Top Girl Boss
By Frank Neill
Churton Park teenager Avin Khajehzadeh was named one of New Zealand’s top Girl Bosses at the 2024 New Zealand GirlBoss Awards on 24 September. Avin won the GirlBoss Inclusion Award, sponsored by PwC New Zealand.
Continued on page 2.
Avin Khajehzadeh, who has been named a top New Zealand GirlBoss. Photo: Supplied.
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Transforming health for refugee mums
Continued from page 1.
By Frank Neill
This award is presented to the GirlBoss who does the most in New Zealand to empower others to dream more, do more and be more.
Avin, who attends Queen Margaret College, was presented the award for her work to transform health outcomes for refugee mothers.
She is helping with the revamp of cultural competency training for healthcare workers in consultation with Te Whatu Ora.
The 17-year-old is also producing health resources which will be available at all healthcare facilities next year. Translated into more than 20 languages, these resources simplify medical terms and overcome language barriers to give mothers the information they need to make informed health decisions.
When Avin first arrived in New Zealand at the age of six she did not speak English. She found the language barrier daunting.
The challenges for her parents were even greater, Avin says.
“They often avoided spending time with people who spoke only English because they felt vulnerable due to their limited language
skills.”
These experiences profoundly shaped Avin’s understanding of the struggles non-English speakers face in accessing healthcare and other essential services.
“Witnessing these challenges fuelled my desire to ensure language isn’t a barrier to quality care,” she says.
Avin also runs a yoga support group for refugee women, empowering 10–15 regular participants both physically and mentally.
“I want to provide a space for refugee women to participate in conversations where they feel heard and understood,” she says.
“Avin has taken her heart for people and turned it into action,” says Alexia Hilbertidou, founder of GirlBoss New Zealand.
“She is breaking down barriers and making sure no one is left out.
“That’s real leadership, and it’s exactly what makes her a true GirlBoss.”
The Girlboss Awards brings together leaders, businesses, and community members from across New Zealand to celebrate the achievements of trailblazing young women who are defying stereotypes and creating change in their communities.
“With a record breaking 583 nominations, the [2024] competition was fierce, and the stories
SUPERIOR TREE MANAGEMENT
inclusion category. Photo: Greg Campbell. shared were nothing short of extraordinary,” Alexia says.
This year’s 12 young winners come from a diverse range of backgrounds, but they all share a common goal: to make New Zealand and the world a better place.
Having started GirlBoss NZ at just 16 years old, Alexia also reflected on the importance of the awards, adding: “These GirlBoss Award winners are young, bold and unstoppable.
Wellington is certainly at the centre of national focus at the moment.
I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.
There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.
We have mayors and politicians from around the country trying to blame our public servants for, it seems, all the ills that currently befall New Zealand. The Government is demanding they all go back into the city to work, at least those who aren’t one of the 6000 laid off, on fewer buses and trains since Government has slashed $134 million from Wellington’s transport budget. This is despite there being no evidence or data on how many public servants are still working from home. My own observation, from having door-knocked many houses mid-week in recent times, is that a big proportion of those working from home, work for the private industry. Also, many of those working from home didn’t have an option to go into the office every day as there aren’t enough desks. Getting more life into
Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
“They are living proof that age is no barrier to making a significant impact.
“New Zealand’s young women are not waiting for permission to lead; they are stepping up and taking action now,” Alexia says. Founded in late 2015, GirlBoss is a 17,500 strong network of high school aged “changemakehers”. Its mission is to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.
downtown Wellington is essential, but it will need to be a bit more joined-up than reducing public transport spend, reducing the local workforce, and blaming workers for the state of Wellington. When I hear the Auckland mayor saying Wellington doesn’t have enough earthquakes, probably echoing a sentiment, metaphorically anyway, felt around much of the country, I am determined to kick back. We all want our kids and grandkids to have the option to stay here and thrive.
Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.
The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meetdemand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.
That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.
There’s plenty to be getting on with.
The distractions being provided by our mayor are not helping but should not be allowed to become another hammer to beat Wellington with. It is up to all of us to kick back against our detractors, not meekly watch our great city become the mere ferry terminal many outside Wellington would like us to become, and even then, with a failing fleet of ships.
Avin Khajehzadeh receiving her GirlBoss awards from Chloe Gallagher, PwC’s Chief People Officer, who judged the GirlBoss
Outstanding community service
By Frank Neill
Raymond (Ray) Wright, who is notable for his community service in Wellington’s northern suburbs, passed away on 1 September.
His life was celebrated at a service at St John’s Anglican Church in Johnsonville on 16 September.
Ray’s voluntary contribution to the community ranged from youth justice to serving as a Justice of the Peace.
He was also very well known as the co-ordinator of the North Wellington Neighbourhood Watch, a role he held for about 30 years.
In that role he acted as a liaison between the Police and the community, regularly contacting the Police to obtain information relating to incidents such as burglaries, car thefts and unlawful interference.
Ray then disseminated that information in two ways.
He provided the information to the 57 Neighbourhood Watch street co-ordinators, who then forwarded it on to their group members. In this way the information reached more than 1,000 people.
He also wrote a column for the “Independent Herald” covering crimes that had been committed in the northern suburbs and this reached a reader coverage of around 33,000 households.
This localised information went a long way in assisting the Police in crime prevention.
Ray was born in Surrey, England, on 26 September 1926 – 98 years ago today.
Before he retired, Ray had a distinguished career in the public service.
He was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in the 1997 Queen’s Birthday Honours for this public service.
During his career Ray held appointments in a variety of departments, including Defence and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he served the majority of his career.
He was also the Private Secretary to the then Prime Minister Jack Marshall.
He served in government overseas posts, as Trade Commissioner in Canada and Consul General in New Caledonia.
Ray retired as a Director in the New Zealand Department of Trade and Industry when he was 59.
During the Second World War Ray served at Bletchley Park, the principal centre of Allied code-breaking. This service helped in bringing the war to an end.
Ray is on the Bletchley Park Roll of Honour and is commemorated on the CodeBreakers Wall.
He received his Bletchley Badge and the citation signed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009.
As a teenager Ray developed a keen interest in wireless and graduated from home made crystal sets to one and two valve radio receivers. Searching out distant stations became a passion, both voice and music.
After leaving school he was employed in the Post Office Engineering Branch in Cardiff,
which provided technical training.
The Second World War was under way at that time and Ray decided to join the Merchant Navy as a radio operator. To achieve this he studied to obtain the appropriate qualification.
The Principal of the college where Ray was studying suggested that he put aside his ambition of serving in the Merchant Navy until after the war was over and Ray decided to take that advice.
With his strong interest in radio, Ray would go on to serve at Bletchley Park.
After the war ended Ray served at the Admiralty’s radio station in Scarborough and then went to sea as a radio officer.
About two years later he decided that he would settle in New Zealand, where he obtained a degree in Political Science and Economics before joining the public service.
Winning film
The award winning film “Tararua S-K” is currently screening on Air New Zealand flights and this will continue until the end of November.
The first film produced by Northland resident Andy Carruthers and Karori resident Hans Weston “Tararua S-K” won the Best Human Interest Film award at the prestigious Toronto Documentary Film Festival earlier this year. This documentary tells the story of the major challenge of an 80km tramp across the Tararua mountain range, from Schorman in the north to Kaitoke in the south.
KNS Gala
Karori Normal School will run its annual Gala from 11am to 2pm on Saturday 2 November.
There will be lots on offer at the gala, including baking, books, sports equipment, plants, deli goods, great coffee, a sausage sizzle, dumplings and more.
The gala promises to be lots of fun for the whole family with face painting, hair braiding, candy floss, games and the chance to meet the local fire fighters.
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Ray Wright QSM. Photo: Photography by Woolf.
New toilets for bus drivers
More than half of promised new toilet facilities for Metlink bus drivers will be up and running by mid-October, including one at the Wilton terminus, with the rest not far from completion.
The toilet at the Karori terminus is one that has been completed, becoming operational on 1 August.
Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee was updated on 27 September on seven facilities installed across Wellington city, at a total estimated cost of $1.264 million.
The toilet at the Wilton terminus has been installed, the council was informed.
However it is awaiting power pole installation and power connection. A certificate of completion will be sought from Wellington City Council following power connection.
“We’re making great progress on providing our drivers with modern, safe and secure toilet facilities,” says Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash.
“Feedback from drivers has been great, and we are proud of the facilities we have constructed.”
The committee noted the importance of public transport workers for the region and its economy.
“To ensure the dignity of our drivers they need to know quality facilities are available,” Cr Nash says.
“It’s not acceptable to expect bus drivers to use portaloos on a permanent basis and nor do residents want portaloos on their streets.
“At least one driver portaloo blew over in the Wellington wind . Anyone can see that is no way to run a public transport network.”
The portaloo at McLintock Street, the west Johnsonville terminal of the bus route, blew over in the wind recently.
The Johnsonville Community Association is asking for a new toilet to be installed at the McLintock Street terminal.
Wellington Airport consulting on flight paths
By Frank Neill
Wellington Airport has begun public consultation on potential new flight path options for northerly jet departures it announced in a media release on 20 September.
This comes weeks after Plane Sense Wellington Inc filed and served legal proceedings against Airways, Aeropath Ltd, Wellington International Airport Ltd and the Director of Civil Aviation.
Plane Sense is asking the High Court to declare the flight path planes are currently taking to be declared invalid and to be set aside, Plane Sense said when announcing on 31 July that it was taking the action.
One of the reasons Plane Sense is seeking a judicial review is that no consultation was undertaken before the current flight paths were introduced in December 2022.
Under the State Owned Enterprises Act, Airways needed to consult the community before making a decision, Plane Sense says. The consultation Wellington Airport says it will undertake follows changes made in 2022 which have meant fewer departures over Newlands and more over Khandallah and Broadmeadows.
“While this has meant reduced noise impacts for some residents, others have experienced a noise increase,” Wellington Airport says.
“Feedback is being sought on four options: paths;
jet departures before 7am to fly between Horokiwi and Korokoro;
departures to a similar route used before December 2022 over Newlands Ridge; and engagement process.”
“The changes in 2022 were made for good reasons and have improved safety and efficiency, but we’ve listened to public feedback and want to hear views on these different proposals,” Wellington Airport’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs Jenna Raeburn says.
“Each has different benefits and draw-
Showroom: 29 Hutt Road, Thorndon
backs, and it’s unavoidable there will be flights over residential areas under each option.
“We will carefully consider all feedback before working with Airways on next steps.”
The flight paths under consideration are only for departures, not arrivals, and a northerly departure route is used only when the wind is blowing from a northerly direction (approximately two thirds of the time).
The 2022 changes are part of a system called Divergent Missed Approach Protection System (DMAPS).
DMAPS was initiated and developed by Airways, New Zealand’s air navigation service provider, and approved by Wellington Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Consultation involves a short online survey and will run until 5pm Friday 11 October. There will also be a physical mailout to all potentially affected suburbs.
A link to the survey along with more detailed background information including noise monitoring reports is available at www. wellingtonairport.co.nz/dmaps.
If the outcome of the consultation is to recommend a potential change, then whether this will be implemented will need to be considered by Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority. The timing of any potential change would depend on what option is progressed and would need to be worked through with those agencies, Wellington Airport says.
The consultation proposed by Wellington Airport “doesn’t change our intention to continue with legal proceedings,” Plane Sense says.
“If anything it makes judicial review more important, to establish in a court of law what their individual responsibilities are and what fair process looks like going forward.
“Currently, the organisations are arguing no legal accountability for decisions that affect the wider communities in which they operate.
“Allowing aviation organisa-
tions to continue self-regulating when making decisions that affect everyday people is in no one’s best interests.
“The decision to consult now, almost two years later and only as a result of ongoing campaigning by Plane Sense, does not undo the mistakes that have been made.
“Lessons have to be learned from what has happened.
“Plane Sense is continuing to advocate for a reversal of the flight path change with utmost urgency, given the distress that many residents are experiencing.
“In addition ... Plane Sense raised concerns from residents who were receiving unsolicited phone calls and were worried about a potential scam.
“After raising these concerns, Plane Sense has the following information: Plane Sense has been advised that Wellington Airport has engaged a company to do a telephone survey to gather public views. This follows a concern from residents about a potential scam after receiving unsolicited calls from an unknown company, asking questions for an unknown purpose.”
Wellington Airport’s legal representative advised Plane Sense that the survey work was due to start after the 20 September announcement. However the company commenced the process early.
Following escalated concerns from residents via Plane Sense, the work was paused but will recommence following the media release, Wellington Airport advised Plane Sense.
Taking legal action through the courts comes at a cost, and Plane Sense is currently raising funds.
It is aiming to raise $100,000 and has set up a Givealittle page, which is at https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/plane-sense.
When this issue of the “Independent Herald” went to print just over $9,000 of the $100,000 goal had been raised via the Givealittle page. Donations towards Plane Sense’s legal costs can also be made by visiting planesensewellington.com/donate.
An aeroplane flying low over northern suburbs homes.
Photo: Phil Greig.
Cr Thomas Nash outside the Karori driver toilet. Photo: Supplied.
Local flautist features in Jazz Festival
Versatile local musician Andrea Wilson is making her Wellington Jazz Festival debut this year bringing her imaginative flute style to a performance entitled “Colours of Jazz” at the Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion in Island Bay.
Andrea will perform on the last day of the Jazz Festival, Sunday 20 October from 3pm to 4 pm.
A Glenside resident, Andrea is well-known as an enthusiastic and dedicated music teacher but has also played in a wide range of genres.
It was a stint performing with the Wellington based Brazilian band Clube do Choro, playing a range of Choro and Bossa Nova styles, which initially sparked her interest in improvisation and jazz.
Andrea is someone with a strong feeling for family and community.
As well as her music teaching practice, she enjoys organising performances and student recitals at a local rest home with the diversity of ages performing also reflected in the music. She likes to provide a varied programme of both Jazz and Classical.
She will be joining artist and pianist Ian Logan who will be leading the band with Deme Blades on Bass and James Punter on drums.
The programme has been specially tailored to suit the evocative surroundings of the chapel with a lyrical and beautifully melodic vibe comprising ballads, blues, bossa nova and jazz standards, including a number of original compositions by Ian Logan. This performance is on a koha entry basis with all proceeds going to the Compassion Soup Kitchen.
For more details go to the Wellington Jazz Festival and search “Colours of Jazz”.
Fundraiser for Youthline
By Frank Neill
Tickets are still available for A V Funding Youth’s upcoming fundraiser for Youthline Wellington. The fundraising dinner, music and dance event will be held at Atura Hotel, 24 Hawkestone Street Thorndon from 5pm to 11:30pm on Saturday 9 November. The evening will feature the band The Party Animals, Anselm Martyn on saxophone and vox and a dance performance by L.O.D. Dance Studio. A V Funding Youth was established by Khandallah residents Vino and Anselm Martyn to raise money for Youthline. Vino and Anselm run the fundraisers in memory of their 17-year-old son Anshan, who took his own life around 25 years ago.
“It’s a legacy for our son, Vino says.
“He was born as an angel and he left as an angel.
“We took a long time to come to terms with
Diabetes Awareness Evening
Join us for an informative and engaging Diabetes Awareness Evening!
Date: Monday 30th September. Time: 7:00pm
Location: The Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road.
Learnhow to recognizeand help a person with high or low blood sugars.Whether you are living with diabetes, a caregiver, or simply interested in learning more, this evening is for you!
What to expect
-Expert talks from healthcare professionals. -Information onthe newCGM lifesaving devices recently announced by the Government. -Interactive Q&A session. -Resources and support information. -Personal stories from individuals living with diabetes.
Free Entry. Refreshments will be provided. Koha on Exit. SponsorJohnsonville Lions.
Property
the loss but we have accepted that we must keep raising awareness.”
In order to help and raise awareness Vino and Anselm set up the charity A V Funding Youth which has been raising funds for Youthline since 2018.
To date they have raised $33,595. Youthline provides a 24/7 confidential helpline counselling service that provides support through phone calls, texts, emails and webchat messages for young people and all those who support young people.
It also provides youth programmes, workshops and training and is New Zealand’s leading youth mental health and youth development organisation. Tickets to the 9 November fundraiser are $65 each and are available from Vino, 021 318 466, Anselm, 022 456 3627 or by emailing avfundingyouth@gmail.com.
People can also use these contacts for more information and any enquiries.
Exceptional property management service
At Boutique Property Management we have a small portfolio of properties which means we have a personal interest in our clients and the properties we manage.
Because we’re a small company, we only take on a limited number of good quality properties, so we can focus on ensuring our properties are well-tenanted and maintained, and with over 20 years working in the industry, we know what it takes to provide the best possible service to our clients and tenants.
Andrea Wilson playing the flute. Photo: Supplied.
Khandallah residents Anselm (left) and Vino Martyn who are running a dinner and dance to raise money for Youthline. Photo: Supplied.
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Golden Anniversary for community leaders
By Glenise Dreaver
Churton Park stalwarts Brian and Lee Sheppard brought family and friends together for their Golden Wedding anniversary celebration on the afternoon of Saturday 14 September.
Lee has been well known for her support of the area’s lively art and craft sector, as well as the local children’s Christmas party.
The gathering also reflected Brian’s leadership in what is one of the most varied multicultural suburbs, not just in New Zealand, but the world.
He is also known to readers of the “Independent Herald”, where he provided photographs of many significant local events over several years before Covid changed everything.
Lee, a graduate of the London School of Fashion, described how the couple had met at the London Museum. Lee was fronting a Mary Quant exhibition and Brian was an archaeologist with the Museum.
As Brian was about to go to university in Cambridge, they decided to get married.
After university they moved to Liverpool, where their son Stephen was born.
Their move to New Zealand followed in 1980 when his archaeological career brought
Brian to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and later the Department of Conservation.
Steve, his wife Jodine and grandchildren Anika and Phoebe were an integral part of the celebrations, which culminated in the cutting of a cake with their wedding photograph incorporated into the icing.
The knife they used was a family heirloom, first used on Lee’s parents’ wedding cake and then on subsequent family wedding, baptismal and anniversary cakes.
In coming days Brian will finish a momentous few weeks that started with a memorable family holiday in the Cook Islands and will end with a trip to England to find out more about his birth family.
Despite his efforts to find out more, the story of his parents and two siblings, from whom he was separated as an infant, have remained elusive.
He did find his parents’ marriage certificate identifying his grandfather as a Police Inspector, a crucial fact leading him to the National Museum of Policing in Chester.
From there he found two first cousins, and he now heads back to Lancashire to meet them, hoping that he can finally find out, once and for all, the mystery of his origins.
Karori Rotary needs volunteer support
The Karori Rotary Club is looking for volunteers who can help the club with a Spring clean up morning of the grounds at the Marsden Day Care Club, 11 Newcombe Cres, Karori, on Saturday 5 October from 9:30am.
People who can help Rotarians doing trimming work and generally tidying up the gardens are asked to let Allan Frazer, of Karori Rotary, know by phoning 027 450 3861. Allan will let people know what gear to bring along.
The Marsden Club, along with the Chelsea Club in Lyall Bay, provides high quality professional day care programnmes for people with dementia and related disorders.
Rotary Karori helped purchase the Marsden Club building years ago and provides governance and management assistance through a trust for continuing services at both locations.
The cutting of their fiftieth anniversary cake before family and friends was a special moment for Lee and Brian Sheppard in a function fittingly held at the Churton Park Community Centre. Photo: Alastair Mansell.
Marsden House in Karori. Photo: Supplied.
SOLID RIMU FURNITURE
Why not have the best?
Classes at MSP Hataitai Park, Hataitai (above the Velodrome) Fitness dance & Circuit classes that whisper
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right.”
Henry Ford
Dayan (Wild
Goose)
This creative and different form of exercise will energise you and leave you with the ‘after-glow’ of exercise and a sense of
Phone Lynne on 04 934 3920 or 0274 416 079 or email: lynnebreed@outlook.com
Phone Lynne on 0274 416 079 or email: lynnebreed@outlook.com
This creative and different form of exercise will energise you and leave you with the ‘after-glow’ of exercise and a sense of Dance Classes
Morning and evening classes Tues and Thurs 9:30am and Thurs 6pm
Term 4 starts Tuesday 9 th October2018 Morning & evening classes Tues & Thurs
Qigong Classes
“more than just exercise”
Wild Goose (Dayan) Qigong
classes running Tuesdays at Karori Community Centre
An Invitation to transform your body... Circuit classes body shaping melange. Classes every Monday and Wednesday at 6:00pm and Saturday at 9:30am at Hataitai. So much fun! Check us out at www.meetup.com under ‘Hataitai Fitness Dance’ Or ‘Hataitai, Fitness, Fun and Body Changing”.
Check us out at www.meetup.com under 'Shelly Bay Fitness Dance' Or ‘Shelly Bay, Fitness, Fun and Body Changing” Late bookings welcome.
Traditional Chinese health exercise promotes:
rcisepromotes:
Better balance and co-ordination
Flexibility; easier joint and back movement
Relaxation and energy from within
Boost to immunity from colds etc
Taught in small, friendly groups
Authentic lineage of instruction: skilful teaching
Beginners always welcome
Chen style Tai Chi tuition also available.
More than just exercise ….‘Qi’ is your internal energy. It’s the ‘fizz’ we notice when feeling healthy and rearing to go – or notice the lack of when unwell or just feeling down. The ancient Chinese discovered they could work with this Qi using movement and meditation to build up reserves Contact 021 613081
of Qi while also flexing and strengthening the body. Movements that connect Qi to acupuncture points and meridians help to clear blockages and strengthen the immune system. Dayan Qigong exercises and longer forms help with balance, memory, flexibility and stamina.
Sifu Cynthia Shaw is an experienced instructor affiliated to the Tse Qigong Centre with whom she maintains her own training. As well as teaching the Dayan Qigong system, Sifu Shaw teaches Chen style Taijiquan. Her Chen teacher is Grandmaster Michael Tse whose own Chen Sifu is the head of Chen Village Taijiquan – Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang. If anyone is interested in Chen style Taijiquan classes they should inquire from Sifu Shaw – 021613081.
Fitness Dance and Circuit Classes with Lynne
With many years of experience, Lynne believes exercise should be fun and creative.
The Fitness Dance classes feature easy-tofollow sequences and great music that makes you want to dance!
Lynne also runs Circuit classes Monday and Wednesday at 6pm and Saturday 9:30am. With varied strength exercises plus cardio for a more rounded programme, these classes are also fun, fun, FUN!
Training provided by Sensei Grant Stove, 6th Dan TWO GREAT LOCATIONS Newlands Intermediate School and Centennnial Hall, Newlands Road TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL AGE GROUPS — from children (age 7+) to adults COME
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These classes run Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30am and Thursday at 6pm.
The classes are SO easy and SO much FUN!
All you need is a desire to get active, move and have a good time!
Email Lynne: lynnebreed@outlook.com or call 0274 416 079. All classes at Hataitai.
Traditional Shotokan Karate-do Federation
The TSKF Wellington dojo has been in operation since 1992. We offer classes for beginner grades and senior grades. These classes have adults and children in the same class, making it easy for a family to join together. It’s an encouraging environment, where everyone is constantly learning.
Classes include line work, pad work, kata, kumite (sparring) and practical application of techniques.
Regular events include weekend training seminars, Southern Region and National competitions, and our annual Gasshuku event run by TSKF New Zealand Chief Instructor Mark Willis Shihan (8th Dan Black Belt). For more information visit our website www.tskfwellington.org.nz
Northern Chorale concert coming
“The Northern Chorale’s Concert ‘New Zealand Made’ on 29 September celebrates New Zealand composers, lyricists and musicians and highlights the best of our creative musical culture,” says Thomas Nikora, the Chorale’s Musical Director
“The programme includes a rich collection of songs that will be new to many, and a range of M ori songs and lullabies both old and new,” he says.
“These include Little Boy’s Dream and A little Girls Prayer. Both are poems by Katherine Mansfield set to music by local composer Samuel Berkahn.
“Charming and simple, the poems speak to the heart of what it means to be a child.
“Peace Song is by renowned musician and composer Dorothy Buchanan whose involvement in, and influence on, New Zealand music earned her an ONZM in 2001,” Thomas says.
“Peace Song is frequently performed not only by New Zealand choirs, but choirs all over the world.
“Completely new to many people will be Into the West
“This song was co-written by Peter Jackson’s partner Fran Walsh and sung by Annie Lennox in The Return of the King, the last in the Lord of the Rings series.
“I chose this because it’s a beautiful choral work made for one of the biggest movie projects the country has ever seen and many people may remember it from the end of the third film.
“And a collection of New Zealand music wouldn’t be complete without our M ori musicians and composers.
Thomas Nikora (right), the Northern Chorale’s Music Director and Samuel Berkahn. They have each composed two of the songs to be performed. Photo: Supplied.
“The programme includes Hineraukatauri, who is the goddess of music and dance, and ends with a new arrangement of our well loved Pokarekare Ana.
“It is a broad and diverse programme,” Thomas says.
“Something old. Something new. Something for everyone.”
The concert will be held on Sunday 29 September at 3pm at the Khandallah Town Hall, and will be followed by afternoon tea.
Welcome to Paraparaumu Paradise! We've listed this property as a four bedroom home, but that does not even scratch the surface.
In the main home you'll find three spacious bedrooms upon entrance, sharing one main bathroom. Down the hallway sits another studio style layout with a bedroom, office or lounge space with its own kitchenette and ensuite. The living spaces are endless, with a conservatory that flows onto the sweet front garden area, sits a living space, playroom or cosy spacious lounge with a wood burner bathed in natural light.
Price By Negotiation
Linda Huynh
Sitting proudly just a short stroll from the beach, is this solid, low maintenance brick home. Nestled in the heart of sought after Seatoun, 1/31A Ventnor Street offers comfort and style - perfect for first time buyers or downsizers.
As you step inside you are immediately charmed but the light and modern decor. Enjoy a coffee in the open plan kitchen and living area as the sun streams through the windows. The well appointed kitchen is a chef's delight, and a welcoming space to entertain friends and family.
Tender 12pm Friday 11th
Welcome to your sunny, solid, 1960s first home or investment. Built back in a time where craftsmanship was key, Kenmore shines.
After driving on to your off street parking, or into your secure spacious single garage, step into this charming home. Polished, original floorboards throughout, bring character to the home that was built to be seen. The lounge with open fireplace and heat pump creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for gatherings or cosy nights in.
Sale Thursday 3rd October, 2 00PM
New artwork enlivens St Brigid’s
St Brigid’s School in Johnsonville recently celebrated a vibrant addition to their entrance with the unveiling of stunning artworks created by M ori and Pasifika students in collaboration with renowned artists Margaret Holland and Moses Viliamu.
Over the course of a week students worked alongside the artists to design and produce artworks that represent their rich cultural heritage.
Principal/Tumuaki Jennifer Ioannou envisioned this project as a way to enhance the school's environment by incorporating M ori and Pacific cultures into the school’s entrance to serve as a celebration of culture and a source of pride for students as they enter the school.
“It was important for our students to see their cultures represented in such a prominent place, and to feel a deep sense of pride in who they are,” Jennifer says.
Year 8 student Kaylani Mua’au shared her enthusiasm about the experience:.
“It was amazing to work with Margaret and Moses,” she says.
“Seeing our ideas come to life in the artwork made me feel really proud and connected to my Samoan culture. It was a fun experience.”
When asked what they wanted the murals to represent, students unanimously chose T ne and the three kete of knowledge.
“It was wonderful to hear their understanding of the pŪr kau (legend/story) of T ne,”
Jennifer says.
“T ne's pursuit of knowledge inspires us to never stop learning and growing, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and discovery.
“His actions emphasise the importance of living in harmony with nature and fostering a sense of guardianship and stewardship for the land.
“It was amazing to see the students’ drawings of this pŪr kau incorporated into the final design, and they are thrilled with the outcome.”
The installation of the art generated a buzz throughout the community, sparking vibrant discussions and excitement.
The school marked the occasion with a hui wh nau and fono, where the contributions of artists Margaret Holland, Moses Viliamu and the students were celebrated and acknowledged, signifying a proud moment for the St Brigid’s School community.
Celebrating cultural significance of textiles
A captivating exhibition, ‘Weaves Of the World’, is set to open its doors on 2 October at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. Funded and curated by Northland residents Shani Pillai and Joji Jacob, this showcase celebrates the beauty and diversity of textiles from around the globe, highlighting their rich cultural significance and the stories they weave.
“The exhibition builds on our sold-out talks on textiles through Friends of Te Papa and our first textile exhibition in late 2022, which saw 350 visitors over five days,” Shani and Joji say.
“These events have fostered a dedicated audience and a deep appreciation for the cultural richness embodied in textiles.”
pieces from the esteemed collection of the late Valerie Carson, a well-known and admired New Zealand textile curator known for her work at Te Papa.”
The idea for the exhibition came because “we have become acutely aware of how cultures are vanishing and generational arts and crafts are dying off at a fast pace all over the world,” Shani and Joji say.
“We have also noticed an increase in the diversity in Wellington.
“We looked at Statistics NZ’s ethnic diversity analytics and were amazed.
The exhibition will run from Wednesday 2 October to Sunday 13 October. Entry is by koha.
This exhibition highlights both the unique characteristics and common threads among various multicultural communities in New Zealand.
Throughout history, textiles and accessories have uniquely expressed identity, communicated stories, and reflected centuries-old traditions, values, and beliefs.
Standing at the intersection between cultures, textiles bring people together through their beauty and vibrancy and enable us to celebrate diversity.
“We want to bring people together through an appreciation of how connected we really are through the threads which weaved the world,” Shani says.
“Our passion is to show how textiles have connected the world throughout history and how geography influenced the colours and designs.
“The curation of this exhibition draws from our extensive private textile collections, complemented by gifted and loaned items from fellow textile collectors during their intrepid travels around the world.
“Among the notable acquisitions are a few
“We decided to celebrate this diversity through textiles to bring communities together and appreciate the uniqueness and the common threads between us.
“We would love people to appreciate and understand their heritage and to conserve and preserve their family’s heirlooms and pass them on to the next generation.
“Every piece of handmade heritage textile or artefact holds the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of one or more artisans,” Shani and Joji say.
Key features of the exhibition include: attires, textiles and accessories from New Zealand (M ori and European), Pacifica, Japan, Korea, China, South East Asia, Tibet, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Americas, Canada and many more; and costumes, embroideries, quilts, applique, rugs, kilims, exotic ikats, batik, indigo-dyed fabrics, tribal wear, ethnic hats, and many more treasures from all corners of the world.
“’Weaves Of the World’ is more than an exhibition,” Shani and Joji say.
“It is a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of textiles that helps us appreciate the richness of multicultural communities in Aotearoa, New Zealand and beyond.”
New artwork at St Brigid’s School. Photo: Supplied.
A group of St Brigid’s students with the whare they painted. Photo: Supplied.
Some of the items that will be on display at the ‘Weaves of the World’ exhibition. Photo: Supplied.
& HOME Gardening LIVING
Twigland – Your Perennial Paradise!
Loads of spring perennial favourites have arrived at Twigland, with a few brand new varieties to look out for! First up is the dashing new Lavender named ‘The Prince’. This neat and tidy, compact growing Spanish type that completely cover the plant. ‘The Prince’ joins the same royal family as ‘The Princess’, ‘The Queen’ and another recent release called ‘The Silver Princess’.
Nemesia have fast become very popular
among local gardeners, due to their wonderful ability to work anywhere in your garden. Use them for edging, groundcover, in mixed borders, in containers or as spillers in your baskets. Nemesias love Wellingtons mild temperatures, which result in a mass of blooms which obscure the foliage.
of mini orchids, a very pretty plant to marvel upon, day after day! We have 10 varieties of these neat little South African varieties,
Landscaping provides a wide range of services
Whether you’re looking for garden design, construction services, plant advice, or drainage that works well for your property, our Groundplanz team can help, we have many years of expertise in all aspects of residential landscaping. Our timber work includes pergolas, screens, seating, BBQ cabinetry, fences, decks and steps, even curved steps! Our concrete work includes steps, paths and driveways, and our team is great at laying pavers too. Laurie provides the design services and has expertise in planting, construction and drainage – there’s usually some design work needed before construction can begin. If you need help with landscaping your property, Groundplanz can assist – we will work with you to find a solution that addresses your needs, and is suitable for
the environment you live in. Groundplanz provides professional landscape design and construction services. We can help with garden layout, design of structural features and provide solutions for problem areas. www. groundplanz.co.nz
Eco Doors & Windows will save on heating costs
Combining uPVC’s natural insulating properties with double-glazing means Eco Doors & Windows achieve thermal insulation levels that far exceed even thermally broken aluminium – and at a very competitive price. Their uPVC doors also
Eco Doors & Windows specialise in uPVC glazing. And as the cooler months
look you’re after at their showroom at 29 Hutt Road, Thorndon. Their windows are ideal for helping keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
uPVC windows and doors, the company has grown. They have a number of teams
of installers with plenty of experience backed by LBPs (Licensed Building Practitioners).
uPVC windows are perfect for heat and coolness insulation. uPVC is not a thermal conductor and by combining it with double glazing, windows can achieve first-rate insulation values.
As the uPVC joinery uses a double rubber gasket engaged by a multi-point locking system, windows and doors seal tightly and evenly against their frames, unlike legacy products like timber and aluminium joinery. Enjoy lower heating costs this winter with uPVC joinery.
Eco Doors and Windows are centrally located at 29 Hutt Road, Thorndon.
OUR DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE GERMAN ENGINEERED AND SO DURABLE
including the new 2024 release ‘Coral Kiss’. Another popular perennial choice is Bacopa. alone in a hanging basket or work beautifully
These delightful, double blooming Dianthus
with a rapid growth habit making them ideal as - or use Bacopa to spill over ledges and edges, you won’t be disappointed! range are here in good numbers and variety too.
combined with their compact blue mounded foliage, make them neat and attractive all year round. If you plant these lovely plants on mass near an entrance way you’ll enjoy the welcoming fragrance for months on end! We have new annuals, perennials and pop in to check them all out! Happy Gardening!
Who hasn’t suffered from indigestion and heartburn, especially after overdoing it with food or drink, or when rushing meals? These are very common conditions although for some of us, indigestion and heartburn happen for other reasons and can cause considerable discomfort. It’s good to know that help is available from your Self Care pharmacist.
With indigestion (or dyspepsia), we can feel sick and experience gas, or a bloated feeling, in the stomach. “Indigestion causes discomfort and pain in the area between your ribs and belly button, and occurs during eating, or immediately after” advise Self Care pharmacists. A common symptom of indigestion is heartburn, where there is a burning feeling rising upwards from the stomach towards the throat. The acid contents of the stomach return, or ‘reflux’, back into the oesophagus (the space between the throat and the stomach, which is shaped like a tube) and causes irritation there. Indigestion and heartburn can be caused by: Foods such as cabbage, onions, cucumber, curries and chocolate.
Certain drinks, e.g. alcohol, fizzy drinks, strong coffee and tea.
Eating food too fast; eating fatty or large meals, especially late at night. Stress and anxiety, smoking, bending and stooping, being overweight.
Pregnancy
Certain medicines – such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines for pain and arthritis.
Try to identify the cause of your indigestion or heartburn and if possible avoid these things. If the medicines you take give you symptoms, let your pharmacist or doctor know. Sometimes taking food at the same
day, and eating smaller meals; having plenty of physical activity – at least 30 minutes most days; losing weight if you are overweight (see the Weight and Health fact card) and learning to relax and sleep well (See the Sleeping Well fact card).” Sometimes focusing on lifestyle changes may be all that is needed to stop indigestion and heartburn.
time as you take your medicines can help. Remember to take your medicines with a glass of water, while sitting or standing upright.
According to Self Care pharmacists, “there are changes you can make to help prevent or reduce symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. They include stopping smoking (see the Quit Smoking fact card); avoiding rich, spicy, fatty foods, and large meals late in the
If medicines are required, your pharmacy has a wide range of products available for the short-term relief of heartburn and indigestion symptoms. “We can assist you in selecting the one that is best for your situation”, advise Self Care pharmacists. Antacids neutralise excess acid in the stomach. They can provide quick and effective relief but their effects don’t last long. Reflux symptoms can be relieved by medicines called alginates that form a ‘raft’ on top of your stomach contents, helping to prevent them being regurgitated. Where these medicines do not help, or symptoms are experienced as often as 2 or more times per week, other medicines may be required that decrease the amount of acid made by the stomach. There are several different types of medication available that do this. Your pharmacist can, in certain circumstances, supply these medicines without a prescription for the short term relief of heartburn symptoms. Your Self Care pharmacist will advise if this is appropriate for you.
“If there is still no improvement with lifestyle measures along with short-term use of medicines, or if symptoms suggest another cause, then we would refer you to your doctor for further investigations and treatment”, confirm Self Care pharmacists. “Our Indigestion & Heartburn fact card has more information, so ask us for a copy.”
REBUS hears about court Kaiarahi
The Family Court Kai rahi role was established in 2021 to help people navigate the Family Court. The Kai rahi provide quality information about family justice
services. Kai rahi are not lawyers, and they are not allowed to give legal advice. They listen and provide wh nau/families with information, guidance and support. Their service is free to the families.
Kai rahi act as a bridge – a navigator – between the com-
munity and the Ministry of Justice, and can connect the court and its users with appropriate support available in the community. They connect tamariki, parents and wh nau to the right people and services at the right time.
REBUS is a social club for seniors and meets on the last Friday of
the month. The next Rebus meeting will be held on Friday 27 September at 10am at the Khandallah Bowling Club, 24 Woodmancote Road.
The guest speaker will be Dave Hunt, a semi-retired Department of Conservation technical specialist. He will be speaking about the
life and habits of little forest floor foragers – the New Zealand lesser short-tailed bats of Pureora Forest.
For nore information about the club internet search “Khandallah REBUS” or go directly to the website https://khandallahrebus. wixsite.com/khandallahrebusclub.
Build a more resilient Newlands community
How can the Newlands community in Wellington survive a natural disaster like an earthquake or extreme weather event or cope better with everyday issues like loneliness?
They do it through community.
The first and easiest step to building a co-ordinated community is to complete the 2024 resilience survey conducted by the Newlands Resilience Group (NRG).
People can complete the survey online, privately, or with others. It takes a few minutes and privacy is assured. The survey is confidential and anonymous.
It is on the front page of the NRG website, at https://newlandrg. weebly.com/.
Those who wish to learn more about NRG’s activities and how they can assist this initiative are invited to tick the appropriate box in the survey and include an email address.
The survey closes at 5pm on
Friday 8 November. After that, the data from previous surveys will be added to the survey findings, and the new combined results will be shared with the community.
“Feel free to share the survey with your neighbours so that together, we can make Newlands stronger and more resilient,” NRG says.
“By participating, residents can directly contribute to shaping the future of Newlands, making it a safer and more connected place for everyone.
“The research will inform community conversations planned for February to April 2025, where communities can discuss the findings and agree on the next steps to enhance Newland’s resilience and wellbeing.
“The survey’s findings will guide conversations with Local Guardians and help Newlands advocate for necessary resources.
“It could also serve as a model for other communities across New Zealand, but this can only gain
momentum if residents complete the survey.”
NRG’s ability to secure funding and support for building an effective community infrastructure depends on demonstrating need and on showing widespread commitment and engagement.
“The survey, supported by the Local Guardians, will provide crucial data to underpin NRG’s proposals for investment in community resilience,” NRG says.
“The survey aims to help NRG understand how prepared the Newlands’ community is for emergencies and what can be done to improve resilience – whether planning for extreme weather events, ensuring the wellbeing of the vulnerable, or strengthening social ties. A collective effort is essential.
“NRG is committed to working with Local Guardians, schools, health centres and places of worship to ensure that every voice is heard.
“Together, we can prepare Newlands for whatever the future holds,” NRG says.
The survey also addresses broader issues of community wellbeing by asking local residents about their experiences with loneliness, confidence in finding employment, and their trust in government to help build a more supportive and connected community where everyone feels valued and safe.
NRG aims to promote wellbeing and build a more resilient, prepared, and organised community by 2030, ready to act together in a time of crisis.
Founded by Rodney Barber and overseen by the Aotearoa Community Resilience Network (a charitable trust), NRG has conducted annual surveys since 2019.
These surveys assess Newlands’ strengths and weaknesses according to government guidelines with the aim of enhancing community wellbeing, preparedness and resilience.
The previous survey results are available on NRG’s website under “surveys”.
NRG is calling for all residents of these communities to complete the vital survey because it is essential to gather the data needed to build the case for a stronger, more resilient community. The survey is the catalyst to galvanise action and help the residents of Newlands, Paparangi, Bellevue and Woodridge get through tough times.
Rodney Barber, the architect of the NRG, says: “‘She’ll be right’ is a dangerous philosophy, as it puts complete faith in the local authorities. Ask those in Christchurch and Hawkes Bay who have experienced such events.”
NRG partners with Ng Hau e Wh o Papar rangi, local community leaders, schools, health centres, and places of worship to ensure that every voice is heard.
For more information, visit https://newlandrg.weebly.com/.
Shower Glass Revival
Mark Stamper, President: Les Williams lesliewills47@ gmail.com mob 022 106 1574
Upgrade for Alex Moore Park
Upgrade work is starting on Alex Moore Park in Johnsonville next month, with sections of the park temporarily unavailable until January
next year.
Work includes upgrading the artificial turf, which has reached the end of its playable life after being first laid in 2014, and also replacing some shock pads where needed.
West Park School Pre-enrolment for Term 1 and 2, 2025
Enrolment at West Park School is now governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the West Park School office and website.
The West Park School Board has determined that up to 10 places are likely to be available for out of zone students for Terms 1 and 2 of 2025. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone.
For students seeking enrolment during Terms 1 and 2, the deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is Tuesday 15 October 2024.
Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during Terms 1 and 2 should notify the school by Monday 2 December 2024 to assist the school to plan appropriately for these Terms.
Pre-enrolment applications can be submitted:
1. Complete online enrolment on our school website
If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected in a priority order by ballot. If a ballot for out of zone places is required, it will be held on the Wednesday 30 October 2024. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.
Details relating to the enrolment period are as follows.
Length of enrolment period: from 3 February 2025 – 27 June 2025.
Deadline for receipt of applications: Tuesday 15 October 2024
Date of ballot: Wednesday 30 October 2024 westpark.school.nz | Broderick Road, Johnsonville, Wellington
To access the area, large vehicles will use the corner of the upper softball field.
The upper field will be unaffected but will need to accommodate other sports during this time.
Approximately 30 car parks will be out of action for the months during surface renewal to accommodate heavy machinery and large vehicles.
Initial work will consist of removing the existing synthetic surface, followed by work on the shock pads (and if necessary, a full replacement of the shock pads), the installation of the new surface and finally, the infill necessary to complete a premier artificial turf surface.
The new turf will be a Liga Turf Cross 25018/18 with a Brockfill infill which has exceptionally high ratings for sustainability, and is used in other parts of the country and world successfully.
The material is made from a species of southern pine grown, harvested and replanted in continuous cycles. Previously a rubber crumb material was used.
The council will recycle as much of the artificial turf as possible.
This work is booked to start in the first week of October and will take up to three months.
FIFA and World Rugby grade testing of the
artificial turf is scheduled for late December before the park is available for use again in January 2025.
Wellington City Council is working with the community and sports organisations to ensure summer programmes can continue to run, and keeping the general public informed through regular updates.
The renewal of the turf is part of the council’s Capital Renewal Programme and has a budget of $1.3M. This was approved in the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan.
Waiora Sport and Community hub will not be impacted by the works.
Project information and updates can be found at: wellington.govt.nz/alex-moorepark-upgrade.
GUM 4m3
N.Z. novelist, Frank (8)
Erect again (7)
Make bigger (7)
Forges’ air-blasting apparatus(6)
Exert oneself (6)
Comedian (5)
Wanderer (5)
Consumed
The turf area at Alex Moore Park. Photo: Wellington City Council.
Eight goal Football thriller
By Hamish Wareham
An eight goal thriller at Alex Moore Park was a feature of a mixed afternoon for local under 19 Football teams on 21 and 22 September.
After being given a bye in round one, the TFS North Wellington under 17s began their 2024 National Youth League (NYL) campaign with a home game on Alex Moore’s artificial pitch.
Their opponents, Palmerston North United, were playing their first game of the competition also, having had their opening round fixture against FC Western
postponed.
It was the visitors who started better, being 2-0 up inside a quarter of an hour with goals from Jericho Tiakiwai-Baker and Sora Moriyama.
Goals in the 29th and 42nd minute from Miles Woodhall and Liam Boyd-Smith saw the game go into halftime locked up at 2-2.
Two to North Wellington from Trey Fenemor and substitute Matiaz Munos saw them lead 4-3 with half an hour to play.
A goal in the 71st minute completed the scoring when Cooper Tikitiki leveled the game up for Palmerston North United.
Despite a frantic final 15 minutes, neither side could find the back of the net and honors were even at the end of the thrilling 4-4 draw.
Sunday saw North Wellington Under 19’s Ivan England Tournament campaign continue and it was another mixed afternoon at Fraser Park.
They began well, a lone goal from Lachie MacGregor proving the difference maker as they beat Wellington Phoenix Under 18s 1-0. Their second game started well, when a Nate Brosnahan goal gave them a 1-0 lead over Island Bay United (IBU).
Unfortunately for Norths, from
Onslow history: St John’s Church
By Felicity Wong
Hawtrey Terrace, off Clifford Rd in Johnsonville, and nearby St John’s Church recall big ideas.
In 1836 the Rev Montague J G Hawtrey MA (1805-86) was Curate of Upper Chelsea and happened to live a few doors from Edward Gibbon Wakefield.
That led to an acquaintance with him and the plans to colonise New Zealand.
Hawtrey persuaded Wakefield to make grants of “native reserve” land to the “New Zealanders” (M ori) when colonising Wellington, Nelson and Whanganui.
Large reserves were then set aside by the New Zealand Company but Hawtrey failed to persuade the British Crown to make similar land grants elsewhere.
Prior to the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, Hawtrey argued for the New Zealanders to retain their “sovereignty”.
After it was signed, he argued for just compensation for its loss, in addition to compensation of fair value for alienated lands. Hawtrey had presented his ideas in a paper “Exceptional Laws in favour of the Natives of New Zealand” (1836); then in an “Ernest Address to the Colonists, with reference to their Intercourse with the Native Inhabitants” (1840); and subsequently in letters to two Secretaries of State for the Colonies.
Meantime, Hawtrey (or his father the Rev John Hawtrey) had bought land from the New Zealand Company.
With son, Stephen 20 acres in Johnsonville were gifted as the “glebe” (income generating farm) for an Anglican Church.
In 1847 the Hawtrey Chapel, a “neat wooden structure capable of holding 120-150 persons” was built.
The Bishop of New Zealand, Bishop Selwyn preached at its opening and in 1849 recalled his journey, writing: “at Hawtrey Chapel, in the middle of the Porirua wood, the village evening school was still going on; and there I rested for an hour, examining the scholars, and partaking of the seasonable hospitality of the schoolmaster … I resumed my walk with renewed vigour, and reached Wellington Parsonage about 11pm”.
The Bishop added “we are indebted to the kindness of the Rev John Hawtrey and his son for the site of this chapel, with twenty acres of land. It is a very central situation, and the Government road, passing close by it, makes it easily accessible on both sides.”
At the time the Porirua Road was to the west of the (renamed) St John’s Church site.
In 1854 the road on the west side (Clifford Road) was by-passed by forming a cutting
through the hill on the eastern side (Middleton Road).
There have been five churches on the same site. The first three burnt down.
Hawtrey Chapel burned down in February 1855 after a fire was lit outside “by the person in charge, a common practice since the earthquake”.
The second St John’s church was victim of a bush fire on 25 January 1860 in a long drought.
After the Taranaki war of 1860-61, Hawtrey republished his ideas in a 1861 pamphlet “Justice to New Zealand; Honour to England”. He never visited New Zealand but his pamphlet went on sale in Taranaki for two shillings. In it he recalled “my earnest aim was to strike out something which should avert from the [New Zealanders] the usual result of colonies, the demoralisation and eventual destruction of the[ir] race.”
See https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/webarchive/20210104000423/http://nzetc.victoria. ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-StoutNewZ-t12-front. html.
Hawtrey’s big idea was that “it was necessary to step forward and meet the New Zealanders with institutions devised expressly for the purpose of preserving them, not to leave them merely to general rules of justice; for I foresaw a thousand things which might come into operation to destroy them under a show of justice.”
The pamphlet proposed that M ori participate in an Upper “Senate” of Parliament, which would act, he said, as a “check” on the wishes of the “popular” colonial Parliament.
He wrote: “justice should be done to them; and that, if … tribes have hitherto melted away … it is only because the white man takes so little trouble to discover what is justice, when he stands in the threefold character of judge, jury, and principal in the suit?"
Hawtrey’s ideas were ridiculed as too radical by newspapers.
The “Daily Southern Cross” of 31 May 1861 said: “New Zealand does not want men of the pen to govern it at this juncture, but men of energy and action.”
The “Nelson Examiner” of 12 June 1861 said: “our fellow subjects in New Zealand will find many of [the pamphlet’s] passages entertaining for the infantine simplicity and the romantic benevolence which they exhibit.”
After long and difficult fund-raising efforts, the third church opened on the site in 1864 with some funds from Hawtrey.
By 1877 13 acres remained for church, cemetery, school and glebe. The parish was poor and had no vicar so the parsonage and lands were rented out for £26 pa. Tragically the church again burnt down in 1882, that time
there IBU ran in four unanswered goals picking up the three points with their second 4-1 win of the day having beat Seatoun by the same scoreline.
North Wellington Under 17s have their second NYL match this Saturday when they face Petone who had a bye this past weekend. The match will be played at Petone Memorial Park, starting at 10am.
North Wellington 19s have three games on Sunday at Fraser Park, going up against Wanganui Athletic, Seatoun and unbeaten Miramar Rangers. Norths will need three wins to have a shot at making the semi finals.
by a “gorse fire lit by boys”.
The fourth church, designed by noted architect Frederick de Jersey Clere, was built in 1883.
Lack of funds meant bad timber was used and the church deteriorated and was pulled down in 1921.
The foundation stone of the present reinforced concrete St John's, designed by Clere, was laid in December 1921 and opened the following year.
It’s historic graveyard sadly was converted to lawn cemetery in 1964. The early graves were demolished with the authority of a special Act of Parliament.
St John's remains an important Anglican spiritual centre in Johnsonville.
“Hawtrey Track” was also named after Rev Hawtrey, a pre-colonial M ori track above Days Bay going to the MacKenzie Track above Eastbourne.
The National League Championship kicks off this weekend, with three out of the four Central League sides having home games. One game Saturday sees Wellington Phoenix Reserves take on Eastern Suburbs at Fraser Park. Western Suburbs host Cashmere Technical at Endeavour Park on Sunday at 12:30pm and Napier City Rovers host Northern runners up Western Springs at Bluewater Stadium.
Chatham Cup winners Wellington Olympic will have a repeat of their semi-final as they travel to Christchurch to face Coastal Spirit at Ferrymead Park.
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The present St John’s Church, Johnsonville, built in 1922, designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere. Image Supplied.
The Onslow Historical Society publications have further information about St John’s Church.
