Maadi Cup gold
By Frank Neill
Onslow College rowers Lias Kern and Reuben Andrews are the Maadi Cup under 15 double sculls champions. They won their gold medal when they dominated their race to record a comfortable victory on 24 March. Continued on page 2. Lias Kern (Left) and Reuben Andrews, wearing their gold medals, hold aloft the cup they won as the under 15 double sculls champions.
Photo: William Fahey.
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A really impressive result
This was one of two medals
Onslow College rowers took out at the 2025 New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta, often referred to as the Maadi Cup Regatta, held at Lake Karapiro.
Olivia Martin won a bronze medal when she finished third in the under 17 girls single sculls.
She then followed up that outstanding performance by placing seventh in the under 18 girls single sculls.
“That’s a really impressive result,” says William Fahey, who coached the gold medal winning double sculls team, along with Sarah Cutten.
“That was awesome to see, the boys and the girls medalling in the same year.”
Jason Fairbold coached bronze medallist Olivia.
“We only took a squad of 11 – a small group that really came away with some amazing results,”
William says.
As well as the medallists, Onslow rowers finished fifth in the boys under 15 coxed quad sculls and eighth in the boys under 17 pair.
For such a small squad, Onslow College ranked highly in the competiton.
Out of the 116 schools that entered, Onslow was 21st overall. In the sculling it ranked a very
high 9th overall.
“Now we are looking forward to another good season,” William says.
“Hopefully with these results we will be able to use this momentum to get a few more rowers and some good results next season.
“There is the potential for them to be one of the top schools in the country.”
Another factor that made Onslow’s results even more impressive was that the bad weather in Wellington during the season meant that a lot of the schools in the capital struggled and did not peform as well as they usually do this year.
Onslow, in fact, was the best performing Wellington school.
Lias and Reuben’s victory saw Onslow College win a gold medal in a crewed boat for the first time.
They have twice won gold in the single sculls, in 2014 and 2022.
Reuben and Lias have now won three gold medals this season.
They won gold in the boys under 15 double sculls at the North Island Secondary School Rowing Championships, held at Lake Karapiro on 9 March.
They then teamed up with Costen Eley, Alfie Picker and cox Ben Butel to win the boys under 15 coxed quad sculls.
Olivia Martin, who won a bronze medal in the under 17 girls single sculls. Photo: William Fahey.
WCC promised to develop Karori Event Centre
With the news that Wellington City Council (WCC) plans to sell the Karori Event Centre to a developer or bulldoze the site, the community is rallying again.
“Karori fundraised for 25 years for this building and contributed $2.2 million in grants and private donations,” says Karori Event Centre Trust Chair Heather Baldwin.
“We gifted the building to the Council with the promise that they would finish and open the building.
“Honestly, we are all just in disbelief that they are breaking their promise.
“The centre belongs to Karori. Where is their integrity?” Heather asks.
Karori had 10 halls before 2005. These were sold off or demolished, and the Karori Event Centre aimed to fulfil the roles of these halls in the suburb.
“We are the largest suburb and we pay the most rates to the WCC,” Heather says.
“We have no community hall and we deserve to see some of this money reinvested in our community.”
In 1999, the Methodist Church partially gifted the St John’s site at the corner of Karori Road and Campbell Street, where three community halls were previously located, to the Council for community use.
Funding for tree crop projects
Financial support for community tree crops projects is currently available from the Wellington-Horowhenua Branch of New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA).
SGCNZ Victoria University of Wellington Regional Shakespeare Festival
Applications close on Wednesday 30 April. Email treecropswh@gmail.com to request an application form.
Applications are invited from home gardeners, small-block holders, community gardens, school gardens, horticulturists, farmers, scientists and all who are interested in growing productive trees to promote projects for greater public benefit.
A pool of $2,000 a year is available to promote core values of the NZTCA in the Wellington and Horowhenua region.
This includes project that:
• promote interest in useful tree crops: fruit, nuts, timber, fuel, livestock fodder, bee forage and other productive crops;
• research and share knowledge about the many and varied types of trees we might grow in New Zealand to produce a useful crop, be it for people, animals or protecting the environment; and
• bring the benefits of useful tree crops to the wider community of the district.
Waste fund
Wellington City Council’s Waste Minimisation Seed Fund is available to assist with projects that provide an innovative solution for reducing waste, a way of re-using waste materials or an idea for recycling recovery.
Applications can be made for small projects under $2,000, and they close on 31 May.
Priority will be given to those activities that promote avoidance, reduction, reuse and recovery of waste materials.
“Contact our funding team to talk through your idea for a project before applying,” Wellington City Council says.
Animal services
Wellington City Council introduced a new system for animal services on 31 March. The key changes are: Moa Point Animal Shelter will no longer be accessible for drop-ins or drop-offs. Registered dog owners will be contacted by an animal control officer to make an appointment to collect impounded dogs and confirm release fees. Moa Point Animal Shelter will no longer accept cash payments. EFTPOS is available. WCC Animal Services will no longer accept surrendered dogs/ pets for rehoming.
Winter Project celebrates 10yrs
This year the Karori-based organisation that helps needy familes – the Winter Project – is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The group currently consists of Year 13 and Year 11 students from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School.
As part of the project, they collect winter clothing and blankets for families in need across the Wellington region.
“We are a team dedicated to ensuring that those struggling during the colder months are provided with the warmth they need,” says Arabella Allwood, one of the team that operates the not-for-profit organisation.
The group is currently spread across Wellington in Churton Park, Ngaio, Karori, Kelburn, Wadestown, Seatoun, Lower Hutt and Brooklyn.
“Together, we help collect warm clothing and blankets from businesses, schools, and community centers that eventually get delivered to those in need.
“If you would like to support us, it would be greatly appreciated if you could drop off donations inside a Winter Project box at a local school or community centre in Wellington.
“The donation points can be found on instagram @_thewinterproject or on facebook @ The Winter Project,” Arabella says.
“I believe the Winter Project offers us, as students, many learning opportunities and helps us improve our leadership and teamwork skills.
“It is extremely important to do what we can to help others, whether it’s big or small.
“Service is meaningful not only to the people who benefit, but also to those who help.
“It gives me a sense of responsibility, connection and purpose.
“It brings people together to help others, creating a supportive and caring community.
Open fire season
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast into an open fire season. This means permits are no longer needed before lighting fires in these areas.
The change took place at 8am on Monday 31 March, and remains in force until further notice.
Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says there have been several wet weather events in the last couple of weeks, and temperatures generally are a lot cooler.
“This means that any wildfires that get
“On top of this, it allows us to be more aware of different perspectives and challenges people face in the wider Wellington region.
“Serving others brings us a sense of fulfilment, while contributing to making families’ winters easier,” Arabella says.
“We continue to work on making a lasting impact in Wellington.”
started will move slower and be easier to control and extinguish,” he says.
“We are expecting more of the same weather for the foreseeable future, so we’re confident this is the right time to relax the fire restrictions in the Wellington district.
“However, although we’re heading back to an open season, there are places where vegetation is still very dry.
“We expect people lighting fires to check the conditions at their location first by going to checkitsalright.nz, and following the safety advice provided.”
Library events this week
The following events are happening in local libraries this week. Nau mai rā tātou katoa | Everybody is welcome.
Cuentacuentos - storytimes in Spanish
Saturday 5 April, 11 to 11:30am (first Saturday of every month), Te Mā hanga Karori Library. ¡Buenas noticias! Get ready for engaging storytelling and exciting activities to entertain the whole whānau.
Let's talk in English
Tuesday 8 April, 10:30 to 11:30am, Waitohi Johnsonville Library. A free group for people who want to practise speaking and listening to English. This is perfect for people who are learning English. Join any time.
Calm colouring-in sessions Monday 7 April, 4 to 6:30pm, Waitohi Johnsonville Library. Use the library’s colouring sheets, pens and pencils or bring your own. All ages are welcome to sit and enjoy being calmly creative.
Showroom:
The Winter Project team. Photo: Supplied.
Karori student wins essay competition
By Frank Neill
Karori student Jayath Jaiganesh won first place in the prestigious "Planting Trees for Peace" writing competition.
More than 100 students from throughout New Zealand entered the competition, and the winner was announced on 31 March.
The entrants wrote their stories of up to 500 words about planting trees for peace to help launch a new book, “Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet.”
In presenting Jayath with first prize, Wellington author Linda Hansen noted that the Scot’s College student’s story, “Diary of a Peace Tree” was a clear winner.
"Winning this competition is an incredible honour,” Jayath says.
“Writing about planting trees for peace made me reflect on how small actions can create lasting change.
“I’m grateful to my family for their constant encouragement and to my teachers and mentors for inspiring me to think deeply and write with purpose.
“I hope my story inspires others to take meaningful action for a better world."
Jayath was presented with a Totara tree for winning the competition.
The tree is going to be planted at Scots College.
Stories absent from history books are brought together for the first time in Linda Hansen’s “Hidden Stories of Heroism”.
These include the Moriori covenant of peace, Parihaka’s nonviolent resistance, New Zealanders’ outrage at boys forced into militarism, Kiwi peacemakers on the battlefield, Samoans inspired by Parihaka, and many more challenges to violence. Linda’s website www.lphansen provides more information.
Jayath’s winning story is:
“The Diary of a Peace Tree"
(A Tree’s Journey from a Seed to a Symbol of Hope)
April 4, 2025 – The First Day
I was planted today. The soil is still warm from the touch of human hands, but I sense something different in this earth – it is heavy, carrying stories of fire, loss, and voices that once screamed but now whisper in the wind. A little girl placed me here, her hands gentle but firm, pressing my roots into the
ground as if she were grounding herself too. I do not know her name, but I felt her sadness seep into my sap. I want to grow for her. I want to stand strong for her.
June 3, 2025 – The First Leaves
The rain kissed me awake today. I stretched my small leaves toward the sky, soaking in the fresh drops. Around me, the land still wears its scars – burnt buildings, shattered glass, empty streets. But I hear laughter now. The girl returns every day, watering me and whispering stories. She calls me "Hope."
She told me her brother never came back from the war. I do not know what war is, but I think it is the opposite of me.
November 19, 2026 – The First Shade Children played beneath me today, their laughter brushing against my branches. I have grown taller, my roots holding the earth firmly.
An old man rested against my trunk, running his fingers over my bark like reading a story only he knew. "They fought here," he whispered. "Right where you stand. And now, look at you. Proof that life prevails and wins."
September 5, 2028 – The First Birds
A bird built a nest in my branches today. I watched it bring little twigs, creating a home in my arms. People have begun planting more trees around me. A Peace Garden, they call it. Where once there was silence, now there are voices. Where once there was smoke, now there is green. The little girl – no, not so little anymore – sat beneath me and smiled. "You're not just my tree anymore," she said. "You belong to all of us now."
May 14, 2035 – The First Generation Grown in Peace
I have stood here for ten years. The land has healed, but I still remember – the hands that planted me, the voices that grieved, and the people who chose to rebuild. They come here often. Some sit in silence, others place their hands on my bark as if seeking something –strength, forgiveness, a memory of those lost.
I am just a tree.
Yet, I hold the weight of a thousand stories. I do not speak, yet I remind them. Peace is not an absence of war. It is something we grow together.
Linda Hansen (left) and Jayath Jaiganesh at the presentation for the winning essay.
Photo: Supplied.
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The highly regarded German pianist Michael Endres will return to give a Mulled Wine Concert in Paekakariki's St Peter's Hall on Sunday 25 May at 2:30 PM. International critics have described Endres as "one of the most interesting pianists recording today". He has released 35 CDs during his career and his extensive prizewinning discography includes the prestigious Diapason d’Or (France) which he was recently awarded for the third time and the Choc du Musique which he has won twice. He has appeared at major festivals and concert-halls all over the world. A prominent academic musician, Endres had a distinguished teaching career in Germany, Norway and New Zealand before he decided to concentrate on performance and recording.
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Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected. They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost.
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Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the Kāpiti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions. Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected.
Elite Arboriculture has a green thumb and green heart for the community and ecosystem.
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SUPERIOR TREE MANAGEMENT
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They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost.
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Trees are essential to our beautiful country’s ecosystem, but an unhealthy tree can be dangerous.
If the time has come for removal, they are qualified to perform the job safely and professionally. Elite Arboriculture has a green thumb and green heart for the community and ecosystem.
An Afternoon of Italian Song
Waikanae Music Society will present “A Touch of Italy” on Sunday 27 April. Auckland-based soprano Lilia Carpinelli with pianist Matteo Napoli will voyage through the centuries from Baroque to Romantic opera, interspersed by piano solos. Opening with a song by Vivaldi and some Scarlatti sonatas, this innovative programme will feature some of the best-loved arias from the great operas of Rossini, Bellini, Puccini and Verdi. A brilliant piano solo - Liszt’s Tarantella
from Venezia e Napoli - will lead to a joyful finale comprising a bracket of Neapolitan songs.
The concert is at 2.30pm in Waikanae Memorial Hall. Door sales will be available or for more information visit www.waikanaemusic.org.nz
Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Nau mai haere mai ki Kapiti Island! A visit to Kapiti Island feels like a step back in time to untouched Aotearoa where birds reign supreme.
The island is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world, and a fantastic example of an active conservation project. Kapiti
Island is totally free of pests and predators allowing the ngahere (bush) to regenerate, and native species like kākā, kererū, hihi, weka, and kākāriki to thrive.
Check out www.kapitiisland.com or email bookings@kapitiisland.com for more information.
The Heartland Flyer with Steam Inc in May
Join Steam Incorporated, on a special steam & diesel hauled day excursion in support of Dementia Wellington!
Picking up along the way from Wellington, Porirua, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin, and Palmerston North, the destination is Woodville. To get there, we travel through the famous Manawatu Gorge. Now only accessible via rail, you get a unique perspective of the monumental slips which closed the Gorge to road traffic from 2017.
At Woodville, sample the delights of the restored 1960s era station whilst the train is prepared for the run back to Wellington. Meridian’s Te Apiti wind farm can also be seen from the station, occupying 1,150ha of land, with enough sustainable renewable energy to power 45,000 Kiwi homes.
Between Wellington & Paekakariki in both directions, the heritage Da class diesel electrics will take charge of the train, with one of the coal-fired steam locomotives doing the honours between Paekakariki and Woodville and Return.
A portion of all proceeds will go directly to Dementia Wellington to support them in their important work.
The Work of Dementia Wellington Dementia Wellington exists to support people and their whānau to continue to live fulfilling lives following a mate wareware/dementia diagnosis.
The team of Dementia Advisors provide free, community-based specialist support services across the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington region, including Kāpiti, Porirua, Wellington, and the Hutt Valley.
Beyond direct support, Dementia Wellington is committed to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and breaking down barriers associated with mate wareware.
They have been proudly serving our community for 40 years. To learn more, visit www.dementiawellington.org.nz.
Kapiti Brass plays the Klassics
Our Lady of Kāpiti Church, Paraparaumu Sun 27 April 3:00pm
The Addams Family: A New Musical Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, 34a Raumati Rd, Paraparaumu Tues 6 May - Fri 9 May 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Make a weekend of it at Finn’s Paekakariki!
Finn’s Restaurant and Bar is a boutique hotel of superior studio units with spa baths, king-size beds, microwave, tea and coffeemaking facilities. If you want great food, craft beer – and live music (last Sunday each month) to set it all off then Finn’s Restaurant and Bar is the place to be!
Finn’s Restaurant and Bar is only a few minutes’ walk from the Paekakariki railway station and right on State Highway 59
From Baroque to Romantic Opera Neapolitan Songs Piano Solos Lilia Carpinelli (soprano) Matteo Napoli (piano)
Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Puccini, Verdi
2.30pm, Sunday 27 April Waikanae Memorial Hall
KAPITI ISLAND NATURE TOURS
Cosy cabins
Incredible bush & coastal walks
Soprano Lilia Carpinelli
Pianist Matteo Napoli
Women’s Lifestyle Expo returns
The Women’s Lifestyle Expo, one of Wellington’s most exciting events for women, returns to TSB Arena on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April from 10am to 4pm. This year, it brings together more than 130 lifestyle brands for a weekend of shopping, pampering, and inspiration.
If that wasn’t enough, attendees have the chance to win a trip for two to Tahiti with five nights at a five-star resort, thanks to World Travellers and Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.
This expo showcases a blend of beauty, fashion, wellness, artisan products, travel inspiration, and gourmet treats.
Whether those attending are seeking stylish homewares, sustainable living solutions, or the latest trends in health and beauty, the expo offers something for
everyone.
This year’s event welcomes fresh faces, including New Zealand’s largest Bonsai nursery MiniGardens Bonsai and HopOn 360 Video Booth, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories of the day.
Alongside newcomers, there are returning favourites, such as renowned artist Sophie Blokker and For Keeps permanent jewellery. The Gallery Tattoo will be there also.
The popular Artisan Zone will showcase some of New Zealand’s most talented creators, offering handcrafted jewellery, artwork, organic skincare, and more.
The Taste Zone will tempt taste buds with an array of gourmet foods and beverages, and fan favourite Rik’s Belgium Truffles
will be fully stocked for the weekend.
Emily Travers, Head of Events at New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME), says: "The Wellington Women’s Lifestyle Expo is a vibrant showcase of incredible exhibitors, from inspiring local business owners to recognised national brands.
“It’s amazing to see the excitement of our visitors, whether it’s girlfriends on a day out, or mums, daughters, and grans making special memories together.
“We love watching them discover new favourites and reconnect with brands they love." Earlybird tickets start from just $7 (plus a small booking fee) and are available on iTICKET, or for purchase at the door on the day for $13.
A scene from a past Wellington Women’s Lifestyle Expo. Photo: Supplied.
Mt Kaukau tower celebrates 60yrs
Wellington’s highest point is marking a significant milestone in 2025.
It is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the completion of the television tower at Mt Kaukau / Tarikākā. This steel lattice tower, a prominent landmark in the capital, stands 100 metres tall and is situated almost half a kilometre above sea level, towering over the northern suburbs. The Mt Kaukau site, along with four other large lattice towers built or commenced in 1965 (Sugarloaf in Christchurch, Wharite in Manawatu and Waiatarua in Auckland), were the first structures of their kind in New Zealand, commissioned as part of a government initiative to create national television coverage. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, around 50 high sites were built around the country, as well as hundreds of smaller repeater sites that would bring TV signals to rural communities.
As a result, TV viewership grew from a few thousand in the early 60s to almost 90% of the population by the end of the decade.
In February 1967, the new transmission site was officially opened. Broadcasts shifted from Mt Victoria to the new much more powerful transmitter located at the Mt Kaukau site.
Signals from the tower, with the help of a network of repeater stations spread across the greater Wellington region, allowed for television to be accessed by the masses.
Today Mt Kaukau tower and its sister sites are owned by Kordia – an organisation that evolved from the former New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC).
A predecessor to entities such as TVNZ, RNZ and Kordia, NZBC initiated the build programme and advanced the creation of a national TV network in New Zealand.
While television broadcasting is different today, the towers still function to deliver free to air digital terrestrial TV transmission, as well as other services such as FM radio, Kordia’s digital microwave network and emergency services radio communications.
Dave Hughes, who has worked at Kordia since the early 1970s, is familiar with the tower at Mt Kaukau after many years working in the capital.
He recalls that as television was a fairly new technology, there wasn’t anyone in New Zealand with the knowledge or skill to build the infrastructure required.
International crews from Japan and Italy were brought in to build the first few towers. The tower at Mt Kaukau was built by the Furukawa Electric Company and took around
seven months to erect.
“There are some legendary stories about the tower at Mt Kaukau being built,” Dave says.
“The Japanese crew would start work at the crack of dawn and wouldn't come down from the tower until it was getting dark. They’d eat lunch up there. Quite a different work ethic.”
The tower was constructed to be very solid.
The four foundations for the legs of the tower each contained around 250 tonnes of concrete.
Another 250 tonnes of steel were used for the tower itself. All steelwork was galavanised and further protected by several coats of paint.
Back in the beginning, the site of Mt Kaukau was manned by a crew of at least 10 people, working in shifts to ensure the transmission was delivered reliably, 365 days a year.
As analogue television signals relied on line of sight, the tower needed to be built high enough to be visible across the whole of the Wellington metro region, but also needed to be robust enough to withstand Wellington’s infamous winds. One of the early tests of resilience was the storm in 1968, the same that saw the Wahine sink in Wellington harbour.
“I understand they recorded a windspeed on the tower of about 225km per hour before the anemometer on the tower disintegrated,” Dave says.
“The tower was structurally fine, and although some antennas were damaged, there was still broadcast capability on site.
“Very seldom did we lose services due to weather events.”
Sixty years on, the Kaukau tower still stands proud along the Wellington skyline with sweeping views across the city and harbour, Remutaka and Tararua Ranges, the Porirua basin and the Tasman Sea.
On a clear day, people can even see as far south as Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku in the Kaikōura Ranges.
The tower is slightly shorter today than it was in the 1960s.
In 2022, 18m of the tower was removed as part of remedial work on the tower.
With analogue transmission switched off in 2013, the tower no longer needed the additional height to send out signals.
More information on Kordia's towers can be found at www.kordia.co.nz/kordia-towers.
Kordia’s Head of Communications, Sally Vernon is keen to hear from people who worked on or have memories, photos or stories to share about the Mt Kaukau tower.
Sally can be contacted at sally.vernon@ kordia.co.nz.
The Mt Kaukau tower. Photo: Supplied.
Xavier Numia Asafo Tyrel
ON... WHAT’S
The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must
Local history – Brigidine Convent
By Felicity Wong
Shannon.
and then St Pius X at Titahi Bay.
Autumn Mini Market
St Anne’s Northland Corner Randwick/ Northland Roads SATURDAY 5 APRIL 9.30 - 1.00 Books, Deli, Jams, Pickles,
THURSDAY FACT
Overlooking Johnsonville from a rise near the Railway station is a large two storey wooden building. This is now the home of “Challenge 2000”, a Catholic youth and family social services agency.
Composed by Tony Watling 11th. Nov. 2015
The building was originally the convent home of Brigidine nuns whose motto is Fortiter et Suaviter (“Fortitude and Gentleness”).
POOLS OF SATISFACTION
When the nuns moved out in 1995 the building was sold to Devon and Patterson for use as a quality carpet showroom.
Our summer pools were built by us.
Blends in well did cause no fuss.
The beautiful interior was restored and native timber woodwork glows with a warm radiance.
With hydro slide will cause a splash. And to it many people dash.
Through native bush we twist and wiggle.
In 2017 the building was purchased by the Society of Mary for use by Challenge 2000.
From the children brings a giggle.
Severn days a week the place is open. Hot
Special items of meaning to its community and visitors are displayed.
The order of Brigidine nuns was founded in Ireland in February 1807. Bishop Daniel Delany gathered six women together to form a new congregation dedicated to providing educational opportunities with St Brigid as their patroness.
In April 1883 several of the sisters left Ireland, for a remote mission in Australia. Their hazardous journey involved boat, train, coach, buggy and wagonette, and they stopped along the way with Sisters of Mercy, Dominican Sisters and Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
Sister Gertrude was an astute businesswoman and worked to expand their Australian buildings and property.
In 1898 the Brigidines were invited to establish a foundation in Masterton. Sister Gertrude and five others travelled from Sydney to Wellington on the “Monowai” steamship, arriving in April 1898.
After setting up St Bride’s Convent and schools in Masterton, they expanded with schools in Pahiatua, Carterton, Foxton and
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
5. Steep. (11)
When setting up St. Mary’s school in February 1911, the advertisement in the “Manawatu Herald” read: “The ordinary curriculum of the State schools will be followed almost entirely and in addition shorthand, book-keeping, French, Latin, fancy-work etc. will be taught. Music will also receive attention, pupils being prepared for the Trinity College and Royal Academy examinations. The religion of children of all other denominations will not be interfered with in any way.”
A fine new school had also been set up in Khandallah, St Benedicts in 1952.
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The staff still all lived in Johnsonville but commuted to the schools in a car driven by the first Sister to get a New Zealand licence. Accommodation at the convent reached a critical point with seventeen Sisters living in a building intended for nine.
In 1928 the Johnsonville parish priest, Father Griffin, invited the Brigidines to staff a new school in Johnsonville.
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The opportunity to have a place near Wellington was attractive so in January 1929 four Sisters began living in a house in Johnsonville and started teaching in February in a new three-roomed “St Bridget’s school”.
It opened with 109 first-day pupils and a further 59 enrolled by year’s end.
The children came by bus from Glenside, Ngahauranga and Titahi Bay, and by train (on Johnsonville’s main trunk line) from Khandallah, Ngaio, Plimmerton, Porirua and Tawa.
The population of the area was rapidly increasing along with the number of teaching nuns.
Their new Convent building was completed in August 1937.
The northern part of the Johnsonville parish was split off in 1940 and centered on Plimmerton.
In 1950 Ngaio and Khandallah were cut off from Johnsonville Parish to form Onslow Parish.
A Tawa Parish including Titahi Bay and Porirua was set up in 1951.
In 1953 the Tawa Parish (which included TĪtahi Bay and Porirua) set up St Francis Xavier’s in a prefabricated two-room building
In 1958 eight Sisters moved to a new community in Porirua but they were far from the schools and had to travel in the Convent car and in another driven by the parish priest.
Reflecting on the Sisters he knew as a young curate in Johnsonville in 1950, Fr William Clancy said they had espoused their motto taken from a saying of St Francis de Sales, ‘Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength.’ He said ‘I have found the motto (of strength and gentleness) to come through in the lives of the many Brigidines I’ve known over the years.’
He added he’d met many former pupils of Brigidines’ schools, one in particular who said of her teacher, ‘that nun could teach stones’.
When the Sisters moved out of the Johnsonville convent in 1995, they shifted into a new home built on the site of their original old house.
At the 200 year celebration in 2007 the Sisters said: ‘As Brigidines, we are keepers of the light of Brigid, and draw strength and gentleness from the great oak tree of Daniel Delany. … The light links us to the past and leads us into the future.”
The Sisters taught at St Bridget’s School Johnsonville from Feb 1929 until December 1989 (60 years); at St Benedict’s, Khandallah from February 1952 to December 1977 (25 years); and for 15 years before then at St John’s Ngaio.
Friendship Club of
Date: Thursday 17 April at 9:45am
1. Water nymph. (7)
11. Cattle breed. (5)
12. Erect. (7)
1. “Golden” king. (5)
2. Venerated. (7)
3. Female relative. (6)
4. Suspicious. (8)
By Russell McQuarters
By Russell McQuarters
13. Bailiff. (5)
(7)
Bailiff. (5)
14. Table-napkin. (9)
15. Easy to mistake. (9)
Table-napkin. (9)
16. Walk through water. (4)
Easy to mistake. (9)
17. Vienna is its capital. (7)
Walk through water. (4)
19. Court usher. (6)
Vienna is its capital. (7)
Court usher. (6)
23. Cask maker (6)
26. Poacher’s dog. (7)
Cask maker (6) 26. Poacher’s dog. (7)
29. Accused’s reply to charge. (4)
30. Small lump. (3)
32. Crowd. (3) Formerly. (4)
35. Indicate. (7) Judges’ chamber. (6)
29. Accused’s reply to charge. (4) 30. Small lump. (3) 32. Crowd. (3) 34. Formerly. (4) 35. Indicate. (7)
36. Judges’ chamber. (6)
39. Italian sausage. (6)
39. Italian sausage. (6) Soothsayer. (7)
40. Soothsayer. (7)
42. Eye inflamation. (4)
42. Eye inflamation. (4) Russian spaceman. (9)
48. Cruel. (9) Prevent. (5)
51. Furnish with money. (7)
46. Russian spaceman. (9) 48. Cruel. (9) 50. Prevent. (5) 51. Furnish with money. (7)
52. Craze. (5)
52. Craze. (5)
53. Grow worse. (11)
53. Grow worse. (11)
54. Clear. (7)
54. Clear. (7)
5. Flawless. (7)
1. “Golden” king. (5) 2. Venerated. (7) 3. Female relative. (6) 4. Suspicious. (8)
Humbleness (7)
6. Urged , on. (5)
5. Flawless. (7)
Friendship (11)
7. Unbroken. (6)
6. Urged , on. (5)
8. Burst in. (8)
7. Unbroken. (6)
DOWN
9. Be immoderate. (11)
8. Burst in. (8)
Sound (5)
9. Be immoderate. (11)
10. Onslaught (5)
Sent (11)
10. Onslaught (5)
Shy (8)
16. Small wire arches (croquet) (7)
16. Small wire arches (croquet) (7)
Of public revenue (6)
18. Bring upon oneself. (5)
Turn outwards (5)
18. Bring upon oneself. (5)
20. Derive(from). (7)
Constrict (7)
20. Derive(from). (7)
21. To understand. (3)
21. To understand. (3)
Has high morals (8)
22. Garment border. (3)
Reduce (6)
22. Garment border. (3)
24. Out-moded. (11)
24. Out-moded. (11)
25. Heavy wrap. (3)
25. Heavy wrap. (3)
27. Complete. (5)
27. Complete. (5)
28. Fabled bird. (3)
28. Fabled bird. (3)
Turkish governor. (3)
31. Turkish governor. (3)
33. Ship’s hospital, sick (3)
Ship’s hospital, sick (3)
Charlatan. (8)
37. Charlatan. (8)
38. Grant respite to. (8)
41. Extensive Grass-land. (7)
43. Beat severly. (7)
44. Venemous spider
(N.Z.) (6)
45. Large prawns. (6)
46. Variety of beet. (5)
47. Shin-bone. (5)
49. Scarcely sufficient. (5)
Grant respite to. (8)
Extensive Grass-land. (7)
Beat severly. (7)
Venemous spider
(N.Z.) (6)
45. Large prawns. (6) 46. Variety of beet. (5) 47. Shin-bone. (5)
Scarcely sufficient. (5)
What island did they film Cast Away on?
Cast Away was filmed on the island of Monuriki, Fiji, in the Mamanuca Islands off the coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. A map can be found here. Monuriki is located in the upper left-hand corner near the larger island of Matamanoa.
Onslow makes Cricket final
By Frank Neill
Onslow’s premier Cricketers have qualified for the final of the Pearce Cup, the symbol of supremacy in Wellington Cricket.
The team qualified when they finished second in the overall rankings for the 2024-25 season.
The overall rankings included both the 50 over Ewen Chatfield Cup competition, which Onslow won, and the two day competition.
Onslow will meet Hutt District in the final, which will be played at the Basin Reserve on Friday 4 April and Saturday 5 April, with both days starting at 10:30am.
Onslow’s march to the final came despite losing their final round robin two-day match of the season, which was completed on 29 March.
They played Upper Hutt United, who batted first at Nairnville Park and was all out for 297.
After Onslow declared its first innings at 83 for nine wickets, Upper Hutt enforced the follow on.
They then bowled Onslow out for 136.
Micah Conroy, playing in his 100th premier match, was easily the best of the Onslow batsmen in the first innings.
Micah scored exactly a half century before he fell to a caught and bowled by Tyler Simpson.
Devan Vishvaka scored 36 in the second innings and Ryan Tsourgas scored 20. Karori lost their final division one match of the season outright.
Needing the win to ensure they made the Pearce Cup final, Hutt District only needed
Flags,
to bat once to take out the win.
After scoring 146 in their first innings, Karori followed that up by scoring one run more in their second innings.
Hutt District declared their first innings at 295 for nine wickets.
Kashraj Kalsi netted a five wicket bag for Karori and finished with figures of five wickets for 77 runs.
Matt Rowe took two wickets for 51 runs.
Kevin Weerasundara followed up scoring 66 with the bat in Karori’s first inning by taking one wicket for 58 runs.
Kashraj also batted well. After his five wicket bag he scored 39 in Karori’s second innings.
Oscar Wilson was Karori’s top second innings scorer with 44.
Johnsonville’s team finished their season in second place on Cricket Wellington’s premier division two table.
They did, however, suffer an outright loss to Petone Riverside in the final match.
Batting first in the top of the table match at Alex Moore Park, Johnsonville was all out for 99.
Petone Riverside then scored 174 and bowled Johnsonville out for 126, before taking the win with a score of 54 without loss in the second innings.
Maximus Petris took four Petone wickets at a cost of only 11 runs, and Dominic McAlister took two wickets for 33 runs.
Samrat Karunaharan was the best of the Johnsonville batsmen, scoring 40. Reece Edgecombe scored 22 runs to add to the one wicket he took, and Andrew Moir scored 20.
medals and memorials
Former New Zealand and British Army officer Michael Brown will lead a floor-talk about the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul’s works of art that portray well-known (and some less well-known) moments in New Zealand’s 20th century military history at 5:30pm on Wednesday 23 April.
This continues the Catherdral’s Celebrate the Artist talks which began last year.
Michael’s talk will reveal much about the sacrifice made by New Zealand’s service men and women as he describes the background of the military action that led to the memorials being installed in the Cathedral last century. The event, including refreshments, is free but a koha will be appreciated.
The cathedral has a remarkable collection of artefacts with a military theme.
These include the impressive Chunuk Bair (World War I battleground in Turkey) memorial, stained-glass military windows in the chancel, flags laid up in the Nave and Flag Room, and the Chaplain’s medallion display.
Road Safety Week next month
Families and communities are being encouraged to take part in Road Safety Week from 12 to 18 May.
Those who do will join hundreds of community groups, schools and organisations running activities to help raise awareness of road safety. Road Safety Week is co-ordinated by Brake, the road safety charity and sponsored by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Beca. The theme of the week is Be a road safety hero, recognising all those who are working to make our roads safer for everyone – from designing safer roads to caring for people after a crash – and highlighting the part we can all play in making roads safer. It’s also UN Global Road Safety Week the same week, focused on vulnerable road users including people who walk or cycle on our roads, and Brake will incorporate this into the Road Safety Heroes theme. Brake is encouraging families and community leaders to go to www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/communities for more
information about the week and to register for a free online action pack of resources. This includes downloadable resources and activity ideas, interactive resources, activity sheets, advice, and case studies showing how others have got involved in previous years. There are ways communities can highlight their own Road Safety Heroes locally during Road Safety Week, and ideas are included in the action pack. Heroes will also be celebrated nationally throughout the week. Brake is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance, a group of organisations working to raise awareness of road safety. The Alliance will be presenting the annual Road Safety Hero Award during Road Safety Week, and Brake will also be highlighting the important work of a range of people working to make our roads safer. People who have a hero they would like to nominate for the award, to be highlighted on social media, or both can find out more at https://yellowribbon.nz/ road-safety-hero/.
Micah Conroy, who scored a half century in his 100th premier match for Onslow.
Photo: Supplied.
Michael Brown, who will talk on military art works at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. Photo: Supplied.
Petition on early childhood services
By Frank Neill
Families and teachers from kindergarten communities and other early childhood services in the wider Johnsonville region presented a petition at Nicola Willis’s Johnsonville office on 27 March.
The petition calls on the government to ensure that children are at the heart of any decision made about early childhood regulations.
More than 10,000 people nationwide have signed the petition.
Ms Willis was not available to receive the petition. Ram Venuprasad, Ms Willis’s MP Support Advisor in the electorate, received it on her behalf. He promised to pass on the petition and the group’s yellow sign to Ms Willis.
Annie Masterton, the head teacher at Johnsonville’s Waitohi Kindergarten, says it’s important to retain strong regulations about qualifications, ratios, the curriculum and involving families in the programme.
Annie says she is also concerned about taking the Treaty of Waitangi out of early childhood education.
That, she says, is a “back door method” of Associate Education Minister David Seymour getting his Treaty Principles ideology into effect.
Annie says qualified teachers are vital for the youngest children.
“Our job is complex and we need to be highly skilled to support the needs of all children and their families.”
She says the government’s proposal to reduce regulation is about taking the sector backwards, to benefit profit-oriented businesses at the expense of children’s well-being.
Annie says Waitohi Kindergarten has a good relationship with Finance Minister Nicola Willis, who has visited Waihohi Kindergarten and listened to the concerns of teachers.
The petition was organised by Whā nau Manaaki Kindergartens, which operates 110 kindergartens in Aotearoa, from Waiouru to Balclutha, supporting the education of more than 5,500 children.
The group’s painted and decorated petition box and union flags drew positive attention from the street.
Some of the group of local kindergarten teachers and parents about to deliver the petition to Nicola Willis’s office. Photo: Supplied.