03 August Independent Herald Newspaper

Firefighters needed

The Newlands Volunteer Fire Brigade needs more volunteers to join the crew.

Joining the brigade is a fantastic way to contribute to the community. And it comes with a range of benefits for those who join.

Firefighters and support crew support the community in a variety of ways, including saving lives and property.

Continued on page 2.

firefighters

Three

deploying their hoses. Photo: Supplied.

How to reach us

Phone (04) 587 1660

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

REPORTER

Frank Neill herald@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916

NATIONAL SALES

Sam Barnes sam@wsn.co.nz 587 1660

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Steve Maggs steve@wsn.co.nz 587 1660

SALES

Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152

CLASSIFIED SALES classifieds@wsn.co.nz

Big role in helping community

Continued from page 1.

They play an important role in ensuring resilience in the community.

“We need your help to ensure we can help the community when needed,” the brigade says.

“We operate 24 hours a day seven days a week and attend between 150 to 180 callouts a year.”

In addition to fighting fires, the brigade responds to medical events, hazmat incidents, fire alarm activations, severe weather events and other requests for help.

The brigade also supports the wider Wellington district at large scale incidents.

People need to be 18 years or older to volunteer, and need to:

be able to pass a Police check and medical; be able to commit to trainings on Mondays from 6:45pm to 9:30pm (earlier and later finishes depending on training); commit to being on-call and attending emergency incidents, including at nights and weekends (a major bonus if people are able to attend calls during business hours); are able to commit to a twoday medical responder course and a seven-day recruit course (the brigade will pay wages for time off work while on training courses); live in Newlands within four minutes of Hurring Place; are able to help with community events and education; and

have a sense of community pride.

In return, the brigade offers its volunteers a series of benefits.

Volunteers join a family friendly team of like-minded people.

They learn a series of skills that can be transferred to the volunteers’ work and daily life.

As well as making lifelong friends, the brigade’s volunteers gain a sense of belonging to the Fire and Emergency New Zealand family.

And very importantly, they have the ability to change someone’s life.

Brigade volunteers get a lot of support from Fire and Emergency.

That includes providing

mental health support. Fire and Emergency has a scheme similar to an Employee Assistance Programme that provides counselling services, and they also provide health and safety support.

“Volunteering is rewarding,”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says on its website.

“As a volunteer you will become part of a team, learn new skills, serve your community and have access to special benefits that recognise your commitment.”

People wanting more information or wanting to volunteer as firefighters can do so by visiting the Newland Volunteer Fire Brigade Facebook page and sending the brigade a message.

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.

It’s great to see progress on the new pathway between Petone and Ngauranga, which of course is also a seawall to protect the rail line and motorway from rising sea-levels. We will soon have access to the western side of the harbour, something previous generations have always lacked.

In fact, of the 17 kilometres of coastline the Ōhāriu Electorate has, there is no easy access to any of it. Formally known as the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One, it will provide fishing and recreation opportunities for Ōhāriu residents, and is due to open in 2026.

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

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

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

And speaking of recreation, the Football World Cup has provided us with great entertainment, and although NZ is now out of the tournament, Wellington is still heaving with

visitors and will do until our last game. It’s worth a wander along the waterfront and the city to enjoy the buzz.

It’s a shame our mild, windless winter came to end as the visitors arrived, but a lot of the Europeans and North Americans especially are used to much harsher climates.

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

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

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

It’s good our hospitality sector in particular has been able to keep up with the demand. Many people returning from holidays around the world have discovered most of the issues we have been experiencing here in New Zealand are as bad, if not worse, where they have been.

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

Our days are getting longer now so it’s a good time to wrap up and enjoy what our city has to offer, which is plenty.

There’s plenty to be getting on with.

The Newlands brigade putting out a scrub fire.

Photo: Supplied.

Newlands firefighters in action.

Photo: Supplied.

Plan to reinvigorate J’ville Mall

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Mall manager, Stride Property Group, is currently developing provisional plan it believes will “reinvigorate the Johnsonville precinct”.

Stride is not, however, in a position where it can reveal details of its plan.

“Our development team continues to work through several options and liaise with the local and regional council,” says Stride’s General Manager Retail, Roy Stansfield.

“These include provisional plans for a multi-use development that we believe will reinvigorate the Johnsonville precinct.

“As we are continuing to actively liaise with Wellington City Council’s district planning team, which we hope will set the appropriate framework in place for our future development at Johnsonville Shopping Centre, we are unfortunately unable to offer any further detailed updates at this stage.

“However, we look forward to sharing more information with the community when it becomes available,” Mr Stansfield says.

hariu MP Geg O’Connor told the “Independent Herald” he has been putting “considerable pressure” on Stride “to get the development under way, and I will continue to do this.

“I am in constant contact with them and have been for the last six years, and that includes meeting with the chair of the board.”

Stride has, Mr O’Connor says, “spent a considerable amount of money on consultants in planning and that has given me some confidence that work will go ahead”.

As well as being in frequent contact with Stride “I will also stay in close contact with the Councillors and others who are looking for the shopping centre to become what it needs to be –which is the centre of shopping in the northern suburbs.

“As a frequent mall user myself, I share the frustration of locals as

Companion walking

Age Concern Wellington is looking for volunteers in Karori, Johnsonville and Tawa for its Companion Walking Service.

For more information visit https:// www.acwellington.org.nz/volunteering/.

Age Concern is also looking for a new Companion Walking Service Co-ordinator.

The Companion Walking Service was developed by Age Concern Wellington Region in 2019 and has since helped many seniors who are struggling with isolation and loneliness.

The co-ordinator oversees the continued development and running of this service in Wellington and Porirua. For more information email admin assistant@acwellington.org.nz.

Staying safe

A Staying Safe class for older drivers will be held at the Khandallah Community Centre from 10am to 2pm on 16 August.

Lunch will be provided at the event, which is a free classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. To register and for more information ring 499 6648.

they see the continued closure of shops [in the Johnsonville Mall]. “I am determined to get the shopping centre we need,” Mr O’Connor says.

The Johnsonville Shopping Centre is part of Stride Property Ltd’s portfolio and is owned 50/50 with Diversified NZ Property Trust, and managed by Stride Investment Management Ltd.

Stride Property Group is comprised of Stride Property Ltd and Stride Investment Management Ltd and is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Almost half of Stride Property Ltd’s commercial property is shopping centres.

MP for Ōhāriu

Get in touch

My

One of the entrances to the Johnsonville Mall.

Photo: Frank Neill.

One of the many empty shops in the Johnsonville Mall. Photo: Frank Neill.

A view inside the Johnsonville Mall. Photo: Frank Neill.

Volunteers can help people keep warm

By Frank Neill

Volunteers can spend just three hours and help fill a massive demand in Johnsonville this weekend.

They can help make blankets for people who are homeless or otherwise struggling to keep warm.

The project is organised by Chip Packet Project New Zealand (CPPNZ) and will be held at the Johnsonville Collective Hub from 1:30 to 4:30pm on Sunday 6 August.

Volunteers will be welcomed at the event.

During the afternoon people will use chip packets, as well as other foil packaging, clean them and fuse them into blankets which are then given to people in need.

The packaging is fused by ironing into strips, then joining strips together to make a roughly queen size blanket, then fused with used pallet plastic on the top and bottom, to make it waterproof and seal the heat in.

The latest report of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment states that more than 100,000 households are struggling to be warm, says Terrena Griffith, the New Zealand founder and coordinator of CPPNZ.

With an average of 2.7 people per household “that means there are

over 270,000 people nationwide who are sleeping cold,” she says.

The blanket making project has another major benefit as well. It stops the packaging going into landfills, where it takes around 80 years to decompose.

By making blankets “not only are you helping the planet, but you are also giving someone a warm night’s sleep.

“How good is that,” Terrena says. She set up CPPNZ in September 2021 during lockdown. At that time she was shocked by the economic conditions that were coming and at the fact that more than 30,000 people were homeless in New Zealand, and that figure was going up and up.

Terrena has a friend in the United Kingdom who set up the Chip Packet Project there.

Her friend had a dream one night that she could make blankets out of chip packets. She woke up and gave it a go and the idea worked so she got the project off the ground and it is still going strong today.

The blanket making “is completely reliant on volunteers,” Terrena says.

“You are making something from nothing for people who have nothing.”

CPPNZ donates the blankets the volunteers have made to organisations , including Red Cross and the

Volunteers making blankets during an event earlier this year. Photo: Supplied.

Salvation Army, and the blankets are very much appreciated by those who receive them.

Each blanket takes around four hours to make.

“That’s a lot of love going into

Fundraising for Canbead

Altrusa Oh s running a fundraiser in support of Canbead Wellington.

The fundraiser is a movie screening of the “Miracle Club” at Lighthouse Petone on 27

August.

Tickets cost $20, and all funds raised will be going to support Canbead Wellington.

CanBead gives people experiencing illness, trauma or loss a

sense of purpose and fun. They run workshops free of charge to teach making jewellery and other creative activities using beads.

CanBead supplies are funded

each blanket,” Terrena says.

CPPNZ is hoping to make 10 blankets in Johnsonville this weekend.

It takes roughly 45 large chip packets to make one blanket,

which is both light and all weather durable and will last for around 10 years.

More information about the project is on the Chip Packet Project New Zealand Facebook page.

from donations, grants and from thousands of donated beads. For more information visit https:// www.canbead.org.nz/

Altrusa Oha is asking attendees to bring any unwanted

jewellery to donate to Canbead so they can be broken down for their classes . To secure a seat at the fundraiser email altrusaohariu@ gmail.com.

Mistakes made with rates bills

Residential ratepayers have been paying more than they should have been to Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).

They have been overcharged $30 a year and rural ratepayers have been overcharged an average of $36 a year, while CBD ratepayers have been undercharged $583 per year, and businesses $160 per year.

GWRC recently discovered that some of its general rates have been incorrectly applied and collected within Wellington city since the 2019/20 financial year.

The discovery was made during a rates-modelling exercise undertaken by Greater Wellington. The mistake happened because differentials were not correctly applied.

Territorial authorities like Wellington City Council collect all the rates set by Greater Wellington under agreements between councils.

Greater Wellington chief executive Nigel Corry said that in 2019/20 Greater Wellington had changed its basis for collecting rates through its Revenue and Financing policy, setting four differentials on its general rate (residential, rural, business and central business district) to recover different amounts from certain types of land and rate payers. “This is an unfortunate error,” he says.

“While Greater Wellington issued a media

release at the time about its changes to its rating policy, the direct communication to Wellington City Council staff did not sufficiently convey that there had been a change in policy.

“Both councils immediately established new checks and balances on discovery of the error to ensure it cannot happen again,” Mr Correy says.

“The problem is isolated to Wellington city only. Rates collected through other territorial authorities in the Wellington region have not been impacted.

“The fault went unnoticed as the total amount was correct but collected in the wrong proportions.”

Mr Corry says the differentials have now been correctly applied and rates notices will show the correct amounts for 2023/24.

“Greater Wellington is seeking independent advice on the most practicable solution for addressing this issue and will present options to councillors in late August,” Mr Corry adds.

Wellington City Council Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow said “the City Council has been working closely with Greater Wellington to ensure the correct rating assessment notices are issued and that essential communications between the councils are tightened”.

New mural for City Kids

City Kids in Thorndon has an outstanding new mural thanks to the work of two year 13 students from Queen Margaret College.

Harper Mitchell and Rogela Gugia contacted City Kids to see if they would be interested in collaborating with them to create a mural for the playground.

With their college being in the same neighbourhood they wanted to give back to their community.

Harper and Rogela are both working on their final requirements of their IB (International Bacculaureate) diploma, for which they must plan a service activity to give back to the local community.

They are both art students and wanted to create a mural and wanted the mural to reflect City Kids values of imagination and innovation.

The tamariki from City Kids met Rogela and Harper at Katherine Mansfield Park to discuss ideas for a mural.

The kaiako were thinking about some educationalideas and incorporating the environment but the tamariki had their own ideas.

They wanted planets, Spiderman, meer-

kats, sharks, pirates and dinosaurs.

During the design process Harper and Rogela took everyone’s ideas into consideration and made sure it had Te Ahumairangi (the hill near City Kids) and Te Whanganuia-Tara (Wellington harbour) as well as every idea the tamariki could think of.

“Everyone was so happy with the outcome. It looks wonderful,” City Kids’ Centre Manager Tanti Agustin says.

“The mural sits on the wall beside our sandpit and with it the tamariki have discussions about the things they can see and include it in their play.

“The tamariki were so excited to see Spiderman sitting on the top of City Kids in the mural.

“It is such a wonderful addition to our outdoor space and we hope it is there for many years to come.

“City Kids thanks Harper and Rogela so much for thinking about us and all the mahi that went into creating and even installing it,” Tanti says.

That mahi included Harper receiving hours of training from her father on using an electric drill.

Update from your local city councillor

The future of our Community Facilities

Out for consultation until 5pm Mon 7th August, is the Council’s draft plan to guide the Council’s provision and decision-making about community facilities for the next 30 years. Please check it out on the council’s website or at your local library. It involves our libraries, community centres, pools, parks and recreation areas. What I have noticed is Khandallah and Ngaio have been clustered with Wadestown, yet Nairnville Recreation centre has been clustered with Johnsonville. There is also no mention of the $8 million investment that Council agreed to for Khandallah Pool last year. If you value local facilities in your neighbourhood, please have your say on proposals. You can email in to policysubmission@wcc.govt.nz or complete the online submission form.

Proposed Bike Lane for Karori

Many of you have expressed concern to me about Council’s proposed 24/7 bike lane on Karori Lane. The route proposed was based on a consultation WCC ran in late 2021 on a city-wide bike network plan and which only 80 people that submitted were from Karori. It seems many people across the city missed the consultation and want the Council to engage better with local communities. I am working with a group from the local community to arrange a public meeting later in the month to share information. Details to be announced over the next week. Council’s formal consultation process is bus priority other than altering bus stops.

With the news mural at City Kids (from left) Harper Mitchell, Rogela Gugia, Aaryan Kumar, Tanti Agustin, Hamish Lynch, Dierdre Johnstone and Finn Bright. Photo: Supplied.

How do you feel about Countdown’s multi-million dollar rebrand when people are struggling with grocery prices?

Absolutely ridiculous.

They could’ve picked a better time to do it not when everyone is running pretty low on funds. There’s better ways to spend money.

LETTERS to the editor

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even if a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold unsuitable letters from publication. Send or fax them to the address on page two, or email them to news@ wsn.co.nz. Please note that your name and street address must also be provided in e mails.

I don’t know enough on why they rebranding but I do know that supermarkets are making an extraordinary profit and they shouldn’t be.

Facilities up for review

Thanks to the “Independent Herald” for highlighting the current Wellington City Council draft Communities Facilities plan which is out for consultation until the 7th August.

There have been some saying “nothing to see here and no closures are planned” (yet). However it’s quite clear in the plan that there are facilities up for review.

Clarity about what is suggested is not helped by inconsistent clustering of suburbs in particular across the West and Onslow, for example Wadestown combined with Ngaio/ Khandallah community centre and libraries.

Chorus celebrates 30 years

Capital Harmony Chorus, a women’s accapella chorus based in Churton Park, is celebrating 30 years of singing and friendship.

The Chorus is putting on two shows on Saturday 5 August called “Where’s the Cake??”

It will be a celebration of 30 years of barbershop harmony, new songs, old songs in a new

way, audience sing along –and, of course, cake.

At least two of the chorus members have been with the chorus since its first year; and the average time with the chorus is 17 years.

Yet it also welcomes new and younger members.

The chorus often performs in the northern suburbs, including taking part in the

Johnsonville Christmas Parade, at the Khandallah Street fair and entertaining customers at the Churton Park New World.

“Where’s the Cake??” is on at 2.30pm and 7pm at Churton Park School Hall.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and are available by emailingcapitalharmonyemail@gmail.com.

Everyone likes a comfortable supermarket to shop in at the end of the day and like everything else businesses need to refurb their operation every so often.

I’m quite happy with the rebranding, it’s not going to make that much difference. Woolworths was actually my first job back in the day.

For recreation – Nairnville Recreation Centre is put in with Johnsonville and not with Ngaio/ Khandallah. The Botanic Gardens facilities are included with the West and not with the central city, Thorndon or Kelburn.

Khandallah Pool is mentioned but only so much as the need to determine its future.

The Council considered its future last year when it committed $8 million to its upgrade after the pool had been neglected for 60 years. Why suggest it is still up for review?

So while no facilities are set for imminent closure, the scene is being set for discussions over the next several years.

People are struggling out there. Perhaps the big players like Countdown should be cutting their margins and tightening their belts like the rest of us.

As someone said to me “there is danger in the undergrowth”.

The community has every right to be concerned.

I encourage your readers to check out the draft plan and have a say.

Some things to think about and comment on – does the approach seem sound? what’s missing? what actions do you like? what would you change?

Diane Calvert

Wellington

City Councillor, Wharangi/ Onslow-Western Ward

Dave Paterson

Paul Meo

Kim Hollis

Joseph Koroheke

Alana Jamieson

Sharyn Simpson

Members of Capital Harmony Chorus at Hawkins Hill, Brooklyn. Photo: Supplied.

Inspired by photography camp

By Frank Neill

Young photographer Luke Scott-Hill has returned from the recent National Geographic Photo Camp in Wellington totally inspired.

“This created a massive spark inside of me … a passion for photography,” the Tawa College student says.

“My goal at only being 16 is to travel across the country and capture people’s stories, to capture the raw humanity inside our community, something I’d reallywant to do for Tawa.

“Since I went to that camp, I have taken every opportunity to take photos for people.

“I have taken 1,700 photos for my school production, with 222 hand edited photos deliveredback to them that they will now use.

“I have taken photos for my Frisbee Team and taken photos across Wellington – for a local band, [and] for multiple different people.

“I had the incredible opportunity to be flown to Christchurch for free by AirNZ with National Geographic for their next camp to help out and also take more photos.

“I’ve learned that the camera is not the tool of photography, but the world itself.

“It’s not to capture, but create,” Luke says. His plan for the future is to set up in business as a photographer.

“My plan now is to make a website where I can share some of my most personal and best photos yet – to create albums and allow people to contact me.

Introducing NCEA+ at Marsden

While some schools have opted to forego NCEA Level 1 from next year in favour of their own diplomas, Marsden School has designed a rigorous future-focused learning programme ‘NCEA+’, which combines NCEA Level 1 and innovative courses, ensuring that students are fully equipped for NCEA Level 2, NCEA Level 3 and life beyond school.

From 2024, Year 11 students will study five traditional subject courses and choose from Marsden’s unique NCEA+ offering –– an interdisciplinary course in which konga select up to three different subject areas and explore a real-world context where they can work collaboratively, think critically and earn credits on the NZQA framework. The themes for these courses are chosen from:

Whanaungatanga

Marsden’s innovative NCEA+ courses hold structure, come with specialist teacher expertise and support, and successfully equip learners with the 21st-century skills they need to successfully navigate a rapidly changing world, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, digital fluency and problem-solving.

a key foundational qualification year, and our students embrace that. It successfully prepares them for the rigours of NCEA Level 2, which carries high-stakes outcomes for those preparing for a university pathway.”

Marsden’s personalised and differentiated NCEA+ programme aims to challenge and meet the needs of students of all ability levels. The courses offer a balance of internal (assessed within school and ongoing throughout the year) and external (assessed by national examinations or a portfolio) assessment.

“I’ve grown quite a reputation with my passion. Many people have come to ask me for differentroles, and I’m really wanting more.

“I’m planning to help take photos for my old primary school’s production, for more bands and the community that I love.”

A year 12 student, Luke was a student at Tawa Intermediate School before he went to Tawa College.

Before that he went to Hampton Hill Primary School.

Deputy Principal Jenny Caldwell says “We are tailoring learning experiences in a variety of curriculum spaces using real world issues for students to be curious and problem solve. This will create learner agency, as they will be able to collaborate with each other and their teachers, choose the direction they would like to take, and have a national qualification at the end of it.”

Across the Level 1 NCEA+ programme, students will gain essential time management strategies and study skills. They will learn to unpack and follow task instructions and experience examinations for the first time.

Principal Paula Wells says “NCEA Level 1 is

On Marsden’s commitment to NCEA, Jenny Caldwell says “NCEA is a widely recognised qualification for international tertiary entry and the world of future education and work. Marsden has years of experience in ensuring students succeed at all levels of NCEA, and a proven track record of outstanding NCEA achievement.” Marsden’s NCEA+ programme is underpinned by the school’s exceptional culture of care, smaller personalised learning environments and individual academic and wellbeing support and coaching.

If you are interested in learning more about NCEA+ at Marsden, please visit https://www.marsden.school.nz/senior-school/academic-y11-13/ncea-level-1/ or register for the school’s Open Morning on Friday 11 August.

Luke Scott-Hill with his National Geographic Photo Camp certificate. Photo: Supplied.

A green heart

Ways to Stay Healthy and Happy During Retirement

Develop a routine

There is no one-size fits-all routine that works for everyone. The key is to build a daily routine that fits your lifestyle.

To get your routine on track, wake up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day (having a routine also helps with sleep!).

Then, over breakfast, make an intentional plan for each day. To start your day with purpose, schedule regular daytime activities such as volunteer work, exercise, and hobbies. Many retirees say that the evening is the most challenging part of the day. Try to write down a few things you’re going to do every evening. For instance, if you like to read, you can schedule reading session from 6 to 7pm every day.

If you live in a retirement community, check the activity calendar for evening social programs, card games, or movie nights!

Eat well

A healthy diet for older adults focuses on whole, minimally processed foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. It’s important to make healthy food choices a habit – eat regular, balanced meals rather than be tempted to snack throughout the day.

Take advantage of the extra time to explore healthy cooking options.

Try new things, learn new skills or expand your education.

Learning in later years can help people stay independent. This is because challenging your brain with mental exercise activates the processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. So, get into the habit of being mentally active during retirement by pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, volunteering, or mentoring. You can even go back to school to learn an instrument, language, or further your higher education.

SUPERIOR TREE MANAGEMENT

Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the K piti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions.

Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected. They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost.

“We had a team from Elite Arboriculture working at our son’s and daughter-in-law’s place in Paek k riki today”, a happy client comments “This work was being done as a prize that Elite Arboriculture had donated to a local

Who should see a Podiatrist?

There are a number of conditions and situations that are red flags for having your feet assessed and treated by a Podiatrist. First on the list is Diabetes. Timely care by a Podiatrist can help prevent some serious problems that can develop in patients with Diabetes. An annual check up is a bare minimum. A second category of necessary care is for patients with diminished circulation. Folks with limited blood flow are at higher risk if an infection enters the body via a wound or break in the skin on the feet or toes. A third category is anyone with impaired eyesight which can make self care of nails and feet a risky proposition. As we age

competition. A great example of a local business supporting the local community… You folks are absolute stars, and we can’t recommend you highly enough”.

Tree pruning and hedge trimming are important to maintain health and structure. From thinning to reductions, Elite Arboriculture can keep your trees healthy and looking their best. The team can also help with planting and mulching, assisting you in finding the right trees for the right spaces and with the right aesthetics.

Trees are essential to our beautiful country’s ecosystem, but an unhealthy tree can be dangerous. If the time has come for removal, they are qualified to perform the job safely and professionally.

Elite Arboriculture has a green thumb and green heart for the community and ecosystem.

Our services include:

Fully qualified and totally insured. Please get in touch to receive your free quote

there is a tendency for feet to get further away! This is not due to your legs getting longer ( if only! ) but our flexibility and ability to get down to your feet and safely attend to them becomes limited. All of these situations, plus any pain you may suffer in your feet, are plenty good reason to make a booking to have your feet under the care of a Podiatrist.

Dr Tim Halpine DPM Active Feet Podiatry

Level 2, 85 The Terrace Wellington 6011 64 4 473 8696

Tim.Halpine@xtra.co.nz

ActiveFeetPodiatry.com

Wainuiomata Masonic Village

Are you looking to live in a new-build retirement Village that’s just a 30 minutes drive from Wellington city? Get in touch to view our attractive independent living Villas at Wainuiomata Masonic Village, and tour the Village including our Village

Hub. We’re set in a beautiful sunny spot in Wainuiomata Valley, and just a minute to two drive from shops including Countdown, Hammer Hardware, Caltex, takeaways and pharmacies. Call Esther King, Village Manager, to view: 04 564 1118.

From Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti to Horowhenua, we provide qualified and professional arborist services.

judging by comments from the audience and especially our soloist Bridget Douglas, Principal

Operatunity Concerts presents “Last

Night of the Proms”

Operatunity Daytime Concerts are thrilled

international tenor sensation Benjamin Makisi will be returning to the Operatunity stage for their “Last Night of the Proms” concert tour. performed with Operatunity, getting some of with them.

Since then he has forged a dazzling international career spanning Italy, Spain, London, New York, San Diego, Washington DC, Hawaii, Berlin, Tonga, Samoa and Australia. Filled with flag waving, foot stomping, and soaring singalongs, Last Night of the Proms will be a stirring iteration of

Waikanae Music Society presents the August.

This ensemble includes some very wellknown musicians, particularly pianist Sarah Watkins, for many years a member of the NZTrio, and Andrew Beer, Concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia. Also from Auckland Philharmonia are Robert Ashworth (viola) and cellist Chen Cao. Their programme includes some of the bestloved works in the piano quartet repertoire, work by Englishman Frank Bridge and a new commission from Janet Jennings.

a time-honoured tradition, infused with

This show will showcase classics such as “Jerusalem”, “Land of Hope and Glory”, and “Rule Britannia”, plus many other patriotic, comic and classical favourites.

Get out your red, white and blue, grab a Union Jack, and get ready to sing your heart out.

To book call www.operatunity.co.nz

that this concert will be at the Kapiti Uniting Church in Raumati. For tickets contact www.waikanaemusic.org.nz

KCO” is set to produce the same enthusiasm and delight, but with a different spin. The programme of easy listening and well-known dance music is suitable for all ages to enjoy. For budding ballet dancers this is the chance to hear live music and to watch all the instruments. To entice families along there is free admission booked. The programme includes “Lord of the from Edwin

beguiling arrangement, “Romeo and Juliet Suite for Solo Viola and Orchestra”.

Bookings are going for

Celebrate spring and travel with Steam

The Festival in the early Spring creates a great day out for the whole family. Hauled by string of heritage passenger carriages,

Piano Quartets by Mozart, Frank Bridge, Janet Jennings and Dvo ák.

2.30pm, Sunday 20 August

NOTE: CHANGE OF VENUE Kapiti Uniting Church 10 Weka Rd, Raumati

New Zealand soprano Amanda Atlas

recently presented by the Royal NZ Ballet Company to great acclaim. Sophia Acheson is the soloist in this work and conducted by Donald wide audiences.

Landlord Crisis! What is the solution?

Increasing interest rates have been hemorrhaging residential landlords’ pockets for almost 2 years now, when you factor in true cost and opportunity loss – I have not met a single landlord who is profiting from their rental investment. The average landlord is losing $20k-$30k per year in true cashflow and when factor in opportunity loss/cost, that true loss can double or triple. Considering there are around 450,000 privately owned rentals in NZ, this is a very, very big problem that no one has addressed or even acknowledged.

Yes, in the lifetimes past, there were steady long-term capital gains (mostly fuelled by falling interest rates and inflation). We are in a very different economic environment now, and the prospect of losing money weekly on a rental that has lost significant value recently and may not see a positive recovery for a long period of time is not an attractive one.

When you look at rental income, and deduct all expenses (rates, insurance, maintenance, mortgage costs, depreciation of aspects, management costs, etc) you quickly realise that there is a significant loss. “But I don’t have a mortgage” – Congratulations if you have worked hard and are in a privileged financial position, but don’t forget, if you don’t have a mortgage, your entire property value is a giant bundle of cash sitting there, and that money should be making you something. For example, if your rental is worth $700k and is freehold, you need to factor in your opportunity loss. If you had $700k in a term deposit at 5%, then you would be getting $35k/pa gross income, with none of the cost of owning a rental. If your rental was losing $20k/pa, then you could be $55k better off every year.

This is a MAJOR crisis that all residential

landlords are facing and there is no solution. Sure, tax deductibility on interest rates will help a tiny bit. But the issue is far, far greater than that. How can we financially incentivise landlords to stay landlords? The country needs landlords, rentals are essential parts of society. But losing $55k a year to be a landlord? Something needs to change. This will hopefully be addressed by political parties who may be looking for the landlord vote. If you are a landlord and want to sit down for a strategy review OR if you got a great idea that could solve this problem – I would absolutely love to hear from you. My door is always open for any Real Estate discussion. Have a great week everyone.

Karori bike lanes plan ‘flawed’

By Frank Neill

The rollout of the proposed bike lanes in Karori is “fundamentally flawed,” Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert says.

That is because the Wellington City Council (WCC) is rolling out a city-wide bike network plan that only about 80 people in Karori submitted on.

“It was just a line on a map.”

The council held a meeting at the Karori RSA on 18 July where it made a presentation on its Karori Connections plan.

The meeting was attended by around 200 people. While people had the opportunity to write comments on the plan, there was no opportunity for people to discuss it.

Cr Calvert is planning to hold a public meeting as a follow up to the 18 July meeting.

“I am working with some of my colleagues to get more detail out and hold a public meeting where as many facts as possible can be on the table and your questions answered,” she says.

“We are probably looking [at holding the meeting] at the end of August.”

Karori has a population of approximately 15,500.

“Of those that submitted back in 2022, only approximately 60 comments were on the Karori section [of the transport project plan].

“The plan is being pushed forward as ‘traffic resolutions’ to speed up the process and tap into Government’s directed funding of 90% of the cost (provided through Waka Kotahi).

“No thought [was] given to actually what people want or the hidden costs and loss of amenity.

“In the meantime we have too many pipes needing

fixing.

“There is a disconnect between WCC and Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) in terms of the actual state of bus priority, the frequency and reliability of the buses and the impacts of the proposed cycleways on the safe running of the buses (which will move people in less vehicles which is the ultimate goal).

Cr Calvert is strongly recommending that residents contact the Mayor and Councillors and GWRC Councillors with their views and also to ask what help they will provide. She is also strongly recommending that residents make sure they make submissions on any proposals.

Cr Calvert is also recommending that people “work together as a community to get your voices heard, the community informed and the real facts on the table.”

Heald

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

Interesting and unusual two days

By Frank Neill

In addition to his usual duties as Parliament’s Deputy Speaker ariu MP Greg O’Connor was involved in two very special events last week.

He escorted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the debating chamber as he was welcomed as a visiting Head of State on 26 July.

The Australian Prime Minister made his first visit to New Zealand on 26 and 27 July.

It coincided with the anniversary of 40 years of free trade between Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Albanese and the Prime Minister Chris Hipkins had a meeting where they celebrated Australia and New Zealand jointly hosting the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup and announced an agreement to work on making travel between the two countries “seamless”.

They announced that they had agreed to put together a joint Australia-New Zealand expert group to scope initiatives to move closer towards seamless travel across the Tasman. The group had a deadline of 12 months.

Mr O’Connor was at Parliament at dawn on 27

July for the blessing of two carved pou installed at the entrance to Parliament.

The pou, he says, are “impressive”.

“Most Parliament buildings around the world look pretty standard, and these will make ours look and feel distinctly New Zealand.

“Given the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinkin visited later in the morning, the timing was excellent.” The pou were blessed in a ceremony hosted by mana whenua of Te Whanganui-aTara/Wellington, Te wa, Taranaki Wh nui and N i Toa Rangatira.

Ōhariu MP Greg O’Connor with the new pou that have been set up at Parliament. Photo: Supplied.

Enhancing community governance

By Frank Neill

Community leaders in the non-profit sector have an opportunity to receive high level mentoring.

Volunteer Wellington is hosting a new Governance Mentoring Programme across the Wellington region.

Anyone who is on the governance board or committee of a community organisation can register as a mentee.

Community members with strong not-for-profit experience and skills can also register as a mentor.

Volunteer Wellington is currently seeking expressions of interest, and this closes on 7 August.

People can register at https:// volunteerwellington.nz/index.php/ news-events/governance-mentoring. For more information contact christine@volunteerwellington.nz.

The Governance Mentoring Programme has been designed to increase effectiveness in community governance by developing capability, connection and confidence.

Door Mats

Each mentee will be matched with a mentor who has substantial not-for-profit governance experience, and both will be supported by a programme coordinator.

Mentees and mentors receive training, orientation and six months of support, including setting development goals.

The programme will run from

12 September to April 2024, with a minimum of six mentoring sessions (1-2hours in length). The orientation event for mentees and mentors is on Tuesday 12 September.

Mentees and mentors also attend learning and networking meetings to strengthen the connections between all participants.

ON... O WHAT’S

The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words.

No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid.

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

Wellington Quilters

Monday 14th August – Wellington Quilters meet at Uniting Church, Dr Taylor Tce, Johnsonville. Doors open 6:30pm for refreshments. Meeting starts 7:30pm. Visitors welcome!

NEWS TIPS

Send your tips to herald@wsn.co.nz

Trades and Services

Graham’s Painters

Get your House Exterior and Interior painted!

Experienced tradesmen and large team

~ Pensioner Discounts ~

E: grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com

W: www.grahamspainters.nz Ph: (04) 564 9202 021 183 9492

Superstar nominations open

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards.

Capital, and adds to the culture of the city.

BUILDING Consent

C

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

Your Local News

Funeral Directors

The annual awards are Wellington City Council’s way of acknowledging and celebrating outstanding or ongoing service that enhances the rich fabric of the community, supports diversity in the

Death Notices

PERRY, Bruce Gordon: Jul 30, 2023

TRESCH, Mary Josephina: Jul 29, 2023

VERNON, Audrey Llewellyn (nee Fairhurst): Jul 29, 2023

Last year’s winners’ contributions ranged from facilitating Tikanga M i and improving the lives of Pasifika people, philanthropists, artists, volunteers, and champions of LGBTQI+ rights.

These awards are the perfect way to honour those who make a truly positive contribution to our city, Mayor Tory Whanau says.

“This is a chance to honour the hard mahi, dedication, and selfless generosity of people who may otherwise go unrecognised.

“They can come from all walks of life and contribute in many varied ways.

“We want to share their stories and say a big thank you for their mahi,” Mayor Whanau says.

Established in 1986, the awards were originally known as the Civic Awards,

THURSDAY

recognising Wellingtonians who had given significant voluntary service in the areas of community service or welfare, sport, culture, the arts, recreation and education. In 1994, Wellington’s then Mayor Fran Wilde suggested reinvigorating the awards, to acknowledge those who have made a significant contribution to the city, often out of the public eye.

Five years later, in 1999, the Civic Awards became the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards.

Nominations can include anyone who has made a difference in our community and dedicated time, effort, and aroha to making the city a better place to live.

Nominations for the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards can be made at wellington.govt.nz/apw-awards up until 20 August.

www.gfh.co.nz

Who invented the dartboard?

The man who is credited with the ‘invention’ of the numbering sequence of the modern standard dartboard is BRIAN GAMLIN. Gamlin was a carpenter from Bury in the County of Lancashire, England and came up with the infuriating sequence in 1896, at the age of 44.

Last Week 27 July 2023

Last year’s Absolutely Positively Wellington award winners. Photo: Supplied.

Barnstorming victory by Wharfies

By Grant Stephen

Waterside Karori had a barnstorming 5-2 win over Roslyn Wakari in their Chatham Cup quarter final match on 29 July.

Saturday’s match came 34 years after the Wharfies footballers last reached the quarter-finals of this premier New Zealand competition.

Although Waterside got off to the better start thanks to some near misses courtesy of Leo Villa and Tomas Alvarado, it was actually Roslyn Wakari who got on the score sheet after 20 minutes with an in-swinging corner.

Ben Lack equalised seven minutes later and locked up the match until half time and for a further ten minutes after the break.

Birhanu Taye slotted one for Karori from a good distance out and Jack Parker came off the bench to make it 3-1.

Roslyn responded immediately to put the pacemakers on overtime.

Seth Ward also came off the bench for Karori with the fourth goal for the visitors at close range.

Jack Parker made it a double on the 90-minute mark and the happiest of journeys back to Karori Park.

Two members of the Karori team hit milestones during the match.

Captain Harry Faultley and mid fielder Lewis Miller recorded their 75th appearances for the Wharfies.

The delight for Karori at Ellis Park in Dunedin could not be replicated at Wakefield Park in Wellington.

The other Wellington quarterfinalist, Wellington Olympic, lost the war of attrition and a man off the park late in regulation time when they went down 3-2 in extra time thanks to a 118th minute goal to Eastern Suburbs of Auckland.

Karori will be joined in the semi-finals by Christchurch United, who beat Hamilton Wanderers 3-0, and Melville United of Hamilton who pipped Western Springs 1-0.

There was one catch up game in the men’s Central League with Stop Out being too strong for Petone and winning 2-1.

Stop Out has now eclipsed both

Hawk named in Wellington Lions

By Frank Neill

Johnsonville Rugby player Ha’amea Ahio has been named in the Wellington Lions squad that will defend the National Provincial Championship (NPC) title.

Ha’amea, who plays as a prop, is among the 40 player squad announced by the Lions head coach, Tamati Ellison, on 31 July.

The Lions will kick off their NPC season when they play Manawatu at the Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, on 5 August.

This follows two successful Ranfurly Shield defences by the Lions to get their 2023 season under way.

In their first defence the Lions cruised to a 68-7 win over Horowhenua- iti at Levin Domain on 12 July.

Wellington then defeated South Canterbury

Waterside and Miramar respec-

to claim sixth spot.

All teams now have 14 games under their belts with the fourgame sprint to the finish still to play out.

In the Women’s Central League, it was situation normal for the top two contenders, Wellington United and Waterside Karori.

United retained their one-point lead after a solid 4-0 at home against Mana Coach Services North Wellington.

Waterside Karori travelled to Arena Manawatu to face Palmerston North Marist.

Waterside book ended the match in their 2-0 victory with a goal to Kennedy Bryant after just five

minutes and a penalty to Nikki Furukawa with a little under 10 minutes to full time.

Seatoun will be scrapping it out with North Wellington for the wooden spoon after they lost 2-0 at home to Victoria University. Taradale had nothing to show for their road trip to Petone with the home side prevailing 4-0.

Double Glazing with German uPVC Joinery

67-21 at the Hutt Recreation Ground on 19 July.

Over half of the championship winning side from 2022 returns to the squad, with all eyes set on defending the title, as well as protecting the Ranfurly Shield for the year.

Tamati says he is pleased with the depth of the squad across the board.

“We’ve got a lot of strength covering each position, which is a good problem to have when it comes to selection each week,” he says.

“We’ve seen a lot of exciting young players in the club competition, and [that] again left us with some hard selection decisions, but we believe those picked from club rugby have what it takes once called upon.”

The victorious Waterside Karori team, who will be looking to book a spot in the Chatham Cup in their next match in the competition. Photo: Supplied.

tively

Johnsonville prop Ha’amea Ahio who has been named in the Wellington Lions squad,

Photo: Natural Light Photography Company.