19 October Wainuiomata News

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata children’s author Dahlia Malaeulu is one of the winners of this year’s Creative New Zealand (CNZ) Arts Pasifika Awards.

Dahlia has received the $7,500 Emerging Pacific Artist Award for her role as a writer, publisher and educator.

Continued on page 2.

Dahlia Malaeulu celebrates just after being presented her Arts Pasifira Award. Photo Supplied.

Winning

Award winner filled with hope

Continued from page 1

She was one of eight to receive an award, conferred on recipients for their contribution to Pacific

The awards were presented at a ceremony at Te Papa Tongarewa on 13 October.

“I feel grateful to be acknowledged alongside other amazing Pasifika creatives,” she says.

“This acknowledgement fills me with so much hope for our future at Mila’s Books, while letting us know that we are on the right track with the work that we do.”

The Mila series are children’s books with a key aim of helping Samoan Kiwis further grow their cultural confidence to explore and share their own stories.

Dahlia says that the success of her publishing dream stems from the fact that it has, and will always be, “more than books for us”.

“Mila’s Books has proven what is possible for us as Pasifika writers and publishers of our own stories through independent publishing.

“We created the only all Pasifika publishing team of children’s books in the world.

“In the space of two and a half years, we have continuously published quality and accessible stories across all schooling levels and shown that there is a real hunger and need for stories by us and for all of us, through great book sales and the positive feedback we continue to receive

Barriers to entry for Pasifika into the realms of published works have been brought to the fore already. The Coalition of Books has just put on a series of talanoa to address this.

“Although there has been progress in the traditional book world, there are still inequitable systems and gatekeepers in place who are in need of developing their own cultural competencies when it comes to diverse stories and writers,” Dahlia says.

Instead of waiting for that to happen, “we as Pasifika have the chance to rewrite the stories we

have been told our whole lives –that who we are and what we are is not enough.

“We can show the world the power of our stories and with the right guidance combined with our Pasifika values, we can create sustainable industries that better support and meet our needs as Pasifika creatives and innovators.

“I truly believe independent publishing is the key to having more Pasifika writers and stories in the world.

“There is a Pasifika revolution happening where we are realising our own value and that our stories have the power to change the

world for us and future Pasifika generations of tamaiti, creators and entrepreneurs.

“What is also important to note is that we are everywhere.

“I am only one of many and there is a whole village of creatives who are creating more brown spaces for us to shine in a world that has kept us in the dark for so long.

“But when we unite, connect and shine together we are capable of creating our own opportunities and succeeding as ourselves.

“Like Mila’s Books, together we can be unstoppable,” Dahlia says.

Dahlia Malaeulu giving her acceptance speech after receiving an Arts Pasifira Award. Photo Supplied. across Aotearoa and abroad.”

A vital community facility

By Frank Neill

The new Wainuiomata Masonic Village was “absolutely vital” to the Wainuiomata community, Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry said at the village’s grand opening on 15 October.

The new village was the result of a decade of work by the Masonic Village Trust and local politicians.

Mr Barry particularly paid a tribute to former Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace and his wife Linda for their advocacy. “It was a pleasure to work alongside you,” the Mayor said.

He also paid tribute to Grey Power Wainuiomata for its advocacy.

“Welcome to this your village,” the Masonic Villages Trust Chair, Marie Gillies, said when opening the new complex.

“Not only are we marking the development of this village but we are also marking the community that comes with it,” she said.

The Masonic Villages Trust had a plan for a retirement village for

people who had lived in Wainuiomata, perhaps for all their lives, and who “did not want to move over the hill”.

“The Trust now has 17 villages across the North Island, making the Trust one of the largest charitable operations in Aotearoa,” Ms Gillies said.

Just before Ms Gillies opened the village there was a Foundation Stone Laying ceremony, where the Mason’s Grand Master, Brother Graham Wrigley, performed the stone laying.

The village has 80 single-storey units that come in single, two bedroom and three bedroom options, all built in the latest style. They cater for more than 100 residents. The units also have either carports or garages.

In addition the village has a very well appointed village hub, with common areas and facilities.

Within the village hub there will be a small village library space, a reading area and get-together spaces for cards, games, and for

arts and crafts. The hub will also host movie nights, fitness and wellbeing classes and other village activities.

“Our Wainui retirement village has been carefully designed to create a warm, supportive and wel-

coming community, one in which you can enjoy your leisure time, either kicking back and relaxing or filling up your social calendar with new adventures and new friends,” the trust says.

“Each villa will have its own

garden area for residents to personalise.

“Consideration is being given to building an aged care facility once the retirement village has been completed, although this is yet to be confirmed,” the trust says.

do you think will happen if Russia drops a

on the

Derek Keatley

Ruth Robertson

Joan BarnesPaul King

Jenny King

Kevin Hartley

Providing

Hutt City’s Mayor Campbell Barry (left) and the CEO of the Masonic Villages Trust, Warwick Dunn, with a plaque commemorating the official opening of the village. Photo: Frank Neill.

Mason Grand Master Brother Graham Wrigley checks the stone laying at the opening of the Wainuiomata Masonic Village. Photo: Frank Neill.

Big day for

By Frank Neill

Tuesday 11 October was a very special day for Wainuiomata resident Shirley Povey, the manager of NZ Post’s Wellington Super Depot.

That was the day NZ Post officially opened its new “Super Depot” in Grenada Village.

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

Using the latest scanning and sorting technology, the new depot can process up to 11,000 parcels an hour, Ms Povey told the “Wainuiomata News”.

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

Parcels will be “sorted for our couriers using our new automated

Post manager

system, which sends thousands of parcels to the correct chute ready for our couriers to load up and deliver to our customers across the region,” Ms Povey said.

Her team was “very excited” to work from the new depot. “It’s a great place to work.”

The new Super Depot would also be a “great place for people to come and work with this amazing technology”.

People seeking work could well consider joining the team at the Super Depot.

It is a different job and one which opens up career pathways for people, Ms Povey said.

NZ Post is “incredibly proud” to be opening the Wellington Super Depot that will use state-of-the art sorting technology to scan and sort parcels at a super-fast rate, NZ Post Chief Executive David Walsh said at the opening of the new depot.

The new depot is the “single largest material handling investment programme within New Zealand in

recent history.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It shows our real confidence in the Wellington.

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

Sustainability was a central consideration for the Wellington Super

Depot site, alongside other new NZ Post depots across Aotearoa. All building materials and appliances have been selected with sustainability in mind.

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

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

Taylor

NZ Post Wellington Super Depot Manager Shirley Povey with the new scanning and sorting machine in the background. Photo: Frank Neill.

Country concert returns

The Wainuiomata Country and Western Club brought back its annual concert on 16 October.

After a hiatus due to Covid, the club staged its return concert at the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church.

The concert was very well attended, with all who enjoyed the entertainment agreeing it was a brilliant night, which ended with a delicious supper.

The Wainuiomata Country and Western Band backed a variety of excellent entertainers.

Although it is called a “church”, the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church does not operate as a church.

Built on Coast Road in 1866, it is the oldest Methodist Church in the

Wellington region and it was built by Wainuiomata’s early pioneers, hence its new name.

After the Union Church, which encompasses both the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, built its new church, the Wainuiomata Arts Society used the building for a number of years until the society folded.

A group of interested people then got together and formed a trust, which bought the church and completely restored it, renovating it inside and out.

It is now a heritage building, and has a Category II listing with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Because it has not been deconsecrated, the church can now be used for religious services, the most usual these days being weddings.

Situation Vacant

Deliverers

Area 1: Hamstead, Enfield, part of Wellington Rd, Whitehall - 220 Papers

2: Parenga St, August Ave, Aporoa St

- 235 papers

Area 3: Hine Rd, Poole Cres, Sunny Gr - 358 papers

Area 4: Moohan St, Bull Ave, Petrie St - 280 papers

Homestay Coordinator and Pastoral Care Manager

We are seeking a Homestay Coordinator and Pastoral Care Manager who will be responsible for managing homestay placements and for supporting the safety and wellbeing of our International Students and their host families.

The role involves locating and monitoring homestay placements and is the main point of contact for homestay concerns. You will work closely with students, their families and host families to provide advice and support and solve any pastoral care issues that may arise. You will need to be well organised with excellent communication skills and have the ability to remain calm when resolving issues. There will be a requirement to work both independently and as part of a team. A valid drivers’ licence is essential.

An awareness of other cultures or the use of a second or multiple languages would be helpful but not essential. Previous experience in a similar role is advantageous.

This is a part time position, 10 hours per week, working mainly term time. Days worked are negotiable with the International Dean. Hours worked may be varied depending on student requirements.

Please email your cover letter and CV to Sandy McVey at sandym@wainuiomatahigh.school.nz.

Applications close 5pm Wednesday 26 October 2022.

Photo Supplied.

Rounding the bases of emotional fandom

Sometimes being a fan of a team can drain you of all the emotion you can muster.

I’ve been a fan of the New York Yankees baseball team for a decade now and every season is a rollercoaster of emotions.

The Yankees play 162 regular season games between late March and October, there’s little rest for players or fans.

A good week can be turned into a disastrous month and even if the

team makes the playoffs, there’s no guarantee they’ll win a championship at the end of it all.

After 10 years, I’m yet to see the Yankees win a championship despite unrivalled regular season success. The franchise won four championships between 1996 and 2000 to provide a rare dynasty in American sports.

Their history of success makes them one of the most disliked teams in sports.

Progress continues to upgrade rugby facilities

Work continues to progress on the upgrade of the facilities for women at the Wainuiomata Rugby Club.

Painting began last week as the changing rooms and toilet facilities get a spruce-up.

Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club received $30,000 to upgrade their toilets and showers to accommodate their w hine and give them a space of their own. Currently, Wainuiomata do not have dedicated female facilities and players have to leave the club grounds to

The Yankees are never an underdog in the eyes of fans but success in the postseason has eluded them since their last title in 2009.

I listen to the games on my phone as I work during the week, like how people listen to music.

It’s fun, frustrating and terrifying all wrapped up into one.

As a fan of many teams, the Yankees are easily the most draining experience I have.

Sometimes, the team is so frustrat-

ing, I question what I’m doing being so emotionally invested in such a team.

It’s not like many people around me in this country know or care about Major League Baseball.

Most people I pass on the street wearing Yankees caps, have no clue how the team is playing at that given moment.

I often mention to my partner it feels like only I know the struggle of baseball week after week, month

after month.

I check the score at supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants and family gatherings.

When you know the team’s emerging players, the ones playing in the minor leagues, that’s fandom.

One year they will win it all and I will wear my Yankees cap in silent pride.

Until then, the wait goes on, hoping that this year could be the year my team outlasts all the others.

Gemma earns silver at World Cup

Work continues to progress on upgrading the facilities for women at the Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club. Photo: Supplied.

Wainuiomata’s Gemma Krebs has come up just short of being a world champion with her New Zealand women’s indoor cricket team at the World Cup in Melbourne over the weekend. Australia women proved their class throughout the tournament, winning all their matches throughout pool play, before edging out New Zealand by just six runs in a hard-fought final. New Zealand claimed World Cup victory in both the Men’s & Women’s U22 grades at the Indoor Cricket World Cup over

the weekend.

NZ U22 Women edged out their Australian counterparts in a closely contested match, only one run deciding NZ as eventual winners (89-88).

The U22 Men accomplished a comprehensive victory in their final, winning 95 – 56 against the championship defending Australians.

New Zealand Men were unable to complete their unbeaten tournament streak, losing to a spirited Australian side in the final.

Wainuiomata’s Gemma Krebs finished runnerup with her New Zealand team at the Indoor Cricket World Cup over the weekend.

Experience

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Tour #43 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Auckland

Tour

Sat 4th June 2022, departs Auckland 1.30pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Sat 11th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 8.30am - arrive Auckland 10.30am

Tour #44 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Tour

Mon 20th June 2022, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Mon 27th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.15am

Tour #45 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Tues 12th July 2022, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.45pm

Tues 19th July 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.30am - arrive Christchurch 11.00am

Tour #46 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch and incorporates “Festival of Science week”

Tue 16th Aug, 2022 departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Tue 23rd Aug, 2022 departs Chatham Islands 9.30am - arrive Christchurch 11.00am

is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Whanganui

Sun 2rd Oct 2022 departs Whanganui 7.00am arrive Chatham 9.45 am (CI)

Sun 9th Oct 2022 departs Chatham 5.15pm arrive Whanganui 6.30pm All-inclusive from $4,725 -- $4,925

Green light for RiverLink

RiverLink has been given the green light to release its Request for Proposal (RFP) to market and begin the procurement process for selecting an alliance partner to deliver the programme.

“RiverLink is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform our city,” says Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry.

“The project will deliver a more resilient, connected, and vibrant city centre with Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) at the heart.

“It will stimulate greater economic growth and development, allow more housing, and revitalise our central business district.”

RiverLink is set to be the largest infrastructure project in the history of the Hutt Valley.

It is a partnership of Waka Kotahi, Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington, and Iwi mana whenua - Taranaki Wh nui ki te Upoko o te Ika (Taranaki Wh nui) and Ng ti Toa Rangatira (Ng ti Toa) all working together to transform central Lower Hutt.

“I’m incredibly proud of the collective efforts and hard work that’s gone in to reaching this stage, and I’m looking forward to the exciting work ahead,” Mayor Barry says.

Final resource consents for RiverLink are due to be confirmed by the Environment Court later this year, after an extremely positive interim decision in August.

This milestone of releasing the

RFP, and finding a delivery alliance, represents over five years of consultation and engagement by project partners with local communities and stakeholders.

“Connecting our city through

a new Melling interchange, new vehicle and walking and cycling paths and bridges, including a relocated train station, is going to make a significant difference to the many people who live, work and

travel through Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai every day.

“We’re excited by the opportunities ahead especially for all those who will be building RiverLink in the years to come,” the Mayor says.

PH: 0508 SCISSOR

EWP 2022 XE-N SERIES

Electric Scissor lift

240kg Lift Capacity

working platform height

Long Term Hire Rates from

$99 per day

Big funding boost for city

Critical infrastructure projects to kick-start new housing developments, and accelerate growth in Lower Hutt, and across New Zealand has been made possible thanks to a massive $192 million Government investment, says Ginny Andersen MP for Hutt South.

Lower Hutt’s RiverLink and valley floor intensification project will receive $98.9 million through the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund IAF).

This money will fund major stormwater upgrades, including approximately two kilometres of new storm water pipeline, pumping stations and outfalls.

“This is fantastic news for Lower Hutt, and another great example of how local and central government can deliver for the Hutt and all New Zealanders”, Ginny Andersen says.

It will benefit Wainuiomata, as it will see less pressure on building new homes in the suburb, she says.

“This Government infrastructure funding will help our council and developers make sure critical infrastructure like pipes, roads and wastewater connections are in place, so

that thousands more homes can be built and communities can thrive.

“The Government’s strong finances allow us to focus on investing in what matters most to New Zealanders: growing wages and cost of living support, hospitals, schools, housing, and addressing climate change”, Ms Andersen says.

Hutt City Council applied to the IAF for the funding, which has now been approved.

The infrastructure upgrades will unlock vital development and provide capacity for around 3,500 new homes, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says.

“This funding is a significant gain for Lower Hutt as it will enable us to undertake desperately needed infrastructure investment to support the building of new homes as part of RiverLink and on our valley floor.

“We know we need to be enabling more homes to be built in our city. This funding will help do that, by delivering the necessary infrastructure upgrades to cater for growth” the Mayor says.

An artist’s impression of Riverlink. Image: Hutt City Council. Photo: Supplied.