8 June Independent Herald

By Frank Neill

How to reach us

Phone (04) 587 1660

Address 23 Broderick Rd, Johnsonville Wellington 6037 www.independentherald.co.nz

REPORTER

Frank Neill herald@wsn.co.nz

027 490 3916

NATIONAL SALES

Sam Barnes sam@wsn.co.nz

587 1660

SALES

Steve Maggs steve@wsn.co.nz

587 1660

SALES

Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz

021 640 152

CLASSIFIED SALES classifieds@wsn.co.nz

First wahine Maori High Commissioner

Continued from page 1.

Deborah Panckhurst (Ng ti Porou) was “very pleased and honoured” to receive her award for services to foreign affairs and M ori.

The honour, she says, came as a “great surprise”.

“When they rang me to tell me about it I thought they wanted me to provide a letter of support for somebody else.”

That, she says, has happened a few times in the past.

Instead, the phone call was to let her know she would be made an ONZM.

The award was “reached on the back of a lot of other people”, she says, mentioning the team she led to the Solomon Islands and the Te Pou M ori support network at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

“I was very fortunate to be working with all those people.

“”I’ve always been surrounded by great teams.

“It is extremely important. This is not the sort of work that you can get done all by yourself.”

Ms Panckhurst was the first w hine M ri career diplomat appointed as a head of mission when she was New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands from 2006 to 2009.

During that time, she led New Zealand’s diplomatic engagement to help Solomon Islands restabilise after civil unrest and subsequently developed expertise in disarmament in the Pacific region and globally. She played a key role in major disarmament and non-proliferation negotiations including in the Pacific region, Geneva, The Hague, Vienna and the United Nations in New York.

Ms Panckhurst has had a

significant role in developing M ri staff within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the ministry’s relationships with M ri outside the organisation. She was a foundation member of MFAT’s M ori support network, Te Pou M ori, and for 25 years mentored ri staff to take up overseas postings, and helped develop MFAT’s core training for diplomats around te reo ri and tikanga.

Her efforts helped lay the groundwork for MFAT’s wider embedding of M auranga ori in its orientation and activities such as the M ori Engagement Strategy and the Memorandum of Understanding with the M ri business consultative body Te Taumata.

Ms Panchhurst recently concluded 30 years of diplomatic service with MFAT.

King’s Birthday Honours continue on page 4.

I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.

There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.

Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more

Vaping is shaping up as a big issue, which is why I organised a meeting at Onslow College earlier in the year on the topic. The big tobacco companies have managed to get a new generation who didn’t smoke hooked on nicotine through vaping. I do know some long-term smokers who have managed to get off cigarettes through vaping, but considering how many young people are now vaping, the benefits have been largely negated. There is no easy solution. If we now go to a full-on ban, we risk creating a massive black market which criminals will own, as they largely do with cannabis and other illicit drugs. That has happened in Australia, where they also get around things by legally selling vapes which don’t have nicotine but can be adapted. We have introduced some regulations which will hopefully stem the flow, but addicts are very motivated.

runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.

Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.

The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meetdemand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.

That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.

There’s plenty to be getting on with.

Hopefully we can prevent more people from picking up the habit. Education is the other strategy, convincing people that putting anything into your lungs is just plain dumb. Another is to enforce the rules on advertising so it is not glamorised as cigarettes once were. Older readers will remember the Marlboro Man, who incidentally died of lung cancer. If there was an easy solution, someone would have done it! I recently attended the opening of Tākina, Wellington’s new conference and exhibition centre opposite Te Papa. It came in on-time and on budget, and I thoroughly recommend a visit. Well done to the Council, which is so often criticised, but largely does a good job for Wellingtonians. Johnsonville’s Waitohi library has proved to be a major asset to the northern suburbs. There are always reasons not to do things, but sometimes we just have to get on with it.

Deborah Panckhurst ONZM (on the left) during a United Nations Chemical Weapons Convention meeting in The Hague. Photo: Supplied.

Bid to cut back Let’s Get Wellington Moving

By Frank Neill

Wellington City Council will be asked to pass a vote of no confidence in Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) at its meeting on 29 June.

Moved by Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Diane Calvert and seconded by Motukairangi/Eastern Ward Councillor Tim Brown, the motion calls for a vote of no confidence in the Lets Get Wellington Moving programme to deliver what the city needs in an affordable and transparent way.

Four other councillors have also signed the notice of motion – Councillor Ray Chung, Councillor Sarah Free, Councillor Tony Randle and Councillor Nicola Young.

Councillor John Apanowicz was not available to sign when the notice of motion was submitted, but has since added his support.

“It’s a big issue for everyone in the city, because everyone in the city will be paying for it,” Cr Calvert says, referring to the $1.48 billion cost the city council would provide to the $7.4 billion project.

A lot of people, particularly in the suburbs, have a “very strong view about it, especially in light of the rates increase,” she says.

“Retail is suffering in the city centre” because of a drop of patronage and they are also saying “you don’t need to spend this amount of money”.

“People from Ngaio, Khandallah and Johnsonville will drive to Queensgate [in Lower Hutt] and drive to Petone be-

cause they can’t get a car park in the city.”

The fact that a big majority of Wellington people oppose the LGWM plans was highlighted by a poll Stuff conducted on 6 June, Ms Calvert says.

The poll asked people if the programme should be ditched, and 71% said it should be. The poll received nearly 3,000 responses by 2pm.

[Although the poll was unscientific, it does provide an indication of what Wellington people think of the LGWM programme.]

A petition in support of the notice of motion may also be launched, the “Independent Herald” has been informed. However the paper was not able to find out the person, group or groups that are looking at setting up a petition.

In the meantime, Cr Calvert is encouraging residents to send letters or emails to the Mayor and Councillors in support of

the notice of motion. There will not be a formal consultation on the motion, so sending letters or emails is important, she says. Emails can be sent to mayor@wcc.govt.nz or councillors@wcc.govt.nz.

This message was underlined by the Chair of the Karori Resident Association, Andrea Skews.

“I strongly encourage the community to look into all the details and feed back to council their opinions,” Ms Skews says.

When LGWM was officially launched in 2018, the cost of the plan was estimated at $2.3 billion. It is currently estimated to cost $7.4 billion.

However many people expect it to increase even more.

The LGWM projects are funded by Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council, who each pay one fifth. The remaining three fifths is paid by the Government via Waka

Recycling lids

The Newlands Community Centre is now collecting lids that are too small to go into the kerbside recycling.

The centre will take number 2 and number 5 plastics, such as milk bottle lids, yoghurt pot lids, and metal lids like beer caps, wine bottle lids, metal jar lids.

The centre will take the lids to the Sustainability Trust who will then send them to their recycling partners.

Guide for coaches

A new e-guide for sports coaches has been produced by Nuku Ora. The guide covers a range of resources and tools to support coaches on their coaching journey and develop their skills throughout the sports season.

The guide is available at https://www. nukuora.org.nz/support-and-development/community-development/ coach-development/.

Kotahi.

At least three projects are planned in the northern and western suburbs – one in Johnsonville, one in Karori and one in Wadestown.

The Karori and Wadestown projects are currently open for consultation.

LGWM presented its plan for Johnsonville last year, with submissions on the plan closing on 5 December.

It received 1,300 submissions on its proposal to remove 70 cars parks in Johnsonville and Moorefield Roads.

The vast majority of these – around 95% – opposed LGWM’s plan to axe the car parks, Cr Randle told the “Independent Herald” in January.

Both the Johnsonville Business Association and the Johnsonville Community Association came out strongly against LGWM’s proposal, as well as the individual submissions opposing the plan.

One of the images of a Let’s Get Wellington Moving project, this one for Lambton Quay. Image: Let’s Get Wellington Moving.

Rod Baxter says he was both surprised and humbled to receive the award for services to youth.

“The email went into my junk folder. At first I thought it was spam.”

But then he had a look, and to his surprise found it was genuine. “It’s a hot tip for people to check your spam,” Mr Baxter says.

“I think like most youth workers, we do this work because we care for young people. We don’t do it for awards or honours, and we certainly don’t do it for the money.”

Working with young people, he says, is “cool. It is very rewarding”.

That is mostly because youth is a “period of our lives when a lot of change happens.

“It’s all about long-term service and long-term relationships with young people.

“When you see them develop and flourish that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Mr Baxter’s current work is with the Prince’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand (PTANZ), where he has been Chief Executive Officer since 2021 – the year the trust established in New Zealand.

“It’s uncanny that I’m receiving the award in the first King’s Honours list because [King] Charles established the trust to serve young people 50 years ago when he was the Prince of Wales.

“He also believes in long-term service to young people.”

Since it was established, the trust has supported more than one million young people world-wide, Mr Baxter adds.

PTANZ aims s to transform lives and build sustainable communities by enabling young people

to complete their journey from education to employment.

During his time with PTANZ, Mr Baxter developed entrepreneurship education programmes to support youth in their engagement with the economy.

He also led the trust to match funding of $2 million seed funding with the Ministry of Youth Development on He K kano, a mentoring and enterprise skill development pilot for youth aged 17 to 30.

PTANZ is just one organisation in which Mr Baxter has worked with youth.

He also worked for the Wellington Boys’ and Girls’ Institute, where he developed projects and programmes for youth across New Zealand.

He was the Project Coordinator for several Wellington City art

projects, transforming illegal tagging into iconic legal street art.

Mr Baxter increased ethical practices for youth workers by collaboratively developing the ‘Code of Ethics of Youth Work in New Zealand’ (2008).

While with MSD he co-wrote “Te Kete Aronui: Understanding what looks good in youth enterprise”, an evidence-based outcomes framework that has informed MYD to lift the quality of youth enterprise opportunities.

Mr Baxter has chaired several boards including the National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa, Pathways to Professionalisation Working Group and Korowai Tupu, and regularly facilitates youth development training with Praxis and the New Zealand Youth Mentoring Network.

Working with youth very rewarding Award was well timed

“I’m delighted to have received the award,” says Peter Flanagan, whose ONZM was conferred for his services to blood transfusion.

“I think it is particularly nice that it has been made this year as it will be the 25th

anniversary of the New Zealand Blood service on 1 July.

“It is an important year for the service.

“I like to think that this award recognises all the work the New Zealand Blood Service does.

“90,000 plus individuals donate blood each year in New Zealand. In many ways they are the people that ensure that the New Zealand Blood Service survives and prospers,” he says.

Dr Flanagan was the first National Medical Director of the New Zealand Blood Service when it was established in 1998 and was in that role until 2019.

He played a key role in developing it from 21 hospital-based blood services into the single national organisation it is today.

He also played a pivotal part in improving the New Zealand Blood Service to the point where it is now recognised as one of the best models in the world.

Dr Flanaghan has supported and informed the Ministry of Health on

policy related to blood transfusion safety and was closely involved in the transition to an integrated hospital blood bank network.

He is an Honorary Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology at Auckland University.

He has been a member of the World Health Organisation Expert Advisory Panel on Transfusion Medicine since 2009 and a member of Expert Committees in the Council of Europe.

Dr Flanagan is an Honorary Member of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, serving as President and Chair of the Standing Committee on Ethics, where he led a comprehensive review of the Society’s Code of Ethics.

He is a Life Member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion and in 2017 gave the Ruth Sanger Oration, the Society’s highest honour.

King’s Birthday Honours continue on page 6. Dr Peter Flanaghan ONZM. Photo: Supplied.

Rod Baxter ONZM. Photo: Frank Neill.

Mark Ave needs speed humps

By Frank Neill

Mark Avenue resident Pat Hill has asked Wellington City Council to install judder bars on the road following an out-of-control car smashing into her property on 28 May.

The car lost control on what Pat describes as a “dangerous corner” on the street.

After losing control the car crashed into the front of her property, destroying a retaining wall and the handrail beside the steps, taking out three trees and smashing part of her fence.

The car then carried on and crashed into the side of the house next door, damaging it.

Four young people were in the car.

“Mercifully nobody was killed,” Pat says, although she understands at least one of the occupants of the car was injured.

“You feel violated when something like this

happens,” she says.

The latest crash was the second in two months, and continues a trend.

“We’ve had six accidents since we’ve been here,” Pat notes, adding she has lived on Mark Avenue for 16 years.

“It’s a dangerous corner. It’s become a danger to the community.

“I want speed humps on the road.”

Following earlier accidents her late husband had approached the council asking for speed humps on Mark Avenue, but the council had come back saying that was not appropriate because buses travelled on the road. However Pat points out that that there are speed humps on other roads which are also bus routes.

“Something has to happen. If the public who live in the area are safer that would be fantastic,” Pat says.

Rustic Charm of England Top to Bottom

24 August - 25 September 2023

Treasures of Turkey

1 - 25 September 2023 & 2024

Breathtaking Vietnam and Cambodia

5 - 28 October 2023 & 2024

Norfolk Island

2024 dates TBA

Captivating Croatia and Slovenia

1 - 24 June 2024

DOMESTIC TOURS

Catlins and Stewart Island

19 - 27 November 2023

Arrowtown Autumn Festival & Dunedin

16 - 23 April 2024

14 - 21 January 2024

A part of the damage caused when a car lost control on Mark Avenue. Photo: Frank Neill.

Three local residents made MNZM

Three northern and western suburbs residents – Johnsonville’s Fa’atili Esera, Khandallah’s Stacey Mendonca and Wadestown’s Christine Richardson – were made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the King’s Birthday honours.

Mr Esera was made a MNZM for services to Pacific education. He was Principal of Mangaweka School from 1986 to 1990, Strathmore Park from 1991 to 1998, Raetihi School from 1998 to 2005, Petone Central from 2005 to 2014 and Sutton Park from 2014 to 2023.

Mr Esera established a Samoan bilingual class at Strathmore Park School. He is a founding member of the FAGASA Incorporated, a national organisation of teachers of Samoan. He was the National President of the organisation from 2005 to 2008, and from 2016 to 2023.

Mr Esera initiated Samoan Language Week in 2006 and established the annual Samoan language speech contest for primary and secondary students in 2007. He received an award for services to Samoan language by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples in 2021.

Mr Esera was a founding member of the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association and has been a cultural advisor for Tautau o le Moana, an education programme to improve learning outcomes for Pasifika students through strengthening school leadership.

Ms Mendonca was made a MNZN for services to women.

In 1996, along with two other, Ms Mendonca established the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

She has been involved with NAWIC for 26 years, holding several roles including as the inaugural President, Secretary of the Wellington branch and as Chair.

The organisation has grown from one branch in Wellington to branches in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Queenstown, Wairarapa and Otago, with more than 1,500 members.

She has organised regular events focused on technical and professional development, to inform and upskill women in construction, while promoting networking and information sharing.

She organised webinars during the Covid-19 pandemic and created Connecting in Construction, a group mentoring programme for the organisation.

Ms Mendonca contributed to the NAWIC Annual Excellence Awards, preparing citations, securing sponsorship, managing budget, coordinating judges and planning and execution of the awards ceremony.

In 2001 she received the NAWIC Lifetime Award.

Ms Richardson was made a MNZM for services to the Special Olympics and the community.

She has volunteered with Special Olympics Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wel-

lington for 14 years, currently holding roles as fundraiser, Treasurer and Tenpin Bowling Coordinator.

From 2012 to 2020 she chaired the organisation.

Between 2014 and 2019 Ms Richardson chaired the Special Olympics Lower North Island Regional Council and was a member of the Special Olympics New Zealand Board.

She scouts out and recruits new coaches, manages the club’s fundraising and communications and provides support for numerous tournaments.

She was Special Olympics Wellington’s Team Manager for two Special Olympics National Summer Games and recently co-ordinated fundraising and logistics for the Wellington team’s attendance at the 2022 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Hamilton.

Ms Richardson led the work for Special Olympics Wellington in establishing the club as a Charitable Trust, as required by the national body following a constitutional change.

She contributed to community activities in the 1980s and 1990s in areas including post-natal support, children’s safety and Amnesty International, and was a member of Wellington City Council’s Accessibility Advisory Committee for three years.

Ms Richardson was a founding member, Treasurer and archivist of EPOCH (End Physical Punishment of Children) New Zealand from 1998 to 2015.

Pat Edwards Whangarei. It’s really good.

Lance Pere Hanmer Springs. Love the hot pools and the scenery.

Lee Retimana Wanaka. I love the skiing and the ski season is coming.

Pamela Brens Rotorua, I love the heated pools.

Chassy Roberts

The Far North. That’s where I came from.

B Marment Rotorua. I have a lot of memories there.

Stacey Mendonca MNZM. Photo: Supplied.

Dr Sivagnanaratanam Sriramaratnam QSM. Photo: Supplied.

Services to Tamil community

Dr Sivagnanaratanam (Ram)

SriRamaratnam was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the Tamil community in the King’s Birthday honours. He has contributed to the Tamil community in New Zealand since migrating in 1986.

Dr SriRamaratnam served as Secretary and President of the Wellington Tamil Society be-

tween 1990 and 2009. The society aims to foster the advancement of Tamil culture, language, literature and provide a sense of community.

As President of the Wellington Tamil Society, he established the Lower Hutt branch in 1997, which is now the main centre for Tamil education in Wellington.

He has participated in a Tamil language broadcast on Access

Book fair coming to Karori

The Karori Rotary and Lions Clubs are again joining forces to run the Karori Community Book Fair this year at the Karori Baptist Church.

The fair will run from noon to 8pm on Friday 14 July and 9am to 4pm on Saturday 15 July.

Co-convenor, Karori Rotarian, David Watt said they are taking advantage of the public holiday for Matariki on Friday 14 July to encourage people to come out and attend their annual book fair.

“This is an important date in our New Zealand calendar for people to celebrate Matariki , so why not use your day to help us also raise more funding for community activites,” David says.

Rotary and Lions have commitments to raise funds for a number

of causes.

For Rotary these include support for “Lifting the Lid” on youth suicide, the Life Flight Trust, the vaccination of children in the Pacific working with other Rotary Clubs in Wellington in support of another environmental project at Zealandia and providing grants to various community organisations.

Karori Lions supports local Scouts and Girl Guides, installing new seats in Ben Burn Park, conservation projects, supporting disaster relief at home and abroad and working towards the regular shipment of good quality spectacles and sunglasses to the Pacific Islands.

“Rotary and Lions have a strong bond working together at the Karori Community Book Fair.

“This year’s Fair is earlier than

normal before the election season starts with meetings from August onwards. Our clubs are proud to provide services to help the needs of our communities,” David says.

Beth Anders, co-convenor for Karori Lions who spearheads the sorting of books, says they have plenty of books for this year’s fair and don’t need any more contributions of a general nature.

“We are almost ready to go with the books we have, but could do with donations of younger childrens books up to eight years old.” People can call or text Beth on 021 264 1481 for pick up.

A special bonus to book buyers will again be offered with the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes donated from within the business community.

Radio, supporting young presenters to produce and co-present programmes, in efforts to preserve the language and culture.

He established the Wellington Tamil Sports Club in 1988, mentoring young people and providing a space for the betterment of their physical and mental wellbeing.

Positions he has held with the club across 30 years include Club

Captain and President, and he represents the club in local cricket leagues.

Dr SriRamaratnam has been involved with the Red Cross supporting Sri Lankan refugees to settle in New Zealand, with assistance in English for Speakers of Other Languages courses, school and general practitioner enrolments.

A scene from the 2020 Karori book fair. Photo: Supplied.

6 Power saving Tips? YIP!

Hey Everyone! Inflation is up, and with it, so is the cost of living – so most households are making every dollar stretch a little further. And while the discounts might be obvious when you swap one brand of cheese for another, there are even bigger savings to be made, right at home. With a house that’s more efficient to heat and cool, you’ll shrink your energy bill and your environmental impact along with it.

1. Install a smart meter

What uses the most energy in your home?

How much would you save by switching to LEDs or turning appliances off at the wall? You can answer those questions with a smart meter, which lets you track, in 30-min increments, how much energy you’re using. Seeing that data will let you focus on getting the biggest wins and can be motivating too! To get a smart meter installed, start by talking to your energy retailer.

2. Insulate top to bottom

Insulation is a game changer – it keeps the warmth and cool in. For most homes, insulating can be relatively fast and cheap – well-fitting bats in your roof and a moisture barrier makes a significant difference. You’ll use your heater less in winter and will find your home stays cooler as the weather heats up. That adds up to more comfortable, affordable living and less environmental impact. Remember that insulation is a requirement under the Healthy Homes initiative, so get your home ready for your next stage in life for your next project.

3. Insulate side to side

Hang thermal-backed curtains and blinds. Those beautiful big windows could be stealing your energy – you lose a lot of heat through glass, even if your windows are double-glazed. Invest in floor-to-ceiling thermal curtains or blinds to trap warm air in and check for any loose latches or warped frames that can create drafty gaps. You can get these very cheap when on special.

4. Swap in energy-efficient appliances

You could be surprised at how energy-hungry that old dryer and fridge can be. Swap it out for 5 star rated appliances and you’ll see those energy savings creep up without having to do a thing. As an extra environmental bonus, your new appliances will save on water and probably work better too – no need to run dirty plates through the dishwasher twice.

5. Hot water thermostat

You may find your hot water system is running way too hot and you are just wasting that heat by mixing more cold water. Run your hot water at the hottest it can go and see if it is too high! You can save serious $$ by adjusting your thermostat down a little

6. Light up with LEDs

The simplest way to reduce energy use is to swap your old incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. These are super cheap to buy now and easy to install. LED can use up to 85% less power than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs and can last 15 times longer too!

Whether you go for the big upgrades or start small, getting your home more efficient will keep money in the bank and help you live more sustainably. Have a great week everyone!

Serving Sundays helps church’s neighbours

More than 40 members of Onslow Community Churchassisted people at eight separate locationsacross thenorthern and western suburbs (Churton Park to Wadestown) on 21 May.

Jobs included baking/making meals for neighbours, lawn mowing, gardening, water-blasting, cleaning, washing windows, packing-up a deceased estate andunsuccessfullytrying to find a misplaced passport.

Others also helped with childcare at church to enable more people to get involved.

“Serving Sundays” is an initiative designed to help the church engage with the local community.

“We schedule three Sundays a year to go into the community and practically help individuals/families/community organisations and groups,” the church’s community pastor Pete Rhodes-Robinson says.

“We do this during our normal Sunday morning church time slot, and meet in the evening to share experiences, have dinner and pray for our community.

“Jobs generally come from the contacts of individual church members, and we have also reached out to local schools with some success.

Written by William YIP

Your friend in Real Estate 021 106 9997 William.YIP@CollectiveFN.co.nz

“We had a lot of fun, with young and old working together! Itwas encouraging to learn of the different connections our people have in the local community and help support and build these relationships together as church.

“Those we helped were very appreciative,”

Pete says.

The church has two more Serving Sundays scheduled forthis year, on 20 August and on 19 November. The November one will see the church helping Khandallah School with its annual Kaukau Challenge fundraiser.

Anna Radu-Garrett (left) and Taylor Rhodes-Robinson helping inside during Serving Sundays. Photo: Supplied.

Helping in the garden (from left): Liz Maloney, David Tredger and Heather Rhodes-Robinson. Photo: Supplied.

Weekly Jazz at 5

Things to do this winter

BELLA'S

thu-fri-sat from 5pm 35 waitoa road, hataitai 35 waitoa hataitai

wines | cocktails | beers | snacks

www bambuchisan com/bellas www.bambuchisan.com/bellas

BELLA’S WINE BAR is the newest addition to owner Lindsay Phillip’s gluten-free havens in Hataitai. Nestled upstairs from sister restaurant, BambuchiSan, the cosy lounge is fitted out with couches, retro armchairs, fairy lights and vintage lamps. For your sipping pleasure there is a concise wine, beer & cocktail list which changes weekly, and a tasty snack menu with bites like beef tataki toast, and eggplant kasundi. Open Thurs to Sat from 5pm onwards. www.bambuchisan.com/bellas

WELLINGTON OR CHRISTCHURCH, DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS CHRISTCHURCH, DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS WELLINGTON OR

By Frank Neill

A weekly jazz performance, featuring audience and online requests, has come to Kelburn.

Called “Live at Five”, the jazz performances are held at the Cable Top Eatery, 1 Upland Road, from 5:15 to 7:15pm every Wednesday.

It is presented by a trio that is part of the Wellington Jazz Co-operative.

Ayrton Foot is on the piano, Daniel Yeasdley is on the double bass and Mark Lockett plays the drums. [From time to time one of the team will not be able to play, and their place is filled by another member of the Wellington Jazz Co-operative.]

“We take requests from people who

come to ‘Live at Five’,” Mark says.

“We also thought it might be fun to take some online requests and stream them live.”

The idea for basing the performance around requests came from Mark’s time living in New York, where he lived for a long time.

“I had a gig there. That’s how our trio made a living.

“People used to come down to the café and request a tune.

“We actually made a record from that called ‘Any Last Requests’,” he says. What “Live at Five” is aiming to do is to “get a vibe happening here,” Mark adds.

“We play whatever people yell out. It’s fun.”

WELLINGTON DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Tour #47 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

xperience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique aces. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders n get to international travel without packing their passport.

Incorporating Festival of Science (Complimentary)

Mon 14th August 2023, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Mon 21st August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.1

our #43 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Auckland

Tour # 47 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

4th June 2022, departs Auckland 1.30pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Tour #48 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

11th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 8.30am - arrive Auckland 10.30am

Incorporating Festival of Science (Complimentary)

Incorporating Festival of Science (Complimentary)

Mon 14th August 2023, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands

our #44 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Tue 15th August 2023, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 5.0

n 20th June 2022, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Tue 22nd August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Christchurch 1

4.30pm. Mon 21st August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.15am

Tour #49 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

n 27th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.15am

Tour # 50 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Tue 5th December 2023, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 5

our #45 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Wed 3rd January 2024, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands

Tue 12th December 2023, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Christchurch

es 12th July 2022, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.45pm

4.30pm. Wed 10th January 2024, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Wellington 11.45am

Tour #50 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

stival of Science week”

Wed 3rd January 2024, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30

e 16th Aug, 2022 departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Wed 10 January 2024, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Wellington 11

All Inclusive Costing per person: SINGLE shared facilities $4,455

e 23rd Aug, 2022 departs Chatham Islands 9.30am - arrive Christchurch 11.00am

es 19th July 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.30am - arrive Christchurch 11.00am o stivalofScienceweek

TWIN / DOUBLE with ensuite $4,555 | SUPERIOR SUITES $4,655

our #47 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Whanganui

Make up your party now and take advantage of your preferred accommodation while availability lasts.

n 2rd Oct 2022 departs Whanganui 7.00am arrive Chatham 9.45 am (CI)

n 9th Oct 2022 departs Chatham 5.15pm arrive Whanganui 6.30pm inclusive from $4,725 -- $4,925

Join Merv’s Chatham Island Tours

“An experience you will never forget.”

- Merv Halliday

Phone 03 249 8294

chathamislandtours@gmail.com

BOOK ONLINE: www.chathamislandtours.nz

Bella’s Wine Bar. Photo Supplied.

RIGHT: The jazz trio in action at Cable Top Eatery. Photo: Supplied.

What’s cool in the

Wairarapa

All the great sounds and pzazz from Broadway to the Westend

Curtain up! Light the lights! From Broadway to Westend will take you to new heights as performance company Operatunity presents the greatest songs from the greatest musical theatre stages in the world. Their stars will entertain you with numbers by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Lerner & Loewe, and more! A singing, dancing, sparkling spectacular, this show is sure to thrill, delight, and stir your imagination.

Operatunity Daytime Concerts and Travel is thrilled to announce that beloved Kiwi musical theatre star Tainui Kuru will be returning From Broadway to Westend, a glitzy showtune homegrown theatre talent. In true Operatunity voices, great fun, and of course, fabulous costumes!

The concert will showcase Tainui, alongside Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Alex Foster,

Stonehenge Aoteroa and the Winter Equinox

Stonehenge Aoteroa is New Zealand’s unique open air astronomical observatory, built following ancient knowledge of the stone circles and adapted to the conditions of NZ. You can visit the henge anytime they are open, without having to make any appointment. From June to August they are open weekends only. A map of the Stonehenge Aotearoa structure and a short audio-visual explaining how the stones work are included in the visit.

WINTER SOLSTICE 22 JUNE

Come and celebrate the Winter Equinox with Stonehenge Aotearoa starting 6.30pm. Have you ever wondered about what other people traditionally do around the shortest day of the year? Come and hear about it.

Cost is $30 adult $20 seniors, primary and secondary students $15.

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 it by visiting the National Museum of Sheep and Shearing in Masterton.

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.

of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand

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, and souvenirs. We are a visitor attraction of international quality.

The Wool Shed hours: 10am-4pm weekdays and 10am-3pm weekends.

There is always something to see at Wairarapa's best museum.

Aratoi Museum of Art & History brings you the Moon!

Masterton’s Aratoi Museum are excited to present its latest exhibition Our Moon: Then, Now & Beyond. It opened 20 May and runs to 16 July – the perfect winter exhibition! Over the last few years, Aratoi has been proudly curating exhibitions that relate to Our Moon has been a constant source of fascination for thousands of years all across the world.

Our Moon: Then, Now & Beyond brings

together a 5 metre diameter scale model of the Moon and explores the mythological, nearest neighbour and its role in marking Matariki.

smells like and what mythology is around it in this hands-on and interactive exhibition. Find craters on the Moon, the Sea of Tranquility, learn about the Maramataka and even build a space station!

Shearing and farming memorabilia plus types of wool and their uses. The story of shearing – its beginnings and how it became an international sport.

The history of sheep farming. Live shearing demonstrations for groups arranged with prior notice. Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement.

Wool garments and souvenirs.

Isaac Pawson, Vanessa Kelly and pianist Paul Carnegie-Jones, performing the greatest songs from the greatest musical theatre stages in the world in a singing, dancing, sparkling spectacular.

Broadway to Westend’s theatre star Tainui Kuru returns for this show

New toilets for Galloway Park

By Frank Neill

A toilet block will be built at Galloway Park following Wellington City Council’s decision to include the project in the annual plan for the upcoming year.

This decision has been welcomed by community groups, particularly those groups that use the park, and by the Karori Residents Association.

The council’s decision is “very welcome,” the Karori Resident Association Chair Andrea Skews says.

“It will be a great addition to the south end of Galloway Park.”

The council allocated $150,000 for the new toilet block when it approved the annual plan on 31 May, Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert told the “Independent Herald”. Community groups, including the Karori Residents Association and the Capital BMX Club had pushed hard for the project.

The new toilet block would be placed next to the BMX track and the dog park, she said.

“I’m delighted,” the President of the Capital BMX Club, David Harkness says.

“I look forward to an early installation for this highly used park.”

The Capital BMX Club and other groups using the park, including Skate Wellington, were also hoping to expedite a plan to get a new community hub and other facilities at Galloway Park.

“I’m looking forward to them [the council] actioning a master plan for the facilities later this financial year,” Mr Harkness says.

Fire and Flow at St Brigid’s

By Frank Neill

St Brigid’s School students enjoyed two evenings of “Fire and Flow” performances on 1 and 2 June.

Chris Hendry and Arihana Taiaroa of Te Ahi Ora visited Johnsonville to lead the “Fire and Flow” event.

After Chris and Arihana put on two performances, where they did a variety of moves with sticks lighted at both ends, students and w nau had the opportunity to have a go at

OUR TEAM

fire performance themselves in a safe setting.

The students had been training for their performances during the school day.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn a new skill, boost their confidence in a safe setting and at the same time connect with our wh u and school community,” St Brigid’s Tumuaki/Principal Jennifer Iaonnou says.

An emerging art form, “Fire and

Flow” is a unique activity. It is half performing art, half extreme sport.

The discipline connects the mind and the body in an incredibly enjoyable manner, while encouraging creativity and self expression.

Fire performance offers a display of skill, and is highly entertaining to both observe and perform.

Working with schools provides an avenue to improve confidence, mental wellbeing, physical health, and community connectedness.

Planting continued despite rain

Despite heavy downpours arriving just at the Trelissick Park Group working bee got underway on 4 June, four volunteers went ahead with the mahi.

They planted all 62 of the selected species on the Waikowhai Street road reserve at the park before scurrying home. The group planted mingimingi, toetoe, flax, hebe and tauhinu forsunnyareas; astelia and dianella for part-shade. There is room for other varieties later.

The verge of the park – which covers Ngaio Gorge – was sorely in need of en-

hancement, like a number of other areas of road reserve in the suburbs.

The Trelissick Park Group is keen to encourage greater biodiversity along the ecological corridors, for example for more birds and insects to come into the area between the harbour and outer green belt. More plants also help to slow stormwater runoff into the streams.

The Trelissick Park Group always welcomes new volunteers. For more information see https://trelissickpark. org.nz.

Maegan D’Souza during her “Fire and Flow” performance. Photo: Frank Neill.

Amelia Weile, who is 10 years old, performing during St Brigid’s School’s “Fire and Flow” event. Photo: Frank Neill.

Two volunteers work in heavy rain during the planting on the verge of Trelissick Park on 4 June. Photo: Supplied.

Karori Rotary seeking grant applications

By Frank Neill

The Rotary Club of Karori is seeking applications from groups and individuals seeking to make a difference to the greater Karori community.

ALL THINGS

The grants are for support services such as mentoring and assistance with governance advice for people in Karori, Makara, Northland and Kelburn.

Rotary will provide a maximum grant of up to $2,000 per activity.

The club’s areas of focus are families including youth up to 25 years, leadership, learning and literacy, disadvantaged people, migrants and refugees, promotion of the local economy, environmental protection and climate change

initiatives.

Expressions of interest close on 14 July. Expressions of Interest

Forms are available from the club’s secretary, email rotary.secretary@ icloud.com.

This grant round applies for the

June to July 2023-24 year. Depending on the number of grants made, the Rotary Club of Karori may offer a second round at a later stage. In last year’s funding round more than $8,000 was allocated to seven organisations.

Death Notices

BAUTISTA, Trinidad Orlanda (Trini): May 6, 2023

GARDINER, Terence Lester (Terry): Jun 4, 2023

MASON, Evelyn Isabel: Jun 4, 2023

NGATAI, Felicity Agnes: May 30, 2023

SCOBIE, Derrik: May 30, 2023

Newlands Primary School

Notice regarding out of zone enrolments for Term 4 2023

Enrolment at Newlands Primary School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on our website https://newlandsprimary.school.nz/enrolments/. The Board has determined that up to 10 places are likely to be available for out of zone new entrant students wishing to commence during Term 4 2023 (9 October to 15 December 2023). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. The Board has determined we also have a number of spaces still available for new entrants from Term 3 2023 (17 July to 22 September 2023).

For students seeking enrolment to commence school during Term 3 or Term 4 2023 deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9:00am Friday 30 June 2023. If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out of zone students is required, this will be held on Friday 30 June. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.

Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child should notify Newlands Primary School as soon as possible to assist with planning. Students who live in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school at any time.

Please contact the school office for enrolment packs - email admin@newlandsprimary.school.nz, phone 461 6900, visit 200 Newlands Road, or via the website.

View the Independent Herald online www.independentherald.co.nz

Part time teacher position

Come and be part of our amazing Green-Gold Enviro School and work with us to grow adventurous learners! We are seeking a reliable, friendly and caring, experienced teacher for 2 days per week until the end of the year (fixed term).

Applicants must be prepared to teach at any level of the school eg Y0/1, Y2/3, Y4, Y5/6 and be willing to teach in single cell or collaborative, team-teaching classrooms. This position is suited to a teacher who easily forms positive relationships with tamariki and colleagues, is flexible, uses their initiative and is someone who values curiosity, courage and creativity.

Send your CV, including three referees, with a covering letter summarising your strengths and suitability - we want to know what you can offer our school. Days of the week will be negotiated with the successful candidate (additional days may be available).

Send your application to the Principal, Paparangi School, 59 Beazley Avenue, Paparangi, Wgtn 6037 or email principal@ paparangi.school.nz. Visits are welcome. Call 04 478 6617 to arrange a time or email the Principal. Applications close at 4pm, Friday 23 June.

Support Local Businesses

Enrolment at Bellevue School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from our website: www.bellevue-newlands.school.nz.

The board has determined that up to five (5) places are likely to be available for out of zone students for the fourth enrolment period in 2023 (Saturday 23 September 2023 to Friday 15 December 2023). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. For students seeking enrolment within the third enrolment period of 2023, the deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9am Friday 30 June 2023

If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out of zone places is required, this will be held on Friday 30 June 2023. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held. Details of how applications from out of zone students are processed are available on the school website.

Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during the next year should notify the school by as soon as possible to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year. Students who live in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school.

Enrolment packs are available online at www.bellevue-newlands.school.nz.

OTARI SCHOOL ENROLMENT 2023 - 2024

ENGLISH MEDIUM CLASSES

New Entrants/Year 1

Otari School Board of Trustees is limited in the number of places it is able to offer students as a consequence of operating an enrolment scheme, details of which are available at the school office.

The Board has determined that there are limited spaces primarily available in the Montessori Strand for out of zone students who turn 5 between 1 July 2023 - 1 July 2024.

For students seeking enrolment within this period the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm on Friday 23 June. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of applications by Friday 30 June If the number of out of zone applicants exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot following the Ministry of Education defined priority order. If a ballot for out of zone places is required it will be held on Monday 26 June. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within five days of it being held.

Closing date for enrolment application: 3:00pm on 23 June

Ballot date: 26 June

Applicants notified: by 30 June

Application forms are available from Otari School Office: phone 475-3018 or email office@otari.school.nz.

Clifford Wicks

Principal

OTARI SCHOOL ENROLMENT

JUNE 2023 – JUNE 2024

Places in SPECIAL PROGRAMME (MĀORI IMMERSION)

New Entrants/Year 1

Otari School Board of Trustees is limited in the number of places it is able to offer students as a consequence of operating an enrolment scheme, details of which are available at the school office. The Board has determined that there are limited spaces available in the special programme (Māori Immersion) for out of zone students who turn 5 between 1 June 2023 - 1 June 2024.

For students seeking enrolment within this period the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm on Friday 23 June. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of applications by Friday 30 June

If the number of out of zone applicants exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot following the Ministry of Education defined priority order. If a ballot for out of zone places is required it will be held on Monday 26 June Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within five days of it being held. Closing date for enrolment application: 3:00pm on 23 June

Ballot date: 26 June

Applicants notified: by 30 June

Application forms are available from Otari School Office: phone 475-3018 or email office@otari.school.nz.

Clifford Wicks

Principal

48. Petrol engine igniter(5-4)

49. Expectations(9)

51. Type of gazelle(5)

52. Ridicules(7)

53. Felony(5)

54. Urged(7)

55. Gathered(11)

33. Estimated time of arrival (abbr) (3)

38. Banned(8)

40. Very hot(weather)(8)

42. Translucent variety of glass(7)

44. Universal arithmetic(7)

46. Talents(6)

47. Pretend to be dead, play (6)

Sinners (4-5)

15. Fitful(9)

16. Adjust to situation (6)

18. Most beloved(7)

21. Capital of Norway(4)

23. Flightless bird(3)

25. Sailor(inf)(3)

27. Narrow street(4)

28. Tiring(7)

30. Hat with strings(6)

32. Woman’s name(3)

33. Consume(3)

34. Austrian capital(6)

35. Novel, ‘ Wuthering ’(7)

36. Early Peruvian title(4)

37. Goddess of mischief (Gk.myth) (3)

39. Deed(3)

41. Crucifix(4)

43. Wide space(7) 45. East(6)

DOWN

1. Hidden store of things (5)

2. Tenacity(11)

3. Cooked thoroughly (4-4)

4. Distributed (6)

5. Overhanging roof edges(5)

6. Enlisted man(7)

7. Most distinct(8)

8. Flood(6)

9. Light woollen fabric(7)

10. Afterwards(5)

16. Everywhere(3,4)

17. Issue(7)

19. Ooze out(5)

20. Hot,capsicum sauce(7)

22. Surpass in endurance(7)

24. Vessel(3)

26. Decay(3)

29. Entreats(5)

31. Featureless (11)

32. Literary gossip(3)

48. Overwhelm (5)

49. Alarm(5)

50. Horse(Poetic)(5)

Solution

Last Week 1 June 2023

Chatham Cup victory for Karori

By Grant Stephen

Round three of the men’s Chatham Cup led to further good news for the Waterside Karori footballers who travelled to Tawa and overcame the locals 2-0 on 3 June.

Playing a division higher, the Wharfies were the form favourite right from the get-go and did not disappoint.

Stefan Cordwell got on the score sheet again for Karori right on half time and Jack Parker came off the bench in the final third of the match to snatch the second and final goal of the game.

It was a similar situation for TFS North Wellington who trundled back to Park Island for the second week in a row to face the unfamiliar and unknown Napier Marist.

Napier are also in a league below but are unbeaten in their local Premier competition.

Norths always had the wood on their hosts but fluffed their lines many times over and were also thwarted on numerous occasions by an overachieving local goalkeeper in Alex Schroder.

When the referee blew the final Whistle, the scoreboard read 1-0 to Norths following the conversion

of a free kick by Ali Nazari which was partially stopped by Schroder but ultimately could not deny contact with the back of the net.

In the David and Goliath encounter, top of the Central League, Wellington Olympic played bottom of the Premier League, Wainuiomata.

It was a 9-3 win to Olympic at the end of the day but fair credit to Wainui, they managed to achieve what others hadn’t by putting three goals past the form team in the lower North Island.

The local surprise of the round was Miramar Rangers crashing out of the competition courtesy of a jubilant Stop Out side. It was 4-4 at David Farrington Park at full time and penalties eventually decided the outcome, 4-3 to the men from Hutt Park.

Petone prevailed in the end 2-1 at home to Whanganui Athletic and Napier City Rovers were too good for Premier League side, Island Bay, winning 4-0.

In the women’s Kate Sheppard Cup, Waterside Karori’s standing in the Women’s Central League counted for nothing as they were defeated by fellow Central League member, Petone, 2-1.

Petone took the lead from the ninth minute and a late goal to

rather than overcome it.

In other local games in the round, Palmerston North Marist dispatched Havelock Noth 7-0, Wel-

Hawks win first Kerry Williams Cup

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Hawks lifted the inaugural Kerry Williams Cup when they defeated Upper Hutt Rams 41-39 at Maidstone Park on 3 June.

The Hawks had to withstand a late charge by the Rams, however, in the Swindale Shield Rugby encounter.

After they led 31-15 at half time the Hawks faced a rejuvenated Rams team in the second spell to snatch a two-point win.

The victory was Johnsonville’s third successive win and it came against a team that is higher than them on the points table.

The Hawks caught up ground on the Rams, with the Upper Hutt team two points and one place ahead of Johnsonville on the competition table. The Hawks are in fifth place and the Rams in fourth place following the 3 June round.

Left wing Jason Tuitama was once again in excellent form for the Hawks, scoring a try half way through the second spell.

Finlay Sharp also had a great game, scoring two tries, while Oliver Paotonu and Niall Delahunt also dotted down.

Half back Mark Sutton kicked four conversions and one penalty. With the 11 points, Mark has now chalked up 130 points for the season to sit in second place on the points scoring table. Rams player Tynan Barrett leads the table with 139 points.

lington United were 4-0 winners over Moturoa from New Plymouth and Seatoun had a 2-1 win over their Miramar Rangers neighbour’s from the league below.

King’s Birthday weekend saw

the suspension of top men’s and women’s football league matches for a further round of Chatham and Kate Sheppard Cup games in the ever-popular national knock out competitions.

College Sport withholding ground payments

College Sport Wellington will withhold payments on Wellington City Council and Hutt City Council sports facility fee invoices until the region-wide independent review of sport facility charges commences with the involvement of all councils.

College Sport Wellington’s board voted unanimously on 23 May to follow Capital Football in withholding payment of invoices from the two councils for the use of council-owned sport facilities.

It announced its decision on 1 June.

The decision was made to hold the councils to their election promise of an independent review, and to demonstrate the severity of the issue, College Sport’s Executive Director Bryan Dickinson says.

“Withholding fees is not a slight against the councillors,” he says.

“We’re doing it to show how serious we are about

delivering better outcomes for our sporting rangatahi.”

“We really appreciate the Wellington City Councillors fronting up and making this internal review happen.

“We’re looking forward to being involved as it gets under way, and making sure school-age sport players are fairly represented in the independent review.

“It’s been great to have Porirua and Upper Hutt both pledge their participation in this review, to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the costs across the region.”

The expectation of College Sport is that, like with Capital Football, all sports games will continue as scheduled at council-owned grounds and facilities, Mr Dickinson says.

Funds equal to council invoices will be deposited into a separate, ring-fenced account until those conditions are met.

Northern United’s Ali Nazari (left in the white strip) and Blake Chandler wait for the cross close to the Napier Marist goal. Photo: Terry Douglas. Karori’s Anabelle Christie, could only lessen the gap

Johnsonville’s next match sees them face a struggling Northern United team at Porirua Park on 10 June.

the Johnsonville Rugby

Football club will celebrate its Old Timers Day at Helston Park. The premier team will play Avalon on Old Timers Day.

Johnsonville’s Kusa Tuitama makes another run for the Hawks, supported by Niall Delahunt.

Photo: Peter McDonald.