5 April Wainuiomata News

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Telling the stories of autistic children

Continued from page 1

“It’s the very first of its kind to be able to capture the stories of not just one particular generation,” Dahlia – the principal of Mila’s Books – says.

“It’s got stories from Pasifika autistic children themselves as well as parents [and] grandparents, which is really unheard of.”

One of the drivers that inspired the new book came when Dahlia’s son Mason was diagnosed with autism.

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Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz

021 360 008

“The journey of this book started a little over a year ago, with an idea that has lived in my heart for a very long time across my 14 year career as an educator which included teaching neurodiverse tamaiti who were both diagnosed and undiagnosed,” she says.

“Everything really hit home when I became a mother to our son, Mason, who was diagnosed with Autism at six years old.

stories from autistic children, parents and grandparents who grew up without such terms as autism, ADHD, Asperger’s.

“Better support also means increasing knowledge and understanding for us and our villages, and is why we have an educator and clinical perspectives included in the book also,” Dahlia says.

“I have learnt that piles of photocopied sheets of paper handouts, readings and pamphlets do not work for us as Pasifika. They do not reflect us, who we are and how we do things.

“Through our Mila’s books titles we have proven the power of our stories as Pasifika.

“Our stories not only help us be seen, heard and valued, but also in helping us to connect, talanoa and heal.

“Our stories are a vehicle for change.

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Sam Barnes

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“All of this has led to so many lessons as a family along our autism journey:

“Firstly, that there’s still huge cultural stigmas across our Pasifika communities that are connected to autism and many other ‘invisible’ conditions, which calls for further education especially for our families around the causes, effects, strategies and tools.

“This is why we wanted to ensure that an intergenerational element was included in our book, with a focus of gathering

“When culturally safe spaces and support allows us to be and succeed as ourselves, we as Pasifika are able to nurture and fully step into being the master navigators we were destined to be.

“Finally I have learnt that autism has made our family’s life richer in so many ways and that our son Mason is our blessing, a true gift from God, alongside his little brother Isaia.

“He has taught us patience, compassion and resilience.

“He, alongside his brother Isaia, are our why and the first book I ever wrote was for our

Mase because regardless of diagnosis we wanted him to know and understand what being a Tama S moa meant through learning our Samoan language and developing his cultural knowledge.

“So it is safe to say Mila’s books would not have existed if it weren’t for Mase, his diagnosis and his younger brother Isaia.

“Now the thing I love about journeys is that when our lessons, challenges and wins along the way are shared, we find comfort and connections that remind us that we are not alone as well as some much needed light at the end of the tunnel which lets us know that it will be okay.

Our Government has worked hard to lift incomes and to support New Zealanders to get ahead. This week, we’re taking the next steps with a suite of changes coming into force on 1 April that will see more than a million people receive a bit more in their pocket to help with the cost of living.

The rising cost of living is being driven by lots of factors, like the war in Ukraine and the recent extreme weather, and I know it’s making things tough for many Wainuiomata families. There’s no easy fix, but we’re delivering a range of measures to help ease the pressure. The 1 April changes are part of this work, giving families, caregivers, seniors, and students – among others – an income boost.

Through increases to Working for Families and the Best Start payment, we’re providing more support for wh nau. We’re also making childcare more affordable for many low and middle income families by expanding childcare assistance income thresholds. On top of that, main benefits will increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children will receive an extra $40.86 a week and a sole parent will receive an extra $31.83 a week.

But it’s not just families who will see a boost to their incomes. Tertiary students receiving student allowance or student loan living cost payments will see around $20 extra each payment. Thanks to our minimum wage boost, which kicks in from 1 April, full-time minimum wage workers will earn an extra $60 a week too.

Seniors will also benefit from this week’s changes. Single people on Superannuation will receive an extra $66.86 each payment and a couple who are both aged over 65 will receive $102.84 more in total a fortnight. In addition, from 1 May, the Winter Energy Payment will kick in again, to assist more than a million New Zealanders with

“You will be okay.

“Our tamaiti and our families will be okay.

“This is what “v sifika” is all about and why we are so proud to share this amazing resource with the world because it was truly created with the goals of better supporting our tamaiti and families living with autism, while promoting autism acceptance and awareness, the Pasifika way – with Pasifika, for Pasifika and for our village of supporters who accompany us on our autism journeys,” Dahlia says. The book was made with the support of Your Way/Kia Roha, Altogether Autism, Te Pou and the Pasifika Autism Support Group.

heating bills through the colder months. While these measures won’t fix everything, and we still have more work to do to bring down inflation and the cost of living, they will make a difference for many in Hutt South – and right now, I know every bit counts when making ends meet.

This package of support builds on the recent steps we’ve taken to help smaller budgets stretch further, including extending the fuel tax cut and public transport subsides so it’s cheaper to get around, as well as the work we’ve done since 2017 to lift incomes and make everyday life more affordable. We’re focused on the bread and butter issues that matter most to New Zealanders, and we will continue working hard to grow wages and to support families here in Wainuiomata to get ahead.

The vAsifika book project working group (from left) Toreka Mariota, of the Pasifika Autism Support Group, Dahlia Malaeulu and Betty Pulefolau of the Pasifika Autism Support Group. Dahlia’s son Mason is in the front. Photo: Supplied.

No 1 focus is for people to feel safe

By Frank Neill

Ginny Andersen’s “number one focus” as the new Police Minister “is for New Zealanders to feel safe,” she says.

“There are three main ways I want to do that.

“The first is backing the Police.”

Ms Andersen says she wants to make sure that New Zealand has 1,800 more Police officers this year, and also that she wants to ensure that there are appropriate laws in place.

“The second main area is reducing retail crime,” she says.

The number of ram raids on retail outlets has reduced recently “and I want these to continue to track downwards”.

She is also keen to promote the Government’s Fog Cannon Subsidy to help keep retail businesses safe.

This scheme provides a subsidy of up to $4,000 for small retail businesses such as dairies, bottle stores and service stations to have a fog cannon installed.

The Police’s Retail Crime Prevention Unit was set up last year, and this will also be a focus for Ms Andersen.

The government allocated $6 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund to establish the

Retail Crime Prevention Programme.

This prevention programme is intended to deliver protective equipment, and additional prevention advice for retailers to reduce the risk of harm for the community, as well as support the health and safety of retailers and their staff.

The third area Ms Andersen plans to work on is youth offending.

“I am always open to look at more opportunities to reduce youth offending,” she says.

“It is a complex area.

“There are some big issues that are the drivers of crime, including family violence and mental health.”

Her aim of working to make New Zealanders feel safe was also to the fore before she became the Police Minister.

It was a major reason why she “worked really hard” on the reopening of the Wainuiomata Police Station, she says.

Ms Andersen officially reopened the station on 4 October last year.

“Having a permanent Police presence in Wainuiomata means that Police are not only responding to crime but are reassuring people in the community.

“That is part of making people feel safe and this is a priority for me,” she says.

Time to test electric blankets

By Frank Neill

With winter not far away making sure your electric blankets are safe is highly recommended.

Electric blanket testing will be available on Friday afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:30pm at Te Omanga Hospice Shop, 6 The Strand, starting in mid April.

Ivan Morrison of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade will perform the tests for a donation to the hospice.

Ivan is a qualified tester and his tester number is TTC42296.

Other electrical items, as well as electric blankets, can also be tested.

Wainuiomata’s two fire brigades – the regular brigade and the bush fire brigade – joined forces in a very successful joint

Firefighters from Wainuiomata’s two brigades during their training exercise. Photo: Supplied. training exercise at Waiu Park on 16 March.

Simulated smoke turned an area into a practice bush fire call. This provided both brigades the opportunity to practise their skills while working alongside each other.

The Operational Support Crew provided road and scene safety, as well as deploying mobile scene lighting.

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Q: What is your favourite takeaway meal and why do you like it?

Andy Maus Indian curry. I like the spice.

Kent Boyd

I rarely eat takeaways. I have the odd Burger King and the odd KFC.

Neville McKay Jessica Hope Indian. It’s quite flavourful and it seems to satisfy everyone.

Stewart West

Liam McLay

A kebab, because I like Mexican food.

Pizza. It’s a special treat and a special time for sharing. Eating pizza is quite an exciting moment.

Fish and chips. I like the fillets.

The new Police Minister Ginny Andersen with Police Commissioner Andrew Coster (left) and Naila Hassan, the Police’s Counties Manukau West Area Commander.

Photo: Supplied.

GARDENING THIS WEEK

Grass grubs now is the time: By Wally Richards

Gardens a source of great pride

Some 20 years ago, the WainuiomataGardeners' Club decided that theywould adopt the grounds surrounding the local Coast Road Church(now known as the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church)and tend these as theircommunity project.

Three or four times ayear, a date would be setandall available members would turn up and spendthree to four hours weeding and carrying outageneral "tidy up".

At that time there were no flower gardens and there were several areas of nasty weeds including Darwin Barberry and large Hawthorn trees.

In 2009 the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church Preservation Society was formedandtook over ownership of the Church and surrounding graveyard which were in avery sad state.

Since then the society has fully restored the interiorandexterior of the Church–which is now a listed Category ll Heritage building – and repaired headstoneswhich had been damaged over the years.

The gardening group who had been involved in the "general tidy up" severaltimes a year, also then decided that more time was needed not just to tidy upbut to createlarge flower beds, plant ornamental trees on the boundaries and completely eradicate the noxious weeds that were still present.

Asmaller groupwas then formed, consisting of theGarden Club members who had more timeto spare, plus membersof the newly formed Preservation Society.

This groupnowmeets at least once amonth and due to their ongoing efforts and commitmentover the past ten yearshave completely transformed the surrounding churchyardinto a beautiful collection of ornamental trees, hydrangea and rose bushes, and flowerbeds containing spring flowers, dahlias and many other bulbs and perennials.

The majority of the smaller plants and bulbs have been sourced from the gardeners’own gardens.

The restored church, graveyard and beautiful surrounding gardens are now asource of great pride to the Wainuiomata community.

The church is now included in tours by visiting historic and gardening groups from Wellington, K piti,Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt.

Some years ago, in recognition of the above, the society was awarded winner of the Heritage and Environment category of the 2013 Hutt City Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

The gardening group meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 1pm till about 3pm and would welcome any interested locals who would liketo join them.

They are a very friendly group and enjoy each other's company while working and the afternoon finishes with a shared afternoon tea.

People who are interested and would like to know can ring Joyce on 564 8135 for more information.

I am often asked is it the best time to do certain things in the garden and more often than not when asked it is not the best time. Gardeners sometimes miss the boat and only later when the damage is done or the plants are out of season, that they look for the solution. When I had a garden centre I would have new-by gardeners coming in during the spring looking for daffodil bulbs/plants, cause they saw them flowering in peoples gardens. This also applied to tulips and other spring flowering bulbs. Now is the time to buy your spring bulbs and plant them. Lawn problems caused by grass grubs are noticed in the spring when patches of lawn die. Treatment then is a total waste of time and money because the grubs are in most cases deep below the surface in cocoons waiting for the right conditions to emerge as beetles. Any treatment applied in the spring may catch a small amount of grubs and not worth the expense. What has happened is way back in October through to about December (maybe January) the grass grub beetles were on the wing chewing up the foliage of your plants in the evening and laying up to 300 eggs per female back into your lawn or gardens. As these eggs are laid deep in the soil and when the grubs emerge they start eating the roots of the grasses (or some other plants) this is way down about 200 mm under the soil. The grubs are small and the damage done is not great. The grubs grow and keep working their way upwards as the roots are eaten out at the lower depths. If the soil becomes dry during a summer drought, the grubs go into a semi dormant state waiting for the moisture to return. This normally happens with the autumn rains and the grubs wake up and start feeding again getting closer and closer to the soil surface. Now if we cut a square in the lawn with a spade about 50mm deep we are likely to find a number of the white grubs in the area we have lifted. These grubs curl up when disturbed. Any greasy looking caterpillars found are the porina. If you lift turf in different areas of the lawn you can see where the worst problems are in other words where the most grass grubs are. These are likely to be found in areas where there has been past problems or in areas near where lights shine at night, because the beetles are attracted to lights in the early evening when they are in flight. You may find that in some areas in the turf you lift there are either no grubs or only say under 6 per square foot. In other areas you may find lots of grubs in a square foot. Its those areas you should concentrate your efforts as that is where damage will occur and be noticed. There are currently two non chemical treatments available. The liquid one is Wallys 3 in 1 for Lawns. The product consists of Eucalyptus oil and Tea Tree oil along with natural plant foods in the form of manures and seaweed/fish extracts. Available in 1 litres containers which cover 50 square metres of lawn or gardens. Follow the instructions for mixing with water and it is best applied to the lawn in a device called a Lawnboy. After application the lawn is further lightly watered with the hose or a sprinkler to wash the oils off the grass and down into the top 6 to 10cm of the lawn. It is there that it does its job. Often lawns are the home of garden

slugs which emerge out of the soil and thatch to invade our gardens during moist times. The product knocks them out also. Worms will happily live underneath the oil layer in the top soil without any known adverse effects. Worms that are near the surface when applied may not fair so well. This means it is best to apply the product when the soil is moist but not after a good amount of rain which tends to bring worms to the surface. I have found that these oils will control other soil insects such as eel worm, centipedes, root mealy bugs, porina etc. Even the likes of earwigs and slaters can be given the old hurry on if they are causing problems. The manufacture informed me that the oils act as an irritant to the pests and they succumb as a result. Imaginative gardeners may find this product an interesting tool in assisting in the control of some pests such as wire worm in the soil by treating the area a few weeks before planting (say) their new seasons potatoes. The product is only recommended for lawn use and ideally should only be used for the control of pests in the lawn areas. Used for any other purpose is not recommended but being two natural oils I cannot see any health concerns as you are not likely to spray over any food crops and eat them without first washing as normal. Being a oil based product, it can of course burn foliage and grass if applied in sunlight. For lawn applications it is recommended to use early in the morning or late afternoon and washing in with the hose, the oils off the foliage and into the soil. Safe for your children and pets unlike the previous mention products. The other natural product is Wallys Neem Tree Powder. I suggest powder as it is less easy picked up when mowing the lawn. Once again after you have done your spade tests on where the most grass grubs are then you really only need to treat those areas. Spread the powder at 50 to 100 grams per square metre onto a recently mowed lawn and when the soil is moist. Lightly water to settle the powder off the grasses and get it down to the soil surface. If you have a roller or can hire one then roll the areas treated to press the powder into the soil. It will breakdown and release the Neem properties which will be taken up by the roots of the grasses. Thus when Mr Grass Grub takes a bite of the root he gets some Neem into his gut and it turns off his ability to eat any more. Thus he starves to death. Most effective and safe for children, pets and soil life. Now is the time to treat Grass Grubs. If your lawn problem just involves porina caterpillars then the most effective and less expensive treatment is applications of Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil applied late in the day on a freshly mowed lawn. You should use a lawnboy to drench the grasses at the rate of 5 mls of Wallys Super Neem Oil per Litre of water or a boom spray nozzle on your back pack sprayer. You are looking to get a coating of the Neem Oil to the base of the gasses where the porina is going to feed that night. Once they get some Neem in their gut they will stop eating and starve to death. Treatment for porina can be done anytime of the year as they are a all year round pest.

Authorised by Chris Bishop, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

A group of gardeners about to tackle their next project. Photo: Supplied.

Do you have a fire escape plan?

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade is asking people to make sure they have an escape plan in the event of a fire.

“Three minutes is all you need to save a life,” the brigade says on its Facebook page. The page then provides a link so people can make their escape plan.

“A house fire can kill in less than three minutes,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand says on its website.

“Are you set up to get an early warning and get out fast?

“Do you have smoke alarms installed in the right places?

“We recommend installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom, hallway and living area.

“Are you sure the smoke alarms in your home are working?

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“Press the test button to sound the alarm once a month, and check the expiry date every year.

“What is your first escape route?

“The best way out is the normal way you come in and out of your home, for example down the hall and out the front door. Picture what this would be like in the darkness and confusion of a fire.

“Is your way out locked or blocked?

“Make sure there are no obstacles, locked doors or windows along your escape route.

“Is there anyone in your household who might need help getting out?

“Assign responsibility for helping babies, children or people who may need help out of your home. Who will be in charge of making sure each one is safe?

“What is your second escape

route?

“Do you have an alternative escape route if the first one becomes unsafe or obstructed during a fire?

“Is your second escape route

locked or blocked?

“Make sure there are no obstacles, locked doors or windows along your alternative escape route.

“Where is your safe meeting

place?

“Select from these typical places - your letterbox, gate or the street outside – or your own safe meeting place.”

The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words.

AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid.

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

Council plans 9.9% rates rise

A rates rise of 9.9% is included in Hutt City Council’s draft Annual Plan for 2023-24.

This increase is 4% higher than the rates rise of 5.9% the council originally planned for this year.

The 9.9% rise would see the average rates bill increase by $5.02 per week per household, or $261 a year, the council says.

People now have the opportunity to make submission to Hutt City Council on its draft annual plan, including the proposed rates increase.

Consultation on the plan opened on 30 March and closes on 30 April.

“This year’s draft Annual Plan is all about striking the right balance,” Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry says.

“It’s really important that we continue to

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make progress on getting the basics right, like critical investment in our infrastructure and our community, while at the same time factoring in affordability for our community.

“We know high inflation and cost of living is affecting everyone – households, businesses, and organisations right across our community.

“That’s why we have focused on cutting our own cloth first, to offset what would otherwise be highly unaffordable rates increases.

“That has meant we are proposing to defer a number of non-urgent projects and work programmes, and reduced budgets where possible.

“However, even after doing this, we need to be transparent about the fact high inflation and other economic pressures are increasing the cost of council projects.

“This reflects the need to both borrow more

to fund these projects, and increase rates to be able to afford this,” the Mayor says..

Investment in water infrastructure makes up about half ($126) of the average $261 rise. The remaining $135 covers cost increases for other council services, from roads and footpaths to parks and community facilities, to rubbish and recycling.

“It’s important that everyone has their say on our proposed plan for the year ahead,” Mr Barry says.

“Public feedback is an important part of the decision-making process for Councillors, and we really value hearing from everyone.”

The consultation can be viewed online at https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/hutt-cityannual-plan-2023.

Hard copies of the consultation are available in neighbourhood hubs and the main council building on Laings Road.

Wage rise for bus drivers

Metlink bus driver wages will increase to an average of $30 an hour in urban areas and $28 an hour in the regions, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) decided on 30 March.

The increase will be back paid to 1 April once documentation is complete.

The increase is overdue recognition of the essential service provided by bus drivers, GWRC Chair Daran Ponter says.

“More than any other region, we rely on bus drivers to get us to work, school, the shops, the doctors and home again safely.

“Our drivers provided a vital service during the pandemic and continue to put in long hours to help us cope with the driver shortage,” Cr Ponter says.

“Greater Wellington will continue to look for ways to improve bus driver pay and conditions to attract and retain these essential workers,” he adds.

“We’re pleased our drivers are being rewarded for their service, and we hope the wage increase will help to attract more drivers to the profession,” Metlink General Manager Samantha Gain says.

“Metlink is looking forward to September when our operators expect recruitment will have had a positive impact by reducing cancellations.”

GWRC hopes the wage increase will assist recruitment and retention in a region where the driver shortage is acutely felt, the council’s Transport Committee Chair Thomas Nash

W R O O R C S D S

Puzzle

ACROSS

1. Magnificent. (11)

7. Nut of the hazel. (7)

11. Forgers’ block. (5)

12. ad , to the point of digust. (7)

13. Ex Silver Ferns coach, Leigh (5)

14. Game bird. (9)

15. Perturbs. (9)

16. Limited. (6)

18. More daring. (7)

21. Small island. (4)

23. Go astray. (3)

25. Dowry. (3)

27. Real name Burle Icle Ivanhoe, singer Burl ... (4)

28. Standard. (7)

30. Small edible crustacean. (6)

32. Spike. (3)

33. Hovel. (3)

34. Loathe. (6)

35. Flourish. (7)

36. “Once were warriors” author, Duff. (4)

37. Stomach(inf) (3)

39. Small cask. (3)

41. Pile. (4)

43. Single eyeglass. (7)

45. Fragment. (6)

48. Logic. (9)

49. Gallant. (9)

51. Allege. (5)

52. Unlawful. (7)

53. Sacred images. (5)

54. Decide. (7)

55. Dies before (another person) (11)

DOWN

1. Knave (5)

2. Surroundings. (11)

3. Bear. (8)

4. N.American country. (6)

5. Parasitic insect. (5)

6. Small species of deer (male) (7)

7. Starved. (8)

8. Papal ambassador. (6)

9. Preserves a body. (7)

10. Chores. (5)

16. Splinter. (7)

17. Printing mistake. (7)

19. Bury. (5)

20. Pulpit. (7)

22. Enrol as a jury. (7)

24. Staff. (3)

26. Belonging to thee. (3)

29. Of the nose. (5) 31. Eminent. (11) 32.

says.

“Our passengers rely on more than a million bus journeys scheduled by Metlink each year, and are deeply frustrated by cancellations.

“Showing that we value our current drivers and having the right pay and conditions torecruit new driversare essential parts of our work to restorereliabilityand public confidence.

“Public transport is climate action, and we are totally committed to making it work,” Cr Nash says.

After Greater Wellington successfully lobbied for bus drivers to be made skilled migrants in December 2022, about 35 new drivers joined the Metlink bus network since January.

Bus operators have now increased the number of drivers they require by 25 as a buffer to cover annual leave and recently high levels of absenteeism.

As about 10 bus drivers have left the profession this year, Metlink remains about 120 bus drivers short of the 675 required to run the full timetable.

160 international and local drivers have signed commitments with Metlink operators, but not all will pass immigration processing, training and licensing, which takes months before drivers are road worthy.

There are currently about 40 drivers in training. Operators estimate there will be about 20 new drivers on the road in April and about 65 in May.

(abbr) (3)

33. Fix. (3)

38. Reflect ethically. (8)

40. Study plants. (8)

42. Short sword. (7)

44. Coincide partly. (7)

46. Front of saddle. (6)

47. Integrity. (6)

48. Happen again. (5) 49. Secret hiding place. (5) 50. Throws. (5) Solution

SOLUTION

Last Week: 29 March 2023

For December 15, 2004

A shrimp’s heart is in its head.

WEDNESDAY FACT

Australia’s Dragons sign young Wainui star

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s Alexis Tauaneai has been signed to play for the St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia’s National Rugby League Women’s 2023 premier competition.

Alexis has been playing both Rugby League and Rugby, where she has performed outstandingly. In 2021 she was the College Sport Wellington Rugby Player of the Year and last year she was the College Sport Wellington Rugby League Player of the Year.

Alexis played for the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club last season, gaining selection for the Wellington Rugby League nines team, where she won the most valuable player award and was

selected in the tournament team.

She was also selected for the Upper Central Stallions Rugby League under 18 team and the under 18 Samoa team which competed in the Pacific Youth Cup on 15 October.

Alexis was named Most Valuable Player in the New Zealand under 18 Rugby League Clubs team, which defeated the New Zealand secondary schools team by a massive 50-0 on 23 October 2023.

She also had an impressive year on the Rugby field.

She played for the Samoan Barbarians at the World Schools Sevens tournament, played for the Wellington Samoa under 18 Rugby team, and was named as the under 18 girl Rugby Player

of the Year by the Wellington Rugby Union. She also represented Wellington in the Pride Women’s Rugby team.

She was captain of the Wainuiomata High School Women’s Rugby team, which was runnerup in the premier 1 competition.

As well as playing for her school, Alexis played in the Wainuiomata Rugby Club women’s team and was named the team’s most valuable player.

Wainuiomata hosted the start of the 2023 Wellington Premier Rugby League season hosting all eight premier teams at Fredrick Wise Park on 25 April.

The home team won its first match, defeating Randwick 4432 to kick the season off.

The Wainuiomata Lions did not

Wainui win to start season

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata kicked off the 2023 rugby season with a victory, albeit a narrow one, on 1 April.

Playing in the premier Swindale Shield competition, Wainuiomata defeated Hutt Old Boys Marist 16-15 in a hard-fought encounter, after the scores were tied 5-5 at half time.

“You couldn’t ask for a better start to the season,” Wainuiomata’s coach Daniel Smith says.

Thanks to its dominant forward pack, the Hutt team scored early in the match, giving it a 5-0 lead.

Wainuiomata levelled the scores however when they created a try off a scrum and Mikade Fono dotted down.

The second half began with an arm wrestle between the two teams before Wainuiomata went ahead 8-5 when Tyler Tane kicked a penalty.

Playing into the wind, Wainuiomata was beginning to create opportunities and that saw Hutt Old Boys concede two red cards.

Wainuiomata capitalised on the advantage, with Kitiona Leitufia scoring a try to give them a 13-5 lead. Hutt Old Boys came right back into the match, however, scoring two

tries to go up 15-13 with 13 minutes to play.

Wainuiomata snatched back the lead with about 90 seconds left of the clock when Jacob Renor kicked a penalty.

They gave away a penalty from the kick off, however, giving Hutt an opportunity to win the match. Their

penalty kick missed, however, allowing Wainuiomata to take out the one-point victory. Playing his debut match for Wainuiomata Mikade Fono was outstanding at first five eight, and was named player of the day. “Mikade has a great future in the game,” Daniel predicts.

Community awards nominations open

By Frank Neill

Nominations are now open for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

The awards recognise the work carried out by volunteer groups in the wider Wellington region.

The nominations for this year’s awards opened on 1 April and close on 31 May. People can submit nominations online at https:// www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/ community/wellington-airportcommunity-awards/communityawards/form/.

Nominations can be submitted under one of the following

categories:

during the past 1-2 years).

Once the nominations are in, each of the five councils in the greater Wellington region select five category runners-up, five category winners, one rising star winner and one supreme winner.

manage to emulate that performance on 1 April however, losing a fast paced and tightly contested match against Te Aroha Eels 28-22.

John Tahana Wharepapa-Rawiri was the standout Lions player for his energy and tenacity on attack and defence.

His efforts were followed closely by co-captain and loose forward Ulai Oti-Lahood whose workload in the middle was impressive.

Others who played well were wingers Anaru Waihape and youngster Aethan Tuisila, who both scored long range tries.

Herman Hall, Edward Albright also dotted down and Regan Hauwaho kicked three conversions.

Promising start for women’s rugby

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signed to recognise and encourage emerging grassroots groups.

Key factors considered during judging are: and

Later in the year, members of the public will have an opportunity to vote for the finalists in the regional People’s Choice award.

The regional category, People’s Choice and Supreme Award winners will be named at an awards dinner hosted by Wellington Airport.

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s women rugby players have merged with Hutt Old Boys to make up a team to enter in the Wellington competition after both clubs found they did not have enough players to make up the fifteen needed. Despite only having had one get together followed by one full practice, the combined team performed very well in its first match.

Paremata Plimmerton, who had a good pre-season build-up, including one match, defeated Hutt Old Boys Wainuiomata 36-22.

This match was a grading game, with the 1 April round of matches played to determine which teams will contest the premier grade and which teams will make up division two.

Playing in her first match at this level, Wainuiomata’s Ashleigh

Lacey scored the opening try for the combined team. Ashleigh was one of four players who made their debut for the team. Allana McKenchie, Jean Bartlett and Ataria Tuitupou also played their first matches. The team is coached by the Wainuiomata trio of Alice Soper, Mary Ann Collins and Jean Oti, who also play for the team. One of the three team managers, Eseta Mamea is also from Wainuiomata and will work alongside the two Hutt Old Boys managers. In their first match, the combined team players wore Hutt Old Boys jerseys and Wainuiomata shorts, and the next game will see them play in Wainuiomata jerseys and Hutt Old Boys shorts. They will then swap the order around for each of the upcoming games. The team also played in coloured socks, to mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April.

ANZAC Day services

This year’s ANZAC Day commemorations will begin with a dawn parade at the Wainuiomata Memorial Gardens at 6am.

This will be followed by the Wainuiomata Community ANZAC Service, which will be held in the

car park behind the Community Hub.

Marchers are asked to assemble at the BP Service Station at 10:30am.

Everybody is welcome at the service.

Kitiona Leitufia scoring a try in Wainuiomata’s season opening victory.

Photo: Supplied.

Mary Ann Collins makes a run for the combined Wainuiomata and Hutt Old Boys team in its first match of 2023, supported by Tyra Leota.

Photo: Supplied.

Alexis Tauaneai with the cup she won as Wainuiomata High School’s 2022 Sportswoman of the Year. Photo: Supplied.

Have a say on energy hardship

"A significant number of individuals, wh nau and households in Aotearoa are living in energy hardship, and the independent Energy Hardship Expert Panel wants to hear from you on how to turn this around" says the panel’s Chair Keri Brown, who is also Hutt Ciety Council’s Wainuiomata Ward Councillor.

Almost 20% of households can't afford to heat their homes, rising to 37% in the lowest income bracket in Aotearoa, and a significant number of individuals, wh nau and households are living in energy hardship.

The Energy Hardship Expert Panel is seeking submissions until 28 April, with the launch of its discussion paper: "Te Kore, Te P , Te Ao Marama Energy Hardship: The challenges and a way forward."

"It's the start of our formal submission process.

“We are encouraging as many people, wh nau, groups and communities to have their say and make submissions on the strategies that have been proposed for tackling

energy hardship in Aotearoa,” Cr Brown says.

“This can be done via online submissions through our webpage and by mail. We will also host hui to obtain peoples' views and perspectives."

While many people will not be familiar with the term ‘energy hardship’, Cr Brown believes many will know what it looks and feels like.

Energy hardship includes households experiencing power disconnections, unreliable access to energy and heat sources, living in cold, damp homes and choosing between “heating or eating”.

The five-person expert panel has spent months carrying out research, holding workshops, and having k rero with New Zealanders who understand what it means to struggle with their energy bills and with organisations supporting them.

The panel recognises the considerable progress made by the Government, energy sector, and community organisations in addressing energy hardship, and

emphasises the opportunity for additional targeted strategies alongside existing efforts.

"We have the chance to make a significant difference in New Zealanders' lives now and in the future by recommending to Government further strategies that will lift our

Free rides to Hurricanes games

Rugby fans can travel free to and from Hurricanes home games at Sky Stadiun this season on Metlink trains and buses. By showing a match ticket or Hurricanes membership card to train crew and bus drivers

on game day, passage is free on timetabled Metlink trains and buses.

Greater Wellington Regional Councillor and Wainuiomata resident Ken Laban says he hopes the partnership between the Hur-

ricanes and the regional council’s public transport wing would help more families get to the stadium.

“Metlink is a proud partner and supporter of the Hurricanes, and we’re delighted to make it more affordable for families to go to

wh nau, households and communities out of energy hardship and make long lasting impacts,” Cr Brown says. Feedback will be used to finalise the panel’s recommendations for addressing energy hardship, due to the Government by 30 June this

year.

People can read about the panel’s proposed strategies in the discussion paper, and completing the online submission form at www. mbie.govt.nz/ehep-have-your-say. Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 28 April.

games,” Cr Laban says.

“This partnership is a win for rugby fans and a win for the climate. Catching Metlink trains and buses means fewer cars on the road and fewer transport emissions.

“As a part owner of Sky Stadium, Greater Wellington is also pleased to make the arena more accessible to the community. The thrill of being part of a home crowd is something we hope all Hurricanes fans can experience.”

The Energy Hardship Expert Panel (from left) Kevin Angland, Kay Brereton, Keri Brown, Helen Leahy and Dr Amanda-Lanula Dunlop. Photo: Supplied.