10-12 hours

week.

Trio of Olympic Harriers runners shine in US

A trio of former Johnsonville Olympic Harrier runners are making their mark in America as their season begins.

Toby Gaulter, representing Eastern Michigan Cross Country and Track & Field finished 13th at the Louisville Classic 8km in a personal best time of 23:53.

Will Anthony, racing for Virginia Track and Field and Cross Country finished sixth in the Coast-to-Coast Battle 8km in a personal best time of 23:57.

After his collegiate debut, Will was named ACC Men’s Freshman of the Week.

Emma Douglass competing for Wake Forest Track and Field/Cross Country managed 12th in the Furman Invitational - 5km 17:30.8 131st Paul Short Run - 6km in a personal best of 21:07.6.

New Wellington Councils set to review sports facility fees

The campaign for a review of fees charged for council sports facilities has claimed victory, with an overwhelming majority of elected Councillors in the two biggest Wellington cities pledging support for a review during the campaign.

Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, and Hutt City Council Mayor Campbell Barry all committed to a review into sports field charges.

In Wellington City Council, 87% of Councillors committed to a review, and in Hutt City Council 66% of councillors made the same pledge (4 out of 6). Only two elected Councillors at Wellington City Council did not commit to a review; Tony Randle, and Dianne Calvert.

Affordable Sports for Greater Wellington group spokesperson Lisa Jones says players, volunteers, and parents alike are excited to see candidates deliver on their promise.

“Our sporting community is ecstatic with

the results. Tens of thousands of sports players and families now look forward to reviews of sports fees being announced within the first 100 days by Councils.”

“We’re grateful for the support of all candidates, and the new Councillors. We now need to kick these reviews off within the first 100 days of each Council.

“This campaign has shown how sport brings people together – and these newlyelected councillors will make sure cost is never a barrier to that.”

Pressure will now mount from the sport codes on Councils that are just short of a majority for a review, as no action will condemn local sports people to struggle with rising ground fees.

Upper Hutt is well positioned as returning Mayor Wayne Guppy pledged to encourage the wider council to agree to a review. K piti results are still provisional, but the movement may need one or two more councillors to support a review to make it happen within the first 100 days.

Mayor Janet Holborow regretably did not take a stance.

Only in Porirua is the situation really dire for sports players and families - with only 3 out of 10 Councillors committed to a review.

Jones say those who have not yet committed to a review will likely be in favour once they see the evidence.

“Club subs have been driven up by the prices councils charge sports codes to use sports fields and facilities.”

“Up to 60 percent of a player’s club membership fee goes towards charges from Councils for the maintenance of grounds.

“An analysis of one sports turf showed that despite council claiming fees are subsidised, the cost of using a council owned turf is on par with privately-owned grounds,” says Jones.

“Additionally, we calculated that the Council’s initial build cost of the turf had actually been recovered, which means it’s making a profit.”

Emma Douglass (936) was one of three Olympic Harriers runners to impress in the US in recent days.

Black Ferns prove a point despite stage-fright

The Black Ferns saved their own blushes on Saturday night, overcoming stage fright at a packed Eden Park to start their World Cup campaign with a 41-17 win over Australia.

The scoreline flattered the women in black, who trailed 17-0 after 30 minutes and looked completely shocked to be playing in a stadium with 40,000 people in it.

Eventually, they got things right and out-muscled Australia, who

must have thought their first win over the Black Ferns was going to come on the biggest stage possible.

The Black Ferns have been passed in the world ranking by France and England and with their off-field issues over the past 12 months, a semifinal finish would probably be considered an acceptable outcome to many fans.

Now, it wasn’t all bad, wingers Ruby Tui and Portia Woodman showed they were genuinely world

class and Amy du Plessis was a star in the midfield.

However, one of New Zealand’s brightest rugby minds, Wayne Smith, has a job on his hands turning this team into a contender.

The Black Ferns must be flag bearers for gender parity in sport.

A strong performance on home soil will do a lot to improve the game for girls and women in the years ahead.

The first 30 minutes of that

trans-Tasman encounter did little to help that cause but the final 50 minutes had redemption elements in it.

Questions have to be asked about whether the hosts can match the physicality in the forwards needed to make the European heavyweights but perhaps with a home crowd in their corner.

Having live games on Spark Sport (replays on TV 3) does the tournament no favours in the early going.

Spark Sport isn’t a big enough platform for this emerging tournament.

With the cricket returning early this summer, I’m happy to pay the $24.95 a month for Spark Sport but I doubt many, especially the older generations, feel the same way.

Entertainment will be the key to drawing in more eyeballs to womens rugby and the opening weekend of the tournament was a great start.

Ha’amea’s Lions recall worth the wait

By Jacob Page

Johnsonville prop Ha’amea Ahio’s Wellington dreams have been reignited.

The 29-year-old Hawks captain received a late call-up to the bench for the Wellington Lions ahead of their NPC quarter-final win over Hawke’s Bay, last weekend. .

Ahio’s last game for the Lions was in 2017.

against it at that time because I had a couple of injuries.

Ahio had been training with the wider squad and came in as injury cover.

“I got a call on Thursday and it was a great feeling.”

Ahio has been the pillar of Johnsonville’s improved premier fortunes in recent years with his quiet demeanour and tireless work-ethic.

particularly the front-rowers.”

He says despite the five year hiatus, he never gave up hope of making the Wellington side again.

“I’ve always enjoyed training and staying fit so I knew if I could get my body right, that I was a chance.”

Five years was worth the wait for Johnsonville prop Ha’amea Ahio to make it back into the Wellington Lions team.

“I was told by the Wellington coaches that I was close to making it throughout the club season and then they asked me to come in a few months ago but I decided

“I know Johnsonville isn’t the biggest club but it’s my home.

“We have some really talented young players and I take responsibility for helping them come through and improve,

Ahio says he hoped others in Johnsonville would see his success and realise they can make Wellington teams from Johnsonville.

“I want the young guys to know that they can get noticed playing for a smaller club like Johnsonville and they don’t have to move away.”

Miller seeks more national success in Cambridge

Hannah Miller hopes to maintain her outstanding record in national championships this year by making an impact over what she believes is currently her premier distance at the New Zealand Half Marathon Championships in Cambridge on Sunday.

Since arriving back to her native New Zealand in April following a six-year period studying and training in the US, the 24-yearold Wellington Scottish athlete has picked up national marathon and 10km road titles as well as earning bronze at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships in Taupo.

And now Hannah is seeking to add to that list at the national half marathon championships in Cambridge.

“I originally signed up for this event when I signed up for Reboot (Marathon) and while the marathon is my long-term goal and my eventual sweet spot – right now the half is probably my best distance,” she explains.

“I’m not sure where I am at with my training, but I’m definitely keen to give it my best shot and to see what’s in the legs.”

Without question Hannah, who has raised on a sheep and beef farm around 20 miles outside of Gore in Southland, has enjoyed the best season of her career so far.

On her half marathon debut in January she ran a slick 1:12:41 in Houston, Texas before defying the humid and windy conditions to win the Woodlands Marathon – on her marathon debut – in an impressive 2:38:30.

The following month she returned to her native New Zealand to take up a role as junior policy officer in strategic planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the capital and within weeks claimed the New Zealand marathon title at Reboot in Canterbury, recording 2:37:31.

“I was really happy with the lead up, although I wanted to go a bit quicker,” she explains.

“It was a great second marathon and I’m looking forward to doing something similar next year. I was super grateful for the opportunity.”

Hannah, who is coached by Laura Bowerman who guided her during her time at the Uni-

versity of New Mexico, admits she has found balancing the demands of training an average of 100 miles a week with working full-time “pretty hard.”

She trains each morning before undertaking a demanding 9-5 job before often completing a second session (run or gym) and does not return home until 9pm. Relocating into a Wellington winter with its notorious windy weather has also not been easy but the success continued in Taupo when she won senior bronze at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships.

“I was stoked to win bronze because I’d not done any specific cross country training,” she says.

“I was undercooked going in, so to still podium was a good effort on such a brutal course. Lisa Cross (national gold medallist) had the run of the day, she is such a special athlete.”

In September she added the New Zealand Road title in Upper Hutt where she led home a Wellington centre clean sweep of the podium but now she shifts emphasis to the half marathon distance, where she is looking

forward to once again fighting for a national title.

“It is really cool,” she adds.

“There is always something special about lining up for a national championship. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that even if I think training has not gone quite as well as I would have wanted.

“I had a fairly decent performance in Houston when I ran 72 minutes (for the half marathon in January),” she adds. “I’m not sure I’m at that level right now, but I’m excited to measure myself up against that leading into a summer season, which I hope to end with another marathon.”

Hannah Miller hopes to maintain her outstanding record in national championships this year by making an impact over what she believes is currently her premier distance at the New Zealand Half Marathon Championships in Cambridge on Sunday.

Photo: Scott Flathouse.