14 September Independent Herald Newspaper

Page 1

Huge opposition

More than 95% of people who made submissions to Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) said they opposed the plan to remove car parks on Johnsonville and Moorefield Roads so

cycleways could be established. This was announced today by Mark Kirk-Burnnand, Chair of the Johnsonville Business Group (JBG) and Darren Bottin, President of the Johnsonville Community Association (JCA). Continued on page 2.

Standing in front of car parks in Moorefield Road that Let’s Get Wellington Moving wants to remove and holding more than 1,000 letters from people opposed to the plan (from left) Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle, Johnsonville Business Group President Darren Bottin, Becca Johnson of Nada Bakery and Johnsonville

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Business Group member Judith Grey. Photo:

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Community says ‘no’ to removing car parks

Continued from page 1.

The JBG and JCA formally asked LGWM for copies of all the submissions so they could be counted and the feeback published.

LGWM finally provided the submissions last week and following that the JBG and JCA have counted the numbers.

“In summary, only 4.9% of over 1,500 submissions support the Johnsonville cycleway proposal while 95.1% opposed the proposal,” Mark and Darren say.

“At a rate of nearly 20:1, Johnsonville community members said ‘no’ to removing car parks for cycleways.”

The JBG and JCA counted the numbers for and against removing car parks for cycleways and the mixed responses from the following three submissions:

The LGWM survey, where 68 people supported removing the car parks for cycleways while 43 were against – a total of 111.

The JBG letter, where nobody supported the removal of car parks for cycleways and 1,031 were against.

The JCA survey, where 8 people supported the removal of car parks for cycleways, 7 gave a mixed response, and 396 were

New action on climate emergency

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) updated its climate emergency action plans on 7 September.

The updated pan includes actions to investigate renewable energy sources and to build a carbon storage tracking system for forests and wetlands.

The 10-point organisational and regional plans were recently reviewed after being adopted by GWRC following its declaration of a climate emergency in 2019.

The changes to the plan were endorsed by the council’s Climate Committee at its 7 September meeting.

The changes will strengthen the GWRC’s reputation as a climate action leader, Climate Committee Chair Penny Gaylor says.

“Updating these plans sends a clear message that Greater Wellington is focussed on reducing emissions while preparing for the impacts of climate change,” Cr Gaylor says.

“The new draft plans show that on climate change adaptation and mitigation, we are incorporating the latest science and methodology to protect te taiao.”

The draft organisational plan retains actions including the electrification of all Metlink buses by 2035, while adding four new actions.

Among them are an energy transformation initiative to realise the potential

against – a total of 411.

That gave a total of 76 people supporting the removal of car parks for cyclesays, 7 mixed responses and 1,470 against – a total of 1,553.

The result of the submission count “is pretty overwhelming,”

Wellington City Councillor

Tony Randle told the “Independent Herald”.

“The community has said really emphatically ‘no’ to LGWM’s plan.”

The plan, Cr Randle said “was a terrible idea and it was not needed.

“The community saw this and told them [LGWM] what they want.”

“During the consultation process, it became clear that Johnsonville does not have a serious cycling safety problem, but we do have a significant pedestrian safety problem,” Mark and Darren say.

“Submission feedback also highlights the importance of protecting good parking access and the need to improve our public transport services in Johnsonville.

“Rather than blindly trying to impose the [Wellington City Council] Bike Plan into Johnsonville, the JCA and JBG are

arranging to meet with LGWM in the hope that they might now work with the community to identify and fix the significant transport problems we actually have.

“The JCA is already working in a positive engagement with Metlink around short term bus stop capacity and a long-term goal of a sheltered integrated Bus/Rail Hub.

“The JBG and the JCA hope that LGWM can work with us to also help make Johnsonville a more accessible community,” Mark and Darren says.

The JCA and JBG media release also voices a concern

with LGWM’s engagement report “People-friendly City Streets Johnsonville and Nga Uranga Gorge.

“This report only noted that ‘Community Submissions’ were received from businesses (853) and the JCA (451) along with 284 ‘Completed Surveys’.

“The LGWM Engagement Report then ignored feedback of the Community Submissions and only summarised the feedback of their own Survey including claiming: ‘61% agreed or strongly agreed that we need to make improvements to Johnsonville Road and the Johnsonville Triangle’.”

of renewables and batteries to reduce the council’s emissions, and a carbon sequestration and storage tracking system for forests and wetlands managed by Greater Wellington.

New actions added to the draft regional plan include enhancing pest animal control to help ecosystems sequester carbon and working with partners to ensure adaptation planning is community-led and informed by sound science and te

Updating the plans will help Greater Wellington continue to have a positive, transformative impact across the region, Climate Committee Deputy Chair Yadana Saw says.

“It’s time for action, and we need to lead with clear and achievable plans to meet our climate goals,” Cr Saw says.

“The changes endorsed today are a commitment to our tamariki and mokopuna that we will do everything we can to leave them a thriving and abundant te taiao.”

Some of the new actions in the draft plans can be delivered using existing council budgets while others will need to be proposed for inclusion in the 2024-34 Long Term Plan.

Following the adoption of the Long Term Plan in June 2024, the draft action plans will be brought back to the Climate Committee for formal confirmation.

Like many in Ōhāriu, I’ve really missed the Sunday morning Fruit and Vege market at Johnsonville School. It originally closed because of traffic issues, I was able to get it reopened, but unfortunately the school then needed the space for new classrooms.

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

asphalt or a suitable surface, please let me know and I’ll pass it on to the operator.

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

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

I worked with another school and the market operator to reopen at that school, but they too have just had a new building programme approved, and so that option is out. I’m looking for a suitable new site for the operator now. The market was a great place for the various cultures, age groups, and their families that make up the northern suburbs to mix on a Sunday morning, and importantly, get some goodvalue produce.

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

If anyone is aware of a suitable spot, which needs to be on an

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

A major earthquake in Morocco this week is a good reminder to us all to have plenty of supplies and especially water on hand in case we get hit here. There are plenty of websites available with detailed advice. Getting to know the neighbours beforehand is a good idea, as well as disaster recovery it is about community.

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

Finally, I’ve detected a lot of disappointment and criticism of our sports teams for not winning over the weekend.

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

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

There’s plenty to be getting on with.

Remember these are people giving their absolute best, and they are as disappointed as us all when it doesn’t go well. We’re all over them when they win, so we need to support them when they come up against a strong team. It’s a lesson in life!

2 Thursday September 14, 2023
Holding more than 1,000 submission opposing the removal of car parks in Johnsonville (from left) Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle, JCA President Darren Bottin, Becca Johnson of Nada Bakery and JBG member Judith Grey. Photo: Supplied.

Karori people need to make submissions

Wellington City Council’s Karori Connections scheme is now open for feedback, and Shared Spaces Karori is encouraging people to let the council know what they think.

The Karori plan opened for feedback on Tuesday 12 September and will close at 5pm on Sunday 8 October.

Karori residents will have the opportunity to surpass the recent record for the highest number of submissions on a council transport plan set by Johnsonville residents.

More than 1,300 submissions were received by Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) from Johnsonville residents on its plan to remove car parks so cycle lanes could be constructed.

Just over 95% of the people who submitted oppose LGWM’s plan to remove the car parks, the Johnsonville Community Associaiton and Johnsonville Busines Group told the “Independent Herald” on 12 September.

The two groups had just counted up the figures after making an Official Information Act request to LGWM for a copies of the submissions.

Wellington City Council is providing two methods by which people can provide feeback on its Karori Connections plan.

People can fill out a council survey, which is available at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/8PLS53J. The council provides both a short survey and a long survey people can fill out.

If preferred, FreePost feed-

back forms can be downloaded and printed from the council’s website , or requested by phoning 04 499 4444.

The council will also be running four drop in sessions on the Karori Connections plan. These sessions are:

Botanic Gardens Entrance –from 10am to noon on Sunday 17 September;

Karori Community Centre –from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday 21 September;

Karori Library – from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Thursday 21 September; and

Karori Park Café – from 9am to noon on Saturday 30 September.

“These are an opportunity for members of the community to come and see the designs, as well as speak to the project team ahead of making their submission,” the council says.

The council’s Karori Connections plan involves changes to bike, bus and pedestrian provision through Karori to the

Botanic Garden ki Pae with changes to Karori Road, Chaytor and Glenmore streets.

The council says that this is “to complete the safe bike connection from the west to the city”.

“We’re also seeking feedback on bus, bike and pedestrian improvements between west Karori and the Botanic Garden ki Pae hat include: changes to bus stops, bus lanes, and road layout that have been planned with Greater Wellington and Let’s Get Wellington Moving to improve travel times for buses and provide for more or longer buses; uphill bike lanes on Glenmore Street, Chaytor Street and sections of Karori Road; lots of safer new crossings; parking removal and changes. However the council does not, in its media release on the plan, state how many car parks it plans to remove.

The budget for the Karori Connections project is $4.1 million (all capital expenditure),

the council says. Around $570,000 of that will be paid for by the City Streets Programme at Let’s Get Wellington Moving.

Greater Wellington Regional Council is looking at an extra $800k for changes to Glenmore St width and bus terminal at end of Karori Road, etc. The funding for this one is more complicated as the pre-implementation (design work) is currently funded at 90% by Waka Kotahi as part of their Transport Choices package. So $1.2m of the $4.1m will be funded by Waka Kotahi.

The council is working with Waka Kotahi to discuss funding the implementation side of this project as well. An additional 3-4% of the project budget gets allocated for maintenance (operational expenditure).

Councillors will consider and make decisions on the proposals in December. If approved, work on the route between Karori and the Botanic Garden is expected to start in early 2024.

Te reo stories

As part of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week, the Newlands Community Centre is encouraging people to share their “te reo story” with the centre.

The centre is keen to hear stories of people whether they grew up speaking te reo or have just begun to learn the language.

People can email to the centre, newlandscc@wcc.govt.nz, post a comment on the centre’s Facebook page, or just go into the centre and tell them.

Staff at the centre will also be helping people record their stories to load onto the Reo Māori website,www.reomaori.co.nz.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori began on 12 September and runs to 18 September. The week, which is government-sponsored, aims to inspire New Zealanders to proudly speak te reo.

MP for Ōhāriu

3 Thursday September 14, 2023 inbrief news
Greg O’Connor Get in touch My office is open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday 04 478 3332 2/18 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington Labour.org.nz/gregoconnor /GregOhariu Authorised by Greg O’Connor MP, Parliament Buildings Wellington.
An artist’s impression of the proposal for Karori Road, from the Campbell Street iontersection. Image: Wellington City Council.
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PM visits Johnsonville

Extending free dental care and having an extra 300 Police on the beat will benefit people living in Wellington’s northern and western suburbs, the Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told the “Independent Herald”.

His statement came in answer to a question put to him by the “Independent Herald” during his visit to Johnsonville on 8 September.

A Labour government would deliver an extra 300 Police on the beat, Mr Hipkins said.

“In areas such as this [Wellington’s northern and western suburbs] the knowledge that there are more Police on the beat is encouraging.”

Labour was also promising to extend free dental care to everybody aged under 30 years. It would extend the free care to those under 23 years from July 2025 and to those under 30 years the following

year.

It was recognised that people in their 20’s see tooth decay for the first time, so the extension of free dental care “is very relevant here [in the northern and western suburbs]”.

Accompanied by MP Greg O’Connor, Mr Hipkins began his time in Johnsonville with a visit to Challenge 2000.

Challenge 2000 is a Youth Development, Community and Family Social Work Agency based in

Johnsonville which works across the Wellington region.

He then held a “media stand up” in front of the Challenge 2000 building. When asked his reaction to Labour’s ranking in the current polls, Mr Hipkins said “there is a huge undecided vote out there at the moment.

“That means the campaign is going to be important.”

During the media stand up Mr

O’Connor also commented on the redevelopment of the Johnsonville Mall, noting that the mall was “in the heart of the electorate”. He had been in regular touch with the Johnsonville Mall management company, Stride Property Group. “I would like to think the bulldozer will be in sooner rather than later,” Mr O’Connor said. Following the media stand-up, Mr Hipkins had discussions with the leaders of local groups over coffee.

Sewing comes to repair cafe

The Ngaio Repair Cafe will trial hand sewing and knitwear repair at its next session on Saturday 16 September.

The session will be held from 10am to 1pm at the Ngaio Union church, on the corner of Crofton Road and Kenya Street.

The type of repairs the cafe envisions are quick repairs such as sewing button/s on, a

small hole in a jersey or a hole in a seam.

This will be a welcome addition for many people who attend the cafe.

Shirts, jeans, jackets, jerseys and other fabric items come in every time the Repair Café opens, John McInnes, the Café’s coordinator says. The repairers will not be darning socks.

People wanting knitwear re-

pairs are asked to bring along matching wool.

The cafe will have some standard buttons, but people can also bring along buttons of their choice to be sewn on garments.

The Ngaio Repair Cafe began operating last year, running on the third Saturday of each month during the last three months of 2022, and again this year.

MAKARA CEMETERY

It is a free service, with a koha opportunity if people want to give.

The Ngaio Union Church did not invent the Repair Café.

It joined Repair Café International which began in Holland about 20 years ago and is now in many different countries. Repair Café Aotearoa New Zealand represents it here (see https://www.repaircafeaotearoa.co.nz/).

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Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in conversation with the founder and acting CEO of Challenge 2000, Kitty McKinley, during his visit to Johnsonville. Photo: Frank Neill. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (left) and Ōhāriu MP Greg O’Connor sitting down for a cup of coffee in Johnsonville. Photo: Frank Neill.
Shop Local Support Local NEWS TIPS Send your tips to herald@ wsn.co.nz
Ōhāriu MP Greg O’Connor (right) and Chris Hipkins in discussion with Johnsonville community leaders over coffee. Photo: Frank Neill.

Art on display at J’ville Mall

An art exhbition by all of the children in year 3 and 4 at Crofton Downs Primary School is currently on display at the Johnsonville Shopping Centre.

Called “Our Journey Through a World of Colourful Art”, the exhibition opened on 9 September and will run until Friday 15 September.

The students finished a term long inquiry into art around the world with this exhibition of their work and they collectively decided on the exhibition name.

The children have each chosen their favourite artwork from the term to be displayed.

“The variety in here is a true reflection of the learning they’ve done about art and different cultures, the Deputy Principal Louise Gusterston says.

“It’s great to see ourstudentsso proud of their work.”

The exhibition has been set up as a pop up gallery in Johnsonville Shopping Centre and is staffed by volunteer parents from the school.

The opening was well attended by students, staff and parents from Crofton Downs Primary School, as well as representatives from Johnsonville Shopping Centre, who have donated the space.

The students started their term by visiting Te Papa and learning how exhibitions and art work are displayed.

They learnt about labelling work and how to explain their artistic choices.

Each work of art is displayed with a title and a QR code with the young artist explaining more about their choices.

The students’ enjoyment of the project is reflected in their comments.

“I loved it so much,” says Leon, who is in year 4. “It was mind boggling and cool. We had a ribbon and QR codes to listen to everyone talking about their art.” Leon.

“I thought it was pretty cool how it was set up,” Isaac says.

“When I first saw it I thought it was amazing that every year 3 or 4 child got to put art in a gallery for the public to see,” Ayla says.

“Johnsonville Shopping Centre is proud to be a part of such a wonderful community initiative,” the Centre Manager Kirsty Macgregor says.

“ We are impressed by the level of talent displayed by the year 3 and 4 students, and we love hearing their stories about each individual art piece accessible through the QR codes.

“Congratulations to Crofton Downs Primary School on a very successful event.”

5 Thursday September 14, 2023
The very popular art exhibition at the Johnsonville Shopping Centre.
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readers have their say... Find out the WORD on the Street.

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has been reported saying the group will reunite at some point. What groups from the past would you like to see get back together and why?

For a local take, definitely

Local students to star in Improv

Students from three northern suburbs schools will star in this year’s New Zealand Improv Festival, which will run at Bats Theatre froim 6 to 14 October. Newlands College, Onslow College and R roa Normal Intermediate School each has six studnets in the performances and they will be joined by six Aotea College students.

Three students from each of the schools will perform on the opening night of the festival. They will, in fact, be the opening act, and will perform for an hour from 6:30pm on Friday 6 October.

The next night – 7 October and also beginning at 6:30pm – the second group for three students from each school will be on stage.

For many of the students this will be their first time on stage performing before a live audience, and it is also the first time that the Improv Festival has included student performances.

Highway projects welcomed

u MP Greg O’Connor has welcomed the Government’s announcement of $1.5 million for four projects across Wellington as part of a dedicated fund for early preventative works to protect our state highway network from future severe weather disruption.

“This investment is fantastic news fo u and will help ensure travel throughout our region is safer, easier and more reliable – especially in the face of future extreme weather events,” Mr O’Connor says.

The announcement includes drainage work on State Highway One between Tawa and Johnsonville to

help prevent surface flooding and slips failures.

“This resilience works funding is on top of the more than $1 billion invested by the Government this year on immediate repairs to cyclonedamaged roads.

“These local projects are part of a wider, multi-year programme that will help ensure essential transport connections around the country remain open and accessible, now and in future,” Mr O’Connor says.

For the full list of 2023/24 state highway projects funded by the Transport Resilience Fund, visit the Waka

website.

They will be joining people from all over the world who will be coming to perform at the festival.

Improv is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment.

Often improvisers will take a suggestion from the audience, or draw on some other source of inspiration to get started.

Although often associated with comedy, improv theatre does not have to be comedy.

The two shows by the students will follow the same format.

The students will work in groups during the first part of the show on short form improv games based on a tongue-incheek school world.

The students won’t know beforehand what games they will be playing.

Then all the students will take part in a full group game during the second part of their show.

The idea of having students perform at the festival was the

brain child of Newlands College teacher Gabrielle Raz-Liebman. She then worked with roa Normal Intermediate School teacher Guanny Liu to achieve their vision.

Both teachers are involved with the improv clubs at their schools.

As well as working with the improv student performers, Gabrielle will also present a workshop at the festival.

Her workshop, will take place on 8 October, will focus on movement-based improvisation.

An improviser and theatremaker, as well as a teacher, Gabrielle featured at the 2022 New Zealand Fringe Festival. Her solo devised theatre show “Being Prey” debuted at the festival, where she got eaten by a crocodille.

She has trained extensively through the Victorian College of the Arts, the John Bolton Theatre School and The Improv Conspiracy in Melbourne. She loves theatre that can make people simultaneously cry with laughter and wonder.

6 Thursday September 14, 2023
TroyGilmore Rage against the Machine – their music was awesome and something I could rock out to. SimonvanAalst Queen – hands down. How good would it be to see Freddie still there weaving his lyrical magic? MichelleChapman If I could bring someone back from the dead, Linkin Park. KarenBull Bros.’ I mean I shouldn’t really, that owe me nothing.’ CraigChalmers Oasis – that’d be a legendary and incredibly unlikely reunion with the Gallagher brothers. SteveWilson Supergroove. The Newlands College improv troupe (front row form left) Charlotte Harris, Will McLean and Luka Howell (back row from left) Peter Nalder, Dan Phillips and Raven Leitch. Students from the Rāroa Instalaughs improv troupe celebrate after a successful lunchtime performance. From left: Guanny Liu-Prosee (Teacher), Jeremy Steel, Emma Leahy, Daniel Churchman, Maggie Lazarevich, Emma Strahan-Downes and Lily Carman (in front). Four of these students will take part in the Improv Festival. Photo: Supplied. Kotahi

Visitors enjoy Karori lunch

Every Thursday, the Karori Community Centre opens its doors to offer a delicious lunch for the community.

It is not only a delightful kai, but also a feast of connection and meaningful conversations.

Last week the Karori community centre had the privilege of welcoming two new members from Pakistan, Riffat and Minhaj, who travelled all the way to New Zealand to meet their grand kids.

It’s heart-warming to witness the community come together, linking the past and present. One of the attendees, a Mathematics professor with ties to Pakistan, bridged the gap with his memories, even recalling the national

anthem.

The visitors were moved by the hospitality.

“At the Karori Community Centre, it feels like home, and our hearts are warmed by the care of kind, empathetic individuals who look after us as family,” one of them said.

This beautiful exchange is made possible by the dedicated local volunteers who prepare the meals and present it ever so beautifully. A huge shout out to Kaibosh who provides the food every week for these meals.

To quote the Centre Manager, Rubbana Adnan: “Together, we’re not just feeding bodies but nourishing souls and forging bonds that span continents.”

New Ngaio Lilliput Library

Ngaio has a new Lilliput Library.

Kenya Street resident Dennis Gibb erected the new library beside the Phoenix Takeaways on 30 August and it has proved a hit.

“Everybody loves it,” Dennis says. “It just went mad.

“The books just keep ticking over. I love it.

“It’s just part of the Ngaio community, which is just an amazing suburb.

“It just shows the spirit of the neighbourhood that people have got on board with it,” Dennis says.

“I had the inspiration to put it up on the Ngaio Local Facebook page and it just went viral.

“I was gobsmacked. Within a day or so it had over 300 responses,” he says.

It is more than a library too. Underneath the books is a tray where plants or garden produce can be placed.

Already books, parsley plants, clivia plants and a Peace Lily pot plant have exchanged hands.

The Kenya Street Lilliput Library is the third to be established in Ngaio. The others are in Trelissick Crescent and Ngatoto Street.

One of these was established by Marion and John McInnes. And it was Marion who sparked the idea for a third library.

“I had them [the McInneses] over to dinner and Marion asked if I’d ever thought about having a Lilliput Library,” Dennis says.

“I thought ‘that would be nice’.”

So he made contact with the Lilliput Library organisation in Dunedin, and established New Zealand’s Lilliput Library number 347.

NEW ZEALAND FIRST LEADER'S TOUR

MEET THE OHARIU

ELECTORAL CANDIDATES

PUBLIC MEETING

Wednesday 20th September 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Johnsonville Community Centre

Main Hall, Entrance Moorefield Road

Doors open from 7pm

Hosted by the Johnsonville Community Association

7 Thursday September 14, 2023
Authorised by H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road, Ponsonby. Enjoying last week’s lunch at the Karori Community Centre. Photo: Supplied. The new Lilliput Library in Ngaio’s Kenya Street. Photo: Supplied.

Mental Health Awareness Week

18 - 24 September 2023

STONES and CRYSTALS

Helping you feel a little bolder

Solace from the Earth

The people at The Rock Fella in Motueka have been working with stone for 20 years and their love of rocks is obvious from the moment you step into their workshop.

Owner David Dunning says the goal is to empower people. “We want people to look at the world and see that there is a treasure for everyone - it is a gift from the earth. Knowledge and information is power and by sharing this we hope to embolden people”.

If it lifts your soul, it’s good for you. If you can imagine it in stone, together they can make it happen.

Tea and Tech For Seniors

Nothing changes faster than technology! For many seniors, the rapid pace of change with technology can cause stress and worry, especially when the way we do everyday things like banking is being steered online.

Age Concern’s Tea and Tech day is all about helping seniors build confidence online and with their devices. It is a drop-in session event where seniors can bring any device along and get one-on-one help from a friendly volunteer. Participants are also given tips for protecting their privacy online, such as using two factor authentication to protect accounts, keeping devices updated, and using various and strong passwords (visit www.privacy.org.nz for more information).

E: therockfella@gmail.com

Johnsonville Medical Centre

Age Concern’s recent event at Khandallah was attended by 19 seniors, who enjoyed some great food and met our fantastic volunteers. All of the volunteers were staff from AMP who had a day out of the a brilliant job of helping with a wide range of tech issues including watching TV on a tablet, navigating a new laptop and installing apps on smartphones.

“Tea and Tech is a great opportunity for seniors to come and get personalised help with their tech device,” Stephen Opie, Age Concern Wellington Region CEO said. “It’s a space where they can feel comfortable to ask any question, no matter how simple, and

A huge thanks to AMP staff for committing the time to come and help our seniors.” the newest laptop was different, and that is where I needed a person to assist. Oscar from AMP did well. Online material can be just full of too many words! I was impressed, Tea and Tech participant

Age Concern is hosting another Tea and Tech workshop during their Making Connections event on October 4 in Johnsonville. You will need to register as places are limited. Visit www.acwellington.org.nz to register or call 04 499 6646 for more information.

Mental Health through Exercise Walks!

Daily walking is a key component to maintaining good mental health. Even the Greek philosophers understood the link between walking and good mental outlook.

Hippocrates quoted “ If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If still in a bad mood, go for another walk”

Socrates quoted ”Surely a person of sense as to obtain a well functioning mind and a

pleasant, happy life.”

At Active Feet Podiatry we can assist in making walking a pleasant and comfortaof the feet and offering advice and assisActive Feet Podiatry, Dr Tim Halpine can be seen at his clinic at 85 the Terrace in Wellington or at the Ngaio Medical Centre. Ph 473 8696

ActiveFeetPodiatry.com

you over haven’t had Covid in the last 3 months you are eligible for a Covid Booster

If you are over 30 and have had Covid over 3 months ago, you are now eligible for a free Covid booster

For all your pharmacy needs:

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you think.”
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Gardening LIVING

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This year is a ‘mast year’ which is when certain plant species produce more fruit, which in turn leads to higher pest numbers. Kwikill Environmental Services can help! The company was established in 1982 and is one of the few pest management companies in Wellingtonowned and managed by New Zealanders.

Handler) according to the Hazardous Substances & New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, licensed fumigators, and registered as professional technicians with the Pest Management Association of New Zealand (PMANZ). We design and provide pest management programmes that follow the Code of Practice for Pest Management in Food Processing for Australia and New Zealand.

In addition we abide by PMANZ Code of Ethics which sets the framework for professional values and principles.

With the days getting longer it’s time to start thinking about BBQs and outdoor entertainment areas – an attractive living space for entertaining friends and family, or for your own enjoyment. Decks, patios and courtyards can be designed to provide an extension of your indoor living areas. A BBQ setting can be enhanced by the addition of well-positioned seating and pergolas with attractive planting.

If you need landscaping ideas, or have your own and need guidance, we can help - with garden layout, structural features and plant selection.

Our Groundplanz team specialises in high quality woodwork that stands the test of time. We build BBQ cabinetry and also have extensive

expertise in paving and plant knowledge and design.

Groundplanz provides professional landscape design and construction services. The right design for your landscaping can really add something special to your outdoor living. www.groundplanz.co.nz

Spring’s arrived – so now’s a good time to

Wellington’s getting a good spring but el Nino’s on the way. so it’s worth getting those jobs around the house seen to now! With over 30 years’ experience across a broad range of industries, Madsen and Green are the team you can rely on. They offer a wide variety of services such as concrete driveways, house slabs, garage slabs, footpaths and many more. At Madsen and Green they take pride in excelling in their knowledge and

Well-known door and window specialists, Eco Doors & Windows, have branched out into a ‘Small Projects

skills, and because of that they have vast experience in civil works and residential works.

They have a variety of equipment such as diggers, trucks and the necessary equipment required.

Their experts can do all the ground work for new homes including drainage, electrical – or calling on any of their other expertise.

Divsision. This is where they are using their fine detail building skills to construct decks, fences, cladding and gibbing.

Eco Doors and Windows have over 17 years’ experience in fabricating uPVC from Aluplast in Germany.

Combining uPVC’s natural insulating properties with double-glazing means their windows achieve thermal insulation levels that far exceed even thermally broken aluminium – and at a very competitive price. Their uPVC doors

Eco Doors and Windows are centrally located at 29 Hutt Road, Thorndon, As uPVC windows and doors, the company has grown. They have a number of teams of installers with plenty of experience backed by LBP’s (Licensed Building Practitioners).

uPVC windows are perfect for heat and coolness insulation. uPVC is not a thermal conductor and by combining it with double glazing, windows can

www.madsen-green.co.nz

As the uPVC joinery uses a double rubber gasket engaged by a multi-point locking system, windows and doors seal tightly and evenly against their frames, unlike legacy products like timber and aluminium joinery. Enjoy lower heating costs this winter with uPVC joinery.

10 Thursday September 14, 2023
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Climate Commons Movement launched

The nationwide Climate Commons Movement was launched in Wellington with the screening of the documentary “Climate Commons” at the Embassy Theatre on 23 August.

The Climate Commons Movement aims at fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and inspiring collective action to address the climate crisis.

Wellington’s Mayor Tory Whanau, councillors, passionate climate advocates, and leading community members were present at the screening and the subsequent panel discussion.

In her opening statement, Mayor Tory Whanau shared: “What inspires me and keeps me going beyond policy solutions is hope.

“While we continue to take action on climate, there is a tingling of hope, carrying the potential to lead our country towards greater achievements.

“I believe this film will drive that level of hope, and our community plays an important role in shaping that.

“I hope the Climate Commons Movement inspires more community-led action, and Wellington is leading in this space.”

The documentary, directed by Sija Soman, offered an insightful

and hopeful perspective on climate action in Aotearoa.

“The distressing reports around extreme weather events and recent floods deepened my anxiety and intensified my concerns,” Sija says.

“However, my outlook has changed from despair to hope now, having captured a diverse range of actions taking place around the country.”

From indigenous solutions to grassroots initiatives, the film showcased a diverse range of approaches that combine scientific understanding with practical wisdom.

Acknowledging the significance of the initiative, Nigel Corry, Chief Executive of Greater Wellington, commented: “Just like the Climate Commons Movement, we are taking a leading role, working with government, mana whenua, and our communities, to protect our region right now and for generations to follow.

“We declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a big, bold target to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“We are serious about this.

“We partner with diverse groups, working together to reduce emissions and prepare for the unavoidable effects of climate change.

“We are taking action now and planning for big changes ahead.”

Buying With Friends/ Relatives? YIP!

Hey Everyone! As cost-of-living bites, rent rises, and interest rates grow, we are seeing more and more people buying houses with friends/family to share the financial commitment and get on the property ladder. This is a great idea and makes a lot of financial sense. However, we also see the other side of the situation where things haven’t gone so well –here are 5 things you need to consider before moving in with your co-owners.

1. Understand the shared financial commitment

Buying a property is a big financial commitment, not only because of the ongoing monthly repayments but also the responsibility for the regular expenses involved in running and maintaining the property. A decision should not be based on emotion but on cold hard numbers. Mortgages last a very long time, this is not a short-term job. Don’t let your desire to ‘help’ a friend cloud your judgement, only commit to what you can afford.

2. Be honest

Being as honest and open as possible about your expenses, spending, savings & current debts is crucial. You all need an accurate picture of each of your financial strengths and weaknesses. Discuss what your current budgets are and how they will have to change to manage the new expenses you will both be committing to. You can even agree to have repayments automatically come out of paychecks to ensure commitment.

3. Decide on clear terms of co-ownership

There are a couple of options to choose from in terms of the ownership structure. ‘Tenants in Common’ gives each party a share in the ownership of the property, while ‘Joint Tenants’ means the two of you together own the property as one entity, without individual shares or rights of ownership. We would

A key highlight of the film is the leadership of indigenous communities in shaping solutions that can serve as a blueprint for others to follow across Aotearoa.

Distinguished indigenous advocate Lara Taylor (N hu ki Murihiku) offered her thoughts: “We are fortunate to have Indigenous M ri ways of knowing, being, and doing that can lead and inform holistic and integrated governance and management across all spheres of influence.

“We have an opportunity to shift the paradigm from an ego-based system, beyond an eco-based system, to a N Taonga Tuku Iho-based system that transforms the way we understand, respect, and reciprocate the taonga that we use and interact with, helping us to transition to proactive and resilient communities with respect to our changing climate”.

au Wi Neera, Wellington City Councillor and representative of N Toa/K Tahu, highlighted the need for innovative approaches to address global challenges.

“The institutions we have designed to simply allocate resources and prevent accumulation of power are now called upon to deliver ubiq-

suggest you each speak to a lawyer to decide what is best and ensure appropriate fallback options should things not go well.

4. Task agreement

You are joint owners, so it is important each party is contributing fairly. Set up a co-ownership agreement that clearly covers points such as how cleaning and maintenance of the property, rates, utilities etc, are split. For non-financial tasks like, who will take care of the garden, co-ordinates tradespeople, organising the regular maintenance, etc. All of these ‘jobs’ need to be considered and allocated in advance to avoid any confusion and resentment in the future.

As always, if you have any real estate/ property questions, get in touch – love to hear from you!

Have a great week.

uitous solutions to global threats, such as the climate crisis.

“We must transform the fundamental mechanisms of democracy if our future challenges are to be adequately addressed.”

The “Climate Commons” screening and discussion were organised by Goodlife Collective with the support and sponsorship of Greater Wellington and Commonsense Organics.

Highlighting the importance

of the initiative, organiser Freda Wells commented: “We believe that turning awareness into practical action is crucial in addressing the climate crisis.

“The film provides a range of actionable solutions for individuals and communities to initiate change.

“Through this initiative, we are fostering a culture of meaningful change that resonates within our communities and beyond.”

Eye-opening review of KiwiRail failure

A rapid review following the failure of KiwiRail equipment that almost brought Wellington passenger services to a standstill in May has been descirbed as “eye-opening” by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).

The independent review was prompted by the failure of KiwiRail’s EM80 track inspection unit, the only equipment in the North Island capable of certifying rail track safety. The review into KiwiRail’s management of Auckland and Wellington rail networks is, “an eye-opening account of poor decision-making,” GWRC’s Chair Daran Ponter says.

“We support the findings and would gladly join the proposed passenger rail governance group to help deliver the overdue recommendations within the review,” Cr Ponter says.

The review recommends measures to strengthen the governance, safety and funding of passenger rail services.

It also calls for KiwiRail to improve its management of vital equipment, its communication with public transport authorities, and its focus on metropolitan rail and passengers as opposed to freight.

The equipment failure and review are timely reminders of the resilience that needs to be built into Wellington’s rail network, along with the significant upgrades needed to increase capacity and frequency of passenger rail services, Thomas Nash, Chair of GWRC’s Transport Committee, says. “Current funding is not enough to deal with the range of resilience issues that KiwiRail needs to address in our region.

“These include fragilities like slope instability and assets at the end of their life.

“We’ve asked KiwiRail to identify all potential critical points of failure on our rail network, and we believe an injection of cash will be necessary to manage these risks.

“This is especially important given our ambition to triple passenger rail capacity in our region over the next 30 years,” Cr Nash says.

The review also highlighted a culture of ‘decision-making being pushed up the chain of command’ at KiwiRail, ‘rather than problems being solved at the level they are created and observed’.

As well as improving KiwiRail’s internal processes, the review will enhance its relationships with Metlink and rail operator Transdev, Metlink Group Manager Samantha Gain says.

“Important lessons have been learned from this episode.

“KiwiRail will be at pains to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again and that good communication and understanding of the impact on passengers is at the forefront of future decisions,” Ms Gain says

“We continue to work closely and collaboratively with KiwiRail on a range of upgrades to the Wellington rail network through our Future Rail work programme.

“Passengers will benefit from the increased reliability and comfort that comes from station and platform upgrades and double tracking.”

The rapid review of ‘KiwiRail’s Handling of Recent Disruptions to Passenger Services’ can be found on the transport.govt.nz website

For more information on planned upgrades to the Wellington rail network visit www. metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/ future-rail/.

12 Thursday September 14, 2023
Your friend in Real Estate 021 106 9997 William.YIP@CollectiveFN.co.nz
Written by William YIP
Mayor Tory Whanau, organiser Freda Wells and director Sija Soman at the Wellington launch of the Climate Commons Movement. Photo: Supplied.

Council shelves plan for St John’s

Wellington City Council has had to terminate an agreement to redevelop the St John’s Church site on the corner of Karori Road and Campbell Street.

In December 2021, Wellington City Council announced that Voxell Group and Faisandier Group had been selected as the successful

candidate to redevelop the site.

“The dynamics of the residential housing market have changed materially since then, with construction costs increasing significantly and interest rates rising,” the council says.

“Along with the design constraints specified in the contract,

these challenges have rendered it unfeasible for the developer to continue with the design presented in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

“Due to the council’s RFP and procurement processes for this project, the council cannot allow substantial changes to the design

without unfairly disadvantaging other RFP applicants.

“Consequently, unable to adapt the current contract to the prevailing challenges, the council has decided to terminate the agreement.

“Council officers are investigating future opportunities for the site, including a new tender process

inviting ideas from developers. “Council officers will also work with the Karori community to enable a temporary use of the site.

“The council is committed to achieving an outcome for the site that will enliven the Karori Town Centre and include affordable housing options.”

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Friendship

of Johnsonville

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 12 places will be available for out-of-zone students in 2024. The exact number of places will depend on the number of in zone student enrolments.

The first enrolment period runs for term 1 2024 from Saturday 16 December 2023 to Friday 12 April 2024. For students seeking enrolment within the first enrolment period, the deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9am, Friday 13 October 2023. Please submit an online 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.

If a ballot for out of zone places is required, it will be held on Monday 16 October 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 second enrolment period for 2024 are as follows:

Deadline for 2024 second enrolment period

applications: 9am, Friday 08 March 2024

Date of ballot if required: Monday 11 March 2024

Urgent action on water supply

Urgent action is needed to face serious risks and challenges in the Wellington region’s water network, local Mayors, Councillors and mana whenua agree..

The region is facing significant and increasing risk of water shortages and providing a reliable water supply for their communities in future years.

“Water use in the Wellington metropolitan region is at an all-time high and is increasing every year,” says Campbell Barry, the Chair of the Wellington Water Committee, who called a Water Shortage Summit on 11 September.

“We all know that there is a growing number of leaks due to an aging network and historical underinvestment,” Campbell says.

“We are also seeing higher water use generally and a growing population in the region that is increasing the demands for water and putting more pressure on our water services.

“Our drinking water system has a finite capacity, and we can only treat and supply a set amount of water on any given day. We need to do more to make sure we can continue to reliably provide our residents with enough water.

“All those in attendance [over 60 elected officials and mana whenua] agree that the situation is urgent and we need to act now.”

Three key actions were recommended by Wellington Water to tackle the issue. These were:

finding and fixing leaks, managing water loss, and replacing old infrastructure;

across the metropolitan Wellington region; and

“The overwhelming majority agreed that these recommendations be taken to each of the council’s Long Term Plans for decision,” Campbell says.

“Obviously, the Long Term Plans themselves will need to undergo public consultation, but if accepted, this investment will be the first

time all councils have taken a regionally coordinated approach to addressing water loss.”

Wellington Water’s Chief Executive Tonia Haskell has welcomed the direction from today’s summit.

“Providing a reliable supply of drinking water is an essential service we provide our communities,” Tonia says.

“We are doing all we can at Wellington Water to manage the network in an efficient and effective way and to reduce water loss and leaks. But it’s not enough to combat what is a complex and multi-generational issue that requires long-term investment and solutions.

“Today’s direction from the summit provides us, as the region’s water services provider, with a clear steer. In the meantime, we will continue finding and fixing the biggest leaks.”

Both Campbell and Tonia note that these mitigations are for future years and won’t have an impact on the water shortage risk the region is still facing this year if we experience an average summer with no significant rainfall.

“We have asked Wellington Water to do all it can to reduce this year’s risk through their current programme of work.

“They are also working with our councils to be prepared to respond if we face a situation where we are unable to supply enough water to meet consumer usage and demand,” Campbell says.

“On Sunday 24 September the whole region will be on Level 1 Water Restrictions, as it does every year. This means we all need to start to be more aware of our water use and make changes to our behaviour. Using less now means we will have more water available for when the weather starts to get really dry.

“Wellington Water will be monitoring the situation closely and providing our councils with advice on water usage and whether or not the region needs to move into tighter restrictions as we progress through the summer.” More information on water restrictions and water saving tips can be found on the Wellington Water website.

What is the name of the flower that smells like chocolate? There is actually a flower that smells like chocolate. Cosmos atrosanguineus, aka chocolate cosmos, is a plant from Mexico that can grow up to about 24 inches high and has a maroon-colored flower. It’s famous for it’s chocolate-y scent, but don’t be fooled. No part of this plant is edible.

ACROSS

1. Hopes (9)

6. Sudden idea (5,4)

11. Male singing voice (5)

12. Persian lynx (7)

13. Bizarre (5)

14. Slaughter (8)

17. The yaws(Med) (10)

18. Artist, Yoko ... (3)

20. Diplomacy (4)

22. Quandary (7)

24. Crown of flowers (6)

26. Water barrier (3)

28. Steeple part (5)

29. Omen (7)

32. Old Roman language (5)

33. Belgium town (3)

34. Sphere (3)

35. Meadow (3)

36. Deserts’ fertile area (5)

37. N. American deer (7)

38. Naming words (5)

39. Goad (3)

41. Aristocracy (6)

42. Infatuations(inf) (7)

44. Continent (4)

47. Donkey (3)

49. Womans riding style (10)

51. Precious stone (8)

55. Surpass (3,2)

56. Alfresco (4,3)

57. Respond (5)

58. Controls (9)

59. Los Angeles suburb (9)

DOWN

1. Endeavour (7)

2. Curves (5)

3. Plaid (6)

4. Academy award statuette (5)

5. Type (4)

6. Stiff linen fabric (7)

7. On fire (6)

8. Canadian Province (12)

9. Assumed name (5)

10. Affectionate utterances (11)

15. Drunkard (3)

16. Final part(music) (4)

19. Shooting star (6)

21. Vivid red (7)

23. Collision (6)

25. Byways (7)

26. Eating utensil (7,5)

27. Inundation (6)

28. Buffet (11)

30. Lanka (3)

31. Lady superior(monastery) (6)

40. Quickly(Abbr) (4)

43. Hair curlers (7)

44. Deciduous

45.

46. Skilful (6)

48. Athletic (6)

50. Fact (5)

52. By ear (5)

53.

54. Vow (4)

Solution

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

Last Week 7 September 2023

For April 9, 2003

14 Thursday September 14, 2023 CLASSIFIEDS
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W R O O R C S D S
Chuck It. Fix It
Puzzle
timber tree (3) Turned away (7) Its’ capital is Boise (5)
Public Notice William YIP Your Friend in Real Estate Licensed Under REAA 2008 Free Event Supported by: Speaker: Nicky Hager, Investigative Journalist Title of Talk: “The life of an Investigative Journalist” Date: 9.45 am Thursday 16 September Visitors Welcome Enquiries to Alison Kinvig 234 1262
Club

Olympic Harriers event honours founder

The Olympic Harriers Club’s Philp Shield, named after WH Philp, who was the donor of the shield for the first club race in 1922, took place on 2 September at Alex Moore Park. WH Philp played a significant role in the founding of the Olympic Harriers club.

Teams were made up of both seniors and juniors and this event is one of the few races where these age groups are combined into teams. Each team consisted of one runner doing one lap (1.6km), two runners doing two laps (3.3km), two run-

ners doing three laps (5.0km) and one walker doing one lap, where everyone who finishes will count for their team.

Joe Fowler, resident handicapper, had the tireless task of trying to put teams together where the overall times of each team would be roughly the same, so in theory all teams would finish at the same time.

Once teams were selected strategies were discussed as to who ran how many laps, did the fastest runner do just one lap or three laps?

After careful consideration every-

one started off at the same time, making their way round the footpath of the cricket pitch area and then on the second lap, which went out onto the footpath to make their way up the incline to the roundabout by Raroa Intermediate School and Onslow College.

Turning right to stay on the path and continue the incline runners were now quite spread out. It was impossible to know how many laps members of each team were doing so care was being taken by runners not to get caught out by following

the pace of another runner to only find out they were doing one lap and others were doing three laps.

After that the competitors turned right onto Fisher Street with the end of the first lap nearing. First the runners navigated the steps back into Alex Moore Park, making a sharp left turn high on the grass bank and a nice short sharp decline down to the finish.

As no one knew who the winning team would be until it was announced there were plenty of sprint finishes.

New Moorefield Road bus stop planned

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is currently consulting the public on its plan for a short-term solution for the Johnsonville transport hub.

Its short-term plan is to provide a new bus stop on Moortefield Road, next to the railway station.

GWRC has shared both the short-term plan and its long-term vision for a Johnsonville transport hub with Wellington City Council.

“Our long-term aspiration is to create a purpose-built, fully accessible integrated bus and train interchange for the community,” says Thomas Nash, chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee.

“There will be some commercial and logistical issues to work through with Wellington City and Stride [the owners of the Johnsonville Mall] but we are confident we can progress this work in the next triennium and undertake a full scoping exercise and produce a business case with construction funds allocated in the subsequent triennium,” Cr Nash says.

The council’s long-term plan for an integrated bus and rail hub in Johnsonville has been welcomed by Wellington City Council’s Northern Ward Councillor Tony Randle.

The announcement of the longterm plan has “put an important

stake in the ground,” he says.

“They [GWRC] are really thinking about what Johnsonville needs.

“They have consulted with the community and that was what the community wanted.

“That’s what we want to see – people thinking ahead and working with the community.

“I’m really pleased that they are being really inspirational,” Cr Randle adds.

The short-term solution is subject to a Wellington City Council traffic resolution and public consultation starting on 8 September 2023.

The project has received Transport Choices funding from Waka Kotahi and construction needs to be completed by June 2024 to deal with rising patronage and service continuity.

The regional council has been working with the community, Stride, Wellington City Councillors and Waka Kotahi to find a suitable way forward, Greater Wellington Chair, Daran Ponter, says.

“We believe that a short-term solution, a new stop on Moorefield Road adjacent to the railway station, meets the immediate needs of the local community.

“Passengers that use the current southbound bus stop on Moorefield Road know it’s fast reaching capacity and once Metlink re-

introduces the full timetable in 2024, it is likely on-street congestion will only get worse.

“We also want to have something in place should any future Johnsonville Mall developments affect Stop B, leaving passengers with no south bound stops,” Cr Ponter says.

Pre-engagement activities with targeted community groups have helped Greater Wellington identify and plan for concerns around Park and Ride changes, future mall developments, shelter from the weather and the eventual long-term vision.

“We have thoroughly re-

Third The Karori Repair Café

The third Karori Repair Café will be held at the Karori Community Centres from 10am to 1pm on 24 September.

The café will feature hand and machine sewers, handy DIYers and bicycle repairs.

Fitting strings and tuning of stringed musical instruments is available too if prebooked.

The café is also hoping to have electrical repairs but this has not yet been confirmed.

The Karori Repair Café opened it doors on 21 May this year, a project initiated by Julia

Rowling.

“Based on international metrics, we estimate we’ve achieved up to 90kg of waste diversion to date,” Julia says.

That has been achieved in just two sessions. The repair café is a pop-up koha workshop where people can

viewed what the community has told us and we are working with Stride to offset any car park removal, adding to Metlink’s Park and Ride offering.

“We’re also committed to making sure we have appropriate engagement built into the short-term plan to help address the concerns regarding shelter amenity; and similarly, we’ll be co-ordinating efforts with Wellington City and the community to help realise the longer-term goal of an integrated transport hub as part of our Long Term Plan process,” Cr Ponter adds.

The winning team was Logan Hopfler, Barbara Jennings, Tony Simmers, Butch Borlase, Winston O’Brien and Melissa Crompton.

Just to show how good the handicapping was there was initially a tie for second place with further countback taking place to separate the two teams..

The Olympic Harriers club welcomes new members. The club competes all year in cross country, road running and track and field. Information and contact details can be found at www.olympicharriers.nz.

Finding ancestry using DNA

Finding ancestors through DNA matches is the focus of the upcoming talk at the Wellington Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists.

The branch will meet at 7pm on 20 September at the Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road, and visitors will be welcome.

The talk will outline what peeople can do if they have an ancestor that left the United Kingdom before the 1841 census and died before parents’ names were provided on death certificates, and any information passed down through the family about their origins has been lost.

The three presenters will describe how they used DNA matches, and collaboration, to answer the question where was a particular person born and who were his family?

The three presenters are Kaye Batchelor, Alison Howell and Linda Hansen.

Kaye has been researching her family tree for decades, ever since receiving an A at high school for her tree drawn with coloured pens and a ruler. This made her think she might be good at it.

Her degree in history gave her a healthy respect for written records but when people tell fibs, brick walls result.

DNA has been a great way to sort the fact from the fiction and progress her understanding of her ancestry.

Alison started off researching her Polish family in the Parliamentary papers in the New Zealand room of the old Wellington Public library in 1962, when none of the rest of that side of the family showed the slightest interest.

Her father had even put all the old family photos in the drum incinerator back in the day.

From there the bug grew and finally meeting the Polish family in Poland made her realise dreams could come true with perseverance.

bring that broken/torn/failing appliance or favourite item and find out if it can be saved from a premature trip to the rubbish tip.

The Karori Repair Café is a member of the national organisation Repair Café Aotearoa NZ as well as the international organisation.

So she moved on to other projects and eventually achieved the satisfaction of solving conundrums with a combination of traditional research and DNA.

Linda, the collaborator via email from Switzerland, is a very traditional genealogist who relentlessly followed the paper trails and eliminated various pretenders for the team.

15 Thursday September 14, 2023
An artist’s impression of the proposed new bus stop on Johnsonville’s Moorefield Road, which has a note adding that the concept is for discussion only.

16 Thursday September 14, 2023

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