Wednesday April 2, 2025
Big restoration
By Frank Neill
Friends Who Care is currently renovating an important Wainuiomata asset, its house.
Friends Who Care is a place where people with experience of mental illness and addictions can become part of, and drive, the solutions towards their own recovery.
Continued on page 2.
Friends Who Care Chair Linda Olsen standing on a very rickety staircase that is going to be repaired. Photo: Frank Neill.
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Creating a beautiful community resource
Continued from page 1
Its Rowe Parade house was, until the renovation started, the hub of the organisation’s activities.
It was used to provide accommodation for families, for family gatherings, for meetings and for other activities.
While the renovation is taking place Friends Who Care will be using the Wainuiomata Community Hub in Queen Street for its activities.
“It’s a beautiful house,” says Linda Olsen, the Chair of the Wainuiomata Friends Who Care.
Set up in 1973 for Friends Who Care, the house had become “totally run down”.
Because of that Friends Who Care decided to undertake a complete renovation “so eventually it can become a beautiful community resource,” Linda says.
“I think the community will be really pleased.”
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Currently an average of four men a day are working on the renovation which will take some time yet to complete.
Friends Who Care Board member Jim Moriarty was one of the team working on the major upgrade when the “Wainuiomata News” visited last week.
“It’s a beautiful house full of heart timber,” he says.
“We are restoring it to its former glory.”
Jim is no stranger to restoring houses.
His construction company works for Tuanui – Wainuiomata Healthy Homes for All.
This has involved him in “fixing up homes for Wainuiomata people.
“We are all about restoration,” Jim says.
To help pay for the project, Friends Who Care is setting up a Givealittle page (visit https:// givealittle.co.nz to make a donation).
The project and the work of Friends Who Care owes a great deal not only to its current board, members and supporters, but also to those who have been involved in the past.
“Without the past we wouldn’t have the present,” Linda says.
“A big thank you to the community for supporting accommodation for families in the past.”
The current Friends Who Care board members are Linda Olsen (Chair), Gaylene Pluck (Secretary), Janice Awatere (Treasurer), Jim Moriarty, Robyn Palmer, Lisa Maule and Kevin Lambert (caretaker/security).
Friends Who Care also works with MIX, which supports people who have experienced or are experiencing mental health issues in the Hutt Valley.
MIX runs a wellbeing and community programme and a creative space programme in Wainuiomata.
Jim Moriarty working on the restoration of the Friends Who Care house. Photo: Frank Neill.
The kitchen restoration that has taken place at the Friends Who Care house. Photo: Frank Neill.
Call to be involved in ANZAC parade
The Wainuiomata ANZAC Day Organising Committee is calling on local groups, schools and organisations to take part in the annual ANZAC Day parade on Thursday 25 April.
Each year the Wainuiomata community comes together to honour its local veterans, past and present, in a heartfelt and meaningful service.
Hutt City Councillor Keri Brown, a member of the organising committee, is encouraging wider community participation in this year’s event.
“We have a great service every year and
we’d love seeing groups and schools be involved in the parade that begins at the start of the service,” Cr Brown says.
The organising committee, made up of Tracey Mansfield, Rich Nixon, Cr Gabriel Tupou, Cr Keri Brown and Chastity Card, is working hard to ensure this year’s commemoration maintains the proud traditions of Wainuiomata.
Rich Nixon, a dedicated committee member, highlighted the uniqueness of the occasion.
“It’s always a lovely day, and we always
Open fire season
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved the Hutt Valley, Wellington, Wairarapa and the K piti Coast into an open fire season. This means permits are no longer needed before lighting fires in these areas. The change took place at 8am on Monday 31 March, and remains in force until further notice.
Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says there have been several wet weather events in the last couple of weeks, and temperatures generally are a lot cooler.
“This means that any wildfires
that get started will move slower and be easier to control and extinguish,” he says. “We are expecting more of the same weather for the foreseeable future, so we’re confident this is the right time to relax the fire restrictions in the Wellington district.
“However, although we’re heading back to an open season, there are places where vegetation is still very dry. “We expect people lighting fires to check the conditions at their location first by going to checkitsalright. nz, and following the safety advice provided.”
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Community Board
The next meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board – Poari Hapori o Wainuiomata will take place on 16 April.
The meeting, which will be held at the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub, Queen Street, begins at 6:30pm. The meeting will start with a time when members of the community can speak.
Dog control
Hutt City Council is updating its Dog Control Policy and Bylaw, and has published its plans for public consultation.
“The review, shaped by early feedback from more than 1,300 locals, includes proposed changes to improve public safety and clarify rules, particularly in shared public spaces,” the council says.
do it in our very Wainuiomata way,” he says with pride.
“We will host our usual 6am short service followed by flag raising at The Garden of Remembrance and the main service at 11:15am,” Cr Tupou says.
“If your group would like to take part in the parade and pay tribute to those who served, please reach out for more information,” Cr Brown says.
People can reach out by contacting Cr Brown on 021 829 559 or Chastity Card on 020 4132 9052.
Funding for tree crop projects
Financial support for community tree crops projects is currently available from the Wellington-Horowhenua Branch of New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA).
Applications are invited from home gardeners, small-block holders, community gardens, school gardens, horticulturists, farmers, scientists and all who are interested in growing productive trees to promote projects for greater public benefit. Applications close on Wednesday 30 April. Email treecropswh@ gmail.com to request an application form. A pool of $2,000 a year is available to promote core values of the NZTCA in the region. This includes project that: promote interest in useful tree crops: fruit, nuts, timber, fuel, livestock fodder, bee forage and other productive crops; research and share knowledge about the many and varied types of trees we might grow in New Zealand to produce a useful crop; and bring the benefits of useful tree crops to the wider community of the district.
Wainuiomata Athletic & Harrier Club (Inc)
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Wainuiomata Runners and Walkers
“The Council encourages all dog owners, walkers and the wider community to take part in the consultation process and help shape the future of dog control in Lower Hutt.” Community consultation is open until 26 April. Feedback can be provided online at hutt.city/dogcontrol, at neighbourhood hubs or by emailing Policy@huttcity.govt.nz.
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The flu. Don’t get it. Don’t give it!
There’s a nip in the air for sure lately. Which means now is the time to think about getting a flu shot. Clive reckons that almost everyone can benefit from the protection of an annual flu shot. Getting the flu is a major threat as it can spread quickly through the community.
Not matter how fit, healthy, or tough you are, you’re not immune to the flu. It can strike at any time and will leave you unable to do just about anything.
The flu can make you seriously ill and keep you in bed for at least a week. This is particularly true if you are elderly or have an ongoing medical condition.
However, even if you don’t feel sick, you could still have the virus and pass it on to others.
that after your shot, your body learns what the flu looks like, so if you are exposed to the virus your body can fight it off. Ideally, you should be vaccinated before May. Clive’s Chemist has the flu shot available now. Getting immunised is your best protection.
Over 65’s are FREE! It’s quick and convenient, to get vaccinated at Clive’s. I’d much rather everyone came in now for a flu jab, than have to see everyone later for flu medication.
The process is easy. One of the pharmacists at Clive’s will take you through some information regarding your vaccination to make sure the flu shot is right for you. Book on our website: www.clives.co.nz or give us a call 5648618. Come in and see us now!
Saturday 5th of April
Meet 1.30pm at our clubrooms, Richard Prouse Park, Hine Road
Enjoy a run or walk with like-minded people, followed by a light snack and good conversation.
We will also be holding an EASTER EGG HUNT 1.30pm on Easter Saturday. How many can you find?? Check our facebook page for updates: facebook.com/wainuirunnersandwalkers
A common misunderstanding is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu. This is not true. The flu shot is made up of dead flu viruses, so you can’t catch the flu from them. What happens is
Clive’s Chemist, 20-21 Queen Street, Wainuiomata.
The front echelon of last year’s Wainuiomata ANZAC parade approaching the war memorial. Photo: Frank Neill.
Free mentoring experience
After the successful pilot of its new group programme, Big Buddy is calling for young boys between 14 and 17 who would benefit from a free seven-week mentored experience ending with a four-day adventure camp. Enrolments close for the next, Term Two programme, on 31 March. Each young man receives $3,500 worth of mentoring, adventure and personal growth at no cost to their wh nau.
It is open to boys who do not have a significant male role model at home. The programme connects boys with mentors and facilitators to tackle challenges, build confidence, resilience and responsibility and complements core support programme “Big Buddy One-2-One” which matches one Big Buddy to one Little Buddy aged between 7 and 13. Reponses to the pilot have been
very positive.
“I’ve really grown into a different person on this programme,” one participant says.
“When my dad passed away, I held all my emotions inside because I didn’t want to worry the people around me.
“This programme showed me it’s healthy to show how you feel and not hold everything on the inside.”
Of participants surveyed after the pilot, 80% felt calmer and more positive, 90% said had better understanding of others and seeing things from their perspective and 86% felt more confident in overcoming challenges.
Big Buddy co-CEO Steve Sobota in excited about the feedback and what’s ahead.
“This isn’t just about giving boys something to do, it’s about giving them the tools to navigate life
A group of Big Buddy mentees during one of their activities while on a camp. Photo: Supplied. with strength, courage, and support,” he says.
Big Buddy will run the eight week programme in Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga, delivering four programmes in 2025, with a future plan to expand the programme into Hamilton in 2026.
The progamme has been enabled by generous sponsorship.
Applications can be made at https://
www.bigbuddy.org.nz/buddy-up/ find-a-big-buddy/or by emailing info@bigbuddy.org.nz.
Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that a boy will benefit greatly from having a positive male role model in their life.
Big Buddy has been matching boys without a dad in their lives to volunteer Big Buddies for more than 25 years, matching over 1,200 boys
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and men.
The programme supports boys aged between 7 and 17 in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington. A Big and Little Buddy typically catch up for two to three hours most weeks. They choose what they want to do together. This can be anything from walking the dog, throwing a ball around, or visiting a café or even a museum.
Women’s Lifestyle Expo returns
The Women’s Lifestyle Expo, one of Wellington’s most exciting events for women, returns to TSB Arena on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April from 10am to 4pm.
This year, it brings together more than 130 lifestyle brands for a weekend of shopping, pampering, and inspiration.
If that wasn’t enough, attendees have the chance to win a trip for two to Tahiti with five nights at a five-star resort, thanks to World Travellers and Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.
This expo showcases a blend of beauty, fashion, wellness, artisan products, travel inspiration, and gourmet treats.
Whether those attending are seeking stylish homewares, sustainable living solutions, or the latest trends in health and beauty, the expo offers something for everyone.
This year’s event welcomes fresh faces, including New Zealand’s largest Bonsai nursery MiniGardens Bonsai and Hop-On 360 Video Booth, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories of the day.
Alongside newcomers, there are returning favourites, such as renowned artist Sophie
Blokker and For Keeps permanent jewellery.
The Gallery Tattoo will be there also.
The popular Artisan Zone will showcase some of New Zealand’s most talented creators, offering handcrafted jewellery, artwork, organic skincare, and more.
The Taste Zone will tempt taste buds with an array of gourmet foods and beverages, and fan favourite Rik’s Belgium Truffles will be fully stocked for the weekend.
Emily Travers, Head of Events at New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME), says:
"The Wellington Women’s Lifestyle Expo is a vibrant showcase of incredible exhibitors, from inspiring local business owners to recognised national brands.
“It’s amazing to see the excitement of our visitors, whether it’s girlfriends on a day out, or mums, daughters, and grans making special memories together.
“We love watching them discover new favourites and reconnect with brands they love."
Earlybird tickets start from just $7 (plus a small booking fee) and are available on iTICKET, or for purchase at the door on the day for $13.
A scene from a past Wellington Women’s Lifestyle Expo. Photo: Supplied.
Whai Oranga practice manager
Sue Riddle is the new practice manager at Whai Oranga Community Health Hub, 7 The Strand, Wainuiomata.
Whai Oranga is a community owned practice that delivers a community development model of healthcare.
Health promotion and education is delivered in conjunction with the medical model of healthcare.
Whai Oranga provides services for a significant proportion of M ori and Pacific people and Community Service Cardholders. The Health Centre was opened in June 2001.
It also has a community dental service available for anybody 18 years plus.
Sue comes to her role with a long background in nursing, with experience in mental health and addiction.
She has been a charge nurse on three occasions, including supervising two wards at Auckland Hospital.
She has also worked as a manager at Statistics New Zealand, for the Ministry of Health, for Corrections and for the Nursing Council, as well as being involved in a research project.
Sue
“I
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Connections breakfast a great success
The first 2025 Wainuiomata Connections Breakfast was a huge success, Love Wainuiomata Co-ordinator Chastity Card says.
Run by Love Wainuiomata, the breakfast was held on 27 March at the Wainuiomata Community Hub.
Around 80 people attended the breakfast and “it was great,” Chastity says.
“At the heart of our community is connection, and [the] k rero was a powerful reminder of that.
“We were privileged to hear from two inspiring leaders, Mayor Campbell Barry and Mitre 10 Petone, Upper Hutt and Porirua Chief Operations Officer Sandi Lockyer, who shared their journeys of resilience, leadership, and the values that create strong businesses and even stronger communities.
“Their stories reinforced that success isn’t just about individual achievement it’s about collaboration, creating opportunities and building a future where our community thrives together,” Chastity says.
The importance of values “was the key takeaway.”
The Mayor spoke about his values and work ethic through hardship and through community and how they can be interwoven. Sandi Lockyer spoke about how Mitre 10 actually welcomed a family to the community, rather than welcoming a business. That resulted from the values that are intertwined into the Mitre 10 culture.
She gave, as an example, the fact that Mitre 10 had an employee who had worked in the business for more than 40 years.
That demonstrated that if you had a good business with great values you are going to have good staff retention.
“A huge thank you to Fine Touch Catering for the incredible kai and to the generous team at Mitre 10 MEGA Wellington for their generous support,” Chastity says.
“Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, community leader, sports club rep, school leader, or a passionate Wainuiomata local, this is your space to connect, grow, and be part of something bigger.
“Stay tuned for the next Wainuiomata Connections Breakfast, we’d love to see you there.”
Walkers and runners season starting
Looking to keep fit over winter?
Wainui Walkers and Runners will be getting together each Saturday over the winter months to enjoy some social runs and walks in the bush, on the roads, on the tracks and anywhere else they fancy.
They also meet up on Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Rock, corner of Fitzherbert Street and Parkway at 5:30pm, and Sunday mornings at a pre-arranged time and place.
Everyone is welcome to join them. Wainui Walkers and Runners’ official season opening will be this Saturday, 5 April.
The club will meet at the clubrooms, Richard Prouse Park, Hine Road, at 1:30pm, go for a walk/run/trot/jog and everyone is welcome.
The club’s meet ups are geared around whoever turns up. So people don’t need to worry if they haven’t run since school, or feel like they need to get fit first. That is what the club is here for.
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It is a small bunch of like-minded individuals who enjoy getting out for a run or walk with company.
Other events coming up this season include an Easter egg hunt on Easter Saturday. This is open to the whole community, so meet at the clubrooms at 1:30pm and prepare to hunt for Easter eggs.
The club will also have a fun relay, some orienteering, as well as some fun social events such as games nights and pot luck dinners.
Follow the Facebook page: facebook.com/ wainuirunnersandwalkers to keep up with events and activities.
Anyone wanting to join can either pop along on Saturdays to Richard Prouse Park at 1:30pm or ring Nikki on 021 0234 8292.
51. Climbing plant (8)
55. Wrath (5)
56. Living in water (7)
57. Additional (5)
58. Trial run(vehicle) (4,5)
59. Principle church of diocese (9)
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Fringe-work of knotted cord (7) 24. Saunter (6) 26. Spread hay(to air) (3) 28. Era (5)
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35. Mesh (3)
36. Singing voice (5)
37. Chemical substance used to detect others (7) 38. Betting odds (5) 39. Donkey (3) 41. Tree-lined street (6) 42. Quandry (7) 44. Wine-producing Italian town (4)
47. Pear-shaped fruit (3)
49. Destroy (10)
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6. Most favourable (7)
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48. Hinder (6)
50. Hot drink of port & lemon (5)
52. Lawful (5)
53. Teach (5)
54. Of the ear (4) Solution
applied for the role because “it seemed like a great fit.
felt very privileged to be interviewed and then selected,” she says.
Photo: Frank Neill.
Ryan Jackson wins four awards
By Frank Neill
Ryan Jackson is the Wainuiomata Cricket Club’s player of the year.
He was presented his award, along with three other awards, at the club’s prizegiving on 29 March.
Ryan also won the trophy for the most runs scored in the 2024-25 season. He scored 637. His third trophy was for recording the highest score – 110 in one of Wainuiomata’s matches against Johnsonville.
Ryan’s fourth trophy came when he was named the best allrounder. That followed him taking 28 wickets along with his 637 runs. The women’s premier team, the only team to win their competition this season, won the team of the year award.
Matie Whitman, who scored 438 runs and took 14 wickets, was named the women’s player of the year.
Angela Porter was the women’s player’s player of the year and Fuli Patea was the most improved women’s player.
Callum Mackaness won the award for the outstanding performance of the season. That performance came in Wainuiomata’s match against North City on 8 and 15 March. After reaching his century, Callum went on to score 105. He then took eight of the Norths second innings wickets to fall at a cost of 46 runs.
Yesh Prashanth won the award for most catches, having taken 19 for the season. He was also presented with the Founders award.
Two players shared the award for most wickets – Sharma Anupam and Jake O’Callaghan with 37 wickets each.
Jordon Rangikauhata was the premier’s player’s player of the year and Jason Logan won the Clubman Award.
The other award presented were:
Seconds: player’s player, Jordan Carr; most valued player, Darrell Cole.
Thirds: player’s player, Jamie Patmore, most valued player, Jake O’Callaghan.
Odd Bunch: player’s player, Manoj Singh; most valued player, Dhaval Patel.
D&B: player’s player, Kieran O’Brien; most valued player, Luke Bryant.
Hasbeens: player of the year, Barry Parsons; most valued player, Steve Henderson.
The premier team finished the season on 29 March with first innings points but an outright loss to Victoria University.
Batting first on Bryan Heath Park, Wainuiomata scored 219 for 9 declared. They then bowled Victoria University out for 147.
The home team did not fare so well in the second innings and were all out for 124. Victoria took out the win when they scored 197 for three wickets.
Logan Stoupe took three first innings wickets for just 14 runs and Jackson Hemmingway took three for 25.
Callum Mackaness took two wickets for 52 and Craig Foster two wickets for 15.
Ryan Jackson was the best of the Wainuiomata batsmen in the second innings, scoring 35, and Jackson scored 30.
Rugby season starts Saturday
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s premier Rugby team kicks off its season next Saturday, 5 April, when they play Hutt Old Boys Marist at William Jones Park.
Kick off is at 2:45pm.
Wainuiomata are the current Hardham Cup champions, having won the 2024 Premier 2 competition.
They defeated Paremata-Plimmerton 2419 in last year’s final to claim the trophy. This saw Wainuiomata remain undefeated in the Hardham Cup competition.
Following that victory, Wainuiomata’s Ruben Love was named in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, featuring New Zealand, Argentina, Australia and South Africa.
Ruben was named in the squad for the first time.
The team has been busy recently preparing for the 2025 season.
This has included four pre-season
matches – against Paremata Plimmerton, Oriental Rongotai, Northern United and the Wellington Axemen.
The scores are not recorded in preseason matches, as they are held for two main reasons – to provide match fitness for the players, and to assist with selections for the premier team.
The team will be looking to go one better this year, and qualify for the Premier 1 Jubilee Cup competition.
The first section of the season sees all the Wellington region’s premier Rugby teams compete for the The Swindale Shield.
The top eight teams then compete for the prized Jubilee Cup.
The bottom six teams, together with the top two premier 2 teams contest the Hardham Cup.
The Wainuiomata premier women’s team also kicks off its season on 5 April.
They also have a home game, playing P neke at William Jones Park in the Rebecca Liua’ana
competition. Kick off is at 11:30am.
“Family working for Families in Tasman”
The Homestead is in the heart of Wakefield Village.
Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Trophy
Yesh Prashanth with his two awards (left) player of the year Ryan Jackson (centre) and Callum Mackaness, who won the award for outstanding performance of the season. Photo: Frank Neill.
The premier women’s team, with their cup as the team of the year. Photo: Frank Neill.
The individual award winners at the Wainuiomata Cricket Club’s prizegiving.
Photo: Frank Neill.
