22 December Independent Herald

Football fast lane

By Jacob Page

North Wellington footballer Ryan Lee is a teenager on a mission.

The 16-year-old has been selected for the New Zealand under-17 team for the Oceania Championships in January.

Ryan, a defender with an attacking bent, says he is excited by the opportunity ahead.

Continued on page 2.

Ryan Lee says his move to wing back this season has paid dividends.

Unichem Cuba Mall Closed Christmas day and New Year’s Day open every other day

Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday

Ryan’s football journey takes shape

Continued from page 1.

“I joined North Wellington when I was five and here we are a decade later,” he says.

“I remember playing on the top pitch at Alex Moore Park and we were all just chasing the ball like a pack of wolves.

“The first time I kicked the ball, all I wanted to do was kick it and score goals and the passion has grown from there.

In the lower grades, I was a defensive midfielder but then my determined personality on the field caught the eye of some coaches and they thought defence was the best place for me.”

Ryan has been a wing back at the urging of North Wellington mentor Davor Tavich.

“For me, it’s the best of both worlds because I like to push forward and attack, especially one-on-one.

“Playing Central League this year has been a step-up both physically and mentally.

“I’ve had to learn to be strong on the ball when I’m competing against 20 and 30-year-old men.”

Ryan says he has embraced the physical challenge.

“I want to be fearless when I play,” he says.

“Every decision I make comes down to if it will make me a better

player.”

Ryan was part of the Wellington Regional Talent Centre camps which are run by national coaches and from which higher honours can be earned.

Ryan says being named in the under-17 team was a surreal feeling.

“I was getting scared that I had missed an email but to find out I was in was a surreal moment and it was nice to see the hard work paying off.

Ryan will head to Fiji in January with the team as they look to qualify for the World Cup.

“Some of the island countries have fast players on the wing and it’s going to be raining and hot all at once.”

Ryan says he is motivated to keep pushing for his dream to one day play professional football.

A Liverpool fan, Ryan says he looks up to Andy Robertson for his fitness and Trent AlexanderArnold for the quality of his

Are

North Wellington FC’s Ryan Lee, 16, will look to make his mark in both attack and defence for the New Zealand Under-17 team in Fiji in January.

passing.

“I just want to prepare well and put my best foot forward for the team.

“I love football, it is my life so I’m thrilled to not go on holiday and train instead.

“Fiji in January sounds perfect to me.

“I don’t have much of an offseason but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You have to work hard to get in positions like these.”

loving nurse?

a fun

I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.

Everyone I speak to in the electorate remarks on what an extraordinary and unpredictable year they’ve had, as we all adapt to a world disrupted by COVID and the related impacts on the way we do things. However, I believe our good old stoic kiwi attitude and sense of humour has held us in good stead, and most conversations I have with folk on the issue end up with a lighthearted comment.

There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.

Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more

While we may be feeling the impacts of the pandemic for a while with higher living costs and interest rates, the economic news at year-end was much better than expected, with the economy growing and Government spending down.This means unemployment is likely to remain at its historical low levels and we can continue to increase

police numbers, which are now over 1500 higher in real terms than in 2018, an important factor as people’s concerns about crime grow. A belief you will get caught is the best crime prevention measure, and these offenders are being caught by the extra additional police.

runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.

Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.

The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meetdemand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.

The Johnsonville Police Station staff is at full strength and there will be plenty of police on the roads, including the newly opened Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway, to deal with bad driving. The best way to keep safe is to treat every other driver like they’re an idiot about to do something stupid.

So enjoy the festive season with family and friends, and spare a thought, and even some help, to those worse off.

That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.

I’ve really enjoyed being your MP again this year, and I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

There’s plenty to be getting on with.

We’ve made it!

More sustainable transport through Aro Valley and Ngaio

Further bus, bike and pedestrian improvements are heading for the suburbs of Wellington, with routes through Aro Valley and Ngaio approved today.

Wellington City Council’s Koata epe Regulatory Processes Committee gave the go ahead for new raised pedestrian crossings and a further six kilometres of safer bike routes, giving Wellingtonians more sustainable transport options to help reduce carbon emissions.

Today’s decision determines what interim cycling improvements will be made on two routes.

The Aro Valley route goes from Willis Street along Aro Street, Raroa Road and Raroa Crescent, while the Ngaio route goes from Hutt Road along Kaiwharawhara Road, Ngaio Gorge Road, Kenya Street, and Crofton Road. Changes on Cameron Street to the Kaiwharawhara Bridle Path are also planned.

The Committee made the decision after considering recent community feedback, which showed more than two-thirds of respondents supported or strongly supported the proposed changes on the two routes.

“We know reallocating street space to provide low carbon transport options now is crucial so we can support our growing neighbourhoods and create healthy, liveable streets for our tamariki,” says Mayor Tory Whanau.

“We’re taking an agile and responsive approach to construction, using adaptable materials that let us quickly install changes – getting more of Wellington’s bike network in place faster, so more people can benefit sooner. This also means we can adapt the routes based on feedback once people have experienced the changes on the ground.

“Both routes will be funded in part by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Transport Choices programme, which aims to make quick and visible changes to our streets and the way people use them to build a transport system that’s sustainable for the next generations to come.”

These changes include: uphill bike lanes safer speeds along Aro Street, Cameron Street, and around Ngaio Village new raised pedestrian crossings new car share parking spaces in Aro Valley improving access to bus stops – for both passengers and buses

improving visibility and reducing pinch points on narrow roads by removing some car parks and painting broken yellow lines sharrow road markings going downhill to make it more obvious that drivers and riders share the lane.

Committee Chair Councillor Sarah Free says community feedback has played an integral role in shaping the final designs that we have approved today, and we thank everyone for their input.

“We understand that getting used to street changes like these takes time and supporting options like car share and having more dedicated residents parking are examples of ways to make the most of limited street space, and help people living in these inner-city suburbs adjust over time.

“We are very conscious of supporting the community to adapt and we are looking at ways to make it easier for carers and tradespeople to access properties too,” adds Councillor Free.

In Aro Valley, changes made in response to people’s feedback include bike parking and mobility parking close to the shopping village, an extension to the 30kph zone, and new residents parking options on Aro Street, Adams Terrace and Holloway Road.

New residents parking will also be proposed on Raroa Road, following more discussion with the community. Two narrow paths that are often used by people walking and biking through Aro Park and Little Palmer Street to the CBD will be widened to make shared use easier for everyone.

Further bus, bike and pedestrian improvements are heading for the suburbs of Wellington, with routes through Aro Valley and Ngaio approved.

In Ngaio, the Residents’ Association welcomes the changes.

“Here in Ngaio, we’re aiming to be the first zero-carbon suburb in New Zealand,” says shared Ngaio Residents’ Association Chair Ian Turk.

“Having better transport options is a big part of meeting this goal. Changes like these will make it easier for our community to get around our neighbourhoods safely on foot or by bike, whether it’s getting to school, or visiting the local shops or parks.”

Business and community feedback in Ngaio has led to safer crossings that improve access to bus stops, creating a new loading zone at the bottom of

Ngaio Gorge, more short-term parks outside the Crofton Road dairy, safer speeds and a P24 parking zone on Cameron Street, and work to improve visibility and reduce pinch points along the route.

The first stage of installation on both routes is expected to get under way in March 2023.

As part of Paneke neke, Wellington’s bike network plan, improvements are already being installed between Newtown and the city, and Botanic Garden ki Pae nd the city. Designs are also in development for routes through Thorndon, Kilbirnie, and between Berhampore and Newtown.

Sitting Ohariu MP Greg O’Connor has been confirmed for the Ōhāriu seat in the 2023 Election.

“I very much enjoy representing Ōhāriu constituents in Parliament, and feel the five years I have spent learning about the different parts of the electorate, which stretches from Tawa to Wadestown, gives me a very good understanding of the issues.

“I have worked and lived in the electorate at different times and in different places since the 1970s, and of course live here today,” he says.

Jville Softball set to celebrate

Johnsonville Softball prepares for their 85th anniversary next year. The three-day event will run from Friday January 20 to Sunday January 22. For more information, people can contact manger@jgc.nz

Parklet pop-ups continue

Parklets are starting to pop up around the city on Courtenay Place, Dixon Street and Oriental Bay, just in time for summer and the silly season. After a few trials in the city, more business owners are taking on parklets after seeing how successful they have been for other restaurants and cafes.

NEWS TIPS

O’Connor confirmed for Ohariu in 2023

I will be celebrating with my adult children and we will see the New Year in.

I will have a few beers and stay home.

Definitely with family and friends, and church as well since it’s a Sunday.

I’m going overseas – to India. Because of Covid and the border was shut, I haven’t seen my family so I’m going to see them.

Watch this space, Poneke

Several murals will be popping up around P neke over the next couple of months recognising mana whenua, our creative culture and adding further vibrancy to the capital.

The three main projects will have many benefits for the city, from acknowledging mana whenua sites of significance and making our cultural heritage more visible through n toi M ori, to contributing to safer, brighter and more vibrant public spaces.

Murals also celebrate the creative talent residing in our city, provide a foundation for upskilling opportunities for artists, minimises graffiti, and gives a sense of connection and belonging to place.

Wellington City Council has commissioned local artist Ariki Brightwell, Rongowhakaata, Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngati Toa, to paint a mural along a retaining wall on Bowen Street.

This artwork will mark the installation of a transitional cycleway along the Botanic Garden ki Paek to city route.

Ariki’s artwork Kaiota responds to the heritage of this location as a site of significance for mana whenua for food cultivation and hunting.

The artwork connects to the past, to P eke’s pre-colonial heritage and contributes another layer of meaning to this space, says Ariki.

“The artwork will depict the atua Rongomatane, representing food plantations and peace and Haumiatiketike, representing the wild food and fauna surrounding the area.

“Art changes a site. It determines and changes the energy of the space and draws people in.”

Early next year, Keri Mei Zagrobelna (Te Atiawa) and Tina Rae Carter will start painting a mural on the east wall of St James Theatre, from Monday 9 January.

As part of the Urban Design upgrade of Garret Street and Swan Lane, Izzy Joy (K i Tahu) will start work on a new mural on Garrett Street on the south wall of Café Eis . This project also kicks off on Monday 9 January.

Senior Arts Advisor Katie

Taylor-Duke says it’s important to value the unique contribution of M ori to the cultural landscape and identity of P neke.

“These projects are a way for mana whenua to express their m auranga in our city’s infrastructure.

“Creative placemaking like murals animate public space, rejuvenate structures and streetscapes and bring people together to celebrate, inspire and be inspired.”

Other murals planned for 2023: A Tawa mural will be painted mid-late January

I’m going to celebrate it at home with my wife and kids.

The three main mural projects will have many benefits for the city, from acknowledging mana whenua sites of significance and making our cultural heritage more visible through ngā toi Māori, to contributing to safer, brighter and more vibrant public spaces.

kau Tangi Sports Centre in Kilbirnie as part of Let’s Get Wellington Moving.

A transitional cycleways mural will be painted at the intersection of Raroa Rd and Plunket St.

A local Karori resident in collaboration with the wider Karori community has raised money and commissioned M ri artist Theo Arraj to paint a large-scale mural that celebrates local birdlife and flora on the Montgomery Reservoir (water-tank in Karori).

Two M ri artists have been shortlisted to develop interior artworks at T ina. The artwork is due for installation late March/ early April.

EtiBell

EdwinAtkins

At home by myself.

WayneEliapoFetoai Harding

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Khandallah Fair a great success

The day of the Khandallah Village Fair dawned calm and sunny, which made up for the disappointment of previous years when it was cancelled due to the pandemic and rain.

Initially run by a private entrepreneur, the Fair was taken on by the young enthusiasts of the newly formed KauKau Rotary club, which later merged into Wellington North.

Team leader was Kesh Gilmour who had devoted countless hours to ensuring its success. She was ably supported by Rotarians, their families and friends.

No fair is complete without a sausage sizzle. Prominent in the sales line up, the eftpos machine was in the capable hands of the Opposition Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis, who ensured that the funds in balanced the sausages out.

Nicola’s late father-in law was Francis

Small, head of NZ Rail and an active member of the Wellington North Rotary Club.

Other politicians were not left out. The fair was opened by Ward Councillor Diane Calvert, supported by a pipe band trio, with new Councillor Ray Chung also present.

Not to miss the opportunity, local Ohariu MP and Deputy Speaker Greg O’Connor was briefly present before departing for Suva as an observer for the Fiji Elections, no small task.

With the street closed for the occasion, club members began setting up at 6.30am ready for commercial and community stallholders to arrive and set up before 10am.

Some of the local businesses were initially concerned that the fair might disrupt their Saturday trade but nevertheless donated raffle prizes and, in

the end, found that their takings had increased.

As well as the street stalls, the Khandallah Town Hall was a hive of activity.

Devonshire teas were prepared served by the Cornerstone staff and trustees and, on stage there were performances from Raroa Intermediate, Cashmere, Khandallah and St Benedict’s schools plus Celtic Plus and Capital Harmony Chorus.

The Fair’s footprint extended to the Khandallah Presbyterian Church carpark which housed a food truck, cake stall and bouncy castle.

Club President, Zaheda Davies has expressed her gratitude to all who had made the fair a success, including the stall holders, local schools, musicians, sponsors, local businesses, Rotarians and friends of the club and the local community.

Rotarian Nigel Sercombe and Nicola Willis who has a firm hand on the Eftpos machine at he Khandallah Fair.

ABOVE: The Khandallah Fair brought plenty of colour and atmosphere to the surrounding streets.

LEFT: Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert opens the Khandallah Fair.

Wairarapa

Tinui Tavern & Tucker

– the only bar on the Master ton– Castlepoint Road

Set in the picturesque and historic village of Tinui – home ot the first New Zea land ANZAC Cross – is a family friendly establishment with good affordable food to suit most tastebuds.

It’s a great stop to indulge in their Tiptop ice creams on those hot days plus they have a range of non alcoholic drinks for young and old available. There is an off-licence for a modest range of alcoholic drinks.

Take some time out to dine inside, or grab a table on the expansive decks to enjoy your meal. If you’re on the move you can choose from their range of take out food. People are coming from far and wide for their burgers, and of course you can always rely on snacks like chippies and chocolate.

Tinui is an excellent place to stop to or from the beach which is only 15 minutes away.

It is the only restaurant and bar between Masterton and Castlepoint

Stonehenge Aotearoa

Learn how the zodiac, our star signs, were an index to essential knowlege to stay alive. Then watch the sun set from the henge. As the sky darkens and the stars come out, learn to navigate your way around the nght sky. Naked eye (without telescopes) viewing as the stars begin to appear will be accompanied by an astronomer who will be available to answer questions and lead the observing for the night.

Stonehenge Aotearoa

Escape and enjoy the relaxing accommodation at Glenburn Station

Glenburn is recognized as one of New Zealand’s truly iconic sheep and beef stations. It is a 14,000 acre property with

Glenburn Station offers a range of accommodation, making it the perfect retreat for friends, families and couples.

Five holiday houses ranging from the large Station Homestead sleeping up to 16, Shepherd’s Rest sleeping up to bach on the beach (Russ’s Bach) both sleeping up to 10 and Cook House sleeping up to 16.

Its well-known Honeycomb Rock, a large, distinctive outcrop known for its

unusual pitted appearance can be seen, or climbed, on the coastal walk. This walk makes an iconic Wairarapa day out. The the boundary of the farm is one of of the walk’s key features.

While walking the route, visitors can spot the seal colony and check out the remains of a 1960’s shipwreck.

With rolling farmland, pristine coastline and quiet walking tracks, Glenburn Station is the perfect place to relax, recharge and escape the daily grind. Visitors are welcome to stay in the range of accommodation options available in this rural slice of paradise.

Another Gold for Greytown Butchery

By maintaining old traditions of butchering, it’s no wonder they consistently win awards with their multiaward winning sausages, having so far clocked up 25 awards in the last 16 years. Greytown Butchery has recently won their 25th award at the annual Great New Zealand Sausage Competition. Ironically it was the sausage competition’s 25th year running. Greytown Butchery was awarded Gold

classic that just on its own has now clocked up 12 awards at this annual event.

Established in 1873, Greytown Butchery is still operating in the same

Green & partner Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic butchery into a gourmet, European-styled butchery that prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match. Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your butchery goods.

See so much at the Wool Shed Museum

If you want to know what’s made New Zealand a great agricultural country you can learn so much about it by visiting the National Museum of Sheep and Shearing in Masterton.

The complex is housed in two authentic old wool sheds trucked in from local farms, plus a newly constructed gallery building – full of sheep farm gear, including shearing and wool handling equipment.

the history of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand was said to “live off the sheep’s back.”

Demonstrations are held about spinning and weaving on Wednesday mornings and by arrangement. See the history of spinning from ancient times and our collection of spinning wheels.

See our shop with its wide range of wool garments, footwear, sheepskin rugs, lanolin cosmetics, gift items, kids’ stuff and souvenirs. We are a visitor attraction of international quality.

Christmas/New Year hours are 10am3pm 24 December to 2 January, Then resuming 10am-4pm weekdays and 10am-3pm weekends.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SHEEP & SHEARING HOURS OF AMAZING DISPLAYS AND INFORMATION

Shearing and farming memorabilia plus types of wool and their uses.

The story of shearing – its beginnings and how it became an international sport.

The history of sheep farming.

Live shearing demonstrations for groups arranged with prior notice. Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement.

Wool garments and souvenirs.

Karori golfers tee it up for good cause

Last Saturday, Karori Golf Club hosted the Longest Day 72 Hole Stableford competition in support of the The Cancer Society of New Zealand to raise money to support the Cancer Society’s work in Wellington. Collectively almost $6000 was raised by the players. The nine golfers who played were Hector Slade, Scott McHardy, Adrian Porter, Oli Newman, Jess Tolo, Gus Anderson, Ngatau Hemopo, Seth Campbell and Jon Lyall.

Scott McHardy won the day with a score of 132 total stableford points after four rounds of golf across the four tees at Karori.

Scott played all 72 holes with the same ball. Collectively, 648 holes were played, but there were no hole in ones

THURSDAY FACT

Career in Real Estate?

What product had the first barcode stamped on it?

George J. Laurer is considered the inventor of U.P.C. or Uniform Product Code, which was invented in 1973. In June 1974, the first U.P.C. scanner was installed at a Marsh’s supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The first product to have a barcode included was a packet of Wrigley’s Gum.

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Karori golfers raised more than $6000 for the Cancer Society of New Zealand during their 72 hour golf challenge over the weekend.

With Jacob Page

Yes, Tim, no Tom as Kane isn’t able

Kane Williamson’s departure as test cricket captain came as a shock last Thursday but so did his replacement.

Williamson, will go down as New Zealand’s most successful test captain ever.

That culminated with last year’s World Test Championship Final win over India.

The 32-year-old had widely been tipped to relinquish the leadership

of one of the two white ball teams, particularly the twenty20 format where the style of play doesn’t suit the country’s best ever technical batters.

I can say with certainty that all the cricket tragics in New Zealand believe Williamson still has plenty to offer the red ball format and that included the captaincy.

However, it’s been clear the no 3 batter has been burdened by lead-

ing in all three formats combined with his lingering elbow injury which has likely contributed to his dip in form.

Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says it has become clear it is no longer feasible for one man to lead his country in all three formats and that is hard to argue with.

His successor will be Tim Southee, not Williamson’s long-time

understudy and often fill-in, Tom Latham.

More is bound to come out as to why Latham wasn’t named captain after years of grooming.

Southee appears to have an evergreen quality, much like England’s Jimmy Anderson in that he just defies age.

Possibly motivated by passing Richard Hadlee’s 431 test wickets, of which Southee sits at 347, there

seems to be no slowing down Southee at this point.

Southee will have the experience of Latham and Williamson to call upon and maybe Williamson will rediscover his form and joy for the game now that he no longer has the captaincy to contend with.

If it allows New Zealand’s best ever batter to extend his career, then it’s a positive move that should be applauded.

JBC celebrate Christmas Gala

It was a cool and damp start for the annual JBC Christmas Gala on Sunday.

Rain had to ease off and the top green needed some squeegeeing before play could get started; however, the rain then held off, more or less, and the day gradually improved, with the games finishing in sunshine.

There were 21 fours teams played three

games of 10 ends to find the days winning Try Me team of Lui Hare, Ray Palmer, Alan MacLean and Graeme Williams.

JBC is grateful for the sponsorship of this event provided by Lychgate Funeral Home, and Christine Hyett of Credit Consultants Group NZ. We also acknowledge the excellent catering of Get Involved Charitable Trust.

Ross set to tame African challenge

In a little over 90 days Wellingtonian Ross Weston and Jason Stephens will head to the untamed African wild to attempt a behemoth of a stage race that measures all. Often described as the off Road Tour de France the Cape Epic in South Africa sets off on 19 March 2023 for eight consecutive days, covering 658kms encompassing nearly 16,000 meters of climbing. The race is designed to test and surprise all who tackle its ungroomed trails, pushing equipment and spirit to the limits. For that very reason the race must be completed as part of a two person team, with both riders needing to be within two minutes of

each other at all times to secure one of the coveted finisher medals. The Cape Epic is the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world. Single-person tents with mattresses are provided to rest weary bodies, coupled with top notch breakfast and dinner buffets to replenish the massive amount calories used every day. Sponsorship by Wellington cycle clothing company Silversky Cycle Clothing has given the two a lift with unique NZ designed cycle wear (The Bee pictured), all helping to make the impossible probable.

Ross and Jason are not unfamiliar with Mountain Bike stage racing,

having competed in three NZ Pioneer stage races taking in some of the South Islands best off the beaten tracks. The African heat, remaining upright on the rugged trails, and staying healthy will prove the biggest challenges over the event. While the months ahead are no less treacherous but more about nursing aging bodies, dodging another round of Covid and fitting in the necessary training around busy jobs Christmas holidays and family life. These two amateurs will be mixing it with the a stacked international field, they know this event is about finishing and claiming bragging rights not podium accolades.

Plenty of fun was had at the Johnsonville Christmas Gala Day over the weekend despite some challenging weather.

Wellington’s Ross Weston, left and Queenstown’s Jason Stephens will tackle a huge two-wheel challenge on the African continent next year.