2 August Wainuiomata News

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Lions make second half come back

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It took a great second half for the Lions to win after the Vikings led 12-10 at half time.

Both teams scored two tries each in the first 40 minutes, with the difference being that the Vikings kicked both conversions.

Three more tries were notched up by the Lions in the second 40 minutes, seeing them outscore the Vikings by 12 points to six.

John Tahana Wharepapa-Tawiri was outstanding in the match and was named the final’s most valuable player.

The Lions co-captain, John scored a hat trick of tries. He also made a major break, beating defender after defender as he ran for more than half the length of the field before passing to Regan Hauwaho, who went on to score a try.

David Saumolia scored the Lions other try in a move set up by Marvin Karawana.

Bruce Henderson kicked one conversion. Following their victory the Lions dedicated the win to the late Te ti Awa leader Dr Ihakara Porutu (Kara) Puketapu.

Dr Puketapu played a significant leadership role with the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club. During his leadership Wainuiomata was promoted from the second to the first division, won seven Wellington Championships, played in four national finals and won three national titles.

However Dr Puketapu was not a League player in his youth, but rather played Rugby Union.

He played in the Wellington provincial team, winning the Ranfurly Shield in 1956 and was selected in the M ori All Blacks in 1955 and 1956.

“He was our pioneer and the inspiration behind the rise of our club,” the Lions Manager Tabitha Samu says.

Dr Puketapu passed away in July this year.

As well as his big contribution to Wainuiomata Rugby League, Dr Puketapu made a massive contribution not only in Wainuiomata but throughout Aotearoa.

He was patron of the Wainuiomata Marae, helped establish the K hanga Reo movement, which saw New Zealand’s first K hanga Reo begin in Wainuiomata in 1982, and was Secretary of the M ori Affairs Department when it launched the T T ngata/ Stand Tall Kaupapa.

They are just some of Dr Puketapu’s achievements during a career which saw him as

a relentless champion for M ori cultural development.

Four busloads of Wainuiomata supporters were among the many who travelled to the final. The supporters all made the traditional half time walk along the playing field.

“Seeing the massive amount of community support out there was awesome,” Tabitha says.

“It is a really great outcome for the whole league community.”

Another feature of the match was the return of the sport to Rugby League Park in Newtown.

For some years now the park has been used by Rugby Union, rather than League, but has now been returned as the major Wellington Rugby League ground.

Authorised by Chris Bishop, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

The victorious Wainuiomata Lions just after they won Wellington Rugby League's grand final on 29 July. Photo: Six.One Creative.

Man of the match John Tahana WharepapaTawhiriwith his god daughter and son,

Photo: Six.One Creative.

How do you feel about Countdown’s multi-million dollar rebrand when people are struggling with grocery prices?

They could’ve picked a better time to do it not when everyone is running pretty low on funds. There’s better ways to spend money.

I don’t know enough on why they rebranding but I do know that supermarkets are making an extraordinary profit and they shouldn’t be.

Everyone likes a comfortable supermarket to shop in at the end of the day and like everything else businesses need to refurb their operation every so often.

I’m quite happy with the rebranding, it’s not going to make that much difference. Woolworths was actually my first job back in the day.

Local leading Local Government NZ

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata is home to one of the new Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) leaders.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, who lives in the valley, was voted as LGNZ’s new Vice President at the association’s annual meeting, held in Christchurch from 26 to 28 July.

The new President is Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton. Mayors Barry and Broughton have been elected for three-year terms.

“I’m really excited to take up the role alongside the new President Mayor Sam Broughton,” Mayor Barry says.

“It’s an important role where I’ll be supporting our new President, and the National Council of LGNZ.

“I’m looking forward to advocating for all councils and playing my part in helping shape and navigate what’s ahead,” he says.

“Local government is going

through change and uncertainty like never before.

“I see the next five years as critical in deciding what the next 30-50 years will look like for us.

“The current rating system is broken and becoming increasingly unaffordable for many of our residents.

“Quite often central government imposes unfunded mandates on local government meaning we are constantly doing more and are saddled with the increased costs associated with that.

“This means we’re using blunt tools like our rating system to ask ratepayers for more.

“The recently released ‘Future of Local Government’ report articulates the issues really well, and I’m looking forward to working with all councils to find a common position to put forward to the new council post the October general election,”

Mayor Barry says.

Councils have also decided to

develop a collective position to take to a new government following the general election on the future for local government.

Mayor Barry says this decision shows local government is being proactive about its future.

“How Local Government is structured and works moving forward is vital for all our communities across Aotearoa.”

LGNZ advocates for and supports the work of councils, community boards and local board throughout the country.

“We arethe voice of the people of New Zealand,” LGNZ says.

“Together with local councils –our members who are living and working in, for and with their communities – we put local issues on the national agenda.

“Our focus is on building a better New Zealand from the ground up.”

LGNZ has this focus “because we know that New Zealand’s economic

People are struggling out there. Perhaps the big players like Countdown should be cutting their margins and tightening their belts like the rest of us.

and social wellbeing is all about healthy

Stop sore throats hurting young hearts

We are seeing so many people sore throats!

Thankfully most sore throats, if treated quickly, can be easily managed with lozenges, throat spray or even gargling with salt water.

If a sore throat is left untreated in children, however, it can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, and possibly heart damage.

Most sore throats get better on their own, but if “strep throat” is not treated with antibiotics it can cause rheumatic fever in at-risk children. Because rheumatic fever is such a serious illness, all sore throats in Maori and Pacific children and young people (aged 4 and above) need to be checked.

If your child has “strep throat”, they’ll be given antibiotics to clear up the infection before it can develop into rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever makes the heart, joints, brain and skin swollen and painful. While the symptoms of rheumatic fever

may disappear on their own, the inflammation can cause rheumatic heart disease, where there is scarring of the heart valves. Rheumatic heart disease can be life threatening.

If your child develops rheumatic fever they will need a lot of bed rest and time off school. They’ll need to stay in hospital for weeks, where they will have examinations and blood tests to check their condition. It will be more difficult for them to play sport or to take part other activities as they will have less energy. It will also mean years of antibiotic injections.

If you have concerns about your child’s sore throat, then call into Clive’s Chemist or your GP clinic. If necessary, your child will be given antibiotics. Or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Dave Paterson

Paul Meo

Kim Hollis

Joseph Koroheke

Alana Jamieson

Absolutely ridiculous.

Sharyn Simpson

Right: Mayor Campbell Barry, who has just been elected Vice President of Local Government NZ.

Photo: Supplied.

and thriving communities, their economies and their environments.”

Gardening for health

I am very conscious of people that have only small sections or live in flats, retirement villages and apartments which means they have either no land or very little land to grow food in.

For people in those places they need to make the most economical use of their land available and also to grow the most highly nutritious food possible.

This is particularly so now as a draconian Government has passed the therapeutic bill which means they control what natural remedies, vitamins, minerals and supplements that you are allow to purchase and use for your well being and health.

Traditional remedies that their parents and grandparents used to keep them healthy is now only available at the whim of some bureaucrat whom likely has a big Tax Paid salary and less knowledge about health than

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If so, feel free to bring your device along to SeniorNet, where others will work with you to resolve any issues, or teach you some new tricks.

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most of us gardeners.

So far they have yet to try and stop us from growing our own healthy food and high health products.

Recently I wrote about growing sprouts on a window sill and using Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) in the water that you are sprouting the seed with.

Spouts are very nutritious and when you sprout the seeds with MBL they become super nutritious.

Now let me tell you a little story about what I discovered over 20 years ago that made a big difference to my health and well being.

I had learnt about MSM (Organic Sulphur) which is a white crystal powder from pine trees that you dissolve in a vitamin C fruit juice and take morning and night.

Your body needs a regular amount of

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Get to know me better….

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I joined Harcourts in 2007, with sales approaching $90 million, I have been a consistent award winner with outstanding performance levels for many years. With a reputation built on honesty and trust, you can be confident that I have both the capacity and the level of

sulphur daily and back 40 plus years ago you would have got your daily sulphur dose from your purchased (once upon a time) very healthy food chain.

(Not any more unless you are growing your own vegetables naturally and putting sulphur into the growing soil in the form of gypsum)

MSM I learnt about from an authority on the subject who is living in America and was sent 500 grams to try it.

I did and the first thing I noticed was that my memory improved significantly to the point that I could go into any room and know why I was there.

Reason being is sulphur helps carry oxygen to the cells and they function better. Great relief for sore joints, arthritis and many other health issues.

Sulphur is also nature’s beauty element

ment by tutors of a similar age. We have a Learning Centre on the first floor of the Gibson Sheat Building which is opposite Queens Gate. If you know anybody that needs help suggest they ring Sen-

care to achieve the best result for your most important asset.

I chose real estate because I love to meet with people buying and selling homes in this community. It is important to me that my vendors and buyers receive the very best service with honesty and enthusiasm. My focus is being 100% committed to providing just that. I like

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Villas at Wainuiomata Masonic Village, and tour the Village including our Village Hub. We’re set in a beautiful sunny spot in Wainuiomata Valley, and just a minute to

and often woman that take MSM notice an improvement of hair, nails and complexion. It is also anti-aging. (I think mainly because of the continual detox MSM does when taking regularly)

I also learnt about that same time after reading about Sea 90 that wheat grass and barley grass are two plants that will take up all the 114 known minerals and elements if they are present in the growing medium. (Tomatoes want 56 different minerals and elements which they take up)

I was well aware of the fad referred to as drinking wheat grass juice for health and had even tried some once from a juice bar and found it bitter and not nice to drink. But if the wheat grass takes up all the minerals and elements given to it when it grows then there is some great benefit in growing it and juicing.

iorNet 04 5603160 or send us an email huttcity@-seniornet.nz. If you know anybody that needs help, neighbour, friend, mother or father ask them to contact SeniorNet.

to keep things simple, transparent and upfront. I am an agent that strives to go the extra mile for my clients every time.

Nicky Cooper, Licensed Real Estate Consultant.

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two drive from shops including Countdown, Hammer Hardware, Caltex, takeaways and pharmacies. Call Esther King, Village Manager, to view: 04 564 1118.

Big boost for Wainuiomata

National will investigate a second access into Wainuiomata if it is elected on October 14, the party has announced.

This is “fantastic news for Wainuiomata”, says National candidate for Hutt South, Chris Bishop.

A second Wainuiomata access is “something I’ve been pushing for years,” Chris says.

“Wainuiomata needs a second access.

“It will improve resilience, increase access into the valley, and help unlock around 1,800 new greenfield homes in Wainuiomata North.

“The study will look at the best route for a second access, and how it can connect to the Cross Valley Link.

“National has also committed to two major new projects which will help Wainuiomata residents – the Cross Valley Link and [a] Petone to Grenada [link road].

“The Cross Valley Link has been talked about since the 1960s and is a major new road from the east of the Hutt through to State Highway Two.

“The Cross Valley Link will increase capacity, reducing congestion across the Hutt and make it easier for Wainuiomata residents to get into the Hutt and into Wellington.

“National is fully-funding this project as part of the Petone to Grenada Link road.

“That project will deliver a new interchange at

Wainui’s caring community

Wainuiomata’s caring community spirit is very evident in three recent Facebook posts.

“Thank you to the man and lady who helped me and my three-year-old from my car this morning on the Wainui hill,” one post says.

“We had a major crash and our car had spun out on a puddle of running water as we were heading into Wainui.

“[I] honestly thought that was the end for us but grateful we’ve come out with only a few knocks and bruises.

of encouragement to not give up riding his scooter definitely made me quietly eat humble pie.

“I judged without knowing,” the post says.

“Shout out to the legend Post Haste driver today [21 July] by the Parkway/Wellington Road pedestrian crossing who went out of his way to collect my hat when it flew off into the middle of the busy road as I was crossing with my new born and dog,” another post says.

(04) 564 8618

20-21 Queen Street, Wainuiomata. dispensary@clives.co.nz www.clives.co.nz

Petone, ease congestion along State Highway Two, allow for public transport from the Hutt to Wellington’s northern suburbs, and improve the resilience of the wider region.

“These are massive commitments for the whole Hutt Valley and Wainuiomata.

“In time, residents can look forward to improved commuting times, better public transport, and reduced congestion,” Chris says.

“A new east-west corridor has been identified by the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee as part of the future of the region and National’s commitments to Petone to Grenada, the Cross Valley Link and a future extension to Wainuiomata will make this a reality.”

“The car took most of the brunt. But again thank you for pulling over and helping us out,” the post says.

“[I] just want to thank the mob members that helped my young man today when he fell off his scooter today down Queen Street,” the other post says.

“As you can imagine not having much interaction with them, I was a little taken back but seeing how you didn’t hesitate making sure he was okay ,and your words

“I accepted my hat was a complete goner until this man drove back around the roundabout, got out of his van and picked it up for me, then drove to us and passed it back.

“As a new m m , juggling a newborn is hard at the best of times and a flying hat does not make life any easier but people like you do.

“Cheers for helping me not have a meltdown about a hat today. Sending you good vibes.”

Chris Bishop. Photo: Supplied.

Pioneer Church gardens

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Spring Flower Show

The Spring Flower Show hosted by the Wainuiomata Gardeners’ Club will be held again this year after a three-year hiatusdue to Covid.

The show will be held on Sunday 3 September at the Louise Bilderbeck Hall.

The organisers say they are delighted with the huge amount of interest being shown by all the avid gardenersin the valley and they also expect the children’s sectionto be very popular.

A syllabus can be obtained by ringing Colleen on 027 4785114or Jackieon 021 08304914.

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Be part of our team from the Wainuiomata News and deliver newspapers to local houses. We require honest and reliable people aged 11 and older.

Interested? Please contact:

The gardening group who tend the gardens at the Pioneer Church on Coast Road have completely revamped the gardens at the entrance to the church.

The group has completed the garden revamp just before two forthcoming weddings which are the start of a busy schedule at the church.

Pioneer Church will hold an Old Time Hymn night hosted by James Davis on 19

August.

The church will also hold an open day for Heritage Week 2023. The open day will be held on 22 October, the Sunday of Labour weekend.

In addition the church will host visits by Hutt Valley retirement villages and garden clubs who like to include visits to the church in their outings.

Police seeking information on shooting

By Frank Neill

Police are appealing for information following a shooting they believe took place in Wainuiomata on 30 July.

A man self-presented at Hutt Hospital in a serious condition with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at around 3pm on Sunday.

Police say that the shooting was an isolated incident, and do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public.

“If you have any information that may assist Police with our investigation, please contact Police on 105 and reference event

49. Advocate (9)

51. Indication (5)

52. Bet takers(coll) (7)

53. Presses (5)

54. Ornamental staff (7)

55. Takes back property (for non- payment) (11)

DOWN

1. Public square (5)

2. Things that hinder progress (11)

number: P055504433.

“Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111,” the Police say. There has been a recent spike in vehicles being stolen around the Hutt Valley, including Wainuiomata, the Police’s Officer in Charge of Wainuiomata, Sergeant Patrick Tangipo told the “Wainuiomata News”

People are advised not to leave valuables in their cars, and to invest in steering locks and alarms, Sergeant Tangipo advises. This will act as a deterrent to people who are stealing cars, he says.

32. Ocean (3)

33. Large Indian tree (3)

38. Dreadful (8)

40. Very quickly (2,2,4)

42. Repeat (7)

44. Zeal (7)

46. Rise (6)

47. Wakens (6)

48. Hauls (5)

49. Preen (5)

50. Chores (5) Solution

Small island (4)

23. Foolish chatter (3)

25. Short sleep (3)

27. Colour (4)

28. Injured parties (7)

30. Barrel maker (6)

32. Look (3)

33. Snow runner (3)

34. Closer (6)

35. Some (7)

36. Ballad (4)

37. Insect (3)

39. Garland (3)

41. Whirl (4)

43. Ungenerous (7)

45. Traps (6)

48. Funds official (9)

3. Style of lightly fried egg (4-4)

4. Science of vision (6)

5. Prayer leaders(in mosques) (5)

6. Japanese seafood dish (7)

7. Band member (8)

8. Parhelion (3,3)

9. Hinders (7)

10. Punctured (5)

16. Frequents (7)

17. Inns (7)

19. Wood-turning machine (5)

20. Giggles (7)

22. Angers (7)

24. Baked dish (3)

26. Maori dance prop (3)

29. Makes acquaintance of (5)

31. Deed holders (11)

Last Week: 26 July 2023

The newly revamped gardens at the entrance of the Pioneer Church. Photo: Supplied.

fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different.

Ulalei Puataunofo victorious

Ulalei Puataunofo dominated all facets of play to earn a well deserved victory over High School Old Girls 56-42 in Hutt Valley Netball’s premier 3 competition on 29 July.

Puataunofo started well with Doris Berkland-Tagaloa at goal attack setting up and feeding her goal shooter Bree Itula to take a 15-12 lead.

The defensive unit of Aja Te Aho at goal keep, Tamara Howie at goal defence and Janique Te Wiki-Mu at wing defence was solid and at times impassable.

Their transition on attack was seamless, bringing the ball down the court strongly for the shooters to convert. Puataunofo led 27-23 at half time.

Waiapu Tangianau was hungry for the ball and carried the mid court with excellent feeding from the circle edge. By the end of the third quarter Puataunofo had an unassailable 42-32 lead.

Coach Memory Hopoi-Timo was ecstatic with the result.

“We won every quarter and sealed the deal with an emphatic win,” she says.

Hopoi-Timo was flying solo without her manager Faimafili Tamaali’i who is currently in South Africa at the Netball World Cup.

The team’s usual scorers Sina Tamaali’i, Peter Sua and Lenora Smith were playing, managing and coaching respectively, in other netball games which clashed with Puataunofo’s game time.

Three other Ulalei teams also notched up victories on 29 July.

Ulalei Fuesina beat Avalon Rugby Netball Club 24-23, Ulalei Moso’oi beat NNCU 7 36-30 and Ulalei Pu lulu beat High School Old Girls 3 41-31.

Howeever Ulalei Aute lost its match against WMMNA 54-61 and Ulalei Laga’ali ost to Upper Hutt Tigers 26-50.

Two locals in Wellington Lions

By Frank Neill

Two Wainuiomata Rugby players have been named in the Wellington Lions squad that will defend the National Provincial Championship (NPC) title.

Ruben Love and Peter UmagaJensen are among the 40 player squad announced by the Lions

head coach, Tamati Ellison, on 31 July.

The Lions will kick off their NPC season when they play Manawatu at the Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, on 5 August.

This follows two successful Ranfurly Shield defences by the Lions to get their 2023 season under way.

Honouring positive contributions

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Te Awe M ori Business Network and Wellington Pasifika Business Network – together as The Power of Three – have launched the 2023 Wellington Address.

The Wellington Address will honour six individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a positive impact in Wellington city.

It will be held in the Amokura Gallery, Te Papa, at 6:30pm on 24 August. Tickets can be purchased from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce website, https://www.wecc. org.nz/events/wellington-address.

Last year’s honourees included Pauline Faumuina, Fiso John Fiso (ONZM), Stacey Shortall, Tim Brown, Liz Mellish (MNZM) and Kura Moeahu.

Stacey Shortall, one of last year’s honourees, will deliver the 2023 address.

Stacey will have free rein to share her views on “this place we call home and the people who contribute to it”.

In their first defence the Lions cruised to a 68-7 win over Horowhenua-K piti at Levin Domain on 12 July.

Peter Umaga-Jensen shone in the match, playing a hand in a number of the Lions tries.

Wellington then defeated South Canterbury 67-21 at the Hutt Recreation Ground on 19 July.

Stacey Shortall is an internationally recognised litigation lawyer at MinterEllisonRuddWatts who has spearheaded projects designed to create social change and has received numerous awards for both her legal and charitable work.

She established the Who Did You Help Today Charitable Trust and is also the founder of Our Words Matter, an online forum sharing ideas to solve the issues that affect New Zealand.

Stacey’s leadership has been acknowledged with a number of awards.

She has been recognised as a Blake Leader, Women of Influence Award winner, and a Kiwibank Local Hero recipient.

In 2020, Stacey was named as one of three finalists in the inaugural Chambers Diversity and Inclusion Awards: Asia-Pacific for her pro bono work to advance social mobility and most recently, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law and the community.

Open evening at high school

Wainuiomata High School will be holding an open evening for year 8 students and their wh nau at 5pm on 15 August.

Everybody is welcome at the open evening, which will showcase the excellent learning that takes place at the local high school.

Wh nau will be taken on guided tours to showcase all the school does.

There will be opportunities during the tours for people to discuss their vision for Wainuiomata High School.

The tours will take place at frequent intervals from the school office, starting at 5pm.

This will be followed by an address by the school’s Tumuaki in the auditorium at 6pm, and the evening will conclude at 7pm.

Over half of the championship winning side from 2022 returns to the squad, with all eyes set on defending the title, as well as protecting the Ranfurly Shield for the year.

Tamati says he is pleased with the depth of the squad across the board.

“We’ve got a lot of strength cover-

ing each position, which is a good problem to have when it comes to selection each week,” he says. “We’ve seen a lot of exciting young players in the club competition, and [that] again left us with some hard selection decisions, but we believe those picked from club rugby have what it takes once called upon.”

Welcome protection of native wildlife

Greater Wellington Regional Council welcomed news on that the Government is launching “a suite of measures” aimed at protecting Aotearoa’s native wildlife and habitats from the impacts of human activity.

The measures, which include clearer rules on protecting biodiversity and tighter requirements for district councils, will aid regional councils across the country in preserving te taiao for future generations, says Greater Wellington Environment Committee Chair Penny Gaylor.

“We are committed to protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity at Greater Wellington.

“Just last month we found inanga (whitebait) eggs at a critical spawning spot in taki, following the planting of native grasses and trees.

These successes show that native wildlife and habitats can be restored and protected,” Cr Gaylor says.

Greater Wellington intends to embrace the Government’s announcement that all regional councils will need a biodiversity strategy that prioritises native biodiversity.

“Our work on Mauri T hono to develop a joint vision for te taiao alongside mana whenua, the Department of Conservation and communities has set up a strong foundation for collaborative action and developing a regional strategy,” Cr Gaylor says.

“For biodiversity to thrive, councils, government agencies, mana whenua and communities mustwork together.

“Already in 2023/24 Greater Wellington plans to plant 795,000 natives across the

region, working with our partners, contractors, andthe community on Planting Days.”

The Government is launching a suite of measures to protect native wildlife and at-risk habitats, to help halt the decline of nature due to human activity, Associate Minister for the Environment James Shaw announced on 7 July.

The package includes a consultation on new ways to fund long-term conservation via a biodiversity credit system, a clearer set of requirements for councils to protect areas of significant biodiversity, innovation pilots, regional biodiversity coordinators, and the development of a digital information platform.

The announced public consultation on a national biodiversity credit system is a “positive step” towards supporting landowners in managing their land for the benefit of wildlife and communities, Cr Gaylor says.

“For a sustainable, nature-rich future, we need a solution that makes it accessible for landowners and farmers to actively support conservation, and for mana whenua to exercise kaitiakitanga.”

The protection of native biodiversity is a key part of Greater Wellington’s role in enhancing the region’s environment and meeting the needs of its communities.

“We’re glad that the Government is co-funding the development of online information tools, so that more people can learn how to protect Aotearoa’s natural taonga.

“When we come together to protect New Zealand’s biodiversity, the benefits will be felt by generations to come, Cr Gaylor says.”

Darnaka Barry in action at wing attack for Ulalei Puataunofo . Photo: Supplied.

Awesome campaign launch

By Frank Neill

The launch of Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen’s election campaign was “awesome,” says Wainuiomata kaum tua Mate Taitua, who opened the event with karanga and karakia.

Held at the Hutt Valley Irish Society on 22 July, the launch was well attended by volunteers and supporters across the Hutt.

Mate Taitua’s opening “was very special,” Ginny says.

“It was lovely to have her there,”

Commenting on the number of people who attended, Ginny says “it means so much to me to get this support from my community.”

The campaign launch “went well,” Mate says. “Everything went well.

“It was about coming together and getting to know the people

that support her.

“I just like helping out in our community. That’s what it’s all about.”

Originally from Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty, Mate is of Tuhoe descent and is well known for her work helping people in Wainuiomata.

Following the karanga and karakia, Steve Kaa, who is also of Tuhoe descent, delivered the kaikorero, and the waiata Te Aroha was sung.

The opening of the campaign launch was “very appropriate for [Ginny], especially around Tikanga M ori,” Mate says.

One feature of the launch was an auction.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry donated a picture of his llama that he took himself, and the picture was auctioned. It sold for $250.

Representation Review Panel appointed

Hutt City Council has appointed an independent panel to assist with its Representation Review.

The purpose of a representation review is to make sure that communities of interest in Lower Hutt are fairly and effectively represented at the council.

The representation review looks at the structures that are in place, like the boundary lines and names of the wards, and the number of councillors.

Councils are required to do this at least once every six years.

Hutt City’s independent panel is made up of five members who will work with communities in the city to hear their thoughts on council representation, to inform the review.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says he’s confident the independent panel has the experience and expertise to do a thorough job in recommending representation arrangements to the council.

“It’s important that our commu-

nities of interest are represented at council and a big part of that is making sure that our structures and processes support our city’s makeup,” the Mayor says.

“Our panel members will bring experience, expertise and most importantly independence to the representation review process.

“I look forward to seeing their recommendations.”

The new panel members are:

Mr Paul Swain (Panel Chair)

Paul has extensive local and central government experience having served as a Councillor on the Greater Wellington Regional Council, as a Member of Parliament representing the Hutt Valley, and as a Cabinet Minister.

He has chaired Government inquiries, reviews, boards and committees.

As a former Chief Crown Negotiator for Treaty of Waitangi Settlements, Paul is acutely aware of the importance of providing Mana Whenua with real oppor-

tunities to engage meaningfully in the decision-making process.

Mrs Ana So’otaga

Ana has a background leading local and national public policy, strategy, systems change, and equity-centred programme design and delivery.

She is of Tokelau heritage and along with her family and four children has been born and raised in the Hutt Valley.

Ana is well connected to the Hutt Valley health, sports and Pasifika community. She has held leadership roles at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Te Awa Kairangi Primary Health Organisation and is now the Strategy and Performance lead with Sport New Zealand.

Sir (T ) John Clarke

Sir John has more than 40 years of management experience in a wide range of public sector environments including education, justice, health, housing, human rights, Crown Law, audit,

On a journey towards a career

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata High School students are among the 23 secondary school learners who have started studying civil infrastructure in Fulton Hogan’s brown mix quarry.

The project was launched by a six-way partnership between UCOL Te P kenga, Fulton Hogan, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ), the Ministry of Education, and the local Workforce Development Council.

The majority of the students are year 11 and they are working towards the New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 2).

UCOL says it is ”delighted” to be delivering the training programme.

“This model will enable our konga to become a skilled workforce much faster, by being able to begin this learning while they are still at high school,” Te P kenga Executive Director Rohe 3, Mark Oldershaw, says.

“This programme is 18 weeks long with job opportunities at the end of it, or they can go onto further training.”

UCOL Executive Dean Engineering and Applied Technologies, Danny Reilly, says the delivery of this programme would not have been possible without all of the parties that have played a part in getting it to

this point.

“When educational delivery is partnered with industry we have successful outcomes for the konga, the education provider and the overall sector and industry.

“We are so grateful to the partners that came to the party to get this initiative off the ground,” Danny says.

Patrick McKibbin, Chief Executive of Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, addressed the partners today at a celebration of the Civil Infrastructure Academy developed saying, “great things like this happen because people like you say yes.”

“Over the next 10 years, $2.7B will be spent in the Hutt Valley region alone on various infra-

social welfare, environment and heritage.

He is a fluent speaker of Te Reo M ori and has a thorough understanding of M ori issues and wide networks within M ori communities.

Sir John has played a major part in M ori-Crown relations and has been the principal cultural adviser to all Ministers of Treaty Settlements.

Ms Meenakshi Sankar

Meenakshi is a highly experienced research and evaluation practitioner, internationally respected for her leadership in analysis and strategic thinking.

Over the last 35 years, she has delivered evaluation assignments for a range of government agencies in New Zealand and multilateral agencies including UNESCO HQ and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Large-scale community engagement using participatory

principles is central to her research and evaluation practice, and well demonstrated in her work for the Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, the Education Review Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr Matt Richardson Matt is an accomplished project manager with expertise in delivering large-scale landscape and ecological mitigation projects across New Zealand. He is passionate about Lower Hutt and brings experience in engaging with a diverse mixture of community groups, including iwi representatives, on a range of projects.

Following engagement with the community, the panel will prepare a report with recommendations to council based on what they heard. This will be considered and then presented to all Lower Hutt residents for consultation early next year.

structure projects. 800 people are needed for just one of those projects and our community will thrive if we can train those 800 people from within our own community and start them young.”

Civil Contractors New Zealand Workforce Development Manager Rebecca Fox was instrumental in helping to find the right person to deliver the training.

“It’s incredibly important that those delivering these programmes across the country are industry-based.

“These skilled professionals bring both the trade expertise and industry understanding which is critical to ensure that konga have the tools to succeed when they’re beginning their careers,”

Rebecca says.

“This partnership is fantastic, long term investment for us,” Fulton Hogan HSEQ Divisional Manager, Quinn McCarthy, says.

“We are in desperate need of skilled workers across the industry.

“To be able to provide the quarry as an environment for these konga to learn in is a great opportunity to add that real-word element to their learning.

“At the end of their 18 weeks, if they are looking for employment we will interview them and are setting up a cadet programme, continuing our investment in their learning, by being able to have them experience every aspect of the business.”

Wainuiomata kaumātua Mate Taitua and Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen at Ginny’s 2023 election campaign launch. Photo: Supplied.