Tautalaleleia Sa’u was presented Wainuiomata High School’s 2024 Award for overall excellence, one of the school’s top two awards. He was presented the award at the school’s prizegiving on 1 November. The Cyclone Principal’s Award for Overall Excellence – Rangatiratanga recognises a year 13 student who has shown both academic and personal excellence during their journey at the school.
Continued on page 2.
Tautalaleleia Sa’u, who was presented Wainuiomata High School’s award for overall excellence.
Photo: Frank Neill.
How to reach us
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Continued from page 1
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Tautalaleleia “is an enthusiastic and dedicated student who gives their all to anything they are involved in,” the school’s Deputy Principal, Mary Horner, said when announcing the award winner.
“They never hesitate to dedicate their time to their studies, school activities and the community.
“Teachers describe them as passionate and loyal, always willing to support teachers and peers.
“They have proven leadership school-wide, as a tuakana and as a team member.
Tautalaleleia “makes opportunities possible for others. Their contribution to the school has been consistent.
“They are approachable and responsible and any request is never too miuch.
“This commitment is the same in their subject areas, sports at school and beyond, extracurricula groups and activities in the community.
“They are a positive advocate and ambassador for Wainuiomata High School,” Ms Horner said.
This award was one of four major awards presented at the school’s prizegiving.
As well as the presentation to the school’s 2024 Dux and Proxime Accessit (runner up to the Dux), the Janette Melrose Memorial for Perseverence was
presented to Nyronne Clark. This award has been donated by the wh nau – the Melrose and Collier wh nau of Janette, the school’s former Tumuaki/ Principal, who passed away last year.
Grit, courage, spirit, strength of character, determination, tenacity, resilience and earning success through hard work sums up Nyronne, Ms Horner said just before the award was presented.
“When facing adversity, when things have got tough, this young woman has always dug deep and found a way to move forward.
“Regardless of what is going on for her, she is always positive and treats others with kindness and compassion.
“She puts her hand up to be part of any opportunity and does not shy away from new experiences.
“Not only does she give things a go, but she also puts her hand up to help out, and can often be found doing the hard mahi behind the scenes and support others.
“Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious,” Ms Horner said.
Wainuiomata High School’s 2024 Dux is Isla Adrian.
Isla achieved Excellence in all the five subjects she studied this year: Geography, History, Mathematics with Statistics, Biology and Mathematics with Calculus.
Isla was also presented a special award, the Social Sciences Faculty Award for Year 13 Social Sciences.
The 2024 Proxime Accessit is Riku Yoneyama. Riku acheived Excellence in four subjects: Technology and Business Studies, History, English and Mathematics with Calculus.
Riku was also presented the Technology Faculty Award for Year 13 Technology and the English Faculty Award for Year 13 English and Languages. Ira Tolentino was presented the Principal’s Cup and medal for the top Year 12 student and Liam Westby won the Principal’s Award for second placed Year 12 student.
Wainuiomata High School’s 2024 Dux Isla Adrian (right) and Promime Accessit Riku Yoneyama. Photo: Frank Neill.
Nyronne Clark with the Janette Melrose Memorial for Perseverence she was presented at Wainuiomata High School’s senior prizegiving. Photo: Frank Neill.
Football stalwarts awarded
By Frank Neill
Three Capital Football awards were presented to members of the Wainuiomata Football Club at the awards evening on 1 November.
Ryan Imray won the award for Personality of the Year, Katrina Barclay won the Club Volunteer of the Year Award and Adam Smith was a recipient of a Club Service Award for many years of service to Wainuiomata Football.
“Ryan Imray is more than just part of Wainuiomata Football Club, he’s the heart and soul that brings the football community together,” his citation says.
“Known as Imray’s Snaps, Ryan’s passion for the game and his genuine love for people are evident in every moment he captures and every interaction he has.
“His photos don’t just document matches; they tell stories, celebrate
friendships and showcase the joy that makes football so special.
“Ryan gives his time, energy, and kindness and asks for nothing in return.
“Wherever Ryan is involved, on the sidelines snapping and cheering, contributing to his club’s committee meetings, or any interaction with the community, Ryan’s presence uplifts everyone around him.
“Katrina did so much for junior Football at Wainuiomata and played a pivotal role in the growth in numbers this season,” her citation says.
“Those numbers saw the club have 17 Junior teams, including two girls-only teams which the club has not had before.
“She was part of the Junior Committee where she assisted with communication to the schools and parents.
She also assisted with the two nights of prizegiving that saw all the junior players get recognised and celebrated.
“Katrina has been a huge part of the Football for All programme where Wainuiomata saw 104 players join the club from that programme.
“Katrina co-ordinated with all of these families to assist them with getting the required gear to play football, transport to and from the games, and regular correspondence with Capital Football and she checked in on all the families to make sure they were settled in and happy with how their Football was going,” her citation says.
Adam was acknowledged for his work as a committee member, women’s coach, junior coach and club volunteer.
“Adam is a caring and selfless person who silently gets on about his business but plays a huge part of the running of the club,” his citation says.
2024 is his 50th year at the club and it was only fitting he was acknowledged in this milestone year for him.
A collection of writing by Wainuiomata Intermediate School Students will be released on 18 November.
Called “Whose Your Name”, the book brings together pieces of writing from the Tamaiti o le Pasifika class, a Pasifika enrichment class at Wainuiomata Intermediate School.
The young Pasifika writers explore the meanings of Pacific island names, the cultural history behind their own, and the experiences that have shaped their understanding of identity.
“Whose Your Name” is published by Mila’s Books. It is available at the Mila’s Books website www.milasbooks.com and from www.pubdist.co.nz.
Recently I have been struggling with getting a full night’s sleep. So, after doing some research, I discovered these half-dozen key habits that have helped me, and suggest you try them too:
1. Stick to a sleeping schedule
Set aside between seven and eight hours each night for sleeping, with regular start and finish times, even at weekends. If you don’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, then get up and do something relaxing.
2. Be careful what you eat and drink
Avoid eating large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Also, be cautious with nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
3. Create a restful environment
Exposure to light can make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Then make your bedroom as quiet and dark as possible to help you drift off.
4. Limit daytime naps
If you choose to nap, limit yourself to a maximum of 30 minutes, and
Need help getting to sleep?
avoid doing so late in the day.
5. Include physical activity in your daily routine
Regular physical activity can help to promote better sleep. But avoid being active too close to bedtime. Getting fresh air every day may be helpful, too.
6. Manage worries
Try to resolve worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what’s on your mind, and then set it aside for tomorrow. Stress management practices can also be of assistance. Start with the basics such as getting organised, setting priorities, and delegating tasks.
Nearly everyone has the occasional sleepless night. But if it becomes a habit that’s hard to break, it might be time to consider seeking professional help or medication.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Clive’s Chemist, 20-21 Queen Street, Wainuiomata.
Wainuiomata’s three Capital Football Award winners (from left) Katrina Barclay, Adam Smith and Ryan Imray with their awards. Photo: Supplied.
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. Email them to news@wsn.co.nz. Please note that your name must also be provided in e mails.
Dear Editor,
Its sad to see Wainuiomata change from the Wainui we moved to in 1974, the parks, trees, open spaces, quarter acre sections for the kids and great neighbours
Now our house is surrounded on both sides with multiple houses that have taken away not only our view but our privacy, and with this intrusion and other development the lovely established trees and gardens
have also gone.
All around the streets of Wainui houses are being pulled down and replaced with these two or three story complexes – no yard, no parking, butted up right next to your neighbour, putting further strain on sewerage and water, and with no garage for parking, all the cars are on the street causing congestion and no doubt accidents.
The fact that Wainui currently has
Ban fireworks sales
Dear Editor,
The government won’tstop fireworkswhilepeople are tooblindtorealisepeople are wasting money and puttingmoneyinto theirreason for not stopping the traditionthat is notNew Zealand’s concern.
New Zealandersarecelebratingamanwho washung forat-
tempting to blow uptheHouse of Parliamentin theUnited Kingdom.
If you have petsthink of them,plusbirdsnesting.
Childrenneed to knowthe truth. Theirparentsmay have bought the fireworks for their entertainment.
Lots of petshave been subjected to cruel hearted peoplegetting pleasuresticking fireworks in animals’
the one access road is also cause for concern and needs addressing. I question the rhetoric that this is all done to help people into affordable housing.
This moral and altruistic viewpoint is so transparent and the reality is the developers and council are doing very well financially thank you very much, and this is the real drive behind these constructs.
Joyce Owens
earsand othervital parts.
ThePrime Minister of New Zealand needs to betoldto put a stop to publicbuyingof fireworksand have only displays.
The letting off of fireworksbefore and afterthe 5thNovember is a selfishact ofinconsiderationtowards other neighbours.
Continued on page 6
A giant Totara has fallen
The recent passing of Topsy Remuera has left a deep hole in the hearts of the tamariki, wh nau, and wider community she served with unwavering dedication. More than a teacher and a principal – she was the Tumuaki/ Principal at Pukeatua School – Topsy was a rangatira of her kura, whose leadership was deeply rooted in the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. She created a space where children felt safe and cherished, wrapped in the metaphorical korowai of Pukeatua, her nurturing and caring presence was ever-present.
Topsy’s understanding of tamariki extended beyond the classroom. When challenges arose, she saw what lay behind them. She recognised the strengths within each child, nurturing and cultivating their potential, especially when they, or their wh nau, faced difficult times. Her ability to lead with empathy, practicality and wisdom was a true gift.
"In my conversations with Topsy, she was always direct and focused, her energy devoted to the needs and well-being of her students," Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown says.
"She was constantly organising initiatives, not only for the school but for wh nau and the entire community.
"Her legacy will live on in the lives of those she changed, and her impact will continue to shape Pukeatua School.
"It was amazing to see the flag pole up, in remembrance of Topsy’s leadership.
"She may have left us, but her spirit, love and dedication to the kura and community will remain," Cr Brown says.
“Topsy was an absolute champion for Rangatahi in Wainuiomata,” Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says.
“I have no doubt that Topsy’s legacy will live on through her family and those who have had the privilege to be part of her journey. We will miss you,” the Mayor says.
“The number of lives she touched and the extent of her influence in our community will never be fully known,” Clive Cannons of Clive’s Chemist says.
“Her commitment to Wainuiomata, her love, her leadership and her kindness made her inspirational.
“Like the totara she stood head and shoulders above so many of us, to the point that I always felt nervous in her company. She would probably laugh at that.
“As I worked with her in supporting the Pukeatua Kapa Haka group, I wondered just where her energy and drive came from.
“And now she isn’t among us. But her legacy remains.
“For me these are the things about Topsy which stand out and inspire me:
1. Hard worker – Topsy was tireless in her
Topsy Remuera. Photo: Supplied. commitment to Pukeatua School.
2. Beautiful smiles – Topsy’s eyes could light up a room.
3. Encouragement – Topsy was one of those people who made you feel good when you were with her.
4. Determination – Topsy never accepted the status quo. She was always looking to improve things and make them better.
5. Humour – Topsy was fun.
6. Haka in High heels – Topsy knew how to have a good time.
7. Courage – Topsy faced her illness with great courage and strength.
8. Whanau – Topsy was family proud. She came from a great line of great people. Mary and Mark Te One, and Nora and Alec McAuley.
9. Longsuffering – Topsy put up with us. I don’t know for certain, but I’m sure there were times she just rolled her eyes.
10. Pride – Topsy was proud of our community, and her M ori heritage. She instilled that pride into the children she taught.
“Topsy Remuera put the children at Pukeatua School first and she did a lot more than just be a Principal,” Labour list MP Ginny Andersen says.
“I got a call from her one day to help a family who were in emergency housing and were not coping well. A mother and two children, one with autism, were all in a one bedroom unit and it was severly impacting upon the family’s wellbeing.
“I worked closely with Topsy, the family and the school to help find a better place for the family to live. The family got a home that was bigger, warm and dry. That made the world of difference to their wellbeing.
“I remember thinking at the time how good it was to work with people like Topsy who genuinely care about children in our community and what happens to them.
“Her work in Wainuiomata is part of the woven network of aroha and manaakitanga that
binds our community and makes it so special,” Ginny says.
“Topsy was a respected and very capable classroom teacher who was never slow to volunteer to take on extra curricula activities that would benefit not only Te Kahui Tamariki students but all children throughout the school,” Brian Bell says.
“There is one particular quality that Topsy possessed that I still clearly remember and admire – the warmth and genuineness of her relationships with others be they her colleagues, parents of her students or, especially, the students themselves, was quite outstanding.
“Topsy brought great aroha and caring in her interactions with te Tamariki that was something quite special,” Brian says.
“The kids loved Topsy,” he adds.
“Topsy was a strong woman, competitive but fair, an advocate for womens' rights and especially for iwi M ori,” Mereana Brown says.
“She was honest, kind and always went above and beyond what a teacher should do for her students.
“I know Topsy meant a lot to ourold students from the years in Te K hui Tamariki (TKT), as many of them attended her Tangihanga paying tribute to the amazing woman that she was,” she says.
Topsy's legacy lives on with her two beautiful sons James and Stevie, her mokos that she loved and adored more than anything and through the hundreds of kids who were lucky enough to call her 'Miss',” Mereana says.
“Kidz Hub was heavily supported by Topsy and Pukeatua School. Our partnership with the school started in 2018,” Vikki and James Remuera say.
“Topsy willingly helped us mold our business plan, direction with services outside of school and with all plans of implementation.
“She leads the conversations when it comes to supporting ways to reach, teach and inspire our Tamariki.
“Kidz Hub, a family owned and operating community based programme, plans on continuing all of these values.
“Her legacy lives on when our tamariki have unlimited opportunities and trust the work of growth.
“Topsy was the most positive motivating part of our family and we miss her dearly,” Vikki and James say.
"Our principal, Topsy Remuera was not just a leader in our school; she was a dedicated teacher, a loyal friend, and a cherished member of her wh nau," the staff and tamariki at Pukeatua School say.
"She inspired us with her hard work, always going above and beyond to ensure that every student felt seen, heard, and valued.
"With her compassionate guidance, she nurtured our dreams and challenged us to reach for our highest potential.
"As a teacher, she evoked curiosity and a love for learning, turning every lesson into a journey of discovery.
"Her passion for knowledge was contagious, and her patience and understanding made the classroom a safe haven for all.
"Topsy would go into bat for anybody she felt needed support. She would challenge the status quo and would battle fearlessly for fair outcomes.
"As a leader, Topsy’s vision united us, and her commitment to excellence inspired us all to be our best selves. She encouraged us to reach further, to challenge ourselves and to not give up.
"To her family, she was a devoted mother, partner, sister, daughter, aunty and grandmother. Her love for her wh nau will live on forever, and she will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
"Topsy may have left us too soon, but her spirit will forever remain at Pukeatua Primary School and in the hearts of all who were part of her life," the school’s staff and tamariki say.
“Kei te tangi tonu te ngakau ki taku hoa aroha, ki a Topsy,” Larry Gladwell says.
“Heoi ano he mihi aroha tenei ki a koutou e tautoko nei i a matou i tenei wa pouri.
“I would like to thank the community for their support, aroha and beautiful sentiments during the period when Topsy Remuera became ill and her passing in particular.
“My wh nau and I are overwhelmed by all of the support from the Wainuiomata community, and thank you all very much from the bottom of our hearts.
“I must mention the Pukeatua School staff and students who cherished Topsy as their Principal and thank them immensely for their kindness and aroha in our time of sadness,” Larry says. Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
LETTERS to the editor
Continued from page 4
People don’t have any consideration for their neighbours or theirpets. They arejust out toupset their neighbourson purpose.
Children would get used topublicdisplays. Are the adultsready for change?
You are showing the government that you wouldratherspendover $100 on fireworks thanfood for your families.Think about that. You are puttingall your money into atraditionthat is notNew Zealand’s history. Can’t you peoplethink of somethingnewlikeNew Year and havethe fireworks let off byprofessionals.
There are peoplewho are nottoo sensiblewith handlingfireworks. It’s like puttingdynamite sticksinto the hands of grownupkidswho should know better. Children learn thesebad habitsfrom their parents.
Let’sbe sensibleand say no morepublic buyingofdestructivefireworks. Make life easier too foremergency services and the SPCAwhohave torescueanimalsafterthe public fun is over, but it is not fun for the animal victims.
People with pets should not buyfireworks. By the way, the government is countinghow many people aresosilly to spend onfireworksand then claim povertyto WINZ.
Awoman tried to getfireworksbanned fromshopsbuther effortswere not heard bypoliticians. She died trying. I will make sure herefforts arerevived again .
People who buy thesefireworks get too much money to burn.
There arereal peopleoutsideNew Zealandstarving while you are burning moneyeveryyearon November the 5th. Shame on you.
Peter Wells
Newspaper Deliverers WANTED
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
AREA 2: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 3: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main 280 papers
Keep safe shopping online
With the festive season approaching the Police are issuing advice in a bid to keep people safe when they shop online, looking for good bargains.
“Here’s a few tips to help you stay safe, avoid buying stolen property, and not get taken advantage of,” the Police say: or it could be stolen property.
for the warranty. If they can’t provide it, that’s a red flag.
relatively blank?
somebody to get it, choose somewhere well-lit and well populated in public, near CCTV. If it has to be somebody’s home, take someone with you and let someone else know where you’re going and when.
tools or high-end toy brick building block sets.
“Sadly, if you unknowingly buy stolen property, you’re aiding criminals and inadvertently supporting them to steal more.
“If you find a suspect listing or social media scam, call 105, or report it with us online at 105.police.govt.nz,” the Police say.
Fireworks ban petition launched
A petition seeking a ban on public fireworks sales in New Zealand has been launched.
The Pawprint petition, organised by Animates, is available at www.pawprint.co.nz.
Around 30,000 people had signed when the “Wainuiomata News” went to print, and nearly as many animals had put down their paw prints as signatures.
The petition asks the House of Representatives to ban the sale of fireworks to the New Zealand public.
The reason for the petition, the petition says, is that “fireworks sold to the public cause widespread terror and harm to pets and animals.
“Loud explosions can trigger extreme stress in animals, and result in injuries, lost animals and even fatalities.
“The harm to animals caused by fireworks is not always limited to Guy Fawkes night due to the stockpiling and erratic use of fireworks.
“We argue that banning the public sale of fireworks is crucial to protect animals from fear, distress and harm,” the petition says.
WEDNESDAY
AREA 4: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 5: Naseby Gr, Bexley Gr, part of Wellington Rd - 285 papers
AREA 6: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
AREA 7: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St- 260 papers
AREA 8: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, parts of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers
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Ulalei Netball clinics for tamaiti
Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball kicked off its inaugural netball clinic on Saturday tailored for 7 to 12-year-olds.
The clinic provides Wainuiomata tamaiti with the opportunity to be active, and to learn basic Netball skills in a safe and fun environment in the community at no cost.
A turnout of over 50 tamaiti attended the first clinic, with some who were familiar with Netball and those who were new to the game.
The training faculty consisted of senior and premier players of Ulalei Club as well as students from Wainuiomata Intermediate School, Our Lady of the Rosary School, St Mary’s College and Wainuiomata High School.
“What is great about Ulalei are its Pasifika values that include service to the community,” one parent said.
“Having Ulalei premier winners as well as local teenagers giving their time to share their skills and expertise to the next generation of netball enthusiasts, is a perfect illustration of this value.”
Ulalei Netball acknowledges Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council and Netball Hutt Valley for their support of this initiative.
The club also acknowledges Wainuiomata High School for the use of their fantastic new indoor facilities that added to the attraction of the clinic.
The opportunity to train indoors ensures the
clinics continue despite the weather. The clinics will run for three more Saturdays from 10am until 12pm. People wishing to register children for the remaining three sessions can email ulaleinetball@gmail. com or message via its social media, Facebook and Instagram (Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball).
New schools touch competition
Two of Wainuiomata’s niche sports clubs Rhino Touch and Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport have joined forces to bring the first touch competition for all of Wainuiomata’s primary schools to Wise Park this summer.
“We are excited to bring touch home for our Wainuiomata tamariki and kura,” Rhino Touch’s Nui Ririnui says.
“We have seen so many of our schools playing at Hutt Park on Fridays, that we always thought why we couldn’t just hold our own competition in Wainuiomata and save the parents on costs and travel.”
The response has been telling with more than 50 teams entered from all of Wainuiomata’s schools and also includes teams from the Wainuiomata-resident tamariki who attend Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa in Alicetown.
The parent community in particular welcomes this competition as it is played in Wainuiomata, avoiding the traffic and car parking issues that came with playing at Hutt Park.
The fact that it is also a free competition appeals to many families who previously have not entered their children into organised sports teams due to cost.
“It is all about accessibility to sport,” Ulalei’s Vatau Sagaga says.
“If we can make sport free for our tamaiti to enter and then play in Wainuiomata, then two significant barriers are immediately removed.
“Ulalei loves that our tamariki who want to play can play.”
The games will be played on Friday afternoons which the organisers plan to take advantage of by creating a festival whanaufriendly atmosphere.
The organisers are promoting families attending the games by bike, scooter or walking as part of its “Get Wainui Movin’!” kaupapa. Bike experts and mechanics from Free Ride and Uso Bike Ride will attend to fix bikes,
Wainuiomata pipped in Cricket
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s premier Cricket team was pipped by Naenae Old Boys in the opening match of the division 2 Hazlett Trophy on 2 November. Batting first, Naenae was bowled out for 114. Wainuiomata finished just 13 runs short when they were all out for 101. Gurpreet Singh led the way in the bowling with a five wicket bag, finishing with the outstanding figures of five wickets for just 17 runs from six and a half overs. Logan Stoupe also bowled well, taking two wickets for 15 runs.
Callum Mackaness performed well with both bat and ball. He was Wainuiomata’s top scorer with 39 runs from the same number of deliveries after taking one wicket for 15 runs when bowling. Callum was one of three Wainuiomata players who took one wicket each. The team’s Captain Jackson Hemmingway took one wicket for 10 runs and Jake Robertson took one wicket for 17 runs. Wainuiomata’s next match in the 50 over Hazlett Trophy competition sees them play Johnsonville at Alex Moore Park on 9 November.
Special event coming to the Marae
By Frank Neill
A newly formed r pū, Ng ti Wainuiomata Activists, will hold a special event from 1pm to 5pm at the Wainuiomata Marae on Sunday 10 November.
Called “Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” this is a free event to warm up Wainuiomata for the national h Ī koi led by Toit Ī Te Tiriti which arrives in the Wellington region from 17-19 November.
Ng ti Wainuiomata Activists has been established by the Wainuiomata High School’s M ori Activism class is working with Whaea Linda Olsen of Wainuiomata Marae.
The r pŪ is about honouring of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, and uplifting the community.
P tahi Marae, located north ofTe Kao in the far north of the North Island, on 10 November and run until 19 November, ending at Kotahitanga o Ng Iwi ki Waitangi Park at Whakaeke ki Paremata.
We believe that our local community has the power to show Te Tiriti in action, and to stand strongly against The Treaty Principles Bill, and other anti-Te Tiriti policy and law changes which are damaging wellbeing across the community.
We ask the community of Wainuiomata, all cultures and all iwi, to come together and show kotahitanga, rangatiratanga in our actions, and respect and love for each other in these times.
provide cycle safety advice and run games and activities. There will also be kai available via food trucks.
Rhino and Ulalei acknowledge the generous support from Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, One Foundation and Hutt Mana Charitable Trust to allow them to run this competition for free.
Round One kicks off this Friday 8 November.
The “Get Up Stand Up Wainuiomata” event it has organised has the aim of educating people about Te Tiriti o Wainuiomata and making connections with each other in the community, says Whaea Becky Le Lievre of Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata.
As well as the major focus on Te Tiriti, the afternoon will also feature banner making, painting, band music and tamariki games “to get us prepared and excited about the h Ī koi,” Becky says.
The HĪkoi m Te Tiriti will begin at
We have organised a day of kotahitanga, education and music, and we ask the community to come out and support! Bring your flags! Come in peace, come with wh nau and friends.
This 10 November event will encourage our community to get ready for the arrival of the national H Ī koi led by Toit ū Te Tiriti which arrives in the Wellington region from 17-19 November.
To be involved with organising or offerings for the day contact the Activism class at beckyl@wainuiomatahigh.school. nz
The gold of St Claudine Thevenet primary school will shine at Wise Park this summer with the arrival of primary school Touch Rugby. Photo: Supplied.
Wainuiomata tamaiti at the Ulalei Netball clinic. Photo: Supplied.
Flood risk in Wainuiomata
By Frank Neill
A “really informative and useful” paper on water quality and flood risk in Wainuiomata was presented to Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) Te Awa Kairanga / Hutt River Valley subcommitee on 22 October, Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie told the 23 October meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
As well as looking at the state of water quality, the paper also outlined the flood risks for Wainuiomata residents, in both the rural and urban areas, Cr Duthie said.
“Most of the flood risk in the Wainuiomata urban area is from Black Creek,” Cr Duthie said.
“The Regional Flood Hazard Exposure Assessment conducted by Greater Wellington has estimated that approximately 8,800 people are exposed to flood hazard in the Wainuiomata Catchment,” the paper says.
“This is primarily from stormwater flooding and flooding from Black Creek.”
The Black Creek catchment is managed by Wellington Water on behalf of Hutt City Council, Cr Duthie said.
The regional council manages the section from the regional park south, and this includes the Wainuiomata River.
“A recent asset analysis identified two sections of stop banks near Wood Street and Burden Avenue that are below the standard they should be to prevent a 100 year flood,” Cr Duthie said.
“Staff will be ... assessing the problem and what we can do about it.”
“The most notable flood events occurred in May 1981, July 1985, February 2004 and July 2017,” the paper presented to the council’s committee says.
“During the 2004 flood event the area expe-
rienced flooding of at least two houses, and extensive flooding of the lower valley flats as a result of flooding from the Wainuiomata River and tributaries.
“Infrastructure damage included a wash out of the Moores Valley Road culvert, wash out of the Wainuiomata River intake pipeline, damage to the Wainuiomata Treatment Plant access bridge and damage to the Coast Road.
“During this flood the most extensive damage to flood protection assets were experienced in Wainuiomata.
“This included: plantings; and shingle; and Faulkes footbridge.
Cr Duthie also made a plea at the meeting that if people spot pollution that they report it to the Greater Wellington hotline 0800 496 734 “and it will be investigated”.
“The summer is coming and that means fire risk in the regional park,” Cr Duthie said.
The risk is especially high in the eastern parts of the park, where there is a “very high” fire risk.
“There is a risk of people in the park causing a fire.”
There is also a risk, especially in the Baring Head area, “of people getting caught by a fire and not being able to outrun that fire.”
Turning to public transport, Cr Duthie noted that the “buses are still awesomely reliable and patronage is growing.
“Our problem now is we don’t have enough buses, especially in Wellington.
“Train patronage is not so high,” Cr Duthie said.
“But we have a big problem.
“We put a lot of our Long Term Plan
towards new bus routes and bus shelters would be affected.
NZTA, which provides around half of the funding.
“Unfortunatley this government has other priorities than public transport.”
That meant the council’s contribution
“We are $130 millon short of what we planned to invest in our public transport.
“That will mean some really hard decisions for us as a council ... as it affects Wainuiomata,” Cr Duthie said.
WHS nets three major sport awards
Wainuiomata High School’s champion mixed Kī o Rahi team. Photo: Supplied.
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School sportspeople at the 2024 College Sport Wellington Awards, known as the SPOTYs.
The school’s mixed KĪ o Rahi team won the Team of the Year Award, and Reihana Te Rauna and Armani Clarke-Jones won the two awards as the KĪ o Rahi Players of the Year.
This represents the best ever outcome for the school at the College Sport Wellington Awards.
As well as playing outstandingly for his school, Reihana was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team for the second time.
Amarni also played outstandingly for Wainuiomata High School and was selected
in the Aotearoa M ori team.
They were both part of the Te Upoko O Te Ika 19s side that won the National KĪ o Rahi Championship in February this year.
The mixed KĪ o Rahi team placed thirdat this year’s Secondary Nationals the highest place any Wellington kura team has placed at this event.
Six students and two teams from the school were named as College Sport Wellington Award finalists.
Along with Amarni, Reihana and the mixed KĪ o Rahi team, the following were finalists:
Braydon Henare-Time and Ruby Lasini for Athletes with Disability (AWD) sport, Charvarna Williams for lawn bowls, Braddock Akuhata for Touch and the AWD Nuggets Basketball team.
The washout on Moores Valley Road during the 2004 flood. Photo: Supplied. investment in public transport.”
