Manu winner
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s Zerenity Mill Simpson made the biggest splash in the female youth competition at the Z Manu World Champs Super Qualifier, held at the Wellington Aquatic Centre on 25 and 26 January.
This was an outstanding performance, given that Zerenity won ahead of last year’s world youth female champion, Ella Mohi-Henare.
Continued on page 2.
Zerenity Mill Simpson about to leave the pool after making her big splash.
Photo: Supplied.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
WELLINGTON
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
Second Grand Final for Zerenity
Continued from page 1
Zerenity’s splash was 8.7 metres, giving her first place ahead of Ella, whose splash was 7.3 metres.
Her performance saw Zerenity qualify, for the second successive year, for the New Zealand Grand Final at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on 1 March.
“I’m from Wainuiomata where the girls are smarter,” Zerenity says.
“I’ve been doing Manu sinceI moved back from Brisbane to Aotearoa in 2022 but have been doing back flips and jumping off bridges and wharves in the Gold Coast and Days Bay since I was six years old.”
With 165 competitors vying for a spot in the prestigious Grand Final, the event showcased fierce competition and some remarkable skill.
By the end of the two-day event, 14 bombers secured their place in the 2025 Grand Final, ready to represent Wellington on the national stage.
SALES
Steve Maggs
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
The qualifiers include Tracee Stewart who practises at Wainuiomata pool.
Event organiser Scott Rice commended the talent on display, saying: “The level of skill and energy we saw in Wellington was phenomenal.
“The competitors and crowd made this an unforgettable event, and Wellington’s finalists are sure to bring the heat in Auckland.”
Former Rugby star Piri Weepu is also a fan and a competitior in Manu, and he attended the 2025 super qualifier.
Mana Member of Parliament Barbara Edmonds was also
among the big crowd that attended.
Said to be a Kiwi invention, the Manu is all about making a big splash.
The bomb technique sees com-
petitors’ bodies form a distinct V-shape so their bottoms and lower backs hit the water first, while the arms and legs are extended to create both a loud clap and a large splash.
WAINUIOMATA COMMUNITY BOARD
Prior to the meetings at 6.00pm, the Board will host an Open Forum. This is an opportunity for questions and informal discussion with the Board.
You are very welcome to attend.
Meeting agendas are available on Council’s website: huttcity.govt.nz/council/council-meetings/meeting-agendas-and-minutes Keep up with what’s happening in your community.
At the Wellington Z Manu World Champs Super Qualifier (from left) the event organiser Scott Rice, Mana MP Barbara Edmonds and Piri Weepu. Photo: Supplied.
Exciting start to 2025 by Mila’s Books
Mila’s Books has embarked on an exciting start to 2025 with the release of “I Love My Island”, a heart warming and empowering children’s book.
Set to debut on 7 February at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in the Solomon Islands, this vibrant tale will resonate with tamaiti across the Pacific and beyond.
Written by Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, an artist, environmental advocate and reigning Miss Pacific Islands, the book celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of Pacific cultures while inspiring the next generation to take action for their islands and heritage.
Featuring characters from S moa, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and Tokelau,“I Love My Island”addresses vital topics such as climate change, deforestation, rising sea levels and coral bleaching.
“I wanted to create a story that not only uplifts our tamaiti but also reminds them of the power they hold to protect what they love,” Moemoana says.
“Our islands are more than homes – they’re our identity, our legacy, and our connection to the world. I hope this book encourages children everywhere to act with purpose and pride.”
Moemoana’s journey as an author was supported by the Mila’s Books’ Tusitala Programme, which was made possible through a Creative New Zealand Arts Grant to nurture and empower new and emerging Pasifika storytellers.
As the first release from the Tusitala Group mentees in 2025, “I Love My Island” marks a significant milestone in promoting authentic Pasifika voices in literature globally.
cover of “I Love My Island”. Photo Supplied.
In addition to its Solomon Islands launch, Mila’s Books is planning special book events in S moa and Sydney later in 2025. This book sets the tone for an incredible year of storytelling from Pasifika creatives.
Mila’s Booksremains committed to empowering Pasifika tamaiti and communities by sharing authentic, culturally rich stories that help them to feel seen, heard and valued, while inspiring action and connection. Dahlia Malaeulu, who lives in Wainuiomata, is the owner of Mila’s Books Ltd.
Rural fire museum moving
By Frank Neill
The National Forest and Rural Fire Museum is about to move from Wainuiomata. Currently located at the Wainuiomata Bush Volunteer Fire Brigade building at 23 The Strand, the museum is being relocated to the Roger Mahon Heritage Centre in Geraldine.
The move is taking place to allow much greater public access to the historic collection.
Following the bush brigade’s building being taken over by Fire and Emergency New Zealand it has been difficult to get public access to the premises.
Much of the material has already been packed up ready for the shift and the move will begin with the first items leaving for Geraldine next week.
The National Forest and Rural Fire Museum was opened by the bush fire force on Saturday 13 July 2019.
This took place following several years
of gathering together memorabilia from around the lower half of the North Island. Items in the collection include the first monsoon bucket used in New Zealand, a trailer pump dating from the 1940s and an extensive video library.
The Roger Mahon Heritage Centre will soon have this significant collection that has been housed in Wainuiomata.
The collection will add to the historic fire trucks, pumps and a helicopter the centre already has.
Mini ramp at skate park
By Frank Neill
Building a mini ramp next to the the Wainuiomata skate park is being investigated by local resident Ricci Pilcher. Ricci has asked people via a Facebook post how many people think that this would be a good idea.
He has also talked to the Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown about the idea and says he received a positive response.
Adding a mini ramp at the skate park would make the park more attractive to people, he says.
“Within five hours of the post there were 146 people who had reacted with it positively.”
By 3 February there were just over 200 positive reactions.
Ricci is getting his children into into skateboarding “and having something close for everyone would be ideal,” he says.
First 2025 business breakfast
By Frank Neill
The first 2025 “Wainui Connections” Breakfast will be held on Thursday 20 February at the Wainuiomata Community Hub.
The doors will open for the breakfast, which is being sponsored by Mitre 10 Mega Wellington, at 6:30am and the event will begin at 7am.
Organised by Love Wainuiomata, “Wainui Connections” has been set up to help business owners and entrepreneurs in the valley build professional networks that will help Wainuiomata thrive.
The aim of “Wainui Connections” is to “foster a sense of community and contribute to the sustainable growth and propserity of Wainuiomata businesses as a whole,” Love Wainuiomata’s Coordinator Chastity Card says.
“Whether you're a local business owner, entrepreneur, stakeholder or a Wainui local with a business over the hill, this
event is for you.
“No matter the size of your enterprise, we welcome you to be part of this thriving business community,” Chastity says.
“Enjoy a hearty breakfast, proudly sponsored by local businesses and expertly prepared by Fine Touch Catering, followed by engaging k rero designed to inspire, empower and provide real value to your business journey.
“We focus on what matters most to you.”
Insights will be shared on overcoming challenges, strategies for growth and expert advice on building strong, lasting business relationships.
“Expect thought provoking discussions, practical takeaways, and opportunities to learn from experienced voices in the industry,” Chastity says.
Three further Wainui Connections events will be held in 2025, and they will take place on 15 May, 21 August and 20 November.
LOCAL TRADES
FENZ seeeking local committee members
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling for expressions of interest from people in the greater Wellington area to join its local advisory committee.
The Wellington Local Advisory Committee provides independent advice to the Fire and Emergency board about what their communities value, their needs, and the risks they face.
Fire and Emergency’s local advisory committees help work with communities, businesses and industries to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies when they happen.
The Wellington District covers Wairarapa and the K piti Coast.
Fire and Emergency is looking for members who have a passion for making our communities safe both now and into the future.
Key responsibilities of local advisory committee members are:
risks, challenges and opportunities for improvement;
maintaining various community relationships to share the needs and risks of those communities.
and reporting, providing a voice how Fire and Emergency New Zealand can make a difference.
Fire and Emergency is looking for:
grounds, experiences and perspectives who can engage with a broad range of interest groups;ties, businesses and industries who understand its unique needs and opportunities;
in supporting public safety and working collaboratively to make a positive impact;
experience who can think strategically and pragmatically;
long-term sustainability challenges and climate resilience strategies relevant to the Wellington District; and
meetings, participate in working groups and contribute time to community initiatives.
"The Wellington region is a large area with a diverse population," Fire and Emergency Wellington District Manager Brett Lockyer says.
"The needs of central Wellington will vary greatly from the needs of coastal Wairarapa, so it is vital to the success of our local advisory committee that we have people who understand the risks, challenges and opportunities to work with us".
More information about local advisory committees, what the role involves, and how to apply is at www.fireandemergency. nz/LACs.
Bus crash injures five, cuts power
By Frank Neill
Five people were injured and power was cut to four streets in Wainuiomata after a bus crashed into a power pole at the Coast Road-Hine Road intersection on Friday 31 January.
The crash was reported to Police around 11:45am.
Five people had moderate injuries, a Police spokesperson said.
Five minutes later, at 11:50am, Wellington Electricity posted an “unplanned outage” on its website.
Power was cut to 53 customers on Coast Road, Hine Road, Homedale Road and Main Road, the Wellington Electricity post said.
Some of the crowd at the first Wainui Connections Business Breakfast on 29 August last year. Photo: Love Wainuiomata.
Smoke alarms for hard of hearing
By Frank Neill
Smoke alarms save lives. People hear the alarm and get out of the house before they are overtaken by the fire.
But what would happen for people who cannot hear the smoke alarm because they are deaf?
The answer is that technology is available to provide a warning for deaf people, says Paul Carline, Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
Paul was one of the FENZ personnel who attended Christmas in the Nui on 30 November.
This information is important for a great many people, as the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing estimates that around 880,000 New Zealand people are affected by hearing loss.
It is also important because people are four times more likely to survive a fire if they have a working smoke alarm.
There are two main options for people who have hearing loss – Hearing Assistive Technology equipment and specialist smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Hearing Assistive Technology (known as HAT)helps people who cannot hear audible alert devices so they are quickly made aware of any emergency, particularly in regards tosmoke orfire.
HAT devices connect monitoring equipment such as smoke alarms, doorbells and baby monitors so that they provide non-aural alerts, much like your mobile phone vibrates and flashes when in silent mode.
Non-aural alerts include strobe and bright lighting, haptic or vibrating pads which can be kept under pillows and chairs, and vibrating wearables or EDC (everyday carry) devices.
Funding for HAT equipmentmay be available from the Ministry of Health.
This process includes a HAT eligibility assessment being completed by FENZ alongside one of the partner agencies – Deaf
Aotearoa New Zealand, You Way Kia Roha and K inga Ora Homes and Communities.
There are also specialised smoke alarm systems available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
These alarms have extra features such as extra loud and/or lower pitch alarm sounds, flashing strobe lights, or vibrating devices.
Ideally, those in need will have hardwired, interconnected photoelectricsmoke alarmsfitted with bed-shakers, strobe lights, pagers or a combination of these. However, these may be expensive.
FENZ recommends long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.
They are far more effective than ionisation alarms at detecting slow smouldering fires, which burn for hours before bursting into
High rents driving poverty and homelessness
A new report released by The Salvation Army reveals the increasing unaffordability of rents as a key driver of the unacceptable levels of poverty and homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Entitled “Tackling Rental Affordability in Communities”, the report shows that the lack of affordable rental housing is a key cause of the housing crisis affecting thousands of people across the motu.
The report introduces the idea of a fair rent for homes in lower income communities being 30% of weekly income.
This would complement other necessary housing policies, such as increasing social housing supply and better-designed housingrelated income support.
The report’s author, Paul Barber, principal policy analyst with The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU), says housing unaffordability is first
and foremost a moral issue.
“Every New Zealander has a right to decent housing,” he says.
“As a relatively wealthy nation, there is no shortage of resources for rectifying this situation.
“If we are to address the levels of poverty and homelessness that we are now seeing, ideas like ‘fair rent’ are concepts we must work with to create a fairer society where our wh nau can flourish,” Paul says.
The report is available at: https://www. salvationarmy.org.nz/tackling-rental-affordability-in-communities/.
The report comes ahead of the release of The Salvation Army’s “State of the Nation 2025” report, due for release on 12 February.
This report provides an annual snapshot of our social progress as a nation and includes statistics on affordable housing.
flames.
“Better yet, choose a set of photoelectric smoke alarms that can be connected to each other wirelessly, via a dedicated radio frequency, or wiring together,” FENZ says.
“If a fire is detected in one room of the house, interconnected alarms will trigger all the alarms in your home, so everyone will be alerted to a fire sooner.
“This is especially important in multi-storey homes and homes with long hallways.”
Free home fire safety visits are provided by FENZ.
For more information or to book a free visit, contact the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, phone 564 8340 or email FENZwellington@fireandemergency.nz. A long-life photoelectric smoke alarm.
Photo: Supplied.
Celebrate Lunar New Year without fireworks
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people not to include fireworks during their Lunar New Year celebrations.
"We want everybody to have a wonderful time celebrating Lunar New Year, but we’re asking people to avoid using fireworks or sky lanterns as part of their celebrations," Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson says.
Some parts of the country are in prohibited and restricted fire seasons, and a ban on fireworks has been imposed for parts of Mid-South Canterbury and Otago.
A fireworks ban means you can’t light and set off any fireworks, including sparklers.
Sky lanterns also pose a significant risk to buildings and vegetation.
"We strongly recommend you do not light lanterns, as you have no control over where they travel. If they land in dry vegetation, they can quickly cause a fire," Tom says.
"This includes tethered lanterns, as there is a risk of them becoming untethered and causing a fire.
"We’ve seen hot, dry and windy conditions in many parts of the country this
summer, which means much of our vegetation is dry and ready to ignite," he says.
"Again, we strongly encourage you to celebrate without fireworks or sky lanterns. But if you do decide to use them, please go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out if it’s safe to do so.
"The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity, provides fire safety advice, and tells you what fire restrictions your location is under if you aren’t sure."
Thinking Real Estate? Think Linda and Ray Wallace
Victory for women Softballers
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata women’s P3 Softball team took out a surprise victory in the P2 Saints competition, held at Fraser Park on Sunday 26 January. However the team did not find out until three days later that they were the winners. An issue with the score recording meant that another team was named the winner on the day. This was then challenged, and the tournament organisers went back and rechecked the scores. Decided after a round robin of four matches for each team, Wainuiomata and Te Aroha both won three of their matches.
Wainuiomata was declared the winner as they had defeated Te Aroha 11-9 in the pool play. “We were shocked when we were told we were the winners,” the Wainuiomata P3 player-coach Shayna Tiatia says. “We entered for fun, not expecting any wins. “Te Aroha have won the tournament for the last two years at least, possibly longer. “They are a really good side,” Shayna says. Wainuiomata was also playing a tournament at the higher P2 level than the P3 level where they currently play. The team comprises a group of women who have returned to playing Softball after having children. They are playing in the P3 competition as they were looking to play the game at a social level.
Notification of Lower Hutt’s Proposed District Plan
Hutt City Council has prepared a Proposed District Plan for Lower Hutt. The Plan will be publicly notified on 6 February 2025 (Pursuant to Clause 5 of Schedule 1, Resource Management Act 1991).
The Proposed District Plan is proposed to replace the current District Plan, which has been operative since 2003/2004.
About the Proposed District Plan
The District Plan is required under the Resource Management Act. The purpose of the District Plan is to assist the Council in carrying out its functions in order to achieve the purpose of the Act, which is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
The Proposed District Plan deals with some of the city’s key issues like enabling housing, protecting the natural environment and managing natural hazard risk. It includes objectives, policies and rules for land use and development in Lower Hutt, and applies to every property in the city.
From 6 February, the Proposed District Plan will be available on the Council website at hutt.city/dpreview. The website will also include further information on the Proposed District Plan, including evaluation reports and other technical documents for the Plan, as well as information on how to make a submission on the proposal.
By email (preferably): district.plan@huttcity.govt.nz
Post: Policy Planning Team, Hutt City Council, Private Bag 31912, Lower Hutt 5040
In person: Council Administration Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt.
Submissions must be written on or in accordance with Form 5 of the Resource Management (Forms, Fees, and Procedure) Regulations 2003.
Copies of Form 5 are available: On Council’s website: hutt.city/dpreview
At the Customer Services Counter, Council Administration Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt
By contacting Hutt City Council on district. plan@huttcity.govt.nz or 04-570-6666
Submissions must include:
Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act) is as follows:
After the closing date for submissions, the Council must prepare a summary of decisions requested by submitters. This summary must be publicly notified.
There must be an opportunity for the following persons to make a further submission in support of, or in opposition to, the submissions already made:
Any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest.
Any person who has an interest in the proposal greater than the general public has. The local authority itself.
If a person making a submission asks to be heard in support of their submission, a hearing must be held. This is likely to be the case, and the hearing is likely to be conducted by an independent hearings panel, who would make recommendations to Hutt City Council on matters raised in submissions. Hutt City Council must give its decision on the provisions and matters raised in the submissions (including its reasons for accepting or rejecting submissions) and give public notice of its decision within two years of notifying the proposal, and serve it on every person who made a submission.
Making a submission
Anyone may make a submission on the Proposed District Plan. However, if you could gain an advantage in trade competition through the submission, then you may only make a submission if you are directly affected by an effect of the proposal that adversely affects the environment and does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
Submissions may be lodged in any of the following ways:
Details on the specific provisions the submission relates to, Whether the specific provision is supported or opposed or proposed to be amended, with reasons, Details on the decision that is sought from Council, Whether your submission relates to trade competition or the effects of trade competition, and Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission at a hearing.
If you have any questions about the Proposed District Plan, or how to make a submission, please contact the Policy Planning team on district.plan@huttcity.govt.nz or phone 04-570-7426.
Submissions close on Friday, 4 April 2025 at 5:00pm Process for the Proposed District Plan
The process for public participation in the consideration of the Proposed District Plan (set by
ACROSS 1. Enterprising (2-3-6) 7. Seer (7) 11. Custom (5) 12. Joy (7)
Topic (5) 14. Assigned for later action (cheque)(4-5) 15. Without haste (9) 16. Woman(Maori) (6) 18. Pirate (7)
21. Funeral fire (4)
23. Tent rope (3) 25. Sea bird (3) 27. Hires (4)
28. Retribution (7)
30. Accident (6) 32. Play on words (3)
33. Small demon (3) 34. Feverish (6) 35. Eye liner (7) 36. Employer (4) 37. However(poetic) (3)
Self (3) 41. Egyptian waterway; canal (4)
Ghost (7) 45. Glimpses (6)
48. Coffee shop (9)
49. Noticeable (9)
51. Possessed (5)
Any person who has made a submission has the right to appeal against the decision on the proposal to the Environment Court if: In relation to a provision or matter that is the subject of the appeal, the person referred to the provision or matter in the person’s submission on the proposal, and In the case of a proposal that is a proposed policy statement or plan, the appeal does not seek the withdrawal of the proposal as a whole.
Jo Miller Chief Executive
52. Sleeping robe(Fem) (7) 53. Remain (5) 54. Kenya’s capital (7) 55. Compensated (11) DOWN
1. Seize(power) wrongfully (5)
2. Painkiller (11)
3. Anticipating with horror (8)
4. Strangeness (6)
5. Lazed (5)
6. Titters (7)
7. N.Z Maori novelist; Grace (8)
8. Repugnant (6) 9. Socks,stockings etc (7) 10. Very small (5) 16. Renegs on wager (7) 17. Castrated males (7) 19. Musical drama (5) 20. Search through (7) 22. Breathes out (7)
Longing (3)
Lamb hide (3)
Bring on oneself (5)
(11)
42.
44.
46.
48.
32. Stone(of friut) (3)
Rage (3)
Method; modus (8)
Kiss (8)
Title of respect(Turkish) (7)
Cavalry horse (7)
Atist’s room (6)
47. Rill (6)
Sing with low smooth voice (5)
Of the eye (5)
Correct (5)
The victorious Wainuiomata P3 Softball team. Photo: Supplied.
Outright victory for Cricketers
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata premiers have begun their two-day Cricket campaign by overwhelming Naenae Old Boys and chalking up an outright victory in the match, played on 25 January and 1 February.
After bowling Naenae out for 163, Wainuiomata declared their first innings when the score was 252 for the loss of seven wickets.
They then bowled Naenae out for 146 and reached 58 for the loss of two wickets to secure both first innings points and the outright win.
The Cricket Wellington division two match was played at Bryan Heath Park.
Ryan Jackson was outstanding with the ball, taking six wickets at a cost of 53 runs in Naenae’s first innings, and taking two more wickets at a cost of 45 runs in the second innings.
Ryan also batted well in the first innings, and was out just short of his half century when he scored 48.
Following his half century in Wainuiomata’s first innings, Craig Foster was also among the wickets when Naenae batted for a second time. Craig took two wickets at a cost of only 11 runs.
Jackson Hemmingway followed up his first innings knock of 87 by taking two wickets for 31 runs.
Gurpreet Sing was the other Wainuiomata bowler to take two wickets, while he conceded
just 17 runs.
Captain Callum Mackanness and Logan Stoupe chimed in with one wicket each.
Callum featured prominently in Wainuiomata’s second innings, scoring 36 not out.
Wainuiomata’s next match will see them play Johnsonville at Bryan Heath Park on 8 and 15 February.
The Wainuiomata premier women’s team also tasted victory in their latest match, played on Friday 31 January.
They comfortably defeated Naenae Old Boys at the Ewen Chatfield Oval on Naenae Park.
After winning the toss Wainuiomata elected to bowl, and they then restricted Naenae to 105 for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs.
Wainuiomata surpassed the total in 18 overs, reaching 106 for the loss of only three wickets.
Amber Wood starred with the ball, taking three wickets for 30 runs, and Natasha Morgan also bowled outstandingly, taking two wickets and only giving away 17 runs.
The Wainuiomata women have a bye on 8 February, and their next match will be against Petone Riverside at Te Whiti Park on 15 February.
The Wainuiomata Cricket Club will be holding its Old Timers Day next Saturday, 8 February.
Both the first XI and the second XI have home games that day.
Ulalei helping the environment
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s busy summer programme resumes this month when it will continue its “Get Wainui Movin’!” campaign.
The kaupapa encourages all tamariki and parents to ride or walk to Wise Park, doing their part to reduce the carbon footprint at its events.
“We did see a gradual increase of bikes at the park and people walking to the park in Term 4 as wh nau took advantage of our events being so close to home,” Ulalei’s Vatau Sagaga says.
“We will keep pushing this important message which is positive both for the environment and the physical and mental wellbeing of our wh nau.”
By holding its touch competition in Wainuiomata, Ulalei has already made a significant impact on the environment.
Previously the schools that entered touch teams travelled over the hill to Hutt Park every Friday afternoon.
For the Wainuiomata tamariki at Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa, that meant two trips over the hill on Fridays.
“Currently our schools are travelling over the hill to play in netball, floorball and futsal competitions,” Vatau says.
“If competitions for those sports could be run in Wainuiomata, we would make an even greater impact on the carbon footprint.”
The Get Wainui Movin’! campaign is an
extension of the successful Movin’ March campaign run by Greater Wellington Regional Council for all primary schools.
Tamariki and their wh nau hold passports that are stamped for every trip they make to and from Wise Park.
Every wh nau member with a completed passport (10 trips) will win a small prize bag.
The kaupapa has attracted great support from the mainstream sports organisations including the Hurricanes, NZ Warriors, Nuku Ora, Wellington Rugby, Capital Football and apparel company Paladin NZ, who have all generously donated prizes.
The Ulalei soccer league returns on 17 February while the Ulalei-Rhino touch module resumes on 21 February.
Newspaper Deliverers
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: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 4: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main - 280 papers
AREA 5: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
AREA 6: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St- 260 papers
Experienced tradesmen and large team
Get your House Exterior and Interior painted! ~ Pensioner Discounts ~
grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com W: www.grahamspainters.nz Ph: (04) 564 9202 021 183 9492
AREA 7: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, parts of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers
AREA 8: Wright St, Hyde St, part of Moohan St - 300 papers
Craig Foster, who scored a half century and was also among the wickets when Wainuiomata deafeated Naenae Old Boys. Photo: Hamish Wareham.
St Claudine Thevenet’s Ronitpreet Singh engaging in Ulalei’s Get Wainui Movin’! Campaign. Photo: Supplied.
Hurricanes match leads events line-up
The Hurricanes Rugby match against the Blues in Wainuiomata leads a long list of events coming to Lower Hutt over the next seven weeks.
The final pre-season match for the two teams, it will be played at William Jones Park on 7 February at 3pm.
Mayor Campbell Barry says there is a great lineup of activities and festivals, presenting opportunities for fun, culture and connection.
"It’s great to have the Hurricanes playing their final Super Rugby pre-season match in Wainuiomata.
“Those lucky enough to secure tickets will get to see some of New Zealand’s best players in action at close quarters.
"If rugby’s not your thing then there’s plenty of other events to tempt you, from cultural celebrations and an outdoor dance extravaganza to high-energy fitness sessions and the Petone Rotary Fair. I encourage everyone to get out and have some summer fun."
Events happening over the next two months include:
Children’s Chinese New Year: 8 February, War Memorial Library, 9:30am to 2:30pm. A colour-
ful and engaging celebration of Chinese New Year designed especially for tamariki, featuring traditional performances, crafts, and food.
Xtreme Hip Hop with John: 8 and 15 February, and 1 March, Dowse Square, 10am. Get moving with this high-energy fitness event, combining hip hop music and step aerobics for a fun workout session. Entry is free but you must register the number of people attending at recsportplay@ huttcity.govt.nz If you have a step board then please bring that along too.
UraHIT: 13 February, The Dowse Square, 6:30pm. A Cook Islands dance fitness class which is sure to get the pulse rate up for all the family.
Petone Rotary Fair: 15 February, Jackson St, 10am to 4pm. A beloved Lower Hutt tradition, this fair brings together local businesses, artisans, and entertainers in a vibrant market setting.
XRACE: 15 February, McEwan Park, from 9am, entry fee.
XRACE is an exciting family challenge event where teams work together to complete mystery challenges.
Artisan Craft Market: 22 February and 29 March, Dowse Square, 10am to 3pm. Discover unique handmade treasures at this market, which highlights the creativity and talent of local artisans.
Breaking Beats: This is Living: 1 March, McEwan Park, 1pm to 10:30pm. An outdoor electronic music extravaganza with more than 25 acts performing across two state-of-the-art stages.
Wellington Pride Festival: 2 to 23 March, various venues. Lower Hutt is proud to support diversity and inclusion by participating in the region-wide Wellington Pride Festival, including hosting the popular Pride Youth Ball. It includes the Pride Youth Ball on 15 March at the Lower Hutt Events Centre.
Afrika Bazaar: 8 March, Hilary Court, 11am to 5pm. Experience the vibrant cultures of Africa through this market, offering authentic food, crafts, and live performances.
Siva Afi with Iorina Tafili: 8, 15 and 22 March, noon- to 1pm, Dowse Square. learn fundamental movements of Siva Afi (fire dance). Open to all ages, no experience needed.
Wainuiomata Football Club
REG I S T R ATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Don’t leave it too late or you may miss out, season starts for Seniors on 29/03/2025 & 05/04/2025 and for Juniors 03/05/2025.
SENIORS / Youth
Wainuiomata Football Club are on the lookout for new players to join us in the upcoming season!
Men’s Competitive Teams – For those ready to take their game to the next level.
Social Teams – A fun and relaxed way to enjoy football.
Masters – For players who still have the passion for the game.
Men’s Training – For training dates and times, please check our Facebook page.
U17’s – Games on Sunday mornings all boy players welcome between 15 to 17 years of age.
We are also looking to form a new Women’s team! If you’re new to the game, at High School or just finished High School, or are looking to return to football, we’d love to hear from you! Open to players 15 and over.
We will be having a kick around on Tuesdays at 7pm starting from 11th February. Meet at Richard Prouse.
We are a family orientated club and offer subs at an affordable price. For more information please email
