Mental Health Walk
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata
Jones
Continued on page 2.
Carrying
have passed away (from left) Byron Taumata with a photo of Psalms Pokai-Jones, Keelan Renata, Sarah Lee with a photo of Dimitri Lenihan and Cherish Yee with a photo of Tiare Babbington. Photo: Frank Neill.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
ONLINE: www.issuu.com/wsn11
WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
Powerful opportunity to make a difference
Continued from page 1
In doing so they raised money for Youthline, an organisation that supports young people throughout Aotearoa.
Three of the walkers were also walking for young people who have passed on following suicides. They were carrying photographs of the three young people.
Byron Taumata carried a photo of Psalms Pokai-Jones, Sarah Yee carried a photo of Dimitri Lenihan and Chrish Yee carried a photo of Tiare Babbington.
Psalms and Dimitri passed away just two weeks apart in February.
The walk was organised by the Wellington Rugby Football Union and Eastern Hutt Rotary, with support from the Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club, the Tenths Trust, Hutt City Council, the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Cadet Forces, who ran a barbecue at the walk, which also raised funds for Youthline.
SALES
Steve Maggs
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
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YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER
“We were very, very pleased with the outcome and the number of people who were there,” Wellington Rugby Football Union Vice-President Allan Davidson said after the walk had finished.
“The Walk for Mental Health event today is more than just a walk,” Allan Davidson said when opening the event.
“It is a significant movement aimed at raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health issues.
“Mental health has become a
critical topic in today’s society, and events like these play a crucial role in fostering understanding, support and hope for those affected.
“Today we are proud to be supporting Youthline Wellington. “Youthline, through a major bank sponsorship, is now a 24/7 Help organisation, and like most, if not all organisations, Youthline
1x pack bacon
$20 – Xavier Numia
2x pork loin chops
$10 – Asafo Aumua
3x porterhouse steak $25 – Tyrel Lomax
4x lamb loin chops
$10 – James Tucker Isaia Walker-Leawere
6x chicken kebabs $25 – Devan Flanders
7x marinated lamb chops $30 –
8x choice of any sausage $20 – Brad Shields
runs on volunteers,” Allan said.
“The Walk for Mental Health is a powerful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many.
“Whether you are walking to support a loved one, to raise awareness or to improve your own mental health, your participation matters.
“A number of us will be think-
ing of the past, but think of today and the future.
“Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritised, stigma is eliminated, and everyone has access to the support they need.
“Join us on this journey of hope and healing, and let’s walk together towards a brighter future,” Allan said.
Some of the walkers taking part in the Mental Health Walk. Photo: Frank Neill.
Firefighter Donald Underdown gives a demonstration with the hose at the Mental Health Walk.
Photo: Frank Neill.
Walking for mental health. Photo: Frank Neill.
Wainuiomata’s Manu world champion
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s Zerenity Mill Simpson is a Manu world champion. Zerenity won the youth female division at the 2025 World Manu Championship, held at the Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on 1 March. In doing so, she defeated her arch rival and the reigning world youth female champion, Ella Mohi-Henare.
The world championship result was a repeat of the outcome at the Z Manu World Champs Super Qualifier, held at the Wellington Aquatic Centre on 25 and 26 January.
Zerenity defeated Ella in Wellington with a splash of 8.7 metres, seeing her qualify for the world final for the second successive year.
"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." Said to be a Kiwi invention, the Manu is all about making a big splash. The bomb technique sees competitors’ 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.
Business breakfast
The second 2025 “Wainui Connections” Breakfast will be held on Thursday 27 March 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. Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry and Mitre 10 MEGA Petone, Upper Hutt and Porirua Chief Operating Officer Sandi Lockyer will be the guest speakers. 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 prosperity of Wainuiomata businesses as a whole,” Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator Chastity Card says.
By Frank Neill
Get Ready for Winter Parking restrictions approved
The Wainuiomata Community Board approved a series of parking restrictions at its February meeting.
It approved installation of broken yellow lines and “no stopping at all times” restrictions on The Strand.
It approved installation of broken yellow lines and “no stopping at all times” restrictions on the service lane near the Matai Park housing development on The Strand.
It approved the formalisation of the existing mobility parking spaces to
operate “at all times” on the service lane near the Matai Park housing development. The Community Board also approved two parking restrictions outside 21 Waiu Street.
It approved the installation of one “no parking except water filling vehicles at all times” for the new bulk water filling station outside 21 Waiu Street. It also approved installation of broken yellow lines “no stopping at all times” outside 21 Waiu Street.
The board’s decision will be considered by the Hutt City Council’s Traffic Subcommittee.
As the chilly winds of winter approach, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the season ahead. From staying cozy indoors to braving the elements outdoors, being equipped with the right products can make all the difference. Here’s some essential items that will help you navigate the winter months with ease:
1. Good Vitamin Company Kids Good Multi Lollipops: Keep your little ones healthy and happy with these delicious multivitamin lollipops. Packed with essential nutrients, they make supplementing your child’s diet a breeze.
2. De-Worm Extra Strength Tablets:
Protect your family from unwanted guests with these powerful deworming tablets.
3. USL Mouthguards:
Protect your smile with USL Mouthguards. Comfortable, customisable, and durable –they’re a must-have for active individuals.
4. USL Strapping Tape: Keep your joints and muscles supported during winter activities with USL Strapping Tape. It’s the perfect companion for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With these essential products, you’ll be well-prepared to embrace all that winter has to offer. From keeping your family healthy to protecting yourself during cold-weather adventures, these items ensure comfort, health, and peace of mind throughout the season.
Zerenity Mill Simpson about to leave the pool after making her big splash in the Wellington Super Qualifier. Photo: Supplied.
Mila’s Books up for big prize
Mila’s Books has been shortlisted for the prestigious Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publishers of the Year at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy. This global event celebrates publishers who have made a significant impact in children’s literature. Dahlia Malaeulu, who lives in Wainuiomata, is the owner of Mila’s Books Ltd. “To be named among the best in the world at such a prestigious event is a milestone we could only have dreamed of,” the latest issue of “Mila’s Books Village News” says. “This journey has been shaped by the incredible Pasifika storytellers, readers and supporters who continue to uplift and champion our stories. “From Aotearoa to the world, thank you for believing in the power of our stories and ensuring Pasifika voices are seen, heard and valued on the global stage.”
Two Hutt plans open for submissions
The public is invited to provide feedback on two key strategies that will shape a resilient sustainable future for Lower Hutt.
The city’s population is projected to grow by 40,000 over the next 30 years. A robust strategy to accommodate this growth is required, along with updated environmental and development rules.
These come together through the Sustainable Growth Strategy 2025-2055 and the Proposed District Plan, which are both open for public consultation until 4 April.
The Proposed District Plan is the city’s rulebook for land use, subdivision and development. It addresses challenges such as infrastructure constraints, responding to climate change, tackling a range of natural haz-
ards, as well as protecting the environment and our historic and cultural taonga.
It features a new search function to see the zone and overlays (such as natural hazard, infrastructure and heritage overlays) that apply to any property. It is at eplan. huttcity.govt.nz/review.
More information about the plan, including a link to the full plan itself, is at www.huttcity. govt.nz/council/district-plan/ district-plan-review.
Hearings on the proposed District Plan are scheduled for late 2025 and a decision is due to be released in late 2026.
The requirements of the Resource Management Act means that submissions on the proposed District Plan must be made in a particular format to be accepted.
People can receive help with this by contacting the independent “friend of submitters”, Emily Bayliss, fos@baylissconsulting. co.nz or 021 0843 5559 with any questions about how to make a submission.
The council’s policy planning team is happy to help people who have any questions about the proposed plan by emailing district.plan@huttcity.govt.nz or phoning (04) 570 6666 during business hours.
The Sustainable Growth Strategy brings together existing strategies and plans across transport, infrastructure, reserves and more, and sets out actions to help us meet the goal of creating a connected, resilient and inclusive city.
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell
Barry says the strategy provides the direction for what the city will look like and the District Plan is the rulebook for how it will happen.
"Lower Hutt is growing, with 40,000 more residents projected over the next 30 years. We must plan proactively to ensure this growth is sustainable and enhances our city.
"Our Sustainable Growth Strategy sets out a vision for more homes, jobs and services while protecting our environment and community. This is your chance to have a say-help shape the District Plan and the future of Lower Hutt."
The public are invited to share their views on either or both documents at haveyoursay.huttcity. govt.nz.
Softballers representing Hutt Valley
By Frank Neill
Nine young Wainuiomata Softballers have been selected to represent the Hutt Valley.
The Hutt Valley under 13 representative team was, in fact, packed with Wainuiomata players.
Seven of the team came from Wainuiomata – Allegra Kempson, Mihi Awa, Blake Patterson, Cole Simpson, Tawera Ratahi, Isabella Vaeau-Renata and Isabella Peniata.
Linkin Gore was selected in the Hutt Valley under 17 development team.
Luka Sue was a member of the Hutt Valley under 15 team that travelled to Auckland in February and placed second in the North Island Under 15 Championship.
Luka has not only represented the Hutt Valley, he has also represented New Zealand. Last year Luka was a member of the Southern Cross Baseball Academy’s “PAC-Men” 12U team, which contested the Carl Ripken Major 70 World Baseball Series in Branson, Missouri, in August.
LETTERS to the editor
Shoplifting
Dear Editor,
Last weekend whilst shopping at our local Woolworths Supermarket I witnessed a person walking past me with unknown items stuffed under his fleece t-shirt.
He wasmid to late 20s and was also wearing a beanie on his head.
He walked between the checkout and the helpdesk and out thefront door and was gone. He did this not only in broad daylight but also in clear view of the floor supervisor and security guard.
I approached the securityguard who also acknowledged what I witnessed and said that therewas nothing that they could do to stop people like him doing this, stealing from our community.
Whoever you are, (and somebody
will know whoyou are) you are a low life and we don’t want you in our communityany more.
I am also astounded that the staff at our supermarkets (as was told to me) can’t intervene with people that steal from them.
Tonight on the news it was announced by the Government that they are considering in changing the law for them to be allowed to stop them from stealing etc. Unless you are capable of doing that it will only put the innocent at more risk. In two minds here.
I am pleading with our beautiful town and everyone that lives here. Enough is enough. Don’t let these low lifes ruin our town. United, we can stamp this type of behaviour out.
Gary Keenan
Resident satisfaction survey
Hutt City Council is currently conducting a “resident satisfaction survey”. “We’d love for you to give us feedback about the services and facilities we provide,” the Council says. “Basically, we want to know how you think we’re doing – what’s going well, and what we could be doing better. “Your feedback is incredibly valuable. “It helps us to understand how Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai / Lower Hutt residents feel about the services and facilities that we operate, and it helps to inform our big-picture planning.
“This way, we can work hard to ensure that our wide array of services meets our communities’ needs,” the Council says.The survey can be accessed at https://survey.publicvoice. co.nz/s3/RSS2025.There is a prize draw at the end of the survey for one of five 12-month combined Hutt City Council pool and gym memberships.
Luka Sue in action with the bat. Photo: Supplied.
The Wainuiomata contingent in the Hutt Valley under 13 team (back row from left) Gary Sue, Allegra Kempson, Mihi Awa, Blake Patterson, Cole Simpson and Tawera Ratahi (front row from left) Isabella Vaeau-Renata and Isabella Peniata.
Photo: Supplied.
Second arrest for assault in Wainuiomata
Police have made a second arrest following an assault that took place in Wainuiomata on 5 February.
Police arrested a 19-year-old man on 20 February. He faces a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police were called to a car park on The Strand at around 10pm on 5 February after a report of people fighting.
“Our enquiries have established that the incident occurred after an alleged road rage incident, which is believed to have occurred on Wainuiomata Road, between Rata Street and The Strand,” the Police say.
Those involved had left the scene in two vehicles before Police arrived. A short time later, emergency services received another call for service to Riverside Drive, stating a man had been injured and required medical assistance.
He was located in his vehicle with serious injuries, which are believed to have been sustained in the altercation at The Strand. He was transported to hospital in a serious condition.
“The victim was discharged from hospital
after five nights and is recovering at home,”
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd of the Hutt Valley CIB said on 20 February.
Police made an arrest on 6 February following the incident.
A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“We would like to thank the community for the information they have provided us to date,”
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd says.
“The investigation continues to progress, including ongoing efforts to locate the weapon allegedly used in the assault.
“Residents in the vicinity of Woolworths Wainuiomata are asked to check their properties for any items similar to a knife that could assist our investigation.
“We would still like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident.
“You can provide information to Police by calling 105 and quoting file number 250205/0193. “Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111,” Detective Senior Sergeant Todd says.
Bus and train fares going up
passengers still benefit when travelling outside peak hours,” the Council says.
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
Metlink fares will increase 2.2% on 1 July and those using the off-peak discount will pay 42.8% more from that date.
This was decided by Greater Wellington Regional Council at its meeting on 27 February.
The Council decided to reduce the off-peak discount for people using a Snapper card from 50% to 30%.
“The decision was made to increase fares in line with inflation and keep rates affordable, and continuing an off-peak discount ensures
“With the 2.2% fare increase and an offpeak discount of 30%, travelling off-peak continues to be an affordable option.
“SuperGold card users will continue to travel for free at off-peak times, and existing concession discounts still apply. Off-peak discounts do not apply to ferry and Airport Express services.”
Off-peak travel times are before 7am for buses, and between 9am and 3pm, after 6.30pm, and all-day weekends and public holidays on buses and rail.
Restricted fire season imposed
All the Wellington district, including Wainuiomata, is now in a restricted fire season.
The restriction, imposed due to the increased fire risk, will remain in force until further notice.
A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire must go to www.checkitsalright.nz and apply for a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.
Wellington District Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says a lack of recent rainfall and windy conditions across the district has led to an increase in fire danger.
"The vegetation has dried out and the fire danger is now high, meaning any escaping fires will be fast moving and difficult to control and extinguish," he says.
"People will need a permit to light a fire, and they will need to comply with any conditions set out.
"This is a very risky time of year for wildfires, so we’re asking everyone to help us keep Wellington district’s people, property and environment safe from fires this summer."
Local bowler victorious
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
AREA 7: Wright St, Hyde St, part of Moohan St - 300 papers
Remedial (11)
Competent (7)
Bring to bear (5)
Imprecise (7)
Bucketed water-wheel (5)
Chemist shop(U.S.) (9)
Stress (9)
Asian deer (6)
Fascinate (7)
Carry weapons, bear (4)
Sister (3)
Small flap (3)
27. Wrench apart (4)
28. Dupe (7)
30. Sharp scolding (6)
32. Two year-old sheep (3)
33. Seaman(inf) (3)
34. Haggle (6)
35. Relating to origin (7)
36. W. Samoan capital (4)
37. Finish (3)
39. Exclamation of surprise (3)
41. Loosen (4)
43. Learned (7)
45. Unborn offspring (6)
48. Can speak two languages (9)
49. N.Z. naval base (9)
Wainuiomata bowler Honey Albert Reid is the 2025 winner of the Silverstream Invitation First Year Singles competition, held at the Silverstream Bowling Club on 2 March.
This is the first time Wainuiomata has won this competition since back in the 1997-98 season.
Honey won four out of four singles games and had the largest differential margin. Her consistency was exceptional for a first year bowler.
Three Wainuiomata bowlers represented the club in the first year competition.
Michele MacGregor and Krystle Iraia also competed and played extremely well.
51. Relinquishment(by plantiff) of a suit(Lat) prosequi (5)
52. Pet rodent (7)
53. Bold (5)
54. Maintains (7)
55. Exploit (11)
DOWN
1. General tendency (5)
2. Contract killer (11) 3. Deep waterhole, well (8) 4. Newspaper boss (6) 5. Topic (5) 6. French manor house (7) 7. Ballista (8) 8. The number five (6) 9. Fence (7)
10.
Raise the spirits of (5)
N. American deer (7)
Alfalfa (7)
Follow (5)
Aural pain (7)
Giant cactus (7)
Termagant (3)
Barristers(collectively) (3)
33. Liqueur, Maria (3)
Board game (8)
Susceptible to suggestion (8)
Sampsons mistress (7)
Quandary (7)
Remove shroud from (6)
Loath (6) 48. Official name for black S.Africans (5) 49. Drainage channel (5)
Act of stealing (5) Solution
Photo Supplied.
Women Cricketers still undefeated
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata women’s premier Cricket team continued their winning ways with victory over Upper Hutt United on 2 March.
Batting first on Trentham Memorial Park, Wainuiomata reached 187 for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs.
They then restricted Upper Hutt United to 158 runs for the loss of two wickets.
The 29-run win saw them retain their unbeaten record for the season.
Wainuiomata currently sits at the top of Cricket Wellington’s division three championship, four points ahead of the Taita Queens.
Next Sunday’s match may well
decide the championship, as the Queens and Wainuiomata will face each other in the top-of-the-table clash at Fraser Park. The Wainuiomata men’s premier team did not have such a good weekend and they were beaten outright by Petone Riverside at the Petone Recreation Ground.Batting first on the first day of the two-day match, Wainuiomata
Better Wainuiomata bus services planned
By Frank Neill
Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) new draft Regional Public Transport Plan includes options to improve Wainuiomata bus services.
That is something he is “excited” about, says Hutt-based Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie.
“The plan recognises calls for a bus to Hutt Hospital and for Metlink to reconsidera direct commuter bus to Wellington.
“Residents have also advocated for buses to run to the top of Wise Street, and for a bus to Gracefield/Seaview/Petone where many residents work, study, play and shop.
“I encourage residents to tell us how these – and any other ideas – would benefit your wh nau via Greater Wellington’s Have Your Say website,” Cr Duthie says.
Public consultation on the plan opened on 3 March and closes on 28 March.
The plan is available on GWRC’s website at https://haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/regionalpublic-transport-plan-2025-2035-consultation.
“Unfortunately,” Cr Duthie says, “the Government refused to help fund new bus routes and much-needed upgrades like Waterloo Station, so until they want to muck-in we can’t afford to do much.
“I also encourage residents to contact Chris Bishop MP (now Minister of Transport) and urge him to look at backing a growing Wainuiomata and helping fund new bus routes.
“The Government has also proposed we raise fares by a ridiculous 70% next year, which would kill public transport in Wellington.
“We have decided to raise them 2.2% (our policy is to increase annually by inflation).
To cover the funding shortfall, we will also lower some costs and reduce the off-peak discount.
“In good news, we are able to reduce Greater Wellington’s overall rates increase for next year (from 14.5% to 9.7%) while still providing our essential services like replacing Waterloo, updating Wainuiomata flood hazard modelling, and culling goats and deer in the Wainuiomata water collection area,” Cr Duthie says.
was all out for 186.
Petone Reiverside then scored 247 all out to take first innings points.
Wainuiomata only managed to reach 138 in their second innings before they were all out, and Petone Riverside took the outright win when they scored 78 for the loss of three wickets.
Darrell Cole was Wainuiomata’s
top second innings scorer with 23 runs.
Logan Stoupe took three of the Petone wickets to fall in the first innings at a cost of 30 runs and added another wicket in the second innings.
Craig Foster with two wickets for 22 and Jackson Hemmingway with two wickets for 64 also bowled well in Petone’s first innings.
Ulalei for all Wainui kids
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport has ensured that its primary school events have been enjoyed by all of Wainuiomata’s tamaiti, whether they attend school in Wainuiomata or over the hill.
Ulalei has formed barbarian-style selections which include the Wainuiomataresident pupils who attend school over the hill.
Since their competitions started in November 2023, the Ulalei teams have had tamariki from Our Lady of the Rosary School, Waterloo School, Epuni School, Gracefield School, Wa Ora Montesorri School, Naenae Primary School, Wilford School, St Peter and Paul School and Sacred Heart School.
“From day one we have had plenty of enquiries from parents from the Hutt schools asking if their children could play,” organiser Scott McLeod says.
“This was the easiest way to include those
pupils and we were more than happy to accommodate them.”
Te Ara Wh nui Kura Kaupapa M ori in Alicetown has always had a strong presence in the competitions and this year has 14 teams entered.
“We’d learnt in the planning stages from one of the parents that there were three bus loads of Wainuiomata tamariki attending the kura, so we immediately sent out an invitation to principal Emai Owen. The response from the kura was massive yet not unexpected,” organiser Katrina Barclay says.
All seven of Wainuiomata’s primary schools are represented in the Ulalei competitions including Wainuiomata Intermediate. The five-week competitions are into week three and conclude on 21 March.
Ulalei acknowledges the support from Nuku Ora for providing the teams shirts.
Craft show an outstanding success
The Wainuiomata Craft Show, held at the Pioneer Church on Sunday 2 March, was an outstanding success.
The convenors and the judges were very impressed at the extremely high standard of all entries and awarding placings in respective categories was very challenging.
The Trevor Burdan Cup for the Most Outstanding Entry at the Show was won by Doreen McGavinand this was a very close vote with the second contender.
Plants were on sale at the venue and the Church is very grateful to the support of Doreen Hore and Jill Summers who
spend many hours potting up cuttings from their beautiful gardens and selling them at Pioneer Church’s events.
All proceeds from these sales are donated by Doreen and Jill to the Church which is very much appreciated.
Afternoon tea was on sale and was thoroughly enjoyed by the many visitors who came to view the show, including the home baking for which the Church committee is now renowned.
As many of the visitors commented – how enjoyable it is to catch up with old friends in such a beautiful setting.
Cr Quentin Duthie. Photo: Supplied.
Some of the craft on display at the Wainuiomata Craft Show. Photo: Supplied.
New fund for environment projects
By Frank Neill
New funding is now available for local projects with an environmental focus.
Greater Wellington Regional Council has established the new Community Environment Fund in the Hutt Valley.
Schools, community and kaitiakitanga groups can apply for up to $10,000 a year for up to three years.
Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie has
welcomed the new fund.
"Volunteers do amazing work to help nature all over the Hutt Valley and this fund will support even more great mahi,” he says.
"One of the best parts of my job as councillor is visiting and mucking-in with community groups. They make me proud to live in Te Awa Kairangi.”
Applications for the fund are now open.
Groups and projects with envi-
ronmental focus in the Hutt Valley have until 30 March to send their applications to Greater Wellington..
Jo Fagan, Greater Wellington’s senior community and capability advisor says that there is a wide range of groups that can apply for the funding.
“We are looking to provide support to groups that are located in the Hutt Valley, on public land such as council reserves, Department of Conservation land or mana whenua owned areas,” Jo says.
International photo contest
Local mobile photographers have an opportunity to win an international competition. Entries for the OnePlus Photography Awards, now in their fifth year, are now open. From now until June 30 mobile photography enthusiasts worldwide are invited to showcase their creativity and passion for photography under the theme “Make the Moment,” inspired by the iconic first moon landing captured by Hasselblad.
There are three award categories.
The “Movement” category invites photographers to capture the essence of motion, from the energy of speed and adventure to the subtle moments of everyday life.
The “Night and Low Light” category showcases the magic of the world after dark, highlighting vibrant cityscapes, starlit skies, and dynamic low-light scenes.
The “Faces” category invites participants to
From Family Legacy to Your Home’s Next Upgrade
In 1976, brothers Bill and Ian Hollings started something great—Hollings First. For nearly 50 years, they’ve built a name on quality windows, doors, and top-tier service.
Fast forward to April this year. Scott and Nikki didn’t just buy a business—they
“It is also essential that any groups applying uphold manaakitanga by showing respect, generosity and care for others in the mahi that they do.
“By sustaining and restoring the mauri of te taiao (the natural world) it also sustains and restores mauri to those who carry out the mahi.
“Funds awarded are to be used for costs such as native plants, supplies to grow those plants, tools, pest plant/animal control and refreshments for working
capture the emotions and stories behind every face, from joyful smiles to heartfelt moments, turning portraits into powerful expressions
bees. They cannot be used for paying salaries or wages of staff.”
Applications for the fund must be submitted by 5pm Sunday 30 March. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 5 May.
For more information on the fund criteria and how to apply, visit Greater Wellington, www.gw.govt.nz/ your-region/funding-and-awards/ te-awa-kairangihutt-valley-community-environment-fund/.
of life.
For more information and to enter visit www. oneplus.com/us/photography-awards-2025.
Modest regional rates rise planned
Maintaining core services and reducing pressure on ratepayers are among key objectives in Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) proposed 2025-25 annual plan. The regional council is seeking feedback on the plan, which contains new provisions for Local Water Done Well and the upcoming M ori Constituency Referendum as required by central government. It also lowers the proposed average regional rates increase from 14.5% to 9.7% in fiscal year 2025/26. Submissions close on 28 March. “We remain committed to delivering the services and infrastructure that matter most to our communities,” says GWRC chair Daran Ponter. “While lower inflation and interest rates
have provided some relief, the majority of savings being passed on to ratepayers come from efforts across the council to defer spending and actively manage costs.”
GWRC deputy chair Adrienne Staples says work will be postponed and public transport fares increased for the council to operate within tighter budgets, already constrained by government funding cuts.
“Times are tough for councils and communities. To reduce the rates increase, we’ve gone through our budgets line-by-line to find savings,” Cr Staples says.
Under the proposed plan residential rates will rise by an average of $66.22 a year, business rates an average of $568.76 a year, and rural rates by an average of $80.25 a year.
bought a legacy. “We took on an amazing reputation, a brand people trust, and a team that makes it all happen. We’re lucky to be part of it.” With a powerhouse team of 20, Hollings First isn’t just about history—it’s about making your home look incredible, just like they have for decades.
Start your journey and master the basics with our beginner-friendly golf sessions. No experience? No problem! All equipment is provided, so you can focus on learning and having fun. The program runs on Fridays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, with six sessions on March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and April 4th and 11th.
