9 February Independent Herald

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Such an amazing opportunity

Continued from page 1.

Hana has mostly been involved in show jumping, although she has also entered other equestrian disciplines such as dressage and cross country.

To date she has collected a series of first, second and third placings in show jumping events, together with champion ribbons in dressage.

Hana found out she had been selected for the Global Amateur Tour by email.

“I went to my mum and said: ‘You won’t believe it – I’ve been selected’.

“We both started screaming, we were so excited.

“I was honestly over the moon. It’s such an amazing opportunity.”

Her selection “brings such an awesome opportunity to explore new cultures, meet new friends and discover so much diversity and history,” Hana says.

The Global Amateur Tour was established in 2018 by Lucy Olphert, one of New Zealand’s internationally experienced riders, who has competed right up to World Cup level.

The event was created to offer amateur riders the opportunity to experience all the excitement, adrenaline and professionalism of competing internationally.

Following a few days of acclimatisation and training there will be three days of competition, with each day’s score determin-

ing the starting order on the final day. More information is on the Global Amateur Tour website, www.lucyolphertshowjumping. com/tours.html

Hana has trained with Lucy a number of times, and says it is “great to have the support from someone who has been involved in equestrian competitions for quite a while”.

To date Hana has not yet competed at the higher levels of equestrian sport.

That was one of the reasons she was so surprised and excited to be selected for the Global Amateur Tour.

“It’s really cool to see representation of riders who are just getting out there and who are just branching out,” she says.

Hana has been riding since she was eight years old, starting with lessons at her local riding school.

“I am looking forward to the future with my new 7-year-old [pony] Campeón Holly.

“I can’t wait to learn, grow and progress with Holly as we teach each other to go up the heights and be patient with one another.

I hope for Holly and I to jump Pony Grand Prix together one day and I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds for us,” she says.

Ultimately she would “definitely” love to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games.

“That would be such a dream come true,” she says.

The Life Story of Anne Frank “Let Me Be Myself”

The Life Story of Anne Frank – “Let Me Be Myself” is an exhibition showing at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts Galleries from 12 January 2023.

There’s more to know about the story of Anne Frank!

The new Anne Frank exhibition is particularly moving. Photos, objects, and text and film are used to inform you about the life of Anne Frank and the Holocaust.

There are new and revealing stories in this exhibition!

You will come away with a much better understanding of this aspiring young woman. From the entries in the Anne Frank diary you will see Anne Frank as she saw herself. You will also see her in the context of the larger tragedy that was the Holocaust. This international touring exhibition reaches out to young people especially, encouraging them to explore broader issues of prejudice and discrimination that still permeate societies today.

The Academy thanks the Embassy of France, the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand, and the Federal German Republic for supporting this exhibition.

Tickets available through Eventbrite or at the door:

Entry per person: $7.50 (Children under 12 years $5) NZAFA members: $5

[The Academy is offering a 25% discount off the annual subscription to be a Friend of the Academy Galleries to all attendees of Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank. Receive notices of upcoming events and exhibitions, and opportunities to join exclusive viewings and workshops]

Hana Mason, who has been selected for this year’s Global Amateur Tour with one of the tour’s founders Lucy Olphert.

Photo: Supplied.

Valuable Maori carving presented to marae

By Frank Neill

A valuable M ori carving has been rescued from Australia and is now proudly displayed at the Ng Hau e Wh o Papa angi Marae in Newlands.

The carving – carved by Cliff Curtis – is understood to have been carved originally for the Kapa Haka group with the same name as the marae, a group that is no longer operating.

It was found in Australia by Mike and Mary Rutten. Mr and Mrs Rutten were foundation members of Ng Hau e Wh o Papar angi Marae during the 1980s.

That was before a marae had been built in Newlands, and back

at that time the marae held its meetings and events in school halls.

When they were still living in Newlands, Mr and Mrs Rutten’s daughter became ill and needed an operation.

Ng Hau e Wh o Papar rangi Marae launched a successful fund-raising initiative, going from door to door to raise donations to pay for the operation.

The Rutten wh nau then moved to Australia, where they came into possession of the carving.

Rather than carry the carving around with them, they decided to present it to the marae.

They chose the marae because it has the same name as the Kapa

The Rutten family brought the carving to Newlands in person when they came to New Zealand over the Christmas-New Year period and presented it to

Helping Auckland

Four Wellington City Council building inspectors have travelled to Auckland to help with the assessment of thousands of homes and other buildings impacted by this year’s Auckland floods.

This follows a request from the Auckland City Council.

Wellington City Council is liaising with the National Emergency Management Agency, the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Officer and other agencies and may send further staff to Auckland if requested.

Valentine special

the marae.

“We are very honored they chose us to be the kaitiaki (guardians) of such a precious t ga (gift) which is proudly on display,” the marae says.

Karori Event Centre gifted to council

The new Karori Event Centre may possibly be completed this year and opened for community use.

This follows the centre being gifted to Wellington City Council (WCC) by the Karori Community Hall Trust on 15 December at a signing ceremony in front of the building.

The deed was signed by Wally Simmers and Heather Baldwin, both members of the Karori Community Hall Trust that has developed the facility.

“This is an important step in the further development of the building, enabling the Council to now complete the fit out,” Heather says.

The Event Centre was built to replace what were previously three separate community hall spaces near this location, including the former St John’s Church.

The new centre “will be a mod-

ern multi-purpose community facility for users, performers and audiences,” the foundation Chair of the Trust, Wally Simmers, says.

“It will a fantastic community asset for Karori and Wellington”.

The Trust raised nearly $3,000,000 from a range of sources to construct the building. The building was funded through the generosity of many Karori residents along with a number of community and national organisations, including the WCC.

In 2020 the council agreed to provide further funding to complete the building. The Trust agreed then that the building would be gifted to the council to be used as a community facility.

WCC has committed funding to undertake the fitout andwill work with the Trust with the intention of finishing the building so that it can open and be used by the

community

“The Trust is grateful for the funding commitment by the council,” Heather says.

“The gifting not only allows the building to be finished, but also ensures the centre will be managed and maintained by the council and available for commu-

A special Valentine’s Day workshop will be held as part of the raranga (weaving) classes at Ōtari Wilton’s Bush from 10am to 1:30pm on 11 February.

The workshop will allow people to make putiputi bouquets to gift to their nearest and dearest, and to use whakakano (dye) harakeke to add colour.

nity use for generations to come.”

Planning for the fitout project will be finalised early this year.

It is hoped to be completed in 2023, but the actual timing will be heavily dependent on the availability of contractors and materials needed for the job.

The Trust will continue to raise

funds for future improvements to the facility and its equipment. Their initial focus is on funding a retractable seating block in the auditorium and to have this installed before it is opened. To sponsor a seat with your name on it or make a donation go to www. karorieventcentre.co.nz

Mike and Mary Rutten with Mike’s sister Trudy Flynn (left) with the carving they presented to the Ngā Hau e Whā o Paparārangi Marae. Haka group.

Karori Community Hall Trust Trustees with WCC and Karori Community Centre (KCC) representatives outside the Karori Event Centre (from left) Nigel Hubbard and Teresa Wang (KCC) Jenny Rains (WCC), Gary Parsons, Sharmini Sivanantham, Wallace Simmers, Graeme Titcombe, Bryan Shepherd, Karen Wallace (WCC) and Heather Baldwin.

High praise for Otari-Wilton’s Bush

tari-Wilton’s Bush and Botanic Garden ki Paek k has achieved high commendation recognising the “hours of work by passionate, creative and knowledgeable people”.

The iconic garden was recently recognised for continuing to fulfil the requirements of a 6-Star Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand Garden Trust.

It was commended for its gardens, new visitor centre and renovations, plant collections, conservation research and propagation. The only recommendation from the assessors was to keep doing what they are doing.

“My team has put in a massive effort to maintain our diverse collection of native plants through challenging times in recent years,” says Tim Park, the managerof tariNative Botanic Garden and Wilton’s Bush Reserve.

“We are very pleased that the work we are doing to renovate the gardens was appreciated by the assessors.

“We have also recently expanded the capacity of the Lions tari Plant Conservation Laboratory, which is developing techniques

Fun, Friendship & Exercise

Scottish Country Dancing KHANDALLAH

No partner required Toe-tapping Celtic music BEGINNERS’ CLASSES

Monday 13, 20, 27 February, 7.30-9.30pm

Khandallah Town Hall

11 Ganges Rd, Khandallah (In Khandallah Village)

Low cost: $5 per class, cash at the door

COME EARLY TO REGISTER ON YOUR FIRST NIGHT

Monday club nights run from 6 March to end of November

Register and find out more from Robert 021 163 9649 johnsonvillescdc@gmail.com

Rod/Kristin 478-4948 rod.downey@gmail.com www.johnsonvillescd.org.nz

to save some of Aotearoa’s most threatened native plants including orchids (and their mycorrhizal partners), kauri and species affected by myrtle rust.

“We have recently refreshed the visitor centre in partnership with mana whenua and local artists and are stoked that this new space was commended in the judges’ notes,” Mr Park says.

tari-Wilton’s Bush was one of two of Wellington’s iconic gardens to gain awards.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paek k was recognised as a 5-Star Garden of National Significance and was commended for its new meadows approach.

The main garden spaces and the Victorian bedding gardens were singled out for being particularly stunning. The interactive learning area for kids was also acknowledged as “great”, and a good use of a steep slope.

It was also recently recognised with a Qualmark Gold Award under the Sustainable Tourism Business criteria.

“The Botanic Garden’s achievement of its Qualmark Gold certification is testament to

the garden’s presentation, and also reflects the unseen background work and systems which continue to make the garden one of the ‘must visit’ destinations in the region,” Botanic Garden’s manager David Sole says.

“This, alongside the garden continuing to be recognised as a Garden of National Significance, has coincided nicely with the return of visitors to the Capital and the fabulous summer.”

Scottish country dancing starting

Scottish country dancers love their dancing, the lively Scottish music that gets their toes tapping, and the friendships they make as they dance for fun and fitness.

It’s been especially important over the last three years, for club members to get together with fellow dancers to share some laughter while keeping spirits up, minds active and bodies moving.

Khandallah Town Hall has been the perfect venue for the relocated Johnsonville Scottish Country Dance Club for the last two of those three years, with a beautiful wooden floor, and great support from the hall Trust and the friendly staff.

In 2022 beginners came from across the northern suburbs, and from all sorts of backgrounds.

Some had experience of other dance forms, most didn’t. Some had Scottish connections and some not. Some came for exercise, some for the music, and all made new friends while learning a new skill.

Club members old and new celebrated a fine year of Scottish country dancing at the club’s

Scottish country dancers share the joy of the dance at Khandallah Town Hall in November 2022. Photo: Loralee Hyde.

2022 Tartan and Final Night in November.

It all starts again on Monday 13 February, with three weeks of Beginners’ Classes leading into a whole new year of dancing fun. If you’re thinking of exploring the world of Scottish country dancing, here’s some encouragement from last year’s beginners: “With everyone willing you to improve you couldn’t be in better company” (Ian).

“Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming, patient, positive and supportive. It’s very refreshing and energising.” (Christine).

The club would love to welcome you to Monday night beginners’ classes. Find out more at https://www.johnsonvillescd.org. nz/about-us/beginners/ or contact secretary Robert 021 163 9649, johnsonvillescdc@ gmail.com.

MAKARA CEMETERY

Monthly

Part of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and Botanic Garden. Photo: Chris Coad.

Carillon could be National Historic Landmark

By Frank Neill

Public submissions are sought for the proposed recognition of the National War Memorial – which includes the iconic Carillion – as a National Historic Landmark.

If it is recognised, the National War Memorial will be the second place recognised as a National Historic Landmark. The first was the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is seeking submissions, which close on 1 March.

The National War Memorial represents those who have served and fallen in overseas wars and peacekeeping operations. Set in a landscape of great cultural and historical significance, the memorial reflects New Zealand’s national identity through its architecture and the events it commemorates.

“The National War Memorial is a special place for New Zealanders and without it we would lose something very important,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief Executive Andrew Coleman.

“It is the country’s foremost symbol of national and personal remembrance and reflection, the focal point of generations of

memory.”

The memorial, located in Mt Cook next to the Dominion Museum, consists of the Carillon with steps and fountain, completed in 1932.

The Hall of Memories was completed in 1964; and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was installed in 2004.

The Carillon, featuring the third largest musical instrument of its type in the world, is the centrepiece of the National War Memorial, with its 51-metre-high tower a visible landmark.

The National Historic Landmarks/N Manawhenua o Aotearoa me uru programme has been established to better recognise and protect this country’s most outstanding heritage places that are cornerstones of our identity as New Zealanders.

“National Historic Landmarks are significant and meaningful places that shape our national identity,” Mr Coleman says.

“The aim of National Historic Landmarks is to protect those heritage places most important to New Zealanders through long-term risk planning and management, including from natural disaster.

“Our most cherished places are taonga that deserve strategic conservation and enduring protection.”

1st National Peace Convention Held to Promote Unity

peace advocates to build a holistic roadmap towards the attainment of national unity pandemic. Infect people not to rest in peace but veteran.

resolution which contained their solidarity with the second Plenary Session to call for President in commemoration of a civilian-led peace

Outstanding results for Whitby

Whitby Collegiate students achieved outstanding results in the 2022 NCEA examinations, the recently announced provisional results show.

The school maintained its 100% NCEA record in years 11 and 13 and scored 97% in year 12.

University Entrance, which is also a key academic marker, also sits at 100%.

Not only were the school’s pass percentages high, so also was the proportion of students who gained merit or excellence grades, with 87% of year 11 students in that category.

Three new classroom blocks opened at Whitby Collegiate at the start of the school year.

Students are enjoying a state-of-the-art science space, along with classrooms catering for drama and information technology. This

is alongside the Ioane Fiso Pavilion winning a national architecture award in 2022.

The school has actively recruited a number of highly qualified and experienced teachers to join the staff in 2023, further enhancing the learning programmes already on offer.

Along with the small class sizes, this ensures that students have the best possible chance of succeeding in a supportive environment.

Whitby Collegiate is also looking forward to its summer sports programmes starting and building on the success of teams at regional and national events such as softball, volleyball and athletics.

Sports teams will travel to Japan for an exchange programme in September and planning for a languages tour to Spain in 2024 is under way.

a National Peace Day shall be the mechanism are observed and celebrated across the country.

The National War Memorial and Carillon. Photo: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

The convention commenced with the first Plenary Session followed by parallel sessions in the afternoon. The parallel sessions were

It wasn’t long enough. The working man isn’t given enough time off. We did a bit of a tour around the South Island.

Khandallah Park Picnic returns

By Frank Neill

Khandallah Park will see people descend in their droves on Saturday 18 February for the Khandallah Park Picnic.

Organised by the Onslow Community Residents Association (ORCA), the picnic will include free swimming at the Khandallah Pool, as well as free food. The free food includes a sausage sizzle, corn fritters, pulled pork buns and cup cakes. A variety of activities will also be available,

including a treasure hunt, giant bubbles, a fancy dress parade, fun games and a photographic backdrop where people can take photos – ideally in their fancy dress costumes.

ORCA has organised the Khandallah Park Picnic in conjunction with the Khandallah Arts Theatre (KAT).

KAT will present the premiere of its new show Robyn Hood and Her Merry Gals, which will begin at 1:30pm.

Set in Sherwood Forest Robyn Hood and

Her Merry Gals will feature a duel on a bridge and an archery contest, and the sheriff is the villain. However that is about as close as it gets to the traditional Robin Hood story, The play is a musical with plenty of action, kid’s humour and audience participation.

Following its 18 February performance, the musical will also play on 19, 25 and 26 February at Khandallah Park or, if the weather is bad, at Cochran Hall, 106 Cashmere Avenue, Khandallah.

The Khandallah Park Picnic had to be

cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions, but what has been a marvellous success in the past returns this year.

ORCA will also host a Tyers Stream Walk on 4 March.

Tyers Stream reserve is an ecologically significant and a historically significant area.

The stream flows from above Khandallah Park area, and under the Khandallah Swimming Pool, and then through Khandallah down into Wellington Harbour at Ngauranga.

Pam is making residents’ days with great meals

Pam Watkins worked in the hospitality industry for 35 years before taking up a role at an Enliven Home.

Pam has been the food service team leader at Chalmers Home in New Plymouth for two years, a sister site to Enliven's Huntleigh Home in Kaori and Cashmere Home in Johnsonville and says she has enjoyed the transition from restaurants to the aged care environment.

“It’s great, I should have done it years ago. It is a better environment, it’s the people around you, it’s a joy working for older people and seeing them smile.”

Pam leads a team of seven kitchen staff who prepare lunch and dinner for the residents. Her role sees her doing a variety of things, including managing the team, ordering, and costing food, and managing the food control plan.

She says corned silverside, mustard sauce, and pickled pork is a favourite meal of residents at the home.

Enliven positive ageing services has a range of exciting job opportunities available

“They always look forward to their meals, and if you make someone's day, that’s important."

She says it is a rewarding role, so much so that she is happy to commute an hour every day to get to work.

Pam learnt a lot about cooking from her mum and nana, and now has children and grandchildren of her own, who she loves to spend her free time with.

“Spending time with family is really important. In my last job, I always put work before family, and suddenly when you work in an environment like this you realise how important family is.”

Pam Watkins says it’s a joy working for older people.

Both Huntleigh Home and Cashmere Home are looking for more great people to join their team. If you or someone you know is looking for a fun and rewarding role, visit enlivencentral.org.nz/jobs or email: recruitment@psc.org.nz. PBA

Q: Did you have a good summer break, and what did you do?

Diane Hall-Piuselli

The same thing we always do – eat and have visitors.

Frances Saltmarsh

I went to Brisbane to visit family.

Emily Lynch Pat McDonald

I’m retired so I had a good break. I pottered around the house and I built a shed.

Horo Wharepapa

Rich Russell

I went to a family reunion on the East Coast. We had a very good time.

We had a good break. We went to the Hawke’s Bay for New Year. We had lovely weather.

Come along to our Open Weekend at Summerset on the Landing in Kenepuru and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

Our homes are warm, modern and designed with everything you could need for the ideal retirement lifestyle.

We currently have a range of stunning brand new two bedroom homes available. So, whether you’re after a villa, cottage or apartment – we’re sure you’ll find the perfect home to suit you!

Plus, with six months to sell your existing home, it has never been easier to make the move.*

Love the life you choose

Upgraded skate park to open

By Frank Neill

The newly upgraded Tawa Skate Park will be officially opened on Sunday 12 February.

Wellington’s Mayor Tory Whanau and local ward councillors will open the skate park at 1pm

Northern Chorale resumes

After many months of stopping and starting due to recurring waves of Covid, The Northern Chorale resumed on Waitangi Day, 6 February.

This northern suburbs community choir meets every Monday evening from 7:30 to 9:30pm in the Khandallah Presbyterian Church Hall, 33 Ganges Road (opposite New World).

And the chorale is looking for new members. People interested in trying them out, can either contact the Chair Anne Henderson, 04 478 4402 or anne.henderson6@xtra. co.nz, or just turn up on a rehearsal night.

The Northern Chorale sings a wide variety of music: from classical to motets, masses, romantic works, folk songs and new New Zealand works, and it gives two public concerts a year.

“Did you know that choral singing is

good for your health?” asks Thomas Nikora, the Musical Director of The Northern Chorale.

“It’s good for your lungs

“It’s good for your mental health.

“It reduces stress levels and depression, and enhances your brain function.

“What more could you want from an enjoyable activity?

“If you’ve always wanted to sing in a choir, but never got around to it we’d love to have you give us a try out for a few weeks to see whether you’d enjoy it,” Thomas says.

“And we’d be particularly delighted if some men were interested in joining our tenors and basses.

“While it helps to have some musical experience, whether you have a lot, or just a little, we’d love to hear from you and there are no auditions.”

Budgeting? YIP!

Hey Everyone! With the cost-of-living situation, managing a household budget can be a challenging task, but it’s also an essential aspect of financial stability. By creating and following a budget, you can keep your expenses under control, save money, and achieve your financial goals. Here are some tips for managing a successful household budget.

creating a budget is to track your spending. Keep receipts, write down all your expenses, and categorize them into categories such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainwhere your money is going and where you can make changes.

to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your budget. Do you want to save for a down payment on a house, pay off debt, or simply reduce your monthly expenses? Once you have set your financial goals, you can create a budget that will help you achieve them.

and financial goals, create a plan that outlines your monthly expenses and savings to cover your essential expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation, while also leaving room for discretionary spending.

budget is to stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases and only spend money on things that are essential or aligned with your financial goals. Consider using cash or a debit card for discretionary spending to help you stick to your budget.

is not set in stone. As your expenses change,

needed to ensure it continues to align with your financial goals.

aspect of financial stability. By tracking your spending, setting financial goals, making a plan, sticking to the plan, and reviewing and that will help you achieve financial stability and reach your financial goals. But make sure you reward yourself now and then! Have a great week everyone!

The opening day will start two hours earlier than the official opening, however.

Starting at 11am there will be a free learn to ride clinic with Skated and all equipment will be supplied. Skated is a local, female run skate school.

A skate demo by James Huntley, Michael Wilson, Callum Pope, and others will follow the official opening.

The skate park has been closed since 26

September 2022 to allow the upgrade work to take place.

While the Tawa Skate Park was closed, the nearest skate park was in Pukehuia Park, Newlands.

The final plan has been developed using the feedback we received from Tawa community representatives as well as extensive input from key local skaters Kevin Francis and the Wellington Skateboarding Association.

The upgrade has transformed the skate park from what Wellington City Council described as “an aging relic” to a contemporary space which skaters of all ages, background and skill levels can enjoy. The project cost more than $400,000.

Seniors lunches starting for the year

The first Newlands Senior’s Lunch of 2023 was held on Friday 3 February.

The weekly lunches, held at noon every Friday, take place at the Newlands Community Centre

“Organised by Newlands Community House, this is a great opportunity for older people in our community to come along for friendship and food,” the community centre says.

Volunteers cook and serve a delicious healthy meal and the cost is just $5 (cash on the day).

Although the lunches begin at noon, people are welcome to come along to the centre from 11am for a cup of tea and a chat with others in the centre’s lounge.

The community centre also runs a “monthly movie magic” on the first Wednesday of every month, and this year’s programme began on 1 February.

Doors open at noon and the movie starts at 12:30pm.

Each month the centre selects a differ-

ent surprise movie. People can get some clues as to what the movie will be by ringing the centre a day or two before the screening.

People can bring their own lunch, and the centre will provide tea and coffee.

Wellington and Hutt Valley Community Law hold free clinics on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 11am - 1pm. No appointments are necessary. The first clinic was held on 1 February. The community centre also hosts a youth programme which runs from 3 to 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays during term time.

This programme will begin for 2023 at the beginning of the school year.

Challenge 2000 youth workers provide activities, food and a relaxed environment for young people of intermediate and college age.

For more information, contact the centre, or call Challenge 2000 on 04 477 6827.

The Northern Chorale’s Musical Director, Thomas Nikora, in action. Photo: Supplied.

An artist’s impression of the upgraded Tawa Skate Park. Image: Supplied.

The Districts of South Wairarapa and Carterton recently named Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, has become the newest International Dark Sky Reserve certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

The Dark Sky Reserve is surrounded by enduring protection from significant light encroachment, with the Pacific Ocean to the east and south and the Remutaka and Tararua forest ranges to the west.

LASER TOUR AT STONEHENGE

The programme begins with a presentation on the current night sky which includes an audio-visual.

This is followed by, weather permitting, a laser tour of the night sky. Star treks are available any evening by appointment.

Bookings are essential, to book, contact Stonehenge Aotearoa directly: Email: nzstarlore@gmail.com 06 3771600

Stonehenge Aotearoa

Kapiti Women’s Triathlon – a special event

The Kapiti Women’s Triathlon, to be held on Sunday 26th February 2023, is the longest-running women’s-only event in NZ. This iconic contest began in 1983 with the aim of encouraging women and girls to get out and have a go, focusing on fun, fitness and health.

It remains an amazing ‘grass roots’ event for women, run by women with a low key fun and friendly approach where any woman can find a challenge to suit them.

One of the unique aspects of this event is the great Group training options available to everyone. From openwater swim practices to cycle and run technique sessions and regular Sunday morning group swim sessions at Coastlands Aquatic Centre. Details can be found on the ‘Training’ page of kwt.org.nz website.

Women can choose to take part in the full triathlon, a duathlon, a team event, a fun run or the sprint distance triathlon for those who wish to push themselves.

The events are run in age group waves of 50 or less to avoid congestion. The first wave starts at 8.30am with the Sprint Distance Triathlon (750 m/18 km/5 km) and duathlon (500 m/18 m /5 km). Further waves start at 9am, participants are advised of their wave at registration.

Domestic Small Group Tours for the Over 50’s

Small Group Tours for the Over 50’s

FULLY ESCORTED INTERNATIONAL TOURS

DoC’s Wairarapa coastal walk and Honeycomb Rock beckon

Now is the time to book your Glenburn Station visit for a warm and welcoming summer/autumn visit – an ideal getaway for groups, couples, or families. Its well-known Honeycomb Rock coastal walk is an iconic Wairarapa day out. The 9km of pristine Pacific coastline along the boundary of the farm is one of

of the walk’s key features.

On the coastal walk, visitors can spot the seal colony, check out the remains of a 1960’s shipwreck, and stop by Honeycomb Rock, a large, distinctive outcrop known for its unusual pitted appearance. With rolling farmland, pristine coastline and quiet walking tracks.

Captivating Croatia and Slovenia

1 - 24 June 2023

Captivating Croatia and Slovenia

1- 24 June 2023

24 August - 25 September 2023

Rustic Charm of England Top to Bottom

Glenburn Station is the perfect place to relax, recharge and escape the daily grind. Visitors are welcome to stay in the range of accommodation options available in this rural slice of paradise.

Rustic Charm of England Top to Bottom

24 August - 25 September 2023 *Filling up Fast*

1 - 25 September 2023

Treasures of Turkey

1 - 25 September 2023

Treasures of Turkey

Breathtaking Vietnam and Cambodia 28 October 2023

5 - 28 October 2023

Breathtaking Vietnam and Cambodia

DOMESTIC TOURS

1 - 15 November 2023

Arrowtown Autumn Festival @ Stunning Dunedin

Amazing Thailand

16 - 23 April 2023

DOMESTIC TOUR

Catlins and Stewart island

19-27 November 2023

Arrowtown Autumn Festival @ Stunning Dunedin

See our website for more information

www.thirdagetours.co.nz

Contact

Email: info@thirdagetours.co.nz

ACTIVE summer

Take the “Walking Bus” to school!

The Glenside “Walking Bus” is where children, generally aged 5-10 years old, are led along a safe and parent-supervised walk to their school, usually taking 10-15 minutes.

Organiser Andrea Wilson has been thrilled to see the engagement her bus has as they learn about birdlife, flora, local

landmarks and how it all relates to their local environment.

Most walks have been dry and very sunny, and in the “bus” hours the wind is generally very light.

If you want advice setting up a “walking bus” for your school, contact Andrea on 021 216 0388.

Shantytown – a chance to pan for gold!

Shantytown, nestled amidst regenerative native rain forest provides a real sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand then and what it means to be a New Zealander now, by allowing you to be both participant and observer in this most dynamic period of its post-Maori colonisation.

Get back to nature at Rarakau Lodge – start of the famous Hump Ridge Track

Shantytown is one of New Zealand’s premier cultural and heritage attractions. A faithfully recreated 1900s pioneer town, born out of, and stimulated by, the great West Coast gold rushes of the 1860s.

Shantytown is located approximately 10km south of Greymouth.

Wellington’s a great place to get out on the water

Kayaking is great for peace and quiet, and yet keeps you fit as well!

When you’re heading into our great Outdoors this summer make sure you see the experts at Canoe & Kayak at 2 Centennial Drive, Ngauranga.

Andy and the team have always been happy to advise about the best option of kayak brands and on-the-water gear including life jackets and protective clothing.

“We live, breathe and sleep for the outdoors so we know what works. It’s who we are” says owner Andy Blake.

As specialists we aim to offer you the best range to give you the best choices. Plus we

work hard to resolve all our customers’ needs and concerns.

Andy and the team have always been enthusiastic about the fact their popular kayaks are made right here in New Zealand at Palmerston North and Matamata.

“We price our stock fairly and do not over inflate the price so we can discount you into buying on sales. You will find us very keen to have you as a long term customer and hence will always endeavour to get you a price that you will be very happy with”, says Andy.

They can also competitively and professionally install your roofrack, bikeracks and roofboxes

Rarakau lodge is nestled deep within lush Southland bush, with magnificent ocean and picturesque mountain views. They have the most beautiful sunsets, and breathtaking stars in the night skies. They also offer the closest accommodation to the Hump Ridge Track, being located only a few metres from the start and finish of this world famous track! You can book to relax in their spa after walking this exciting Southland track or try your hand at making your own delicious pizza in the outdoor pizza oven.

There are so many different guided packages available to you during your stay at Rarakau – including hunting, hiking, fishing, whitebaiting, and relaxation packages. Whether you seek adventure or a blissful place to unwind, the experience you have at Rarakau lodge will last you a lifetime.

1304B Papatotara Coast Road, Rowallan, Southland.

Telephone 021 256 4993

email: management@rarakaulodge.co.nz

bookings@rarakaulodge.co.nz

See

Halfway House inspires Waitangi gardener

Bernice Dingwall, head gardener for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds visited the historic Halfway House garden on Waitangi Day and came away inspired.

Bernice was visiting friends in Glenside who took her to the Halfway House garden, where she met Claire Bibby, lead gardener.

“I walked into the garden and went wow!” said Bernice.

“It changed my thinking and I want to go back to Waitangi Treaty Grounds and revisit what we are doing in the garden and bring back heritage into the garden.”

Bernice was impressed that the Halfway House Heritage Gardeners had researched and grown period accurate plants from the 1840 to 1900 era. She liked the orchard and is keen to introduce a fruit tree to the Waitangi Treaty house garden.

“We had a fig tree but it blew down and had to be cut back,” she said.

Bernice was interested that the Her-

itage Gardeners had built the garden around fallen logs and tree stumps and used dead branches, as wind shelter and supports for climbers.

In return, Claire said that asking Wellington City Council to have the Halfway House grounds classified as a Historic Reserve (which was done in 2014) had been directly inspired by her visit to the Treaty Grounds, which are Historic Reserve.

There are other features the grounds have in common, in addition to their association with 1840.

“Our historic houses are within a larger reserve which includes natural streams,” said Claire. “The Treaty Grounds are surrounded by native bush and our objective is to return a natural bush setting to the historic Halfway House and garden,” she said.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer as a Heritage Gardener or in the Duke of Edinburgh Award can do so by contacting Claire on 022 186 5714.

GARDENING THIS WEEK

Pollination: By Wally Richards

Most plants flower to produce seeds so their line will continue through their off spring.

When it comes to our gardening efforts we want plants such as tomatoes, zucchini and pumpkins to produce fruit which in every case contain the seeds for the next generation of those plants.

When pollination does not happen then the fruit will only develop a little and then rot.

Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma.

The goal of every living organism, including plants, is to create offspring for the next generation. One of the ways that plants can produce offspring is by making seeds.

Every year I receive enquiries about what is wrong with my zucchini/ pumpkin/melon/cucumber?

They flower and the fruit appears and then it goes yellow and rots?

The reason is that the female stigma did not receive a few grains of pollen from the male flower anther.

When it comes to the likes of pumpkins, melons and zucchini I always hand pollinate to be sure of a fruit set.

Best done in the morning where you check your plants for female flowers.

That is the flower that has the embryo fruit behind the petals.

When you find one or more then you look for a young male flower (which does not have the embryo fruit) but has anther that is covered with pollen.

I prefer to pick the male flower and remove the petals exposing the anther.

Then I rub the anther against the stigma and thus pollinating it and setting the fruit.

Bees, bumble bees and some other flying insects may do this for you as there is a little nectar that the flowers produce to encourage the flying insects to visit and move pollen from flower to flower.

Now things don’t always work as you would like them to work and sometimes a fruiting plant does not

produce any flowers.

This can happen if the plant does not get enough direct sunlight, there is not sufficient energy to produce flowers, It can also happen if the plant is well feed and well watered instead of flowering it will vegetate producing lots of new foliage minus any flowers.

I call them fat cats, well feed and very lazy.

If this is the case with any Curcubitaceae family member which is a large family that includes melons, cucumbers, zucchini and squashes you can take male pollen from say a pumpkin flower and fertilize a female zucchini flower to set the fruit.

It could also mean that there is a lack of potash so it pays to sprinkle some Wallys Fruit and Flower Power onto the soil at the time flowering should start.

Then we have self-pollinating, self-fertile and self-fruitful all mean the same thing.

You can plant a self-fertile tree and expect it to pollinate itself and set fruit alone (for example, peaches, pie cherries, apricots).

Self-fertilization, fusion of male and female gametes (sex cells) produced by the same individual.

Self-fertilization occurs in bisexual organisms, including most flowering plants, numerous protozoans, and many invertebrates.

Tomatoes are not pollinated by bees instead it is air movement on a sunny day that will do the job.

In a glasshouse or even outdoors its a good idea in the middle of a sunny day give the plants a gentle shake to set the fruit.

To grow tomatoes in the cooler months or though winter you need types that will produce pollen in the colder times to have fruit set. Summer growing tomatoes will survive with protect but may not produce fruit.

Winter ones are Russian Red and Sub Arctic Plenty (from Kings Seeds) World’s earliest tomato. Bred for the U.S. Greenland military bases to

endure extremely cold climates. Producing concentrated clusters of medium, good flavored, red fruit that ripen almost simultaneously. A very small plant with compact habit so excellent for anyone interested in growing in pots. Determinate. Blossom end rot on tomatoes is the dark patch under the fruit that is the result of lack of moisture to move the calcium at fruit set time.

The fruit sets but the bottom has the dark patch.

After picking the bottom part can be cut off and the rest of the tomato eaten. If not done the whole tomato will rot on vine or in a container after picking.

Tomatoes grown in containers are prone to this problem as they dry out quickly in hot weather and need watering like two or three times a day. A large saucer under the container that is full of water will help.

Corn is another one that depends on lots of sun and a bit of a breeze to move the pollen from the male stalks at the top down onto the ‘silks’ of the female cobs.

Planting lots of sweet corn plants near but not too close to each other will help.

On a still sunny day you can shake the plants to allow the pollen to drift down onto the silks.

Corn varieties will easy cross pollinate if grown near to each other so keep your pop corn, ornamental corn and maize types well away from your sweet corn.

To sum up with fruiting vegetables and fruit we want them to be pollinated and set fruit for our food chain.

But in our flower garden the reverse applies we don’t want the flowers to be pollinated because once that happens the petals fall off and a seed pod forms.

If like on lilies you were to carefully cut off the male anthers to prevent pollination then your flowers would last a lot longer.

Once the flowers on a plant have set then if you cut them off the plant (we call it dead heading) then the plant is

likely to produce more flowers as it wants to produce seeds.

We do that with roses to encourage a second flush and not only do we cut off the dead flower and rose hip (that is the seed pod) we cut back the stem a little to encourage new growth which can also produce new flowers.

Some gardeners use a small soft brush to collect pollen from male flowers to Fertilise the females and that is a nice way of achieving fruit set.

Fruit trees that flower but produce no mature fruit because of a lack of pollinators such as honey bees or bumble bees it pays to use a brush between some of the flowers on a sunny day to set some fruit on the lower branches.

Idea of planting flowering plants to attract honey bees may bring then to your bee loving plants but not to your fruit tree as bees are selective

and generally speaking will work one type of flower only at any given time. Bumble Bees are not so discrmitant and will work several different types of flowers as available.

Figs are very different: The crunchy little things that you notice when eating a fig are the seeds, each corresponding to one flower. Such a unique flower requires a unique pollinator. All fig trees are pollinated by very small wasps of the family Agaonidae.

The pollinators of fig tree flowers are tiny gall wasps belonging to several genera of the hymenopteran family Agaonidae. Gravid female gall wasps enter a developing syconium through a minute pore (the ostiole) at the end opposite the stem)

The wasp is long gone by the time the fig crosses your lips. Figs produce a chemical called “ficin” that breaks down the wasp bodies. Nature is so resourceful.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds head gardener Bernice Dingwall (left) and Claire Bibby in the historic Halfway House garden. Photo: Supplied.

Marsden appoints Deputy Principal

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer (Jenny) Caldwell to the position of Deputy Principal.

A proud Marsden Old Girl, Jenny (nee Shanahan) is excited at the prospect of returning to her alma mater as a school leader and can’t wait to give back to the school that means so much to her and her family. Jenny is a valued member of the Marsden Foundation Board, and is also a current school parent, bringing an intimate working knowledge of the school alongside an established inter-generational community connection.

Jenny is a dynamic and creative school leader, who brings a wealth of experience in her

previous roles, presently as Deputy Principal at St Mary’s School Wellington and prior in a variety of leadership positions at Wellington College, including Learning Area Leader of the Arts. Jenny is a passionate Visual Arts and Design teacher, a vocation she was called to following forging a successful international career in graphic design.

A proven school leader with a love for Marsden, Jenny is the perfect professional to lead the curriculum and support the principal and the wider team in advancing and achieving the school’s strategic aims. Jenny will take up the Deputy Principal position at the beginning of Term 2, 2023.

A great day out

The Onslow Historical Society’s Waitangi Day Walk up Mount Kaukau on 6 February proved a great day out.

It was touch-and-go – with a deluge of rain the night before threatening a cancellation.

The skies cleared, however, and by the afternoon Khandallah was bathed in sunshine.

Twenty- eight walkers, including two visiting Canadians, joined the party.

Starting at Raroa Station they were met by John Galloway and briefed by leader, Chris Horne.

The walk went through Onslow College, opened in 1950, to Johnsonville Park, sites of the historic waterworks and Mt Kaukau –site of the TV tower and of an aircraft crash in 1975.

After lunch on the summit enjoying views of Te Whanganui a Tara, and the Remutaka

Range capped with pure white clouds, the group descended to Khandallah Park.

The party benefited from George Walter’s detailed knowledge of the history of Johnsonville’s earliest town water supply.

He showed the group the remains of a dam built just inside the park entrance. This replaced the storage lost when, in 1918, a giant rain storm filled a concrete dam in a tributary of hariu Stream with gravel and destroyed the pump house.

Then he showed the group the tunnel excavated as part of the original scheme, as was a reservoir tank west of the ridge. The Café du Parc was a perfect final destination.

Under a shady umbrella, the party enjoyed much deserved cool refreshments.

Jennifer Caldwell will take up the Deputy Principal position at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School.

~

ON... O WHAT’S

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Call into our office, phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz

Theatre for families

Robyn Hood and Her Merry Gals, Khandallah Park, 1.30 and 3.30, February 18, 19, 25, 26. See KAT Theatre on Facebook for details.

Trades and Services

Public Notices

Enrolment at our school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on our website. The board has determined that up to 15 places will be available for out-of-zone students in 2023. The exact number of places will depend on the number of in zone student enrolments.

The second enrolment period runs for term 2 2023 from Friday 07 April to Friday 30 June 2023. For students seeking enrolment within the second enrolment period, the deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9am, Friday 10 March 2023. Please submit an enrolment form via www.rewarewa.school.nz/enrolment for submission to the ballot.

If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot.

Marsden’s Head of Primary receives Prime Minister’s Scholarship

Marsden School is thrilled to announce that Jo Burns, Head of Primary, has been awarded a 2022 Prime Minister’s Scholarship from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Jo will attend a World Aquatics certification school to retain her ‘A’ status as an international artistic swimming judge, and attend pinnacle international events such as World Championships and Olympic Games.

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G C

Consent Approval and house plans. Free estimates provided. Call Doug on 934-1398.

Painting Wellington Free Quotes Ph 027 645 7934

If a ballot for out of zone places is required, it will be held on Monday 13 March 2023. 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 to enrol their child at any time during this year or the next should also notify the school as soon as possible to assist the school to plan appropriately.

Details relating to the third enrolment period for 2023 are as follows:

Deadline for 2023 third enrolment period

applications: 9am, Thursday 01 June 2023

Date of ballot if required: Tuesday 06 June 2023

Currently one of only two judges in Oceania with this status, retaining it will enable Jo to be selected as a judge for the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan and/or the Olympics Games in Paris 2024. Judging has taken her around the world, including Germany, France, the Rio Olympics and the United States, as well as the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

“Judging artistic swimming is difficult because it can be such a subjective sport,” says Jo. “But the key is to focus on the technical aspects and what the athletes are achieving in the water and match that to the marking scale.”

Jo has a lot of experience to bring to the sport having adjudicated events for more than 20 years.

She herself competed as an artistic swimmer from the age of 10 and

Public Notices

Friendship Club of Johnsonville

Title of Talk: "Through the Lens of a Camera"

Date: 9.30 am Thursday 16 February

Visitors Welcome

competed as a New Zealand development squad member in synchronised swimming.

Once at university, she started coaching and judging and became the national coach for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Qualification Event.

Jo is also on the board of Artistic Swimming New Zealand (ASNZ) - the recognised National Sport Organisation for the sport in New Zealand.

THURSDAY FACT

Why do things stay in orbit?

142 Karori Road, Karori 476 5292

375 Adelaide Road, Newtown 389 6069

Puzzle

ACROSS

1. Stuntman,(9).

6. British P.M.1976-79, James (9)

11. Rough wool fabric. (5)

12. Baffle. (7)

13. Terra ... , dry land. (5)

14. Unwanted. (8)

Enquiries to Alison 234 1262

An object in motion will stay in motion unless something pushes or pulls on it. This statement is called Newton’s first law of motion. Without gravity, an Earth-orbiting satellite would go off into space along a straight line. With gravity, it is pulled back toward Earth.

51. Aquatic mammal. (8)

55. Delete. (5)

56. Illicit relationship. (7)

57. Hawaiian farewell. (5)

58. Jewel set by itself. (9)

59. Last day .(9)

DOWN

17. Excluded from society. (10)

18. Auspicious occassion, ... -letter day. (3)

20. Whirlpool. (4)

22. Loss of memory. (7)

24. Strictness. (6)

26. Australian bird. (3)

28. Tribunal. (5)

29. walk leisurely. (7)

32. Under(poetic). (5)

33. Officers’ servant, man. (3)

34. N.Z. bird. (3)

35. Eggs. (3)

36. Saunter (5)

37. Facial feature. (7)

38. Impish dwarf. (5)

39. Prosecute. (3)

41. Delirium. (6)

42. More robust. (7)

44. Cow-house. (4)

47. Escort on departure, off. (3)

49. Sprite,(Irish folklore). (10)

1. Easing of hostility between nations. (7)

2. Male ruff. (5)

3. Cheat. (6)

4. Morning star (5)

5. Fast time (4)

6. Large statue(pl). (7)

7. Sheen. (6)

8. Loving. (12)

9. Standard frequency unit. (5)

10. Early species of man. (11)

15.Solid carbon dioxide. ... ice.(3)

16. Dutch cheese. (4)

19. Disprove. (6)

21. Lasting. (7)

23. Collection of peacocks. (6)

25. Rhetoric. (7)

26. Theft by an enployee. (12)

27. Graze. (6)

28. Timidity. (11)

30. Small lump. (3)

31. Long,vehement speech. (6)

40. Constellation, minor. (4)

43. Fawn upon. (7)

44. Turkish governer. (3)

45. Rapture. (7)

46. Hot sauce. (6)

48.Colourless,odourless gas. (6)

50. Small medicine bottle. (5)

52. Joins (5)

53. Haughty. (5)

54. Catch sight of. (4)

Solution

SOLUTION

Last Week 2 February 2023

Nigel, your local funeral director caring in your community.

Jo Burns (right), Head of Marsden Primary, has been awarded a 2022 Prime Minister’s Scholarship from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Century helps save Johnsonville

By Frank Neill

Pearce Cup holders Johnsonville were forced to concede first innings points to Karori when the two Wellington division 1 cricket teams met at Karori Park on 4 and 5 February.

Batting first, Johnsonville were all out for 164, with Devan Vishvaka contributing 64 of these runs.

Karori secured a 41-run lead when they scored 205.

Max Sargentina was Karori’s top scorer with 41 not out while Arjuna Jayasinghe added 36 runs.

Ben Hilder, who took four wickets at a cost of 35 runs, bowled outstandingly for Johnsonville, while Zac Ringrose also bowled well, taking three wickets at a cost of 69 runs.

Johnsonville significantly upped its performance in its second innings to reach 220 for the loss of just three wickets.

This ensured a draw, and the players agreed to cease play around an hour and a half before the scheduled stumps, with the

Action from Johnsonville’s match

result a foregone conclusion.

Gareth Severin scored a century in Johnsonville’s second innings, finishing the day on 103 not out, and helping save his team from defeat.

Rakitha Weerasundara, with a score of 54, and Devan Vishvaka who scored 52, also batted well to keep Johnsonville in the match.

Johnsonville currently lies second in Wellington Cricket’s top division.

Onslow remained at the top of the Wellington division2 table when it

claimed first innings points in its match with Victoria University’s first XI.

Batting first, Onslow scored 266.

Captain Micah Conway was the match’s top scorer with 69 runs.

Oscar Jackson was not far behind his captain, scoring 67 runs for Onslow.

Victoria University was all out for 203 in its first innings.

Henry McIntyre was outstanding with the ball for Onslow, taking four wickets at a cost of 54 runs.

Vice-captain Sean O’Connor also

bowled well, taking two wickets at a cost of 46 runs.

Neither team got to bat in the second innings, ensuring the result was a draw.

Onslow’s second XI are the Wellington division 4 one day champions after defeating Hutt Districts Super Challengers in the final on 5 February.

Onslow went into the match having qualified top of the table with six wins and one loss.

Onslow won the toss and bowled first.

A tremendous start had Hutt Districts 33 for three wickets at the 17-over drinks break. A small cameo through the middle of the innings from Hutt Districts Jaco Vorster, who scored 48, got them to a total of 119 all out. Onslow took its time to chase down the small target, making sure not to lose early wickets. Kinal De Silva top scored with 58 not out as Onslow eventually chased down the total in 26 overs to claim a well rounded and dominant seven wicket victory.

Podium place for Karori athlete

By Frank Neill

Karori athlete Heath Abbot scored a podium finish at the Solar Power Throwers Meet in Lower Hutt on 4 February.

Heath finished a close second to Mana’s Alex Hewitt in the under 18 hammer throw.

Collegiate’s crews in action during last year’s Dragon Boat Festival.

Local colleges in Dragon Boat Festival

By Frank Neill

Two crews from Newlands College and two from Karori’s Samuel Marsden Collegiate will compete in this year’s Wellington Dragon Boat Festival.

The festival will take place at the Whairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront on 4 and 5 March.

Newlands College has entered two mixed teams, one with year 12 students and the other with year 13.

Both Samuel Marsden’s crews are girls. One boat will comprise year 12 students and the other year 13 students.

This continues a long tradition of the two schools competing in the festival.

Samuel Marsden has been competing in the event for more than 25 years. The college also competed

in the World Dragon Boat Festival held in Wellington in 1998.

Newlands College also has a long history in the event, going back to the 1990s.

This year’s festival marks the biggest turnout in the past 10 years, with teams from across the country and around the globe taking part in the exciting high-adrenaline action.

Each canoe-like boat will have 20 paddlers, one drummer (stroke caller), and one sweep (who steers the boat).

As one of the fastest growing water sports, dragon boating highlights teamwork, speed, strength and endurance.

“We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout for this year’s festival,” the festival manager Annika Green says.

“It is such an iconic event for Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

“Each year the harbour comes alive with thousands of spectators cheering on competitors, taking in our beautiful scenery, and enjoying the festivities of the event.

“From social to championship grades, our participants put in hundreds of hours training for this event – in the gym and on the water multiple times a week.

“We can’t wait to celebrate their incredible efforts alongside friends and wh au.”

A free event, the Dragon Boat Festival will feature an array of food trucks, DJs and spot prizes.

In its 39th year, the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival will celebrate its milestone 40th anniversary next summer. For more information visit dragonboatfestival.org.nz.

In doing so, Heath set a new personal best of 52.73 metres. This was just 41 centimetres short of Alex’s winning throw of 53.14 metres.

Heath is a fast improving athlete. For example, he finished fourth in last year’s New Zealand Track and Field Championships held in Hastings with a throw of

47.84 metres.

His new personal best of 52.73 metres is almost five metres longer.

Paralympic champion Lisa Adams proved the star of the Sola Power Throwers Meet. Competing in the women’s Para shot put, she won the event with a put of 15.18 metres – her longest throw for two years. The reigning world and Paralympic F37 shot put champion, Lisa will compete in the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Wellington in March and the World Para Athletics Championship in Paris in July.

against Karori. Photo: Supplied.

Heath Abbot in action: Photo: Supplied.

One of Samuel Marsden

Photo: Mark Fa’amoani – Big Mark & Co.