More than 5,000 people attended the hugely successful Christmas in the Nui celebration on 30 November. This huge turnout was very similar to last year’s event, making them the biggest Christmas events Wainuiomata has ever held.
Continued on page 2. A
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Lots of people had fun
Continued from page 1
The 2024 Christmas in the Nui was “a fantastic event,” says Love Wainuiomata Co-ordinator Chastity Card.
“It was very successful.
“Lots of people had fun and lots of stallholders sold out.
“It was a cracker of a day and the weather was stunning.”
This year’s event was organised by Love Wainuiomata, TiHei Rangatai and K kiri Marae Health and Social Services.
As well as the many stalls, it featured a series of free activities, a range of health and safety demonstrations and entertainment.
There was also free food on offer, including more than 1,000 sausages, which had been donated by Pak’nSave Petone and Lower Hutt.
Three schools featured among the entertainment that attracted good crowds to watch and listen – St Claudine Thevenet School, Pukeatua School and Wainuiomata Primary School.
The final entertainment was provided by Wainuiomata duo The Rising Sunz.
A Christmas grotto was set up in the Wainuiomata Community Hub by the hub staff.
“A big thank you to all the volunteers,” Chastity says.
“Without tbe volunteers and K kiri Marae we could not deliver this event.”
More than 50 volunteers helped with this year’s Christmas in the
Claudine
That included more than 20 from K kiri Kaimahi, along with the many Love Wainuiomata volunteers, and other volunteers as well.
Among the free activities, local Scouts provided the water slide, Hutt Mana Trust provided the bouncy castle, K kiri provided Koko stamps and face painting, and Tuatahi provided a colouring competition.
Signage was provided by The Professionals, and Hutt City Council provided funds, marquees and waste disposal.
One of the displays was presented by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. They demonstrated the action people should take when faced with a fire in a kitchen. That included how to put out an oil fire on the stove and also what not to do, and that is to put water on the fire.
The demonstration graphically highlighted the massive and very rapid big spread of flames when water is put on an oil fire. The huge spread of flames happens in around one second. Continued on page 5.
St
Thevenet School pupils during their drum performance. Photo: Frank Neill. Nui.
At one of the stalls giving out sausages (from left) Wainuiomata Community Board Deputy Chair Lesa Bingley, Keelan Renata, Hutt City Council Neighbourhood Manager Hiria Davies and Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown. Photo: Frank Neill.
Pasifika class launches their first book
By Vatau Sagaga*
16 November 2024 was a special night at Wainuiomata Intermediate School as the school’s Pasifika class Tamaiti o le Pasifika (TLP), launched their first book “Whose Your Name?”
The class was blessed to work with award-winning children’s author and Mila’s Books Publishing owner and former Wainuiomata Intermediate teacher Dahlia Malaeulu.
The book focuses on the importance and significance of the students’ names and has proven to be an exciting history lesson for them all.
Many students learnt about their ancestors, their villages and countries of origin, whilst others had learned the meaning behind their biblical names.
One common feature in each of the students’ stories was the inter-
nal struggle when palagi teachers mispronounced their names during roll call.
“This is just one reason why we thought this book was important to create – to give our tamaiti the courage and strength to correct anyone who mispronounces their name,” says TLP teacher Eleanor McLeod.
“That is the very beginning of their journey of having pride in who they are and where their names come from.”
Dahlia Malaeulu addressed the audience at the launch and revealed that the idea for an all-Pasifika class was born years ago when she taught at the school.
Therefore, it was important for Malaeulu that this particular book be written by students of Wainuiomata Intermediate.
Fortunately, it all worked out with the employment of Eleanor McLeod,
a Samoan born and bred in Wainuiomata and educated here at the former Parkway Intermediate School, who was the teacher to lead the first all-Pasifika class.
Putting together a book can be quite a task.
Students needed to find out information about their names, which meant some had to make long phone calls to family in the islands, and others reached out to their parents for help.
On the night the audience was treated with selected students reading their short stories, each sharing their different yet emotional stories about their name.
It was a beautiful night shared by wh nau and teachers to celebrate the individuality and creativity each of us have brought to this amazing book.
* Vatau Sagaga is a year 7 TLP student.
Bus petition
A petition has been launched asking for a seasonal bus route between Wainuiomata and Eastbourne to be established. The petition was started by Samantha Williams.
“For those of us who call Wainuiomata home, we are frustrated by the absence of a direct route to the picturesque beaches of Eastbourne during the summer months,” the petition says.
“Our rangitahi, full of vitality and anticipation for a day of sun and surf, are forced to make a tedious two-bus journey just to reach the sands of Eastbourne or add to the already congested roads by hassling their parents to drive them.
“A more direct route would be not only time-efficient, but also a promising step towards environmental sustainability.
“The introduction of a summer bus route between Wainuiomata and Eastbourne would offer many benefits, including reducing the traffic around Days Bay area and freeing up much-needed parking spaces.”
The petition is at www.change.org/p/ establish-a-seasonal-bus-route-between-wainuiomata-and-eastbourne?source_location=petitions_browse.
Chris Bishop MP for Hutt South
Please contact my staff and I are here to help.
Phone 04 564 8707 or email me at Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
Tamaiti o le Pasifika at the launch their first book “Whose Your Name?” Photo: Sarah McLeod-Venu.
Awards. Photo: Supplied.
The Wainuiomata Pioneer Church will again host its very popular Christmas Carol Concert on Saturday 7 December at 2pm.
This year’s concert will feature the
Hutt City Chorale singing all the usual well-known carols.
The chorale will encourage the audience to join with them in singing their favourites.
LETTERS to the editor
Empower Pacific Ltd, founded by Wainuiomata resident Mani Malaeulu, won the Diversity, Inclusion, and Growing People Award sponsored by Hutt City Council at the 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards 2024.
Empower Pacific Ltd “is making a remarkable impact through culturally tailored leadership and wellbeing programmes that empower individuals and communities across New Zealand,” the award citation says.
“From the Tama Pasifika Mentoring Programme, sup-
porting young Pasifika men in their personal growth, to the RISE Leadership Workshops, fostering resilient leaders, Empower Pacific is leading the way in inclusivity and cultural pride.
“Their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles – through partnerships, equitable practices, and cultural awareness training – strengthens not only their team culture but also their impact on communities nationwide.
“Empower Pacific truly embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.”
DOORS & WINDOWS
Dirt bikes Popular carol concert returns
Dear Editor, I am writing this in response to Frank Neill’s article regarding the dirt bike problem that we are facing here in Wainuiomata.
Just to add to that, down near where we live in Wise Street there is an alley connecting Te Ara O Toroa Street and Upper Fitzherbert Rd.
It is supposed to be for foottraffic yet a large number of dirt bikes (and other motorbikes) use it as a shortcut.
Unfortunately, the council have placed waist high bollards evenly spaced at one end to make it that easy for these riders to access it.
In fact my wife and I were taking our dog for a walk recently
and were confronted by a rider on his motorbike. When I challenged him he became passive aggressive and defended himself by saying that he was going slow and what was my problem.
An easy fix for this is for the council to replace the ends with a type of barrier that a pedestrian has to zig zag through, making it impossible for motorbikes to access.
One day soon, given that there are a whole lot of young families that have moved into the area, someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed.
Do we have to wait until the inevitable happens or should the council act now?
Gary Keenan
Entry to the concert is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Afternoon tea will be provided by the Pioneer Church committee, who is requesting a gold coin donation.
Local poem in anthology
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata poet David Smith has had one of his works accepted for the latest anthology from the PoetrySoup website team.
David’s poem that has been accepted is named “Acts of Kindness”. PoetrySoup is a worldwide poetry community and poem resource. It’s website is www.poetrysoup.com. Acts of kindness
Empower Pacific Ltd founder Mani Malaeulu celebrates winning the Diversity, Inclusion, and Growing People Award at the Wellington Regional Business Excellence
The Hutt City Chorale, who will lead this year’s Christmas Carol Concert at the Pioneer Church. Photo: Supplied.
The Kimberley Group Coach Tour
Darwin to Broome
11 days, departs 18 August 2025
Package includes:
Extensive sightseeing Boat trips and harbour cruise Many meals
Elvis Fans Group Tour
Graceland, Nashville, Tupelo
9 days, departs 20 September 2025
Package includes: Graceland day tour Memphis
Las Vegas Group Tour
5 days, departs 5 October 2025
Package includes:
A firefighter demonstrating the massive flare-up that happens when water is put on a stove fire involving fat. Photo: Frank Neill.
The fat fire on the stove before water was applied. Photo: Frank Neill.
Meha Poddar painting Mason Lolhea’s face. Photo: Frank Neill.
One of the rows of outdoor stalls. Photo: Frank Neill.
Wainuiomata duo The Rising Sunz performing at Christmas in the Nui – Te Haeata Rawiri (left) and Cleveland Rawiri. Photo: Frank Neill.
Busy time for Fire Brigade
Wainuiomata firefighters extinguished a bonfire, put out a scrub fire, attended one suspicious fire and had four medical calls during a very busy period over the three days from 29 November to 1 December.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to what turned out to be a bonfire in north Wainuiomata at 8:59pm on 30 November.
The call came from some concerned residents in the area, and when they first received the call the brigade was informed it was a house fire.
When they arrived they discovered it was a bonfire, which the brigade needed to put out. Earlier on 30 November, the brigade put out a small scrub fire in Burden Avenue.
The brigade was called at 3:20pm and rapidly extinguised the fire, which had burnt some grass and a cabbage tree.
The fire was accidentally lit.
The brigade also attended a suspicious fire when a rubbish bin was apparently set alight at Mary Crowther Park.
This is the second recent suspicious fire, and the Police are investigating.
The brigade transported Santa Claus and two “hairy fairies” to the homes of its current, honorary and life members, where they delivered thank you gifts to all the brigade member’s partners on 1 November.
Newspaper Deliverers WANTED
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
AREA 2: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 3: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main 280 papers
Wainuiomata Food Drive
letter boxes.
The Wainuiomata Food Drive, run by K kiri Marae Health and Social Services, will take place from noon to 2pm on Sunday 8 December.
K kiri Marae’s P taka Kai will distribute the food and sanitary items they collect to needy wh nau in the community.
“Join us in supporting this kaupapa this holiday season,” K kiri Marae Health and Social Services says.
“By getting involved, you can help us spread joy and support those in need right before Christmas.
“Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.”
K kiri Marae Health and Social Services will be driving around Wainuiomata picking up donations, which people can leave by their
There are also two drop off locations: K kiri Marae P taka Kai, 33 Wise Street, and the Wainuiomata Community Hub, 1B Queen Street.
The drive is seeking to collect non perishables, dry foods, animal food and sanitary items.
“Throughout the year, P taka Kai has supplied thousands of kai parcels to wh nau across Wainuiomata and the wider community,” K kiri Marae Health and Social Services says.
“To help keep the P taka Kai doors open we are needing your help.
“Anything donated to the P taka is greatly appreciated.”
For more information drop into the Wainuiomata Community Centre between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or phone 04 564 1338.
Major upgrades to rail network
Buses will replace trains and special holiday timetables will apply this summer as Wellington’s rail network undergoes major infrastructure upgrades across the region.
From 26 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, buses will replace trains between Wellington Railway Station and Petone, Melling, Johnsonville, Paekakariki, and Masterton as KiwiRail carry out key projects and critical track maintenance, including the installation of a new signalling system at Wellington Railway Station.
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain
says this summer’s upgrades will improve the day-to-day running and long-term resilience of the rail network.
“While people enjoy spending time with wh nau and being out in summer sun, KiwiRail will be hard at work with various projects across the rail network,” Samantha says.
“With schools and most offices closed, the holiday period is the best time to carry out infrastructure upgrades with the least disruption – although we understand it can still make travelling less convenient during this time.
AREA 4: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 5: Naseby Gr, Bexley Gr, part of Wellington Rd - 285 papers
AREA 6: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
AREA 7: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St- 260 papers
AREA 8: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, parts of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers
AREA 9: Wright St, Hyde St, part of Moohan St - 300 papers
All buses, trains, and harbour ferries will run on special timetables over the holiday period, with buses returning to regular schedules from 5 January.
Metlink passengers can enjoy free travel across the region on bus and rail service on Christmas Day.
“I hope free public transport on Christmas Day will help make what is a busy and often expensive time for families a little bit easier,” Samantha says.
Passengers are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and keep up to date with the latest service alerts and timetables on the Metlink app.
For more information, visit www.metlink. org.nz/summer.
Male deer (4) 30. Born (3) 32. Strait (3)
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Women cricketers top the table
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata women’s premier Cricket XI continued their unbeaten run this season with a victory over Naenae Old Boys on 30 November.
This saw the team at the top of the Wellington division 3 table.
Wainuiomata won the toss and chose to field in the match, played
at Fraser Park. They restricted Naenae Old Boys to 147 for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs.
Wainuiomata overhauled the Naenae total after 16 overs and three balls, finishing on 149 for the loss of three wickets.
Angela Penter took two of the three Naenae wickets to fall, and finished with figures of two for 33.
Matie Whitman was outstanding with the bat, scoring 31 runs from just 18 deliveries, while Sarah Sanders scored 19 runs.
The Wainuiomata women have a bye next Saturday and their next match sees them face Petone Riverside at Heretaunga Park on 14 December.
The men’s first XI did not fare so well on 30 November, despite
Dissatisfaction with council decision-making
By Frank Neill
Lower Hutt was a great place to live, work and play the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey conducted for Hutt City Council says.
Of the 1912 survey respondents, 79% believed Lower Hutt was a great place to live, work and play, the suvey found.
However only a minority of people were satisfied with council decision-making.
Only 39% of responses said that they trusted the council to make the best decision for the community. This figure is 3% lower than the 42% recorded in the 2023 survey.
An even lower number, 32%, said they had confidence that the council could deliver on its decisions. This is lower than the 37% recorded in the 2023 survey.
The survey report notes that 47% of the comments reflected criticism of council decision-making.
“Many of these reflected a perception that council does not listen to community feedback. 37% of comments criticised council’s services and infrastructure. 22% criticised rates increases in relation
to residents facing broader cost of living concerns,” the report said.
“There was also some frustration that projects such as cycleways were being prioritised by council for investment at the expense of footpaths and roads.”
A record number of Lower Hutt residents completed the survey.
The survey report also noted issues with the council’s communication and engagement.
“Negative feedback about communication or inadequate information was offered by 34% of residents,” the survey report says.
“Another 19% remarked on the issues of council administration processes and 17-18% mentioned council needs to improve its communication and decision-making processes, highlighting there is lack of feedback acknowledgment in decisions.”
Residents were generally happy with the way council maintained its parks, gardens, reserves, cemeteries and playgrounds, as well as artificial and grass sports fields.
There was public support for the way council managed its community hubs/libraries, swimming pools, museums, fitness centres
and community halls.
Kerbside rubbish and recycling services were also viewed favourably by survey recipients.
Mayor Campbell Barry says the survey is useful in gauging the public’s view of what the council is doing right, and where it could do better.
“We want a city where all residents and businesses thrive, our differences are celebrated and accepted, the natural environment is protected and enhanced, and important infrastructure is fit for the future,” Mayor Barry says.
“There are challenges to achieving this and the Resident Satisfaction Survey is an effective way for people to be able to give us feedback on how we are doing.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. Your input will help us improve how we operate and deliver services across our communities.”
Council uses community feedbackfrom surveys to help inform decision making and business planning.
The 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey report is available athutt. city/RSS.
Early bird bonuses for Movin’March
Early bird registrations are now open for the 16th year of M ehe Manawa Ora Movin’March, Greater Wellington’s annual initiative encouraging tamariki and their wh nau to walk or wheel their way to and from school.
The theme for 2025’s programme, “we walk or wheel to show our care for te taiao (the environment)” will highlight the environmental benefits of walking and wheeling.
Greater Wellington’s travel choice advisor Maddy McVie says Movin’March is also a time for wh nau and community to join in.
“This initiative is a time for the whole wh nau to get involved and show tamariki that they can have a positive community impact as well as having a heap of fun,” Maddy says.
“By walking and wheeling to school, participants can contribute to cleaner and healthier air and take time to connect with te taiao.
“We are running three early bird competitions this year.
“There is a New Schools draw to welcome schools who have not previously participated,
and a draw for schools who have taken a break for two or more years.
“There will also be the usual draw for dedicated Movin’March schools who regularly participate.”
All competitions close on 8 December and have an $80 Prezzy Card up for grabs.
Parents who have participated in previous years have expressed their support for the initiative.
“It's wonderful to carve out time for our tamariki. My daughter told her dad ‘I really like walking and chatting with you,’” one parent said.
“It encouraged many children who wouldn’t usually walk to school,” another said.
“Movin'March really helps to emphasise the benefits of everyone walking together and provides an opportunity for other people in the neighbourhood to see just how many children are all heading in the same direction every day,” yet another parent said.
For schools wanting more information, see the Movin’March 2025 website, https:// schooltravel.gw.govt.nz/walk-or-wheelprogrammes/movinmarch/.
playing on their home ground of Bryan Heath Park. They were comfortably defeated by Upper Hutt.
Batting first in the Hazlett Trophy division 2 match, Wainuiomata was all out for 108.
Upper Hutt lost just one wicket in overhauling their opponents and finished on 109. Yesh Preshanth was the best of the
Wainuiomata batsmen, scoring 42. Tanuj Ahuja scored 16 and Gurpreet Singh was on 13 not out when the final Wainuiomata wicket fell.
Ryan Jackson took the sole Upper Hutt wicket to fall, and finished with figures of one wicket for 45 runs.
Wainuiomata’s next match sees them play Naenae Old Boys at Bryan Heath Park on 7 December.
Hutt Council leading the way with AI
Hutt City Council is taking steps to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and position itself as a leader in the responsible use of the technology in New Zealand.
November marked the launch of the AI-Volution project to introduce AI tools and solutions incrementally across the organisation.
As part of early work, the council conducted an internal trial of Microsoft CoPilot and ChatGPT to understand where AI could help in people’s roles.
Early data suggest participants of the trial saved an average of 38 minutes per day, which equates to 20 working days annually, based on an 8-hour working day.
The next phase of Council’s AI work is about getting the tools into the hands of more staff, rolling out AI to at least 150 people across the organisation. Alongside this, specific AI assistants will be developed to help staff with repetitive tasks.
Chief Executive Jo Miller says the move is about being an early technology adopter and delivering cost effective services while ensuring staff become skilled in the jobs of the future.
“AI allows us to work smarter, not harder, freeing up time to work on complex problem solving and creative projects,” Jo says.
“It’s about ensuring our community receives high-quality service through effective management of resources.
“We will embed AI into our daily work, get ahead of technology as fast as we can and drive innovation in our sector.”
Council acknowledged AI comes with risks, including issues around privacy, bias, and security. To help manage these risks, the council has partnered with PwC New Zealand to leverage their expertise to navigate the complexities of AI adoption. This strategic partnership has enabled the council to reduce implementation costs, share risks, and access cutting-edge insights.
The collaboration reflected a shared commitment to innovation, with PwC New Zealand supporting the council in designing and deploying AI solutions that align with its strategic goals.
The partnership also ensures a phased, self-funding approach, allowing the council to reinvest cost savings into further AI developments and operational improvements. Hutt City Council’s forward-thinking approach puts it at the forefront of responsible AI use in local government, making it one to watch as the technology transforms public services across New Zealand.
