First Arts Trail
By Frank Neill
Three Wainuiomata artists feature in the first ever Hutt City Arts Trail that will take place on 19 and 20 October.
“Isn’t it amazing that [the Hutt Art Trail] is happening after so many years,” says Maggie Mundell, one of the Wainuiomata artists taking part. Continued on page 2.
Sophie Gardiner, one of the Wainuiomata residents taking part in the inaugural Hutt City Art Trail. Photo: Supplied.
Phone (04) 587 1660
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
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Amazing opportunity for Wainuiomata people
Continued from page 1
Maggie, Sophie Gardiner and Anna Gibson are the three Wainuiomata artists who have displays on the Arts Trail.
“This is an amazing opportunity and hopefully people [from Wainuiomata] will get interested in visiting the Arts Trail,” Maggie says.
Maggie is a jeweller and works mainly with stirling silver, often combining that with gem stones.
She began making jewellery when she joined The Learning Connection in 2015.
Her display of jewellery will be at The Learning Connection, 182 Eastern Hutt Road, which is one of 30 stops on the inaugural Hutt City Arts Trail.
During the two days Maggie will also be working on one or two projects, and will be able to show people jewellery making in action.
“I have developed my practice from my home studio in Wainuiomata, where I’ve lived since 2018,” she says.
“My process is largely self-directed, with a focus on continuous learning and experimentation.
“I primarily work with sterling silver, drawn to its versatility and timelessness. For commissions, I also work with gold, providing a unique and personal touch for clients.
“Recently, my creative focus has shifted toward designs that feature bold, strong lines, complemented by gemstones to introduce vibrant colour into my work.
“In addition to jewellery making I also enjoy sculpting and stone carving when time permits, expanding my artistic practice into other forms of creative expression.
“These pursuits enrich my understanding of form and texture, which in turn informs my jewellery making.
“My pieces reflect my evolving artistic journey, where exploration and self-expression drive my practice.
“Through jewellery making and sculpture, I aim to create works that are both visually striking and meaningful, allowing the wearer or viewer to connect with the art on a personal level,” Maggie says.
Sophie Gardiner is a qualified artist who creates art that focuses on positivity over adversity, important in a world that confronts us daily.
The new Hutt Art Trail happening is “exciting,” she says
Sophie’s work is bold and colourful, drawing upon symbology, graffiti, nature and textiles.
One of her favourite symbols is New Zealand’s native Black Robin, “who as a survivor of near extinction, reminds me that it is possible to overcome adversity, flourish and grow,” Sophie says.
“I have created my own signature character ‘Kiko’ which means ‘Hope’ in Japanese. She often accompanies my Black Robin in my work.”
Sophie has exhibited all around the United Kingdom as well as in Wellington.
As well as her art work, Sophie is involved in early childhood education in Wainuiomata. She began at Arakura Kindergarten, moved to Parkway Kindergarten and is currently the administrator at Sun Valley Kindergarten.
Sophie’s web page is at sophiegardinerart. com.
Anna Gibson is a Wainuiomata artist that loves working with collage, printmaking and textiles.
Sophie and Anna’s displays will be at The Petone Depot, 8/193 Jackson Street, Petone.
Although three Wainuiomata artists are
taking part in the 2024 Arts Trail, there will be no stops in the suburb.
“We really tried hard to get some stops together in Wainui,” says Johannes MuellerWelschof, the Lower Hutt Art Trail Committee Chair.
“There was simply not enough response to add Wainuiomata as destination to the map for 2024.
“It looks better for next year and once this first trail [is] successful, more artists will sign up for the project,” Johannes says.
The 2024 trail includes 30 stops, offering a diverse array of artistic disciplines such as painting, pottery, printmaking, collage, textile arts, weaving, woodwork, glass art, jewellery, metalwork and mixed media.
It provides people with a chance to engage with artists, view their creations and purchase or commission artwork directly from the creators, experiencing the rich artistic offerings of Lower Hutt.
In addition to the studio and gallery exhibitions, artworks will be displayed in shop windows around the Hutt CBD along High Street and Queen Street.
The exhibitions are open between 10am and 4pm. More information is at www. lowerhuttarttrail.co.nz.
Maggie Mundell with some of the jewellery she has created. Photo: Supplied.
Marae show lifts lid on gambling
Wainuiomata Marae is hosting “Unreel”, a play directed by celebrated M ori performer Jim Moriarty (Close To Home, Mahana) and the theatre company he founded 35 years ago, Te R kau Hua o Te Wao Tapu.
The theatre company worked with Ng ti Toa and Ora Toa Mauri Ora Kaupapa M ori Addiction Services to produce “Unreel”, which tells the story of a community affected by gambling.
It was written by critically acclaimed M ori playwright Helen Pearse-Otene following a series of workshops exploring problem gambling. Helen is a registered, practising psychologist and theatre practitioner.
“Unreel” is showing at Wainuiomata Marae on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October. The 80 minute show is followed by time for reflection, k rero and questions.
“The play portrays not only people gambling, but also the corporations and pubs behind gaming lounges,” Helen says.
“I was interested in the maths and science of gambling, and there is an AI electronic gaming machine in the play called Ol‘ Scratch.”
Director Jim is no stranger to Wainuiomata.
He leads a crew of painters and
renovators as part of the Tuanui programme which aims to fix up homes and help Wainuiomata families avoid respiratory illnesses associated with living in cold, damp housing.
“I love the Wainuiomata community,” Jim says. “It is very humbling to meet people in their homes.
“Te R kau is thrilled to be hosted by Wainuiomata Marae, and to share this awesome show with the wh nau that come along.
“We had a partnership process that included people affected by gambling. Research, partnership and our Theatre Marae process – these things matter to us.
“Whatever point in life you are, our process brings forward people's wise-selves, and that is such a joy to be around.
“It is our collective hope that the vibrance and musicality of ‘Unreel’ not only entertains, but also provokes thought and stimulates k rero about the social cost of gambling,” Jim says.
“Unreel” is touring the Lower North Island in October. It has a cast of 16 including performers Regan Taylor (The M ori Sidesteps) and Hariata Moriarty (Cousins; Red, White and Brass).
Taking place before the grand
re-opening of the H Ī naki Hotel & Gaming Lounge, “Unreel” features songs and dances by Cherry and Bells and the larger-than-life launch of the very first AI pokie machine.
Plenty of people have made it: hosts from the local radio station, representatives from Inferno Entertainment, staff with their own experiences of gambling – and then there’s Laylah, who is just having a little look.
Children are welcome and parental guidance is recommended as the show contains language that may offend.
Tickets are available from www. terakau.org or at the door; $10 each or $40 for five.
Road works
Hutt City Council is undertaking road repair work along Parkway North and Parkway South this week. Work began on Monday 30 September and is due to be completed on Friday 4 October.
During this time traffic management, including detours, will be in place between 6:30am and 4:30pm.
Pharmacists are walking out of the dispensary and into your life!
Modern pharmacists no longer just type labels and put pills in bottles. We are key contributors to general healthcare, offering vital support in diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. Not sure what you’re dealing with? We can tell you if you’re experiencing hayfever or sinus problems, or if your sore throat is strep throat. We can identify many minor ailments, give advice, and prescribe medications. Pharmacies are becoming a vaccination destination for everyone from babies to elderly. Dr Google has lots of answers, but sometimes they can be hard to interpret. There’s no need to worry yourself with self-diagnoses. A visit to a pharmacist costs you nothing and we can offer peace of mind with professional
advice and care. Whether your concerns involve men’s health, menopause, children’s ailments, diarrhoea/ dehydration, eye infections and inflammation, scabies, head lice, eczema/dermatitis, or minor skin infections, we are here to help. So, if you can’t get in to see your doctor, come and see us. If we can help, we will. We are ‘the health professionals you see most often,’ helping to ease the pressure on our community’s GPs.
Clive’s Chemist, 20-21 Queen Street, Wainuiomata.
A scene from “Unreel”, which will be performed at the Wainuiomata Marae on 5 and 6 October. Photo: Supplied.
A scene from the show that lifts the lid on gambling. Photo: Supplied.
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. Email them to news@wsn.co.nz. Please note that your name must also be provided in e mails.
Action needed now
Dear Editor, Action is needed now if the decision to abolish community boards is to be overturned.
I have written to the Local Body Minister Simeon Brown to request he listen to the verbal submissions that pointed out inconsistencies in the review itself. I put it to him that the council decided to put only one set of costs to keep the board and no counter figures to show what costs for having no boards (and that it was noted in a verbal submission that adding costs was not part of what the review team were briefed on) were among other reasons for review of the decision to abolish the boards.
I need more people to back me up and write to the Minister too if a review is to take place. David Smith, a resident of Wainuiomata for over 30 years
Regional resource management updated
waterways and ecosystems, and responding to climate change are among the objectives of changes to Greater Wellington’s Regional Policy
Statement, the framework for resource management in the Wellington Region.
Approved on 26 September by the regional council, the changes were developed and tested over the last three years, with help from two independent hearing panels that sat for 22 days, considering feedback from 161 submitters.
The council is proud of the rigorous approach taken to updating the statement, Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says.
“The Regional Policy Statement guides district and regional planning that supports both the economy and the environment, all the way from the mountains to the sea, ki uta ki tai,” Cr Ponter says.
“For our mokopuna to inherit a healthy region, we now have guidelines for good development on land safe from natural hazards where connections to water and public transport infrastructure are optimal.”
The changes implement National Policy Statements on Urban Development, Freshwater Management and Indigenous Biodiversity, while
initiating an equitable transition to a low-emissions and climate resilient region.
Greater Wellington deputy chair Adrienne Staples says submissions from rural communities were integral to changes aimed at food security, climate change mitigation and resilience.
“We’ve heard that change is hard and needs to be managed carefully but it’s the right thing to do for the region, ” Cr Staples says.
“Food production and our water supply depend on climate stability. The changes encourage the region’s councils to step up support for farming by helping all sectors reduce emissions.
“Rural areas need more than forests to sink carbon.
“By keeping our best land productive, the changes will help regional communities grow through low carbon transport connections to compact urban centres, with sensibly placed subdivisions and energy efficient housing.”
Feedback from mana whenua was intrinsic to the changes, which take
an integrated approach to development, the wellbeing of waterbodies (te Mana o te Wai), and the restoration of indigenous ecosystems.
Greater Wellington Tiriti o Waitangi chair Hikitia Ropata says M tauranga M ori (traditional knowledge) shared by the region’s whaitua (catchment) committees has been incorporated into the changes.
“As kaitiaki, M ori see the bigger picture. We understand the long-term benefits of good resource management for the survival of taonga species and the prosperity of communities,” Cr Ropata says.
“Nature based solutions to natural hazards are among changes that recognise the value of M tauranga M ori, as well as the directive for councils to partner with mana whenua on climate change adaptation planning.”
Changes to the Regional Policy Statement for the Wellington Region will be publicly notified following the decision. For more information visit Regional Policy Statement for the Wellington region; Council-26-September2024-Order-Paper.
Camera to improve parking fairness
On-road testing of the latest vehicle licence plate recognition technology is underway in Lower Hutt in a bid to improve fair access to parking.
An Aero Ranger camera kit attached to one of Hutt City Council’s four parking enforcement vehicles will patrol the city’s streets as part of the testing period.
As the vehicle is being driven, the camera employs advanced snapshot technology to capture vehicle number plates.
On the car’s return, it will register whether a vehicle has paid for the parking. The information is sent back to the council and a staff member will review it to assess whether to send a ticket by mail.
Following testing, enforcement will start from 1 October for a six-month trial.
The council’s Head of Environmental Protection, Justin Roberts, says the technology will make parking enforcement more efficient and much fairer for those who do the right thing.
“Our eight parking wardens cover town centres from Stokes Valley to Wainuiomata and they can’t be everywhere at once,” he says.
“However, the chances of getting caught doing the wrong thing are about to increase.
“I’m really optimistic it will drive behaviour change so the vast majority pay their fair share of parking and don’t overstay in timed parking spaces.
“That’s going to make it more equitable for everyone and increase parking availability in our town centres.”
Mr Roberts says another benefit of the technology is increased safety of council wardens.
“Unfortunately, abuse and threatening behaviour has been on the rise, so not having to leave the car to walk around or put a ticket
on a windscreen is really helpful,” Justin says.
“The technology also maps parking occupancy and demand, which will inform the future development of parking management plans in local areas.”
It can also check that Warrants of Fitness and car registrations are current and identify vehicles registered as stolen.
Budget for the technology was approved as part of the council’s 2024 Long-term Plan.
Licence plate recognition vehicles are already operating in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington.
The system is designed to capture only vehicle number plates, not passersby.
If a person is incidentally captured on camera, the technology has facial redaction capabilities. This feature provides wardens with full control to blur any unintended captures, ensuring compliance with the Privacy Act 2020, the council confirmed.
“Council will use images only for evidence gathering, enforcement and for collecting data about how parking spaces are used. Photographic evidence is legally required to be stored for 12 months on secure servers,” it said.
An Aero Ranger camera kit attached to a parking enforcement car. Photo Supplied.
Water fluoridation a health risk
Water fluoridation at the level of 0.7mg/L presents an “unreasonable risk of injury to health,” a landmark court decision in the United States says.
The United States District Court Northern District of California made the finding in case number 17-cv-02162-EMC.
The court ruled that the United States Environmental Protection Agency must implement new regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to better protect public health.
“There is substantial and scientifically credible evidence establishing that fluoride poses a risk to human health,” the court’s judgment says.
“It is associated with a reduction in the IQ of children and is hazardous at dosages that are far too close to fluoride levels in the drinking water of the United States.
“And this risk is unreasonable,” the judgment says.
“There is a credible causal connection between that neurodevelopmental harm
and EPA’s regulation of fluoride exposure or lack thereof; and the harm would likely be redressed if EPA were to pass a rule prohibiting the addition of fluoridation chemicals to public drinking water supplies.”
In summary, the high-quality studies “consistently demonstrate lower IQ scores with higher fluoride exposure,” the judgment says.
“The consistency in association is observed among studies of varying study designs, exposure measures and study populations.
“Although some studies that conducted multiple analyses observed within-study variations in results (eg differences between subsets of IQ tests), these variations were unique to individual studies and did not detract from the overall consistency in the findings that higher fluoride is associated with lower IQ scores.”
United States District Judge Edward Chen’s decision was delivered on 24 September 2024.
Newspaper Deliverers WANTED
Appealing community board decision
in Hutt City – Wainuiomata, Eastbourne and Petone.
Residents who do not agree with Hutt City Council’s decision to disestablish the Wainuiomata Community Board can appeal the decision.
Anyone who made a submission on the council’s representation review can lodge an appeal against the council’s final decision.
The council received 26 submissions that said the Wainuiomata Community Board should be retained and 125 submissions from people saying they wanted to retain community boards.
One submission was made by the Wainuiomata Community Board.
The board had not made a decision on whether or not it will lodge an appeal when this issue of the “Wainuiomata News” went to print.
In addition to the people who made submissions saying community boards should be retained, 61 submitters said that community boards should be extended to all wards.
Currently there are three community boards
Appeals against the council’s decision on how the city will be represented from next year’s local body elections need to be in writing.
The appeal must relate to matters the person or organisation raised in their initial submission.
Appeals must be received by 5pm on 12 October and be sent either by email to haveyoursay@huttcity.govt.nz or by post or physically handed in at Hutt City Council Administration Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt 5040.
People can make direct enquires about the council’s decision by phoning 04 570 6666 or 0800 488 824 or by emailing haveyoursay@ huttcity.govt.nz.
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Found Gentlemans Watch in the vicinity of Ruthven Rd shops. Ph 04 973 7698 and describe.
Two Football Awards finalists from Wainuiomata
By Frank Neill
Two Wainuiomata Football Club
members are finalists in the 2024 Capital Football Awards.
Katrina Barclay is a Club Volunteer of the Year finalist and Ryan Imray is a Personality of the Year finalist.
Both are listed among the awards open for the public to vote.
People can vote by visiting www. surveymonkey.com/r/PF7MKMB.
“Katrina did so much for junior Football at Wainuiomata and played a pivotal role in the growth in numbers this season,” Capital Football’s award information says.
“Those numbers saw the club have 17 junior teams, including two girls only teams which the club has not had before.
“She was part of the Junior Committee where she assisted with communication to the parents, schools and players.
“She also assisted with the two nights of prize giving that saw all the junior players get recognised and celebrated.
“Katrina has been a huge part of the Football for All programme where Wainuiomata saw 104 players join the club from that programme.
“Katrina co-ordinated with all of these families to assist them with
getting the required gear to play football, transport to and from the games, regular correspondence with Capital Football and she checked in on all the families to make sure they were settled in and happy with how their football was going.
“In July, Katrina was one of the winners of the New Zealand Volunteer of the Week Competition and in August, was nominated to become part of the Women in Football Leadership programme which is hosted by Capital Football and New Zealand Football.”
Wainuiomata is “so very lucky” to have Ryan Imray, the club says. He spends “countless hours” doing everything and anything that he can for Wainuiomata Football.
Mainly known as Imray’s Snaps, “Ryan uses his platform to capture moments on the football field for people to cherish. He even captures moments off the pitch in his ‘around the grounds' albums to capture memories amongst those who are not on the field as he believes a Football club is not just defined by the people playing the game but the people behind the scenes as well as parents/partners/supporters.”
Ryan is a big advocate for the Women’s game and never shies away from promoting women’s
Football.
“When he isn’t at work or isn’t on the sideline, he is at committee meetings giving his input and feedback on how to improve Football within the community.
“He is assisting at prize givings at the end of the season, writing articles for the local newspaper to publish to help grow the image of the club amongst the community and he is at Richard Prouse helping set up the grounds for game day.
“If you don’t find him there, you will find him at home in front of the computer creating communication posters for the club, weekly fixture lists, weekly results list and matchday posters for all Wainuiomata sides, including the juniors.”
Ryan never says no when asked for a favour or for help. He gives his time, sacrifices sleep and drives all around Wellington going to games for free, without asking for anything in return and always with a smile because all he wants to do is give back to the Football community and make every single member feel included.”
The awards winners will be announced at the Capital Football Awards ceremony at the Habourside Function Centre, Wellington, on 1 November.
Ulalei aims to get Wainuiomata moving
As part of Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s busy summer programme it is encouraging all tamariki and parents to ride or walk to Wise Park in its “Get Wainui Movin’!” campaign.
“The Wise Park carpark was always full to overflowing at our events last summer,” Ulalei’s Vatau Sagaga says.
“We want to have a good go at emptying that car park and do our bit for the environment particularly given we all live minutes away from the park.”
Ulalei has called on the knowledge of cycling experts Free Ride and Uso Bike Ride and the organisers of Movin’ March to support the kaupapa.
The Free Ride and Uso Bike Ride mechanics and instructors will attend the Ulalei-Rhino primary schools touch competition this summer on Friday nights. They will carry out basic repairs on bikes and
scooters, provide safe cycling advice and run games and activities with the tamaiti.
“We are excited to be part of this kaupapa,” says Uso Bike Ride’s Chris Te’o.
“We wholeheartedly support what Ulalei is doing for Wainuiomata and are looking forward to working with the families in the valley.”
The campaign will run in a similar vein to the successful Movin’ March campaign run by Greater Wellington Regional Council for local primary schools.
Tamariki and their whanau will have passports that will be stamped for every trip they make to and from Wise Park. Every whanau member with a completed passport (10 trips) will win a small prize.
“It’s great to be able to offer our services to the tamariki and whanau of Wainuiomata and to also collaborate with Uso Bike Ride,” says Free Ride manager Lily Chalmers.
“This is an important kaupapa which we are proud to be a part of."
The kaupapa has attracted good support from the mainstream sports organisations including the Hur-
Sevens training kicking off
By Frank Neill
Rugby sevens training in Wainuiomata is about to kick off.
The Wainuiomata Rugby Foot-
ball Club begins the sevens training on 8 October.
The training will be held at William Jones Park and will start at 6pm and it will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Everyone will be welcome at the training, including Premiers, Colts and Women.
This year’s Ripper Rugby Festival, held at Wainuiomata Intermediate School on 25 Sep-
ricanes, New Zealand Warriors, Nuku Ora, Wellington Rugby, Capital Football and apparel company Paladin NZ, who have all generously donated prizes.
tember, featured 21 teams of year 3 and 4 students from primary schools throughout the valley.
The tournament proved successful, thanks to the student referees
The “Get Wainui
will start with Ulalei’s M ori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day on 26 October. The Ulalei-Rhino touch season kicks off on 8 November 2024.
from Wainuiomata Intermediate and High Schools, Amanda Rasch from Nuku Ora and all the volunteers who coached, managed the teams, and helped with the setup and cleanup.
Ryan Imray walking out of the tunnel to capture an A League match.
Photo: Masanori Udagawa.
Katrina Barclay. Photo: Supplied.
Movin’”
Ulalei kids preparing for the Get Wainui Movin’! campaign (from left) Ilai Gush, Vatau Sagaga, Rex Gush and Lafaele Sagaga. Photo: Supplied.
New programme to help businesses
A new programme will support Hutt retail businesses to build skills and improve staff safety to counter increased crime and anti-social behaviour. The Kia Haumaru - Safer Centres Programme was developed by Hutt City Council with partners First Retail Group (FRG) and the New Zealand Police, to enhance the wellbeing and safety of retail staff and the public across the city.
The Kia Haumaru programme offers free training to all customer facing businesses in Lower Hutt with First Retail Group and NZ Police to build resiliency skills and confidence to manage the risks of crime. Consumer-facing businesses across many sectors have faced escalated challenges with anti-social behaviour and theft, First Retail Managing Director Chris Wilkinson says.
"At the same time, we’re seeing more vulnerable individuals in our centres that our commercial communities are interacting with and want to help.
"Kia Haumaru has been welcomed by these organisations as a way to build capability, confidence and guardianship in reducing risk and enhancing responsiveness so that Hutt City’s centres remain safe and caring places to visit, work and live in."
Mayor Campbell Barry says it's important for the council to work
together with businesses to create a safe environment for everyone.
"Businesses have reached out to council concerned with the rising visibility of retail theft and crime in and around our city and suburban shopping centres.
"We hear loud and clear the strain this is creating for businesses. Council has a role to play alongside Police to address safety issues across our city," Mayor Barry says.
The council is also opening a Business Safety Support Fund.
It will be allocating $150,000 to assist Lower Hutt retail and hospitality businesses to purchase safety equipment.
"We’re pleased to offer a new fund that will support businesses with the extra tools to combat retail theft and anti-social behaviour,"
Mayor Barry says.
"There are simple but effective tools such as safety mirrors, internal bollards and CCTV cameras that can help prevent theft.
“This fund will give businesses a helping hand in making their workplaces safer and more secure. The fund comes alongside the $3.5m investment in our LongTerm Plan for our city-wide CCTV network.”
More information about Kia Haumanu and the Business Safety Support Fund is on Hutt City Council’s website.
Croquet Club opens new season
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Croquet Club held its opening day for the 2024-25 season on 28 September.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop and the club’s Patron Ray Wallace ran the first hoops of the season.
The club also presented three people with Life Membership of the club at the event.
Joyce Jones, who started the club along with her late husband Frank 31 years ago, is one of the new Life
Members.
The other two are Janice Harrington and Betty Nicholson.
The club “is really keen to see some new members,” Ray Wallace says.
People are welcome to come to the club, located at the end of Heath Street, between 11am and 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the club provides free tuition and coaching.
All the equipment, including mallets, can be supplied.
More information is available by emailing presbarb@outlook.com or telephoning 027 226 4046.
Croquet, Ray says, “is a great sport”.
The Wainuiomata club is also well regarded and as a result it has members who travel from the Hutt Valley and Wellington to be part of it. The club will also be hosting a Wellington regional inter-club competition early in the new year, with players coming from as far afield as Waikanae.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop runs the first hoop of the new Croquet season, watched by the Wainuiomata Croquet Club’s Patron Ray Wallace. Photo: Supplied.