23 August Wainuiomata News

How to reach us

Phone (04) 587 1660

Address 23 Broderick Rd, Johnsonville

P.O. Box 38-776, WMC 5045

Fax (04) 587 1661

ONLINE: www.wsn.co.nz

REPORTER

Frank Neill

wainui@wsn.co.nz

027 490 3916

Celebration of Tumuaki’s life

Continued from page 1

As the Māori proverb says: “Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne.

A tōtara has fallen in the great forest of Tāne.”

Wainuiomata High School hosted a celebration of Janette’s life yesterday and today.

Janette and her whānau arrived at the school at 10am yesterday.

She was moved to the school’s Wharenui (meeting house), and there were two time slots where WHS students were welcomed to pay their respects – one at 11am and the second at 3:30pm.

Three Pōwhiri for the community were held at 12 noon, 1:30pm and 2:30pm.

ments following.

Wainuiomata High School has provided the following tribute to Janette.

Janette was born and bred in Wainuiomata, attending local schools including Parkway College from 1974-1978, achieving University Bursary.

Following secondary school she received her Diploma of Physical Education at Otago University in 1981, followed by her Bachelor Education at Newcastle University in 1984.

lege and Wainuiomata College merged, Janette was appointed School Development and Extension Coordinator and Year 9 Dean at Wainuiomata High School.

In 2002, Janette spent 6 months as a supply teacher in Basingstoke, England, before returning to New Zealand, and to Wainuiomata High School, as Deputy Principal in 2003.

and participated in Iron Women half-marathons and triathlons.

Janette was a firm, fair, wellorganised, energetic classroom teacher and senior management team member.

She personally strove for excellence and expected students and staff to do the same.

SALES

Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008

Janette and her whānau arrived at the school at 9:30am today and moved into the school’s auditorium.

A brief service for her family, staff and friends was held at 10am in the auditorium, with refresh-

She started her teaching career at Wainuiomata College in 1985, teaching Physical Education, before spending a year at Wairarapa College from 1990-1991.

In 1992 she returned to Wainuiomata College, where she remained as Physical Education teacher, before taking on a Deaning role and Head of Department Science.

In 2001 when Parkway Col-

Janette completed her Master of Education at Victoria University of Wellington in 2007, and in 2019 she was appointed Principal of Wainuiomata High School.

For many years Janette competed at national level in athletics, cross country and road running.

As a former top ranked athlete she brought the same determination and commitment to her teaching career.

She continued to run or walk daily to maintain fitness, and swim and cycle when she could,

Being positive, focused and honest was very important to her – she had an eye for detail and was capable of seeing the big picture.

Janette believed that if you expect the best you generally get the best.

After nearly 40 years in education, Janette’s contribution to teaching and learning in Wainuiomata is without equal.

Her commitment to our students, staff, whānau and community over the years has been exceptional and we have been truly blessed to call her our Tumuaki, teacher, colleague and friend.

Second access in National’s plan

NATIONAL SALES

Sam Barnes

sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406

CLASSIFIED SALES classifieds@wsn.co.nz

your local newspaper

By Frank Neill

A National government, if elected, would undertake investigation work on a second access into Wainuiomata, says MP Chris Bishop, who is standing for Hutt South in this year’s general election.

“In my view there needs to be a second access into Wainuiomata,” Mr Bishop says.

Hutt City Council was “not interested” in a second access for Wainuiomata “but I am, and I’m

still going to push it.

“It’s a resilience thing,” Chris says.

This is just one transport initiative that will benefit Wainuiomata people that a National government will deliver.

National, Chris says, is “committed to [a] Petone to Grenada [link road] and the Cross Valley link”. Both these links will benefit Wainuiomata people.

The Petone to Grenada link significantly decrease travel times

between Wainuiomata and the northern suburbs of Wellington as well as people travelling further north on the Transmission Gully motorway.

The Cross Valley link will benefit Wainuiomata people travelling to and across the Hutt Valley and will also benefit people travelling to Wellington along the Petone Esplanade.

“National’s plan will get the Hutt moving,” Chris says.

“We will fully fund the Cross

Valley Link as a state highway, taking pressure off the Hutt Council.

“It will unclog the Esplanade, make it easier to get across the city, and provide multimodal improvements to our transport network.

“Petone to Grenada will increase resilience, unlock land for thousands of houses, reduce congestion on State Highway 2, and allow for public transport from the Hutt to Porirua,” he says.

Q: Are kid’s birthday parties as big as they used to be?

I like them because they have cheerio’s and savouries.

They can be as big or as small as you would want them to be. As long as your child is number one and has a wonderful day.

I know we all love our kids but right now times are tough. Nothing wrong with a birthday at home with some friends and family, good food and cake.

Major award for local film maker

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata film maker Mark Papali’i has just won a major award for his short film “Mako”, the story of an autistic Samoan boy who tries to make his father proud.

Mark was presented with the Letterboxd Audience Award at the closing night of the New Zealand International Film Festival in Wellington on 13 August.

The award, with its $1,000 cash prize, came as a major surprise for Mark.

“I didn’t expect to win it,” he says.

In fact “I didn’t even expect it would be selected for the festival.

“I was just happy to be selected,” Mark says.

“Thanks to each and every single one of you who voted for Mako.

“We are truly humbled and blown away to have won the Letterboxd Audience Award.

“To our cast and crew this one is for you.

“Thank you for believing in us and for your ongoing support.”

People who have seen “Mako” have loved it, Mark says, and this was evidenced by the number of people who voted for it in the audience award contest.

“Mako” was filmed entirely in Wainuiomata and features a number of Wainuiomata people – including extras following a social media post about the filming which saw people offering to be in the film.

“Wainuiomata,” Mark says, “Is a good place to shoot.”

The Wainuiomata Rugby League Club also played an important role.

The club lent Mark their playing field to shoot the film, something he thanks the club for very much.

Mako, played by Kovy Bryce, is a 17-yearold who is autistic but who acts like an eight-year-old.

Rather than being involved in sport, like many Pasifika young people his age, he plays with the younger children, and his father does not like that.

However Mako ends up making his dad proud and he “succeeds in a way that you

don’t expect,” Mark says.

The story was written quite a while ago.

“I wanted to tell the story of the disability side of the Pasifika people,” Mark says. Work then began on the film during the Covid lockdown period.

“I did it because all my work got stopped and I like to keep busy.

“So I pulled the script [of Mako] up.”

A lot of work went into ensuring that the film accurately represented what it is like for an autistic person.

In that he was significantly assisted by the film’s acting coach April Phillips, who is the parent of an autistic child.

Throughout the whole process of shooting the film “she was with me the whole way,” Mark says.

In addition Mark took Kovy to meet autistic kids, to assist with him acting the part of one. More locally made films are now in Mark’s sights.

In future “I’m going to be shooting a lot of films around Wainuiomata,” he says.

I feel like they are bigger and happen every year instead of significant birthdays. 5, 10, and 13.

I think they have gotten bigger and parents feel too much pressure to put on a fancy party with a big expense.

Our most recent birthday parties have proven that celebrations are what you make them. Our eight year old had a disco party at home with the entire class invited, chaos, but so much fun.

The poster for Mako.

Sergey Pieterson

Meryl Abrams

Matt Judson

Dylan Roast

Martha Sutherland

Phillipa Hydman

At the New Zealand International Film Festival awards ceremony (from left) Mark Papali’i, Kovy Bryce (who plays Mako) and Mikeyese Daniel (who plays Mako’s father). Photo: Supplied.

A very enjoyable evening

Suspended buses being reinstated

Metlink has reinstated one bus service and is planning for the resumption of 65 other services temporarily removed from timetables last October.

Two suspended services on Metlink’s number 21 bus route between Karori and Courtenay Place have been reinstated.

opening an immigration pathway to overseas drivers, government, council, operators and unions have pulled together to restore reliability to the bus network.

sengers’ patience during this long and seemingly intractable labour shortage. We ask them to bear with us a bit longer while we recruit and train the last cohort of drivers.”

An almost full Pioneer Church showed that the rainy, chilly Saturday evening was no deterrent to the community who attended the Rock of Ages Hymn night hosted by the Wainuiomata's very talented and dedicated James Davis on 19 August.

Several guests had travelled from Carterton and Upper Hutt as well as many local supporters.

The audience sat in a warm cosy church and listened to the many old time hymns sung and played by James, who gave a brief talk on the composers of each of the chosen hymns.

There were also many talented singers among the audience and

the rafters were almost lifted off the little church.

As James commented: many of these hymns would have been sung in that very building by the early pioneer families of Wainuiomata over 150 years ago.

The final number was a duet by James and his granddaughter Liana Faapusa, singing the hymn, E Te Ariki.

As always at the Pioneer Church, the evening concluded with supper and socialising.

It was “an extremely enjoyable event,” says Joyce Lockyer of the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society. “Thank you James.”

A total of 181 scheduled bus services were suspended in late 2022 to reduce cancellations caused by the national bus driver shortage and to give passengers certainty.

Driver recruitment has reached a level whereby the regional council’s public transport wing can begin to restore services put on hold, Greater Wellington Transport Committee Chair Thomas Nash says.

“The national bus driver shortage has been a painful period for Metlink passengers, bus drivers and everyone involved in public transport, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” Cr Nash says.

“By lifting bus driver wages, working to improve conditions and

“We know there’s more to do and we’ll continue to focus on improving bus driver pay and conditions to make sure our driver workforce is in a strong position now and in the future,” Cr Nash says.

Operating Metlink bus timetables required approximately 675 drivers before the suspensions.

As of 1 August 2023, 596 drivers were on the road and 53 were in training, all of whom are expected to be working by October. Twentysix job vacancies remained.

NZ Bus has demonstrated it’s ready to recommence its suspended services, Metlink Group Manager Samantha Gain says.

“NZ Bus has met reliability standards for two months in a row and planning has begun for the operator to resume the other 65 suspended services from early-October.” Ms Gain says.

“We’re grateful for our pas -

Resuming suspended services is a testament to its local and international recruitment efforts, Russell Turnbull, spokesperson for Kinetic, the new owner of NZ Bus, says.

“Driver recruitment and improvement in service delivery have been the top priorities for Kinetic since we acquired NZ Bus last year.

“We’re delighted to see the drivers we hired from overseas now thriving in their new home,” Mr Turnbull says.

“Together with our local recruits, they’ve gelled with our existing workforce to cancel the cancellations.”

Cancellations are also trending down on routes operated by Tranzurban, whose suspended services will be reinstated when reliability standards are consistently met.

As always, passengers are advised to check timetables on the Metlink app or website before travelling.

Spice Tree a Food Award finalist

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s Spice Tree has been named as a finalist in the 2023 New Zealand Food Awards.

Spice Tree was named as one of the 10 finalists in the Artisan Award.

It won the place for its Chermola, a North African spice mix that is great for roast veggies, seafood or meat.

Local firefighter in national event

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata firefighter Cliff George will join firefighters from around New Zealand for the United Fire Brigade Association (UFBA) national drivers challenge at Manfield Park in Feilding on 25 and 26 August.

For Cliff this will be his first time in the competition.

More than 100 firefighters will compete and upskill in a challenging driving competition using fire appliances.

The competition comprises a pre-drive, theory test and 11 individual exercises, in which drivers are judged on overall ability, efficiency, aptitude and smoothness of operation of fire appliances.

“Statistically, responding to

a call in a fire appliance is the most hazardous part of a firefighter’s role,” UFBA CEO Bill Butzbach says.

“The skill involved in safely driving an 8-12 ton appliance, with the safety of the crew onboard and other road uses, while in response to an emergency cannot be understated.

“Many of these skilled drivers are members of community volunteer fire brigades.

“This event brings together a vital opportunity for sharing, upskilling, testing against compliance and simple camaraderie as isolated brigade members network in a competitive and safe environment.”

The UFBA national drivers challenge is making a return this year after not being held for two years due to Covid.

Chermola “can be used as a sprinkle on fries, as a marinade or as a rub on any meat,” Spice Tree says.

“It adds amazing flavour and aroma to any dish. You can’t resist a second serving.”

Based at 14 Grande Place, Spice Tree is a passionate family business that manufactures freshly ground spices, spice mixes, seasonings, spice rubs, flour and health mixes. It also makes nutritionally rich flour using New Zealand grown

wheat, grains and pulses.

The 10 category winners and overall Massey University Supreme Award winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on 19 October.

Finalist and winning products earn the New Zealand Food Award’s quality mark to highlight their technical capability, consumer acceptability, regulatory compliance, and food quality and safety to shoppers and industry following one of the most robust judging processes in the industry.

Head Judge Kay McMath commended the entrants on the extremely high quality of submissions and how they were able to articulate innovation, sustainability and excellence through their product or business.

“The judges really enjoyed hearing the challenges producers faced, how they employed clever tech-

nologies to solve these issues and the journey producers have taken from concept to market.”

The New Zealand Food Awards have celebrated Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage manufacturers, focusing on innovation, sustainability and excellence, since 1987.

Owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki P ū rehuroa Massey University, the awards are open to small and large food and beverage manufacturers, primary food producers, food service providers and ingredient supply companies. “I’m once again very impressed with the standard of entries this year. It was great to see a true representation of the industry in this year's entrants, which included large-scale producers as well as small artisanal creators,” Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says.

Wainuiomata firefighter Cliff George, who will compete in the UFBA national drivers challenge on Friday and Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

James Davis leading the hymn singing at the Pioneer Church. Photo: Supplied.

Mural honours Maori luminary

A new mural honours the life and contributions of of esteemed Wellingtonian Whaea June Te Raumange Jackson MNZM, who helped many people in the greater Wellington region.

The artwork, created by internationally renowned artist Graham Hoete (Mr G), adorns Shed 1 on the Wellington waterfront.

Aunty June Jackson was known for her unparalleled dedication and service to the community, dignitaries, and the wider society.

Her extensive portfolio of work encompassed a wide variety of spheres, ranging from her instrumental role in organising major cultural events, to her advocacy for social justice and community empowerment.

As a tribute to June’s immeasurable contributions, Wellington City Council awarded June

the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Award in 2017.

June Jackson “dedicated herself to numerous social projects, ensuring that the wider community had access to opportunities and resources,” Wellington City Council’s Tātai Heke Māori, Karepa Wall, says.

“Her legacy continues to inspire us all.

“This mural adds significance as New Zealand and Australia co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

“June Jackson, a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for women, aligns perfectly with the spirit of this monumental sporting event.

“Her legacy serves as a reminder of the strides women have made in various fields, including sports, and the impact they continue to have on society,” Karepa says.

(04) 564 8618

The mural in honour of June Jackson. Photo: Supplied.

Wainui Pasifika win league

By Ryan Imray

The Wainuiomata Pasifika won Wellington Football’s Division 5 title on the weekend.

A 3-1 victory over Victoria University was enough for the side to be crowned champions and secure their fourth championship in 5 years.

In the Masters grades, the Undertakers’ fine form continued leading into their final weeks.

A 4-0 win away to Petone means that they only need a win in one of their final two games to be crowned Division 3 champions.

It was a tough day for the Wainuiomata Premier team, however, as they fell to a 4-1 defeat to Upper Hutt.

Wainui captain Callum Martin got his team off to the perfect start as he rose highest to head home Baxter King’s corner. However Upper Hutt scored four un-

answered goals to walk away with three points.

Wainui Reserves played their final game of the season and ended it in style. A double to Rowan Whitfield was enough for all three points and ensured Wainui finished in sixth place.

Wainui Roundballs fell to a 3-1 defeat away to Brooklyn while Halfbaked hit Victoria University for seven in a 7-2 win.

Unfortunately for the OCs, they were unable to finish their season on a high as they fell to a 4-2 defeat against North Wellington.

Sunday saw the women’s team face Brooklyn United and despite their best efforts they sadly walked away empty handed after Brooklyn won 3-0.

The weekend was rounded out on Monday night in the wind and rain at Petone Memorial Park as the Wainuiomata derby between the Fiddick’s and Halfbaked finished 2-1 to the Fiddick’s.

Biodiversity strategy petition

By Frank Neill

A petition to Parliament has been launched asking Parliament to urge Hutt City Council to withdraw its Biodiversity Strategy; reconvene the Biodiversity Wā nanga that was held to inform the draft of that strategy; and appoint an observer to oversee interactions between HCC and landowners in relation to any policies on the issue.

The petition was launched by Wainuiomata resident Craig Innes on 17 August.

It opened for signatures on 21 August and by 2pm on 22 August the petition had attracted 33 signatures.

It is due to close on 1 December.

In providing his reason for the petition, Craig said: “I believe that HCC instructed staff not to invite landowners to a Biodiversity

TotheEditor

Wānanga to inform the strategy and has deliberately limited the ability of landowners to engage by setting up a limited online feedback form.

“HCC operated a fund to support biodiversity work by landowners.

“I believe the fund was managed in bad faith as HCC ignored some applications and did not keep proper records, and landowners were not told about items purchased until after the fund closed,” the Parliament petition page says.

“The Hutt City Council ‘consultation’ on the Biodiversity Strategy was a total of three questions that did not collect the identification details of the submitters,” Craig told the “Wainuiomata News”.

“This ‘consultation’ closed on 20 August 2023. The three questions asked were as follows:

1 What do you think about

the goals of the draft strategy: Indigenous Species, Mana Whenua and Community (see pg13)? Is there anything you’d change, add or remove?

2 Do you have any comments on the proposed focus areas (see pg14-22)? Is there anything you’d change, add or remove?

3 Are there any other comments/ suggestions you would like to make regarding the draft Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy?

“The ‘submission form’ suggested that these were merely the first three of multiple questions.

“However, after entering answers into the three fields above, a ‘thank you for submitting’ screen came up and no opportunity of asking to give a submission in person or even an opportunity to record your contact details was given,” Craig said.

publication. Email them to news@wsn.co.nz or drop in to our office at 23 Broderick Road, Johnsonville.

Two Ulalei teams make finals

By Toli Sagaga

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from

No poison is safe

In the 1950s and 60s the water in rivers and streams was crystal clear.

I know. I swam in those streams in the 1960s.

Now you get contractors poisoning our hillsides with 1080.

They claim it’s biodegradable and that there is reason for using it. That is all a load of hogwash.

As far as I am concerned poison is poison in any form. They have made toxic waste that is like acid.

They are using poison to kill certain species of rodents but killing everything else as well.

1080 gets into the soil when it rains, killing the insects. Any bird that eats a dead insect will die as well.

Man is interfering with creation too much.

That 1080, folks, could be coming into your home taps.

Why don’t we all say no to 1080. No poison is fail safe.

If you believe the lies given you will pay the price by ending up in ICU.

Would these contractors drink water from a truck carrying toxic waste?

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails. Letters/Opinions not necessarily those of the Wainuiomata News management.

Sooner or later that 1080 will find its way into the Wainuiomata River, even into the water catchment.

Why kill other animals off that have been in New Zealand before man came.

You want clear, fresh water without the fear of nasties in the water when swimming in rivers.

Tell the powers in charge of the distribution of 1080 “no more”. Look how deadly Agent Orange was.

No poison is safe.

Peter Wells

In a masterful display of skilful netball, determination, and teamwork Ulalei Puataunofo and Ulalei Moso’oi secured places in their respective finals, with resounding victories in the semi-finals on 19 August.

The atmosphere at Walter Nash Stadium was alive with excitement as both teams showcased their athletic prowess, leaving fans in awe of their incredible performances.

In the Senior 3 semifinal Moso’oi emerged victorious in a hard-fought match against Avalon Hunter Wolves.

Avalon started strongly, taking the lead at the end of the first quarter 5-11.

Moso’oi was determined to turn the game around and fought back to close the gap. Changes were made at both ends of the court with Summer Murray moving to defence and Tiana Weepu moving into the shooting circle.

The circle defensive duo of Murray and Kimiora Winiata shut down the opposition’s passes into their shooters, and turned the game for Moso’oi, who took the lead at half time 16-13.

The third quarter was even with Moso’oi holding on to the lead, 24-21.

Despite the valiant effort from their opponents, Moso’oi was in full swing, their defence was solid, they took

intercepts at will and continuously denied Avalon scoring opportunities. Moso’oi were victors by 32-27.

This was a remarkable come from behind win for Moso’oi who were down by six goals after the first quarter and fought back to win the match by five goals, sparking joyous celebrations among their supporters.

In the Premier 3 semi-final between Ulalei Puataunofo and Naenae, Puataunofo demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with.

From the first whistle, Puataunofo exerted their dominance in this game, executing their sharp movements, swift transitions and exemplary teamwork.

The versatility of their players shone through as they seamlessly switched between offensive and defensive roles, keeping their opponents on their toes.

Puataunofo’s midcourt players, Darnaka Barry and Waiapu Tangianau played a pivotal role in controlling the pace of the game, consistently transitioning from defence to attack and delivering safe ball to their shooters.

The astounding ability of these youngsters ability to read the game and make split-second decisions allowed the team to maintain a steady lead throughout the match, with Puataunofo taking the win by 62-43.

Jack Brown of the Wainuiomata Reserves is too strong against a Petone defender.

Photo: Imray’s Snaps.

Ulalei Moso’oi celebrate their semifinal win with a picture with opposition Avalon Hunter Wolves. Photo: Supplied.