Thousands join hikoi
By Frank Neill
Thousands of Wainuiomata people turned out at 3:30am yesterday, 19 November, to join the HĪkoi M Te Tiriti 2024.
Exact numbers were difficult to assess, but the crowd would have numbered well over 3,000 people.
Continued on page 2.
Some of the Wainuiomata contingent on the Hīkoi Mō
2024.
Te Tiriti
Photo: Frank Neill.
How to reach us
Display of solidarity and strength
Continued from page 1
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
Phone (04) 587 1660 NATIONAL
Sam Barnes
sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406
“This is huge,” the Wainuiomata Marae Chair, Star Olsen, said as the crowd was gathering at McEwan Park in Petone.
The 2024 hĪkoi, Star said, is a continuation of those that have taken place in the past, including the 1975 land hĪkoi led by Dame Whina Cooper and the 2004 foreshore and seabed march.
The H Ī koi M Te Tiriti is “not just about us. It’s about the country.”
In fact it is even bigger than being confined just to New Zealand.
“The world is looking at us.
“The hĪkoi has gone viral. It’s world wide,” Star said.
“This is a display of solidarity,” long serving Wainuiomata
Marae member Matthew Maniapoto said.
“It is a display of kotahitanga.
“It is a peaceful march but it is a display of strength,” Matthew said.
The huge Wainuiomata contingent left McEwan Park at 4am, walking along the Petone Esplanade to State Highway 2.
They then walked south alongside State Highway 2 to Ngauranga where they moved onto the old Hutt Road and then walked along Thorndon Quay to the Wellington Railway Station.
The Wainuiomata contingent then met up with the main hĪkoi, and they all marched to Parliament
The aim of HĪkoi M Te Tiriti
2024 is to demonstrate the beginning of a unified Aotearoa response to the government’s assault on tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
ToitŪ Te Tiriti is tupuna inspired, tiriti led, mana motuhake driven and mokopuna focused.
Its intent is to demonstrate the beginning of a unified Aotearoa response to the government’s assault on tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“We look to prove the might of tangata whenua and tangata tiriti working together to create an Aotearoa hou and a more cohesive country to live in,” the ToitŪ Te Tiriti website says.
“This is Generation Tiriti standing up and protecting the rights of all of our mokopuna.
“We will be affirming the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as enduring and everlasting.
“ToitŪ Te Tiriti is a revolution – get involved, let your voice be heard ... [and] be present for the next activation coming soon.”
The hĪkoi began with people gathering on 10 November at P tahi Marae in Te K o, on Cape R inga.
They then began marching south on 11 November, travelling down the North Island to Parliament.
At the same time the hĪkoi also took place in the South Island, arriving in Picton on Monday 18 November. They then crossed Cook Strait to join the final leg of the h Ī koi as it marched to Parliament.
More than 200,000 people signed a petition opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, and the petition was delivered to HanaR whiti Maipi-Clarke on behalf of Te P ti M ori after the HĪkoi M Te Tiriti reached Parliament. Launched by a group of Ng ti Whakaue young people, the petition joins the call of church leaders, community organisations,
Te Reo translators, the country’s most expert lawyers and hĪkoi attendees across the country for the Coalition Government to stop the Bill from passing into law. Supported by ActionStation, the petition grew by 180,000 signatures in the past week, making it the largest petition ever hosted on their community campaigning platform.
Tamariki joined the hīkoi, as well as whole families. Photo: Frank Neill.
At the forefront of the Wainuiomata section of the hīkoi as it sets off on its way to Parliament. Photo: Frank Neill.
Dirt bike problem is growing
By Frank Neill
The problem of dirt bikes being ridden illegally in Wainuiomata is growing, the Officer in Charge of the Wainuiomata Police, Sergeant Patrick Tangipo says.
“There are more and more dirt bikes out there,” he says, “and more of them riding in groups.”
The biggest problems are people riding illegally on the road and dangerous behaviour while riding the bikes.
“There are a lot of complaints coming through about dirt bikes.
“We need people to keep calling us.”
Sergeant Tangipo says that where people can do so it would help Police considerably if people could identify the riders or the bikes when possible and provide that information to the Police when they call about the dirt bikes.
In order to take inforcement action “the biggest thing is gathering the evidence, including the identity of the bike and the rider.”
Illegal and dangerous riding of dirt bikes is the “biggest problem” facing the Police in Wainuiomata currently.
“They are the bain of my existence,” Sergeant Tangipo says.
A petition seeking action on the problem of dirt bikes was presented to the Wainuiomata Community Board at its meeting on 14 February this year.
The petition was presented to the board by Wainuiomata Masonic Village resident Cheryl King.
More than 100 people signed the petition.
One of the signatories was the President of the Wainuiomata Softball Club, who signed on behalf of the club, because the bikes had been damaging Hugh Sinclair Park, where softball is played, meaning that the club had the weekly task of repairing the ground.
Hugh Sinclair Park is next to the Masonic Village.
“We the undersigned residents of Wainuiomata Masonic Village request a meeting with Hutt City Council regarding the continual health and safety problem of motorbikes (including quad bikes, dirt bikes and other noisy motor vehicles) that repeatedly use the Hutt City Council assets (parks and paths) surrounding the village on our east, north and south sides,” the petition said.
“We also call on the support of the Wainuiomata Community Board to assist in discovering what measures can be undertaken to improve the wellbeing and safety of residents in regards to this matter.
“These motorbikes disrupt the peace all hours of the day and night, which has a negative impact on sleep and rest for residents and impacts negatively on residents’ health.
“There is also a considerable safety issue as residents often use these surrounding paths and parks and the riding of these motorbikes etc often presents serious safety issues where pedestrians could be struck at speed.
“We believe Hutt City Council has a duty of care with council assets which are repeatedly used in unsafe or illegal ways, such as with these motorbikes.
“There are also often cars being able to access council paths on our north boundary from The Strand due to no barriers, or barriers being left open.
“We believe council assets paths (sic) should be safe for users and they should not present a health and safety risk to neighbours (residents in the village) or park and path users.
“We would like to discuss what HCC will do to address these issues, including the lack of signage and lack of measuers to reduce
for Hutt South
contact my Wainuiomata
incidents.
“As ratepayers of this community we would like to have council meet with us to address our concerns,” the petition said.
After the “Wainuiomata News” ran an article about the petition being presented to the community board a number of residents contacted the paper, saying the dirt bike problem was widespread.
The problem of dirt bikes “extends far beyond” Hugh Sinclair Park, Matthew Terrence told the “Wainuiomata News”.
In the north it includes Arakura Park and in the south it includes Leonard Wood Park and Ngaturi Park.
The dirt bikes ride around the Homedale area and the village, including the streets.
“Dirt bikes are notorious around here,” Matthew says.
“They speed up and down the street, overtake cars, ride all over the road and care very little for their own or anyone else’s safety.”
Another problem with the dirt bikes is that it’s happening at all hours.
Love Wainui AGM
Love Wainuiomata’s annual general meeting takes place today, 20 November, between 6pm and 8pm at the Wainuiomata Community Hub, 1A Queen Street.
Everyone in the community is welcome to attend. At the meeting people will learn more about what Love Wainuiomata does and will hear about the “exciting plans” they have for the community.
“Would you like to be involved with Love Wainuiomata ... come along to our upcoming annual general meeting,” Love Wainuiomata says.
Volunteer day
The time to celebrate the incredible contibution volunteers make in the community is approaching.
The 2024 International Volunteer Day is on 5 December. The theme this year is “volunteering: something for everyone.”
Volunteer Wellington in collaboration with Volunteering New Zealand will be hosting a morning tea to celebrate the day. It will be held at Two/Fiftyseven, Level 2, 57 Willis St from 10 to 11:30am.
Bikers illegally riding on Hugh Sinclair Park. Photo: Supplied.
Wainui Connections breakfast tomorrow
By Frank Neill
Love Wainuiomata will hold its second “Wainui Connections” breakfast tomorrow, 21 November.
The breakfast will be held at the Wainuiomata Community Hub from 6:30am to 8am.
Love Wainuiomata says that it welcomes all local business owners, entrepreneurs, stakeholders and those whose businesses are over the hill but
reside in Wainuiomata at the “Wainui Connections” breakfast.
Two local business leaders will feature as the speakers at the event.
Chemist Clive Cannons, a distinguished leader in the Wainuiomata business community, will share his lived experiences, insights on overcoming challenges and tips for building lasting business relationships.
LETTERS to the editor
Housing issues
Dear Editor,
I would like to support Joyce Owens in all her comments regarding the housing in our Wainuiomata.
I have also lived here since the early 1970s, brought my children up here
and now my grandchildren.
We had a genuine community spirit with good neighbours and support all around.
I am happy to be living in the Mews where we don’t have the problem of
Fatal shooting was justified
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has found that a Police officer was justified in shooting a man in Wainuiomata to save a woman’s life.
Police were called on 16 November 2023 at 11:47am after a report of a man assaulting his partner on the driveway of a rural property. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and found the man holding a screwdriver to the woman’s throat. Over the next hour Police tried to engage with the man, appealing for him to let the woman go. His behaviour was extremely erratic
during this time and at around 1pm, the level of aggression escalated. At this point officers feared for the woman’s life and police fired a single shot into the man’s shoulder to prevent him being able to stab her.
Police immediately provided medical assistance however the man went into cardiac arrest and died at the scene. The IPCA found the Police response was cohesive and co-ordinated and the appropriate staff made every effort to try resolve the situation safely. They also found shooting the man was the only vi-
Awhina Vailima, General Manager and co-founder of the Tuatahi Centre, will share her perspective on "Why businesses need dreamers”.
People attending are asked to bring along canned food, dried goods or sanitary pads to contribute to Kokiri Marae P taka Kai.
The P taka Kai helps more than 60 families every day, families who struggle to get necessities for their wh nau.
two and three story buildings next door and congested parking.
I see more buildings are going up and the insufficient parking is going to become a real problem.
Jo Tyacke
able option available to Police in the circumstances, so that they would ensure the woman was unharmed.
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell says all the officers involved did an exceptional job to save this woman’s life.
“These types of incidents are never easy for our officers.
“The staff involved had hoped for a different outcome, and tried very hard to resolve the matter safely, but were left with no other option but to ensure the woman was kept safe,” Superintendent Parnell says.
Clive Cannons, who will be one of the speakers at the second Wainui Connections breakfast. Photo: Supplied.
Thinking Real Estate?
Linda and Ray Wallace bring their extensive career experience in local government, banking, tourism, and international relations into the world of real estate. They understand that success goes beyond turnover—it’s about building trust and fostering lasting relationships with both buyers and sellers. Ray and Linda know that buying or selling a home is a significant life decision, so they go the extra mile to provide honest guidance, clear communication, and personalized service. Their dedication ensures clients feel supported every step of the way. For Linda and Ray, real estate isn’t just a transaction; it’s about helping people achieve their dreams.
Linda and Ray Wallace. Photo Supplied.
Swimming pool now open
and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The Wainuiomata Swimming Pool is now open for the summer.
The pool opened for the 2024-25 summer on 16 November.
From now until 22 December the pool will be open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Over the Christmas-New Year period the pool will be open from 10am to 6pm on 23 December, 10am to 3pm on 24 December, and closed on Christmas day. It will open from 10am to 6pm from 26 to 30 December, 10am to 5pm on 31 December and will be closed on New Year’s day.
The pool will be open from 10am to 6pm from 2 to 5 January.
The pool opening hours between 6 and 26 January are: Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10am to 6pm.
The opening hours between 27 January and 9 March, when the pool will close for the season, are 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday
The Wainuiomata pool features four outdoor heated pools situated among rose gardens and shrubs and surrounded by native bush.
It also features an 80 metre open air slide running down through bush to the pool.
Another feature is the poolside spa.
The pool is available for hire, for events such as birthday parties, corporate or social functions or fundraisers on Saturday or Sunday nights after 6pm.
It also has a meeting room that can serve as a birthday party room on the floor above the pool reception.
This room is suitable for meetings of up to 80 people or birthday parties of up to 50 people.
Just after the pool closed for the 2022-23 season it was rated one of the best in New Zealand.
Stuff travel reporter Lorna Thornber listed the Wainuiomata pool second in her list of the seven best outdoor pools in the country.
“An 80-metre open-air water slide through native bush is a highlight of this hidden gem of
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a complex in Lower Hutt,” Lorna wrote when naming the pool among the country’s best.
“Set amid rose gardens and shrubs surrounded by bush, it features a 50-metre pool with lanes dedicated to lane swimming and aqua jogging at certain periods, a ‘splash zone’ for kids and teens with an ‘aquarun’, hydroslide and aqua toys, plus a spa pool, playground and mini golf area.
“The terraced seating is perfect for spectators and sunbathers, while the grassy area backed by big, shady trees is prime picnic territory,” Lorna wrote.
It is not just Lorna who rates the pool highly either.
Many online reviewers also give it top marks.
“Brilliant pool,” one review said when giving it five stars.
“The choice of pools forall ages, ie the large pool and there’s also the wonderful water slide.”
“Great Outdoor Pool,” another reviewer said, also giving it five stars.
“[I] was really impressed.
“There is an infants’ pool, a shallow pool and then a large swimming pool.
“On the day we visited they had a large
inflatable in the bigger pool which the kids loved. “
The woodland slide was brilliant and the kids just went round and round it.
“There’s also a small playground and a small golf putting course.
“Saw one family had erected an events shelter. What a way to enjoy a nice day.
“Reasonable entry price so would highly recommend.”
“Perfect for all ages – loved it,” a third reviewer said. They also gave it five stars.
“Awesome facility and the perfect spot for a full day out or family celebration.
“Great mix of pools with plenty of space. Very friendly staff.
“Water is not super warm on a cold day but perfect after a while and there’s a great spa if needed. Plus lovely hot showers.
“Waterside is a blast – quite terrifying for a geriatric mum!
“Spotted a couple of built-in cookers that were being really well used. Plus playground for littlies and even a bit of a mini golf area.
“Amazing! Our three families with different ages all had an absolute blast.
“I want to move to Wainui,” the reviewer added.
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Painters
Sequence (5)
Unpredictable (7) 55. Distance measuring instrument (5-6)
Round,close fitting hats (6)
Dress (4)
Longing(inf) (3)
Cathedral city(U.K.) (3)
(4)
Without purpose (7)
Sign of authenticity (6)
Leather boring tool (3)
33. Dandy (3)
34. Incorrect (6)
35. Swift animal (7) 36. Holiday house (4) 37. Range of knowledge (3) 39. Male cat (3) 41. Russian emperor (4)
43. Injures (7) 45. Attorney (6) 48. Kiwi rugby team (3-6)
Breed (9) 51. Wanderer (5) 52. Relish served with fish (7)
Horse’s hindquarters (5)
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Governor (5)
Photo: Supplied.
Photo: Supplied.
Cricketers score major upset
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s first Cricket XI totally dominated their match against Petone Riverside on 16 November.
In a major upset, Wainuiomata defeated the table topping team by eight wickets.
Playing on their home turf at the Petone Recreation Ground, Petone Riverside was bowled out for 80 after Wainuiomata won the toss
and elected to bowl first.
Wainuiomata then reached 81 for the loss of just two wickets, taking ony 19 overs and five balls to record the victory.
Callum Mackaness bowled outstandingly for Wainuiomata, taking five wickets and conceding a mere 10 runs from his six over spell.
Jackson Hemingway also bowled well, taking two wickets for 15 and Gurpreet Singh took two wickets
Open day a huge success
for 27.
Wainuiomata’s other wicket taker was Logan Stoupe, who finished with one wicket at a cost of only five runs.
Ryan Jackson followed up his century of a week earlier when he finished on 29 not out when Wainuiomata surpassed the Petone Riverside total.
Ryan notched up 110 in the match against Johnsonville on 9
By Frank Neill
The Heritage Month open day at the Pioneer Church was a huge success.
Many locals andvisitors from the Hutt Valley and Wellington took the opportunity to view the historic church, which was open to the public on Sunday 17 November.
The people who attended learned about the restoration of this 160 year old historic building and heard the history of the church and surrounding graveyard,
Local spinner Jaymie Earle was present for the day, givingademonstration of spinning. She had a variety of items she had made from wool which she had spun.
All the visitors enjoyed afternoon tea in the church garden and chatting to other visitors.
The church, which was built by pioneers in 1866, has been lovingly restored by the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society, which was formedandtook over ownership of the church and surrounding graveyard in 2006.
In recognition of its work, the society was awarded winner of the Heritage and Environment category of the 2013 Hutt City
Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Pioneer Church is now a listed Category ll Heritage building.
Suspicious fire in abandoned shop
By Frank Neill
A suspicious fire in the former takeaway shop on the corner of Moores Valley Road and Main Road was rapidly extinguished by Wainuiomata firefighters on 18 November. Rubbish inside the now abandoned shop was apparently set alight. However the fire did not spread to the structure itself.
Someone saw smoke coming from the shop and called the brigade at around 6:10pm.
Two appliances from the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, its Operational Support Unit and appliances from Seaview and Avalon responded to the call. There was a reasonable amount of smoke, Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson said. Because of the smoke it took a little time to ascertain exactly where the fire was. Once it was located it took only a few minutes to put it out, CFO Thompson said. The Police also attended the fire and are investigating, he added.
November.
Jackson Hemingway was the other not out batsman with 19 runs.
As well as taking a wicket, Logan Stoupe also played well with the bat, scoring 21.
Despite losing to Wainuiomata, Petone Riverside remained at the top of the table in the division 2 Hazlett Trophy competition.
Wainuiomata’s next match sees them play North City at Linden
Park on 23 November.
The Wainuiomata women’s Cricket XI has recorded one win from the two matches scheduled in the division 3 competition to date, despite having yet to actually play a game.
They won their match against Upper Hutt United by default on 9 November, and their scheduled encounter with the Taita Queens was abandoned on 16 November.
Green flag for Whenua Tapu
Whenua Tapu cemetery has retained its Green Flag status for the fourth year running, recognising its high quality and welcoming experience for visitors.
Following mystery visits from judges experienced in recreation and green spaces, the Green Flag accreditation, overseen by Recreation Aotearoa, was awarded to Porirua Parks and City Services manager Julian Emeny.
"It’s a credit to the work our cemeteries manager Daniel Chrisp and his team do,” Julian says.
Daniel is a member of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
“We know how important Whenua Tapu is to our community, and to visitors from outside Porirua, who come to visit their loved ones.
"Our staff don’t come to work for awards, but they see the Green Flag status as a
badge of honour for the love and attention they give this important part of our city."
Green Flag status recognises not just a recreation or green space being neat and tidy, but ensuring the right plans are in place to run it effectively, safely and sustainably.
In 2021, the cemetery’s chapel and crematorium re-opened after an extensive refurbishment, while in 2023 a new children’s area was established.
"Whenua Tapu is a beautiful place and people are seeing the benefit of combining excellent day-to-day mahi, but we always have an eye on constantly looking at what we can be doing in the medium and longterm,” Julian says.
Other Green Flag winners include Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, Cornwall Park in Hastings and Waimate Cemetery.
EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS AVAILABLE
Spinner Jaymie Earle giving a demonstration during the Pioneer Church open day.
Photo: Supplied.
Visitors enjoying afternoon tea at the Pioneer Church open day. Photo: Supplied.
