Wednesday January 22, 2025
Community Board
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Community Board has been saved from being disestablished.
The Local Government Commission (LGC) decided that the board will be retained in its final determination on Hutt City Council’s (HCC) representation.
Continued on page 2.
The current Wainuiomata Community Board
(from left) Lesa Bingley, Tamsyn Harker, Leah Clark, Daniel Chrisp, Cr Keri Brown, Gary Sue and Te Awa Puketapu. Photo: Supplied.
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Great news for Wainuiomata
Continued from page 1
“There will be two communities with community boards,” the LGC says in its final report, dated 13 January.
The two community boards will be for Wainuiomata and Eastbourne.
The decision to retain the Wainuiomata Community Board is “great news,” says Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown.
Cr Brown voted for retaining the community board when Hutt City Council considered the presentation arrangements for the 2025 election.
The LGC moved in the same direction as Cr Brown “so it’s a good win,” she says.
“This gives the community board and the community another term to really consider what community action and community engagement should look like.
“It’s a great opportunity to reframe what the community engagement is and could look like to best meet the community’s needs.
“We’ve got a large community and there is a need to upgrade how we operate with the community board,” Cr Brown says.
The LGC decision has also been welcomed by the Chair of the Wainuiomata Community Board, Te Awa Puketapu.
“I think it is a good result for Wainuiomata,” she says.
“It gives more time over now and over the next triennium to adapt and plan a model that can be more conducive to our community.”
The community board had never disagreed with the fact that changes to the system the community board was established under were needed.
“At the same time our population in Wainuiomata is growing and we need to make sure that representation of our community can still occur with our local council through a systemic approach.”
Ms Puketapu added that she wants to thank “all those who support and attend the community board meetings and who took the time to make a submission during the representation review and the appeal process.”
Wainuiomata Community Board member Daniel Chrisp spoke to the LGC when they held their hearing on the appeals lodged against the council’s decision on representation.
He spoke both to the submission lodged by the community board as well as the submission he lodged as an individual.
He also welcomed the decision.
“Wainuiomata is a unique commity and quite a large, growing community, so it was really good news for Wainuiomata overall,” he says.
“The commission has obviously listened and agreed with some of our points, particularly around the connection to the community.
“They saw value in that, so it is really good.”
Commenting on the LGC report, Daniel says that “hopefully the council takes some learnings from it.
“They [the LGC] kind of corrected the council on a few things there, so that is good.”
The LGC’s decision has also been welcomed by the Chair of the Wainuiomata Marae, Linda Olsen.
“That’s fantastic news,” she says.
“It’s awesome.
“I’m just happy for our community, on behalf of all the people
who supported that kaupapa. “It was worth putting up that protest on the container outside the Marae, and making the submissions,” Linda says.
Last year Hutt City Council decided to disestablish its three community boards – Wainuiomata, Eastbourne and Petone. This decision was open to appeal, and the appeals were considered by the LGC.
The Wainuiomata Community Board lodged an appeal, as did community board member Daniel Chrisp and Linda Olsen on behalf of the Wainuiomata Marae.
“It is clear that the [Wainuiomata] community board does provide a level of representation and advocacy for a geographically defined community with distinct socio-economic and demographic characteristics,” the LGC says in its determination.
Continued on page 4
The “Save our Community Board” sign at the Wainuiomata Marae. Photo: Frank Neill.
Back-to-school stationery drive returns
The Te Awakairangi School Stationery Drive is back for another year, helping families across the Hutt Valley, including Wainuiomata, tackle the financial strain of back-toschool costs.
The initiative, established in 2023 by Wainuiomata resident Nicky Smith, is a community effort to ensure tamariki start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. From now until 9 February, donations of stationery are being collected and will be distributed to local schools and families across the Hutt Valley.
The drive has distributed over $12,000 of stationery to schools and families since beginning in 2023.
“We’re on a mission to ensure every child starts the school year equipped and ready to succeed,” says Nicky.
The drive accepts both new and unused items, including exercise books, notebooks, pads, pencils, pens, highlighters, glue sticks, rubbers, and pencil sharpeners – essential items often listed on school stationery lists. Donations can be dropped off at the Wainuiomata Community Hub (at the library) or any other Hutt City Library.
The drive also runs a Givealitte page to collect financial donations which are used to purchase stationery for packs.
To support the drive, visit https:// stationerydrive.nz/, find the drive on Facebook or donate via their Givealittle page at https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/2025-te-awakairangischool-stationery-drive.
“Going back to school can be a financially stressful, especially after the summer holidays when families are juggling costs for uniforms, devices and holiday activities,” Nicky says.
“For many wh nau, even the basics, like exercise books and backpacks, can be out of reach.”
The drive is powered by community generosity.
“Everything that is donated goes straight back out to students. Every gluestick, every $5 makes a difference,” Nicky says.
Donated resources are carefully assembled into stationery packs based on individual school lists and include backpacks when needed.
This year the number of families requesting assistance is the highest the drive has seen so far and donations are needed more than
inaugural stationery drive. Photo: Frank Neill ever.
Nicky was inspired to start the initiative after volunteering as a teacher aide in 2022, where she saw firsthand the challenges many families face.
“I got to know a lot of the kids and their families, and it became clear how stressful this time of year can be,” she says.
What sets the drive apart is its inclusivity.
“Education is for everyone, and is supposed to be free. However we are seeing more and more families struggle with the costs associated with going back to school.
“The drive aims to help anyone who needs it, regardless of where they live and what school they attend,” Nicky says.
Summer reading challenge
A summer reading challenge is currently taking place at the Wainuiomata Library.
Called The Big Read, the Little Read and the Even Bigger Read, the challenge runs until 31 January.
Tamariki of all ages can pick up an age-appropriate journal for free from the Wainuiomata Library or any of the 11 libraries in Upper Hutt or Lower Hutt.
There are four challenges: one for under 5s (The Little Read), one for primary-aged
tamariki aged 5-12 (The Big Read), one for teens aged 12-18 (The Even Bigger Read), and one for adults 18+ (The Biggest Read).
The challenges involve picking up a booklet, completing it and handing it in at the library.
When a booklet is completed, the library gives a prize draw card to the parent or caregiver for the tamariki 18 and under or the participant for those aged over 18.
Entries into the prize draw close on 31 January.
Pool party
A free pool party will be held at the Wainuiomata Swimming Pool on 8 February.
The two-hour party will begin at 6pm.
The event, by Love Wainuiomata and THR, will feature a free sausage sizzle as well as competitions, prizes and giveaways.
Free slide passes will be available and there will be an inflatable obstacle course.
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“Family
working for Families in Tasman”
The Homestead is in the heart of Wakefield Village. Helping to make a positive difference in
Nicky Smith and her two children – Harper (on the left) and Joshua – outside the Wainuiomata Community Hub during the
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Continued from page 2
“Should the council’s planned alternative engagement and representation approach not eventuate before October 2025, there is a potential for the Wainuiomata community to become isolated without some form of geographic representation beyond the General Ward.
“It is clear that the community board does provide a level of representation and advocacy for a geographically defined community with distinct socio-economic and demographic characteristics.
“Should the council’s planned alternative engagement and representation approach not eventuate before October 2025, there is a potential for the Wainuiomata community to become isolated without some form of geographic representation beyond the General Ward,” the LGC determination says.
“The council stated its intention to engage with community boards about how their key roles might be incorporated into a new approach to representation and engagement.
“We note that lived experience is a key component of participative and deliberative democracy processes.
“We believe it is important that
the Wainuiomata Community Board remains in place to progress this important kaupapa together with the council.
“In our view, disestablishing the Wainuiomata Community Board at the October 2025 local election leaves a gap in representation for the Wainuiomata community.
“This is exacerbated by the proposed underrepresentation for the Wainuiomata General Ward.
“We are not satisfied that the council’s proposal to disestablish the community board before alternative mechanisms for representation, advocacy and engagement have been accepted by the community, will contribute to good local government.
“We therefore determine that the Wainuiomata Community Board is retained for at least the next triennium.
“The community area will coincide with the Wainuiomata General Ward boundaries.
“Membership of the Wainuiomata Community Board will be six elected members and two appointed members,” LGC determination says.
“The two appointed members will be the Wainuiomata General Ward councillor and the Mana Kairangi ki Tai M ori Ward councillor.”
Firefighters perform outstandingly
By Frank Neill
The team of four Wainuiomata volunteer firefighters performed outstandingly at the North Island Waterway Challenge on 18 January, finishing in second place.
Coached by Mat Soi, the successful team was Ngarue Ratapu, Trent Holden, Donald Underdown and Alex Cade.
Run by the United Fire Brigade Association, the Waterway Challenge involves teams using vital pump and hose skills.
Each step of the process relies on team work – the hose to the pump, the standpipe to the hydrant and connectors extending 25 metres.
Only through precision, speed and team work can teams hit the target.
The same team from Wainuiomata will be in action again on Saturday 25 January, this time at their home fire station.
Wainuiomata is hosting the Hutt Valley, Wellington and K piti Waterway Challenge. The event begins at 9am.
The Wainuiomata team is also preparing for the National Waterway Challenge, to be held at Mataura, Southland, from 20 to 22 February.
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and Alex Cade. Photo: Supplied.
It has been a busy start to the year for the Wainuiomata brigade, with 15 call outs up to 21 January.
There were no major fires, but they were called to a motor vehicle crash near Arakura, where the brigade had to use its extraction equipment to get a person out of the car.
The brigade has also been called to events like bon fires, rubbish fires and backyard fires over the last three weeks.
Some of these call outs would not have been necessary had people let
Thank you
Dear Editor, IreckontheAmbulance,Policeand Fireservicesneed to be thankedfor all thecall outs. They shouldn’tbe taken for granted. Imyself wasaBush Fire Forcefighterfrom 1970 to1986.
the Fire Service communications centre know about their event.
People lighting things bon fires, back yard fires and hangi can let the communications centre know by ringing 04 801 0812.
They will need to tell the communications centre their address, what they are doing and how long they are doing it for. That way if anyone reports smoke or fire, the brigade can ask a few extra questions and may not need to send a fire engine and firefighters to the scene.
Iknow the high risksthey taketo save your properties. ThePolice get called outfrequentlyfor car accidents. TheFireServiceget called for many otherreasons – not just firesbutaccidentsand floods. I myself wishtheemergen-
cyservices aHappyChristmasandNew Year. They have jobs to doso givethem a fair dealand bepleasanttowards them. Plus aHappy NewYear toallresidentsin Wainuiomata. Peter Wells
The successful Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade Waterway Challenge team with the three trophies they won at the North Island Waterway Challenge (from left): Ngarue Ratapu, Trent Holden, Donald Underdown
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Wainuiomata history
– The Lower Dam
In 1878 construction began on the dam and was finished in 1884 to supply water for Wellington.
It was originally known as The Dam, but was renamed to Lower Dam later when they made the bigger more efficient Morton Dam behind it.
In 1883 a flood breached the lower dam wall and carved out a route behind it that nearly wiped out all the dam worker’s huts. The damage to the dam was visible with a big gap in the wall so it was filled in with concrete.
In 1887 the dam was producing 4.5 million litres a day and continued to supply water for Wellington until the 1950s while the Morton Dam and Orongorongo weir continued.
In1969 and 1970 the spillway was lowered to lower flood risk.
Fast forward to 2004 they upgraded the dam, as it was found to be an earthquake risk
in a safety check.
So they lowered the spillway again, turning the reservoir into a shallow lake/ wetland, where it is now home to native birds like tui and kereru.
Finally in March 2013 it was opened to the public. So the public can go up Reservoir Road to see the dam and a small museum among other things.
In the future it may be impacted as it lies on the access route to the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s planned bird sanctuary.
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Ulalei are Wellington Kirikiti champions
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport has made a remarkable entrance to the Wellington women’s Kirikiti (Samoan version of cricket) scene winning the game’s two major trophies in December.
Ulalei won the firstKirikiti Premier League before Christmas and followed that up by taking out the Filimalae Tournament played over two days from Boxing Day.
In the premier league final, a game-winning co-captain’s knock from Marina McCarthy proved to be the difference as Ulalei was too good for Porirua United in the Grand Final played at Fraser Park on 23 December 2024.
The victory was set up by its bowling attack which stifled the powerful Porirua batting lineup with tight line and length bowling. The final started brightly for Ulalei taking a wicket from the first ball of the innings.Chasing 45 runs to win, Ulalei’s top order ran the total down in 41 balls losing only two wickets in the process.
The run chase was not without some drama where Marina proved to be the rock, holding down one end and steering Ulalei to victory with 19 balls to spare.
“Our bowlers were awesome to restrict the strong Porirua batting line up to under 50 runs,” says player/manager Tauvale Whitman.
“But we still had to make the target where our experience came through.
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“Marina was massive for us again today.”
The men’s final was a close affair with Lower Hutt-based Valley Bears outlasting Porirua United by one run.
On Boxing Day, Ulalei took the momentum of their premier league win into the Filimalae Tournament where the traditional long form of the game was played, also at Fraser Park. Ulalei won all of its five games in a rain-shortened tournament.
Ulalei co-captain Matie Whitman added the cherry to the victory by winning the Ai Silia Trophy as the tournament’s top individual run scorer. The team amassed over 200 runs in their five games losing only 36 wickets over the two days.
“We are really pleased with this win where our squad’s depth was tested due to player availability,” Tauvale says.
“We are particularly happy to have so many young players in our squad getting quality game time.”
Meanwhile, Ulalei’s newly-formed men’s team of veterans and debutants, finished a commendable fourth in their pool, just missing a play-off spot in the Bowl competition.
“This was a good introduction, and re-introduction for some, to the game. We will be better for the experience come 2025,” says veteran Peter Togia.
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In the men’s final, Porirua United exacted revenge from the premier league final, beating Valley Bears.
The new premier league adds another layer to the strong resurgence of the game of Kirikiti in Wellington led by the game’s unofficial ambassador and Wainuiomata local, Dr Sadat Muaiava and the Wellington Samoan Kirikiti Association.
“We are looking forward to defending our titles in 2025 and hopefully welcoming more teams and younger players to the game,” Tauvale says.
“In the meantime, we will certainly enjoy the rest of this summer.”
Ulalei acknowledges the generous support from One Foundation and Nuku Ora this summer.
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Photo: Supplied.
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Women Cricketers top of table
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata women’s first Cricket XI won their top of the table clash with the Taita Queens at Bryan Heath Park on 19 January.
The Queens batted first and were restricted to 116 for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs.
Wainuiomata then took just 14 overs to overhaul the total, finishing with 117 for the loss of two wickets.
Matie Whitman starred with both the ball and the bat.
When bowling, Matie took one wicket for the loss of only eight runs in her four overs. She then notched up her half century before retiring on 52 not out, scored from a mere 27 deliveries.
With the victory, Wainuiomata moved four points clear of the Taita Queens at the top of the Wellington division three table.
A week earlier they defeated Upper Hutt United, again playing on Bryan Heath Park.
It was a tight encounter, however, with Wainuiomata winning by just one run.
Upper Hutt scored 130 for the loss of three wickets, and Wainuiomata 131 for two wickets.
The team’s next match sees them play Upper Hutt United at Fraser Park on 25 January.
The Wainuiomata men’s first XI ended 2024 and began 2025 with victories in the division two Hazlett Tropy competition.
They defeated Petone Riverside on the Duckworth Lewis System after rain stopped play on 21 December.
Batting first on Sladden Park, Petone reached 223 for the loss of seven wickets. Wainuiomata reached 113 for the loss of just two wickets when rain stopped any further play.
Yesh Prashanth was Wainuiomata’s top scorer with 44 not out and Jackson Hemmingway ended the day on 24 not out.
Craig Foster took two wickets for 65 runs, with Ryan Jackson, Brett Dransfield, Jackson Hemmingway, Logan Stoupe and Gurpreet Singh taking one wicket each.
The team opened 2025 by beating North City at Bryan Heath Park on 11 January.
After bowling Norths out for 202, the home team passed the total when they reached 203 for seven.
Jackson Hemmingway notched up a half century, scoring 51 runs. Earlier he also starred with the ball, taking three wickets for 25.
Jordan Rangikauhata came within striking distance of a half century when he scored 44, Ryan Jackson scored 29 and Nikhil Narayanankutty finished the day on 24 not out.
Gurpreet Singh was another Wainuiomata player to bowl outstandingly, taking three wickets for 25, while Logan Stoupe took two wickets for 45.
Wainuiomata did not fare so well in their match with the table topping Upper Hutt United on 18 January.
They bowled Upper Hutt out for 187, but then were bowled out themselves for 93 at Bryan Heath Park.
Ryan Jackson featured with both the ball and the bat, taking four wickets for 19 and scoring 21.
Yesh Prashanth was the only other batsman to feature, when he scored 22.
Craig Foster took two wickets for 32, with Callum Mackanness, Jackson Hemmingway and Gurpreet Singh taking one wicket each.
Wainuiomata will play its first match of the two-day competition when they meet Naenae Old Boys at Bryan Heath Park on 25 February and 1 March.
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Yesh Prashanth, who top scored for Wainuiomata in their final match of 2024. Photo: Hamish Wareham.
