3 May Wainuiomata News

By Frank Neill

Anzac Day was a time to remember the willingness of Wainuiomata people to serve their community and country “in times of war, conflict and disaster” and in our warm reception towards refugees and new migrants, said Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban when delivering the guest address at this year’s Wainuiomata Anzac Day service.

Continued on page 2.

The 2023 Anzac Day parade marching towards the library. Photo: Supplied.

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Frank Neill

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Recognising the tragic human cost

Continued from page 1

“It is also a time to recognise the tragic human cost of warfare and to promote peaceful means to resolving international conflicts.

“Today we reflect on the war in the Ukraine.

“We remember those New Zealanders who have died in this conflict, Dame Winnie said.

“We pray that this conflict can be brought to a swift and just conclusion.”

On reflecting closer to home, Dame Laban acknowledged the Wainuiomata War Memorial which “commemorates our local people who died in the First and Second World Wars.

Hutt Valley.

“Many of our families are now third or fourth generation Wainuiomartians.”

Moving into the present day, Dame Winnie observed: “Today Wainuiomata is going through another time of growth … housing is attracting a fresh group of migrants … Wainuiomata is now a diverse, vibrant, multicultural community.”

The longstanding traditional 6am Dawn Service was held at the Wainuiomata Memorial Gardens (end of Hine Road) where the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade provided lighting to illuminate the area for residents to gather and pay their respects.

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“Wainuiomata was then a small, rural community made up of farmers, forestry workers and small businesspeople.

“It was them and their sons and daughters who served in the Anzac Forces. The names of those that died are carved into the memorial. Today we remember and honour them.”

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Dame Winne reminised of the early days: “Wainuiomata has changed since 1945, the end of World War Two.

“My parents and many of your parents and grandparents settled in Wainuiomata in the 1950s along with other Pacific Island and M ori families who migrated to the Hutt Valley to work at Ford Motors, the Gear Meatworks, the Ministry of Works and many manufacturing industries in the

The Last Post and Reveille, performed by reitred Music Teacher Richard Prouse at both Dawn and Civic Services, is always a solemn part of the service.

The 2023 Anzac Parade marched from Fraser Street at 11am to the Civic Service in the carpark behind the Wainuiomata War Memorial Library.

The parade included veterans, the New Zealand Police, the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Wainuiomata M ori Wardens, wh nau of the M ori Battalion, Wainuiomata Marae, the Cadets, Scouts, Girl Guides and Wainuiomata High School Student Leaders.

Chaplain Vance Kapene recited prayers, Mayor Campbell Barry offered words of thanks to veterans and community volunteers,

Councillor Keri Brown read out the names of organisations who placed wreaths on the makeshift flagpole and Wainuiomata High School Head Students Kahukura Te Rauna and Lucy Aplin read out the Ode of Remembrance in both Te Reo M ori and English respectively. And Gabriel Tupou led the singing of the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems.

A Wainuiomata Anzac Committee was formed to keep Anzac commemorations alive in Wainuiomata after the dissolution of the Wainuiomata RSA (Returned and Services Association).

Committee members include Cr Tupou, Love Wainuiomata Co-ordinator Anaru Ryall, Pa-

rade Marshall and former RSA member Richard Nixon and Wainuiomata Community Patrol Co-ordinator Tracey Mansfield. Some members have been involved with Anzac commemorations for more than 10 years.

They were happy that everything ran smoothly despite having to hold the Anzac Parade and Civic Service behind the Wainuiomata Memorial Hall, due to the Queen Street makeover not yet being completed because of delays impacted by wet weather.

In the words of Dame Winnie, “thank you to all of you who have come today, with your children, to join us in this day of remembrance.”

Keeping Wainuiomata safe with solutions that work

Making sure that Wainuiomata is a safe place to live, work and raise a family is a top priority for me. To support this, we’re focused on putting in place practical solutions that work to keep people safe.

Last year New Zealand saw an unacceptable spike in ram raids and other retail crime. While those numbers are trending down, we need to continue to support Police to prevent crime and keep communities safe.

We recently announced that we’re more than doubling investment into the successful Retail Crime Prevention Fund. This will ensure that retailers, like dairies, can continue to get support for practical security and safety measures, such as CCTV systems and strengthened glass.

We’re making sure that Police have the tools and resources they need to do their job properly, and we’ve delivered New Zealand’s largest ever Police workforce. Here in Wellington Policing district, we’ve seen Police numbers increase by 11.5% since 2017.

We recently announced changes that will improve victims’ experiences and fix some real and immediate issues with the court system. These include giving sexual assault victims more control in court processes around their name suppression and providing greater legal protections for victims, especially child victims, of sexual and serious violence.

We’ve also doubled the amount of investment for Victim Support and tripled the amount of investment into the Victim Assistance Scheme since coming into Government in 2017.

These are real, tangible things that will change victims’ experiences for the better.

Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban delivering the guest address at this year’s Wainuiomata Anzac Day service. Photo: Supplied.

Last year was the first year

I’ve ever attended the ANZAC parade. I don’t know why I’ve never attended before, but I went along and listened to all the speeches and watched each division in the parade and felt so emotional and so proud to be a descendant of a World War II fighter.

Q: What does Anzac Day mean to you?

Now more than ever, we must remember them and honour those individuals that sacrificed so much for the betterment of their families and whanau.

It’s a time for remembrance of all our wonderful men and women who sacrificed their lives to fight for us.

It ignites fond memories of my grandparents. Great New Zealander’s they were. There’s service on both sides and when I wear their medals at dawn on Anzac Day, I feel very close to them and proud of their achievements.

Welcome sign coming soon

By Frank Neill

It’s been a long time coming, but the new sign welcoming people to Wainuiomata will be put in place this year.

It will be erected on the grass area of Wainuiomata Road as people come down the hill into the valley.

It is on target to be in place by summer, says Love Wainuiomata Co-ordinator Anaru Ryall.

The sign itself is now nearing completion, and Love Wainuiomata has the final structural plans.

Back in 2015 Harcourts Wainuiomata launched a competition to find a design for the new sign.

Local artist Tamariki Ferguson won the competition.

His design was selected by an online vote, which attracted more than 14,000 voters. Tamariki was one of four finalists chosen by the judging panel of Trevor Mallard, Linda Olsen and Ruth O’Grady.

The inspiration for his winning design, Tamariki says “comes from our community itself.

“A diverse range of cultures that live in a vibrant and growing place that is unique to anywhere else in the Wellington region.

“The two carved posts on the sides [Pou] are like spiritual guardians welcoming people to and protecting our community.

“These will be adorned with carvings/ symbols from each of the five continents (all cultures) represented in Wainuiomata as well.

“The three green curved lines represent the rivers/creeks that run through our valley,

“The hill shaped top represents the hills that surround us and the brushed steel plate represents the contemporary way forward.

“The three shades of green represent the colour with which our community is most identifiable with/for out on the sports/recreational fields.

“Although modern in look, having traditionally carved posts pays homage to our tangata whenua and early settlers to the valley.”

The time taken to bring the project near to completion has been caused by a number of issues.

An early delay arose when Love Wainuiomata had a major struggle to find the large scale

Totara logs needed for the Pou.

It’s very important. We owe those who served a great deal. My great grandfather is buried in France, having died in World War 1. I’ve visited his grave. We cannot imagine what those guys went through and the sacrifices they made. I haven’t missed an Anzac service in years.

We forget that freedom is not free, that the freedom we have is actually a privilege and blessing, paid for by others, not a right. ‘Lest we forget’ - we had better not. We remember, honour and are grateful beyond measure for the price paid for our freedom by those who have, are and will serve in our Armed Forces.

The wood needed to be seasoned and wide enough to be carved and still hold the sign’s weight.

Love Wainuiomata finally sourced logs that could be used for the Pou in November 2018. Following that, carver Tiaki Dahm began working on carving the Pou, and this has now been completed.

Tom Hatch

Ryan Anderson

Daniel Sinclair

Rhys Hingston

Cindy Thom

Steve Smith

Tamariki Ferguson’s winning design for the Welcome to Wainuiomata sign.

Wainui needs a second access

GARDENING THIS WEEK

Importance of Phosphate: By Wally Richards

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata needs a second access road, Hutt South-based list MP Chris Bishop said during a public meeting at his Wainuiomata electorate office on Monday, 1 May. 23

“If the last two years have revealed anything, it is that we need greater resilience,” he said.

When there was a slip or an accident on the Wainuiomata hill road “there is absolute carnage.

“We need to figure out what the route [for the new road] is and then we need to get on with it.

“I will be working on a second access,” Mr Bishop said.

Another matter he would be working on was the reinstatement of a direct bus service between Wainuiomata and Wellington.

“Last year, we lost the direct buses to Wellington,” Mr Bishop said.

Following that, he made a presentation to Greater Wellington Regional Council, asking them to make a commitment to reinstate the service.

“My view is that it is very unfair the

way Wainuiomata is treated” in the provision of bus services.

He noted that Eastbourne, which has one seventh of the population of Wainuiomata, has three direct bus services to Wellington in the morning and in the evening.

“I will keep working away on that,” Mr Bishop said.

Another project that would benefit Wainuiomata people – one that he would like to see implemented – is the Petone to Grenada North road. Unfortunately this project had been cancelled by the Labour Government.

The project was a good one for five main reasons, he said.

Firstly, it would reduce congestion on the roads.

Secondly, it would allow for a rapid bus service between the Hutt Valley and Wellington’s northern suburbs.

Thirdly it was good for freight.

Fourthly it was good for housing.

And fifthly it was good for resilience.

“In my view it is an ideal project and we should be building it,” Mr Bishop said.

Phosphorus stimulates budding and blooming. Plants need phosphorus to produce fruits, flowers, and seeds. It also helps make your plants more resistant to disease. Phosphorus helps plants gain more energy from sunlight and with cloudy, hazy skies we are seeing too often; plants need all the advantages possible to gain energy from sunlight. Phosphorus doesn’t dissolve like nitrogen. The soil will hang onto phosphorus, not releasing it into water. Phosphate is needed by all life forms but if taken in too greater quantities it becomes harmful. In the distant past phosphorus was obtain from manures especially bird or bat droppings called guano. Phosphorus is also obtained from Reactive Rock Phosphate which is a hard phosphatic rock. In most soils it dissolves very slowly. To make the rock phosphate more readily available to plants man discovered a process of using sulfuric acid early in the 1900’s, and a new agricultural fertiliser was created called Super or Super Phosphate. It became a boon to agriculture and farming with tons of Super been spread to cause fast growth in fields and crops. Unfortunately like a number of discoveries such as DDT and Asbestos, there was a hidden price to pay. Super phosphate kills soil life because its acidic and with their demise leads to unhealthy plants. Not only that, it was also found that Super laden plants and grasses caused health problems in stock including cancers. I read a very interesting book years ago called ‘Cancer, Cause and Cure’ written by an Australian farmer, Percy Weston. Percy observed the results of the introduction of Super on his farm and the Malays that occurred. For many years now I have not

used any chemical fertilisers or chemical sprays including any herbicides anywhere on my property. For a while I noticed, that even though I obtained good healthy crops and plants, there was some factor that appeared to be missing and the crops are not as lush as I felt they could be. I often thought that I am not getting sufficient phosphorus in my composts and mulches. This caused me to do a bit of research on the Internet and found to my delight a company in New Zealand called Sieber Technologies Ltd who make a product called BioPhos. They take the reactive rock phosphate and break it down naturally with micro organisms making it as readily available to plants as Super is. The company sent me a email booklet and it showed trials that proved that not only did BioPhos work as well as Super, but actually better as it did not have a ‘peak’ growth on application and gave a much longer sustained release of phosphorus to plants. Instead of killing soil life it actually supplies new micro organisms to the soil which carry on breaking the natural phosphorus down, meaning that only one application is needed per year unless you are cropping during the winter as well. Some rose growers and rose societies recommend using BioPhos for better, healthier roses. BioPhos contains phosphate, potassium, sulphur and calcium at the rates of P10:K8:S7: Ca28. BioPhos is Bio Certified for organic growing.

It is pH neutral and used at the following rates; New beds work in 100 grams per square metre, the same with lawns but water in to settle. Side dressing plants; seedlings 8 grams (a teaspoon ) around base of the plant or in the planting hole. Same for potatoes (which do well with

phosphorus) Sowing beans peas etc sprinkle down row with seeds. Roses and similar sized plants 18 grams or a tablespoon full around plant or in planting hole. Established fruit trees etc, spread at the rate of 100 grams per square metre around drip line or where feeder roots are. Apply to vegetable gardens in spring and a further application in autumn if growing winter crops. Can be applied to container plants also. Apply to tomatoes when planting or side dress existing plants. A number of gardeners over the years have obtained BioPhos and applied it around their gardens; then a few weeks later many have phoned me to say what a big difference the product has made to their gardens. I presume one of two things has happened or maybe both of the following: The gardens and plants were lacking in phosphate and the introduction of it gave a noticeable difference to the plants. Or the plants were able to obtain more energy from the sun and hence creating a growth spurt. BioPhos is a must for root and bulb crops such as potatoes, carrots and garlic. I have now completed a third session of gardening with Rodney Hide which likely aired this coming week then available after that on replay at..... https://realitycheck.radio/replays/ real-talk-show-replays/

Wainui sets a world record

By Frank Neill

Wainui has set a new Guiness world record.

Wainui is the world’s oldest alpaca in captivity, and Guiness has just made his status as a world record holder official on its website.

List MP based in

South Chris Bishop

Born on 2 January 1998, Wainui lives with his owners Vicki and Alex Cordier on their Coast Road farm.

He was not named after the valley where he now lives, however. In fact the Cordiers did not know his name was Wainui when they bought him in 2002.

He already had that name when Vicki and Alex bought their first two alpacas.

Wainui was born in Australia, and moved to the Banks Peninsula at a young age. He is named after the Banks Peninsula town Wainui.

Following their experience with two alpacas they have since added to their numbers and now have 11 alpacas that they run on an area of their land they have named Waterloo Park.

Wainui, the world record holder, with his owner Vicki Cordier.

Now that he has set a world record Wainui is “quite the movie star,” Vicki says.

“25 is a fantastic age for an alpaca. 18 is a good age, 20 is a great age and 25 is exceptional,” she says.

”We had a dinner party for his 23rd birthday and this year, when he turned 25, we had a birthday party.”

Wainui is fortunate to still be alive.

When he was about five years

old Wainui ate an Oleander bush.

The poison resulted in his kidneys and his liver failing, and the veterinarians at Massey did not think he was going to survive. He was on a drip for a week, and miraculously recovered.

“So he’s made of strong stuff,” Vicki says.

“They are my life, my alpacas.” They are intelligent animals, too. “We can learn a lot from them,” she adds.

Chris Bishop

addressing Monday’s meeting.

Photo: Frank Neill.

Photo: Frank Neill.

New High School Deputy Principal

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata High School has a new Deputy Principal, Lea Vellenoweth.

She comes to Wainuiomata from Hobsonville Point Secondary School in Auckland, where she was the Deputy Principal for 10 years.

“I was really interested in moving to Wainuiomata,” Lea says.

“For me it had to be the right school.

“First of all, the staff are incredible. They really care about the kids here.”

Wainuiomata High School has some “really great” teachers and “they are doing some really innovative things to get the kids engaged in education.

“I think the kids here are really lucky.”

As well as being attracted to working in a school with a great group of teachers, Lea was also

attracted to Wainuiomata because the valley has “a really strong wider community.

“There is a sense of a smaller community here and I think that is really important.”

Lea began teaching in Levin and then moved to Marlborough Girls’ College.

She then left teaching to work at Outward Bound, at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds.

At Outward Bound she worked with a number of groups – women prisoners, a brain injury group, and students who were enrolled with Work and Income New Zealand.

“Having students for four weeks [at Outward Bound] was a really powerful model”.

They were also involved in the outdoors – and the outdoors is something Lea loves.

“Being in the outdoors is a great concept for students and can see them experiencing success and

Kumara crop harvested

By Frank Neill

Lea Vellenoweth. Photo: Frank Neill. building resilience,” she says. Following her time at Outward Bound, Lea returned to her home town of Opotiki and was Deputy Principal of Opotiki College. Lea was welcomed to Wainuiomata High School at a Powhiri on 24 April, where a group of international students from Japan were also welcomed.

The Wainuiomata Pataka Kai will dig up its new crop of kumara tomorrow.

The kumara were grown from seeds provided by Rawinia Kingi, the daughter of Teresea Olsen who is the general manager of health and social services at K kiri Marae.

Rawinia travelled to Tolaga Bay to obtain the kumara seeds, which

were then planted at the Pataka Kai garden.

Tolaga Bay’s fertile soils and temperate climate are very well suited for growing kumara, and the area has a long history of growing and storing high quality kumara.

Kumara pits are, in fact, the most common archaeological site type in Tolaga Bay.

After the Pataka Kai’s kumara are harvested, they will be distributed to families in need.

ON... O WHAT’S

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Call into our office, phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz

Trades

Graham’s Painters

Artists wanted for public works

Artists with a strong connection to Wainuiomata can put their names forward to create two public art works in the Queen Street area. Hutt City Council is seeking expressions of interest from local artists. Expressions of Interest close at noon on Sunday 21 May.

The two pieces of public art will take the form of:

in the public space on Queens Street in front of the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub; andketball court and accompanying backboard beside the Community Hall.

E: grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com

W: www.grahamspainters.nz

Ph: (04) 564 9202 021 183 9492

Pets

CATTERY Casa De Wootton, home away from home. Rural surroundings. 187 Moores Valley Road. Phone Jane 5644310

WANTED

Newspaper Deliverers

Area

The project aim is for the mural on the basketball court to be completed by June 2023. The timing for the sculpture is to be negotiated. In terms of overall outcomes the council is looking for the following:

1. That the sculpture and mural responds to the Cultural overlay for Wainuiomata,and the public realm design.

2. That the sculpture is playable and that it considers the

Public Notices

local young people that spend a lot of time in this public space.

3. That the artist or artists selected have connections to Wainuiomata and if possible are Wainuiomata or Lower Hutt

Homestay Coordinator and Pastoral Care Manager

We are seeking a Homestay Coordinator and Pastoral Care Manager who will be responsible for managing homestay placements and for supporting the safety and wellbeing of our International Students and their host families.

The role involves locating and monitoring homestay placements and is the main point of contact for homestay concerns. You will work closely with students, their families and host families to provide advice and support and solve any pastoral care issues that may arise. You will need to be well organised with excellent communication skills and have the ability to remain calm when resolving issues. There will be a requirement to work both independently and as part of a team. A valid drivers’ licence is essential.

An awareness of other cultures or the use of a second or multiple languages would be helpful but not essential. Previous experience in a similar role is advantageous.

This is a part time position, 25 hours per week, working mainly term time. Days worked are negotiable with the International Dean. Hours worked may be varied depending on student requirements.

Please email your cover letter and CV to Sandy McVey at sandym@wainuiomatahigh.school.nz.

Applications close 5pm Friday 12 May 2023.

www.wainuiomatahigh.school.nz

1. Raccoon-like animal (5)

2. Rank (7)

3. Natural (6)

4. Combine chemically with water (8)

based.

More information is at hutt. city/wainuiart and if people have any questions they cn contact wainuiprojects@huttcity.govt. nz.

43. Mean (7)

44. Japanese

14. Uncomfortable (3,2,4)

15. Amazed (9)

16. Tree bark (4)

17. Be resolute (7)

19. Inhabitant (6)

23. Trench (6)

26. Type of race-horse

29.Small amount of something (4)

30. Rocky hill (3)

32. Tweak (3)

34. Soothe (4)

35. Exterior (7)

36. Clergyman (6)

39. Spruce (6)

40. Absconds (7)

42. Decline (4)

46.

5. Ships’ chimneys (7)

6. Ballet costumes (5)

7. Muslim headdress (6)

8. Becoming gradually visible (8)

9. Hospitals (11)

10. Covered inner surface with material (5)

16. Dishevelled (7)

18. Placed (5)

20. Cost (7)

21. Small cottage (3)

22. Write (3)

24. Acting the part of another character(4-7)

25. Court (3)

27. Pauses (5)

28. Tear (3)

31. Chafe (3)

33. Rocket-launching place (3)

37. Regretful (8)

38. Freed (8)

41. Runs off (7)

Last Week: 26 April 2023

Image: Supplied.

First round Chatham Cup victory

By Ryan Imray

Wainuiomata’s premier Football team won its first round match in the 2023 Chatham Cup competition.

Wainuiomata defeated Victoria University 2-1 at Boyd Wilson Park on Anzac Day, 25 April.

The Chatham Cup is contested by clubs right around New Zealand.

Captain Josh Hinton put Wainui into a 1-0 lead just before half time. Not long into the second half the home team levelled the score before Callum Martin scored the winning goal with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Wainuiomata hosts Seatoun in the next round on the weekend of the 13-14 May.

Wainuiomata’s unbeaten start in the Masters 6 competition (for players aged over 35 years) continued as they drew 2-2 against league leaders Kapiti Coast United.

The green and blacks also scored victory in the Masters 3 competition when the Wainuiomata Undertakers beat the Western Suburbs Crown Masters 3-1

In Wellington 3, it was a Wainuiomata derby in the Wellington third division as the league leaders Wainui Fiddick’s faced off against Wainui Roundballs.

In what was a six goal thriller, the Roundballs climbed to second on the table as they gave the Fiddick’s their first defeat of the season when they won 5-1.

Junior Football got underway for

the new season and in the under 13 grade, Wainui Celtic played their first ever match on a full sized field.

Adjusting to life in the 11 a-side format, Wainui got off to the best possible start with a 7-3 win against Tawa Thunder.

The women’s side played its first game of the season after Karori defaulted the weekend before.

They travelled to Tawa to face the brand new side of Tawa Collab. While the result didn’t go in favour of the green and blacks, it was great to see the game played in good spirits and Women’s Football back under way in what is a big year for Women’s Football in New Zealand with the World Cup only 11 weeks away.

Fewer trains running this month

By Frank Neill

The “train debacle”, where Metlink has been forced to run fewer trains this week “is an absolute shocker,” Hutt Southbased list MP Chris Bishop said during a public meeting at his Wainuiomata electorate office on Monday, 1 May. 23

The significantly reduced train service is happening because KiwiRail’s one-and-only specialist rail track evaluation car, which measures tracks so trains can operate safely, is broken and inspections due on the K piti, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa lines are overdue – making them noncompliant.

Without compliance, KiwiRail has introduced temporary speed restrictions of 70 km/h.

That has meant only half the number of trains have been running on the Hutt line.

“That is what has caused the chaos on the roads this morning,” Mr Bishop said.

Because of the disruption to the train service “everyone has jumped in the car. The [Petone] Esplanade was clogged.

“First of all [KiwiRail] needs to fix the problem.

the Editor

Clone cars

Weare all driving around intin cans mixed with plasticon wheels.

The cars these daysdon’t have any individualcharacteristics. Theyalllook the same.

At leastHoldens and Vauxhalls andFordZephyrs and Austins had their own shapes.

You get Suzukis andHondas and

“Then we need an urgent investigation so that it doesn’t happen again.”

Around the time Mr Bishop said an “urgent investigation” was needed the government launched a “rapid review” into KiwiRail.

The review will look into whether KiwiRail was appropriately focused on the delivery of reliable commuter services, if KiwiRail’s engagement with stakeholders regarding this breakdown was adequate, and what changes are needed to prevent a reoccurrence.

KiwiRail’s safety equipment failure shows an “abysmal lack of accountability and management”, Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter says.

“To be clear, this is a monumental failure by KiwiRail.

“The poor maintenance of this essential piece of equipment is holding the entire North Island’s rail network hostage.

“If ever there was a perfect example of a lack of prudent management and accountability for critical rail infrastructure in this country, here is exhibit A.

“This is going to impact hundreds of thousands of rail passengers in Wellington alone; it’s going to harm tourism, and it’s going to

put a strangle-hold on the freight industry using rail and ferry connections.

“It’s simply not good enough,” Cr Ponter says.

Greater Wellington and Metlink learned of the equipment failure late on 27 April.

“It’s not clear how long KiwiRail have known about this but to only give Wellington three or four days’ notice before the restrictions are in place is simply ludicrous.

“It’s put significant pressure on Metlink staff to roll out new timetables, our operator Transdev to re-roster staff, and our rail and connecting bus passengers whose lives will be tipped upside down,” Cr Ponter says.

Passenger communications about the reduced services are on Metlink’s website and app, as well as on social media, radio and other channels.

Late on the afternoon of 1 May, Metlink issued a media release stating that it was looking to resume its full week-day timetable on Thursday 4 May. This followed KiwiRail finding a fix for its specialist track inspection equipment, so that it could finish track inspections today, 3 May.

Email them to news@ wsn.co.nz or drop in to our office at 23 Broderick Road, Johnsonville.

Sweep your chimney

With winter fast approaching, now is the time to make sure your chimney is swept, the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade says.

“Swept chimneys are safe chimneys,” the brigade says. “Before you light that indoor fireplace, make sure your chimney is cleaned.”

Free bbq and play

Love Wainuiomata’s free barbecue and play day will be held at the Antrim Crescent Park from noon to 2pm on Sunday

7 May.

As well as the free sausage sizzle, there will be a wide range of activities for the children.

Think Kind contest

show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Toyotasandmany more with the same clone shape body these days.

I had a womantrying to open my car with her remote.She said the batterymust be flat.

I said: “No madam, you have the wrong car. The carthree cars down is now unlocked. This is my car.”

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails. Letters/Opinions not necessarily those of the Wainuiomata News management.

Ipressed myremote and got inside. She said: “Oh so sorrymister.” Both carswere silver, mine a Honda and her one a Toyota. Most of today’scars are a quarter metaland three quarters plastic. That is why you shouldn’tdrive too fast.

Peter Wells

This year’s Think Kind Student Competition, where students from years 0 to 13 can submit a project about being kind to animals and the planet has been launched by the New Zealand Vegetarian Society. The winner of the competition will receive $1,000 for their school, sponsored by Cookie Time.

Every entrant will receive a certificate and a Hell Pizza voucher. Entries, which close on 13 August, can range from artwork, literature, film, music and anything in between.

NZVS judges will select the top 10 projects which will be presented for public voting from 1 October and the winner will be announced on 1 November.

Callum Martin celebrates his winning goal against Victoria University.

Photo: Imray’s Snaps.

Safer streets project under way

By Frank Neill

Work is now under way on a series of trial improvements to lanes and streets in Wainuiomata.

It is part of the Maru – Streets for People – Wainuiomata Schools connection project, and once the trial layouts have been finished, Hutt City Council will seek feedback on the designs.

The project aims to make it feel safer, more inviting and accessible for residents of all ages to walk, skate, scooter or bike to school, work and the town centre, and to spend time in public spaces.

Work on the new laneway trial layouts began on 26 April.

It involves removing the metal barriers at the entrances to the laneways between Hinau Grove and Wainuiomata Road and Totara Street and Konini Street andinstalling plantersin their place.

This will improve access to these

laneways for people with prams, bikes, and mobility scooters while maintaining safety by preventing larger vehicles from entering and preventing people emerging from the laneway onto footpaths at higher speed.

Seating will also be placed in the green spaces off the laneways, giving people places where they can stop and rest.

New artwork, signage and wayfinding is also appearing in the laneways.

The artwork that is being trialled includes two designs.

“The a tatarakihi (cicada) and tittipounamu (rifleman) designs link to the idea of turning up the sounds of nature and people in these spaces, and turning down the sound of traffic,” the council says.

“They reflect the special character of Wainuiomata. We’ve also added maps and signage.”

Once completed, the council will

hold a week of trials of the laneway layouts. People will be able to give feedback in person or online. Installation of new on-road layouts will begin between 8 and 10 May, weather permitting. They will be trialled for a week from 10 to 17 May.

The community has said they are concerned about the safety of rangatahi walking, scootering or biking around schools, the council says.

This is because it is difficult for people to cross busy roads due to the speed and volume of traffic, as well as unsafe driver behaviours, like u-turns and taking corners quickly.

“Community suggestions included adding speed bumps, signage, having school drop-zones and raised crossings.

“We are using temporary materials for a week-long on-road trial that will reduce speeds to 30km/hr and tighten up intersections to reduce

turning speed.

“This will make it easier for people to cross the road, and for drivers to see people crossing.”

During the trial week of the onroad layouts, people will be able to give feedback in person or online.

The council is also improving existing and likely road crossings.

Raised courtesy crossings will be installed on Totara Street at the start of the paved laneway, and on Hinau Grove at the end of its laneway.

Kerb ramps for easier access by wheelchairs, prams and mobility devices will be installed on Karamu Crescent between the laneways, and at the intersections of: Karamu Crescent and Konini Street (both ends of Karamu Crescent); Konini Street and Parkway; Konini Street and Wetherby Grove; Konini Street and Rata Street; Rata Street and Hinau Grove; Rata Street and Totara Street; and Totara Street and Parkway.

Parkway alumnus new High Court Judge

Former Parkway College pupil Justice Paul Radich KC has been appointed to the High Court bench.

Justice Radich’s Wainuiomata roots were mentioned by many of the speakers during his swearing in ceremony on 18 April.

“I am very proud of where I come from and that includes Hawera and Wainuiomata,” Justice Radich says.

“I have great memories of growing up in Wainuiomata and attending Parkway College.

“I hope this appointment can show the tamariki and rangatahi of Wainui that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard.”

Justice Radich graduated from Victoria University in 1986 with an LLB (Hons) and worked to senior associate level at what is now Simpson Grierson in Wellington until 1991.

That year he took up a role as a solicitor at Bell Gully, joining the partnership in 1994.

In 2003, Justice Radich joined Izard Weston as a litigation partner. From 2007 to 2012 he was a litigation partner at Minter Ellison

Rudd Watts.

In March 2012, Justice Radich began practice as a barrister sole at Clifton Chambers.

He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in August 2014.

Justice Radich practised commercial litigation, specialising in public law advice and litigation.

He has appeared on a number of cases dealing with issues under Te Treaty o Waitangi.

He has appeared extensively in the courts and tribunals, including the Waitangi Tribunal.

He has represented parties before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River Mine Tragedy in 2011 and 2012, the Government inquiry into Operation Burnham and Related Matters from 2018 to 2020, and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Attack on the Christchurch Mosques in 2019.

He was President of the New Zealand Bar Association - Ng Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture from 2020 to 2022 and has held positions as Chair of the Legal Aid Performance Review Committee

Justice Radich is heavily involved with the Paekakariki community where he now lives including setting up its own radio station Paekakariki FM.

“I am a firm believer in giving back to the community,” Justice Radich says.

“Whether it be coaching junior sports or giving advice at the Citizens Advice Bureau, it’s all important mahi.”

Wainuiomata also proudly boasts

The road will also be narrowed at existing pedestrian crossing on Rata Street in front of St Claudine Thevenet School.

To reduce turning speeds and shorten the distance pedestrians need to cross on the road the council will be tightening the intersections at: Karamu Crescent (western end) and Konini Street; Karamu Crescent, Konini Street and Wetherby Grove; Konini Street and Parkway; Konini Street and Rata Street; Rata Street, Hinau Grove and Totara Street; and Totara Street and Parkway.

The temporary tightening will be done with cones and cut pieces of astroturf in the shape of local leaves. Feedback from local people, along with real time traffic monitoring, will help determine what happens next in this project.

All the elements of the trial are temporary so can be changed and adapted as needed.

The new temporary planter boxes that have been placed on a lanway off Konini Street. Photo: Frank Neill.

Justice Radich and Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann share a light hearted moment during his swearing in ceremony. Photo: Supplied. and as a board member of Te Kura Kaiwhakaw - the Institute of Judicial Studies.

two other members of the bench including Justice Stephen Kos, who sits in the Supreme Court and Justice David Collins who presides at the Court of Appeal. Both attended Wainuiomata College. Justice Radich will be based in Wellington.