Plane Sense Wellington Inc has filed and served legal proceedings against Airways, Aeropath Ltd, Wellington International Airport Ltd and the Director of Civil Aviation.
Plane Sense is asking the High Court to declare the flight path planes are currently taking to be declared invalid and to be set aside.
Continued on page 2.
Court action started
An aeroplane flying low over northern suburbs homes. Photo: Phil Greig.
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People suffering because of flight path
Continued from page 1.
A new system called the Divergent Missed Approach Protection System (DMAPS) was introduced by Airways on 1 December 2022.
This saw the flight paths of aircraft change, with jet planes flying over residences sooner than the previous path.
Following the change, Plane Sense was established as a community group to advocate on behalf of residents of Johnsonville, Broadmeadows, Khandallah, h riu Valley, Ngaio and Crofton Downs.
Planes using the flight path implemented on 1 December 2022 “has resulted in noise levels as loud as 80dB over homes, schools, and reserve land,” Plane Sense says.
“Plane Sense has been contacted by hundreds of residents living beneath the flight path who have existing health conditions that are worsening as a result of increased aircraft noise.
“Residents, including children, are suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, sensory disorders, slowed recovery of brain injuries and dementia, even though they purposefully settled in the suburbs because it was a quiet area.
“This harm is documented on the Plane Sense website – planesensewellington.com/people.”
A meeting called by Plane Sense on 14 April voted overwhelm-
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ingly to take a High Court judicial review of the decision to change the flight path.
“Plane Sense Wellington Inc has instructed class action lawyers Dalzell Wollerman to commence a High Court judicial review, to declare the DMAPS flight path change as invalid and to be set aside,” Plane Sense says in a media release dated 31 July.
Airways, Aeropath Ltd, Wellington International Airport Ltd and the Director of Civil Aviation “have been served today and Plane Sense considers it has a strong case against those involved.
“Airways (its subsidiary Aeropath Ltd), Wellington International Airport Ltd and the Director of Civil Aviation are being challenged to account for public health, safety and legal issues, resulting from decisions made before and after implementing the DMAPS flight path change, on 1 December 2022.
“The flight path change increases aircraft movements at Wellington Airport, it diverts jet aircraft over residences sooner than the previous path, and the change took place without consultation with the community.
“Plane Sense has attempted to work collaboratively with Airways and Wellington Airport since March 2023.
“It has worked tirelessly as a voluntary organisation to have the original departure path reinstated over the harbour, by agreement
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At Newlands Intermediate School, students are encouraged to think independently, take responsibility for their decisions, and begin to focus on their future. Teachers instil positive values such as integrity, resilience, respect, and excellence to ensure that pupils are confident in their identity.
With a focus on technology and science, Newlands Intermediate is constantly exploring engaging and dynamic ways to create learning opportunities for young adolescents.
Teachers have high expectations of students and are committed to high quality teaching and learning that challenges their thinking and excites them about their learning.
Plane Sense co-founder Roxy Steel speaking at the 15 April meeting that voted in favour of Court action.
Frank
with all parties.
“However, Wellington Airport and Airways have offered no commitment to change, despite the most recent acoustic report validating resident concerns and establishing that the original noise modelling work was inadequate and inaccurate.
“Resident concerns include exacerbated physical and mental health conditions, including those of children, the elderly and vulnerable members of the community,” Plane Sense says. Continued on page 6.
Photo:
Neill.
Huge concern about big rates rise
By Frank Neill
The massive rates increase imposed by Wellington City Council is causing both hardship and concern in the community. People who are suffering hardship and who are concerned about the increase have been contacting Cr Diane Calvert in big numbers – “a lot more than normal,” she says. In fact she has been contacted by more people lately about the rates increase than ever before. One of the residents who contacted Cr Calvert, Neil Madgwick, said he was deeply frustrated and concerned “regarding the ongoing issue of rate increases in Wellington.
“Since my wife and I moved here in 2020, the annual rates for our Winston Street, Crofton Downs residence here in Wellington, have skyrocketed from $3,736 to $8,263, reflecting a staggering increase of more than 121%.
“That is well over double,” he says.
“It’s a huge increase and what have we got for it?
“What’s going to happen next year and the year after that?
“We could be at $10,000 in no time.
“The council needs to exercise some sort of fiscal responsibility and restraint, because we don’t get a choice about whether we pay these things or not.
“They can sell our houses from under us to get the payment,” Neil says.
“There’s nothing we can do to manage that financial cost.
“I’m sure there will be lots of people who will be more badly affected than we are in terms of the impact on their lives.
“We understand the water element to it but I think there is much more to it than just spending on water infrastructure.
“I understand that infrastructure spending is important.
“But to be spending hundreds of millions of dollars on multiple civic buildings which provide benefit to very few I think is wasteful.”
And then there is the spending on cycleways as well.
“It’s all about priorities and I am not sure they are getting these right,” Neil says.
Cr Calvert says she is hearing that there is a “depth of feeling” about the rates increase –
both the 20%-plus increase by Wellington City Council and the 20%-plus increase imposed by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
“I was talking to someone on Friday and they said ‘the tax cuts we have just got is taken on the rates increase’.”
She is particularly concerned about people on fixed incomes, and especially pensioners, who probably won’t get the tax cuts.
“People are making these decisions about spending the money, but what are the consequences?” Cr Calvert asks.
“Some of Council’s biggest spends could easily be reduced” such as spending on transport.
Some spending could be more efficient, such as social housing upgades, although some needed to be increased, such as spending on water. What Wellingtron City Council needs to do, Cr Calvert says, is:
significant expenditures that will have a substantial impact;
transport projects; pipes;
efficiently to save costs; and overheads and hidden charges.
“Our primary focus must be on delivering core services efficiently and responsibly, which is what rates are meant to support,” Cr Calvert says.
“I opposed the Council’s 2024-2034 LongTerm Plan due to concerns about the level of spending and the rising debt, projected to increase from $1.5 billion to $1.9 billion next year.
“The narrow vote on this plan indicates significant internal disagreement.
“Unfortunately through its actions, Wellington City Council has lost the trust and confidence of Wellingtonians to make good decisions including around its major asset – the Airport Shares.
“The recent decisions last week around Thorndon Quay amplify this.
“Despite efforts to find a better approach, my proposal to reduce spending and manage debt more effectively was voted down by a slim majority,” Cr Calvert says.
“I’m also encouraging people to write to the council about the rates increase.”
Correction
In the article that began on page 1 of the 1 Agust issue of the “Independent Herald”, there was an error in the figures. The article stated that Onslow College has a pass rate of 76% for University Entrance, compared with the national average of 90%. The 76% pass rate for Onslow College is the correct figure, however the national average is 49%, not 90%. That clearly shows how well Onslow College students are achieving.
Memoir writing
A workshop on how to wrote your memoir will be held at Waitohi – Johnsonville Library from 1pm to 2:30pm on Friday 9 August. Tākaka writer Charlotte Squire will lead the workshop. “Learn how to get all that information out of your head and into a basic framework for your book, what to do with your photos, how to publish your story, and more,” Wellington City Libraries says. Booking is essential and can be made through the Wellington City Libraries website.
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Looking for something else to do? Join us for a range of groups and activities!
Check our website – info@kthc.nz or call us on 479 5420
Open: Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
Khandallah Town Hall &
Khandallah
Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert.
Photo: Supplied.
Locals feature in Sherlock Holmes play
By Frank Neill
Close to half the roles in the current Wellington Repertory Theatre’s production of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” live in Wellington’s Western Suburbs.
The four actors are among the cast of 10, and they play five of the 11 characters.
Catherine McMechan and her husband Steve, who live in Karori, play Mr and Mrs Barrymore.
James Gluck from Northland plays Dr Mortimer.
Kevin Hastings from Karori has two small roles – one as a cab driver and the other as a dispeptic old man.
Currently running at the Gryphon Theatre in Ghuznee Street, the season continues until 17 August.
“We are very excited to be opening tomorrow,” Kevin said the day before the season started on 7 August.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles” is a fascinating play, and the adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work by Catherine O’Reilly and Tim Churchill is very close to the original.
The Baskerville family have long been haunted by the tale of a terrifying and spectral
04 920 8850
hound that wanders the bleak moors surrounding the ancestral home.
“There will be a hound” in the Wellington Repertory Theatre’s production, Kevin says.
Following the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the imminent arrival of the new heir, Sherlock Holmes is assigned to investigate.
Accompanied by his friend Dr Watson, Holmes learns from Dr Mortimer of the curse of the hound of the Baskervilles and of the immediate danger that faces the new heir Sir Henry Baskerville.
Holmes heads back to London to tie up loose ends on another case leaving Watson to keep a watch on Sir Henry but all is not as it seems at Baskerville Hall with the suspicious behaviour of the Barrymores, and the arrival of the enthusiastic Stapleton and his beautiful sister Beryl for whom Sir Henry has romantic overtures.
Watson's investigation becomes more intriguing following a party held by Sir Henry to meet some of his local neighbours and the list of likely suspects starts to increase with the arrival of the contradictory and troublesome Mrs Frankland.
Watson and Sir Henry find themselves in grave danger when they venture out on to the moors in search of an escaped convict from the local prison only to come face to face with something far more terrifying. The case takes another surprising turn when Barrymore confesses that a letter was received by the late Sir Charles on the morning of his death signed by the mysterious 'LL' who Watson discovers is a Mrs Laura Lyons, the disowned daughter of Mrs Frankland.
As the list of suspects mount up Watson once again finds himself on the moor in the dead of night where he finds Holmes has been living rough while conducting his own investigation into this complex mystery.
Holmes summons all the suspects back to Baskerville Hall and what follows is a surprising revelation and a tense final showdown with a cunning and psychopathic nemesis.
Bookings for the show can be made at www. wellingtonrepertory.org.nz/bookings.
A scene from the Wellington Repertory Theatre’s production of “the Hound of the Baskervilles”. Photo: Oliver Mander.
A scene from the Wellington Repertory Theatre’s production of “the Hound of the Baskervilles”. Photo: Oliver Mander.
Thorndon pub the best local
The Thistle Inn emerged a winner in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence.
The Thorndon pub won the award for “Best Local”.
Thistle Inn’s award was announced at a black tie dinner event at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch on 31 July.
The awards honour the achievements of the hardworking and talented people in New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sector.
The awards, which have been running for 26 years, were hosted by Hospitality NZ in partnership with principal sponsor Lion New Zealand and industry partners, and presented by broadcaster and food writer Jesse Mulligan.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage says the awards couldn’t have come at a better time.
“We are clearly operating in an incredibly challenging environment at the moment, so it’s been fantastic to have the industry come
together to cheer on one another.
“The calibre of hospitality and accommodation businesses in New Zealand is absolutely worth celebrating, and while we can’t acknowledge everyone, it is always great to give some well-deserved recognition to those performing at the top of their game.”
Steve Old, Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, and on behalf of the panel of judges says that “it was no mean feat for the judging panel to select the best of the finalists.
“The quality of establishments across New Zealand is impressive and I want to thank all those who entered for taking the time to put their names forward - the future of hospitality is in good hands.”
Lion NZ’s Managing Director, Craig Baldie, extended his congratulations to all the winners, saying hospitality is an exciting, ever-evolving industry that continues to raise the bar, even in a tough economy.
“Hospitality is a key part of our economy and integral to thriving communities.”
This sun drenched three bedroom, one bathroom home with a garage and a great back yard is ready for its new owners. The 120 sqm home is freshly renovated and offers plenty of room for comfortable living.
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“In April 2024, at a Plane Sense community meeting, those residents affected by the noise voted overwhelmingly (95.6%) to proceed with legal proceedings, rather than engage in an ongoing and lengthy process proposed by Wellington Airport – which has no guaranteed outcome for residents’ improved wellbeing.
“The community has already endured 18 months of the current status quo and the organisations involved are not taking responsibility for the mistakes that have been made,” Plane Sense spokesperson and Co-Founder, Roxy Steel says.
“We have obtained Official Information documents that detail a pressured timeline that left no time for a full community consultation, and emails that suggested the community could be a ‘potential roadblock’.
“The documents show that Wellington Airport approved DMAPS just 24 hours after it received an email from acoustician Marshall Day, with ‘initial outcome’ information, ‘with more to come’ and in the knowledge of it ‘affecting more houses’.
“This process differs from other flight path changes at Wellington Airport – namely the arrival path (PBN in 2018) where community feedback was sought, with full benchmark testing of actual noise before and after the trial.
“DMAPS has been an unfair and unprofessional process that lacks integrity and has been thrust upon our community.
“Wellington Airport and Airways
have told us on many occasions that they do not wish to reinstate the previous flight path, which was in place for the previous 60 years.
“They have also said that they are not designing alternative flight paths beyond redirecting the 6am7am flights.
“The proposal (put forward in Wellington Airport’s 10 April 2024 media release) is not good enough and does not undo the harm being caused to everyday Wellingtonians now.
“It has open-ended timing and could extend over a year or more without assurance that the original track will be reinstated.
“For reference, it took nine months for the organisations to install sound monitors, collect up to three months of data and analyse it after we had requested more precise reporting.”
“The latest acoustic report shows that residents are experiencing decibel levels of up to 80dB,”
Louisa Picker, Co-Founder of Plane Sense, adds.
“We have neighbours who did their research and settled in the suburbs because it was previously quiet –neighbours with health conditions made worse by loud noise.
“We also have neighbours who moved in just before the change and couldn’t make an informed decision to proceed because the new flight path wasn’t public knowledge.
“Our community was never given the respect or opportunity to provide feedback on the change before jet aircraft were concentrated and diverted directly overhead.
“It’s been heartbreaking to read resident impact stories and the organisations’ standard emails in
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Wakefield Homestead in the Tasman District aims to make a positive difference in people’s everyday lives with their rest home care.
response to their suffering – often residents appealing for a reprieve for family members.
“These are multi-million-dollar corporations that publicly selfpromote their environmental, social and governance messages about communities and mental health.
“We are looking for support from our wider New Zealand community as we challenge this process.
“These organisations did not
consider our community’s best interests.
“This time it is our community but next time it could be anyone’s.
“Whilst we are focused on the immediate issue right now, we see it as our responsibility to hold these organisations to account, so it doesn’t happen to other unsuspecting communities in the future,”
Louisa says.
Since March 2023, Plane Sense
has been questioning the process and implementation of this flight path decision, reviewing documents obtained via the Official Information Act.
It is, it says, “creating a strong and collective voice to be heard and effect change for the peace of the community.”
Donations towards Plane Sense’s legal costs can be made by visiting planesensewellington.com/donate.
Grants for community service
By Frank Neill
of travel.
Wakefield Homestead has a great team of caregivers and a pool of care, wound care, diabetic care, meals on wheels, respite care and day stay.
For more information, visit the homestead at 10 Edward Street, Wakefield, Tasman or visit the website at www.wakefieldhomestead.co.nz.
PBN
Five northern and western suburbs organisations benefitted in the latest round of grants made by the New Zealand Community Trust. They received $27,039.53 in funding from the trust.
Bellevue School in Newlands received $3,000 towards the cost
The Khandallah Tennis and Squash Club received $3,900.52 towards the cost of tennis balls.
The Newlands Paparangi Tennis Club received $5,298 for coaching.
The Onslow Cricket Club received $4,840.01 for equipment.
Wilton Bowling Club received $10,000 towards the cost of roof replacement. The trust disbursed $284,384.72 in the August 2024 round of funding.
One gaming venue in the “Independent Herald’’s circulation area contributed to these grants – The Pickle Jar in Karori. It was one of 15 gaming venues in the greater Wellington region that contributed.
Retirement living in Tasman
“Family
working for Families”
The Homestead in the heart of Wakefield Village, Tasman District. Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Just part of the crowd who attended Plane Sense’s meeting on 15 April. Photo: Frank Neill.
DNA – but wait there’s more
Have you been given a DNA kit as a gift and then wondered who your ancestors were?
The combined Greater Wellington Branches of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG) has the event for you.
August is Family History Month. On Saturday 24 August the local NZSG branches are holding a daylong event called “DNA – But wait, there’s more...” to celebrate the month.
The event is being held at Tawa Union Church, 6 Elena Place, Tawa, and entry is $5.
The keynote speaker is professional genealogist Fiona Brooker from Memories in Time.
People might have seen Fiona on TV lately as one of the My Family Mystery experts. Now people can get to hear from her in person.
Talks Fiona will give are ‘Quick and Dirty DNA’, a ‘DNA Update with Q and A’ and ‘Family History in the AI era’.
Sarah Hewitt, the Chair of NZSG, will kick things off and Luke Howison from KeaWeb will talk about a tool he has developed called “NZ Ancestor Search Helper”.
Whether you want help on how to start researching your family, or have questions about researching your family, there will be lots of people to help you.
Exhibitors include the National Library, Wellington City Library and Wellington City Archives. All of the Wellington NZSG branches will be represented.
If you have M ori, Scottish, Irish, English or Australian ancestry local NZSG interest
groups will be pleased to help you.
Finally, if you have medals you want to know more about, there will be someone there to answer your questions.
Sponsors of the event are the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, Legacy Family Tree Webinars, Memories in Time, and the local NZSG branches.
EFTPOS is not available so bring cash for the entry fee and the huge raffle.
Tawa Union Church is close to public transport. Limited parking is available at the venue and also at the nearby Tawa Anglican Church.
Find more details on Facebook at Wellington Family History Month.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
BREAKING NEWS!
Fiona Brooker. Photo: Supplied.
Written by Jon Jory
Directed by Ewen Coleman
IMAGE: Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson
Wellington Repertory is proud
adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles (written by Jon Jury) –
clever
Scammers impersonate the Police
By Frank Neill
Police have arrrested a man who scammed people in the Wellington region to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars.
The man, a 26-year-old English national, posed as a Police officer and asked people for money or gold to help catch a “dishonest employee” working at banks and gold exchanges.
Police arrested him on 2 August.
Despite the arrest, it is “highly likely that the scam will continue to operate,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch says.
“In light of the offending, New Zealand Police have one key message: We will never ask you for money under any circumstances.”
No legitimate Police officer will ever ask people to hand over money for any reason.
The offending is alleged to have taken place over the 10 days to 2 August across the wider Wellington district including Wellington city, the Hutt Valley, Porirua and taki.
“The scam starts with a cold call from a person claiming to be a police officer,”
Detective Senior Sergeant Leitch says.
“They tell the victim of dishonest activity taking place at banks and gold exchanges and request their help to ‘catch’ the ‘dishonest employee’ working at these places.
“Believing they are helping catch a crook – victims are instructed to go to the bank or gold exchange to withdraw cash or purchase gold to assist the police in obtaining evidence against the employee.
“To top it off, once the victim has taken out the cash or gold, a person posing as a courier working for Police uplifts it from
their address.
“Wellington Police have so far received complaints from at least 17 victims who have been contacted by this criminal group.
“Many of them have subsequently handed over cash or gold,” Detective Senior Sergeant Leitch says.
A search of the 26-year-old’s accommodation uncovered large amounts of cash and gold, believed to be the proceeds of the fraudulent activity.
“Police believe this operation is co-ordinated and executed by offenders offshore who are directing the ‘couriers’ on the ground in New Zealand to the addresses for pickups,” Detective Senior Sergeant Leitch says.
“People should be extremely vigilant and careful if they receive calls asking them to assist Police in the way described.
“Police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money, nor will they contact you seeking banking details, card numbers, PIN or password.
“Older members of our community are being targeted and Police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware of this scam activity.
“If anyone has recently been the victim of this scam or received calls you think may be from these scammers, please phone Police on 105 and reference Operation Bourbon File 240731/0649,” Detective Senior Sergeant Leitch says.
“Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the NetSafe website https://netsafe. org.nz/,” the Police say.
People can also report scams to Netsafe.
More trains in the pipeline
Projects to enable more frequent trains and a reliable rail network top a list of transport activities, each costing over $2 million, have been put forward for government co-funding by the Wellington Regional Transport Committee.
The Wellington Regional Land Transport Plan Mid Term Review 2024 was approved on 30 July by Greater Wellington on behalf of the region’s nine councils, the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and KiwiRail.
This followed a month of consultation, 580 submissions and two days of public hearings.
Committee chair Adrienne Staples says the community response overwhelmingly supported enhancing public transport.
“While feedback was diverse, there was strong consensus across the region supporting improvements to public transport, particularly for our rail network.” Cr Staples says.
“Through this plan, we are committed to realising our vision of a connected region, with safe, accessible and liveable places – where people can easily, safely and sustainably access the things that matter to them, and where goods are moved efficiently, sustainably and reliably.”
The list of ‘significant activities’ includes: Public transport improvements including
No independent review of Thorndon Quay
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Council will not be conducting an independent review into the Thorndon Quay road works, despite receiving a petition signed by more than 2,000 people asking for one. At its meeting on 1 August, the council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee decided instead the receive the petition and direct council officers to prepare a paper to “respond to requests made in the petition to be considered by the Environment and Infrastructure Committee on 12 September”. Before the committee passed that resolution, Cr Diane Calvert moved an amendment that the committee “agree in principle for council to fund and undertake an independent review into the Thorndon Quay project including but not confined to the concerns raised by the petitioner, design of pedestrian crossings, benefit realisation, accuracy of accident data, the economic impact and mitigations; and the state of the water infrastructure.”
in crisis.
the Wellington Rapid Transit Bus Corridors Programme, the National Ticketing Solution and greater regional council control over assets like public transport depots;
Two new ‘Roads of National Significance’; the second Mount Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve Upgrades and the Petone to Grenada Link Road & Hutt Cross Valley Link, Next stages of a regional cycle network; and Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Formerly RiverLink) – Hutt City Council’s local road improvements.
“We’re grateful for the 580 residents and organisations who provided feedback during the month-long consultation,” Cr Staples says.
The plan will now be sent to NZTA for inclusion in the National Land Transport Programme, which will allocate funding levels for the region’s transport activities for the next three years.
“Our nine councils, NZTA and KiwiRail have worked as a team to create a plan, which not only forms a strong funding bid, but that truly responds to transport needs across the whole region.
“We are looking forward to the funding being made available.”
More information on the RLTP Mid Term Review can be found here on the Greater Wellington Regional Council website.
Cr Nicola Young seconded the amendment. However the amendment was lost when five people voted for it and 13 against it.
The fact the committee did not recommend that the council undertake an independent review was disappointing, says Paul Robinson, who started the petition on behalf of the Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road Collective, a group of business owners in the area.
At the meeting, council officers “did not respond to any of the three issues we raised and councillors did not see the need for an independent report,” Paul says.
“Wellington City Councillors made a grave error when they accepted advice from officers to approve the new $58m bus and cycle lanes along Thorndon Quay,” the petition says.
“The advice that Officers gave Councillors was grossly deficient for three reasons:
1. Officers did not tell Councillors about the underlying water-mains. Eight major watermains lie under Thorndon Quay. Two of these are over 100 years old. Council officers were advised (via Let’s Get Wellington Moving) that some of these pipes either must or should be replaced as part of the roading project. Officers did not inform Councillors of the condition of these pipes when seeking approval for the project.
2. Officers grossly underestimated the economic impact of these roading changes on local businesses. In 2021, 1,500 people petitioned council to do an economic impact study but officers recommended that councillors reject the petition. They said that the $1.3m of car parking revenues would only reduce by $32k pa. In fact, they have reduced by as much as $750k pa. Pedestrian foot counts are down by up to 80%, cafe revenues are down by 40%. Businesses were only supposed to suffer disruption for 12 weeks. In fact, the disruption is slated to last for 18 months and most likely much longer. Wellington’s water infrastructure is
3. Safety data relied on by Councillors was based on advice that was not independent and free of bias. A company called ViaStrada Ltd was engaged to prepare various reports used to develop the strategies and business cases used to justify expenditure on cycleways. Officers of this company were also, at various times, officers of the cycle activist organisation Cycle Action Network. This dual interest does not appear to have been disclosed to Councillors. The consequence of this is that data is perceived to have been interpreted from a position of bias. If this data had been objectively interpreted, adequate safety improvements could have been made at a fraction of the cost of the current project. Following the 1 August committee meeting “what will inevitably happen is that we will be presented with a fait accompli,” Paul predicts. The fact that there was no response to the three issues raised in the petition was his first point, and his second related to the memo that alerted councillors to the fact work was needed on the old water pipes under Thorndon Quay.
“They got the memo from me in March.
“Surely the correct thing to do would be to say: ‘hey, if we’ve got an issue with the pipes we need to do some investigation,” Paul says.
“They haven’t done anything.
“That’s incredibly frustrating.
“If you were building a house and suddenly find out there is a problem with the foundations, surely you would get an engineer to have a look at it.”
Another issue was the impact on businesses.
Council officers “completely misrepresented what the impact on businesses would be,” he says.
“No-one from the council has talked to individual businesses.”
Paul gives as an example one local business, which is one of 20 outlets across New Zealand.
This shop used to be the second best in the chain, but it was now the second worst.
“Retailers are reporting foot traffic is down by 50%.”
The Thorndon Quay project would take 18 months to complete.
“That’s a long time to hold your breath when you are trading at a loss,” Paul says.
At its 1 August meeting, the committee’s resolution noted “that the Regulatory Processes Committee meeting on 8 August 2024 is scheduled to consider options for raised safety platforms planned for Thorndon Quay.” Noting that the New Zealand Transport Authority had said it would no longer be providing any funding for raised pedestrian crossings, Cr Calvert moved the following amendment: That the committee agree “for any work associated with the construction of the pedestrian crossings be halted as soon as possible until clarity in placement and design is agreed”. This amendment was lost by 14 votes to 4.
Marsden expands its innovative NCEA+ programme
P.O.A.
NCEA is a robust and internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to global opportunities.
With a proven track record of outstanding NCEA results, Marsden provides students with a solid educational foundation and continues to outperform other high-achieving schools.
Success of NCEA+ in Level 1
While many Wellington schools have dispensed with NCEA Level 1, Marsden remains steadfast in offering a rigorous Level 1 programme.
NCEA+ lays a strong foundation for advanced study in Level 2 and beyond, focusing on 21st-century skills and preparing students for high-stakes learning and assessment.
In Year 11, in addition to selecting five traditional NCEA subjects, students design a bespoke, collaborative course centred around the themes of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, or Identity, Belonging and Expression.
These themes enable students to explore personal, local, and global perspectives, preparing them for the world of further education and work.
Marsden’s experienced mentor teachers and coaches support students by arranging workshops, facilitating learning, and providing guidance.
Students have the opportunity to engage with inspiring speakers, including entrepreneurs, successful business owners, and academics from New Zealand universities. This exposure broadens their horizons and deepens their understanding.
The NCEA+ programme's 'active learning' approach has been well-received by students, who appreciate the choice and the ability to connect big ideas across subjects. This method fosters critical thinking and collaboration, enhancing the overall
learning experience.
The NCEA+ programme's "collabs" are endorsable subjects within the NZQA framework, ensuring that students earn quality credits in a rigorous, creative, and engaging manner.
Students have expressed enthusiasm for the autonomy and pace-setting the NCEA+ programme offers, citing the development of crucial skills such as time management and workload prioritisation.
At the end of the year, students will showcase their work in a visual and expressive demonstration of their learning, highlighting the programme's impact.
Expansion to NCEA Level 2 in 2025
Building on the success of the NCEA+ programme at Level 1, Marsden will be expanding its innovative approach to NCEA Level 2 starting in 2025.
At Level 1, all students are enrolled in the NCEA+ course alongside five traditional subjects. This structure will continue, while at Level 2, NCEA+ will become one of many options available to Year 12 students. This expansion will offer increased choice and more opportunities for personalised learning.
Commitment to educational excellence and innovation
Marsden remains at the forefront of educational innovation, constantly seeking new ways to enhance and authenticate the learning experience for students. Its NCEA+ programme represents more than just credits and standards-based learning; it embodies an innovative and forward-thinking approach, focusing on essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and future-focused learning.
If you are interested in learning more about NCEA+ at Marsden, please visit www.marsden.school.nz or register for the school’s Open Morning on Friday 9 August.
Bupa to provide $580,000 funding
Community organisations across New Zealand will have the opportunity to share in a total of $580,000 in grants, aimed at supporting programmes that contribute positively to mentally healthy and sustainable societies.
Individual organisations will be able to access up to $10,000 as part of the Bupa Foundation’s Community Grants Programme which started in 2019 and has now committed more than $1.5 million to support communities across Australia and New Zealand that are helping prevent and control mental and physical diseases via nature-based and peer-support initiatives.
Supporting community organisations is a vital part of Bupa’s aim of creating a healthy planet for healthy people, Michael Burgess, Bupa Director Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, says.
"These grants are not just much needed funds for organisations doing great work in our community; they also represent Bupa’s commitment to its founding purpose of helping people to live longer, healthier, happier lives and to make a better world.
By Frank Neill
Two local organisations were recognised in this year’s Wellington city final of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
The M kara Peak Mountain Bike Park Supporters won the award in the Heritage and Environment category.
Established in 1998, the group is made up of keen mountain bikers, runners, walkers and residents with a passion for M kara Peak.
Since the park opened, the supporters have worked in partnership with Wellington City Council to develop the park.
Thousands of volunteers have donated their time to help build over 40kms of trails, planted tens of thousands of native plants, established a comprehensive trapping network to eradicate pest species and to encourage the return of native bird life.
The award came as the supporters group celebrated its 25th anniversary.
It also comes just after a new mural has been painted at M kara Peak by artist Ash (aka Chimp) Sisson.
Enliven’s Cashmere Heights Home, located in Johnsonville, was named as runner-up in the health and well-being category.
Airport and the five local councils have come together for the awards to recognise outstanding mahi and celebrate hundreds of volunteers for their valuable contribution to the community.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says the capital has so many community groups that do truly impressive mahi.
“The wide range of groups nominated for these awards really show the diversity and character of Wellington.
“From restoring nature, running arts and cultural programmes, looking after our t mariki, caring for our citizens and so much more, it is this kind of dedication and selfless care that builds strong communities, and ultimately a thriving and connected city.
“While we congratulate and celebrate all the evening’s award winners, when it comes to volunteers, there are no losers –everyone’s a winner in my book.”
Wellington Airport Chief Executive Matt Clarke says the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work ofcommunitygroups in Wellington City over the previous 12 months.
In 2023, the Bupa Foundation awarded $400,000 to groups such as Big Brother and Big Sisters, Blind Low Vision NZ, Skylight Trust and the Youth Climate Collective in New Zealand.
Over the past year, these programmes have demonstrated the profound impact that dedicated community organisations can have on the well-being of our society and environment.
"By expanding the Community Grants programme by more than $130,000 in 2024 we are hoping to help make an even greater difference over the coming year and we encourage organisations who want to expand their impact to express their interest," Michael says.
Community organisations can apply for a grant at https://bupa.good2givegrants. org with applications closing on Friday 6 September.
More information about the Bupa Foundation can be found at www.bupa. com.au/about-us/bupa-foundation.
“As a health and care company, we know we need to work with others if we are going to help create a healthier planet for healthier people. And we need to take actions both large and small, particularly in local communities,” he says.
The category winner was Mary Potter Hospice, which was also named the 2024 Wellington city supreme award winner.
Every year since 2004, Wellington
“These groups do amazing and selfless work to help others in thecommunityand thoroughly deserve recognitionforthis,” he says.
“This year is extra special given we’re celebrating the 20thanniversary of these awards.”
Ash Sisson (Chimp) with the mural he has painted at Mākara Peak. Photo: Supplied.
What’s cool in the
Wairarapa
early Spring creates a great day out for the whole family. Why not travel there in style by a heritage steam train? Let Steam Incorporated take the stress out of travel as you take the train to the ’Rapa. Hauled by Ja 1271 and our heritage Da class diesel locomotives, at the front of a lengthy string of heritage passenger carriages, take a glimpse into the bygone era of train travel as we clear the congestion of Wellington, racing through the suburbs of Petone, Lower Hutt & Upper Hutt.
Immerse yourselves in 15 minutes of darkness as the train climbs, crests and then descends through the Rimutaka tunnel! This portion of the journey, the train is lead by a pair of heritage diesel locomotives whilst traversing the 8.8km tunnel. Upon arriving front of the train, and is left to work its way up the Wairarapa line under a full head of steam.
Located in the heart of the Wairarapa, an abundance of activities ranging from the markets along High and Holloway Streets,
the Big Wai Art sale in the events Centre, Wairarapa Produce Tasting Area, and loads more family fun.
Shuttle buses will run from the town centre for St John & Plunket. While stocks last!
The bus transfer is free.
As the afternoon sun slowly dips behind the hills, listen to the exhaust beat of our Ja Featherston. As in the morning, our ‘helpers’ are attached for the Remutaka tunnel portion of the journey.
After departing from Upper Hutt, the race is on as we slide in with suburban services for the run back into Wellington, calling at Waterloo and Petone. Whilst the day may be over upon arriving at Wellington’s Platform 9, the memories of the day live on!
Find out about the early Wairarapa
Find out about William Hastwell, the man who got Wairarapa moving, in our new exhibition. What must it have been like to make sure the mail got through the hazardous ranges through rivers and howling winds?
Our new exhibition tells the story of how he built the biggest transport business in the lower North Island in the late 1800s.
You can see the original stables and the cobbles that were the foundation of his business and get your photo taken in the Glass Coach or the replica stagecoach.
Explore the old one classroom school, the original church, built and shared by all the that was home to a fam. Find out about
170 year old woolshed. You can even ride the 1955 Fire Engine on open days. Bring a picnic to enjoy in our extensive gardens.
Greytown Butchery knows how to win awards
Established in 1873, Greytown Butchery is still operating in the same historic building and keeping old butchering traditions alive.
It’s no wonder they consistently win awards with their multi-award winning sausages, having so far clocked up 25 awards in the last 18 years.
Greytown Butchery has recently won their 25th award at the annual Great New Zealand Sausage Competition. Ironically it was the Sausage Competition’s 25th year running.
Greytown Butchery have also marked
the Butchery Building’s 150th year, of its establishment when Greytown Butchery was first opened by original owner, Sam Haigh.
Artisan butcher Gavin Green and Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic and popular business into a gourmet, European-styled butchery.
It prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match.
Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your goods – there’s always plenty to choose from!
See them at 67 Main Street, Greytown.
See so much at the Wool Shed Museum
If you want to know what’s made New Zealand a great agricultural country you can learn so much about
The complex is housed in two authentic old wool sheds trucked in from local farms, plus a newly constructed gallery building – full of sheep farm gear, including shearing and wool handling equipment.
the history of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand was
Demonstrations are held about spinning and weaving on Wednesday mornings and by arrangement. See the history of spinning from ancient times and our collection of spinning wheels.
See our shop with its wide range of wool garments, footwear, sheepskin rugs, lanolin cosmetics, gift items, visitor attraction of international quality.
MEET YOUR Principal
Stephen Eames - Raroa Normal Intermediate
I am extremely proud to be the Tumuaki of Raroa Normal Intermediate and I am fortunate to be part of an amazing learning community of students, staff and whanau.
Raroa kaiako are committed to meeting the diverse needs of akonga. We recognise that emerging adolescence is a time of significant personal, physiological and neurological change. We respond to these needs by providing an environment where they can thrive. The Intermediate/Middle School education model provides opportunities to specifically cater to akonga at their age and stage of development. Raroa has a
rich history of excellence and innovation. It is a school culture that is defined by highquality teaching and a strong emphasis on whanaungatanga, or building relationships, to enhance the learning experience and strengthen student engagement.We believe in personalised approaches and ensure that everyone is valued, respected, and cared for in safe and stimulating learning environments. Our programmes incorporate the best of both traditional and modern teaching pedagogy to create a vibrant, engaging and student-focused curriculum. Learning takes many forms at Raroa and we provide
Kent Favel - Principal, St Mark’s
Kent believes that one of the main attractions of St Mark’s is its strong sense of community. “St Mark’s is a place with a real family feel,” he says. “We provide a warm, inclusive environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging - from day one”.
Located at the Basin Reserve, St Mark’s is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School where children receive a wellrounded education with a global outlook.
St Mark’s has been a co-educational school for over 100 years, and this is something
authentic learning experiences to help students reach their full potential intellectually, socially, creatively and physically. As we seek to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we motivate students to become contributing, participating members of our learning community.
School
which Kent proudly believes in. “Coeducational schools reflect the diversity of our society. This is boys and girls, learning, playing and working together, just like the world we live in”.
St Mark’s offers a seamless education from Preschool through to Year 8 and we welcome your child at any stage of their schooling journey.
Spaces are still available for 2024 and now enrolling for 2025.
Explore St Mark’s School and Preschool, Friday, 23 August, 10-12 pm and Saturday,
24 August, 12-2 pm. Please register through the school website.
Now in her third year at the helm of Marsden, Principal Paula Wells is a passionate educational leader, strategic thinker and innovator. Her influence extends across New Zealand’s secondary education sector, notably as Chair of the governance board of School Sport New Zealand.
Set in 4.3 hectares of lush grounds, Marsden’s Karori campus is home to a coeducational preschool, primary school for girls in Years 1-6, middle school for girls in Years 7-10 and senior school for girls in Years 11-13.
Marsden encourages and supports every learner in achieving personal excellence. Students are known, genuinely cared for and respected, and receive the individual attention they need to do well both academically and in their co-curricular pursuits. With small classes, an innovative and rigorous curriculum, exceptional teaching and a school-wide approach to hauora, children and young people thrive at Marsden.
Learn more at Marsden’s Open Morning –Friday 9 August (Years 7-13).
marsden.school.nz/register Ph. 04 476 8707
Andrew Bird - Kelburn Normal School
It is a privilege to have been the principal of Kelburn Normal School for the last 8 years. It is a school where students can learn creatively, strive for excellence, and prepare for a journey of lifelong learning. Our welcoming school culture places an emphasis on manaakitanga where we all work together to create a successful and shared sense of our community and culture. Excellence is encouraged and achieved. Our facilities are excellent and new flexible learning and play spaces have created an environment where our children and staff are flourishing. Our teachers teach,
and our students learn, in creative, well organised, focussed learning environments. Our excellence in the arts is well respected, with drama, music and kapa haka as strengths, and through this Kelburn has a reputation of working consistently to better prepare our students for their lives in the 21st century.
At Kelburn Normal, we look to the future with confidence. Our teaching and learning programmes are of the highest quality and our students’ results and our well respected arts programmes reflect this quality.
We welcome your enrolment enquiries
for our school at admin@kelburnnormal. school.nz
Choir’s concert well received
Review by Bridget O’Shanassy
Wellington Male Voice Choir’s latest concert was well-received, with a very appreciative audience. The concert was held at The Spine, P taka, in Porirua. Director Mark Stamper led and accompanied the choir on piano throughout, to a packed audience.
The programme was varied, with some well-known tunes, as well as some pieces I had not heard before. I look forward to hearing their progress when they perform again in September.
“How Can I Keep from Singing”, “The Vagabond”, were both energetically sung.
“Morte Christe” is a tune from the choir’s annals, one they would use for funeral services but is now part of their concert repertoire.
There were some lovely moments of harmony in this piece. I can imagine this tune being sung in a cathedral, where the homophonic nature of the piece would resonate.
The choir sang a beautiful ar-
rangement of “Loch Lomond”, and scanning the room I noticed many of the audience mouthing the words to this well-known tune. The audience was loving it.
“Swingin’ with the Saints”, a medley of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and “Swing Low” had some challenging moments and the choir gave it their all in the tempo and key changes. The basses and baritones did well to carry this song along.
This group clearly loves shanties, as they sang “The Wellerman” with enthusiasm to burn.
I particularly loved their final two songs, which the choir sang by memory, give or take a few members. The result was a much more engaged presentation.
Firstly, “The Awakening” was a wonderful story about life without music.
The concert closed with a beautiful Gaelic Blessing, specially commissioned for the choir by Mark Stamper. This was a lovely way to end the programme.
The Wellington Male Voice Choir in concert.
It is impressive that Mark has the choir following him so well, considering the difficulty of some of the piano accompaniments he played.
The Wellington Male Voice Choir can at times need the Director’s full
attention, with some cues missed by the choir, but Mark does a very admirable job of holding it all together. Overall, I enjoyed hearing this group’s full sound, their entertaining and varied programme and the crowd reactions to familiar pieces
were just lovely to witness. The Wellington Male Voice Choir is a capable group. They can clearly sing in four parts. Despite a few distractions across the group, they clearly enjoy singing together.
Photo: Supplied.
ON... O WHAT’S
The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid. Call into our office, phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Locals awarded in Parkin Prize
By Frank Neill
Khandallah resident Theodore Brookes and Lisa Munnelly from Wadestown were highly commended in the prestigious national drawing award – The Parkin Drawing Prize.
The Parkin prize winners were announced on 5 August at a gala night held at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington.
Lisa and Theodore were among the 10 artists who were highly commended in the awards, New Zealand’s premier award for drawing.
They were chosen from a pool of 463 entries nationwide and 77
finalists.
Lisa won her highly commended award for a work entitled “Aether”. Her medium was charcoal, acrylic ground on paper.
“My relationship with charcoal as an art medium has been a slow burn, an enthralment that has spanned over 20 years and ignited numerous projects,” Lisa says.
“Being directly involved in the production of the charcoal utilised in this work has facilitated a deeper level of material connection.
“Here, drawing is an act of listening, looking and, above all, care.
“The + marks in this work indicate cartesian co-ordinates,
Our Vision for Crofton Downs Primary School Crofton Downs Primary School is our place for learning, exploration, creativity and thinking.
Part time Librarian and Teacher Aide - Commencing Term 4 (12 hours per week / Term time only)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and caring educator to join our wonderful support team at CDPS. The successful candidate will be collaborative, fun, organised and demonstrate a love of children’s literature. Current librarian experience and knowledge of AccessIT is preferred, but ongoing training and development will be provided. Our library is the envy of many Wellington primary schools and has been developed with care and dedication over the last 13 years.
The successful candidate will also have the capability to support students with additional needs in the classroom.
If you are passionate about meeting the needs of our CDPS learners and are excited about libraries and childrens’ literature we look forward to hearing from you. Please state your areas of strength and personal interest in your covering letter.
Applications open: Thursday 8 August
Applications close: Friday 23 August
Position commences: Term 4: Monday 14 October
Thank you for your interest in our school that has a Big Spirit. We look forward to your application. School visits are welcome and encouraged.
Please contact office@cdps.school.nz for an application form and full job description.
Please submit: a cover letter, your current CV and with the names of 3 professional referees to:
Justin Potter, Principal principal@cdps.school.nz
Snow runner (3)
Strong cotton drill (5)
Put into office (7)
egg-producing organ (5)
Daughter’s husband, -in-law (3)
Farmyard(6)
Most simple(7)
Mother(archaic) (4)
Outlawed Irish army(abbr) (3)
Not creative(10)
a reference to drawing as a mode of mapping material imaginings, where drawing in dialogue with material reveals and revels in the properties and dreamy propensities of charcoal.”
Theodore won his highly commended award for a work entitled “Early Days”.
The medium he used was graphite and coloured pencil on paper, air dry clay and charcoal.
“I always hesitate to use more refined and expensive art materials since I was young,” he says.
“The pristine page felt too precious to waste, so my drawings have almost always been confined to cheap refill.
“With this work I wanted to break from that habit by using art
paper in disguise.”
He was, he says, “reconnecting with my roots by recreating the doodle coated papers that covered my desk as a child.
“I have begun to embrace lowbrow art to reclaim the joy of creating I had as a child, free from thoughts of worth and mass appeal, finally having fun.”
Ella Jones from Lower Hutt was the winner of the 2024 Parkin Drawing Prize and $25,000, sponsored by Chris Parkin, arts patron and philanthropist.
Ella’s winning piece, entitled The Visual World is Inexhaustible, is a graphite drawing of 120 paper drawings on graphite interwoven with steel wire that cascades elegantly down a wall.
Make cheerful(7)
Bestow(5) 58. Repeat again(9)
Cloister(9)
Raw(8) 55. Deem worthy(5)
1. Source of good fortune (7)
Supplementary clause (5)
Incursion (6)
Proverb (5)
Type of cheese (4)
Humility (7)
Offer (6)
Ettiene Kirsty
Of the ear (4)
Stir (7)
One-time Chinese political leader, Tsetung (3)
Breathing illness (6)
Wanderers (6)
Excuse (5)
Light silk
Lisa Munnelly with her highly commended Parkin Prize work. Photo: Supplied.
Theodore Brookes with his highly commended Parkin Prize work. Photo: Supplied.
Football full of surprises
By Grant Stephen
Round 15 of the men’s Central Football League proved to be just as exciting and full of surprises as previous rounds in the countdown to the season’s conclusion at the end of the month.
Waterside Karori had the weekend off as they were already a game up and it was a similar position for the Wellington Phoenix Reserves who have already played 17 of their 18 matches.
TFS North Wellington were back at home and had plenty of motivation to steer clear of the relegation zone when they hosted Petone.
The North Wellington faithful were not the most relaxed of supporters in the first half when Kieran McMinn scored for the visitors just 13 minutes in the match through a short-range jab well inside the penalty area.
Norths couldn’t clear their area and paid the price accordingly.
The locals were reaching for their pacifiers again when Petone was awarded a penalty just seven minutes later and the conversion was made by Jack O’Connor to make it 2-0 in Petone’s favour.
The second half was a brighter affair for the home crowd, particu-
larly in the last 30 minutes when the pendulum swung the other way through tactical substitutions by Norths.
Henry Sinclair smashed home a magnificent strike to give the locals some hope and Ahmad Mohammadi added another to lock the scores up at 2 all.
Norths pressed for the winner on numerous occasions and were ultimately denied as much by their own inability to score when they really should have, as well as a stoic Petone defensive effort.
Despite taking a point each, the result was gold for both sides.
Petone were never really likely to face relegation and now are clear by a point on 15 points from bottom of the table Stop Out who are on five points with three matches to go.
North Wellington and Island Bay have 9 points and Island Bay have just two matches to play while Norths still have three.
The upshot of it all is that it may take all 18 rounds to see how the tea leaves settle.
Stop Out could not build on their surprise win against Waterside in the previous round. This time they lost 4-0 at home to Western Suburbs.
Stop Out face the Phoenix Re-
serves, Island Bay and Miramar Rangers in their remaining matches and still have everything to play for.
In the battle of Wakefield Park, Island Bay had to travel from their home pitch of Wakefield 1 to face hosts, Wellington Olympic on Wakefield 2.
The journey must have been traumatic as Olympic posted an 8-0 victory, gifting Island Bay the worst goal differential in the league currently at -39.
Isa Prins scored four of the goals, including a penalty, and is part of a solid gold lineup that to date, has lost one match and drawn none.
Miramar Rangers continued on their late season run of form to clinch what could be a season defining 3-2 win on the road against Napier City Rovers.
Had Rovers won, they would have nabbed second place and created a 6-point buffer between third and fourth sport and almost certainly pulled the draw bridge up to allow Olympic, Wests and themselves through to the National summer league.
That was not the case however and the top end of the table currently reads Olympic 42 points, Western Suburbs 37 (played an extra game),
Napier 34 and Miramar 31 points.
In the Women’s Central League, it is still a two-horse race between Wellington United and Waterside Karori.
Wellington United had a decisive 6-0 win over Victoria University while Waterside hosted Palmerston North Marist at Wakefield Park. The plastic turned out to be fantastic for
Karori runner opens Olympic campaign
By Frank Neill
Karori middle distance runner
James Preston opened his Olympic campaign last night (7 August).
Competing in the 800 metres, James was due to line up in the heats when the “Independent Herald” went to print. The first heat was due to start at 9:55pm, followed by three more heats. If James qualifies from his heat, he will move to the
semi-finals, to be raced tomorrow, 9 August. If he does not qualify, James will have second chance to make the semi-finals in the repecharge at 10pm tonight, 8 August.
The final is scheduled for 5:05am on 11 August. James’ first Olympic Games appearance follows a stellar year in the 800 metres. This has included breaking the 62-year-old record set by Peter Snell when he clocked 1 minute 44.02 seconds.
Competing at the Eugene Diamond League meeting in Pfungstadt, Germany, held overnight on 25 and 26 May, James bettered Snell’s old record of 1 minute 44.3 seconds.
Before James set the new record, Peter Snell’s 800 metres record was the longest standing on the New Zealand record books.
James also claimed a dominant victory over his fellow New Zealander Brad Mathias in his re-
Gardens Magic performers call-out
Performer applications are open for next year’s Gardens Magic.
This iconic free concert series returns from 7 to 26 January 2025 in the Botanic Garden ki Paek k
“We are looking to showcase a diverse range of wh nau-friendly music from Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s best and brightest local legends and rising stars,” Wellington City Council says.
“We welcome applications across all styles including te reo M ori, classical, jazz, indie, pop, folk, rock, country, choral, avant-garde, blues, ska, reggae, world music and more.”
In 2025 the council is offering two performance slots each evening: 7pm to 8pm Warm-up Solo Act – for soloists performing as the audience gathers, and 8pm to 9.15pm The Main Event – for bands and soloists.
The concerts and evening Light Dis-
The Beat Girls performing at this year’s Garden Magic concert. Photo: Wellington City Council. play are enjoyed by thousands of Wellingtonians and visitors each year. During the day, tamariki and wh nau can enjoy the Kids Garden Trail and Explorer Days. For more information and to and apply visit wellington.govt.nz/gardens-magic. Applications close at midnight on 1 September.
cord-breaking run, as well as setting a qualifying time for the Olympic Games. James is the current New Zealand 800 metres champion. In winning the New Zealand title, James cracked 1 minute 45 seconds for the first time in his career.
He finished nearly three seconds ahead of the second placed Sam Tanner, who is the New Zealand 1500 metres, mile and 3000 metres champion.
Wharfies in a scintillating 7-1 win. The usual suspects got their names on the score sheet with Renee Bacon scoring a hattrick, Nikki Furukawa a brace and a goal each to Kennedy Bryant and Rhianna Houghton. In the only other match in the round, it was a more sedate affair with Moturoa and Petone recording a 1 all draw.
Action from the match between TFS North Wellington and Petone. Photo: Terry Douglas.