17 November Independent Herald

Parade returns

Christmas is coming, and so is the well-loved Johnsonville Christmas Parade.

After a hiatus in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, the Johnsonville Charitable Trust Lions Christmas Parade will return to the Johnsonville CBD on Saturday 3 December.

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The Johnsonville Christmas Parade is set to bring joy to the streets upon its return on 3 December.

Photo: Supplied.

Santa himself will make appearance

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Crowd favourites such as the Red Hackle Pipe Band, Batucada, CHiPs and – of course – Santa himself will make an appearance.

Local cultural and school groups will also showcase Wellington’s vibrant community life.

Johnsonville Lions Club member and parade committee chair

Garth Mincher says they are thrilled to see the parade return.

“The parade is now in its 23rd year,” Garth says.

“This tradition marks the start of the Christmas season for many families, and we’re happy to be bringing it back in 2022.

“The parade is staffed by Lions Club members and other volunteers. The six months of

planning is always worth it to see everyone smiling,” The parade will start from Dr Taylor Terrace at 11am, moving on to Broderick and Johnsonville Roads, before finishing up about an hour later at the Johnsonville Memorial Park on Frankmoore Avenue.

Following the parade, there will be a “meet and greet” at the

park, where you can meet your favourite parade characters.

Rolling road closures will be in place from early morning on December 3. Motorists are advised to check the route map for detours.

Streets will be reopened as soon as the parade has passed, but please note there may be short traffic delays.

Ambulance service celebrates 95 years

Wellington Free Ambulance celebrated 95 years of service to the community on 9 November.

The service celebrated with a community event on the Wellington waterfront between 1.30 and 2.30pm.

A historical display about Wellington Free Ambulance through the decades was at the waterfront, along with an ambulance on site. Lollies and balloons were given away, and Wellington Free Ambulance provided an interactive quiz so people could test their knowledge about the only free ambulance service for greater Wellington and Wairarapa.

Wellington Free Ambulance owes its foundation to the Mayor of Wellington at the time, Sir Charles Norwood.

Sir Charles came across a man injured and cold on the footpath, unable to get an ambulance to take him to hospital.

As Sir Charles laid his coat on the man, he was inspired to start the uniquely free emergency ambulance service we have today.

In 2022, because of the generosity and support of the community, Wellington Free Ambulance remains New Zealand’s only free ambulance service.

“We are grateful to each and every person who donates to ensure the original vision of Sir Charles, that emergencies should cost neither lives or money, remains a reality,” Wellington Free Ambulance says.

Kiwi being released in Makara

By Frank Neill

The Capital Kiwi Project will release 13 kiwi in Makara on Saturday 19 November.

This is “a much anticipated occasion,” says Andrea Skews, the Chair of the Karori Residents Association.

“Their return comes after four years’ hard work by the Capital Kiwi team along with local landowners, trappers and iwi.

“All going well there will be more released in Makara in 2023

and in 2024.”

The Karori Residents Association also hoped to see kiwi released in the western suburbs – perhaps Makara Peak, Wrights Hill or Waimapihi/Phill Reserve.

“It is crucial to this project’s success for all dog owners to keep their dogs leashed when not in off leash areas, as kiwi do not have breast plates and can be killed just by a nudge from a dog’s nose.

“We have worked with [Wel-

lington City] Council to install messaging around Wrights Hill, reminding visitors that birds are nesting in the area on the ground,” Ms Skews says.

The Karori Residents Association was invited to a collaboration between Capital Kiwi, Wellington City Council, Predator Free NZ and other collaborators around creating a guide which provides recommendations on how to communicate in ways that motivate dog owners to keep kiwi and other wildlife safe.

The Capital Kiwi Project’s mission is to restore a large scale wild kiwi population to Wellington.

In September 2022 the Department of Conservation granted the Capital Kiwi Project a permit to transfer up to 250 North Island brown kiwi over the next seven years.

The first release will take place on 19 November.

“We expect regular deliveries of kiwi into the wider landscape over coming years,” the Capital Kiwi Project website says.

Cycleways consultation

People have the opportunity to input into the shape of two northern suburbs cycleways.

One of the planned cycleways connects from Karori through Aro Valley to Wellington City. The other will run from Ngaio to the Hutt Road.

They are part of Paneke Pōneke, Wellington’s 10-year citywide bike network plan.

Wellington City Council is now inviting people to make submissions on the proposed designs for these routes. The consultation is open until Monday 21 November, and people can make submissions by visiting https://www. transportprojects.org.nz/.

Popular fair returns

The popular Pop-up Sri Lankan Food Fair returns to Johnsonville this month.

The fair, organized to raise funds for Wellington’s Sri Lankan Dance Academy, will be held at the Johnsonville Community Centre from 9.30am to 2pm on 19 November.

The Sri Lankan Dance Academy is a charitable organization that has been operating since 1970 and runs completely on volunteer input, donations and grants.

More than 50 students are currently learning Sri Lankan dance and traditional drumming with the academy.

The academy has two branches, one in Tawa and one in Lower Hutt.

As well as food sales at the fair, pre orders are available. For the menu and pre orders, people can contact Nimanthi on 027 662 5550 or Neluka on 027 522 6694.

The Wellington Free Ambulance turned 95 last week and celebrated with plenty of colour and fanfare. Photo: Supplied.

Mayor’s support of pool welcomed

By Frank Neill

The Onslow Residents’ Community Association (ORCA) was “delighted” to hear Wellington’s new Mayor Tory Whanau come out strongly in favour of upgrading the Khandallah Swimming Pool, ORCA committee member John McGrath told the “Independent Herald”.

Mr McGrath was commenting on a statement Mayor Whanau made at a public meeting in Khandallah during the election campaign.

“It’s great to have that leadership coming right from the top,” Mr McGrath said.

Wellington City Council has been engaging with the public on an $8.05 million rebuild of the Khandallah Swimming Pool, and the council’s budget for the pool upgrade is scheduled to

commence in 2023/24.

A major drive to upgrade the Khandallah pool came from Cr Diane Calvert, one of the Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward councillors.

In 2017 she set up a group that aimed to promote revitalising the Khandallah pool and playground.

The group co-ordinated with other groups in the community, including ORCA and the Ngaio Crofton Down Residents’ Association, in working towards a major pool upgrade.

Cr Calvert also led the drive within the Wellington City Council to push for a full rebuild of the pool, including heating of the main pool and the installation of a new spa. A majority of the councillors supported Cr Calvert’s proposal at the council’s meeting in February this year.

Mr McGrath also has a history

of action in support of the pool.

Last year he organised a petition asking the council to keep the pool open until Easter, instead of shutting down at the end of summer.

The petition attracted more than 500 signatures by the time it was presented to the council.

Mr McGrath said he had checked the council’s petition information and the petition on the Khandallah pool was the most popular and the most supported single suburb petition. It also ranked at the third most supported petitions city-wide.

Khandallah’s swimming pool is “not just a swimming pool, it is an outdoor destination,” Mr McGrath says.

It was also next to the “most popular walking track in the city.

“Khandallah is a beautiful suburb and I think the pool is a great part of it,” he says.

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The very popular Khandallah swimming pool. Photo: Supplied.

As the Christmas party season nears Wellington Police are again rolling out their award-winning sexual violence prevention campaign “Don’t Guess the Yes” this summer.

First launched in 2018 in response to a concerning number of alcohol-fuelled sexual assault reports, Wellington Police teamed up with Hospitality New Zealand, Wellington City Council, Respect Ed Aotearoa, Victoria University of Wellington and the Students’ Association and Massey University and the Massey Students’ Association to spread the message and work collaboratively to keep people safe.

Street posters are going up around the Central Business District and approximately 100 “Don’t Guess the Yes” t-shirts have been distributed to hospitality staff.

Senior Sergeant Ben Quinn, who pioneered the initiative, has handed over the reins to Detective Sergeant Jacqui Rodger whose portfolio of work is focused on partnerships and Adult Sexual Assault (ASA) prevention.

“This Sexual Violence Prevention Campaign aims to positively alter people’s alcohol consumption attitudes and behaviours relating to sexual consent,” Detective Sergeant Rodger says.

The campaign is offender focused with a target audience of 18 to 30-year-old males.

This year, targeted digital marketing is being planned to increase the reach to this audience.

In addition to raising public awareness around consent, the campaign shows hospitality industry workers what they can

practically do to look after patrons.

A large number of businesses are signed up to participate in the campaign.

A workshop for the hospitality sector is provided as part of the campaign.

It gives staff the necessary skills and confidence to identify problematic situations, empowering them to step in and help patrons that might be at risk.

The campaign will be shared on social media this week, with posters going up in bars around the city too.

A separate bar-facing poster displays reminders for what bar staff can do to prevent or intervene in a possibly risky situation.

“This concept is designed to encourage people to change and challenge attitudes around sexual consent and alcohol consumption,” Detective Sergeant Rodger says.

“We will be visiting bars in central Wellington next week, educating bar staff and talking with them about the campaign, the aim and what they can do to get involved.

“We’ll also be out with Wellington district frontline Police staff from the Public Safety Teams, Wellington ASA, and some members of the H ai Ake team from Wellington City Council.

“Working together, we’re aiming to build on the good work that has already been done in previous years to continue educating the public about healthy sexual behaviour, what consent is, and why it’s important.

“We all want Wellington to be a safe place to socialise with vibrant nightlife.

“With this initiative we’re sending a clear message that sexual assault and abuse won’t be tolerated in our city.”

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Q: Why are you looking forward to summer?

To thaw out a bit. We are due some good weather.

New Coastguard rescue vessel

Coastguard Wellington welcomed their special, high-tech new Coastguard Rescue Vessel (CRV) on 12 November.

Named Reremoana gifted by Te Atiawa, the new vessel is one of 26 high-spec craft that were first used as chase boats at last year’s America’s Cup.

Through a unique partnership between Lotto NZ, Coastguard and Emirates Team New Zealand, and a $9.8 million lottery grant, these boats have been reskinned and refitted for Coastguard units across the country.

Since the first vessel launch on Great Bar-

rier Island a year ago, the new boats have responded to 170 incidents, assisted 417 people, rescued 12 people and even saved the life of one person.

Coastguard Wellington President Arne Pallentin said Reremoana replaces Phoenix Rescue, a 6.8m rescue vessel which has served the local community for more than two decades.

“The increase in size with the 9m Reremoana will mean faster and safer transits in Wellington’s usually rough conditions, allowing us to reach those in need sooner,” Arne said.

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“This comes in a time of change for Coastguard Wellington with the renovations of the base facilities in Evans Bay Marina making good progress which should see us in a refreshed base with a new boat on the water by Christmas.”

Coastguard New Zealand CEO Callum Gillespie said Coastguard Wellington covers a large area and one where the weather changes quickly.

“Whether responding to an incident in the Cook Strait or out in the harbour at Matiu/Somes Island, Wellington requires a vessel which is built tough and able to respond in all conditions. As one of our largest units in the country, we are proud to deliver this modern, capable rescue vessel to Coastguard Wellington,” he said.

Across 2021/22, Coastguard Wellington volunteers contributed 7,811 total hours –responding to 42 incidents and assisting 97 people home safely.

“Lotto NZ exists to generate essential funding for New Zealand communities – it’s why we do what we do,” Lotto NZ

Chief Executive, Chris Lyman, says.

“The positive impact these high-spec vessels will have on communities around the country cannot be underestimated, with each one helping Coastguard save countless lives at sea each year. This is a great example of how Lotto NZ is all about Kiwis helping Kiwis.”

The refitting of the boats from America’s Cup supporters to CRVs has been taken care of by original manufacturer, Rayglass, with the support of Coastguard New Zealand, individual units and various community providers.

The boats may have now lost their America’s Cup branding, but Emirates Team New Zealand CEO, Grant Dalton, says their involvement in this unique partnership remains a source of pride for the whole team.

“Coastguard are the unsung heroes of our waters around the country and so it’s great to see the fleet of vessels that supported us freshly refitted and taking to the water again to help them save lives,” he adds.

The elders of Enliven’s Huntleigh and Cashmere Homes are looking for fun-loving, caring, talented nurses to join their dedicated team.

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Funding boost for northern suburbs

Northern suburbs clubs and organisations have benefited to the tune of $17,646 from the October round of funding from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

The Johnsonville Cricket Club received $10,000 to pay for a contractor.

Karori United Tennis club was granted $3,500, also to pay for the services of a contractor.

The Tawa Tennis Club received $2,000 for tennis balls and racquets.

Wadestown Tennis Club was granted $2,146 for court hire and tennis balls.

NZCT granted a total of $177,792 in the Wellington region during October. Of the 11 gaming venues that contributed to the grants, there is one in the northern suburbs – The Pickle Jar in Karori.

We’d love to hear from you.

David McMillan

It’s good for the garden. I’m a gardener.

Chris Foley I’m looking forward to time off work and the warmer weather.

Erica Hooper

Helena Stephens

Getting out in the garden, spending time in the outdoors and having a barbecue with friends.

Paul Black

Anna Wilson

Because we are getting our bathroom renovated. It’s been a long time coming.

Yes I am looking forward to summer because Covid is pretty much over so we can actually go out and enjoy ourselves.

Reremoana, Coastguard’s new rescue vessel, on Wellington Harbour. Photo: Supplied.

Wonderful year for Karori Residents Association

The Karori Resident Association committee achieved some “wonderful” results over the past year, the association’s Chair, Andrea Skews, told the annual meeting on 12 November.

This year has seen the association tackle community meetings around topics such as local body elections, community safety and ongoing Wellington City Council traffic resolutions.

The association has also run ongoing projects and sub groups around Karori Stream monitoring, Community Patrols and new picnic tables for Wrights Hill lookout, path planting and clearing in conjunction with Department of Corrections Community teams.

In 2020 the association formed a kaimanaaki group to oversee the Karori Stream. This was added under the current Memorandum of Understanding the association holds with the Wellington City Council.

“There are six to eight members of the Karori community involved in regular testing [of the Karori Stream],” Ms Skews said in her report to the annual meeting.

“We have four primary sites where we are doing ongoing monitoring.

“Our aim for each site is to deter-

mine how safe it is for human recreation, assess the current ecological state and biodiversity, and to work with appropriate council entities and the community on education, mitigation and restoration.”

The Karori Community Patrol has been running since 2021 with a core group of eight fully trained patrollers and several more in training.

“If 30 patrollers were trained, then the patrol would be out in the community every day/night,” Ms Skews said.

The Karori Residents Association obtained a Memorandum of Understanding with Wellington City council in 2020, enabling it to project manage ongoing planning, clearing and planting of the area.

Working with Wellington City Council and Corrections Department community work groups a lot of broom, Darwin’s barberry and gorse has been cleared on the zig zag and stairs up to the viewing platform and around the memorial seat at the top.

“This year two picnic tables were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Karori and the Stewards of Wrights Hill. 200 plants were installed over winter by the Department of Corrections community teams,”

Ms Skews said.

“Maintaining the access paths is ongoing work and we are very lucky to have the NZ Corrections teams providing support around this.”

Projects for 2023 include ongoing

Toot 4 Tucker toots again

Every year Johnsonville Rotary Club accompanied by the Johnsonville Fire Brigade walk the streets of Johnsonville and Churton Park collecting food to donate to Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA).

Called “Toot 4 Tucker”, this year’s food collection took place in Johnsonville on 1 November and Churton Park on 8 Novem-

ber.

“It’s one of our club’s favourite activities,” says Club President Neil Haydon.

“Not only are we collecting to give a boost to the food KCA needs coming up to Christmas, we see the joy and wonder on the children’s faces when they get to see a fire engine up close and maybe even sit in it.

“It is also a great social event for the Rotarians.”

KCA is a not-for-profit organisation that helps communities throughout Wellington by rescuing surplus food and household goods, and redistributing it to frontline agencies working directly with people in need.

KCA has a warehouse in Grenada North.

lobbying for a Park and Ride, a panel made up of community members to work with Wellington City Council around improvements for the Chaytor Street/Raroa Road intersection, cameras to monitor traffic and safety in the community

and Ian Galloway parks toilets and sports hub, Ms Skews said.

The community is looking forward to “what value and improvements the newly elected Wellington City Councillors will bring to the area,” she added.

Why voter turnout was low

By Frank Neill

The low voter turnout in October’s local body elections was mostly driven by lack of information about candidates, the results of a new survey show.

Conducted by Horizon Poll, which released the results on 11 November, the survey showed that 31% of non-voters did not vote because they did not know enough about candidates.

Policy information was another reason non-voters gave, with 26% saying they did not know enough about the policies.

Third on the list was people saying they could not work out who to vote for, at 22%, while 18% said they forgot to vote. 16% said they did not know when voting finished or that they missed the deadline and 14% said they were not interested in politics or politicians.

When voters and non-voters were asked which ways they would prefer to vote, 55% said online and 44% said postal voting. Nearly a third (32%) preferred polling stations. (Respondents could select any or all of the options).

A change to include an online voting option might also appeal to non-voters. 59% prefer online voting, compared with 55% of respondents overall.

Horizon says results indicate the key to lifting local election turnout is giving potential electors more information on candidates and their policies.

Better administration and communications could also help overcome these issues with non-voters: Not registered (10%);

Not receiving voting papers (11%);

Forgetting to vote (18%);

Not knowing when voting finished (16%).

Moves could be made to address apathy among non-voters in the following areas:

Not interested in politics of politicians (14%);

Can’t be bothered voting (13%); My vote won’t make a difference (12%); Too much effort to select a candidate (5%).

Horizon Research Principal Graeme Colman says changing the voting method won’t be the main driver of behaviour change to lift election turnout.

“The country might have to consider how we help either local authorities or other agencies fund and get detailed information on all candidates to electors - and more effectively communicate on registering, voting deadlines and why people should be bothered to vote.”

New picnic tables on Wrights Hill. Photo: Supplied.

Toot 4 Tucker has returned to collect food donations for those in need this Christmas.

Raroa Intermediate hosts Kapa Haka

Te Ora Atamira/the living stage more than lived up to its name as R roa Normal Intermediate School hosted the annual Wellington Intermediate schools’ Kapa Haka Festival on 11 November.

R oa Intermediate was thrilled to host this year’s event after a two-year break due to COVID-19.

Te Ora Atamira brings together intermediates from Masterton to Wainuiomata and is a celebration of kapa haka, te reo, tikanga and matauranga M ori and the vibrancy of intermediate school education.

This year’s event saw more than 300 year 7 and 8 students from various cultures take the stage to represent their schools, wh au, hap and iwi.

Each kura was represented by a of around 40 students on stage, who each performed a diverse range of waiata and haka with mana, pride and energy.

Kayne Hawea led the organisation of this year’s event.

In his view “this was a celebration of the ‘melting pot’ that is Wellington and the wider region. So many Iwi were represented.

“N mihi Nui to our Brandon Intermediate w nau for making this kaupapa possible and for the opportunity for yet another fantastic experience within intermediate school learning”.

The mauri or privilege of hosting passed to Maidstone Intermediate for 2023, and already all schools involved are looking forward to taking the stage again.

Western Wellington needs urgent climate action

More hot days, heavier rainfall, stronger winds and increasing dry spells could be the hallmark of western Wellington’s future climate according to a new report commissioned by Greater Wellington exploring the impact of climate change west of the Tararua and Remutaka ranges.

The report, “Climate change projections for west of Wellington’s Tararua and Remutaka Ranges”, was prepared by NIWA and projects climate changes across low, medium and high temperature change scenarios.

It shows that areas west of the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges – already considered a climate change ‘hot spot’ for severe weather events – will experience a progressive warming resulting in more storms, ex-tropical cyclones, coastal storm surges, severe wind gusts, drought and intense rainfall bursts.

This will lead to more frequent coastal and river flooding, erosion and slips.

“The impacts of climate change will test our capacity for, and approach to, flood protection, increase the pace and extent of coastal erosion, amplify strains on urban water supplies, decrease water quality and likely lead to a reduction in coastal biodiversity,” says Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter.

“These projections should be seen as a clear warning for the region and a spur to

action.

“It’s not too late to reduce emissions. We can mitigate the climate impacts that are already happening and will intensify.

“We still have the opportunity to improve resilience and create communities that can thrive in a changing natural environment, but we have to commit to decisive action now.”

Greater Wellington, working with mana whenua partners and regional stakeholders, has identified key overarching priorities for the next 10 years, each of which will respond to the climate emergency.

An organisational emissions reduction target has been set and is being implemented.

The first change to the Wellington Regional Policy Statement (RPS), which is the subject of public consultation, makes climate change targets binding and sets out policies needed to address it.

The fundamental goals of the RPS include halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, which would enable the region to reach carbon net-zero by 2050. Other targets include a 35% reduction in emissions from land transport as well as a 60% reduction from public transport, and a 40% increase in cycling, walking and public transport use by 2030.

Key initiatives towards meeting the

goals include enabling low emission urban intensification connected by decarbonised public transport, electrification of regional rail, encouraging mode shift, accelerating the move to EVs, and recognising the role natural ecosystems can play in building the region’s resilience to climate change impacts.

“Our role as a council is to take the lead in enabling people to reduce emissions and prepare for the impact of climate change. This means new regulations and new initiatives that shape our transport system, our urban form, our economy, and our way of life so that they are compatible with a safe climate,” says Daran Ponter.

Key findings of the report were that: Rainfall is predicted to become more extreme. Heavy rainfall events could increase by up to 16% by 2040, possibly rising by 30% by 2090. Extreme bursts over very short durations (which is of importance for flood protection design) could increase by up to 40%.

Southern areas and Wellington city are likely to feel the most impact, increasing the risks of coastal inundation, flash floods and slips. Sea level rise and land subsidence will contribute to further coastal inundation. Conversely, dry spells are projected to increase by up to 13 days per year in the south by mid-century. Under the high emis-

sion scenario, by the end of the century, the potential evapotranspiration (where water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere) deficit around Wellington city and Porirua could equal Martinborough, which is among the driest spots in the Wairarapa.

Average temperatures will increase, leading to more hot days (daily maximum temperature over 25°C). By 2040, up to 10 more annual hot days are projected, with up to 50 more annual hot days by 2090 for the high emissions scenario.

Extreme hot days above 30 degrees will start to occur in the capital every year. The total number of windy days is projected to increase by up to five days by mid-century and by up to 11 additional days by the end of the century. Most of these increases are predicted to occur in the south, where the current wind gusts are already a challenge during storms. Paradoxically, average wind may not necessarily increase.

From the perspective of agricultural production, the west Wellington climate will potentially become comparable to that of Auckland at the end of the century for high emissions scenario, or Hawkes’ Bay for a mid-range scenario.

More information is on the Greater Wellington Regional Council website, https:// www.gw.govt.nz/.

Rāroa Normal Intermediate School students performing at the Wellington schools’ Kapa Haka Festival.

Vaping Regulatory Authority reviewing compliance

The Vaping Regulatory Authority is reviewing each of the 8,083 vaping substances that have been notified in New Zealand to identify any that may be non-compliant with the product safety requirements.

So far, the Authority has found no issues

A further 3,413 vaping substances have

the Authority.

In many cases, issues are likely to be related to incidental errors or omissions and will not result in any issues with the vaping products being sold.

The Authority wrote to all specialist

asking them to review all their products to ensure they are complying with the law and withdraw any products that were not compliant.

The Authority had written to all spe-

on 4 November to remind them of their legal obligations and restating the legal limits for nicotine salts that apply in New Zealand.

The Authority is also setting up a new testing regime that would purchase vaping product for sale and testing their ingredients and nicotine levels to ensure they are compliant.

At this stage, there is no evidence that vaping products being sold in New Zealand have levels of nicotine high enough to

Breathe easier by sleeping on a waterbed

Most people would not believe what accumulates in their mattresses over a period of time. “What you don’t know, or see, can’t hurt you” .

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Waterbeds don’t have anywhere for dust mites to live, and cleaning is easy with the vinyl bladder and liner just needing a wipe clean of dead skin, dust etc using a damp cloth.

Cherries – helping support heart health and joint mobility

As one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants and queritrin, it helps support heart health and joint mobility, reduce stress and enable a better night’s sleep.

Cherryvite’s Montmorency tart cherries is one such food.

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Tart cherry juice concentrate can be reconstituted into a single-strength beverage.

washed or dry-cleaned periodically to keep it fresh and hygenic.

People with breathing problems have found that a waterbed gives them a more restful night.

Acorn stairlifts are smooth, precise – and quiet!

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This commendation is only awarded to companies whose products have passed rigorous testing proving they are easy to use for people with arthritis. Stay in the

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Christmas Ceilidh comes to Ngaio

Christmas is in the air and what better way to celebrate the start of the festive season, than with an evening of family fun.

Dance, music and family fun will be at the centre of the great Christmas Ceilidh at the Ngaio Union Church on Saturday 26 November.

“It’s family-friendly and nonalcoholic,” says Ngaio Union Minister, Sue Brown.

“You’ll be walked through all the dances by expert ‘callers’, and no previous experience is needed.”

The live music comes from Celtic Plus, a Celtic band well known in Ngaio.

“We’ve offered winter and spring ceilidhs for many years,” Sue says, “and since we’ve upgraded our church building to make it ideal for community activities, it’s just right to welcome everyone in.”

The fun gets underway at 7pm

and entry is free, but a koha is welcomed for the Ngaio Union Community Assistance Fund, which provides support for those who are doing it hard.

Bring along a small plate of food to share for supper. Non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

The Ceilidh kicks off Ngaio Union’s Advent and Christmas celebrations for 2022.

And there’s much more to follow – ‘Artist at Advent’ (featuring local performance poet, Kate Spencer) on Sunday 27 November; a Christmas Quiz for all the family on Friday 9 December; Community Carols (together with other local Churches) on 11 December; Christmas Live! (Ngaio Union’s popular Ngaio Nativity Walk together with live animals, live music and even a new baby, all being well) on 18 December and an informal Christmas Day

service for all the family at 9.30am on the big day.

“The fun is for everyone,” Sue says. “You can find out more on our

Z closes in Crofton Downs

Crofton Downs has lost its Z Energy service station.

After seeing demolition taking place at the service station, the “Independent Herald” contacted Z Energy.

The company confirmed that the service station has been closed.

The company will not be replacing the service station, Z Energy confirmed, so the closure is permanent.

5 Tips To Stay Cool This Summer? YIP!

Hey Everyone, with the early onset of warmer days, it appears that we may be in for those rare Wellington Summers where it is actually warm! As the weather warms up, the quality of our houses gets exposed. Poorly built / insulated houses have that tin shed effect, where they are too hot in summer and too cold in winter. When houses are too hot, it can put a lot of stress on people, animals, items in your property and on the actual house itself.

Here are 5 quick tips that can help you stay cooler this Summer!

1. Insulation – Yes insulation is wonderful at keeping the heat in, but it is also great at keeping the heat out! The first place you need to look is up in your ceiling. Is there sufficient insulation to block out all that trapped heat in your ceiling from getting into your house?

2. Dampness – If your property is damp, the humidity will make any hot day feel twice as hot. The most common place where moisture gets into your property is from under the house. Installing a moisture barrier over the soil will ensure your house stays drier. The other most common place is laundry, make sure you dry your clothes with plenty of ventilation.

3. Lightbulbs – It still surprises me how many people haven’t switched to LED yet. Not only do older bulbs eat up a lot more energy, but they also radiate a lot of heat, and you cannot insulate right up against it, leaving a perfect portal for the heat in your ceiling to shoot down through the downlights. Get your lights upgraded and your roof insulated ASAP!

4. Shade – If you are out all day, close

your curtains and blinds. Like how insulation works, your curtains and blinds act as a layer to keep the heat out. Plus, it stops the sun from heating things up in the house and damaging items. Win! Win!

5. Wind Tunnel – Thankfully we are never short of air pressure outside in Wellington and the fastest way to cool a house right down is to create a wind tunnel. If you have come home to a hot house, get out the door stops and open a door on opposite ends of the house and let the cooler breeze shoot past. Probably the one time we love the wind.

If all else fails, there is that snowflake mode on the heatpump that you probably haven’t used in a very long time. If you have any questions about this or about Real Estate in general, get in touch – love to hear from you!

Have a great week everyone!

Written by William YIP

Your friend in Real Estate 021 106 9997

Facebook page,” she adds.

“You’ll find Ngaio Union Chruch at the corner of Crofton Road and Kenya Street. You can’t miss it. It’s the build-

ing with the giant mural painted on the outside wall, and there’ll be music, and the sound of laughter, drifting down the street.”

Gorge rockfall prevention

By Frank Neill

Rockfall prevention work began on Ngauranga Gorge yesterday, 16 November.

For the safety of contractors and the public, Waka Kotahi has closed the southbound shared path from Newlands to the southbound off ramp until 5.30pm on 9 January.

“This work is essential,” Waka Kotahi says.

“The Ngauranga Gorge is a busy corridor with a particularly steep hill beside it.

“From time to time loose rock and debris falls onto the path and road beneath, creating a safety hazard for highway users.

“The major works planned for later this year will see new safety measures installed to help prevent this risk.

“There will also be a state highway lane closure when these works are done in late December [to] early January,” Waka Kotahi says.

The closure zone is from Newlands to the southbound off ramp. There will still be access to the off ramp.

There will be a sign posted detour for cyclists and pedestrians to follow to the path on the northbound side of the Gorge. Both north and southbound cyclists and pedestrians will be using the same path. Extra care will be needed when passing and consideration shown to other path users.

Temporary cyclist/pedestrian signal phasing is being installed at the traffic lights at the bottom of the Gorge so cyclists and pedestrians can safely cross Jarden Mile and Hutt Road.

The Wakely Road path will remain open for those commuting from Newlands, For updated information on the works, people can visit journeys.nzta.govt. nz/traffic/wellington; facebook.com/ NZTAWgtn; twitter.com/WakaKotahiWgtn; journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington or phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

Celtic Plus, the band that will perform at the Christmas Ceilidh at Ngaio Union Church.

The Z Energy service station in Crofton Down being demolished. Photo: Supplied.

Newlands Primary School

Notice regarding out of zone enrolments for Term 2 2023

Enrolment at Newlands Primary School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on our website https://newlandsprimary.school.nz/enrolments/. The Board has determined that up to 10 places are likely to be available for out of zone new entrant students wishing to commence during Term 2 2023 (24 April to 30 June 2023). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. The Board has determined we also have a number of spaces still available for new entrants from Term 1 2023 (31 January to 6 April 2023).

For students seeking enrolment to commence school during Term 1 or Term 2 2023 deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9:00am Friday 9 December 2022. If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out of zone students is required, this will be held on Friday 9 December.

Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.

Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child should notify Newlands Primary School as soon as possible to assist with planning. Students who live in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school at any time.

Please contact the school office for enrolment packs - email admin@newlandsprimary.school.nz, phone 461 6900, visit 200 Newlands Road, or via the website.

Boost for local football

By Frank Neill

Local football clubs have received a $5,750 boost from the New Zealand Football Foundation’s (NZFF) nationwide World Cup lottery.

Waterside Karori Football Club received a grant of $2,050, the North Wellington Football Club, which serves Johnsonville and Newlands, received $360, the Tawa Association Football Club received $1,130, and the Wellington United Association Football Club received $2,210.

The World Cup Lottery raised more than $120,000 nationwide to help clubs and schools throughout New Zealand.

After the impact of the pandemic

on funding options, the NZFF wanted to explore innovative ways of supporting new income streams for football.

Through big and bold thinking, the foundation invested in a new fundraising approach to support clubs and schools with a fundraising lottery – the prize being eight double trips to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

NZFF says it is “thrilled that 115 clubs will receive grant funding for the first time through this initiative”.

As well as providing financial help, the project also highlighted how the football community could work together for the common good.

It brought out some amazing acts of community support and generosity.

Public Notices

Public Notice

The Johnsonville Business Group

The board has determined that up to five (5) places are likely to be available for out of zone students for the second enrolment period in 2023 (Friday 7 April 2023 to Friday 30 June 2023). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. For students seeking enrolment within the second enrolment period of 2023, the deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9am, Friday 9 December 2022.

If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out of zone places is required, this will be held on Friday 9 December 2022. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held. Details of how applications from out of zone students are processed are available on the school website.

Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during the next year should notify the school by as soon as possible to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year. Students who live in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school. Enrolment packs are available online at: www.bellevue-newlands.school.nz.

Would like to advise that as required by the Wellington City Council BID Policy (2013), a postal vote involving businesses with commercially rated premises and their landlords will be held on the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID) within a set boundary in Johnsonville. Voting papers will be mailed out on the 2nd of November 2022 and the result will be announced by Wellington City Council on 28th of November 2022.

If any business or commercial property owner is concerned that they may have been missed off the ballot record, please email wellingtonbid@wcc.govt.nz

RECORDS

With Jacob Page

Black Ferns miracle the perfect tonic for change

The Black Ferns and Wayne Smith have produced the most amazing 11-month turnaround imaginable.

In front of 50,000 people, the Black Ferns produced the most improbable 34-31 win over England to claim a World Cup title which was scarcely believable this time last year.

In November last year, fresh off a two year Covid hiatus, the Black Ferns were pumped on their European tour against France and

England.

The closest they got was a 21-point loss to France.

That’s barely coming second in a two-horse race.

It is what makes the Black Ferns’ sixth World Cup win their most stunning.

Enter Wayne Smith to turn the sinking ship around.

Tough changes were made, experienced players departed and those who stayed clearly bought into what the master coach was selling.

The Black Ferns deserve a lot of credit for beating a team with 30 consecutive test victories even if England went down to 14 players inside 15 minutes of the opening whistle.

The game, and victory, has united the country behind women’s rugby.

The question is now, can all involved capitalise on the wave of goodwill.

Can Black Ferns tests of the future draw decent enough crowds to make them financially viable and

marketable?

The crowds do not have to be sellouts like Saturday night but can tests against Australia, Canada, France, England etc become a viable commodity that families and the general public want to go to.

One thing is for sure, the time to act is now.

New Zealand Rugby must act swiftly to make the most of this opportunity.

A golden goose has potentially landed in their lap, they must make

the most of it.

Time will tell if they do. The crowd at Eden Park rivalled the energy of the Black Caps’ semifinal win over South Africa in 2015, the Cake Tin for the 2010 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Bahrain or the 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph over France.

Such a crowd reaction and such lofty television viewership should be hard to ignore and should promote positive change for the game in New Zealand.

Johnsonville batters collapse in loss to Karori

By Jacob Page

A Johnsonville batting collapse curtailed a strong run chase against Karori in the opening round of the Ewen Chatfield 50-over competition on Saturday.

Johnsonville lost by 14 runs chasing 249 for victory in a rain-reduced 40-over contest at Alex Moore Park.

Johnsonville lost their last seven wickets for 12 runs, undoing all the good work of their top order, who laid a strong platform during the difficult chase.

Karori set a strong total thanks to Sam French’s unbeaten 69 off 46 balls. He got support from Alex Thompson (44), Arjuna Jayas-

inghe (37) and Daniel Pile (32).

The trend of Johnsonville struggling to take early wickets this season continued, with the hosts only taking five Karori wickets, including two wickets to part-time spinner Raki Weerasundara.

Captain Zac Ringrose says he was pleased with the bowling at the death overs but admitted wickets earlier in the innings were needed.

“I thought we stuck at it well and restricted them late but much like us, they got a good platform to start,”

Johnsonville’s chase started brightly with openers Devan Vishvaka (43) and Scott Mudgway (72) laying a strong platform.

Two Ngaio residents are top axe throwers

By Frank Neill

Two Ngaio residents – Kent Lambert and Jamie Todman – have qualified for the New Zealand team that will compete in this year’s World Axe Throwing Championships, being held in Wisconsin, USA, from 1 to 4 December.

Kent and Jamie will join top axe throwers from all over the world who will come together to face off in three different disciplines - hatchet, big axe, and a partnered event called duals.

Kent is the current New Zealand Big Axe champion, winning the title just two years after he began in the sport. He threw his first axe during his second date with his girlfriend in February 2020. They decided to have a go at Sweet Axe Throwing, which was then

located in Kent Terrace, before its move to Cambridge Terrace.

“It seemed like a fun activity,” Kent told the “Independent Herald”.

“I quite like activities where you have to do something,” he added, rather than activities where you are just sitting.

Kent has qualified for both the big axe and the hatchet competitions at the world championships.

“I’ve been extremely lucky [to be selected for the world championships],” Jamie says.

“I only walked into Sweet Axe Throwing Co [for the first time] in November last year, so I’ve only been throwing for a year.”

His first foray into axe throwing began as a “casual Sunday with my nephew.”

But it quickly grew.

Following that first visit, he

joined the axe throwing league, and in just his second league competition he won the most improved hatchet award.

By his third league competition he was on the podium, with first placings in the Monday night hatchet, the Wednesday night hatchet and the dual, and runner-up in the big axe. He also won the most kill shots in the Monday night competition.

In the first ever Australasian Axe Throwing tournament on 13 August, Jamie was runner-up in the hatchet, third in the big axe and fourth in the dual.

Two victories came Jamie’s way in the regional axe throwing tournament on 5 November. He won both the hatchet and the dual contests.

Prizes totalling $50,000 are up for grabs at this year’s

world championships. The organisers expect more than 1,000 participants and spectators will attend the event.

One aspect of axe throwing that is very

No 3 Gareth Severin 32 and Raki (52) maintained the momentum but when they departed, the rot set in and Johnsonville collapsed from 222 for 3 to 234 all out in 38.3 overs.

Zac says the lower-order players lacked the execution needed to complete a successful chase.

“We knew what was needed but we didn’t execute under pressure, which is disappointing, but we know what we need to do and we can execute it.

“There’s no panic yet. It’s the first game of the one-day competition and we know we can turn it around.”

Johnsonville will look to do that against Hutt District this Saturday at Alex Moore Park.

rare in sport is that there are no division based on gender, age or experience. This makes it one of the most inclusive sports in the world.

A half century from Johnsonville’s Raki Weerasundara was not enough to see his team home against Karori in the opening round of the Ewen Chatfield 50-over competition on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

Four of the New Zealanders who will compete in the World Axe Throwing Championships next month (from left) Aaron Ropcean, Kent Lambert, Krista Mackie and Jamie Todman.