15 December Independent Herald

Success breeds enthusiasm

By Jacob Page

A new mural is just the beginning when it comes to the Montgomery Avenue Community Mural and Restoration Project in Karori which continues to take shape. The entirely volunteer driven project continues to gather momentum as more than 2000 trees over the past year and renowned Wellington artist, Theo Arraj set to produce a mural at the site.

Continued on page 2.

Wellington artist Theo Arraj’s mural, which will be filled with colour, is set to adorn the Montgomery Avenue Reservoir early next year as part of a beautification project in the area.

Wellington artist Theo Arraj.

Mural and community spirit leads to progress

Continued from page 1.

Coordinator Debbie Bidlake

“Over the winter and spring, my focus has been to plant 2200 native trees around the reserve.

The mural will go on the water reservoir which will likely stretch the 186 square metre canvas at the Skyline Trail on Montgomery Avenue.

“I’m delighted to get Theo’s design in and now we have to engage with the community and make sure it resonates but so far, everyone has been blown away by it.

“The brief was “journeying” and we went out to the community and we got some interesting responses around time and movement as well as wind, water and migration of people and animals.

“Theo hasn’t explained his thoughts behind the mural as he wants everyone to form their own connection to it,” Debbie says.

Theo has stated he wants the piece to be an interactive experience the whole family can enjoy.

The hope is that once planning and funding is completed, Theo will start work on it early next year.

“The project still needs $10,000 of which half of that is paint,” Debbie says.”

Supporting projects include a book box, trapping has started with Catch 22 and Debbie is working on a nature trail concept.

“Skyline is quite a busy track and our neighbourhood is expanding so that puts pressure on the existing playgrounds that Karori has so I’m hoping we can put in a nature trail that runs parallel to Skyline that gives kids nature-based play opportunities.

“I am just going about my business doing restoration work and developing a plan with some special collaborations coming up.”

Debbie says while the project has come a long way, there is still plenty to do.

“I’m pretty forward-looking and I always think it’s a team effort.

“I have my husband looking after our kids, I have a 2IC who has planted more than me and a

lot of planting you can’t see.

“It’s always nice when people stop me while I’m planting and saying they want to be involved.”

“It’s quite motivating when people stop and thank me for the work that is being done.

“Success breeds success and we’re seeing the level of enthusiasm grow as we start to make progress on our journey.

Anyone who would like to get involved can do so by going to the project’s Facebook page.

Specialists in Project Cost Estimates for Residential & Commercial Buildings

On time and on budget

If you’re doing building of any kind, whether it be your dream home or an extension to your existing home, a new office building or a purpose-built workshop, you should employ the services of a quantity surveyor. John Barton has worked on numerous projects both residential and commercial, and his independent, qualified advice will help ensure your next construction project is completed to the highest standard, on time and on budget. From cost est imates to contract administration and everything in between, Workshop Quantity Surveyors is there to make sure you get the best deal available for your project.

New building projects can be a daunting task, and John can act as an independent intermediary between you and all the teams required to complete the job: design consultants, architects, engineers, builders, plumbers, electricians, painters, local councils… the list goes on. Maintaining a constant level of communication between all parties involved is imperative to your project’s success. John offers you a complete project management package so you don’t have to worry. With 43 years of experience in the industry, you can rest assured that your next project is in reliable hands. It doesn’t matter how far you are into your project, John can help. If your plan is still just an idea or you are coming up to the home stretch, let John help you get all your ducks in a row. Whatever you need, John is there to make it happen.

Debbie Bidlake’s quest to beautify her patch of Montgomery Avenue has gathered momentum as she and her helpers have planted 2200 native trees over the past 12 months.

25 years: that’s a lot of cakes and pies

By Rob Webb

When Sora Lee and Siv Horn Lee look back over their quarter century running Lucky Bakery at 100 Karori Road, they can still recall the price of a meat pie when they started in 1997 – it was just two dollars.

They also remember some wonderful customers and their growing families whom they will miss when they complete the sale of their business early in 2023.

“We are very grateful for the support and friendship that Karori people have shown us,” Siv says.

Sora arrived from Cambodia in 1993 and learnt English at Hutt Polytechnic before purchasing the business in July 1997.

“One of my tutors is a cus-

tomer,” Sora laughs, recounting how he searched around New Zealand for a business to buy, and how he chose his trading name on the basis that he felt ‘lucky’ to have found one close to relatives who lived in Wellington.

He maintains that a consistent quality in their well-priced food offering has made them successful in their six-day-aweek business.

From mid-January, Sarah Lauv and Sophorn Man will take over, planning some changes, including a new name for the business.

In the New Year, Sora and Siv, and their children Salena, Regina and Peter, who have all worked part-time in the business during their school years, are looking forward to a life without 5am starts.

North Wellington volunteers honoured

Some of North Wellington’s main st hard working residents were presented with North Wellington Volunteer Service Award at an Awards Ceremony held at the Newlands Community Centre.

The Chairman of the organising committee, Hon Peter Dunne advised the family and friends who had gathered to celebrate, that the recipients represented what it means to be a volunteer by their dedicated service that they over many years contributed to the Northern Suburbs.

The recipients this year came from a variety of organisations and showed the diversity of community organisations that operate in the Northern Suburbs.

Peter Dunne spoke of the gratitude that the community feels for the volunteers and that the recipients were only a few amongst the large number in the Northern Suburbs, who regularly gave their free time in the service of others.

This year the selection of the people to receive the awards was a difficult one and the selection committee again was forced to

make some hard decisions on those who were to receive the awards.

Secretary of the Committee, Ray Good, says the awards have been presented to residents in the Northern Suburbs since 2001 which was the year of the Volunteer. As far as can be established the North Wellington Voluntary Services Awards is the only group in the country who continue to present Awards annually. Nominations for the Awards are called in June each year.

The recipients joined only 203 others who have received the award, which shows the high standard that the committee requires prior to accepting nominations.

Each award recipient receives a badge, plaque and certificate, which details their work in the community.

Peter thanked committee for their efforts and advised the recipients that they were valuable members of the community and the awards they had received were achieved with a lot of effort and

person sacrifices.

He also thanked the family and friends of the recipients who allowed these people to continue their work in the community and said that this support was vital to the continued work that is carried out in the Northern Suburbs of Wellington.

He acknowledged the support the Committee received this year from The Trust Charitable

Foundation and the Johnsonville Charitable Trust.

The recipients for 2022 were: Ross Brown Johnsonville Lions Georgia McLaren - Johnsonville Softball

Leighsah Rawiri - Nga Hau e Wha o Papararangi

Tim Turnidge - Newlands Community Gardens

Karen and Peter Timperley - Newlands Community House

KCA co-founder up for award

Kiwi Community Assistance co-founder Tracy Wellington has been named a semi finalist in the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

The annual Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrate Kiwi from all walks of life; those who inspire, give hope and lead across seven Award categories.

Capital a must visit

Wellington made the cut on Rough Guides’ list of 23 best cities to visit, coming in at number 22.

Other top destinations on the list were Naples, in Italy; Kanazawa, in Japan; and Berlin, in Germany.

New Zealand was recently named the top travel destination people would love to visit in Rough Guides’ reader travel survey.

Freyberg Pool to close temporarily

Freyberg Pool and gym facilities will be closing from Monday 19 December for routine maintenance work

The closure will see some exciting changes, including a refurbishment of the changing rooms, replacement of spas and upgrades to the sauna and steam room.

Georgia McLaren from Johnsonville Softball was one of the recipients of the North Wellington Volunteer Awards.

Sora Lee and Siv Horn Lee are moving on from owning Karori’s Lucky Bakery after 25 years. Photo: Rob Webb.

Mayoral support for proposed Te Matapihi design

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau believes new facilities and design proposed for Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui – the Central Library - would make it a building of the future and re-energise Te N kau Civic Square precinct.

The $12 million design proposal will be debated and voted on by Mayor Whanau and Councillors at the Council meeting today.

The meeting agenda containing the Te Matapihi report and details of the proposed design changes can be read

here.

Mayor Whanau says the design “will create something that’s much more than just a library. It will be an inclusive place designed for all people, facilitating access to knowledge and knowledge services.

“Integrating services with the City Archives and Council Service Centres, and providing a new home for Capital E, will take Te Matapihi to a new level. So too will the proposed building design which uses elements of Te Ao M ori throughout.

“Transforming Te Matapihi into a 5-star green building of the future isn’t cheap but I expect we will get great bang for our buck and end up with a fabulous building that’s fit for purpose for decades to come.

“It’s an amazing example of preserving our history while also looking to the future.

“Despite these recommendations coming from before I led the Council, I am very supportive,” Mayor Whanau says.

Hope Before Christmas

Two Wellington churches are giving hope before Christmas this year in a unique way.

At a time of the year often associated with increased stress and strain two churches are contributing to supporting the mental health needs in their communities.

In addition to the usual food parcels and carols, both the Karori Anglican Church and Equippers in Ngauranga have stepped-up

to provide counselling services when many agencies nationwide struggle to keep pace.

The Karori Anglican Church has almost completed their new community centre Te Kor ria. The new build includes two purpose built counselling rooms to serve wh au and community.

Even before its opening in April 2023, counselling is currently occurring from their Karori office building. The church has partnered with counselling agency, Mind Health, to offer counselling from this venue.

Mind Health Counsellor Sarah Richards, who has been operating in this space throughout 2022 says there has been a steady demand for services and bookings remain consistent through to Christmas. “At a time of the year when many organisations are winding down for the Christmas break there is still a need for mental health support.”

Rob Webb

Oral historian

Another church, Equippers Ngauranga, has also partnered with Mind Health and set aside rooms for counselling.

Mind Health Director Richard Black sees the demand for counselling services as continually increasing within our communities and is placing Mind Health

sites

The $12 million Central Library design proposal will be debated and voted on by Mayor Tory Whanau and Councillors at the Council meeting today. Pictured is Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau.

Rev Ian Cook of Karori Anglican and Mindhealth Counsellor Sarah Richards onsite outside the new build counsellor rooms in Karori. Photo: Frank Neill.

There are possible low-cost funding options available TELL ME YOUR STORIES 021 844 965

to access services at these

including “I am Hope” and WINZ. For more information you can visit Mind Health’s website www.mindhealth.org or contact them directly: admin@mindhealth.org

Wanting more from your Primary school?

At Marsden, we believe that the ultimate goal of education is to prepare children for lives of meaning, accomplishment and genuine happiness. We support children to be the best they can be, and to develop into confident, independent, lifelong learners.

What sets Marsden Primary apart?

Small classes

Our small class sizes greatly benefit development and academic achievement.

We get to know each child’s personal strengths, weaknesses and learning styles, ensuring that their individual needs are met.

Exceptional teaching and support

Our innovative teachers respect the individuality, progress and achievement of each student. Specialists teach Physical Education, Music, Library and Information Literacy Skills and Te Reo Maori.

Future-focused learning

Our goal is to enable students to solve problems using multiple pathways of thinking, working creatively and collaboratively with others, whilst using technology as a tool to enhance their learning.

Proven wellbeing education

Our Visible WellbeingTM approach is based on strength-based science and positive psychology. It’s a proactive, preventative approach to mental health to help students flourish, psychologically and socially, as well as academically.

Meet our Head of Primary, Jo Burns

Jo is an outstanding educator with over 20 years’ experience in Primary School education in a variety of contexts; both state and private education in New Zealand and internationally. Jo and her family have recently relocated from China, where she was most recently teaching at Hangzhou International School. Prior to that, Jo was a Team Leader and Lead Teacher of Inquiry Learning, Student Agency, at Havelock North Primary School.

A lifelong learner, Jo is currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration at Massey University and is completing a certificate in Advanced Leadership with a focus on women in leadership. She has trained ex-

tensively in conceptual-based learning, inquiry instruction and differentiation.

Passionate about sport, Jo has played and coached netball and is involved in high-performance sport with New Zealand Artistic Swimming. She is an International Artistic Swimming Judge, having judged at Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.

Jo is excited to join the Marsden Leadership Team and feels privileged to be able to collaborate with the teachers, tamariki and community at Marsden Primary and Marsden Preschool and empower our students to reach their full potential in an everchanging world.

Marsden’s Arrowsmith Whole Cohort Program a world-first in cognitive advancement

Marsden has been leading the charge in its approach to learning support for neurodiverse students. The Arrowsmith Program®, introduced in 2014, is designed specifically for those with neurocognitive differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, auditory processing difficulties. Using principles of neuroplasticity, this transformative programme employs

techniques that strengthen pathways in the brain.

This year, Marsden Primary was the first in the world to implement the Arrowsmith Whole Cohort Program, which introduces Arrowsmith principles to all students in Years 2–6 with the ultimate goal of improving foundational learning capacities.

The premise of the Arrow-

smith Whole Cohort Program is harnessing the brain’s ability to change both its physical structure and functional organisation. Key to this is the outcome of improvements in foundational learning capacities. This is what cognitive enhancement is all about.

By providing students with an opportunity to enhance a range of cognitive functions

across the course of their Primary years, they will develop the capacities necessary to learn to read, write, reason, understand and analyse complex abstract relationships, think critically, be flexible in thought, retain information and accept and consider other points of view. These are all essential abilities required for all aspects of learning.

Specialised facilities

Our light, architecturally designed classrooms and purpose-built library provide the ideal learning environment. Students enjoy the use of Marsden’s Science labs, Art House, gym, auditorium, artificial turf and sports fields.

A spacious, green learning environment

Our Karori campus is a leafy green oasis. Students swing on the jungle gym, climb trees, become engineers in the sandpit and enjoy the freedom of our green play spaces.

In 2020 we moved our daughter to Samuel Marsden Primary at age 6 and we haven’t looked back. She loves school and has thrived both inside and outside the classroom. Marsden has the ability to connect and work with each child’s uniqueness and ensures that there is no opportunity missed. We have since started our youngest daughter who is also thriving.

Marsden is more than just an education for our girls, it provides a proactive learning environment that encompasses life skills, sport, music and cultural activities to help them shine in the way they would like.

The staff are connected and interested in each child’s outcomes, both educational and personal. Most importantly, our girls are happy and engaged in their schooling and look forward to each day.

We highly recommend Marsden to anyone considering investing in their children’s wellbeing and education in this way.

Mark and Francesca Jurgeleit

Question: What is your favourite holiday destination and why do you like it?

Home.

Taupo.

Queen’s Jubilee tree planted at Halfway House

His Excellency Dr Richard Davies, representing the Governor General, planted a rimu tree at the historic Glenside Halfway House on the invitation of the Heritage Gardeners, to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee during Wellington’s Heritage Week, last month.

Dr Davies said that for her Platinum Jubilee year, Queen Elizabeth encouraged a global

movement to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’, with over 100 000 planted in New Zealand alone.

“I’m honoured to add to that impressive tally, and to commemorate her 70-year reign,” he said.

“The Queen had a long-standing commitment to nature and the health of the planet.

“When I wake up each morning

one of the first things I see are two cedar trees planted by Her Majesty and Prince Phillip in 1954.”

Dr Davies recalled the 1869 visit of Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, on the first ever Royal visit to New Zealand.

The Duke planted four trees on the site of the vice-regal residence.

Two of these trees, a Podocarpus Totara and Cedrus Pensilis, were

presented by Mr Thomas John Drake, who lived near the Halfway House.

“I am here today, over 150 years later, returning the gesture with a rimu for these historic gardens.

I’m glad to be joined by others who also have historic connections to this area – very fitting given it is Heritage Week.”

Dr Davies concluded “The

planting of trees links us to the past, and at the same time is a gift to the future.

“I like to think of this rimu towering over our descendants in 500, perhaps even a thousand years’ time.

“Not only does its planting commemorate the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it also symbolises our care for the planet.”

A fun and friendly community at Huntleigh Apartments

New hobbies and new friends are two features of Sue Hemmingsen’s first year at Huntleigh Retirement Apartments in Karori.

Thisis my first update as a Councillor for Takapu/Northern Ward. It has been a very busy time with learning about a City Council that delivers 400+ services (we must have had two dozen induction meetings and workshops), finishing my old job and my daughter getting married.

My fellow Northern Ward Councillors, John Apanowicz and Ben McNulty and I have a good working relationship and we’re all actively working to highlight the issues across our suburbs. Delays in Wellington Water fixing water leaks is the number one issue and, if you have this issue, do email one of us for assistance.

Johnsonville has been subject to a major proposal to remove car

parks to enable more cycleways.

I am very concerned this project failed to understand our real issues (such as dealing with a high number of pedestrian accidents). So, I supported the Johnsonville Community Association and the Johnsonville Business Group to get you all to submit on this proposal.

I am enjoying getting out into community and I will continue to do this over the Christmas break.

Finally, thanks to all of you who are working over the Holiday break so the rest of us can relax knowing we can still shop, eat out and, if something goes wrong, still get help.

To everyone else… Have a Merry Christmas and a great holiday break.

Sue moved to Huntleigh Apartments at the start of the year after her husband passed away and she didn’t need her large house anymore.

When visiting her daughter in Karori, she drove past Huntleigh Home and Apartments, and the rest is history.

“I was looking at Huntleigh when we were driving past, and I thought we could have a look at it,” Sue says. “So, I had a look and I thought ‘gee whiz this looks really nice.’ And that was it, done!”

Since moving into the apartments, she has picked up several new hobbies, such as line dancing, bowls, and exercise classes, which all take place just down the road at the community centre.

Sue says Huntleigh is in a great location, in addition to the community centre, there are shops, a library, and a swimming pool all close by. She says she was surprised by how friendly everyone at the apartments is.

“We have social afternoons, to sit and have

Sue says she was surprised by how friendly everyone at Huntleigh Apartments is.

a chit chat with the others. Everybody is so nice, we’re all friends, we help each other.”

All residents have access to the apartment’s community centre which includes a function room, a dining room with a small kitchen, and a library.

Residents can also be assured, if their needs change, they will be looked after in the future by the

neighbouring Huntleigh Home.

Huntleigh Home provides rest home and hospital level care, short-term respite, and health recovery, as well as a day programme.

Newly renovated apartments at Huntleigh Retirement Apartments on Karori Road, Karori, will be available in the new year. To find out more, please call 04 439 4949.

Dave Bennett

The western isles of Scotland – the Outer Hebrides.

Liz Muku

We always travelled there when we were kids.

Peter Ashford

I like to go on a holiday that involves being in the bush – not around a lot of people.

Phil Truesdale

I’m one of those when I go away after a day or two you’re ready to go home.

Karen Ryan The Orongorongo Valley.

Queenstown. It’s beautiful, it’s exquisite.

Jackie Tiopira

A time to remember

Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength.

Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event.

They knew this was no ordinary baby.

The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before.

The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

Ref: www1.cbn.com/devotions/real-meaning-christmas

Christmas FACTS

The reason we give gifts at Christmas time is to symbolize the gifts given to baby Jesus by the three wise men.

In 350 AD Pope Julius I, who was bishop of Rome at the time, announced December 25 as the official celebration date for the birthday of Christ.

The tallest Christmas tree ever cut made it into the book of Guinness World Records. It was more than 67 metres tall and was displayed in the Northgate Shopping Centre in Seattle, Washington.

It is estimated that the single “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the best-selling single of all time, with over 100 million sales worldwide.

Children leave milk and cookies for Santa at Christmas time because Dutch children would leave food and drink for St Nicholas on his feast day.

The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.

The “X” in “Xmas” doesn’t take “Christ” out of “Christmas. Xmas is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas, however, some people think that this spelling is not right, because it takes the “Christ” out of Christmas. Don’t worry, no one is taking the “Christ” anywhere. In the Greek alphabet, the letter X (“chi”) is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ or Christos.

Career in Real Estate? YIP!

With Team YIP’s growing commitment to delivering the best possible real estate experience in our community, we are looking for our next Real Estate Superstar to join our high performing work family.

Real Estate isn’t a sales career, it isn’t just about marketing or negotiations – it is all about helping people make their buying and selling journey as easy as possible. We solve problems, provide support and guide people through their biggest financial transaction.

In today’s changing market, we believe buyers and seller deserve more, we strive to invest more resources to ensure our clients continue to get an industry leading experience to help them navigate through this market.

Through our comprehensive process, we’ve managed to thrive in this market

and ensure more of our clients get sold by going that extra 10 miles! As we operate the largest sales team in the area, extensive database, and portfolio of houses, you will have the best environment to grow!

If you are someone who lives to help others, loves solving problems, works hard to do their absolute best, then... YIP! We want you!

Team YIP provides an extensive team of support staff, training and all resources paid for, so you can simply focus on doing an exceptional job. Plus! We have a lot of fun along the way!

If you would like to know more about the Team YIP way of doing Real Estate, we would love the opportunity to interview for the job of looking after your real estate career!

Get in touch, love to hear from you!

Blood, plasma donations needed in Wellington

Across the Wellington region, New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) needs nearly 600 more eligible people to book an appointment and donate blood and plasma in the next 16 days so it can meet demand over the holiday season and into January.

As we move into the summer period, NZBS has forecast a 4% increase in demand when compared to the same period last year*

NZBS National Marketing and Communications Manager Asuka Burge says 4% might not seem like a huge amount, but every donation has the potential to save someone’s life.

“Last year 53,537 units of blood, plasma and platelets were issued across Aotearoa between December to February,” continues Ms Burge. “This summer we’re forecasting a 4% increase in demand over the same period due to general increased usage we’ve seen over the course of 2022.

“Our donors do a remarkable thing, donating blood and plasma is one of the most altruist things a person can do. We are asking everyone to consider their plans for

the next few weeks, and please find time to donate. Give blood, give plasma, give hope to a fellow Kiwi and their wh nau this Christmas. For someone, it will represent the best gift they ever receive.

“And if you’ve never donated before, there will never be a better time to start your donation journey and become a lifesaver.”

“One of the awesome features of our app is not only does it make booking an appointment super easy, but donors actually get a notification when their blood is used to save a life. You can be doing something really mundane; your phone will buzz and say you’ve helped save a life. We know our donors don’t do it for the kudos, but it’s a pretty cool feeling to know you’ve made a difference,” says Ms Burge.

To make it easy to donate wherever you are over the summer, Ms Burge suggests downloading the NZBlood Donor app where you can check your eligibility, search for a donation location using geolocation, check available bookings and book your next donation slot.

During the period of the Covid pandemic, a good portion of our patients have been working at home. Many folks wore slippers all day and have now discovered that their feet complain when put back into work shoes. Others have sore heels or arches, which feel worse on first standing in the morning. At Active Feet Podiatry we have seen a large increase in these type of problems. Dr Halpine can help give relief for problems such as issues with nails, painful feet or corns or callouses. We also will be able to remove hard skin and make your feet

Bring your work and sport shoes and Dr Halpine can give advice regarding selecting the right shoe and ascertain if you are in need of additional support, ie orthotic devices.

Dr Tim Halpine of Active Feet Podiatry is open and ready to sort out your feet. We are located at floor 2, 85 the Terrace and also at the Ngaio Medical Centre. We can be reached for booking a consult on 04 473 8696, ActiveFeetPodiatry.com

The New Zealand Blood Service need blood and plasma donations in Wellington prior to Christmas.

Max Bruce

STEVE FEJOS

For forty years, the Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon events have encouraged women to inspire, motivate and participate. From a 5km fun run/walk to a long-distance triathlon, the Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon truly offers events for every ability – you choose your own level of challenge!

The bike and run component offers mostly flat terrain while giving you the best of Kāpiti’s coastal scenery.

Enter with your daughters, mothers and friends, either as individuals or in a team, and be made to feel completely welcome by other like-minded wāhine.

There are plenty of spot prizes, including a special spot prize draw for any mothers and daughters who enter (either as a team or for individual options).

Cherries – helping support heart health and joint mobility

As one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants and queritrin, it helps

sleep.

with foods that offer specific health

Nourish provide for those in need as cost of living bites

Each year as people start to get ready for Christmas, Grenada Village resident Gabrielle Ralph is full swing preparing to provide hampers of food across the Wellington region to families who are doing it tough. Gabrielle, together with her charity co-founder Claire Turner, started Nourish@Christmas with the goal of easing some pressure for families who are doing it tough at Christmas.

The pair are getting super close to their target now, with just around $7000 left to raise, or hampers for 45 families

Nourish@Christmas is a community group run by Gabrielle and Claire. We provide hampers of food to families across the Wellington region (including the Hutt Valley, Porirua, Tawa, Johnsonville and Newlands and as far as Paraparaumu) who are doing it tough at Christmas. What started out nine years ago as a one-off idea and 21 hampers in the Hutt Valley, has now snowballed and turned into a providing 1,404 hampers of food across the Wellington. We’re a grass roots charity, with a focus on families supporting other families in our local community.

The hampers are two boxes of food, made up of fresh fruit, vegies and eggs, and pantry staples like Weetbix, rice, marmite and muesli bars.

They also add some Christmas treats.

The hampers are worth around $150, so this means they need to fundraise $210,000

through donations and sponsorship, to provide this food to families in our region this Christmas.

This year, Gabe says they are seeing the real squeeze from the impact of cost of living increases, both on our recipient families and on our ability to provide the

same amount of groceries as previous years.

“We’re also seeing a strong demand from our schools, and nearly three years on from the start of the pandemic, we are hearing many families are doing it tougher than ever.”

Nourish@Christmas continues to feed those in need over Christmas and spread a little joy while they are at it.

With Jacob Page

NZR’s game of chicken on Razor’s edge

So what happens now with Scott Roberton and New Zealand Rugby?

Eddie Jones’ departure from England leaves a tasty job open on the market with a World Cup just around the corner.

Speculation appears the English are keen on one of their own, Scott Borthwick, to take up the role but there has been discussion around Robertson and the man himself has flirted with England about what a

great role it would be.

With Jones’ departure, it means New Zealand Rugby should feel some pressure not to lose their most talented coach to offshore hands.

It means there have been calls for Robertson to be appointed for beyond the 2023 World Cup as soon as possible which would be a huge break with tradition for the NZR.

Personally, I can’t see that happening.

The NZR are set in their ways and largely out of touch with the public. Equally, appointing Robertson now would make All Blacks coach Ian Foster look like a lame duck in the role.

Warren Gatland, upon his departure from the Chiefs back to Wales, said Robertson deserved his opportunity and the rugby brass should be doing all they can to keep him.

That’s logical and if I was a betting

man, and I am, I’d say Robertson is frustrated how the past 12 months has played out but he is willing to wait until after this World Cup to be named the All Blacks coach.

If, for some outlandish reason, he doesn’t get that role, he’ll likely be off to Australia or Europe for a deserved international role.

The NZR and Robertson are engaging in a slow, drawn-out game of chicken.

Who will blink first? Ultimately, I think it will be NZR.

The reality is no foreigner has ever been head coach of the All Blacks and that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

With that in mind, there are two options. Jamie Joseph and Robertson.

However, if Robertson wants it beyond 2023, he should have first option.

His career success demands it.

Susan aims to help JRFC soar

By Jacob Page

Johnsonville Rugby Club’s new chairperson, Susan Poutoa has a reputation of getting stuff done and that is not going to change any time soon.

Susan takes over from Blair Hannah, who has taken the club from chaos to stability over the past three years.

Susan, a former director of rugby at Johnsonville is the first woman to hold the chairperson role in the 122-year history of the club.

Blair will remain on the executive committee until he relocates to Hawkes Bay for family reasons next year.

“She has a reputation of getting stuff done around the club,” Blair says.

“This has been part of the

succession planning for some time but it has happened sooner than we thought.”

Susan says she was honoured to take on the role.

“It’s an honour and a privilege for me to have this role and I am looking forward to the challenge of it.”

Susan says she is looking forward to continuing to enhance the “one club culture” at Johnsonville.

“We have tried to make sure every player and every coach regardless of grade, feels like they are part of the Johnsonville club.

“Yes, there’s a lot of interest in how the premier team performs but we need to take care of younger players and ensure they have a pathway to stay at the club.”

Pirates scoop major awards

Karori’s Pirates Swim Club have been recognised in the Swimming Wellington Awards for 2022.

Pirates have been named Club of the Year as well as the Trygve Cup winners for series 2.

Head coach Steve Francis was named Age-Group Coach of the Year.

Janet Valentine and Darryl Todd earned Service Awards for years of dedication to the club.

Karori’s Pirates Swim team, lead by Steve Francis (pictured) continues to find plenty of success.

Susan praised Blair’s ability to bring stability to the club while incorporating a diversity in approach and adding cultural importance to the club.

“I feel the club has a lot of stability at present,” she says.

“We’ve tried to improve the culture around the club and we have great supporters who are very loyal and we want them to feel like they are part of something here at Johnsonville.”

Susan aims to have more people involved in the club, if only in small bites, as time allows.

“We know a lot of people are time poor so any way we can keep them involved in the club is a positive.”

Half of Johnsonville’s executive committee are now women, something which made Susan feel proud.

Karori golfers tee it up to fight cancer

Seven Karori golfers will tee off to play in the Longest Day 72 Hole Stableford Competition at Karori Golf Club on Saturday.

Hector Slade, Adrian Porter, Oli Newman, Scott McHardy, Seth Campbell, Ngatau Hemopo and Jon Lyall will tee off at 5:45am they will play 4 rounds each off Karori Golf Club’s four tees blue, white, yellow, and red.

Last year the trophy was won by Stuart Boston on 136 stableford points.

The eager seven are raising money for The Cancer Society of New Zealand and Cancer Society Wellington.

If you are able to, any and all donations would be greatly appreciated

If anyone wishes to come along to spectate and help motivate the players throughout the day you are more than welcome.

New Johnsonville RFC chairperson, Susan Poutoa, left, outgoing Chairperson Blair Hannah and Executive Committee member Susan Atkins at the Wellington Rugby Awards.