Wainuiomata Intermediate School student Luka Sue has been selected to represent the New Zealand region in Baseball. The 12-year-old has been named in the Southern Cross Baseball Academy’s “PAC-Men” 12U team. Continued on page 2.
Luka Sue proudly wearing his new “Pac-Men” Baseball uniform.
Supplied.
Photo:
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The sole Wellington player selected
Continued from page 1
Luka won his place in the team following trials held in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.
He was the only player from the Wellington region who was selected in the “PAC-Men” 12U team.
The team will contest the Carl Ripken Major 70 World Baseball Series, to be held in Branson, Missouri, from 8 to 17 August.
The tournament will be held at Ballparks of America, an amazing and unique youth baseball facility with five major league replica fields.
Luka will celebrate his 13th birthday on 2 August by leaving for the United States on what will be his first overseas sporting trip.
As well as playing in the World Series in Branson, the team will spend five days in Kansas City.
While they are there they will play a scrimmage game against a local team and will attend a Major League Baseball game between the Redsocks and Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Luka’s favourite position to play is second base, but also plays short stop, outfield and pitcher.
He has played one season of Baseball with the Hutt Valley Hornets, playing for the 14U and the 16U team when they were short on numbers.
Luka also plays Softball for the Wainuiomata Softball Club.
He began playing softball for the club when he was just three years old.
Earlier this year Luka was selected to play for the Hutt Valley U13 representative team.
Baseball and Softball are among a number of sports Luka enjoys.
He has also played for the Wainuiomata Rugby Club, the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club and the Rhino Touch Club
“Luka is super excited for his upcoming tournament and has been practising hard over the holidays,” his parents, Gary and Tammie, say.
“We are very proud that Luka has been given this amazing opportunity. “He has been working hard after overcoming a fractured kneecap in February that put him in a full leg brace and out of all sports for three months.
“It’s great to see him back out there doing what he loves.”
Luka Sue in action with the bat. Photo: Supplied.
Wainuiomata are the champions
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata are the 2024 Hardham Cup champions, after they defeated Paremata-Plimmerton 24-19 in the final at Jerry Collins Stadium on 27 July.
Following a slow start to the season, Wainuiomata came alive in Wellington Rugby’s Premier 2 Hardham Cup competition to lift the tophy.
The green and blacks opened the scoring in the match, with an outstanding combination by brothers Keanu and Renata Kotuhi.
Playing at half back, Keanu took a tap penalty then carved through the defence before passing to Renata on the wing, and he scored in the corner.
First five eight Andrew Wells kicked the conversion from the sideline and then added three penalties to take Wainuiomata to a 16-0 lead.
Paremata-Plimmerton finally got on the scoreboard when they scored a converted try late in the first half, which saw Wainuiomata take a 16-7 lead into the break.
That was still the score after 15 minutes of the second half, when Tyler Tane scored a try to take his team to a 21-7 lead.
Paremata-Plimmerton knew they needeed to score next, and they did, with a converted try closing the gap to 21-14.
Andrew kicked his fourth penalty, giving
Wainuiomata a 10-point lead.
With five minutes on the clock the home team had to score twice to overhaul Wainuiomata’s lead, and they managed to dot down once, leading to a tense but scoreless final few minutes.
Andrew, who played an outstanding game for Wainuiomata in the final, was the top points scorer in the Hardham Cup competition. He scored 46 points, one ahead of Poneke’s David Taoipu.
Wing Peter Umaga-Jensen was another of the Wainuiomata backs to shine in the final, while Teru Time, Zane Humphrey and Henry Time-Stowers were outstanding in the forwards.
Two members of the team, Joshua Le’afa-Paki and Braydon Soi, have been selected for the Wellington under 19 squad.
The Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club will hold its 2024 senior prizegiving on Saturday 10 August.
Wainuiomata’s Ruben Love has been named in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, featuring New Zealand, Argentina, Australia and South Africa.
New Zealand’s first match is against Argentina at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on 10 August.
Ruben, who plays full back for the Hurricanes, has been named in the squad for the first time.
news
Art finalist
Wainuiomata resin artist Emma King’s work “The Son of Coro” has been selected as a finalist in the Muriel Hopper art competition run by the Hutt Art Centre. This resin art is currently on display at the Hutt Art Centre, along with a second work of Emma’s, “The Poutama (stairway to heaven)”.
Open evening
Wainuiomata Intermediate School is holding an open evening tomorrow, 1 August, from 6pm to 7:30pm. All year six students, new students and their whānau are welcome.
Bike fix
A free bicycle fixing session will be held at the Wainuiomata Hub on Saturday 3 August, starting at 9:30am. The Free Fix will be held at the Bike Rescue Van, which will also be flying the Free Ride flag.
People can bring their bicycles for an ABC check (air, brakes and chain). Any fixes bigger than an ABC will be referred to Bike Rescue’s Saturday workshop.
Wainuiomata’s premier Rugby team celebrating their Hardham Cup victory. Photo: Ashan Wanasinghe.
Peter Umaga-Jensen makes another penetrating run for Wainuiomata. Photo: Ashan Wanasinghe.
Damning report on Wellington Water Ltd
By Frank Neill
After receiving a damning report on Wellington Water Ltd (WWL) the Wellington Water Committee has directed WWL’s Board to approve an improvement plan and assurance framework.
The Wellington Water Committee, which comprises representatives of the local authorities WWL serves, met on 26 July to receive and discuss the external review “Wellington Water Limited: capital programme estimating and budget systems”.
“The report is damning, and includes commentary, themes and recommendations covering accountability frameworks,
The Wellington Water Committee Chair and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry. Photo: Supplied.
structure, systems, processes, relationships and culture leading to the serious error in budget figures provided to shareholding councils for their long term plans,” a media release from the Wellington Water Committee states.
“This report has raised serious questions about culture, accountability, and processes within Wellington Water,”
Wellington Water Committee Chair Campbell Barry says.
“This helps explain the unacceptable budget error that occurred, but it also raises serious questions well beyond that error.
“We have been clear that the
Wellington Water Board must act now to implement a plan to address the recommendations and hold management to account on that plan.”
The committee resolved that the board’s implementation plan should be provided to the Water Committee Chair within four weeks, noting this should not preclude immediate steps the board can take to remedy the issues presented.
“Wellington Water staff and contractors continue to make significant strides in addressing the water infrastructure challenges we have in our region,”
Mayor Barry says.
“And while good progress is being made, we must deal with
the cultural and systemic issues that have been raised in this report as quickly as possible to avoid the types of errors that have occurred from happening again.
“It’s also important to recognise that the work of Wellington Water and its shareholder councils has been disrupted due to changing governments and evolving water reform.
“This has contributed to a challenging operating environment”
“While we want to avoid duplicating efforts that will be addressed by a new entity, the report highlights issues that cannot be delayed,” Mayor Barry says.
Luff Builds
Wainui resident joins global women leaders
Dahlia Malaeulu, the lead publisher of Mila’s Books, is currently attending the 2024 Changing Faces Women's Leadership Seminar in Hawaii with 15 other women leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world, which began on 21 July.
The Wainuiomata resident’s attendance was thanks to an invitation from the East-West Centre who promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue.
Wainui Grey Power
At the recent Grey Power New Zealand AGM held in Wellington, the theme was ”Not what’s wrong – what’s possible!” Delegates from all over New Zealand were challenged to keep open minds and allow themselves to change their minds. “It was refreshing to hear and to see, the Federation Board working closely together on issues facing older New Zealanders,” Wainuiomata Grey Power President Helen Thomas says. “There is going to be a need for collaboration with many other agencies to address the growing health issues and housing issues for our seniors.
“The recent rates increases are going to be crippling for some pensioners making it very hard for some to remain in their homes,” Helen says. Hutt City Council is one of the few Councils with an option called ‘Rates Postponement’. This allows the homeowner to stop rates payments, instead pledging to repay rates when the home is sold or when the homeowner passes on or moves elsewhere. Grey Power Federation will be working with Local Government New Zealand to see how this concept could be rolled out throughout the country. “Now is the time for Grey Power to ensure we have a high profile in our communities, speaking up on behalf of our seniors,” Helen says. The Wainuiomata Grey Power Association meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Wainuiomata Bowling Club, commencing at 1.30pm. The guest speaker for the July meeting was Clive Cannon from Clive’s Chemist. “He delivered an excellent talk on dementia, what it is and how we can physically and mentally prepare ourselves for such a diagnosis as we age,” Helen says. “Our guest speakers are always experts in their field, keeping us up-to-date and well informed. People who would like to attend the Grey Power meetings can ring Helen on 022 019 6722.
“We at Mila's Books are looking forward to all the learnings from this amazing experience which will include field visits to Maui, business and book industry mentoring, as well as meetings with Hawaii entrepreneurs and policymakers,” Dahlia said just before the conference began.
Dahlia’s husband, Mani Malaeulu, who is an author, mental health advocate and founder of Empower Pacific is also making waves by delivering his Tama Pasifika Wellbeing Workshop (based on The Tama Pasifika Wellbeing Journal he authored) to 600 tamaiti across Aotearoa. Mani has been working on ‘Dear Uso’, which is the prequel to the award-winning YA book, Tama Samoa (co-authored by Dahlia and Mani) and will be released later this year.
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Dahlia and Mani Malaeulu. Photo: Supplied.
First win for U15 Footballers
Katrina Barclay, who was selected as a New Zealand Football Volunteer winner recently, led her side to their first win in the regional division over the weekend.
The Under 15 United were promoted to the regional division earlier in the season, the first time Wainuiomata has had a junior team in the regional section.
Playing against Wellington's best, the side have struggled to get a result but on 27 July they deservedly got their first win as they beat North Wellington 5-2.
Across the senior games, there was no game for Wainuiomata’s first team due to it being Chatham Cup weekend so there were only seven games on show and they all sadly didn't go the way of Wainuiomata.
The Reserves were involved in a seven goal thriller away to Island Bay with Hadley Attewell scoring twice against his former club.
However Island Bay scored the winner in the 88th minute as they won 4-3.
Adam Faulkner scored two goals for the Fiddick's in their 3-3 draw with Victoria University, the only Wainuiomata side over the weekend who walked away with a point.
Halfbaked Roundballs had a 3-0 loss to Victoria University also.
In the Masters games, the Undertakers suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Petone.
Pasfika Originals lost 6-1 to Wellington United who sealed the league title with that win.
OC's and Pasifika Old Boys both also lost by 1 goal, OC's 3-2 to Wellington United and Old Boys 1-0 to Brooklyn United.
Newspaper Deliverers WANTED
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Meremere St, Manurewa GR, Mataura Gr 300 papers
AREA 2: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
Bringing Wainui businesses together
planning to network with a sponsor to support these.”
A new initiative for Wainuiomata businesses and entrepreneurs – the “Wainui Connections” Breakfast – will hold its first session on 29 August.
Love Wainuiomata plans to run the business breakfast once every three months.
AREA 3: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, part of Wood St and Coast Rd 235 papers
AREA 4: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 5: Naseby Gr, Bexley Gr, part of Wellington Rd 285 papers
AREA 6: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main 280 papers
AREA 7: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
Organised by Love Wainuiomata, “Wainui Connections” has been set up to help business owners and entrepreneurs in the valley to build professional networks that will help Wainuiomata thrive.
The aim of “Wainui Connections” is to “foster a sense of community and contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of Wainuiomata businesses as a whole,” Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator Chastity Card says.
“Love Wainuiomata is happy to provide a network for businesses to support each other.
“We have chosen a business breakfast format and we are
49. Live a country life (9)
51. List of jurors (5)
52. His works include’Madam Butterfly ‘ & ‘Tosca’(7)
53. Number (5)
54. Tolerates (7)
55. Interpret wrongly (11) DOWN
1. Droops (5)
2. Nourishing (11)
3. Abandoned (8)
4. Modernize (6)
5. Icon (5)
6. Offers (7) 7. Calming (8)
8. Endure (6) 9. Warned (7)
10. Famous (5)
16. Diplomatic (7) 17. Varied (7)
19. Rent (5)
20. Lures (7)
22. Example(pl) (7)
Joke (3)
Cur (3)
Choose (5)
party guest (11)
The breakfast is open both to business and entrepreneurs whose operations are in Wainuiomata as well as business owners and entrepreneurs whose business is outside the valley but who live in Wainuiomata.
The initiative has been welcomed by Clive Cannons of Clive’s Chemists.
“I’m very excited for it to kick off,” he says.
Currently Wainuiomata does not have a business group. There used to be one, Clive says, but it ceased during the Covid pandemic period and has not since been restarted.
A business breakfast, where everyone can meet, share ideas and work together “is going to be a good start,” Clive says.
32. Evening meal (3) 33. Come first (3)
38. Anticipates (3-5)
40. Simplicity (8)
Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Wainui Lions make semi-final
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Lions are looking to become the Wellington Rugby League champions for the second year in succession.
The Lions qualified for the semifinals and will meet Whiti te Ra o taki at Frederick Wise Park on 3 August.
Kick off is at 2:30pm.
The Lions were one of two teams who qualified for the semi-finals following the 20 July round of matches and had a bye on 27 July.
Wainuiomata completed the round robin series of matches with a convincing 38-10 victory over the Randwick Kingfishers on 20 July.
The first half was much more even than the second spell, although the Lions led 18-10 at half time.
The second half was all Wainuiomata, however, with the team scoring 20 points and conceding none.
Seven Lions scored tries in the
match – Joshua Onekawa, Bree Henderson, Dante Kakahi, Aethan Tuisila, Xavier Seal, John-Tahana Wharepapa-Rawiri and Ulai OtiLahood.
John-Tahana’s 13th try of the premier season is now top equal with Whiti te Ra’s Nukuroa Rikihana.
Bree and Xavier each kicked two goals and Rhemus Rutene kicked one goal.
This was the first match the Lions had played for three weeks.
Whiti te Ra will go into Saturday’s semi-final buoyed by a crushing 54-6 victory over the Porirua Vikings at taki Domain on 27 July.
Whiti was one of four teams who contested the 27 July matches in their bids for a semi-final spot.
The Wainuiomata Lions became the 2023 Wellington Rugby League champions when they defeated the Porirua Vikings 22-18 to claim the Appleton Shield.
Ulalei Malili winning streak continues
By Vaegaau Isaac
Ulalei Malili continued their winning form with a masterful 32-23 victory over Hutt Valley Marist on 27 July. In a break out season for Malili, they have won all their games, except for one loss earlier in round one. They have continued their successful run with two games remaining in round two. They are exciting to watch, their skills on defence and attack are exceptional, and their ability to transition from defence to attack is seamless and executed with precision.
Ulalei Aute powered over Upper Hutt Rams by 51-32. Coach Poni Smith had the luxury of three in form goal shooters, Emma Murray, Bailee Potangaroa and Sina Tamaali’i, that he was able to play effectively at different times throughout the game, keeping the opposition guessing. Aute were able to do the same at the defensive end with Cerie Milovale and Brittany Antipas smothering the Rams attack who were unable to get clean ball to their shooters. The defensive pairing of Alofa Aberdein-Tapua’i and Tahlia Samuelu came on and continued to suffocate the opposition attack restricting the Rams to only four goals in the third quarter. Ulalei Fuesina young guns were dominant over Upper Hutt Rugby League with a convincing 41-31 win. Ulalei Pualulu were unlucky going down to Naenae Collegians by 25-23. After being down by 12-7 at half time, they made a strong
More transport for All Blacks
Malili defender Maraea Sopoaga in action.
Photo: Supplied.
comeback only to be beaten by the clock. Ulalei Mosooi had a nail-biting one point loss to Blitz Old Skool 32-31. Ulalei Lagaalii lost to Maidstone in another close game by 27-24. Ulalei Puataunofo went down to High School Old Girls 38-44 and Ulalei Suni lost to Wainuiomata Intermediate.
Sports awards nominations close soon
By Frank Neill
Additional train services on the Hutt Valley line, and increased capacity on core bus routes, are confirmed for the upcoming All Blacks games on Saturday 10 August and 28 September.
This will include free public transport for ticket holders and Sky Stadium members on bus and rail.
Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says the capital always
comes alive when the All Blacks are in town.
“The All Blacks are returning to Te Whanganui-a-Tara for the first time since 2022, and Metlink is pleased to back the All Blacks and support fans with free public transport and additional rail and bus services to boost capacity,” he says.
“We’re expecting thousands of people to be travelling for the games.”
Thinking Real Estate? Think Linda and Ray Wallace
Nominations for the ti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards close on Monday 5 August. There are 12 award categories, recognising the sport excellence of athletes, teams, clubs, volunteers, officials and coaches. In addition to the sporting categories, there will be special awards on the night, tailored by the Iwi, to honour our region's unsung heroes who exemplify manaakitanga and leadership. Nominations can be made at www.wellingtonsportsawards.co.nz and close on Monday 5 August. The finalists will be announced in mid August. The winners will be announced at the Wellington Regional Sports Award night at the Alan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College, at 6:45pm on Thursday 24 October.
The new name for the awards has come about as Te RŪnanganui o Te ti Awa and Te RŪ nanga o Toa Rangatira have joined forces as joint naming rights sponsors for the sports awards in 2024. From now on, they will be known as the ti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards. This event, formerly known as the Wellington Sport and Recreation Awards, has been running for 40 years.
The victorious Wainuiomata Lions just after winning last year’s championship. Photo: Supplied.
Des Smith awarded Chairman’s Elite status — the highest accolade obtainable in the Ray White Group.
We are proud to announce that Des Smith has achieved Chairman's Elite status, joining a group of only 11 agents in New Zealand to earn this honour. This recognition places Des in the top 1% of agents internationally, a testament to his exceptional dedication, hard work, and outstanding performance having sold 100 properties in the last 12 months.
Des’s relentless commitment to his clients and his community has set a remarkable benchmark within the Real Estate Industry both in the Wellington region and across the country.
