24 January Wainuiomata News

Ginny Andersen Labour List MP

Wainuiomata Level 1, 11 Queen Street 04 564 4988

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

See us online www.wsn.co.nz

/GinnyAndersenHuttSouth

Authorised by Ginny Andersen MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

mer name ANT MAN ory WELLINGTON

Thursday 11-22

Today 10-19

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Friday 12-22

Saturday 16-21

Phone: (04) 587 1660

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Wainuiomata firefighters performed outstandingly at the North Island Waterway Challenge on 20 January, finishing second.

This is the highest placing Wainuiomata has achieved in the competition, which they have been taking part in since the 1950s.

This year’s challenge was held in Carterton and saw the home team take out first place.

Continued on page 2.

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By Frank Neill

MAGENTA

YELLOW

BLACK

Visit the historic World War Two Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori.

See military displays and historic photos and a dvd showing a 9.2 inch gun firing. Self guided tours.

Refreshments available

The hours will be from 10am to 4pm. Admission fees are:

Family Pass: $20 (2 adults+3 children under 15) Adults: $10 Child under 15: $5 (CASH only: no EFTPOS) Please check our website for further information; Enquiries: (04) 4768 593 contact@wrightshillfortress.org.nz

2 Wednesday January 24, 2024

How to reach us

Big improvement by Wainui

Phone (04) 587 1660

Continued from page 1

By Frank Neill “I’m stoked with the effort everyone put in,” the Wainuiomata team Captain Trent Holden says.

“Last year we were third in the challenge, held in Havelock, so it was a big improvement this year,” he says.

The team of five firefighters was coached by Mati Soi. As well as Trent the team comprised Alex Cade, Ngarue Ratapu, Craig Nicholson and Donald Underdown.

Run by the United Fire Brigade Association (UFBA), the Waterway Challenge is contested over nine events,

Address 23 Broderick Rd, Johnsonville P.O. Box 38-776, WMC 5045 Fax (04) 587 1661 ONLINE: www.wsn.co.nz

REPORTER

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SALES

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where each team selects four members to take part.

These events test the skills of firefighters in activities that are essential to successfully fight fires.

That includes pump operation skills and hose running.

Each step of the process relies on team work – the hose to the pump, the standpipe to the hydrant, connectors extending 25 metres.

Only through precision, speed and team work can the firefighters hit the target.

The Wainuiomata team was placed second in six of the nine events that were in the challenge, third in one event

and fourth in the other two.

The Waterway Challenge has been an enduring UFBA tradition since it was first introduced back in 1885.

UFBA runs a North Island and South Island Waterway Challenge annually and a New Zealand Challenge once every two years. The next national event is in 2025.

The Waterway Challenge is one of three challenges the UFBA runs.

Another is the Firefighter Challenge.

This involves firefighters racing each other and the clock in a series of tasks along a course, with the firefighters wearing

full bunker gear and breathing from a Breathing Appartus set.

The 2024 North Island Firefighter Challenge will be held in Palmerston North on 12 and 13 April and the national challenge will be held in Wellington on 3 and 4 May. The third is the National Road Crash Rescue Challenge.

In this challenge teams of six race against the clock to extricate and treat patients in simulated road crashes while being scored in their techniques.

The 2024 national challenge will be held in Feilding from 13 to 15 June.

Fire risk closes Grand Loop track NATIONAL SALES

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The ridge section of the Grand Loop track in the Baring Head/ ŌOrua-pouanui regional park is temporarily closed to the public due to extreme wildfire risk.

Daily access restrictions are also in place for the lighthouse complex between 1pm and 9pm.

The track closure is a precautionary measure to protect visitors and controls are in place for staff, contractors and volunteers, Greater Wellington eastern parks team leader Ricky

Clarkson says.

“The fire danger level at Baring Head/ŌOrua-pouanui has risen to red, indicating an extremely high risk of fire.

“To ensure the safety of people and our staff, we are temporarily reducing access to areas within the park until the risk has lowered,” Mr Clarkson says.

“Fire can easily ignite and spread quickly.

“We ask people to exercise caution, and if visiting the park,

to do so in the early morning or late afternoon.

“When you’re in a regional park, make sure you always know where you are and the nearest exit routes.

“If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, please call 111 immediately and request ‘Fire’.”

Greater Wellington is regularly monitoring the risk of wildfires across all regional parks, which Mr Clarkson says is crucial

to staying ahead of evolving conditions.

“We know the El Niño weather pattern is contributing to a riskier-than-normal fire season, while climate change means we will continue to experience hotter, drier summers.”

For the latest information on park access and closures, and tips for staying safe in regional parks, visit www.gw.govt.nz/ parks/wildfires-in-regionalparks/

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

3

Kitchen fire put out quickly Nate Rowe (left) leads the karakia to mark the start of the Maru – Streets for People project. Photo: Supplied.

Streets for People starting

By Frank Neill Construction of the Maru – Streets for People project in Wainuiomata will begin tomorrow, 25 January, Hutt City Council says.

The project aims to make it feel safer, more inviting and accessible for residents of all ages to walk, skate, scooter or bike through the area and to spend time in public spaces.

A karakia to mark the start of the project was held at the bottom of Rata Street on Wednesday 10 January.

Led by Nate Rowe (Te Ati Awa), the blessing was attended by Wainuiomata-based Councillors Keri Brown, Josh Briggs and Gabriel Tupou.

Councillors Naomi Shaw and Simon Edwards also attended, as did council officers from the Maru – Streets for People project.

The project involves a series of changes to the current street, footpath and lane areas in central Wainuiomata.

These include: changes to crossing points to improve visibility of pedestrians; narrowed intersections to reduce turning speeds and improve safety; lowered speeds within the project area to 30km/hr; removing the metal barriers at the entrances to the laneways between Hinau Grove and Wainuiomata Road and Totara Street and Konini Street and installing planters in their place.

This improves access to these laneways for people with prams, bikes, and mobility scooters while maintaining safety by preventing larger vehicles from entering and preventing people emerging from the laneway onto foot-

paths at higher speed; installing seating in the green spaces off the laneways, improving accessibility and walkability for people who may need to stop and rest; and increased opportunities for having fun down the laneways by installing play elements.

Signage, wayfinding and artwork has also been put in place to make the laneways more attractive and inviting.

More information about the project can be found on Hutt City Council’s website, at Streets for People | Hutt City Council.

The council is planning to hold a launch event with local schools and the community when the works are completed.

Maru in Te Reo Maori is a term expressing protection.

By Frank Neill When a pot of fat on their stove caught alight the home owners did the right thing and immediately called the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade on 19 January.

They then turned their attention to the fire and were able to put it out, succeeding in doing so before the brigade arrived.

There was only a small amount of damage “but it could have been worse,” Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Ewen Heron told the “Wainuiomata News”.

The brigade received the call to the kitchen fire at 8:35pm.

“If you see smoke or fire and believe there’s a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for ‘Fire’ immediately,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand says.

“If you’re not sure whether it’s a real emergency or not, call 111 and ask. ”When in doubt, call 111.

“Always call 111 if you need a fire engine.

Don’t call your local fire station.

“You’ll need to give our staff the following information to help us find the fire:house number;street name;nearest intersection;suburb and city; and Rural Address Property Identification (RAPID) number if you have one.

“Once we know the location of the fire, we’ll ask about the nature of the emergency.

“We’ll probably ask if anyone is injured or trapped. This will help us make sure the first responders are ready to act when they arrive,” Fire and Emergency says.

Summer Streetball starts

By Frank Neill Summer Streetball, featuring teams playing basketball on an outside court, has kicked off in Wainuiomata.

The first match of this inaugural 4x4 series took place at Frederick Wise Park on 19 January.

The series will continue at Wise Park at 5:30pm on Fri-

days throughout January and February and will culminate in a final at the Walter Nash Centre on Friday 3 March.

This is a free event, where rangatahi can “roll up, ball up, eat up and connect.”

Summer Streetball is a series of community basketball events across Lower Hutt where rangatahi can

compete to be kings and queens of the court, have some kai and listen to some sweet summer beats.

As well as the games at Wise Park, Summer Streetball is also taking place at Naenae Courts on Tuesdays, Speldhurst Park on Wednesdays and Riddiford Garden on Thursdays.

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4 Wednesday January 24, 2024

Regulator monitoring of water shortage The water services regulator, Taumata Arowai, has been actively monitoring Wellington Water and its council owners’ actions, “to make sure we are ready to act if required so communities continue to have enough water for drinking and sanitary needs over the coming weeks”.

This follows the move to Level Two water restrictions, which began on 17 January.

The El Niño weather pattern has brought hot dry weather to many parts of New Zealand requiring drinking water suppliers to manage their supplies proactively and carefully.

This coupled with Wellington’s (including Wainuiomata’s) aging network of pipes and the high amount of water leaking from the network has resulted in the need for residents, and people visiting the region, to conserve water as the potential for demand to exceed supply increases.

Taumata Arowai is concerned

about Wellington’s drinking water supply management challenges, Head of Regulatory, Steve Taylor, says.

“In late 2023, we met with Wellington Water, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and other agencies to discuss these challenges.

“Following this meeting, we’ve written to Wellington Water (22 December) to set out our expectations.

“We requested an update from Wellington Water about what actions they, and their council owners, are taking to address the water shortage, demand management, leakage issues, and plans to ensure they can deal with challenges like this in future and pre-emptively mitigate the risks.”

“Our conversations to date have been constructive and are continuing,” Mr Taylor says.

The Water Services Act 2021 sets out the duties water suppliers have to provide a safe and sufficient supply of drinking water to their

communities.

The Act also includes provisions for the regulator to declare a drinking water emergency to protect public health.

The declaration of a drinking water emergency makes some broad and flexible powers available to Taumata Arowai, which can require water suppliers and others to take or cease certain actions to manage risks to public health.

The regulator expects drinking water suppliers to actively manage the quality and quantity risk to their supply and proactively notify Taumata Arowai when there is a problem.

“Wellington Water has asked if we would consider using the emergency power available to us under the Water Services Act 2021, specifically letting them take more water than their current resource consents allow.

“This is under consideration,” Mr Taylor says.

“Before declaring a drinking

water emergency, we expect the supplier to have exhausted all other avenues to manage the risks to their supply and a clear and serious risk to public health must be established.

“This includes confirming that work on repairing leaks is no longer effective in keeping up with demand,” Mr Taylor adds.

Taumata Arowai is in regular communication with Wellington Water, its council owners, and Greater Wellington Regional Council (which is both a council owner of Wellington Water and the regulator under the Resource Management Act 1991) and still receiving information from them to inform a decision about the potential future use of these emergency powers, should other measures not adequately mitigate the risk to public health.

The regulator is also engaging with mana whenua, public health experts, and other agencies.

Taumata Arowai must consult

with the Minister of Local Government before declaring a drinking water emergency.

“The loss of water through leaks is a significant contributor to the water shortage risk,” Taumata Arowai says.

“A reduction in leak-related water loss is necessary to avoid Wellingtonians facing a repeat of this situation, or worse, every year.

“The repeated declarations of drinking water emergencies are not a sustainable approach.”

Taumata Arowai is exploring the options and tools available under the Water Services Act 2021 so that the underlying issues are appropriately prioritised by Wellington Water and its council owners.

“We expect to see short and long-term solutions put in place by Wellington Water and its council owners to assure us that Wellington won’t be in the same position again,” it says.

Wrights Hill Fortress open Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be open for public inspection on Waitangi Day, 6 February.

The World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in 1989 and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On Waitangi Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements.

The walk usually takes about one hour and people are ad-

vised to bring a torch, strong footwear and no jandals.

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet.

They will see shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10-metre-long gun barrel.

Also on show will be historic photos and an assortment of military weapons. A DVD of

how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well.

The World War Two Fortress is the only one of its type in New Zealand available to the public on four open days a year.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment.

In the early 1960s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children

under 12, or $10 per adult and $5 per child (CASH ONLY and no EFTPOS). All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress.

Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road.

Visitors to the Fortress in Wrights Hill Reserve can also enjoy bush walks, picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill. There will also be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale.

Trades&Services Directory

The flags flying above the Wrights Hill Fortress. Photo: Supplied.

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

5

Former college student honoured

By Frank Neill Wainuiomata College alumnus Alex Reedijk was awarded an OBE in the United Kingdom’s 2024 New Years Honours.

Now living in Glasgow, where he is Scottish Opera’s General Director, Alex was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the performing arts in Scotland.

Alex was a student at Wainuiomata College in the 1970s.

He is the longest serving General Director in Scottish Opera’s history, having taken up the role in 2006.

This continued his interna-

Alex Reedijk OBE. Photo: Scottish Opera.

tional career with festivals and opera companies in New

Zealand, Ireland, Portugal, London and Scotland.

“I have been so lucky to have been part of the rich cultural life in Scotland over the past 35 years,” Alex says.

That has principally been with Scottish Opera as its General Director “but also as part of the team at Assembly Theatre in the Edinburgh Festival, Mayfest, and more recently with the Citizens Theatre and the Beacon Arts Centre.

“Success in any field of endeavour but especially the arts require three key ingredients: very hard graft, passion and being able to work with amazing people

who are all equally determined, talented and creative every day.

“Many thanks to you all,” he says.

During his time with Scottish Opera, Alex ensured everyone in Scotland was able to access opera by touring productions, both large and smaller scale, the length and breadth of the country, bringing live opera to local venues as well as bigger city-based theatres.

He has also maintained Scottish Opera’s international reputation in education and outreach, with programmes including the renowned Primary Schools

Tour which, during Alex’s tenure has so far reached more than 250,000 children in the arts across all 32 Scottish local authority areas.

Alex has also overseen an array of new initiatives for young people, and for people living with dementia, including the world’s first Dementia Friendly opera performances in 2016.

Alex was at the helm of the NBR New Zealand Opera before his move to Glasgow and Scottish Opera.

Before that he was Executive Director of the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts.

Scottish Opera’s Chair,

Peter Lawson CBE, says he was “delighted at the news of the award of an OBE to our wonderfully enterprising General Director, Alex Reedijk, who has led Scottish Opera with great commitment, determination and success for the past 18 years .

“The award is a recognition of Alex’s championship of the wider Scottish cultural sector, and the whole Scottish opera family join me in offering Alex our sincere congratulations and indeed thanks, for his continuing leadership and enthusiasm.”

Celebration of Sir Jon Trimmer To advertise

Sir Jon Trimmer. Photo supplied.

A public celebration of the life of famous New Zealand dancer Sir Jon Trimmer will be held at the Opera House on Friday 2 February.

Sir Jon’s life (18 September 1939 to 26 October 2023) will be honoured through performances by members of the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB), alongside speeches and archive footage from his long and distinguished career.

The public is welcome to attend this free event. Doors open at 3pm, with the main programme running from 3:30pm to 5pm.

Entry for the public will be limited to the venue’s capacity and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There will be monitors in the foyer for any overflow, and this will have a live feed of the stage.

The memorial will also be recorded for those unable to attend.

The recording will be posted on the Wellington City Council’s YouTube channel the following week.

“It was with great sadness that the Royal New Zealand Ballet learned of the death of our beloved kaumatua and leading artist Sir

Jon Trimmer,” a spokesperson for RNZB says.

“Our friend ‘Jon T’ was associated with the RNZB for almost 60 years, and we had the greatest privilege of being able to dedicate our season opening of Hansel and Gretel to his memory.

“This memorial event allows the wider community and all those whose lives he reached to commemorate his passion, vigour and steadfast joy in sharing the magic of dance.”

on this Page contacT SAM NOW E: sam@wsn.co.nz

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6

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Dive bomb World Championship

Composed by Tony Watling 11th. Nov. 2015

Wednesday November 18, 2015 To Lease SECURE STORAGE 14sqm $42 per week.

Wainui Self Storage, Waiu St, 0274805150.

Trades and Services

13

Firewood 2m seasoned pine $180 4m Split pine store for next winter $330 Large Bags Kindling $13

Wainuiomata dive bombers have on screen, adding to the spectacle. challenge and exhilaration.

FOR ALL Judging ELECTRICAL repairs and Large Bags Dry Pine/ the opportunity to become a world “The event gives participating criteria will consider the height and hardwood mix $14 installations by top-qualifi ed electrician with champion. athletes the platform they deserve,” volume of the splash, along with the POOLS OF SATISFACTION Free Delivery in Wainui Wellington will host the first qual- organiser Scott Rice says. impact sound. record of over fifty years of giving locals the ifying rounds of the Z Manu World “I think New Zealand will be im“We are creating ancost event with a lowest “around-the-clock” service, just 0220831542 Our summer were built by us.feel-good factor, a fun event for the Championship at the Taranaki Street pressed with the pools skill demonstrated.” phone 977-8787 or 021-0717-674 or email Blends well did cause fuss. whole family, and a worthy celebraDive Platform, Taranaki Wharf Te Manu is ainmuch-loved Kiwino version Trades and Services will cause a splash.tion of the skill jack.powell@outlook.com Aro Wellington from January 27 of With a divehydro bombslide technique. involved in executing it many people dash.back the perfect Manu,” Scott says. to 28.

InAnd the to classic Manu the lower Situation Vacant native we twist and wiggle.

This is the first time that Welling- andThrough buttocks enterbush the water first, Successful jumpers from regional ton has seen a Manu or dive bomb with thethe body in a brings distinctive V qualifiers will go through to the From children a giggle. competition of this scale. shape formation.

Underwater grand final, which will be held at Severn days a week the placethe is open.

With $30,000 in cash and prizes to body extends and unfolds as water Hot summer days we all are hopen! Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on be won, the event has drawn interest explodes in an impressive splash.

March 9 where the first-ever World from hundreds of hopefuls around The bigger the splash the better. Champions will be crowned. the country and a television show has Variations include The Staple (hands There are three age groups for 46 Waione St Petone Public Notice been confirmed to air after the final and feet hit the water first), The Tamariki (10 to 12), Rangitahi (13 to Ph: 5685989 Open Sat 9am-3pm in Auckland on TVNZ. Coffin (feet first, body slightly 17) and Adults (18 +), and $30,000 Formerly cpa spares OF THEcutD AYleaned back) and The Gorilla (an in case and prizes to be won.

The qualifiers will showcase Wainuiomata Squash Club ting-edge “ManuTech” video judging upside-down bomb).

Manu enthusiasts are invited to Funeral Director technology to measure splash volJump platforms rangingAGM from 1 to 8 register for the event at manuworldN ume51. and height, which will be shared meters will provide varying levels of champs.com.

J.K. Rowling 7.00pm chose the CLASSIFIEDS Monday 30th November Community Notice unusual At the Clubrooms name Funeral Directors Wainuiomata Com‘Hermione’ munity Market, CornerSatof Main Road so young urday 27th January, and Moohan Streets, Wainuiomata girls at the Wainuiomata The Hutt Valley rail line will close between wouldn’t Library in Queen the morning and evening peaks tomorrow (25 be teased Street, from 10am January) and Thursday (26 January) for urgent Bringing Generations of till 3pm. All welcome.local news for being KiwiRail inspections. nerdy! to the community Between 9.30am and 2.30pm passenger Honouring Legacy Trades services will be bus replaced and no freight www.geeandhickton.co.nz trains will run.

Graham’s Situation Vacant For generations, Gee and Hickton Metlink was informed by KiwiRail on Tueshave been dedicated to caring for Painters day 16 January that the inspections of overhead your loved ones. power cables are essential Aduring daylight solid Get your Honouring your loved one’s legacy is hours for safety reasons, and to avoid a repeat House Exterior our purpose. of the incident on Wednesday 10 January. and Interior Our family caring for your family.

Power was temporarily lost during the painted! incident when all rail services in and out of Experienced tradesmen and large team Wellington Station were suspended and three A Manu exponent in action. Photo: Supplied. ~ Pensioner Discounts ~ trains, containing 129 passengers and six crew, stopped between stations.

E: grahamspaintersnz Chris Bishop While KiwiRail is also conducting in@gmail.com W: www.grahamspainters.nz spections during pre-planned intervals over MP for Hutt South Ph: (04) 564 9202 anniversary weekend, this week’s urgent Please contact my Wainuiomata 021 183 9492 Deliverers Required in inspections are required to complete the work office, my staff and I are here to help. and minimise further disruption.

Pets Area 1: Momona, Mohaka, Kawatiri - Kaponga.

Metlink acknowledges its rail passengers will CASSIE MURPHY GAVIN MURPHY Phone 04 564 8707 or email me at Funeral Director General Manager Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz CATTERY Casa De be inconvenienced while the inspections take place and is grateful for their understanding of Wootton, home away Upper Hutt: (04) 528 2331

from home. Rural sur- the need for the work to be done.

Applications are available at our recruitment View the Wainuiomata News roundings. 187 Moores Passengers are advised to allow time Lower Hutt: (04) 566 3103 office extra or at the security gate based in the online www.wsn.co.nz Road.

Phone Valley Authorised

by Chris Bishop, George in Wellington. for their journeys and reminded Ngauranga to check the Porirua: (04) 237 5332accounts@wsn.co.nz Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Jane 5644310 Barry 472 7987 or 021 276 6654.

Metlink website or app beforeContact travelling.

FACT

Rail closures this week

“

“

Wainuiomata Newspaper Deliverers

WANTED

Contact Sandra on 587 1660

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD C R O S S W O R D Puzzle CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

By

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

7

Cricketers’ second win in a row

By Frank Neill Wainuiomata’ first Cricket XI won a nailbiter when they defeated North City by just two runs at Linden Park on 20 January.

Victory came in the final over of the Hazlett Trophy 50-over match when Yesh Prashanth ran out Dillon Lewis to claim the tenth North City wicket to fall.

Batting first Wainuiomata scored 224 for the loss of five wickets.

They then bowled North City out for 222 runs.

A century by Ben Coddington, his second in eight days, proved a major contributor to the Wainuiomata cause.

Ben finished the match on 113 not out, even more than the 106 he scored when Wainuiomata defeated Naenae Old Boys on 13 January.

Daniel Hewitt played an important role in Wainuiomata’s victory, scoring a rapid 18 not out from just 11 deliveries late in their innings.

Captain Callum Mackanness was also in the runs, scoring 29 and he would later take one of the North City wickets.

A miserly spell of bowling from Liam McGee saw him concede only 24 runs from the 10 overs he bowled and he also

took two wickets.

Brett Dransfield bowled outstandingly too, taking three wickets for 54 runs.

Ryan Jackson also made a valuable contribution with the ball, taking two wickets for 41 runs.

The win over North City was Wainuiomata’s third victory in the Hazlett Trophy competition, Cricket Wellington’s second tier competition.

That competition was completed on 20 January, and the first XI will now move into the two-day competition.

Its first match will be against the Victoria University first XI at Kelburn Park on 27 January and 3 February.

The Wainuiomata second XI won its 20 January match when Naenae Little Masters second XI defaulted.

The team leads the Wellington division six table, one point ahead of Upper Hutt United Kereru. Both teams have won eight matches and lost just one.

The team’s next match is against Upper Hutt United Kea at Bryan Heath Park on 27 January.

RIGHT: Ben Coddington is clappped off the field after scoring 113 not out for Wainuiomata.

Photo: Wareham Sports Media.

Vikki-Lee Remuera. Photo: Supplied.

Cushla Haimona. Photo: Supplied.

Two local bowlers make rep team Wainuiomata bowlers VikkiLee Remuera and Cushla Haimona have been selected in the Wellington 1-to-8-year Ladies Development team to play in the Tararua Quad tournament.

The players selected will travel to Central Levin on 28 January and will play against Manawatu, Wairarapa and Kapiti.

“This is very exciting for the Wainuiomata Bowling Club, as Vikki- Lee is in her fourth year and Cushla is in her third year,” says Richard Morgan, President of the Wainuiomata Bowling Club.

Vikki-Lee was named and played in last year’s development sides while this is the first time Cushla has represented Wellington.

Both ladies came from the

Wainuiomata Bowling Club’s community bowls programme, played on a Wednesday night.

This is where the community is invited to come and play bowls and have a barbecue snack.

The community bowls programme has been very successful for the club, with many loving the game of bowls and taking the opportunity to become full members.

Anyone interested in having a game of bowls can pop into the club on a Wednesday night around 5:30pm.

If people come along with two others they can make up a team, and enjoy the excitement of playing other community players on a fun night.

The Wainuiomata Swimming Pool, with the hydroslide in the foreground. Photo supplied.

Free Pool Party

By Frank Neill Love Wainuiomata is hosting a Free Pool Party at the Wainuiomata swimming pool on Saturday 10 February.

The two-hour pool party will run from 6pm to 8pm.

It will be a “good opportunity for kids to come and enjoy the pool,” says Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator, Anaru Ryall.

As well as the free entry there will be a free sausage sizzle and free hydroslide rides.

Spot prizes, competitions, activities for the tamariki and

non-stop fun for the whole whanau will also feature at the pool party.

There was no Wainuiomata pool party last year, although the event did take place before 2023.

“So pack up the car, slap on some sunscreen, and join us for some Wainuiomata entertainment,” Love Wainuiomata says on its Facebook post advertising the event.

“Spread the word, and let’s make this Free Pool Party an unforgettable summer memory.”

8 Wednesday January 24, 2024

Good neighbour month - March The month-long celebration Neighbours Aotearoa returns for 2024, running from 1 to 31 March.

This event encourages people to organise activities or events with their neighbours.

Whether it’s a friendly wave, sharing tea or hosting a neighbourhood party, there are many ways, big and small, to get involved in your community.

This year’s theme ‘Growing Together’ is about connecting, nurturing relationships, sharing and encouraging aroha where you live.

It’s about growing skills, networks, memories, participation and fostering a beautiful neighbourhood.

“We’ve seen many studies over recent years that tell us that the relationships and social connection we have promote wellbeing and a long life,” says Neighbours Aotearoa Lead Connector, Lucette Hindin.

“Loneliness is a killer, literally.

“Strength and joy can come from ordinary people working together and helping each other in their streets and neighbourhoods.

“A lot of people around Aotearoa do this regularly and in so many different ways.

“We want that to spread into every community so that everyone can enjoy these benefits,” Lucette says. Now in its 14th year, Neighbours Aotearoa is dedicated to growing resilient and supportive communities.

Starting in 2009 as a one day event, the initiative is now running for a full month for the second year in a row, creating a movement of people nationwide who are working through small and big acts to connect neighbours.

Over the past five years more than 3,000 people have organised an activity for Neighbours Aotearoa.

In 2023 alone, more than 600 people from the top of the country to the bottom registered an event, activity or intention, with everything from sausage sizzles, street parties to a skateboarding competition.

“It was amazing to see neighbours meeting neighbours – which is difficult to do in the city, and we hope the start of much more connection in our neighbourhood,” one Neighbours Aotearoa local community organiser said.

Dry spot: By Wally Richards Dry spot is the term that is used when the surface tension has increased because of a long period of dryness, in some cases only a short time in high temperatures of summer.

It is called dry spot in a lawn when an area becomes too dry and water or rain sheds off to the sides where the grass will be nice and green as it is getting all the water.

In the middle of the dry spot the grasses will be brown and look dead.

Unless the temperature got very high and the roots of the brown grasses got baked then they are not dead but dormant.

In a hot summer you can see a whole playing field where all the grass is brown and dead looking and one would think that it’s the end of those grasses.

But no, when it rains for a few days and the water is able to moisten up the soil those grasses will sprout new blades and be away growing again.

Dry spot can happen any where in your gardens but is not so common as in lawns.

Container plants and hanging baskets is another dry spot problem which

is likely to be happening if you have pot plants this time of the year.

You water the plant in the container and very quickly the saucer underneath starts to fill with water.

The plant’s roots are sitting in a medium that has dried out too much and is reluctant to accept water.

The plant gets a little drink and shows signs of lack of moisture within a day or two.

With containers that are not too large you simply fill a tall bucket with water to about three quarters full.

Then you plunge the container under the water and watch the air bubbles come. The more air bubbles the drier it was.

When it stops bubbling you lift and let the surplus water drain back into the bucket before returning it to its saucer.

Likewise you do the same with hanging baskets.

If you have house plants it pays to check them to see if they are not accepting water and also lift them up and you will find they feel very light.

Its a good idea to plunge them so that next time you water they will accept

the water.

If it is a big container and plant and not suitable for plunging into a tub of water then you can do the following.

Take a jug and fill two thirds with water and then add some Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) say about 20mils and also give the water a squirt of dish washing liquid.

Stir and then apply it around the top of the growing media.

Wetting all the surface area before poring in the rest of the water.

If the saucer beneath catches some liquid then a few hours later lift the pot if possible and pour the water in the saucer back into the pot.

If unable to do this step don’t worry.

Outside on the lawn with dry spot you can fill the watering can with warm water and give a good squirt of dish washing liquid and lather up the water with your hand. Add a little MBL to the water.

This you are going to water over the dry spot areas.

Later on get the hose and water over the dry spot area and make sure that a good amount of water penetrates into the soil.

Now is a great time to sell.

What are you waiting for?

Locals helping locals

Curious to know what your property’s worth? Get in touch.

Linda Goss-Wallace 027 269 9605 linda.goss-wallace@raywhite.com Ray Wallace 027 226 4046 ray.wallace@raywhite.com

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