19 April Wainuiomata News

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A great collaborative effort

Continued from page 1

The team has been going strong in this area, with minor impacts due to wet weather and the identification of a damaged storm water pipe during groundwork excavations, the Queen Street project manager Jamie Rowe says.

“The team were able to work quickly with [Hutt City] Council and Wellington Water in order the get this pipe upgraded to provide a more resilient asset for the future.

“This was a great collaborative effort.”

All earthworks and underground construction is now complete, Mr Rowe says.

sights on the asphalt works along Anzac Way and the basketball court.

The project team is currently finalising the seating design for Stage 4, and production will begin soon. Seating and lighting will be the last major elements installed.

“A temporary lighting solution has been designed by the team in order to open up areas outside of the library and community halls as early and as safely as possible before the project completion date.

SALES

Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008

One part of the project is the construction of a new deck in front of the community hall.

The team has been focusing on the construction of the deck’s substructure which is also now complete.

“Remaining works left to complete outside the Queen Street businesses is the installation of seating which will be undertaken in a staged manner over the coming weeks,” Mr Rowe says.

The good progress being made on the final stage of the Queen Street upgrade is “very exciting,” says Keri Brown, the Wainuiomata Ward Councillor.

NATIONAL

SALES

Sam Barnes

sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406

CLASSIFIED SALES classifieds@wsn.co.nz

The contractor for the project, JFC, is now working towards completing the structure by installing the surface decking.

This will be completed in the coming weeks and will have local artist Tiaki Dahm’s designs incorporated into the structure.

JFC has now completed some of the largest concrete pours as part of the project, and the weather was “exceedingly kind” to the team when completing this task, Mr Rowe says.

After the last concrete pour is completed the team will set their

“We look forward to the town centre being a place where people want to shop, play and enjoy local events.

“Our aim has always been to have a town centre that is vibrant, safe and accessible, and this is a really exciting part of the upgrade,” Cr Brown says.

“The vibrancy of the town centre will be evident with the large deck and seating for many local events and markets.

“Before the upgrade, there were many examples of elderly and disabled people tripping

on tree roots and uneven paths.

“However the upgraded pathways are now more expansive and open for safety and accessibility.

“Additionally, the half basketball court will also add another

activity for families to be active and have fun together.”

A community opening will be held once the project is completed “to celebrate the town centre for residents now and in the future,” Cr Brown says.

The substructure of the new deck outside the community hall.

Photo: Frank Neill.

Whare Kai’s roof completed

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata Marae’s Whare Kai’s has a new roof.

Work on the new roof, which cost just over $300,000, was completed last Friday, 14 April.

The new roof is thanks to help from local people – in particular John Lucas of GNS Roofing Ltd – and successful applications for funding, the Wainuiomata Marae Chairman Star Olsen says.

“When you reach out into the community for help, they respond.”

In fact that was how the marae was built in the first place, thanks to the response from the Wainuiomata community, Mr Olsen says.

The project began on 23 February and when the “Wainuiomata News” visited the marae on 14 April, in the mid afternoon, the scaffolding was being removed.

“The next job on the list is upgrading the heating [in the Whare Kai].”

The windows of the Whare Kai are also in need of attention, Mr Olsen says.

The roof of the Whare Nui at the marae is about to get a new coat of paint, thanks to

Dulux delivered paint for the Whare Nui roof on 14 August.

“We’re here to help this community,” Dulux manager Roscoe Hatton says.

“The Wainuiomata Marae does a lot for the community and Dulux is only too happy to help out.”

Community Board meets tonight

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata Community Board will meet at 6:30pm tonight, 19 April, at the Wainuiomata Library.

Following public comment, there will be two presentations, one by Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie and the other by Hutt City Council’s Placemaking Advisor on the Streets for People wayfinding signage.

The community board will also look at naming five streets in new subdivisions.

There are two new streets in each of two subdivisions. One subdivision is at 2A Gawler Grove and the other is at 11

The Strand. There is also a new street at a subdivision at 76 Antrim Crescent. Hutt City Council is proposing to create a “No stopping at all times” parking restriction at Te Ara Raukura, and the community board will look at providing input into this decision.

The board will also look to provide input into two council proposals to provide more mobility parking – one at the Wainuiomta Bowling Club and the other at the Wainuiomata Community Hall. The council’s Parks Planner will provide the board with an update on the council’s Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy.

We are inviting volunteers to take part in a clinical trial of a new investigational vaccine aimed at providing a broader protection against pneumococcal disease.

To be eligible for inclusion in the study participants must be 18-64 years and have one of the following chronic health conditions: Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Heart Disease, or Chronic Liver Disease. Participants must not have received any prior pneumococcal vaccine since childhood and not have had pneumococcal disease within the last 3 years.

For more information and to apply online visit: www.p3research.co.nz or phone on

to speak with a member of the study team.

Q: What is the biggest issue New Zealand is facing at the moment?

Gita Bebi

High prices – and the prices are increasing.

Myrthe Heydeurigk

The cost of living. The cost of groceries.

Lionel Hansen Stuart Simpson

The cost of living would be one of the biggest issues. More and more people are struggling.

Dave Hill

Harena Simpson

Poverty. You see a whole lot of issues. It’s quite sad. And vaping also, especially for the youth.

That’s a tough one, as there are a number of issues. The economy and youth crime I think are the ones that are going to shape the future.

Unemployment. A lot of people are out of work.

Dulux Paints.

Workers taking down the scaffolding after completing the new roof on Wainuiomata Marae’s Whare Kai.

Photo: Frank Neill.

Dulux manager Roscoe Hatton (left) and Wainuiomata Marae Chairman Star Olsen just after Mr Hatton arrived with paint for the marae’s Whare Nui. Photo: Frank Neill.

The importance of potassium and magnesium (Fruit + Flower Power): By Wally Richards

Potassium often referred to as Potash because the ash from wood burn containers a good amount of potassium and magnesium sulphate is often referred to as Epsom Salts are two important elements in gardening.

A long time ago I realised the importance of these two and so I created a product which combined them, in a prill form, 55% potassium and 45% magnesium and called it Wallys Fruit and Flower Power which is one of the many uses of these two elements.

Plants like us, if they do not get sufficient minerals in their diet, they will be adversely affected and do poorly.

Potassium deficiency will show as soft limp plant growth, poor flowering, taste decline in fruit, and general loss of vigor.

I am often asked what is wrong with plants which, don’t seem as good as they could be, even though they are fed well and watered right.

Often the reason is insufficient

Potassium.

Then there is fruit, especially citrus which are lacking in juice and flavor.

Tomatoes and cucumbers that don’t have that home grown flavor that one would hope to have.

Plants that have poor flowering or don’t flower at all. Once again the problem can be insufficient

Potassium.

Magnesium is involved in chlorophyll production, which converts sunlight into sugars and is involved in activating enzymes.

Because of its role in chlorophyll,

An

the first symptoms of magnesium deficiency show up as yellowing, usually between the veins of the older leaves. In severe deficiencies, the entire leaf will turn yellow or red and then brown, with symptoms progressing up the plant.

There are numerous plants that show this tendency, citrus, Daphne, rhododendrons, tomatoes, passion fruit and roses to name a few.

Once the yellowing starts to appear then already the plant is having problems and even when magnesium is supplied, it takes several weeks before the lovely dark green colour is restored.

During this time the plant is weakened, as the chlorophyll is not working to its full potential which makes the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.

The amount of energy created from sun light is affected and plant growth is reduced.

During drought conditions, plants suffer and one important aspect to assist in this is Potassium.

It regulates water absorption and retention, influences the uptake of some nutrients and helps to increase disease resistance.

As the weather cools and winter approaches, plants feel the chill like we do, but plants cant put on a jersey like we can.

The plant’s protection from chills and frosts comes from having adequate Potassium in their diet.

Thus us gardening commentators always suggest to gardeners to supply potash to their plants as winter starts to approach and to avoid using nitrogen fertilisers which

only increases sappy growth.

Commercial growers of plants and orchardists use the two elements to ensure their plants have sufficient Potassium and magnesium in their diet.

These two vital elements are blended together in the right balance as required for plants.

For the home gardener we supply Fruit and Flower Power in three pack sizes. 1.25 Kilos, and 2.5 kilos

and a bulk bag which is 12.5 kilos making it the best purchase if you have storage room.

The 1.25 kilos comes nicely packaged in a stand up pouch with a 50 gram (50ml) scoop.

It is used at the rate initial rate of 50 grams (one scoop, just below level full) per square metre around the base of the plant or around the drip line.

Use for any plant that is flowering, fruiting, showing lack of vigor or yellowing in foliage.

Now this next bit might surprise many; but the monthly requirement is 25 grams (half scoop) per square metre.

This should be applied while plants are flowering, fruiting, during dry times and going into winter. Outside of these times a 2-3 monthly dose should be fine. For fruiting a dose at 50 grams should be applied prior to flowering followed by the 25 grams till harvest. For the likes of tomatoes and cucumbers, apply over fruiting period for best flavor.

I get a lot of complaints that citrus fruit are dry and lack flavor so this

If you’re over 30, or at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 you are now eligible for an additional booster.

You can get the vaccine if it’s been at least 6 months since your last booster or COVID-19 positive test. Help protect yourself and your whānau. Book your booster now: • visit BookMyVaccine.nz • call Healthline on 0800 28 29 26, or • contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider

will fix the problem.

A number of fertilisers mixes do not contain sufficient potassium, likely because it is a more expensive element which is a pity as it should be at least ample for general gardening use.

Now is a good time to apply Fruit and Flower power around your gardens and repeat each month with a small sprinkling. It will help to keep your leaves green and the plants will gain more energy from the sun even considering its shorter day lights hours as we head into winter. It will firm up sappy growth from summer feeding of fertilisers and plant foods. Also other precautions you should take going into winter include: Protecting your vulnerable plants from frost by using the Spray on Frost Protection; Vaporgard. Mulches used to overcome dry conditions in summer should be removed from under plants to allow the soil to breath and dry out quicker during wet periods.

This helps prevent root rots and loss of valuable plants.

A spray of Perkfection over plants that could be affected with wet soil is a good help to prevent root damage through wet feet. Spray vegetables and preferred plants with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) each week. (It helps them grow healthier and faster. Side dress vegetable plants with a sprinkling of BioPhos. Brassicas (Cabbage etc) that have caterpillars should be sprayed with Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil with Raingard added to prevent the oil washing off with watering or rain. Reduce the amount of water you are giving container plants indoors and tender plants in glasshouses. They do not need so much water now and wet feet intensifies the cold and can be fatal. Any Questions any time just phone me or email me with your contact phone number. Phone 0800 466464 Garden Pages and News at www. gardenews.co.nz

Best April Fool’s joke ever

By Frank Neill

Local MP Chris Bishop’s April Fool’s joke that he was resigning may possibly have been New Zealand’s biggest prank this year.

Chris announced on his Facebook page that he was resigning.

The post attracted 2,900 reactions by 7 April.

“This has been a very tough decision and it is not one I have made lightly. But I have to put my family first,” Chris’s post said.

“I have recently become a dad for the first time and it has caused me to reflect on what is important in life.

“I know that I will leave with my head held high and after having given it my all.

“There have been tough times and good times, and through it all I have given it everything I’ve got. But sometimes you just have to walk away.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey –colleagues, friends, and my family.

“I am sad to announce today that I am resigning as the captain of the Parliamentary Cricket XI.”

Although his April Fool’s joke said he was resigning from the Parliamentary Cricket XI, many people thought he was resigning from Parliament.

“I have to say out of all the MPs you had to be the most hardworking and supportive one ever,” Marata Toko wrote on Facebook.

“The work you did in my community was awesome and [I’ve] always seen you at events and gigs no matter how big or small they were.

“It’s actually sad to see you leave.

“I wish you and your family all the best in the near and far future.”

“Don’t do that dude,” Paul Byrne wrote.

“We need good people like you

Poet passes away

By Frank Neill

Well known Wainuiomata resident Tony Watling passed away following a short illness on Sunday 16 April.

Chris Bishop, the Hutt Southbased National Member of Parliament. Photo: Supplied. so don’t even think about resigning from your actual job.”

“You will leave with your head held high,” Matin Tahi wrote.

“I was appreciative of your work, your work ethics, your work mana.”

When Chris revealed that his post was not serious, Brent Smith made the following post: “Best April Fool’s joke ever”.

“Good one Chris,” Trish Anderson wrote. “Love your sense of humour. Great April Fool’s joke.”

For many years Tony provided a contribution to the “Wainuiomata News”. His “Ode of the Week” was a feature of the paper.

He was still submitting his “Ode of the Week” up until July 2020, when Tony was well into his nineties. He finally had to stop for health reasons.

Tony has provided one final poem.

When I wonder what to write

I sit and then I think, Are my poems very bright Or just a waste of ink?

I think about the times way back The news that went around,

Have I got the facts I lack, And is my thinking sound. While you read, I do not know But if I saw your face, Should a smile begin to grow I’ve helped the human race.

Tony’s life will be celebrated in a service in Lower Hutt on Friday 21 April.

Tony Watling. Photo: Supplied.

Situation Vacant

WANTED

Newspaper Deliverers

Sign designs up for public vote

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata people are being asked to have their say on the design of signs that will be part of the Streets for People project.

Three designs each for two different signs have been posted on a board at the Wainuiomata Library, and people can place their vote for the sign they would like to see.

One sign is for a school and the other is for the Wainuiomata town centre.

The Wainuiomata Streets for People project aims to deliver a safer and better-connected low-carbon travel network between the town centre, local schools and Te Hikoi Ararewa (the Wainuiomata hill shared path).

“We want it to feel safe and inviting for residents of all ages to walk, skate, scooter or bike to school, work and the Town Centre, and to spend time in public spaces like the Town Centre,” Hutt City Council says.

Area 1: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, part of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers

Area 2: Karaka St, Kowhai St, Puriri St, part of Wainuiomata Rd - 295 papers

Area 3: Hamstead St, Kendal Gr, Enfield St, part of Wellington Rd - 220 papers

Area 4: Ruthven Rd, Antrim Cres, Pollard St - 300 papers

Area 5: Petrie St, McKillop St, Bull Ave, part of Moohan - 280 papers

Area 6: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main rd - 280

Deliverers required in the following areas: Contact Sandra

Puzzle

“This might mean safer crossings near schools, lower vehicle speeds in the project area, more seating or more accessible ramps or other changes.

“The projects are about temporarily trialling new layouts in order to find something that works better for people than the current layout.

“We want the journeys for people on scooters, wheelchairs, walking or on bikes to and from the town centre to be easier and more accessible.

“New layouts can be tested quickly and adapted in response to feedback.

“Temporary changes that make crossing the road easier and slow traffic using planter barriers, artwork, temporary chicanes or paint are possible.

“Changes to parking layout, installation of more clear signage and wayfinding or temporary bike and scooter parking are all options.

“The great thing about these projects is that they will be designed alongside schools, businesses, residents and community.

“Trials will determine whether the changes make the journey better and safer for people walking, scootering, biking or using other active modes.

“Permanent change including concreting and roadworks is outside of the scope of these projects, but a temporary layout that works well for community could be made permanent in future.”

Streets for People began last year and will

The votes have begun for people’s preferred street signs on this poster at the Photo: Frank Neill. continue until June next year

Streets for People is a national programme being run by Waka Kotaki/NZ Transport Agency, which is working with local councils on projects.

Waka Kotahi is spending $30 million on the initiative, which aims to make it easier and faster to create safer, healthier, and more people-friendly streets.

Meetings with Wainuiomata groups, schools and community leaders began in late 2022.

Hutt City Council used ideas and feedback to develop designs for new layouts that will be trialled in the laneway and in the streets this month and next month.

Two designs already being trialled are the t tarakihi (cicada) and the titipounamu (rifleman).

The trials see these two designs painted on the tarmac or concrete.

Hutt City Council is trialling the t tarakihi design with temporary materials in key routes between schools in the project area and and titipounamu design on Te Hikoi Ararewa.

Depending on feedback, these, and other elements would be incorporated into more permanent designs on key routes for people using active and low carbon transport through Wainuiomata.

45. Nut of the areca palm. (5)

48. Old T.v’ series, Dr. Findlay’s (8)

49. Reeling. (10)

52. Early counting frame. (6)

53. Star. (4)

54. Pale. (7)

55. Female Relative. (12)

56. Deadly. (6)

DOWN

1. In retreat (13)

33. Petroleum bore, ... well. (3)

34. In two languages. (9)

39. Forbidden. (5)

41. Deny. (8)

43. Having left a will. (7)

46. Success. (7)

47. Nonsensical. (6)

48. Coarse. (5)

50. Annoy. (5)

51. Ark builder. (4)

Solution

(4)

23. Brazilian port, de janeiro (3)

25. Ox(pl) (4)

27. Notion. (4)

29. Bay Of Islands town (7)

31. Craggy. (6)

32. Sorrows. (4)

34. Male whale. (4)

35. Reach (6)

36. Mongol conqueror, Khan. (7)

37. Win & place bet(horses) way (4)

38. Narrow opening. (4)

40. Arable land. (3)

42. Sworn to telling the truth, under ...(4)

44. Male soprano(pl) (8)

2. Type of trumpet. (7)

3. A captive. (8)

5. Gold measurement. (5)

6. Former Peruvian rulers. (4)

7. Overpower. (6)

8. Adversaries. (7)

9. Hard cotton thread. (5)

10. Hasty. (9)

14. Smallest planet. (5)

19. Flavour. (5)

20. Pardon. (6)

21. Aged. (5)

22. Relating to the mind. (13)

24. Peaceful. (6)

26. Cloth measurement. (3)

28. Covered with water. (5)

30. Traditional saying(pl) (5)

SOLUTION

Last Week: 12 April 2023

For January 12, 2005

CASSIE MURPHY Funeral Director GAVIN MURPHY General Manager

ACROSS

1. Graduate with academic degree (6) 4. Person’s vulnerable point. (8,4)

Skull. (7)

Stack of hay. (4)

Nunnery’s female superior. (6)

Part of house let seperately. (10)

Deceptive. (8)

Large forearm bone(pl) (5)

Final. (8)

As soon as possible(abbr)

Wainui Lions let lead slip

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata Lions looked in with a chance of upsetting the current Wellington Rugby League champions Whiti Te R when they led 22-20 just after half time.

However it was not to be, and Whiti Te R overtook Wainuiomata to win the match 34-22.

Played at Whiti Te R ’s home ground, taki Domain, on 15 April, the match was evenly poised for just over half of the 80 minutes.

Following the first half arm wrestle, the home team led 20-16 at the break.

The Lions took the lead just after the second half began when Dante Kakahi scored a try, which Anaru

Waihape converted, to move two points ahead of Whiti Te R

A series of Lions errors allowed the home team to capitalise, scoring a try, and they added two more tries late in the match to secure a flattering score line.

The other three try scorers for Wainuiomata were John Wharepapa-Rawiri, Simeona Saumolia and Anaru Waihape. Anaru kicked a second conversion, and Regan Hauwaho also kicked a conversion.

Dante Kakahi played outstandingly for the Lions and was named the most valuable player, while senior team members Utai Oti-Lahood and John Wharepapa-Rawiri also put in strong peformances.

Ories dominate against Wainui

By Frank Neill

Two yellow cards cost Wainuiomata in Wellington Rugby’s Swindale Shield match against Oriental-Rongotai at William Jones Park on 15 April.

Oriental-Rongotai ran out comfortable victors by 61-12 in the men’s premier competition.

The scoreline was close before the referee issued the two cards, thanks to a runaway try by Campbell Cowie, which Pyle Tane converted.

Campbell intercepted the ball and ran 60 metres to score.

That was the only highlight for Wainuiomata in the first half, with Oriental-Rongotai dominating most phases of play to take a 30-7 lead at the break.

With the exception of Campbell’s run to the try line, Wainuiomata had not moved inside their opponent’s 22 during the first 40 minutes.

Renata Kotuhi added to Wainuiomata’s scoreline when he scored a second half try.

The Wainuiomata captain, Greg Lealofi played an outstanding game. He was by far the best player in the green and black jersey and led the team well.

Wainuiomata’s next match will see them face the table-topping Upper Hutt Rams at William Jones Park on 22 April.

The Wainuiomata women’s Rugby players were also on the end of a big defeat on 15 April.

The combined Hutt Old Boys MaristWainuiomata team lost their mactch agains Northern United 67-5.

National Ki o Rahi selection

Wainuiomata Masonic Village

New Villas Available

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata K o Rahi player Reihana

Te Rauna has been selected in the New Zealand secondary school team. Reihana won his selection following his outstanding performance for Wainuiomata High School’s Wharekura team at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships in Rotorua.

The New Sealand Secondary Schools team will play the New Zealand M ori Secondary School team in Rotorua during Labour weekend. There will be some family rivalry in

the match, too, as Reihana’s father, M tauranga Te Rauna, is the coach of the M ori team.

Mr Te Rauna is the head teacher of Wainuiomata High School’s Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata.

The Wainuiomata High School team played very well at the New Zealand tournament, which concluded on 14 April.

Following the first day of play they were ranked number one. However they lost their semi-final match and finished the competition in seventh place.

Campbell Cowie dots down after running 60 metres to score for Wainuiomata on 15 April.

Photo: Supplied.

Lions co-captain Ulai Oti-Lahood in action during his outstanding performance on 15 April. Photo: Frank Neill.

The Wainuiomata Lions man of the match Dante Kakahi makes another great run on 15 April. Photo: Frank Neill.

Reihana Te Tauna, who has been selected in the New Zealand Secondary School Kī o Rahi team. Photo: Wainuiomata High School.

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National commemoration ANZAC Day

Anzac Day takes place each year on April 25 and commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war, while also honouring returned servicemen and women. April 25 marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea, however, at the end

of the campaign, Gallipoli was still held by its Turkish defenders. Among those who lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign were 2779 New Zealanders, almost one in four of those who served on Gallipoli. As always, ceremonies are held at war memorials up and down New Zealand and in places overseas where New Zealanders gather to pay tribute.

This quote made by Ataturk, a great Turkish statesman in 1934, is inscribed on the memorial at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. It is also inscribed on the Ataturk memorial at Tarakena Bay, which is said to be similar to the coast around Gallipoli:

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives;

You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehemets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.

You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are at peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.