Wednesday August 7, 2024
New Fire Chief
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade has a new Chief Fire Officer (CFO). Peter Thompson was presented his CFO helmet by Fire and Emergency’s Group Manager, Gareth Hughes, at a ceremony at the Wainuiomata Fire Station on 1 August.
Continued on page 2.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade former Chief Fire Officer Ewen Heron (left) the new Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson and the new Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ahron Eastall
(right).
Photo: Rod Wealleans.
Frank Neill
Looking after Wainuiomata
Continued from page 1
CFO Thompson succeeds Ewen Heron, who has served in the role for the past 11 years.
Before stepping into the brigade’s top position, CFO Thompson was the brigade’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, and he has been succeeded by Ahron Eastall.
He has also attended a number of big fires, including the fire at Wainuiomata College, and the fire at the Orongorongo Lodge, located at the bottom of the coast road.
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Sam Barnes
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CFO Thompson has served as a volunteer fire fighter for 38 years, all of that time with the Wainuiomata brigade.
During that time, he has received three major awards.
In 2017 the brigade presented him with a trophy for his “commitment, passion and dedication to the brigade second to none”.
“Thank you from all the crew at the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade,” the award citiation adds. This was the first time the trophy was presented, and it has not been presented since.
In 1998 CFO Thompson was made a life member of the brigade and in 2011 he was presented the Gold Star for 25 years’ service.
When asked what have been the highlights of his time as a fire fighter, CFO Thompson said: “Any time that we can help somebody and we have a good outcome – like if we get called to a house fire and we actually save the majority of the house, that’s always a highlight, or if it’s a medical call and we are doing CPR and the person recovers, they are always the best times.”
Another big fire was when scrub caught alight behind Arakura School. The blaze was attended by around 50 trucks and it burned from Arakura School to the bottom of the hillside just to the west of the Wainuiomata Marae.
CFO Thompson grew up and went to school in Lower Hutt. After he met his first wife they moved to Wainuiomata and he then joined the Wainuiomata brigade.
“I’ve worked my way up through the ranks from recruit firefighter right up to chief now. It’s taken 38 years to get there,” he says.
As well as serving as a volunteer firefighter, CFO Thompson has also worked for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
He has been a Voluntary Support Officer for FENZ and since he took early retirement two years ago he continued to work part-time as a specialist fire investigator for FENZ.
He has also served as treasurer of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, as well as conducting the Fire Wise programme in Wainuiomata schools, when he became one of the first people to deliver the programme.
The former CFO, Mr Heron will continue his service as the brigade’s Senior Station Officer, joining Senior Station Officer Tamati Kaa.
He joined the Wainuiomata Bush Volunteer Fire Brigade 49 years and 9 months ago while he was a student at Wainuiomata College.
After one year with the bush fire brigade, he moved to the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, and has served there since.
His outstanding service was
recognised when he was presented a 2023 Wainuiomata Spirit Award last year.
SSO Heron was the recipient of the Kaitiakitanga Award.
“Ewen has been a role model to many people who have come through the service and continues to support new people into their voluntary roles ensuring they are included and empowered as they progress through the ranks within the fire service,” his award citation says.
Continued on page 3
WAINUIOMATA COMMUNITY BOARD
The 2024 meetings of the Board will be held on: Wednesday 14 August Wednesday 23 October
Meetings are held in the Wainuiomata Community Library, Queen St, Wainuiomata at 6.30pm. You are very welcome to attend.
Wainuiomata’s new Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson receiving his chief’s helmet from Fire and Emergency’s Group Manager, Gareth Hughes. Photo: Rod Wealleans.
Continued from page 2
“This dedication and commitment, leaving at the sound of the siren ringing, comes at a cost, and that cost is leaving immediately to respond to the unknown, rain, hail or shine, family events, gatherings, and celebrations, then often experiencing times of sadness when they have to watch all their efforts come to a bitter end.
“Ewen is constantly encouraging members of the brigade to be involved in other activities in the fire and emergency service and community, as he believes that this helps to make them better members of the brigade.
“He is a well-respected person in his community and also in the wider community of Wainuiomata.
“We are honoured to be able to present this Wainuiomata Community Spirit Award as a small gesture of our gratitude for the work you do and the work that your service and all its volunteers and staff do, and for your commitment to keeping our lives safe and serving our community in ways that would be incomprehensible for many.
“This Spirit Award recognises the incredible work that Ewen has done in the area of guardianship, protection, caring for people, caring for our environment and his community and the roles, responsibilities and sacrifices that come with that,” the citation says.
When asked the highlights of his time as CFO, SSO Heron says it was “building the brigade up ... and the involvement the brigade has out in the community.”
When he began in the role the brigade numbered around 35. Today it numbers 48.
Another highlight has been where the work of fire fighters has contained blazes to a small area.
SSO Heron gives as an example a fire the brigade attended where one room of a house was fully involved and the brigade kept the fire confined to that one room.
That fire had the “biggest potential to spread and involve a lot more of the house,” he says.
Another highlight is having “a good active brigade that’s been able to look after Wainuiomata.”
The new Deputy CFO Eastall will have seved 21 years with the brigade
New all weather garden
By Frank Neill
Arakura School’s garden is now accessible in all weather conditions.
The all weather garden has been made possible thanks to Jon and Sam Lucas and their company G & S Roofing Ltd who donated a roof for the garden area.
The new enclosure was installed during the school holidays.
“They have created an all weather place in our school for our children to enjoy our garden to table programme,” Arakura School says on its website.
“We appreciate your kind generosity. Thank you.”
at the end of August.
He joined the brigade “fresh out of high school”, having been a student at Sun Valley Primary School, Parkway Intermediate School and Parkway College.
As well as his service with the Wainuiomata brigade, Deputy CFO Eastall has been involved with both the Valley, Wellington and K piti Fire Brigades Sub Association and the Wellington Provincial Fire Brigades Sub Association, which covers the bottom of the North Island, from New Plymouth and Gisborne south.
He is a past President, Life Member and current Secretary of the Hutt Wellington and K piti Sub Association and also past President and Life Member of the Wellington Provincial Sub Association.
Deputy CFO Eastall has been a member of the Wainuiomata brigade’s team in two fire brigade competitions: the Waterway Challenge, held in Wellington, and the Sky Tower Challenge, competing in that event for the first time this year.
He works as the Area Service Manager for Crown Forklifts, based in Gracefield.
Chris Bishop MP for Hutt South
Have the Tough Conversation
The topic of what happens when we encounter final illnesses and death is often swept under the rug.
Conversations about end of life decisions are not fun. However, putting plans in place ahead of time ensure easier moments when the time comes to deal with a family crisis.
There is no enjoyment in meeting doctors and coping with complex medical issues you have never encountered before. Questions such as – do you want everything possible done to keep you alive? Do want nothing done? If you must go on life support, is that OK with you? Who is responsible for making decisions on your behalf if you become?
Make a plan for end of
life
A good place to start is to prepare an advance care plan, to help you, the important people in your life, and your healthcare team plan for your end-of-life care.
It helps you understand what the future might hold, and to say what health care you would or would not want. This makes it much easier for everyone to know what you want - especially if you can no longer speak for yourself. More information: https://www.hqsc. govt.nz/our-programmes/advance-careplanning/resource-overview/
Phone 04 564 8707 or email me at Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz
Should you become incapacitated and doctors turn to your family for answers, it is a good idea to have your wishes spelled out somewhere. Arguments and discord can arise quickly without guidance. So, prevent that from ever happening by having a set of instructions that leave no room for doubt or disagreement about what matters to you.
One of the things that everyone should have in place is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). This is a legal document that can protect you and what is precious to you. There are two types, covering property, and personal care and welfare. More information can be found at: http://superseniors. msd.govt.nz/finance-planning/ enduring-power-of-attorney/
Fire and Emergency’s Group Manager, Gareth Hughes (centre) with Wainuiomata’s new Deputy CFO Ahron Eastall (left) and Wainuiomata’s new CFO Peter Thompson. Photo: Rod Wealleans.
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92 Queens Drive
Phone: 04 974 9984
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Phone: 04 385 0066
*Conditions apply
Free plants from the council
Free native plants are on offer to Wainuiomata residents as part of Hutt City Council’s Mouri Tupu: Planting for the Future initiative.
Mouri Tupu is driven by Mayor Campbell Barry who pledged to have 114,000 native trees and shrubs – one for each of the city’s residents – planted by the next council election in 2025.
So far, 60,658 have been planted.
To grow that number further the council has launched a plant register so any Lower Hutt household can apply for up to five free native plants for their own backyard or community area.
Pre-ordered plants can be picked up between 10am and 2pm from Avalon Park on Saturday 17 August, or Hikoikoi Reserve on Sunday 25 August.
There will be up to 1,000 plants available from each site. Proof of being a Lower Hutt citizen, such as a utlilities bill or library card, must be presented on the day.
People can order plants for collection on 17 August at https://huttcity.events.mylibrary. digital/event?id=82362 and for collection on 25 August at https://huttcity.events.mylibrary. digital/event?id=82364.
Mayor Campbell Barry says an important aspect of Mouri Tupu - Planting for the Future is “all of us playing our part.
“It’s up to us all to share the mahi - that’s why we’re gifting native plants to Lower Hutt residents.
“We’ve started this community campaign well with good turnout at our planting days in Wainuiomata and Stokes Valley, but we want to see that energy carried on at home.”
This year’s winter planting season got off to a great start in early July with 10,000 natives planted at Leonard Wood Park in Wainuiomata, York Park in Moer , and Delaney Park in K raunui/Stokes Valley.
Alongside that, with support from Enviroschools and contractors Native Solutions, tamariki from Arakura School braved the rain to help plant 400 trees at Arakura Park, contributing to a total of 1800 new plants in the park.
Some of the comments heard from tamariki included: them that I planted these trees.” but I will walk my dog here to look at the trees.” for people to live and trees give us oxygen so we are helping to keep people alive.”
The Mouri Tupu programme has a budget of $250,000.
Ray White Kemeys Brothers 2018–24
Series of vehicle thefts in the Hutt
Hutt Valley Police are urging the public to look out for each other after vehicle thefts in the area.
Police believe a group of youths are involved in a series of related vehicle thefts that have occurred over the last month.
A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to these vehicle thefts and was due to reappear in Hutt Valley District Court this week.
In response to a question from the “Wainuiomata News”, the Police said that “the 17-year-old’s charges currently do not relate to vehicles taken from Wainuiomata”.
There have, however, been a series of vehicle thefts from Wainuiomata recently, judging from postings on Facebook.
“We understand the harm and inconvenience these incidents cause to the public and we are committed to ensuring those responsible will be held to account,” Constable Rose Hammington, of the Hutt Valley Tactical Crime Unit, says.
“While Police work hard to make the community safer, we cannot do this alone.
“Information provided by members of our community is invaluable, and
Police would like to ask the community to call 111 immediately if they see any suspicious behaviour around vehicles and carparks.
“To report a theft after it has occurred, please contact 105.
“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
“The 17-year-old has been charged with multiple charges including unlawful taking of a vehicle, attempted unlawful taking and unlawful interference charges.
“Further charges are being considered,” Constable Hammington says.
Newspaper Deliverers
Covert crematorium
Firstly a big thank you to William Strang for bringing this issue to our attention.
The fact that Sunset Cremations Ltd have essentially sought to bring this facility to Wainuiomata somewhat covertly and not obtain building consents should be a red flag to us all.
As a resident who has to frequent this area weekly I am horrified.
I would now feel dirty every time I went down there. Why should we allow this?
If this money making polluting facility is of value to residents of Wainui why have we been kept in the dark?
I urge readers to please Google crematoriums for themselves.
They are not the clean non polluting facilities that we are led to believe.
They are, however, a way for Sunset to make profit at our expense.
With Covid and an aging population this facility will no doubt be operating at full capacity.
through a lengthy and expensive court process and essentially yield nothing to its victims who suffer in silence as prisoners in their homes whilst the owners grow fat off the profits breathing in clean air.
Also note the pollution is predicted to fall outside the boundary of the facility with increased mercury levels – yet in the consent the facility supposedly has to keep discharges within their boundary as if that’s a reality.
On a clear beautiful day with blue skies you can see for miles around our beautiful valley this will be marred by this ugly chimmney stack spewing out pollution all day.
Wainuiomata is also a basin and has a lot of foggy mornings - this pollution will just hang in the air. Nearby to this facility are also schools. How’s this good for our children?
I also note our water collection area for Wellington is located fairly nearby.
Why don’t they put this revolting facility next to the Hutt City Council buildings in Lower Hutt or in Eastbourne/Waterloo?
If Sunset aren’t willing to follow proper legal procedures, ie building consent, how can we trust that all rules will be followed re operation of this facility and there will be no detrimental effects to the environment and to our health?
Wainuiomata is the leakiest suburb in Wellington, which indicates the poor service we get from council.
AREA
The predictions are also not based on the actual conditions of Wainui but a supposedly similar area.
In New Zealand breaches by poorly run crematoria go
They also wish to get rid of our Community Board to silence us. If we don’t at least get to have our say, remember this council come election time.
Lori
Representatives
Three Wainuiomata Rugby players – Iakopo Stowers, Ray Va’amailalo and Campbell Cowie – have been selected in the Wellington Samoa Rugby Union’s 2024 squad.
Wainuiomata’s Keanu Kotuhi has been selected in the 2024 Centurions Development squad.
Four Wainuiomata Rugby players – Deziah Sa’u, Simati
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Leala, Elijah Solomona and Jahrome-Pearce Orupe – have been selected in the Wellington Under 18 Samoan team.
This team is a renowned pathway for Rugby stars, including All Blacks Tana Umaga, who was the first Samoan All Black Captain, Alama Ieremia, Jerry Collins, Maa Nonu, Filo Tiatia and Rodney So’oialo.
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The perfect Football performance
By Ryan Imray
Three points, six goals scored and none conceded, in Football terminology the perfect day for the Wainuiomata First Team.
Knowing that a win would give Wainuiomata a huge boost in their quest of survival, they took the game to North Wellington and didn't take long before they got their reward.
Hadley Attewell put Wainuiomata ahead in the 15th minute before doubling his tally for the day and scoring a second goal in the 33rd minute.
This was Hadley's third goal in three games for the side since returning back to the club on the final day of the transfer window.
Sam Gribben gave Wainuiomata a 3-0 lead at half time as he put away a goal mouth scramble in the 39th minute.
The second half began and Wainuiomata carried on as they finished the first half and Flynn McCaul made it 4-0 just 10 minutes
into the second half.
Tyron Curtis got his name on the scoresheet when he calmly dispatched his chance from the penalty spot.
Two minutes later and Flynn McCaul got his second and Wainuiomata’s sixth sealing off a comfortable day at the office.
The win gives Wainuiomata a 10 point gap between them and bottom side Brooklyn who travel to Wainui on 10 August.
Only the Reserves were the other side to pick up maximum points as they beat Lower Hutt 3-1.
The Fiddick's and Halfbaked Roundballs both suffered 6-1 defeats in their matches.
In the Masters games the Undertakers lost 3-0 against Stokes Valley while the OC's narrowly lost 3-2 against Lower Hutt.
Pasifika Originals travelled up to K piti and sadly came back empty handed as they lost 4-1. Pasifika Old Boys were able to walk away with a point in their game against Stop Out as it finished 1-1.
Ulalei Aute too strong for Naenae Collegians
By Vaegaau Isaac
It was successful day for Ulalei on Saturday 3 August. Of the eight games played, Ulalei secured five impressive victories, two draws and a loss.
Ulalei Aute is sitting at the top of the Premier 1 table after an emphatic 60-45 victory over Naenae Collegians White. It was an evenly placed first half, with Aute taking a slender 26-25 lead at half time.
Aute moved up a gear in the third quarter and took control of the game, led by Brittany Antipas showing some great vision downcourt providing excellent ball to the attackers.
Shooters Bailee Potangaroa, Sina Tamaali’i and Emma Murray-Fifita used their skills to find space in the circle and counter the physicality from the Naenae defence.
Aute won the third quarter 19 - 11 to take a comfortable 45-36 lead into the final quarter.
The Aute defence worked hard to push Naenae’s attack high and wide, wearing down Naenae’s attack, extending its winning margin to an impressive 15 goals.
Ulalei Puataunofo delivered a standout performance against Upper Rams, with a decisive 68-41 win.
Puataunofo are second on the Premier 3 table with one more game to play.
Ulalei Suni bounced back this week clinching a one point win over St Orans by 27-26.
The excitement continued with a thriller in the derby match between Ulalei Pu lulu and Ulalei M lili ending in a hard-fought 30 all draw.
Both teams displayed exceptional skills
on attack and defence and could not be separated at full time.
Ulalei Laga’ali were victorious in a physical encounter against Avalon Mana Wolves, leading from start to finish winning by 29-23.
Ulalei Fuesina won again, beating Convent Old Girls Development team 30-25.
Ulalei Moso’oi went down to St Orans 44-26.
With the final round of games coming up this week, Ulalei teams are well placed in their respective grades for a chance to make the playoffs. Check out the Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Facebook and Instagram pages for the draw this week.
More success came for Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball last week, this time in the deep south with Renee Savai'inaea being awarded the 2024 Southern Steel Player of the Year. Renee signed with the Southern Steel in 2021.
She first stepped on a netball court when she was in Year 8 at St Michael’s School. She went on to play in representative teams for Hutt Valley, Wellington Central, NZ Secondary schools, NZ U21 squad and M ori aged-group squads.
Her first ANZ Premiership contract was with the Central Pulse in 2018.
Reminder to all wh nau Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University’s Pasifika Roadshow is on today, 7 August, at the Walter Nash Centre from 6pm to 8pm.
At the roadshow, staff and students from across the university provide insight into uni life, degree programmes, scholarships and support available for Pasifika students.
EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS AVAILABLE
Jack Brown (left), Flynn McCaul (centre) and Hadley Attewell celebrate Flynn's first goal of the match. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Lions win place in League grand final
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Lions qualified for the Wellington Rugby League grand final when they defeated Whiti te Ra o taki 36-22 at Frederick Wise Park on 3 August.
In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, when the Lions also beat Whiti te Ra, Wainuiomata now has the chance to win their second Wellington grand final in succession.
The reigning champions raced out of the blocks in the first half, scoring four tries, to lead 22-4 at half time.
Full back Joshua Onekawa scored the first try of the match and would add another try after centre Isiah Tuari dotted down.
Wing Andrew Pasene scored the Lions fourth try. Rhemus Rutene converted three of the tries. In what was a game of two halves, Whiti te Ra came back in the second half, during which they scored more points than the Lions, who still claimed the match by a comfortable margin.
Isiah scored his second try to open the Lions second spell scoring, while Aethan Tuisila and John Wharepapa-Rawiri also dotted down.
Rhemus added another conversion to his tally.
The whole team played outstandingly in what was a strong collective effort, with the forwards laying a solid foundation for the backs to perform well.
“All 17 played outstandingly,” the Lions coach Jimmy Samu says.
“We just couldn’t fault it, it was a great team effort. Everyone played a massive part in the amazing result.
“We are really stoked to have put that performance on Whiti,” Jimmy says.
The Lions will play the St George Dragons in the grand final at the Hutt Recreation Ground on 10 August. Kick off will be at 3pm.
St George qualified for the final when they beat Randwick 38-26.
Working smoke alarms a must
By Frank Neill
The importance of having working smoke alarms is being stressed by the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade. It is important to have smoke alarms fitted, and also to make sure that the batteries are replaced when they run low and the alarm starts beeping. Too many people simply switch off the smoke alarm because it is sounding, and then don’t replace the battery.
“Smoke from a fire can kill within three minutes, but you are four times more likely to survive a house fire if you have working smoke alarms,” the brigade says on its Facebook page.
It is particularly important to have working smoke alarms during winter.
“There are 30% more house fires during winter, but are you 30% more prepared?” the brigade asks.
“Sadly, nationwide we have had five fatal house fires in the month of July alone.”
This includes a fire in taki where the taki fire fighters rescued two unconscious people from a burning house. However they both later died in hospital. It appears that smoke alarms may not have been fitted in the house or were not active. None of the fire fighters “reported hearing any sirens” and the neighbours who raised the alarm “didn’t hear an alarm, so I’m
guessing there wasn’t one,” taki’s Chief Fire Officer Ian King said.
“We can’t smell smoke in our sleep, so having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and living area is our best chance at surviving a house fire,” the Wainuiomata brigade says.
“We recommend long-life photoelectric smoke alarms and checking they’re working once a month.
“Don’t forget about the people in your community who may struggle checking their alarms. Three of the fatalities we saw last month were people in their 80s.
“Have you checked your grandparents’ or elderly neighbours' homes have working smoke alarms and an escape route?
“To be better prepared this winter, remember to: from heaters; before disposal; to sleep; and
possible, or make sure it is the only appliance plugged in if using a multi-box.”
New tool tracks inflation
By Frank Neill
Tracker’ is now live on the website GDPLive.
will feature the world’s first and only real-time GDP predictor. Additionally, the new website will feature a custom-built Chatbot to allow site visitors to ask questions about the GDP,
is supported by The New Zealand Initiative, Foodstuffs North Island, Cooper and Company, Toyota NZ, Mace Charitable Trust, Jarden and Forsyth Barr. “GDPLive.net fills a crucial gap, providing policymakers, businesses and the public with a real-time dashboard of the New Zealand economy that official statistics
simply cannot match,” says Oliver Hartwich of The New Zealand Initiative.
“The GDPLive tool has now had the support, time and track record to be used as a tool to drive New Zealand forward and enable timely actions and decisions,” says Chris Quin, Foodstuffs NZ’s CEO.
GDPLive is the union of multiple New Zealand data sources combined with machine learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) created and developed by Massey University’s Dr Christoph Schumacher and Dr Teo Susnjak. Data partners include Worldline; PortConnect; KiwiRail; TradeMe; Steel and Tube; the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; New Zealand Immigration and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.