06 July Independent Herald Newspaper

A good outcome

By Frank Neill

All M kara secondary school students will be able to catch the school bus, at least until the end of this year.

That follows a meeting chaired by Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson on 30 June, where Mana Coach Services agreed to continue transporting students, regardless of their eligibility, at least for the final two terms of 2023.

Earlier this year students and their parents received letters saying that the M ara school bus would no longer transport ineligible students as from the start of term three (17 July). From then it would only accept students attending their closest state or state-integrated school.

Continued on page 2.

The Mākara school bus dropping tamariki off at Mākara Model School. Photo: Frank Neill.

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Long term school bus solution needed

Continued from page 1.

As well as Mana Coach Services, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Wellington College and Wellington High School also attended the meeting, as did the Chair of the M kara/ riu Community Board, Mark Reed.

“I think it is quite a good outcome, at least in the short term,” Mr Reed says.

“But it doesn’t fix things in the long term,” he notes.

However those at the meeting had agreed to meet again “and I am cautiously optimistic” that a long-term solution will be found.

At the meeting there was “some acknowledgement that there was some absurdity in the policy, and an acknowledgment that the policy was quite rigid.”

The policy Mr Reed was referring to was one where students who are not attending their closest state or state-integrated school are not eligible for Ministry of Education-funded transport assistance.

The decision to allow all M ara secondary students to catch the bus at least until the end of the year also came after a media stand-up of M kara families on 29 June.

The stand-up, which the “Independent Herald” attended, was organised by Dr Scott Sheeran, the National Party candidate for Wellington Central in the upcoming election.

“I think your [“Independent Herald”] presence helped to sharpen the mind and led to the reversal,” Dr Sheeran says.

Almost everyone who spoke to the “Independent Herald” at the media

stand-up described the decision to stop taking “ineligible” students as “crazy.”

“I’ve got a son who is to start college next year and he wants to go to Wellington College,” Robert Talarkiewicz said.

“All his friends are going to Wellington College and he selected that one as the better choice for him.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed,” Mr Talarkiewicz said, referring to the meeting the next day.

“It’s crazy that they have to go to a school that they don’t want to go to,” Nicola Waters said. Her sons go to Wellington College.

“If I had girls and they went to Wellington Girls they would be fine,” she said, adding that she is not in a position to “drop everything and pick [her sons] up.”

One of Hayden Radley’s sons goes to Wellington College and will be doing his first year of NCEA next year.

“I’m not going to have him change schools in his NCEA year.

“Our youngest son is going to college next year and he wants to go to Wellington College because that’s where his brother is going.

Mr Bradley also noted that the bus was never full, even though it was taking “ineligible students”. It had 14 at the most out of 20 seats on the bus, he said.

“Moving forward my daughter will be picked up but my son won’t,” Jerry Grafton said.

Jen Ward has three sons who all want to study at Wellington College. One is about to start college next year and wants to go to the same school as his brothers.

Because of her and her husband’s commitments, they cannot provide transport themselves.

“They complain about truancy. They should be doing everything they can to support [the students],” she says.

“I go to Wellington High School,” Charlotte Dickson says. “I take sociology at school… and I am doing social action.

“I’m ineligible because I am a girl going to a co-ed school,” she says, adding that her sister goes to Wellington Girls College, so is eligible to catch the bus.

“The policy is outdated,” Charlotte adds.

“Charlotte is going to have to wait in Karori for an hour and a half,” her mother says.

“It’s a safety issue.

“The biggest frustration is

a policy that is gender-based and we are worried how long it has been since it has been reviewed.”

The Ministry of Education needs to recognise that “special character can be other things than just the schools being religious,” Genieve Morrison said.

“If there is a bus going anyway it seems crazy to exclude a few kids from catching it because of zoning issues.”

Although the secondary students who are not “eligible” have a reprieve this year, another issue relating to the M ara school bus looks likely to be about to surface, Mr Reed says.

Currently the bus transports students from Karori to M kara Model School and he has heard that the eligibility rules may soon be applied to them.

Wellington

At

We’re a resilient lot here in Ōhāriu. Because we’re largely a hilly electorate, our roads are inevitably winding and narrow, and small slips and roadworks can interrupt traffic flow. Many cars park on streets, narrowing the roads further, and double decker buses meander around some pretty challenging routes But it all seems to work, and a shared understanding of unspoken rules, sprinkled with a good dose of courtesy, generally makes it all work. We make room for each other.

Ukraine war.

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

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

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

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

Users of the Ngaio Gorge deserve the biggest accolades. For almost six years the stabilisation work has reduced the road to one lane, with periodic closure necessary. But people put up with it, virtually with no complaint, and now it’s back to a two-way road. More generally we’ve been disrupted by COVID, world-wide inflation and shortages of goods, and fuel price hikes caused by the

But we get on with it. And how I know locals are resilient and decent? Because when I take my challenging and sometimes intrusive intellectually disabled son out in the electorate, where his behaviour can really invade people’s space, they invariably tolerate his behaviour, and often end up apologising to me for his behaviour!

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.

He brings out the good in people, and gives me faith that despite the negativity raining down on us, politically and media wise, Ōhāriu folk are good resilient folk just getting on with it.

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

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

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

There’s plenty to be getting on with.

There’s plenty of change happening in our education, health, infrastructure, and environment sector. Its disconcerting, but all being done for the right reason, and we’ll see that in time to come. We will need to apply the same understanding to the changes as we do when navigating Ōhāriu roads.

Dr Scott Sheeran, the National Party candidate for Wellington Central, and the school bus just after the media stand-up Dr Sheeran had organised. Photo: Frank Neill.

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Khandallah Pool at risk from flooding

By Frank Neill

Khandallah’s swimming pool is at risk of flooding from the nearby Tyers Stream and the potential for slope instability on the adjacent hill, a technical report commissioned by Wellington City Council has identified.

Climate-change modelling predicts that this flood risk will increase, the report says.

The site for any new pool would need to be reduced from the existing footprint and raised vertically by 1.8 metres to mitigate the flood risk.

Completed in April, the report covered flood modelling, a geotechnical report, infrastructure review and a site analysis.

It identified significant challenges and costs associated with mitigating resilience and vulnerability.

In addition to this, investment is required to improve core infrastructure to support the build of any new pool.

Specifically, installation of a dedicated transformer and installation of below-ground attenuation tanks.

The report also highlighted parking constraints due to the changes required at the site.

“It’s great to have the technical report completed as we now have a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of some of the challenges posed at the pool site,” Kym Fell, the council’s Chief Customer and Community Officer, says.

“There is more work to be done to fully identify what is possible and to understand the needs of the community.

“A detailed options assessment will commence to explore what the relative merits, risks and costs are of the various options that the council could now pursue given the new technical advice.

“It will be important to consider the impacts climate change will have on a site like this when

we assess all viable options for the future,” Mr Fell says.

Council officers met with a stakeholder group of the local community on 22 June to share the findings of the report and discuss next steps.

The council will work collaboratively with the community to reach a decision for the future of

Dementia information

An information session on dementia will be presented at the Newlands Community Centre from 4 to 5:30pm on Tuesday 25 July.

Entitled “Navigating Dementia 101” it will cover dementia’s causes, types, stages, services and supports, as well as having a focus on living well with dementia.

Anyone who knows someone with dementia – family/friends/neighbours/ health sector – would benefit from this information session.

To register for the session, email the Dementia Wellington’s Dementia Advisor, Tina, at tina@dementiawellington. org.nz. The session is free to attend, although a koha would be appreciated.

Free law clinics

Wellington and Hutt Valley Community Law hold free clinics at the Newlands Community Centre on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 11am to 1pm. No appointments are necessary.

the pool and park.

Timingsare yet to be determined but the council will meet again with the stakeholder group within the next month followed by a wider community meeting.

The report on the Khandallah Pool is at https://wellington. govt.nz/your-council/projects/ khandallah-pool-upgrade.

Star Glaze celebrates Matariki

aki Pottery Club unveils the Star Glaze project, an annual ceramic festival celebrating Matariki.

Held at the ri Racecourse, Tote Modern Gallery, an taki Pottery Clubrooms, the festival runs from 13 to 15 July.

As well as coinciding with Matariki, the f ri Racing Club race day on Matariki Day, 14 July.

Following the success of the pilot event in 2022, the festival aims to create a sustainable mid-winter celebration of art and culture again this year with additional exciting offerings.

Star Glaze received a positive response from the community during the Matariki weekend in 2022, creating a unique festival feel where art and sport merged.

The event provided a platform for emerging ceramists

to showcase their work.

Based on its success, the club aims to deepen the exploration of Matariki’s significance through the festival.

This year Star Glaze will be introducing two prestigious art awards: The BotPots-sponsored accolade which celebrates exhibitors whose displays explore a concept of Matariki, and the second award offers a coveted mentorship programme for an emerging

ceramic artist. Additionally, a people’s choice award empowers the public to share their invaluable perspectives. Whanau and tamariki will also have the opportunity to create their own ceramic stars, engaging with the festival’s themes.

Star Glaze invites everyone to come together and celebrate Matariki for an unforgettable festival experience.

www.lighthousecinema.co.nz

Khandallah Pool. Photo: Wellington City Council.

Makeover for Nairnville play area

Nairnville Park’s play area is about to get a face lift.

Renewal and upgrade work on the play area in the Khandallah park is scheduled to start on Monday 3 July, depending on the weather.

The play area’s final design, shaped by the feedback of the community, aims to revitalise the park and provide a safe and inclusive space for children of all ages to enjoy.

The site is due to re-open to the public in late August.

In the meantime, residents and visitors can explore other play spaces in the area, including Khandallah Library, Khandallah Park, and Cummings Park in Ngaio.

Key features of the renewed play area will include:

New and improved Helicopter: The outdated and non-compliant helicopter play structure will be replaced with a brand new, specially designed helicopter unit with monkey bars. Expanded play equipment: The play area will be enhanced with a variety of new additions, including swings, an inclusive carousel, trampoline, Wehopper spinner, mini-trampoline, seesaw, junior

module, dual slides, and a flying fox. Refurbished furniture: Existing furniture within the play area will undergo refurbishment, ensuring a comfortable and inviting space for families.

A new picnic table and shelter will be installed to provide shading areas for visitors to relax and enjoy picnics while being protected from the weather. Two shade sails will be installed over play equipment.

Enhanced safety measures will be incorporated. The play area will receive upgraded safety surfacing, ensuring a secure environment for children to play.

“We understand the importance of creating engaging and safe spaces for our community’s children,” says Wellington City Council’s Play Spaces Specialist Matthew Beres.

“The renewal of the Nairnville play area will provide a vibrant and inclusive environment where children can thrive and have fun.

“We appreciate the patience and support of the community during the construction period and look forward to unveiling the transformed play area soon.”

Two weekend working bees

Last weekend was a busy one for the Trelissick Park Group with not just one but two working bees.

Volunteers from the group planted grasses beside the Ngaio Gorge Road layby in the area hit by the slip that came across the road on 1 July.

The next day group members planted species on the south bank of Kaiwharawhara Stream.

The Ngaio Gorge Road slip stabilisation project is finished. The original plan was to grass the strip beside the layby half-way down the road.

Instead Wellington City Council Park (WCC) Ranger Adam Groenewegenarranged a supply of grasses from the Berhampore nursery and recruited some keen volunteers from Trelissick Park Group

to plant them on 1 July.

The 200 supplied was not quite enough to fill the space, so more are coming soon. One of the Trelissick Park Group members adopted a “spot” a couple of years ago on the south bank of Kaiwharawhara Stream, just down from the Oban Track bridge.

The 2 July working bee was devoted to helping with some maintenance and infill planting of grasses, toetoe and cabbage tree. These species, supplied by WCC, are aimed at minimising bank erosion from flooding during heavy rain.

For more information on the Trelissick Park Group, see https://trelissickpark.org. nz/. New volunteers are welcome and can make contact by emailing trelissickgroup@ gmail.com.

Celebrate Matariki at Zealandia MATARIKI

PUANGA

ki

Celebrate Matariki and Puanga at Zealandia these holidays

VISITZEALANDIA.COM/EVENTS

Spend time with your wh nau these school holidays connecting with the whet /stars of matariki and puanga. Explore the ngahere/forest to search for the 10 hidden stars or settle in at the craft station to keep the kids busy with arts and crafts activities.

Adults, engage your senses in the creation of artwork inspired by p r kau (M ori myths and legends) through paint and taonga puoro. With activities for the whole wh nau, make a day of it at Zealandia! visitzealandia. com/events

Planting grasses beside the Ngaio Gorge Road layby. Photo: Supplied.

Fish passages being constructed

Several fish passages are being constructed in the Glenside Reserve stream under the supervision of Joshua Forrest ofGreater Wellington Regional Council.

There are several weirs in the stream associated with the infrastructure dating back to the days when Wellington City Council operated a sewage treatment plant on the land.

The weirs are preventing fish from moving upstream to breed.

Several loads of rock were hand placed into the stream on 22 June to provide a pathway for fish to swim up. Present were Ngati Toa, Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington and local residents.

Greater Wellington will be back to construct a second fish passage and are in discussion

Popular craft classes

Wellington Sewing Centre’s very popular evening and weekend classes are at their peak in the July to September term, with 27 classes on offer in a wide range of crafts.

Held at the 40 Coutts Street shop and its classroom, the classes will include machine sewing, overlocking, knitting, crochet, pattern drafting, dress fitting, embroidery – and more.

Creating a new fish passage in the Glenside Reserve stream. Photo: Supplied.

with advisors on how to deal with the concrete ford obstruction.

It will be Wellington City Council’s responsibility to care for the fish passages and maintain them.

Iconic sewing centre on the market

The iconic Wellington Sewing Centre is on the market.

Located at 40 Coutts Street, Kilbirnie, the shop is renowned for supplying sewing machines, overlockers and overseamers as well as quality supplies for all yarn and fabric-based crafts.

It also runs very popular evening and weekend classes that cover a wide range of crafts for people who are new to the crafts through to those with significant experience.

Wellington Sewing Centre opened in 1988 as a sewing machine retail and repair service. It has since grown significantly to become

a well-known supplier of everything related to yarn and fabric products and learning about them.

The shop’s current owner, Jo Morris, thoroughly enjoys her enterprise. She took over ownership in 2016, and is now looking to retire.

People who are interested or who would like more information can contact Jo by telephoning 387 4505 or emailing jo@ sewingdirect.co.nz.

More information about the Wellington Sewing Centre is available on the shop’s website, https://sewingdirect.co.nz/.

They will cater for people with a wide range of experience in the various crafts – from beginners through to those ready to learn advanced techniques.

“We take everyone from zero to hero,” says Wellington Sewing Centre’s owner Jo Morris.

Although Wellington Sewing Centre has run classes for children in past years, the shop will be running only adult classes this year.

The machine sewing and related classes are held in a classroom behind the shop while the yarn-based and hand stitching classes are held in the shop itself.

Theentrance to the shop’s carpark is off Onepu Road, between the Westpac Bank and the funeral home.People are welcome topark there but need to avoid the two spaces against the fence labelled “KIP”.

More information about the classes, including a list of the upcoming classes, is on Wellington Sewing Centre’s website, https:// sewingdirect.co.nz/classes/adults-classes/. Bookings for classes can be made on the website or in the shop.

As well as classes, Wellington Sewing Centre offers a free 30 minute lesson on any new Ph

sewing machine, overlocker or coverseamer bought from the shop. They also have free videos online that show some simple tips and tricks for both sewing and knitting projects. For more information email classes@sewingdirect.co.nz.

Q: What’s the most iconic movie line?

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.

A challenging task

In the 29 June 2023 issue of the “Independent Herald” Pastor Nigel Woodley explains that Palestinians “are a part of the larger Arab peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. The 22

Herald’s important role

Dear Editor, I’d like to congratulate the Herald on the great cover story last week about the Lets Get Wellington Moving report on the proposed cycleways and the shameful way they tried to bury the community response.

I hope copies went to the Council offices and to every Councillor. The Herald is important for highlight-

Arab nations occupy a land area of 13,486,861 km²” (that’s an area larger than Canada but smaller than Russia).

One inference is that Palestinians should be able to acknowl-

ing local issues. It was thanks to the Herald publishing my letter and photo in 2015 on housing and infill issues that my neighbours and I finally got some action from the Council.

The fact that it was an election year probably helped. I had four Mayoral candidates visit my property, plus several Council candidates.

edge “legitimate Jewish claims to the same land”’ because they have other homelands to go to.

But Palestinians also have “legitimate claims” and are entitled, like Israelis, to make their homes

We didn’t succeed in stopping the construction next door, but the publicity helped and I’ve continued to campaign on the issue. Keep up the good work. The local community articles are interesting and the occasional big issue gets publicity that is needed.

Leith Wallace

and pursue self-determination where 6.4 million of them live, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. That they share that 27, 500 square kilometres (a bit smaller

than Otago, or Belgium) with more than 7.6 million Jewish Israelis makes the task challenging but not impossible.

Malcolm McKinnon

Karori volunteers honoured

The Karori Community Centre celebrated all the various people who give selflessly of their time and energy for the community in Karori culminating in an afternoon tea during National Volunteer Week.

Attendees were treated to talks from Manjit Grewel of Ekta and David Kristicevic from Meals on Wheels, who spoke about the need for volunteers and giving back to the community.

David and Richard (who delivers for Meals on Wheels on his bicycle) ran a very fun game of Heads or Tails that saw Julia from the Repair Cafe win a block of chocolate. They also got everyone talking to each other about why they volunteer and what drives them.

Karori Community Centre Board Chair Heather Baldwin also spoke about the value of volunteers to the community and thanked them for their generosity.

Brenda Crooks, the office administrator at the community centre, told those gathered that it was hard to stop volunteers from wanting to help out putting on the event.

Small gifts were handed out and lovely afternoon tea was served.

The community centre is the hub for many volunteers, charities, recycling initiatives and volunteer groups.

Tahnee Te Kanawa Did we just become best friends?

Kelly Elizabeth You had me at hello.

Alison Dight You’re a wizard Harry.

Dan McNamara Life is like a bunch of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.

JC Broose Run Forest run.

Martin Peck Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.

Karori Community Centre Board Chair Heather Baldwin presenting a gift to a volunteer. Photo: Supplied.

On demand bus service extended

Metlink’s on demand bus-hailing service will be extended following a successful trial.

The 12-month trial of the service in Grenada North and Tawa finished on 16 May after completing 40,000 trips.

The trial will now be extended for another year, and the service will be expanded to include Porirua CBD, Greater Wellington Regional Council decided on 22 June.

As the trial continues, Metlink will also assess the viability of extending the service to Aotea and Cannons Creek.

Greater Wellington Transport Chair Thomas Nash is looking forward to the On Demand service becoming available to more passengers.

“Metlink On Demand is an accessible and flexible form of public transport that offers people a convenient, climate conscious alternative to personal vehicles,” Cr Nash says.

“Passenger satisfaction with the service has surpassed our target, averaging 96%. We are delighted that Metlink’s commitment to modern, convenient transport is resonating with communities.”

To use the service, passengers request a vehicle with the Metlink On Demand app.

A wheelchair accessible, 14-seater bus is allocated to the passenger, shared with others whose journeys are suitably similar.

The bus picks up and drops off passengers at approximately 600 locations or ‘virtual stops’, mostly in areas without fixed route services.

A trip rate of $2.50 is paid through the app, making it a familiar – and cheaper – experience for anyone who uses ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Ola.

“Metlink On Demand connects commuters to the rail network, reducing their reliance on cars,” Fiona Abbott, Acting Metlink Group Manager, says.

“It’s also proved popular with parents, children and the elderly; passenger numbers continued to rise throughout the trial, connecting people to schools, shops and social events.

“The extension of the Metlink On Demand trial is a positive step towards reducing our region’s emissions. Greater Wellington is investing in modern transport solutions to ensure a sustainable future.”

Government is considering a bill which proposes to amend the definition of public transport to include on-demand public transport.

This bill would make On Demand eligible for funding through the National Land Transport Fund, supporting Metlink’s ability to establish On Demand services in additional areas.

Passengers can download the Metlink On Demand app for free from their mobile device’s app store, or by visiting metlink.org. nz/ondemand.

Fantastic donations by students

On the last day of term, Newlands Intermediate students held a ‘çasual attire day’ on the last day of the term, 30 June, and paid for the privilege by bringing a can of food which was donated to the Newlands Community Foodbank.

The food supplied will be a great help in providing help to those who require emergency assistance in the Newlands, Woodridge and Grenada Village area, Foodbank Coordinator Ray Good says.

Chairperson of the Newlands Commu-

nity House Inc Tatjana Manabe received the food from Rama Smith, on behalf of the staff and students, and presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the committee.

Tatjana also thanked the students and staff for their “fantastic efforts” and said that the food would be put to good use. If anybody wishes to donate further food it can be left at the food bin in the Newlands New World Supermarket or at the bin at the Newlands Community Centre.

Tajana Manabe and Rama Smith with the food supplied by Newlands Intermediate Students and Staff.

Marsden students give back to community

An important aspect of being a Marsden student is showing consideration for others through meaningful opportunities to actively serve, authentically living out the school’s value of oha (service).

To do this in a real way and to involve as many students as possible, Marsden’s student leaders arranged a service afternoon on Tuesday 27 June.

The students undertook a number of activities in the community; volunteering at St Paul’s Cathedral, visiting local rest homes, grave clearing at Karori Cemetery and baking for Bellyful as well as countless

Editor is guest speaker

Caitlin Cherry, the Editor of “The Post”, will be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Karori’s business breakfast on 14 July.

She will speak on the topic “Local News in a Tight Funding Environment”.

Ms Cherry took up the Editorship of the “Dominion Post” in February before its name change to “The Post”. She has worked as a journalist, producer, and senior news leader at Radio New Zealand for more than 20 years;

on Morning Report, Nine to Noon, Afternoons, and The Panel.

She was recently Head of Content at Consumer New Zealand.

The meeting includes a full buffet breakfast and will be held at the Karori Park Café, starting at 7am.

People need to let Rotary know if they are planning to attend by 14 July by emailing KaroriRotary@gmail.com with the names of those attending and a contact phone number.

Update from your local city councillor

The future of our Community Facilities

Out for consultation until 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.

Khandallah Pool

Council has completed an important milestone towards the planning of a revitalised pool, with a technical assessment of the site. There are a awaiting to be updated on how those challenges may be mitigated in particular the evaluation of alternative solutions and possible relaxation of the site constraints.

Over the next few months there will be further engagement with the community about the various options. Details on the public forums

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern

029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz

029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz

opportunities for service around the school.

Some students also undertook basic life support training with St John’s Ambulance so they are prepared if they ever have to face an emergency situation away from school. Many of Marsden’s students are already actively volunteering and experiencing the personal satisfaction that comes with being of help to others.

However, for some, this service afternoon provided new insights and the spark for future opportunities to give of themselves for all of the benefits that volunteering and serving others brings.

5 School Holiday Ideas? YIP!

Hey Everyone, it is our first school holidays as parents of a small human, and with 2 weeks, we are looking for some new ideas to keep Miss 7 occupied! Here are 5 new things we didn’t originally think of that are well worth a thought, without breaking the bank.

1. Red Rocks Nature Reserve: This is a beautiful, coastal area located on Wellington’s south coast. Get rugged up and take a scenic walk along the coastal track and spot all the interesting marine life in the rock pool, birds, rock formations, etc. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for seals that often sunbathe on the rocks!

2. Capital E: Yes! this is a long-standing institution, but it really doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves. They offer a great range of workshops, exhibitions, and live performances, and is a great place for kids to explore their artistic side and engage in interactive learning. We were probably a bit slow to plan for some their programmes, but worth planning for.

3. Space Place/Cable Car: Take the cable car up to the top of the hill, soak in the view, grab a drink/gelato and head to Carter Observatory. The observatory has had plenty of upgrades in the last decade, and it packs a lot of interactive displays that are perfect young stargazers and aspiring astronauts. The planetarium is always a winner!

4. Escape Rooms: These are super popular all over the world, and in Wellington there are some that cater to young children. They are perfect to stimulate creative thinking whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Escape rooms have come a long way since they first came to market, and the operators are constantly modernising the experience. Guaranteed to cause less fights than monopoly.

tures to explore, cool art pieces to look at (the dinosaur is our favourite) and there are usually food trucks / coffee carts to keep the whole family fuelled. Oh, and don’t forget to take the bikes/scooters as well! Perfect place for them to burn off energy!

Yes! All the usual places are great, we have family visiting this week and yes… we are going to Zealandia, Te Papa, etc. but there are so much more to do. Plus, doesn’t have to be a special activity. The kids seem to love scooter to the local school courts and shooting some baskets just as much. Enjoy the 2 weeks of easier traffic, busier shops, and noisy food courts. Good luck to you all!

www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz

www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz

Authorised by J Owens, 22 Agra Cres, Wellington 6035.

5.Avalon Park: If you haven’t been yet, this is probably one of the best playgrounds we have seen around here. There are struc-

Marsden students entertaining residents at a local rest home. Photo: Supplied.

Marsden students cleaning at St Paul’s Cathedral. Photo: Supplied.

Kitting out the KAT cast

Helen Smith is a huge fan of murder-mystery, so who better to be kitting out the cast of KAT Theatre’s next production, Francis Durbridge’s twisty-turny tale, “A Touch of Danger”?

Having recently returned to her hometown and settled in Khandallah, Helen often walks past KAT Theatre’s base at Cochran Hall and was inspired to audition for their latest production after a break from the stage due to Covid.

She had previously been a regular in Whanganui’s summer Shakespeare productions, having played a dog, a fairy, and a sailor among others.

“I was very nervous during the audition,” Helen says.

“Mike, the director, was kind and happy to give me feedback on my performance.

“I didn’t get a part this time but was keen to do pretty much anything backstage, having had good crew experiences before.

“I felt more comfortable taking on wardrobe than something like lighting or production manage-

ment.”

Rummaging in the theatre’s clothing store with KAT’s wardrobe guru Michelle Soper has yielded some great 1980s outfits.

“You’re not always sure what will fit,” Helen says. “But we’ve got quite a few options for the women and we’ve sorted the men out now too. They need lots of shirts.”

Further down the track, Helen is keen to audition for a stage role again.

“I recognise some names from shows I’ve seen before at KAT Theatre and it’s great that they offer opportunities to new people who bring a different energy and vibe to productions.

“If I’m not cast, I’d like to stay involved and would probably be happy to do wardrobe again. I enjoy looking after the cast.”

“A Touch of Danger”is a murder mystery withmany red herrings and some very funnymoments.

It opens at Cochran Hall, 106 Cashmere Avenue on 13 July and runs to 22 July. Tickets are available from iTICKET.

Local grants from NZCT

By Frank Neill

Three organisations based in Wellington’s northern and western suburbs received grants totaling more than $44,000 in the latest round of funding by the New Zealand Community Trust.

The Karori Lawn Tennis Club was granted $37,000 towards the cost of new lighting for its number one and number two courts.

The Karori Hockey Club was granted

$5,000 towards the cost of turf games fees. Newlands Intermediate School was granted $2,080.33 towards travel costs.

The New Zealand Community Trust granted $574,907.65 to organisations across the greater Wellington region in its latest funding round.

One gaming venue in the “Independent Herald’’s circulation area contributed to these grants – The Pickle Jar in Karori. It was one of 14 gaming venues in the greater Wellington region that contributed.

Half price fares continue

Half price fares on Metlink buses and trains will continue from 1 July until the government’s age-based discounts can be applied, Greater Wellington Regional Council decided on 22 June.

At the same time, the council agreed to implement the transport discounts announced in the 18 May Budget.

The discounts, which let children under-13 ride for free, and under 25-year-olds ride at half price, can be introduced by Public Transport Authorities, when possible, from 1 July.

As Metlink is not able to activate the discounts at such short notice, and the government’s half price fares initiative concludes on 30 June, Council Chair Daran Ponter says extending half-price fares is a practical interim solution.

“Council welcomes the age-based discounts, but we can’t bring them in until our electronic ticketing partner, Snapper, has built a digital registration portal,” Cr Ponter explains. That is because of the fact that bus drivers and ticket collectors will not be able to ascertain how old younger passengers, and therefore whether they qualify for the discounts.

“Metlink passengers will be expecting the discounts next month, so we’ve come up with a solution to tide them over until the portal is open in August.

“Until then, no passenger will pay more than they currently do for public transport,” Cr Ponter says.

Free travel for 5 to 12-year-olds will not be available until the portal is ready, but for families who use public transport, the delay is likely to be mitigated by adult fares temporarily remaining at half price.

Extending half price fares will cost Greater Wellington approximately $2 million a month, which Transport Chair Thomas Nash says could be funded from existing council budgets.

“We’ve asked the government to contribute to this cost as it’s signalled implementation funding for its discounts is available,” Cr Nash says.

“We know families depend on public transport and our temporary measures will help people to reduce their travel costs andtheir carbonemissions.

“Metlink is working as fast as it can to introduce the discounts our passengers are entitled to.”

Wadestown Zumba proves a hit

New daytime Zumba Gold classes at Wadestown Community Centre are proving a hit with localsover the winter.

Zumba Gold Instructor Yuri Sakashita approached the centre Co-ordinator, Louise Davies, last month about the possibility of running these affordable music and movement classes for seniors during the daytime at the centre.

The building is well used every afternoon and several evenings a week by the local Music Box Academy group and other regulars, who includethe local Toy library, Monday night Zumba class with instructor Paula Hay and the Tuesday afternoon Mahjong group.

However Wednesday mornings were available and the mid-week11am time slot workswell for home-based locals interested in keeping fit and active and wanting some social contact with others.

These include active retirees, people working from home and caregivers of school age children.

Instructor Yuri says she is delighted with the response so far and welcomes any other locals who are keen to keep warm and active, especially during the colder months.

Zumba Gold is a lower intensity, low impact, slower-paced version of the Latin American inspired dance workout routines which became popular in the 1990s,initially in Miami, Florida before becoming a world-wide phenomenon.

Participants enjoy the fun atmosphere and the upbeat Latin-American, Bollywood, Swing and Rock n Roll rhythms.

“No previous dance or workout experience is necessary,”says Yuri. “Just come along and give it a go.”Enquiries can be made by email to Yuri. collado@gmail.com.

Helen Smith (left), wardrobe coordinator for KAT Theatre’s production of “A Touch of Danger”, helps Ava Straw try on a jacket from the club’s wardrobe collection for her part as the novelist’s secretary.

Zumba Gold Instructor Yuri Sakashita (centre front) during one of the Wadestown sessions. Photo: Supplied.

KAPITI

Curtain up!

Light

the lights! It’s “From Broadway to the Westend”

From Broadway to Westend will take you to new heights as performance company Operatunity presents the greatest songs from Their stars will entertain you with numbers dancing, sparkling spectacular, this show is Operatunity Daytime Concerts and Travel is thrilled to announce that beloved Kiwi musical theatre star Tainui Kuru will be returning From Broadway to Westend, a glitzy showtune

great fun, and of course, fabulous costumes! The concert will showcase Tainui, alongside Isaac Pawson, Vanessa Kelly and pianist Paul performing the greatest songs from the greatest musical theatre stages in the world in a singing, dancing, sparkling

Celebrate spring and travel with Steam Incorporated on 10 September from Wellington to Carterton by heritage excursion

steam locomotive Ja 1271 the train is a lengthy string of heritage passenger carriages, Immerse yourselves in 15 minutes of darkness as the train climbs, crests and then descends through the Remutaka tunnel! On this portion of the journey, the train is helped by a pair of heritage diesel

The Paekakariki Station Precinct Trust was formed in 1993 by a group of people from the local community, who were concerned about the very fast decline of Paekakariki’s

The primary objective was and remains to ensure that the 1909 built railway station was

locomotives before ’71 is left to work its way abundance of activities in the town and at Shuttle buses will run from the town centre

Whilst the day may be over upon arriving at Wellington’s Platform 9, the memories of the day live on!

the Paekakariki Station Precinct Trust was formed and work commenced on a complete

The completion of this major reconstruction

The Waikanae Music Society is presenting one of their most ambitious concerts ever when the Amici Ensemble, consisting of leading NZSO players, presents Bach’s legendary Armstrongsays “This is a project I have had in mind for many years and it is a real delight to put all six Brandenburg Concertos together and harpsichord and frequently demanding

This special chance to hear all six of these iconic masterpieces will be on Sunday

The Daffodil Express

Adult return $115; Child $70

Sunday 10th September 2023

Departs Wellington Platform 9 at 8:20am. Arrives back 5pm.

Phone 0800 783 264 www.steaminc.org.nz

From Broadway to Westend

The greatest songs from the greatest musical theatre stages in the world.

Let Operatunity’s stars entertain you with numbers by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Lerner & Loewe, and more!

Standard Ticket: $42.00 each

Group

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Paekakariki Railway Station Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 11am to 3pm

J’ville needs a recreation centre

By Frank Neill

A recreation centre for Johnsonville is the next thing the Johnsonville Business Group will be looking at, the group’s Chair, Mark Kirk-Burnnand told the “Independent Herald”.

Mr Kirk-Burnnand made his comments following publication of Wellington City Council’s Community Facilities Plan.

The plan, which was considered by the council’s Social, Cultural and Environmental Committee at its meeting on 28 June, identified the lack of a recreation centre in Johnsonville.

To fill the gap, the plan recommends that the council undertakes a suburb-wide needs assessment and feasi-

bility study.

The aim of the study would be “to provide direction on the optimal development of cohesive and functional facilities in Johnsonville.

“Considerations include:

Geographic and capacity gap in provision of recreation centre (indoor courts) in the northern/western area.

Johnsonville Community Centre has building deficiencies impacting functionality which may not be easily resolved.

Waitohi hub has been successful but there are opportunities to expand collaboration across facility types.

Johnsonville is a priority investment area due to growth.

Johnsonville open space investment

and Nuku Ora regional indoor court facilities planning work,” the Community Facilities Plan says.

The plan also recommends undertaking a needs assessment and feasibility study across Khandallah, Ngaio and Wadestown.

This would be “to assess the optimal network of functional, cohesive and sustainable facilities.

“Considerations include:

Catchment modelling indicates the libraries and community centres have overlapping catchments, potentially diluting demand and impacting efficiency.

Khandallah and Wadestown libraries are small, ageing, have building deficiencies which impact range of

offerings.

Khandallah and Ngaio community centres are large venues.

Khandallah Library and Ngaio Town Hall are heritage listed. Proposed closure of Wadestown Community Centre due to low usage and significant accessibility issues,” the plan says.

Newlands also needs a suburb-wide needs assessment, the plan says.

This would review “whether facility provision across Newlands meets the needs of the community.

“Key considerations are potential equity issues arising from a lower level of provision for the population size and higher socio-economic deprivation profile of population,” the report says.

EXTERIOR PLASTERING & PAINTING

Good exterior plasterers and painters are hard to find, contact us on 021 028 19368 or visit www.rendermates.co.nz for a free quote E: info@rendermates.co.nz

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 10th July - Wellington

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

Don’t Chuck It. Fix It

Ngaio Repair Cafe is free, open

Saturday 15 July,10am - 1pm, Ngaio Union Church, corner Crofton Road and Kenya Street.

Trades and Services

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Rates rise lower than expected

Greater Wellington Regional Council approved a rates rise of 16.94% when it voted to adopt its 2023-24 Annual Plan on 29 June.

The increase is lower than the 17.8% rates hike proposed in April. However, it remains higher than the 14.1% rise predicted in the Long Term Plan, in part due to inflation and rising interest rates.

Additional public transport funding from the government enabled the increase to be pared back to 16.94%, which on average will cost residential ratepayers approximately

an extra $1.81 per week.

The rates rise will ensure that Greater Wellington can continue to deliver essential services for the benefit of the region, Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter says. These include flood defences for vulnerable communities and ensuring our region is adapting and preparing to face the impacts of climate change.

“This work cannot be stopped or delayed,” Cr Ponter says.

“The best outcome for our region will be achieved by investing in

THURSDAY FACT

its resilience. We will continue progressing towards our long-term goals of a carbon-neutral, economically secure region.”

Funding an increase in Metlink bus driver wages is one of the key projects in the Annual Plan, as is the continued support of Predator Free Wellington as they extend their operations beyond Miramar.

Also included are improvements to flood warning systems and the implementation of flood management plans. Greater Wellington Deputy Chair Adrienne Staples

Public Notice

says she is pleased that regreening projects are part of the plan.

“We will be looking to the future this year with the ambitious goal of planting a million seedlings this winter, improving our water quality and flood defences.

“Funding these projects now will ensure future generations can enjoy our natural heritage, in a region that has prepared well for its future,” Cr Staples says.

The 2023/24 Annual Plan and further information on rates can be found at gw.govt.nz/annual-plans.

NEWLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

School in Action Morning Tuesday July 25th, 9am - 10.30am

BUILDING Consent

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

Your Local News

Funeral Directors

Do bananas have seeds in them?

Wild bananas, prior to domestication, do have seeds. But like seedless grapes, humans have found and cultivated seedless mutations. So now all banana trees come from cuttings and there are no seeds in the fruit. The little brown specs in a banana are the vestiges of seeds that did not develop because of the mutation.

Death Notices

TOMS, Maureen: QSM, JP

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At Newlands Intermediate School, students are encouraged to think independently, take responsibility for their decisions, and begin to focus on their future. Teachers instil positive values such as integrity, resilience, respect, and excellence to ensure that pupils are confident in their identity.

With a focus on technology and science, Newlands Intermediate is constantly exploring engaging and dynamic ways to create learning opportunities for young adolescents

Teachers have high expectations of students and are committed to high quality teaching and learning that challenges their thinking and excites them about their learning.

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Puzzle

11. Plentiful (5)

12. Distressing experiences (7)

13. Its capital is Katmandu (5)

14. Formal interviews (with authority) (9)

15. Spacious (9)

16. Nearly (6)

18. Annual handbook (7)

21. Small island (4)

23. Foolish chatter (3)

25. Short sleep (3)

27. Colour (4)

28. Injured parties (7)

30. Barrel maker (6)

32. Look (3)

33. Snow runner (3)

34. Closer (6)

35. Some (7)

36. Ballad (4)

37. Insect (3)

39. Garland (3)

41. Whirl (4)

43. Ungenerous (7)

45. Traps (6)

48. Funds official (9)

49. Advocate (9)

51. Indication (5)

52. Bet takers(coll) (7)

53. Presses (5)

54. Ornamental staff (7)

55. Takes back property (for non- payment) (11)

DOWN

1. Public square (5)

2. Things that hinder progress (11)

3. Style of lightly fried egg (4-4)

4. Science of vision (6)

5. Prayer leaders(in mosques) (5)

6. Japanese seafood dish (7)

7. Band member (8)

8. Parhelion (3,3)

9. Hinders (7)

10. Punctured (5)

16. Frequents (7)

17. Inns (7)

19. Wood-turning machine (5)

20. Giggles (7)

22. Angers (7)

24. Baked dish (3)

26. Maori dance prop (3)

29. Makes acquaintance of (5)

31. Deed holders (11)

32. Ocean (3)

33. Large Indian tree (3)

38. Dreadful (8)

40. Very quickly (2,2,4)

42. Repeat (7)

44. Zeal (7)

46. Rise (6)

47. Wakens (6)

48. Hauls (5)

49. Preen (5)

50. Chores (5)

Solution

SOLUTION

Last Week 29 June 2023

For April 27, 2005

Nigel, your local funeral director caring in your community.

Good win for Karori footballers

By Grant Stephen

Waterside had the happiest of times at home when they dispatched TFS North Wellington 5-1 in their Central League Football match on 1 July.

The Wharfies victory was based on a dominant first half performance.

Leo Villa and Tomas Alvarado called the shots for the home team and caused no end of trouble.

Norths looked all at sea after the first 30 minutes with a goal each to Tomas and William Forrest and one more at half time by Leo.

Norths could not recover and despite a goal to Cory Vickers for Norths in a more balanced second half performance, Stefan Cordwell chimed in for another score for Karori and this was topped off by a second to Tomas. Game, set and match to Wharfies.

Round 12 of 18 in the men’s Central Football League played out over the weekend and there’s still plenty at stake for all teams in the league.

With the 30 June transfer window firmly slammed shut until the end of the regular season, all deck chairs have been rearranged for the last time.

It’s still uncertain who will win the league, which four teams will advance to the national phase at the

end of the year and which side will face the relegation chop.

Although Petone and Stop Out have a catch up game, the league table currently shows Wellington Olympic on 31 points, Wellington Phoenix Reserves 30, Western Suburbs 24, Napier City Rovers 20, Petone 17, Waterside Karori and Miramar Rangers 15, Stop Out 14, North Wellington 4 and Whanganui Athletic 0.

Miramar Rangers will be digging deep in their box of tricks to make the top four after a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Stop Out.

A loss was not on the “to do list” and Stop Out will be buoyed by their own performance as they look to clear the relegation zone and leave that worry to Whanganui Athletic and North Wellington.

Whanganui have yet to break their duck and had the unenviable task of hosting Olympic at Wembley Park.

The top team was true to form and Olympic started their road trip home with seven goals in the referee’s notebook with nothing for the home team.

The Phoenix Reserves were 3-1 winners over Petone while Napier had a strategically important 3-1 win over Western Suburbs to create a small buffer and sit in the top four.

In the Women’s Central Football League, Wellington United have

a 1-point buffer at the top over Waterside Karori. United could do no better than a nil all draw against Seatoun while Waterside prevailed 4-1 over Mana Coach Services North Wellington.

Beth Whiteside got Norths on the board after just 1 minute but Kennedy Bryant returned service for Karori a mere three minutes later. Other goal scorers for Karori were Kaley Ward, Jemma Hall and

Crushing victory for the Hawks

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Hawks have catapulted themselves into being strong contenders for the Jubilee Cup with a crushing 46-12 victory over Old Boys University on 1 July.

The size of the win surprised many rugby followers, coming against a team that was tied with the Hawks in second place following the premier

Swindale Shield competition. With the win, Johnsonville has earned themselves a week’s holiday, before they line up in the semi-final of the Jubilee Cup.

This year sees the Hawks playing in the Jubilee Cup competition for the first time in 25 years.

Playing on their home ground of Helston Park, the Hawks wasted no time getting on the scoreboard.

Glenside Reserve needs management plan

Developing and implementing a Glenside Reserve Management Plan should be included in Wellington City council’s 2024-34 long term plan, the Glenside Progressive Association said in its submission to the council.

The plan should be developed and implemented in partnership with both the progressive association and the community, the submission said, and should be included in formal budget planning and funding allocation.

The concept the progressive association is promoting is to reduce the carbon footprint by managing Glenside Reserve as a natural reserve, where the natural habitat of bird and fish wildlife flourish

A penalty by Mark Sutton was followed by a try to wing Aukuso Tuitama, who intercepted a pass and ran 50 metres to score. The successful conversion saw the Hawks take a 10-0 lead after just six minutes.

Johnsonville went on to add two more converted tries before half time, with prop Ha’amea Ahio and loose forward Tyler Hall

dotting down. The Hawks continued to dominate after the break, with Mark kicking an outstanding 40 metre penalty into the wind to open the second stanza.

Aukuso scored his second try – the first of three second half Hawks tries. Outstanding wing Finlay Sharp and loose forward Josh Betham also snared a five

In other games in the round, Petone defeated Palmerston North Marist 3 nil and Taradale had a strong 6-1 result over Victoria University.

pointer each.

The match was a milestone for number eight Sergio Hollis, who ran onto Helston Park for his 50th premier match.

Johnsonville’s second team had a much tougher encounter with Old Boys University in the premier 2 H D Morgan Memorial Trophy match. Johnsonville emerged the victors by a narrow 31-28.

Tomas Alvarado on the charge for Waterside Karori against Norths defender Zak Brown.

Photo: Terry Douglas. just

Nikki Furukawa.

Part of the Glenside Reserve.

Photo: Supplied. and it can be accessed for natural play. Some of the existing sheds and services on the reserve could be repurposed for shelter and public conveniences. The proposal is consistent with the status of the reserve as Open Space B.