Wednesday September 25, 2024
New garden
By Frank Neill
Arakura School held their grand opening for the new garden space Te M ra Arakura on Wednesday 18 September. They took this time to acknowledge the generosity of their community and to celebrate the hard work that has happened to make this possible. Continued on page 2.
Arakura School tamariki at work in the new Te Māra ō Arakura. Photo: Supplied.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
NATIONAL SALES
Sam Barnes
sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406
So many made new mara possible
Continued from page 1
The new m ra includes a greenhouse which was made possible by G & S Roofing, a new rain water system donated by Helen Bathurst and new garden beds donated by Wellington North Rotary.
In time the area will be planted into a food forest, so that the tamariki are able to be part of the growing cycle of vegetables and fruit that will be used in the school kitchen.
The day started with a ceremony with the deputy principal Alisa Woolsey welcoming guests and wh nau.
Carol McMillan, Arakura School’s Kitchen Manager and Garden to Table Co-ordinator, thanked everyone who contributed to the makeover.
The school’s kaum tua Papa Joe blessed the m ra.
Hiria Davies from the Hutt City Council cut the ribbon and the ceremony was finished off with a waiata.
The special guests were presented with a certificate and a tree that had been raised in the school nursery.
The guests included organisations, business and individuals that have given up their time and money to help out the garden make over.
These included Bata Industrials, the Garden to Table Team, the Enviroschools team, wh nau volunteers, Amanda at Nuku Ora and the team at the P taka
Kai.
“We have such a generous community and we couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you,” Ms McMillan says.
After the ceremony there was an opportunity for some garden related activities and the new garden beds were planted with new seedlings donated by Bunnings Petone and
A view of Arakura School’s new Te Māra ō Arakura. Photo: Supplied.
watered with watering cans from Mitre 10. The celebration ended with a picnic lunch made by the school’s kitchen staff.
Some of the crowd that attended the grand opening of Te Māra ō Arakura. Photo: Supplied.
Wainui Spirit Awards nominations close soon
By Frank Neill
Nominations for the Wainuiomata Spirit Awards will close on Friday next week – 4 October.
The Spirit Awards are made each year by the Wainuiomata Community Board.
They recognise people who have given outstanding voluntary service which has contributed to the spirit of the valley’s special community.
Nomination forms are available at the Wainuiomata Community Hub and can also be requested by email to the community board’s Chair Te Awa Puketapu at TeAwa. Puketapu@huttcity.govt.nz.
The 2024 awards will be presented at an awards night on Wednesday 23 October at 5.30pm.
The ceremony will be held at the Wainuiomata Library and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
Three individuals and one group were presented with Wainuiomata Spirit Awards last year.
Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Ewen Heron, the President of the Wainuiomata Bowling Club Richard Morgan, Wainuiomata High School trustee Lahraine Sagaga and the #TAGS were presented their awards for the many thousands of volunteer hours they have
provided in the community.
Ewen was the recipient of the 2023 Kaitiakitanga Award.
Ewen has been volunteering his time and service to emergency services since 1975. He started his time in the Bush Force then joined the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, where was until recently the Chief Fire Officer.
“Ewen has been a role model to many people who have come through the service and continues to support new people into their voluntary roles ensuring they are included and empowered as they progress through the ranks within the fire service,” his citation says.
Richard Morgan received the 2023 M ramatanga Award.
“In 1990, Richard was one of the junior Rugby coaches for the Wainuiomata Rugby Club,” his citation says.
He did this for three years before moving on to Parkway College where he coached their second team and then the first fifteens.
In 1994, Richard was asked for his expertise and skills to help fundraise money for Fernlea school so they could take children on an education school trip to Napier.
From 2018 to 2022 Richard was a volunteer cancer patient driver for Wainuiomata.
Lahraine Sagaga was presented the 2023 Whanaungatanga Award.
“Lahraine has been working tirelessly in the Wainuiomata Community for many years,” her citation says.
In 2008, Lahraine joined the Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Committee and has been a player, coach, manager, scorer, social media and PR officer, club administrator, fundraising co-ordinator, basically the glue that holds Ulalei together. She began the UlaFit Community Fitness Classes in 2022.
Lahraine has been a trustee on the Wainuiomata High School Board since 2022. During this time she coached the Wainuiomata Junior Netball Team again, after also holding this role in 2015 and 2016.
She has served on the Love Wainuiomata Board since 2023.
The #TAGS were presented the 2023 M tauranga Award.
“This award goes to a group of individuals working collectively within their own agency and leadership to achieve change,” their citation says.
The #TAGS are a group of Rangatahi or young people that have managed to achieve big things not just locally in Wainuiomata, but also nationally.
The #TAGs were set up in 2012 by the Wainuiomata Smokefree Working Group. All rangatahi were chosen to champion the Wainuiomata Smokefree Car Campaign.
inbrief news
Ducklings saved
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade rescued a group of ducklings on 22 September.
The ducklings were stuck in a drain in Orongorongo Terrace. Local residents were not able to lift the lid on the drain so they called the brigade. Firefighters had the ducklings out in a very short space of time, and the timing proved auspicious.
Just as the brigade arrived on the scene the heavens opened, Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson says.
“We got them out just in time.”
Check smoke alarms
Daylight saving will take place at 2am on 29 September, meaning it is time for people to check their smoke alarms as well as turning their clocks forward one hour.
People who want help with their smoke alarms, or who want help to install them because they do not have them, can get assistance by leaving a message on the brigade’s phone – 04 564 8340.
As well as checking smoke alarms or helping people install them the brigade can also provide a home safety check while they are there. It is very important to remember that smoke alarms save lives.
The 2023 Wainuiomata Spirit Award winners (from left) Lahraine Sagaga, Tumua Le’afa, Franua Rimoni, Riana Le’afa-Paki, Keelan Renata, Ewen Heron, Aayla Toman and Richard Morgan. Photo: Frank Neill.
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. Email them to news@wsn.co.nz. Please note that your name must also be provided in e mails.
Tailgating
Dear Editor,
These type of people are so impatient they want to harass people by nearly driving up their exhaust pipes. Are they in such a hurry to get to their destination (ie, the cemetery)? They don’t need to involve innocent drivers to get there.
1. Learn to be patient.
2. Learn to be humble.
3. Keep to the following distance. If a car in front is doing the legal speed, back off and don’t get too close.
Remember, if the car behind you rams you into the car in front you, you are at fault for being so close.
New Zealand has got one of the worst driving accident statistics for its population.
When I am out there in my car I can see why – too many careless drivers. They want to get from point A to B fast and anyone in between look out.
Some tailgaters get abusive and start a road rage scene.
Is it worth the risk of losing your only
means of transport due to a prang?
You could use the bus or your own feet. Learn to simmer down, take your foot off the pedal a bit, and leave a gap between you and the car in front. This is not a moan just friendly advice – back off.
My advice to people going under the speed limit, you can still get a ticket for going too slow as well as too fast. Just one more thing – learn how to use your indicators.
Peter Wells
Busy calendar for Pioneer Church
A busy calendar is in place for the Pioneer Church over the next months with the following events on the calendar.
The first upcoming event is the STARGAZER concert that will take place at 7:30pm on Friday 27 September.
The local well known band STARGAZER is giving a one night only concert, playing 1960s Rock N Roll music. Only a few tickets are left.
at a small charge.
The Wainuiomata Museum will also be open for Heritage Month celebrations.
The church’s Christmas Carol Concert will take place on Saturday 5 December at 2pm.
Pioneer Church is holding an open day for Heritage Month on Sunday 17 November from 10:30am to 4pm.
The church will be open for visitors interested in seeing the restoration of the 160-year-old historic building and hearing the history of the church and surrounding graveyard.
There is no charge, although people can join other visitors for Pioneer Church’s renowned Devonshire Tea
The well known Hutt City Chorale will be singing all the well known Christmas carols and then some with audience participation to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Entry is free and there is a koha for afternoon tea.
A repeat of the very successful 2024 Craft Show is envisaged for March 2025. More information will be available in the New Year.
The Sustainability Show, an inaugural event for Wainuiomata, is planned for September 2025. More information on this exciting event will be available at a later date. ~ Potting Demo 1:30pm ~ Potting Demo 11:30am
Local band STARGAZER, who will be performing at Pioneer Church on 27 September (from left) Paki Maaka, Nigel Baxter, Chris Kirkland and Ian Gooch. Photo: Supplied.
Local campaigning against semi-automatics
By Frank Neill
Locally based Member of Parliament Ginny Andersen is campaigning against the possible reintroduction of military-style semi-automatic weapons.
One of these weapons was used in the mass shootings at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch on 15 March 2019.
Brenton Tarrant armed himself with the Mossberg 930 and Windham Weaponry AR15 and then killed 51 people at the mosque. Following the shootings, the Labour Government banned military-style semiautomatic weapons with near unanimous support.
“Now, the Government is refusing to rule out reintroducing dangerous firearms, like the one used in that massacre,” Ms Andersen says.
“They’ve said they will take another look at the ban, and the firearms registry. This is being led by gun lobbyist and ACT Party MP Nicole McKee.
“The Cabinet, made up of mostly National
Party MPs, has inexplicably agreed to switch the powers that allow changes to be made to some of our most important firearms laws – including how we define a prohibited weapon – over to her.
“I'm incredibly concerned that the Government is delegating the power to change what is considered a prohibited firearm to a gun lobbyist, who has already made changes to gun regulations with no public consultation.
“That is scary.
“Not only is she on record wanting to make some of the most dangerous guns more accessible again, but she campaigned on getting rid of the firearms registry which was set up to ensure agencies like police know who purchases guns.
“The ban Labour put in place was to help protect people, and to ensure that something like March 15 would never happen again,”
Ms Andersen says.
A petition to “keep military-style firearms off our streets” has been set up on the Labour Party’s web page, www.labour.org.nz, scroll down to “Follow NZ Labour”.
Warning about eye strain at work
Local optometrist David Aldridge has a warning for Kiwis: get your eyes tested before your boss makes you.
David, who is the Specsavers’ optometrist for the larger Wellington region, is not alone in his comments.
Specsavers optometrists’ across the country have seen more and more employees coming into their practices at the request of their bosses, after poor eye health caused an overall drop in workplace productivity.
Productivity is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest economic challenges, according to the Productivity Commission’s 2023 annual report.
This statement has been backed up by new research conducted by Specsavers, which found that 1 in 4 Kiwis – including in the Wellington region – had taken days off due to poor eye health and 42% of respondents saying their eyesight negatively impacts their productivity at work.
According to Statistics New Zealand, productivity has fallen steadily over the last 30 years, with New Zealanders reportedly working more hours per week than other OECD member countries, but producing less than 70% of the work that other OECD nations do.
One of the contributing factors to the
decrease of productivity in the workplace is poor eye health, with the World Health Organisation finding the annual cost of visual impairment on workplace productivity is a staggering $411 billion globally, creating a significant economic burden throughout the world.
Ninety percent of the Specsavers’ survey participants had visually demanding jobs that required near work, intense visual work or were using screen-based equipment daily and almost half (46%) have had to redo or spend more time on a work-related task due to symptoms related to eye strain, including headaches, blurred vision, fatigue and dry or itchy eyes.
Out of these symptoms, nearly half of the group dealt with disruptive headaches, with one in four people who dealt with these symptoms and general poor eye health having to take time off work.
One likely cause of eye strain is the amount of screen time a person is experiencing each day, with the survey revealing that participants spend an average of five hours using a screen at work and one and a half hours outside of work.
Almost 70% of the group believe this amount of screentime has a negative impact on their productivity at work.
Peace Projects in 170 Countries: HWPL Celebrates a Decade of Global Commitment to Peace
From September 18, 2024, the 10th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit is being celebrated in South Korea and various locations worldwide reaching 122 countries. Under the theme ‘Creating World Peace Community Through Regional Collaboration’, this event commemorates, global leaders’ and citizens’ commitment to peace that lasted for a decade.
HWPL stated that the purpose of the anniversary is to review achievements since 2014 and discuss future plans.
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international NGO
years of international cooperation for peace, HWPL has 500,000 members in 170 countries and signed MOAs or MOUs with 1,014 organizations in 105 countries.
Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL pointed out that division of religion caused tremendous loss of life, emphasizing that religions must take the lead in dialogue and understanding.
“We must work together to create a world of peace and leave it as a legacy for future light that brings life to the global village. Only through love and peace can the world become one,” he said.
HWPL formed a partnership with the intergovernmental organization Group of 7+ (G7+) and high-level political forum organization The Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) to develop peace initiatives. G7+ was established to unite conflict-affected countries by a vision of peace, stability, and development, with 20 member states, and PALATINO was founded to promote
development and integration within a framework of full democracy, having 23 member states.
A peace project in the Timor-Leste was presented by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Dr. Jose Honorio da Costa Pereira Jeronimo. He explained that the Ministry and eight higher education institutions partnered with HWPL to introduce peace education in the country.
H.E., Prof., Dr. Emil Constantinescu, the 3rd President of Romania said “An incredible and impressive image proves that the faith in global peace is very much more than a mere initiative.
This peace summit engages social countries. In New Zealand, the event on Saturday, 21st September, themed “Creating a World Peace Community Through Regional Collaboration,” drew participants from various sectors dedicated to fostering global peace and harmony.
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Right time to unite community
The inaugural Lower Hutt City Summit, held on 18 September, united more than 200 community representatives to shape a shared vision for the future of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
Those involved came from businesses, government agencies, community groups, sports clubs, non-government organisations and local residents.
The summit, held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre, started public engagement for T T tou T one 2055/Our City 2055, an ambitious strategy setting out 30-year aspirations for our people and place.
Mayor Campbell Barry says now is the right time to unite the community.
“Times are tough, and people are feeling the strain,” he says.
“That’s why it’s vital we come together now –not just to tackle our current challenges, but to lay the foundation for a future that our tamariki and mokopuna will thank us for.
“The summit brought together a wide range of perspectives and experiences from across the city, showing that collaboration is key to overcome the challenges we face.
“There was a lot of optimism in the room, with clear pride in being from the Hutt.
“With the collective wisdom, and more importantly, the collective action of our people - we can flip our biggest challenges into our biggest opportunities and create a future to be proud of.”
Those attending the summit took part in interactive workshops centred around the question “what can we do today that future generations
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will thank us for?”
They also heard from speakers Mayor Barry, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Officer
Taranaki Wh nui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika Kara Puketapu-Dentice, WelTec student Huliana Whonu Fanua, and Victoria University Adjunct Professor Girol Karacaoglu.
Huliana Whonu Fanua spoke to the importance of strengthening the identity and culture of the city’s youth.
“A thriving city doesn’t just look like economic growth, lots of people or flash new infrastructure. It’s a city where its people feel valued,” she said.
“I want this for the youth of today. I want their identity to drive them to where they’re meant to be,” she said.
Their insights, along with contributions from the attendees, laid the foundation for the collective approach that will inform the development of Our City 2055. With the launch of engagement for T T tou T one 2055 / Our City 2055, Hutt City Council will be continuing to engage with a wide range of people in the community, including Mana Whenua, key stakeholders and Lower Hutt’s diverse communities.
Transport satisfaction increases
Satisfaction with service reliability, frequency and capacity grew strongly in Metlink’s 2024 Public Transport Passenger Satisfaction Survey, while the end of fare subsidies contributed to a decline in satisfaction with value for money.
The annual independent survey of passenger experiences canvassed 2,830 customers on 241 bus, rail, and ferry services between 2 May and 5 June 2024.
Greater Wellington transport chair Thomas Nash says he is pleased that overall trip satisfaction remains high.
“At 92% it’s good to know passengers are happy with ‘the trip’, with scores also in the 90s for ride comfort, vehicle access and customer service indicators,” Cr Nash says.
“I’m proud of solid 5% gains in categories indicating reliability, frequency and capacity, showing good driver recruitment is at the heart of sustainable public transport.
“Thank you to all the bus drivers, train and ferry staff for your hard work on our journey to providing world class public transport across the region.”
Satisfaction with information Metlink provides customers rose 8% to 84% and satisfaction with information about delays and disruptions jumped 14% to 64%. Satisfaction with the Metlink app, which was recently upgraded, increased 10%.
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain says a 19% fall in satisfaction with value for money (to 69%), coincided with fare hikes.
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Photo: Supplied.
Wainui represented at girls only Football
By Ryan Imray
Over the weekend, Lower Hutt City Football Club held their annual Girls Only Tournament, the Mari and Mike Rogers Girls Only Tournament.
It is the third year this tournament has been held and it was the first time Wainuiomata entered a team and they fielded not just one team, but two.
In the 10th Grade Section, Vicky Johansen led her side, Wainuiomata Orongorongo. 2024 was the first year this side was together and
it was the first year that 6 of the 9 players played football all together.
The tournament was about experience, getting more time on the pitch and having fun.
While the results never went their way, the girls most certainly had a fun time and even had a highlight reel in their final game against Lower Hutt.
After some nice build up play, Adalynn Lahood ran half the length of the field to score a fantastic goal.
The girls can walk away from this tournament with nothing but
Ulalei Soccer Fun Day returns
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s third soccer fun day for M ori and Pasifika children returns on Labour Weekend kicking off a busy summer for the club.
The fun day was created to encourage more M ori and Pasifika children to play the beautiful game. The current numbers sit at 9% of the total playing population in Aotearoa.
Ulalei is buoyed by the success of its Football events last summer which translated to over 100 tamariki registering to play for the Wainuiomata Association Football Club for the first time.
Ulalei is keen to build on that momentum this summer.
“We were really happy with how last summer went,” says organiser Scott McLeod.
“We had a simple plan but it proved to be very effective in terms of raising the profile of Football with our M ori and Pasifika communities.
“We were able to give our tamariki access to another option in a Rugby union and league town.”
That simple plan included running the first Football competition for all of Wainuiomata’s primary schools, which was book-ended by two M ori and Pasifika fun days.
The feedback from the schools, parents, tamariki and local councillors was overwhelmingly positive.
Zahli Achari enjoying the sunshine at the second Māori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day in March 2024.
Photo: Supplied.
Ulalei has also confirmed its primary school soccer competition will be back this summer with the first game scheduled for 4 November. The fun day will be held again at Wise Park on Saturday 26 October. Registrations have opened. The registration form can be found on Ulalei’s Facebook page (Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport) and Instagram (@ulaleiwainuisport) page or by requesting it from email ulaleiwainuisport@gmail.com.
Ulalei acknowledges the generous support again of this important event from Nuku Ora, One Foundation, Hapai te Hauora and Hutt City Council.
positivity and the memories they created, even in the torrential rain that was present on the Sunday.
In the 12th Grade section Wainuiomata Whakanui, led by coach John Lucas, represented the Green and Black and it was a great weekend overall.
Whakanui was another side that came together for the first time this year playing against teams who had been together for two to three years. 14 players were on the roster with 10 of them never kicking a ball before the start of 2024.
The team finished sixth place out
of 11. There were many highlight worthy moments over the two days, from backflip goal celebrations to their 1-0 win over Stokes Valley.
However the stand out highlight of them all was their game against K piti Coast United.
Two goals to Izabella Fawcett and a goal from halfway from Isadora Sanderson gave them a 3-2 win in a game that was exciting for all to witness from start to finish.
In a weekend of football, laughs, smiles and a ridiculous amount
of face paint, Wainuiomata AFC is so proud of these girls who represented our club for the first time at this tournament: Galoto Pulelasi, Adalynn Lahood, Catherine Quickfall, Sophie Koroglu, Keyera Messer, Hope Johnston, River Kearns, Analia Harrington, Kiriana Mikaere, Eva Sullivan, Isadora Sanderson, Ariella Lahood, Sophie Brown, Makayla George, Isla Barclay, Lucia FernandezJones, Izabella Fawcett, Piper Ryan, Ava Snow, Bonnie Lucas, Shenji Edmonds, Faith Lucas and Cara Barclay.
Ulalei’s Norah Smith HV Coach of the Year
By Karen Sagaga
Norah Smith was recently awarded Netball Hutt Valley’s Coach
Norah is an amazing wahine toa who breeds and breathes Netball. Her teenage daughter and two sons all play netball in the Netball Hutt Valley competition. They are also umpires and they play representative Netball.
On top of all that Norah is a brilliant coach who is committed and passionate about the game of Netball. This year she coached the Ulalei Puataunofo team to take out the Premier 3 championship. This is a fantastic accomplishment for Norah and her team.
Norah also coached the Netball Hutt Valley under 16 representative team this year and the team was
unbeaten in Betty Steffensen tournament. She also coached Netball Hutt Valley under 16 team in 2023.
Norah also coached netball for Naenae College Premier 2, Naenae College Senior Mixed team, Naenae College Navy Collegiate 2, Naenae College Jnr A’s Tournament squad and Naenae Intermediate 3 team. Her coaching abilities are not limited to Netball. She also coached Basketball – Naenae College Senior boys C, Naenae College Senior Girls A and the Naenae Primary Girls years 3 and 4. She managed Basketball teams too – Naenae College Senior A boys topside, Naenae College Junior A and Naenae College Junior B. She managed numerous teams in Touch Rugby at Naenae College, the top girls side at Naenae Intermediate and Naenae Primary
years 3 and 4 mixed team. She managed Wellington Touch Association under 16 mixed team, who came sixth overall at nationals earlier this year.
Her ability to manage her time and commitments to Netball and other sport, as well as supporting her talented children and their netball commitments is truly amazing. You will see Norah at the Netball courts on Saturdays from early morning to late in the day giving so generously of her time and knowledge to the teams she coaches, as well as supporting the other Ulalei Netball Club teams. Ulalei are grateful to have Nora, especially as other sporting codes also seek her skills, expertise and coaching abilities. Norah is the worthy recipient of Netball Hutt Valley Coach of the year.
The Wainuiomata Whakanui under 12 team. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
The Wainuiomata Orongorongo under 10 team. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Norah Smith with her Hutt Valley Netball Coach of the Year trophy. Photo: Supplied.
Norah Smith with the Ulalei premier 3 champion team she coached.
Photo: Supplied.
of the Year.
