By Frank Neill
Two opposing views on the crematorium that has been installed in Burden Avenue – one welcoming it and one saying it was a liability – were presented during the public comment section of the 14 August Wainuiomata Community Board meeting. Linda Olsen spoke in support of the crematorium and Sarah Poole expressed concern about it.
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The crematorium which is being built in
Avenue.
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our clean and green environment”.
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“A lot of our wh nau support the crematorium, because it costs our wh nau too much money to travel all the way to Akatarawa, all the way to Karori ... and all the way to Whenua Tapu,” she said.
“Soon our young people will not be able to afford to go over the hill with their loved ones.
“A crematorium would go very successful in Wainuiomata.”
Linda stressed that she supported the environment.
“I’m an environment person,” she said.
“My name is Linda Olsen and I am mana whenua of this area.
“We do value our community and our environment totally.”
Sarah Poole, however, said, the crematorium “is not an asset to our community but a massive liability that will adversely affect the health of our community, and
“You only need to do a quick search on Stuff or Google to find multiple cases of faulty crematoriums within New Zealand that have been emitting black smoke and ashes, including a New Plymouth Crematorium that was operated by the New Plymouth District Council and one in Tauranga last year that left neighbouring homes filled with the crematorium smoke and offensive discharge.”
The crematorium in Burden Avenue “has been installed covertly, without much, if any, consultation with the neighborhood and without building consent.
“I believe that they are hoping that if they just install it and start operating it, that the neighbouring community will have no option but to just suck it up and accept it.
“We have had no opportunity to provide feedback,” Sarah said.
“Crematoriums have several
detrimental impacts, including air pollution, mercury emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, odour from incomplete combustion or faulty equipment and noise from the furnaces and other equipment.”
Crematoriums are statistically significant contributers to air pollution and the process emits pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulphur oxide, mercury, hydrogen chloride, chromium and sulphur dioxide.
“These can contribute to smog, respiratory problems and other health issues.
“Crematoriums claim to comply with environmental standards, but standards are relatively weak.
“So called ‘clean-burning’ crematoriums only reduce visible particle emissions, not the real pollutants and just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean the pol-
The A Rocha team restoring an area in Waiu Wetland held its August working bee on Saturday 17 August.
“With wet weather last month, it was good to get the winter planting completed on uneven ground up opposite the dirt bike track,”
A Rocha’s Richard Rhoades says.
“Bad weather was again predicted, but the team of 10 got their work finished just before the rain set in around midday.
“Working bees are held on the
third Saturday of each month. Morning tea is provided and new volunteers are very welcome.”
A Rocha is an international Christian organisation engaging in environmental research and practical conservation.
For more information contact Richard Rhoades at randjrhoades@gmail.com. Another working bee will undertake planting at the Waiu Wetland on Saturday 24 August. This working bee has been organised by Forest and Bird
and will take place from 1:30pm to 4pm.
Gary James and Forest and Bird have been planting extensively in the Waiu Wetland this winter.
“We still have hundreds of plants yet to be planted at the Waiu Wetland,” Forest and Bird says.
“Please come and help and see what we have achieved so far.
“Bring gumboots or stout boots, warm clothes, water bottle, own gloves and tools – a spade or grubber.”
lutants aren’t there.
“Mercury emissions are a concern because they can deposit in bodies of water, contaminating fish and other aquatic life and entering the food chain.
“Ashes and other remnants from cremations can contain pollutants that may leach into the soil and water systems.
“The location of the Burden Avenue crematorium is smack bang in the middle of a busy residential area, in a small pocket of Burden Avenue that just happens to be zoned commercial.
“This is far more a neighbourhood community than an industrial area. “
Sarah also noted that the crematorium “borders the Wainuiomata River, is in close proximity to people’s homes, close to a school, two childcare centres and a playcentre, and our water collection area is nearby.”
By Frank Neill
Hutt City Council is currently undertaking work to protect Coast Road because the Wainuiomata River has been migrating towards the road, threatening its integrity, the council’s Roading Engineer, Blair Stanfield told the 14 August meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
The council is undertaking work at two sites – one at 636 Coast Road and the other at 204 Coast Road.
At these sites the council is constructing “two large structures, effectively two large retaining walls.
“They are made up of driven rail lines and what we call concrete bollards.
“This is an approved methodology and it works really well.
“They are going to prevent the Wainuiomata River from migrating further towards
the Coast Road,” Blair says.
“Another part of the work is channel excavation to the north [of the retaining wall].
“We are going to be removing material from the Wainuiomata River and relocating that into the western channel.
“The western channel developed during flood events and the problem is that it has changed the river flow so that it directs the flow straight into the corner rather than a glancing flow.”
The water flow was threatening private properties “so we want to get the river back onto the right course,” Blair said.
The total cost of the project was in the order of $600,000 and was in the council’s budget to June next year.
“We are going to be completed well in advance of that,” Blair said, although “we don’t have a specific goal in mind.”
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School’s
Junior 1 Netball team continued its impressive season when they won the Collegiate 4 final of the Hutt Valley Secondary School competition on 17 August.
They defeated Heretaunga College 26-12 to retain their unbeaten 2024 record.
The Junior 1 team has now played 12 matches, with three grading games, six rounds of
competition, the semi-final and the final.
Following its victory in the final, the team will compete in the Kurangaituku Netball Tournament Junior Secondary School Division, which will be played in Rotorua on 14 and 15 September.
Coaches Maria and Piripi Gillies say they are “proud of the team and the way they carried themselves through the season, always showing the school values.”
“Our team are a part of the Wainuiomata High School –Wharekura Year 9 and 10s,”
Maria says.
“I think for this team it gave them an edge as they spent all day in the same classroom settings. The bond is already there.
“The girls were asked to dedicate two days a week for netball training.
“It became a struggle through the season with the Nga Manu Korero competition, Kapa Haka
national competition and Ki O Rahi nationals being held during the netball season. They were kept busy.
“We would just like to thank our Sports Co-ordinator Peter Cowan, our Wharekura Staff Whaea Carolyn and Matua Matauranga for the support, assistant coach Matua Piri, our scorer Tania Elizabeth our umpire Te Piwa Hemana and all the wh nau that supported us through the season,” Maria and Piripi say.
Wainuiomata High School held a remembrance for its former Tumuaki-Principal, Janette Melrose, who passed away on 19 August last year. The remembrance was held in the school auditorium on 19 August.
The school’s Kapa Haka group performed a waiata especially prepared in honour of Ms Melrose. There was also an opportunity for people to share memories of Ms Melrose.
Love Wainuiomata is organising stalls for the first annual Wainuiomata Hill Run event that will be held on Saturday 14 September.
Stalls cost $20 each and all the funds wil be donated to Kokiri Marae Pātaka Kai, who provide food parcels for needy Wainuiomata families.
Love Wainuiomata will also be collecting food donations for Pātaka Kai at the hill run.
The stalls will be set up in the Whai Oranga Medical Car Park in the Strand.
People can register for the stalls and for the fun run by visiting Love Wainuiomata’s Facebook page.
Greater Wellington’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi Komiti has recommended that the regional council affirm its commitment to establish a M ori constituency.
The commitment was made in October 2023 for the 2025 and 2028 triennial local elections, with unanimous support from Greater Wellington’s six mana whenua partners: Ng HapŪ o taki, tiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ng ti Toa Rangatira, Taranaki Wh nui ki te poko o te Ika, Rangit ne Wairarapa and Ng ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.
Te komiti chair, Hikitia Ropata, says the recommendation puts the council on the right side of history.
“We made a commitment to M ori – that M ori voices would be heard from a seat at the council table – and [the] recommendation by te komiti honours that commitment,” Cr Ropata says.
“This government’s approach to their so-called M ori wards bill is not only disrespectful, but destructive, and comes at significant cost to ratepayers and local decision-
making.’
“The decision made last October by regional councillors is in the best interests of the Wellington Region, and reflects the views of the communities we represent,” Te komiti deputy chair, Daran Ponter says.
“A M ori constituency does not replace the council’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations to mana whenua but creates a mechanism for M ori to have dedicated representation in local government.”
Te komiti also recommended that the council adopts the name ‘Te Upoko o te Ika a MŪui’ for the M ori Constituency as part of its initial representation proposal for the 2025 elections.
“This name recognises the whakapapa and history of the Wellington Region as well as te ao M ori, forming a fitting identity for the seat that will represent the M ori of this region,” Cr Ropata adds.
Greater Wellington will consider the recommendations at a council meeting on 27 August.
Wainuiomata’s Ruben Love joined Peter Umaga-Jensen for the Wellington Lions second provincial Rugby championship match on 18 August, doubling the numbers from the valley. They helped the Lions to a 26-19 victory over the Taranaki Bulls. This win came on the back of a huge comeback by the Lions.
Taranaki dominated the first half and led 19-5 at half time.
The Lions, however, turned the tables in the second spell, scoring 21 points and keeping the Bulls scoreless. Ruben played at full back and Peter played on the wing. The week before the Lions won their first match of the championship, beating Auckland 29-21, and they look one of the teams likely to
line up for the top honours. Two Wainuiomata players, Fanua Rimoni and Billie Va’a, featured for the Wellington Pride in their women’s championship victory over Taranaki on 17 August. The Pride took out their second big win in succession, beating Taranaki 51-7 after leading 21-0 at half time. In their first Farah Palmer Cup match, the Pride defeated Tasman 51-12.
Wainuiomata High School’s under 15 boys Rugby team has qualified for the 2024 final of the competition. The Wainuiomata team won its semi-final against St Patricks Silverstream 41-33 on 17 August. With the match ticking down Wainuio-
mata led 34-33 and then they sealed the victory with a last minute try. This saw the team keep their unbeaten record for the season intact. They will meet Tawa College in the final next Saturday 24 August.
Coach Bo Chanhsamone, a former Parkway College student, says it reminds him of his 1st XV Parkway College finals. Assistant coaches Dean and Dylan say the boys have done well to get this far and they are very proud of them.
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A completely new Waterloo Station is being planned by Greater Wellington Regional Council, Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie told the 14 August meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
“That’s an exciting development,” Cr Duthie said. The new station will be built over the next five years. The current station has an “enormous canopy roof” and “it is going to cost so much to maintain and stop it falling down it is more economic to replace it,” Cr Duthie said. In addition the station has significant accessibility issues, aging infrastructure and low quality connectivity with neighbouring areas. The renewal of the station will include:
make the station accessible to all
to better integrate with the station. There will also be room for some
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commercial development “and ideally provide work spaces [such as] a creche or a health centre or a government department,” Cr Duthie said. The station upgrade is planned to begin in December 2026 with demolition of the existing roof and station office building. Greater Wellington Regional Council is eager to hear feedback on the changes and feedback can be made by email to waterloorenewal@gw.govt.nz. There was now “really good continuity and reliability” of public transport services. In the last 12 months “we had five million boards of the buses just in Lower Hutt, and five million boardings of trains on the Hutt Valley line. “These figures are an increase over the last 12 months, buses by a 16% increase. “That is really good support for the public transport network,” Cr Duthie said. The new regional public transport plan will open for consultation from 23 September to 18 October. This will provide Wainuiomata people an opportunity to have their say, including on the need for a direct bus service to Wellington.
Inline hockey is coming to Wainuiomata, Sandy Nimmo of the Hutt City Inline Hockey Club announced at the 14 August meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
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Inline hockey gets its name from the boots the players wear, each of which has wheels arranged in a line.
“It’s a sport rarely known in this country,” Sandy said.
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“Some time in term four ... we are going to launch a learn to skate programme.”
It will take place at the outdoor skating rink in Wainuiomata and “it will be totally free for the kids.
“We are raising all the money to allow us to offer the programme,” Sandy said.
“One thing we do need, we are looking for a small container so we can lock up the gear.”
Inline hockey is an all inclusive sport involving speed and skill.
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It attracts families and caters to single and mixed gender teams. There are social grades for those just wanting to have some fun along with age-based grades for the more competitive.
Inline Hockey New Zealand holds national and inter-regional competitions on an annual basis as well as providing opportunities for teams to play internationally.
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By Ryan Imray
It was the final game of the season for a few of the Wainuiomata Football teams over the weekend.
For the Masters sides, The OCs finished their 2024 season in style with a 3-2 win over Brooklyn United with the win securing them a top three finish. A team known for its friendly nature and banter, turning up to simply "play football with your mates", finishing third is their highest finish in several years.
Pasifika Originals said goodbye to 2024 with a 2-0 win away to Tawa but it was a disappointing end for 2023 Champions The Undertakers. Their final game saw them lose 2-0 against Upper Hutt.
In Wellington 3, Halfbaked Roundballs had a heavy 5-1 defeat against Island Bay. With one more game remaining against Tawa, they will be hoping to see out their season in a
positive way.
The Reserves played their final game of the season away to Brooklyn United and it wasn't the fairytale ending they were hoping for.
With a squad so thin they had no substitutions, they sadly lost 6-1. A young squad under a new manager in Scott McLeod Snr, it was a overall positive year and makes for an exciting 2025 season.
Finally, over the weekend the men's first team went away to Victoria University and were able to extend their unbeaten run to four matches as their game controversially ended in a 2-2 draw.
With Wainuiomata 2-1 ahead as the clock hit the 90 minute mark thanks to goals from Tyron Curtis and Jared Nicol, it looked like the lads were going to hold on for a fourth win in a row.
However the referee played an extra six minutes of added time and in the final minute, the home side found the
equaliser much to the anger and frustration of everyone involved with Wainuiomata. Head Coach Pedro Garcias felt for his side and was gutted for them that they didn't get a win they so rightfully deserved.
By Vaegaau Isaac
Ulalei Aute stormed into the Hutt Valley Premier 1 Netball final in what can only be described as a first half annihilation of St Orans Old Girls on 17 August.
Aute had an unassailable 43-12 lead at half time, gifting coach Poni Smith the opportunity to try out combinations in the second half. The final score was 65-35.
After the disappointment of being cruelly denied a place in the 2023 final, it is redemption for Ulalei Aute and they are excited to take their place in the big dance. Ulalei Puataunofo booked a place in the Premier 3 final beating Maidstone 56-43. The defensive unit of Doris Tagaloa, Jahlena Faiumu Heurea and Janique Te-Wiki Mu were formidable and together with Sonia Ravindran and Quincess Vaka, built an insurmountable navy and gold wall forcing turnovers and stifling
the opposition attack.
Shooters Hannah Smith and Bree Itula were sensational with accurate shooting, and were supplied excellent ball from their midcourters, Darnaka Barry, Waiapu Tangianau, Kimmy Aurupa, and Zarlya Collings. Coach Norah Smith was ecstatic with the team’s performance.
“I'm really proud of the girls and how far we have come,” she says.
“The growth has been amazing especially in fitness.
“This game had to be one of our favorite games that we have played as a squad. Love our beautiful Puatuanofo girls, nothing but love.
“We are super excited to be going to the big dance with all my favorite people, especially our amazing manager, Lei-Marie Rooney”
Ulalei M lili will play in the Senior 5 final after an impressive performance against Upper Hutt Rams Ma.
M lili made a nervous start only
leading by 8-6 at the end of the first quarter, before normal transmission resumed, M lili running away with a 41-27 victory.
Ulalei Laga'alii will play in the Reserve 1 final after a comprehensive win over Naenae Collegians 41-25. Managers Nella Stowers-Belford and Karina Sagaga said: "We are so proud of this team.
“To get to the play offs stage and then make the final we couldn't be more excited for the players and the club."
Ulalei Fuesina won their game by default after Upper Hutt Rugby League Tigers breached eligibility rules for the playoffs. Ulalei Moso’oi had a close semi-final against St Orans Old Girls eventually going down 40-34. Ulalei Pualulu finished the season strongly with a 36-29 victory over Naenae Collegians.
Ulalei is encouraging everyone to head down to Walter Nash stadium this Saturday to support our local
"I know that that's football and it can happen, but it really annoyed me when the ref ruined a massive shift from the boys. Our lads were superb today and they kept fighting right until the end. I am so grumpy".
Take your poi, wear your favourite Ulalei top or just wear Navy and Gold.
Games are at 9am Laga’ali; 10.30am; M lili, 10.30am Fuesina, 12pm Puataunofo and the big one Ulalei Aute in the Premier 1 final at 2.30pm. Check out Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball on facebook and instagram. Wainuiomata Intermediate will be playing in the curtain raiser to the Premier 1 final at 1.30pm which features many Ulalei tamaiti.
By Frank Neill
Police discovered items stolen in the robbery of a Wellington convenience store when they searched a Wainuiomata house on 12 August.
The Police also found a Toyota Aqua that was used in the robbery abandoned in Wainuiomata.
Police executed a search warrant at the Wainuiomata property within an hour of the City Shop store on The Terrace being robbed. That was the second time in two days that the store had been robbed.
At around 5:15am Sunday 11 August, Police responded to the City Stop after three offenders broke in through the door using tools and stole a number of items.
At around 7:10pm the following day Police again responded to the store after three offenders entered the store with weapons threatening the store attendant with a knife.
“Luckily no one was injured in the incident,” Police say.
In both incidents the offenders targeted tobacco, vape products and ice-creams.
Enquiries have revealed the offenders left the scene of the robbery in a white Toyota Aqua stolen from Hania Street, Mt Victoria, 30 minutes before.
Police located a Mazda Demio, previously stolen that afternoon from Waterloo railway station, on Hania Street in the place of the stolen Toyota Aqua.
Both vehicles were seized and have undergone forensic examinations.
At this time no one has been charged however enquiries are continuing, including to determine whether the two incidents are linked. Police are also investigating another burglary that occurred at about 1am Tuesday morning at the Island Bay dairy on The Parade, where four masked offenders broke into the store with a hammer and stole cash, cigarettes and vape products.
They were travelling in a silver Toyota Allion sedan that had been stolen from Torridon Rd earlier in the night, and which was later recovered in Houghton Bay.
Police are reviewing all three matters to determine if they are the work of the same group of offenders.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, Wellington Area Investigations Manager says there is no place for violence in our community, especially against people that are just trying to do their jobs.
“We work hard to hold offenders to account and prevent further offences from occurring as we know the impact it has on hard-working business owners, their staff, and members of the public.”
Not only can these offences have a financial effect on small businesses through the loss of stock and damage to stores, but they also have the potential to cause serious harm to the retailers and the community.
“Police received several reports Monday afternoon of the Mazda Demio being driven in the Petone area by a driver wearing a mask. We are appealing for any sightings of this vehicle or its occupants,” DSS Leitch says.
Police are appealing for any information that could assist in these investigations.
“We are seeking sightings of the vehicles likely containing three occupants wearing masks, the Demio in Lower Hutt, Petone and Wellington and the Aqua after leaving The Terrace travelling to Wainuiomata after 7.10pm Monday evening as well as any sightings of the Allion overnight Monday in and around Miramar and Island Bay areas.
“Police also seek any other information that may assist in identifying those involved in the offences.
“You can report any information to Police by calling 105 or online at https://www.police. govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update report’.
“Please reference file number: 240812/2395.”
By Frank Neill
In the wake of a spike in vehicles being stolen across the Hutt Valley recently, the Officer in charge of the Wainuiomata Police, Sergeant Patrick Tangipo, is recommending people take a variety of steps to minimise the risk of theft.
“Secure your vehicle,” Sergeant Tangipo says. “Always lock your car, motorbike, bicycle or other vehicles.”
“Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
“Consider installing an alarm and a demobiliser,” he says, adding that more information about vehicle security and theft prevention is on the Police website.
“A car alarm, steering lock or good quality chains are extra deterrents,” the Police website says.
“Ideally keep all vehicles in a garage or out
of sight.”
The Police website also provides advice when people observe a vehicle they believe may be stolen.
“If you know the location of a stolen vehicle, always think about your own safety and the safety of others.
“Do not pursue a vehicle you believe may be stolen.
“If the vehicle is being driven or you believe the driver or the vehicle occupants are still nearby, then please call 111 and ask for Police.
“If the vehicle appears to be abandoned then please advise Police of its location by calling 105. To make a police report use 105 Online or phone 105.
“If you want to provide information anonymously about this vehicle contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111,” the Police website says.
Quality over quantity was the theme of Greater Wellington’s planting day at Baring Head/ rua-pouanui on Saturday 17 August.
A small group of people from across the region planted 130 plants, and East Harbour park ranger Jo Greenman says she is very happy with the planting effort at the lighthouse complex.
“It’s very exposed up there on the headland,” Jo says.
“With every plant we put in the ground, we also install wool mats and guards for protection.
“We were planting low-flammable species
along a new firebreak, which is part of a longterm plan to reduce fire risk by slowing the spread of wildfires.
“Baring Head has its own microclimate –there were a lot of comments about how much the weather changed as you left the city and came towards the coast.
“Every plant in the ground helps to restore the environment and protect the historic lighthouse complex, which has been preserved thanks to the dedication of our community.”
Greater Wellington recently transformed one of the historic lightkeeper’s cottages into bookable accommodation, which will soon be available on Airbnb.
