Rebuild urgently needed
By Frank Neill
Onslow College urgently needs many of its buildings replaced or repaired.
Some of the buildings, including the school’s gymnasium, are an earthquake risk.
Continued on page 2.
Onslow College Principal Sheena Millar points to an area of rot in one of the school’s buildings.
Frank Neill.
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So sad for the students and staff
Continued from page 1.
Rotten timber, mouldy classrooms, gaps in windows, the presence of micro organisms such as Stachybotrys, leaking roofs and even a roof built over a leaking roof are among the problems with many of the school’s buildings.
“It is just so sad for our students and our staff that they are working in conditions like this,” the school’s Tumuaki/Principal Sheena Millar says.
“Yet our students are performing academically at a very high level, but we are doing it in substandard conditions. It is really concerning.”
The school, for example, has a 76% pass rate for University Entrance, compared with the national average of 90%. Literary and number levels are above 90%.
“The need is urgent.
“I would say it was needed 10 years ago and it became urgent five years ago,” Ms Millar says.
People who visit the college “say they are shocked at the state of the buildings”.
“An entire generation of students is being failed,” Deputy Principal Jono Wyeth adds.
The need for new buildings at the school was recognised a decade ago, and since then there has been a long history of planning, followed by the Ministry of Education postponing any rebuilds or repairs time and
time again.
The school received reports in 2014 that the administration and technical blocks had to come down, along with two prefabs, Ms Millar says.
Ten years later the buildings still stand.
In 2015 “there was a recongition that a lot of the campus was aging and needed replacement”.
One of the reports said that the Ministry “needs to invest significant amounts to repair or replace a lot of the buildings,” Ms Millar said.
Still nothing happened.
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins visited Onslow College in December 2019 when he was the Minister of Education.
“He announced 20 new classrooms would be built,” the school’s Business Manager, Craig McWilliam, says.
“Along with Greg O’Connor [the MP for hariu] there was an acknowledgement that the buildings were in an unacceptable condition and they had been for a long time.
“However we still don’t have the classrooms we were promised.”
In June 2020 a master plan for the school was prepared, Ms Millar says.
That plan recommended the demolition of six blocks, to be replaced by a larger building.
“The Ministry agreed to that plan.
A plan of Onslow College showing the buildings that need replacing in red. Image: Supplied
“They started designing a new block later in 2022 and kept designing until March this year.
“Then we were told on 14 March [this year] it was on hold.
“We were told in mid June that the building was not proceeding and there was no money for the building as yet, but there was money for planning,” Ms Millar says.
Ōhāriu has been in the news recently over the chronic building issues at Onslow College.
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.
As the local MP, I advocate for local schools, all of which received a good cash boost for urgent work preCOVID. However, that was never meant to cover the fundamental infrastructure issues, and Onslow, like others, was always going to need major work. The College had been prioritised, but the goalposts seem to have shifted as new issues arising needed new considerations and engineering requirements. All projects were put on hold following a change in government and now, just when they have been given the green light to essentially apply for the project to be funded, new issues have arisen.
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.
The students, parents and staff have been incredibly patient, but recent media exposure shows just how desperate the situation has become. Rebuilding can’t start soon enough. Another generation of students can’t be expected to put
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
“The point now is that they are asking us to go through another planning process,” Mr Wyeth notes.
Continued on page 6.
up with the sub-standard buildings that the current students have had to. The school still produces outstanding results across so many activities, academic and otherwise, so this is an essential investment in their future.
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.
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.
I speak to many folks who are bemused with the constant blame-game of politics, where new government blames last government to justify their own actions; it happens across all parties. There is some good credible media analysis beyond the headlines, so I encourage people to try to seek out some reliable commentators, often in the print media, to avoid only being exposed to what the algorithm feeds us down the social media portal. It is not easy, but it avoids us falling into the American trap which sees events only being seen through one political lens. I used to teach my detectives the ABC of Policing; Accept nothing, Believe no one, and Corroborate everything. It keeps us well-informed and safe.
Speed humps slow emergency response
By Frank Neill
Vital minutes were lost when emergency services were responding after a man collapsed in Karori last week, Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung says.
When the first responder, a fire engine from the Karori station, arrived they were not able to revive the man, and he died.
“It’s all about the speed humps and the problems they cause, and now someone has died,” Cr Chung says.
“We don’t know if [the fire fighters] could have saved him.”
However it does raise a question.
“If they had arrived minutes earlier, would they have been able to save him, would they have been able to revive him?
“Because, of course, once your heart stops you’ve actually got a very short space of time to revive someone, so you’ve got to be very quick,” Cr Chung says.
“Every second counts.”
Cr Chung’s brother, Ken, took the man who later died to see his doctor that morning and then took him to lunch.
A couple of hours later he collapsed and his wife rang all the neighbours to come and help.
One of the neighbours went over there and rang the ambulance. They said they would sent two ambulances, one from Thorndon and one from Johnsonville.
Because the ambulances had such a long distance to travel Fire and Emergency New Zealand were alerted, as there is a fire station on Karori Road.
“It took ages for them to get there,” Cr Chung says.
“When they arrived they gave their apology and said it took them longer because of the speed humps, so that was what was the delay.
“They could not revive him, so the neighbour contacted me and told me, because I have been helping her with another matter.”
The speed humps slow down fire engines that are responding to an emergency, such as a fire or a health problem.
“A fully loaded fire engine ... weighs about
40 tonnes and they have to slow down to vitually a stop to go over them,” Cr Chung says.
Just a couple of weeks before the incident
Cr Chung was at a meeting about Thorndon Quay that included the emergency services, Transporting New Zealand, the Bus & Coach Association “everyone who actually uses that road”.
At that meeting, the groups said that “the council tells us that they consult and the continue to consult with the organisations,” Cr Chung says.
The groups said that the consultation
involved the council telling them “what they are planning to do. We put in our suggestions... and our concerns and they ignore them. They just go and do what they were going to do anyway.”
Cr Chung says he questions the “logic” the city council uses “for these speed humps.
“I don’t believe they have empirical data to actually support their arguments.
“They say in Thorndon Quay it is to actually save lives, but there’s only been three accidents there over the last 10 years.
“So why are they putting in speed humps and why are they putting speed humps immediately before a raised pedestrian crossing?” Cr Chung asks.
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has also expressed its sorrow and concern following the Karori death.
Emergency services “couldn’t get there quickly enough, because they say that the scores of traffic-slowing measures on the way stopped them from getting up to speed,” says James Ross, the Taxpers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager.
“As the emergency services have been saying right from the start, lives will be put at risk when the obstacles stop them from being able to do their jobs properly.”
Councillor Ray Chung. Photo: Frank Neill.
An artist’s impression of a raised crossing, which slows down emergency responders. Image: Supplied.
Village market
The next Khandallah Village Market will run from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 10 August at the Khandallah Presbyterian Church Hall.
The market will feature art, craft, vintage and pre-loved items.
This month’s market sees the introduction of a diverse array of vendors, each bringing their unique offerings to enrich the shopping experience.
Coaches needed
Onslow College is looking for volunteer Volleyball coaches.
The school has 12 teams, three each of senior girls, senior boys, junior girls and junior boys.
It currently has four volunteer coaches as well as student coaches.
The school is looking for people who can make an occasional commitment, a small weekly commitment or take on a team with a weekly game and trainings. For more information or to volunteer email onslowvolleyball@gmail.com.
Monaghan Reserve looking great
Karori Kaitiaki held another successful working bee at Monaghan Reserve on 21 July.
“It is satisfying to see that the top area and bank are now looking great, with established plants, more than weeds,” says Siva Sivanantham of Karori Kaitiaki.
“The native plants are thriving.
“It is an enjoyable experience working in this reserve now, with the screeching sound of Kaka and the call of Kereru.
“Thanks to our volunteer handyman, Andrew, who has used
timber and other recycled material found on the site, there are three benches for people to sit and enjoy the reserve.
“All this would not be possible without volunteers.
“Next time you see us working on one of the Karori reserves, do come and join us, or just come and say hi,” Siva says.
Initial work on this site included the clearing out of household rubbish and building rubbish that had been dumped over many years, especially down the bank.
Then came clearing of invasive weeds like tradescantia, blackberry and banana passionfruit and gorse. This, as always is an ongoing job.
Many volunteer hours have been spent digging holes, at time precariously balanced on the bank, and fighting the elements.
Following that came the planting, and more importantly returning to look after the young plants, weeding around them and mulching.
Monaghan Reserve is one of a
number of Karori Reserves that Karori Kaitiaki volunteers have been working hard on the past six years on, in their efforts to keep Karori green, clear out invasive weeds and plant native plants.
Wellington City Council generously provides Karori Kaitiaki with advice and plants. The other reserves the volunteers have worked on are Appleton Park, Birdwood Reserve, Verviers Corner Reserve, Makara/Allington Road Reserve and Montgomery Reserve.
Warning about eye strain at work
Local optometrist David Aldridge has a warning for Kiwis: get your eyes tested before your boss makes you.
David, who is the Specsavers’ optometrist for the larger Wellington region, is not alone in his comments.
Specsavers optometrists’ across the country have seen more and more employees coming into their practices at the request of their bosses, after poor eye health caused an overall drop in workplace productivity.
www.ecowindows.nz
Productivity is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest economic challenges, according to the Productivity Commission’s 2023 annual report.
This statement has been backed up by new research conducted by Specsavers, which found that 1 in 4 Kiwis – including in the Wellington region – had taken days off due to poor eye health and 42% of respondents saying their eyesight negatively impacts their productivity at work.
According to Statistics New Zealand, productivity has fallen steadily over the last 30 years, with New Zealanders reportedly working more hours per week than other OECD member countries, but producing less than 70% of the work that other OECD nations do.
One of the contributing factors
to the decrease of productivity in the workplace is poor eye health, with the World Health Organisation finding the annual cost of visual impairment on workplace productivity is a staggering $411 billion globally, creating a significant economic burden throughout the world.
Ninety percent of the Specsavers’ survey participants had visually demanding jobs that required near work, intense visual work or were using screen-based equipment daily and almost half (46%) have had to redo or spend more time on a work-related task due to symptoms related to eye strain, including headaches, blurred vision, fatigue and dry or
itchy eyes.
Out of these symptoms, nearly half of the group dealt with disruptive headaches, with one in four people who dealt with these symptoms and general poor eye health having to take time off work.
One likely cause of eye strain is the amount of screen time a person is experiencing each day, with the survey revealing that participants spend an average of five hours using a screen at work and one and a half hours outside of work.
Almost 70% of the group believe this amount of screentime has a negative impact on their productivity at work.
Five of the volunteers at the Monaghan Reserve working bee. Photo: Supplied.
Galloway Park toilets under way
By Frank Neill
Work is under way on the new toilets for Ian Galloway Park, Wellington City Council says.
“The Ian Galloway Park public toilet is currently being prefabricated off-site.
“Works will start on-site during August with the facility expected to open in September.
“The site will be isolated during construction and there will be minimal disruption to public recreation,” the council says.
Community groups have been lobbying the council since at least 2016 to provide toilets at the park.
The Karori Residents’ Association, Capital BMX Club and the Creswick Valley Residents’ Association are among the groups who lobbied the council.
The community submitted a petition with 337 names in support of new toilets at the southern end of the park.
This petition was considered by the council’s Social, Cultural and Economic Committee in August 2022.
At that meeting Cr Diane Calvert moved that the committee:
1. Receive the information and thank the petitioner.
2. Note that a master plan for Ian Galloway Park is on council’s work programme for 2023/24 and that the installation of additional public toilets are supported as part of this.
3. Investigate the placement of temporary toilets within the next 12 months.
All 14 members of the committee voted in favour of Cr Calvert’s motion.
The council is also considering developing a master plan for the park.
In January this year, council staff advised:
“We intend to commence scoping of a plan for Ian Galloway Park, including a project plan and early stakeholder engagement, this quarter subject to officer capacity.”
University’s Ohariu Valley planting
More than 200 students, staff, and alumni of Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington planted 2,400 native trees in h riu Valley on 26 and 27 July.
The planting project is the co-operativeGrowing Our Future project, which is now in its third year.
Growing our Futureis a collaborative project run by the university with the Wellington City Council, from which the university has leased 26 hectares of land for 33 years. During this time, the university community will replant this land in native forest and monitor the forest as it develops.
The university’s community has already planted more than 17,000 trees. The site has been planted with 15 species, including k nuka and m nuka, and is being monitored by researchers and Master’s
Update from your local city councillor
Thorndon Quay
(Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward)
The roadworks keeps hitting the news for all the wrong reasons. Despite hundreds of thousands dollars spent, it’s clear that not only the design but also the lack of preparatory work such as renewing the 110+ year old water pipes was not up to the quality expected. Myself and some other councillors continue to add our voice in support of the local businesses and emergency services for a pause and an independent review into the design. NZTA is funding 51% of the work yet they have been surprisingly quiet on the matter.
Annual Rates Notices
By now most of you would have seen your new rates notice and on average a 20% rates increase (Wellington City and Greater Wellington). Understandably concerns are further growing about the councils’ rates, both current and planned. It’s unrealistic to expect rate increases to match must cut spending and adjust its priorities to make the city affordable and deal with the necessary water infrastructure upgrades. This is what I and others are advocating for on your behalf.
What can you do?
Email us - Write to all councillors at councillors@wcc.govt.nz and councillors@gw.govt.nz to share your views
Stay Engaged - Continue discussing and reviewing the city’s priorities and performance. Share your views with the Mayor, councillors, local advocacy groups, your MP, and the Government. Ensure accountability for good governance and transparency.
Get Involved - Vote in the October 2025 local government elections to choose a Council that is committed to consensus, practical solutions and achievable progress.
Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz
Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz
students from the university’s Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology.
“The project allows us to contribute to the university’s zero carbon goal,” the university says.
“It is also an opportunity for applied research and teaching in carbon sequestration and ecological restoration technique.”
The results will assist the development of optimal management strategies for similar forest regeneration projects across the lower North and upper South Island, Associate Professor Stephen Hartley from the Centre says.
“As well as bringing benefits to Wellington’s indigenous biodiversity and local residents, the site is an excellent living laboratory on the University’s doorstep, which makes it ideal for teaching and learning,” he says.
Authorised by J Owens, 22 Agra Cres, Wellington 6035.
Authorised by Diane Calvert, dianecalvert.nz
NEWLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
School in Action This Morning
Thursday 1st August, 9am – 10.30am
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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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A site plan showing the location of the new toilet at Ian Galloway Park. Image: Supplied
Damning report on Wellington Water Ltd
By Frank Neill
After receiving a damning report on Wellington Water Ltd (WWL) the Wellington Water Committee has directed WWL’s Board to approve an improvement plan and assurance framework. The Wellington Water Committee, which comprises representatives of the local authorities WWL serves, met on 26 July to receive and discuss the external review “Wellington Water Limited: capital programme estimating and budget systems”.
“The report is damning, and includes commentary, themes and recommendations covering ac-
Continued from page 2.
The situation, Ms Millar says, “is almost made worse by a succession of promises that have not been fulfilled.
“This is successive failings.”
As well as the long history of delays in the list of promised building replacements and repairs, there is also history on the seismic state of some of the school buildings.
“We are also now aware that they did reports in 2022 about seismic concerns, but they did not alert us,” Ms Millar says.
The school found out when it received an email from Wellington City Council asking what the school had done about the earthquake prone buildings.
“We have a number of buildings that are affected.”
The Ministry since provided the school with “a report saying the buildings are safe to occupy.
“It is ironic that the Ministry has moved out of a building that is rated at 34%. Some of our buildings are rated at lower than that,” Ms Millar says.
There are two categories of ratings for earthquake-prone buildings prescribed in regulations. These categories determine which form of EarthquakeProne Building notice is issued: 0% to less than 20% and 20% to less than 34%.
One of the buildings identified as an earthquake risk is the school’s one and only gymnasium.
“The Ministry owes us another gymn,” Ms Millar says.
With just the one gymn it meant the college was underserved. It also meant community groups were missing out as they were not able to use the facility.
Onslow College has a roll of 1,400 students and the numbers are rising.
It is calling on decision-makers in the government to provide “warm, dry and modern classrooms” promised by the Minister of Education in 2019 and echoed by other decisionmakers.
hariu MP Greg O’Connor refers to the issue of Onlsow College’s building in his latest newsletter.
“Locally, school property and buildings are becoming a real issue, most serious for our own Onslow College which is in desperate need of rebuilding,” he says.
“All projects were put on hold at the end of last year for review, and although Wellington schools have
The Wellington Water Committee Chair and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry. Photo: Supplied.
been told their projects will continue, most still need the funding to be signed off.
“At best, most won’t get funding until the 2025 Budget.
“What I’m hearing around the traps is that these projects are regarded by most folk as being more important than tax cuts, but unfortunately, we can’t have both,” Mr O’Connor says.
The “Independent Herald” asked the Ministry of Education a series of questions.
The Ministry’s Head of Property, Sam Fowler, has answered the questions. The questions and Mr Fowler’s answers are:
1. When does the Ministry expect Budget provision will be made for new buildings and building repairs/ renovations?
“We have been working with Onslow College to improve the condition of buildings across the campus for several years.
“Since 2019, the Ministry has undertaken roof replacement/remediation works across multiple buildings including the hall, music, part of Block A, and the gymnasium.
“We have upgraded some relocatable classrooms and provided additional relocatable classrooms in response to roll growth, and also to support the school while other teaching spaces are disrupted by the roof replacement/remediation works.
“A further programme of roof remediation and replacement commenced onsite in 2022, to address another seven buildings.
“Six of these buildings will be completed by August 2024. Work to the remaining building has been deferred until November 2024 at the school's request, to enable alignment with some interior works to the same building.
“Construction of a new two teaching space Whare has been funded, and is anticipated to start in September, along with site works, and a new bus bay.
“Onslow College was identified as a continuing priority for investment through the value for money review and funding has been allocated to refine the design for the next stages of the project to meet our value for money requirements.
“We expect to be shovel ready for the staged delivery of the replacement administration and 18 teaching spaces in 2025.”
2. When does the Ministry expect work will start on building/renovation?
countability frameworks, structure, systems, processes, relationships and culture leading to the serious error in budget figures provided to shareholding councils for their long term plans,” a media release from the Wellington Water Committee states.
“This report has raised serious questions about culture, accountability, and processes within Wellington Water,” Wellington Water Committee Chair Campbell Barry says.
“This helps explain the unacceptable budget error that occurred, but it also raises serious questions well beyond that error.
“We have been clear that the
Wellington Water Board must act now to implement a plan to address the recommendations and hold management to account on that plan.”
The committee resolved that the board’s implementation plan should be provided to the Water Committee Chair within four weeks, noting this should not preclude immediate steps the board can take to remedy the issues presented.
“Wellington Water staff and contractors continue to make significant strides in addressing the water infrastructure challenges we have in our region,” Mayor Barry says.
“And while good progress is being
made, we must deal with the cultural and systemic issues that have been raised in this report as quickly as possible to avoid the types of errors that have occurred from happening again.
“It’s also important to recognise that the work of Wellington Water and its shareholder councils has been disrupted due to changing governments and evolving water reform. “This has contributed to a challenging operating environment”
“While we want to avoid duplicating efforts that will be addressed by a new entity, the report highlights issues that cannot be delayed,” Mayor Barry says.
“Works have been ongoing on site as noted above.
“A large programme of roof replacements is currently underway, and construction of the Whare is anticipated to start in September this year.
“We expect to be shovel ready for the staged delivery of the replacement administration and 18 teaching spaces in 2025.”
3. What is the Ministry doing currently in terms of the buildings at the school?
“In addition to the works outlined above, the contractor engaged for the programme of roof replacements, has been addressing other issues reactively as they arise.
“The Ministry and College have agreed further property works to be funded via the school’s 10 Year Property Plan, including drainage, roofing, cladding, joinery, heating, electrical and plumbing renewals, and some classroom refurbishments, which are to be undertaken by the school.
4. The school's Principal says that
they received a report in 2014 that the administration and technical blocks and two prefabs needed to be replaced, but they are still in place a decade later. How come it has taken so long?
“This 2014 report was commissioned as part of a wider programme to identify and address buildings with weather-tightness failure, constructed between 1994 and 2004, across the portfolio.
“The report recommended remediation of the property at Onslow College, however, through the 2019 master plan developed for the school the decision was made to replace these buildings to support the long term development of the site.”
5. In 2019 the then Minister of Education announced that 20 new classrooms would be built at Onslow College. Why did this not take place?
“Since 2019, alongside construction activity, master planning of the site (to accommodate future growth) has been completed, and a
replacement admin and 18 teaching space block was designed.
“The value for money review has determined that the design does not represent value for money, and that a simpler solution to deliver the required facilities is needed.
“We will now be refining the design to an alternative simplified approach that will support us in achieving value for money.
“Construction of the Whare, due to start in September this year, forms two of the planned 20 classrooms.”
6. What is the next step the Ministry will be taking on Onslow College buildings?
“Construction of the Whare and bus bay is anticipated to start in September this year.
“Funding has been allocated to refine the design for the next stages of the project to meet our value for money requirements.
“We expect to be shovel ready for the staged delivery of the replacement administration and 18 teaching spaces in 2025.”
The Onslow College gymnasium. Photo: Frank Neill.
Churton Park play area opening
By Frank Neill
Churton Park’s new play area will be opened by Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau at 10am on Friday 9 August.
The new Korimako Reserve Play Area is located on Rochdale Drive and has undergone a refresh by the Wellington City Council.
The opening has been organised by the Churton Park Community Association (CPCA).
“Following the vesting of this area as a City Council Reserve, the play area now marks
an important step in providing a recreation facility for families in the new housing development in the northern part of Churton Park,” CPCA says.
Key features of the refreshed play area include a climbing net; a swing set, including a basket swing and inclusive swing seat; an inclusive carousel; a refurbished seesaw; a refurbished bowl spinner; an inclusive trampoline; a junior module, a senior module; balance items; amenity planting; shade sails; new or refurbished furniture and new safety surfacing.
The new play area at Churton Park taken during construction. Photo: Brian Sheppard.
Call to re-think Thorndon raised crossings
Transporting New Zealand has joined with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), the Automobile Association, New Zealand
Heavy Haulage and the Bus & Coach Association in calling for Wellington City Council to reconsider plans for five raised crossings to be incorporated at signalised crossings along a 1.7km section of Thorndon Quay.
The raised crossings form a part of substantial upgrades to Thorndon Quay that includes peak hour bus lanes, a two-way cycle path, improved lighting and planting, and parking changes.
The project is due for completion in 2025.
In a letter to Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau, sent in the week ending 21 July, the group said that while
safety was a critical concern for all organisations, the problems posed by raised platforms in particular had not been adequately considered.
In her response, Mayor Whanau advised that the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee will reconsider the plan to install the raised platforms, and consider public submissions on 1 August.
Problems identified by the transport groups associated with raised platforms include:
service vehicles and freight vehicles and increased maintenance costs.
Parts that should last the life of a vehicle are being damaged, at considerable expense.
fire and ambulance services with
stations located in the area. Even if operating under lights and sirens, the requirement to slow at five raised crossings could easily add a 50-60 second delay to response times. Bearing in mind that FENZ have an emergency response target of 8 minutes to get to a site, that additional time is substantial.
sector (with gross weights between 50 – 100T) who have to use this route, each transporter will need to slow to 10 km/h at each raised crossing, which will slow all other traffic. In addition, there will be increased wear on transporters and increased noise as trucks slow down and speed up. -
cial operators and extended journey times will add to the damaging
perception that Wellington City is better avoided where possible.
Transporting New Zealand Intersaid that the transport groups had met with council officials, and several Councillors to seek additional details about the project, and the basis for the raised platform use.
“Our shared concerns are squarely focused on the raised platform element of the five signalised crossings.
“Unfortunately, council officials haven’t been able to demonstrate why so many raised platforms are required to improve safety
“Accordingly, we’re very pleased that the council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee will review the raised platform installation on 1 August.
“The lights at the crossings alone will achieve the function of stopping traffic while avoiding unnecessary damage and wear on vehicles as well as reducing the delay to emergency service vehicles operating under lights and sirens.
“There is no need for five big speed humps in just under 1,700 metres on a well-designed, modern piece of road.
“We hope the council will reconsider its position and install the signalled crossings without raised platforms.
“With some pragmatic decision making we can avoid a costly and disruptive piece of roading design on a key commuter and freight route, while ensuring the safety of road users and pedestrians.”
Karori Repair Cafe on again
“What
Don’t share nude photos Police say
The Police have a message for young people: “Kia whakaute...respect your mates, don’t share their nudes”.
“We are seeing an increase in reports of young people sharing nudes online of their friends, other young people from their schools or teens they don’t even know,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards from the NZ Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand team.
These images, when shared on many of the social media platforms, get reported to
Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) as they are identified on these platforms as child exploitation material which is illegal to produce, possess or distribute.
NCMEC provides that information as a Cyber tip notification to New Zealand Police, Department of Internal Affairs or New Zealand Customs Service to investigate.
“While we advocate young people don’t share naked images of themselves, we know it happens,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Richards. “If you receive a nude of another young person, don’t be part of the cycle and post it somewhere else.
“Delete the message, be kind, and think about how you would feel if the image was of you.
“We know that when a young person discovers a naked image of themselves has been sent to often large numbers of their peers it can have a significant detrimental effect on their mental health,” Detective Senior Sergeant Richards says.
The OCEANZ team receives multiple NCMEC Cyber tips each week related to this scenario.
These are reviewed by investigators and appropriate action taken on a case-by-case basis.
The action taken by Police can range from a welfare visit to the young people involved, discussions with school staff or in some cases it may be appropriate that charges are considered depending on the type of material and the circumstances in which they were produced or distributed online.
People can also report this type of offending, either to the Police or Netsafe.
Reports can be made to the Police by ringing 105 (non-emergency) or 111 (emergency). They can be made to Netsafe by text at 4282, email help@netsafe.org.nz, calling 0508 638 723, or online at netsafe.org.nz/report.
NZer of the Year nominations open
Nominations have opened for the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ng Tohu Pou K hure o Aotearoa.
Seven awards will be presented, honouring those who use their passion to make our country a better place.
New Zealanders have until Monday 26 August to nominate great thinkers, leaders, and innovators at nzawards.org.nz.
Nominations can be made by any New Zealander over 15 years of age.
Six awards will be made to individuals. These are:
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa;
Zealander of the Year Te M t tahi o te Tau;lander of the Year Te M tapuputu o te Tau; the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau;
Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau; and
Leader of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau.
There is one award for duos and groups, the Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ng Pou Whirinaki o te Tau.
Nominations will be rigorously evaluated by regional and national judging panels which include sector leaders, independent experts, community leaders, and representatives of the awards sponsors.
Kiwibank Local Hero Medal recipients are awarded throughout the month of November.
Semi-finalists for the seven award categories will be announced in December 2024, with the top three finalists in each award announced in February 2025.
The winners will be announced in March 2025 at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala.
Petition seeks Comission to replace WCC
Petition seeks Comission to WCC
By Frank Neill
By Frank Neill
A petition asking that a Commission is appointed to replace Wellington City Council has been posted on Parliament’s website.
Posted by Kenneth Mulholland, the petition asks “that the House of Representatives urge the Minister of Local Government to appoint a Commission to replace Wellington City Council”.
Council has been on Parliament’s website asks “that the House of Repto a Commission to Council”
“In my view, poor city planning has introduced new cycle lanes, removed hundreds of on-street carparks, and has adversely affected the free flow of
“In has i ntroduce d new remove d an d
transport and commerce with livelihoods destroyed,” Kenneth said in outlining his reasons for the petition.
transport and commerce with livelihoods Kenneth said in his reasons for
“I believe the council is both tional and of t he fi nances and t hat ratepayers a re now rate
“I believe the council is both dysfunctional and incapable of properly managing the city finances and that ratepayers are now faced with unreasonable rate increases.
“Please sign this petition and let us all make change for a better Wellington.”
The petition was posted on 16 July and closes on 31 August. It can be found at petitions.parliament. nz and enter "Petition of Kenneth Mulholland" in the Search box.
“Please and let us all make change for a better and August It can be found at petitions.parliament nz box
GARDENING THIS WEEK
SAVINGS:
By Wally Richards
Currently there are people struggling to make ends meet and that makes life unpleasant and stressful.
In situations like this I remember the old saying, ‘Make every post a winning post’
From what I see; every thing is increasing substantially in price, rates, insurance and food where incomes are not increasing to cover all the outgoings. In situations like this one tends to ‘clutch at straws’ rather than make a firm stand of the situation.
The Depression of the 1930s was a defining period in New Zealand history. It had its own vocabulary – swaggers and sugarbags, relief work and sustenance, the Queen Street riots and special constables – that was all too familiar to those who lived through that tumultuous decade.
Home owners and farmers were better equipped back then to handle the food problem with home owners having quarter acre sections and those that lived through those times had in the years following big vegetable gardens along with chickens and pantries full of preserves and jams, pickles etc.
They were well prepared for hard times and had food on the table even if their pockets were empty.
Now days we dont have a good size sections but for many still a bit of land for gardens and a lawn likely as well.
Now my readers will be in one of two situations; their home owned or rented will be on land which can be made more productive and reduce the cost of living.
Many will be either renting or in retirement villages where there is little land
available or no opportunity to grow much food stuffs. There is always an answer to any problem.
Many years ago at a time when there was hardship again.
I suggested that there would be elderly people living in homes where there is land to garden and likely vegetable plots that now grow weeds as the people are not able to garden as they used to.
I am sure that many of the people in that circumstance would be happy to see fit person come in and plant up vegetables and share the produce.
If you dont have land then utilise someones land that they are not using. How do you find someone that has land and cant garden? There is through the internet the ‘Neighborly bulletin boards’ which are free to advertise on.
By Frank Neill
Onslow College won a top accolade when it was named Best School Team in New Zealand in the 2024 48 Hour Film Festival.
Onslow College’s victory was announced at the festival’s Grand Final, held in Wellington’s Embassy Theatre on 27 July.
The film making team, called Evil Cutlery, is made up of Rowan Smith, Hugo Montgomery, Toby Virtue, Carmen Manning, Arjuna Krishnan, Saffron Morrison and Elliot Faulkner,
They shot and edited a film called “We Scream” in the required 48 hours.
The film is a hilarious five minute drama/ comedy about icecream – with lentils on top. The students were supported by teachers Jayne Mulligan, Gina Barclay and Rosanna Williams.
"How insanely proud we are and how cool it is that the film was entirely student led,” Gina and Jayne say.
"This is another example of the outstanding work from our students and staff and we are thrilled with this success on the national stage," Onslow College’s Tumuaki (Principal) Sheena Millar says.
Evil Cutlery qualified for the national final after they earlier won the Wellington 48 Hour Film competition.
“I have been so impressed with the quality of films just lifting and lifting from Onslow year after year, and this year’s win is two in a row for your kura,” one of the Wellington competition judges, Thomas Coppell, said following the announcement Onslow College had won the Wellington competition.
“That’s a big ups to your students and the quality of the teaching, so well done…
“’We Scream’ was absolutely, absurdly
hilarious.
“Paced perfectly and landed every single joke - the response from the crowd in the heats was evidence of this, and the team should also feel super proud of their tight edit, great camerawork and fantastic perfor-
Payout for Karori
By Frank Neill
The Waterside Karori Football Club has received a payout from the FIFA Women’s World Cup proceeds.
Waterside Karori received $1,893.01 to go towards the cost of training.
The pay-outs are part of the $(US)11.3
million FIFA has paid out to 1,041 clubs in 42 member associations so that they can invest the proceeds from the FIFA Women’s World Cup back into the local game.
New Zealand Football clubs and organisations received more than $154,200 from the Women’s World Cup proceeds.
Council’s CEO stepping down
Wellington City Council’s Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow has informed Mayor Tory Whanau and Councillors that she will not seek an extension to her five-year term, which will conclude on 1 March 2025.
“As advised to Mayor Whanau and the Mayor of the previous triennium, this has been my intention from the outset”, Ms McKerrow says.
“I will have had the privilege of serving this city for eight years, both as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive, bringing my total service to local government to more than forty years.
“This has been a tremendously rewarding career, but I now plan to pursue other interests.
“Our organisation has faced some major challenges during this time.
“In particular, the importance of supporting Wellingtonians through a global pandemic while continuing to deliver 400 plus services every day and simultaneously building capacity to ramp up delivery
on the most ambitious programme of investment the city has ever experienced.
“My focus will remain on ensuring the continued effective delivery of council projects and services and a stable transition for the organisation”, Ms McKerrow says.
Mayor Tory Whanau acknowledged Ms McKerrow’s commitment to Wellington and the council, saying: “I would like to thank Barbara for her outstanding contribution to our council and the communities we serve.
“Barbara’s incredible knowledge of local government has been invaluable.
“This was recognised by the sector as a whole when the local government professional association Taituar announced her as the winner of the Distinguished Management Award in 2023.
“I have deeply appreciated her intelligent, thoughtful and authentic leadership that has ensured as a council we deliver the best outcomes for our city,” the Mayor says.
mances from the cast.
“The comic timing of ‘We Scream’ out paced the comedy in most adult entries and I can't wait to see what's next from these rangatahi,” Thomas said.
The film makers do not know what genre they will be shooting until the start of the competition.
The winning film “We Scream” can be viewed on both the Onslow College website and the 48 Hour website.
More than 500 teams of film makers of all ages entered the 48 Hour Film Festival. They have just 48 hours to write, shoot and cut a film with a given genre and some random elements.
Enthralling talk on war history
By Frank Neill
Karori resident Tom McGrath captivated members of the Onslow Historical Society on 24 July with his talk on the impact World War One and World War Two had on his family.
Tom’s father, Hugh, served in World War Two, and did not say much about his experiences.
Because of that his wartime story didn’t unravel until Tom made a chance discovery of hundreds of letters, photos and postcards stuffed into boxes and attaché cases and scattered throughout a suburban house. Recognising that war stories told from the
ranks were in short supply, Tom wrote a book on the subject.
Entitled “Wartime Secrets from the Family Home”, the story that unfolds in the book was the basis of Tom’s enthralling presentation. Tom McGrath is a former teacher, factory inspector, union organiser, parliamentary research officer and polytechnic lecturer, and is now an author.
His talk was followed by a war-themed supper, which was also well received. The historical society is exploring food matching at its events as part of its cultural history. The society welcomes new members and more information is on its website www. onslowhistorical.nz.
Three of the students and the three supporting teachers celebrating their win in the Wellington competition. Photo: Supplied.
Tom McGrath making his presentation to the Onslow Historical Society. Photo: Supplied.
If you want to find out more, contact Margot Young at Wellington Learning Solutions phone 021 673 119 or email margot@wls.co.nz
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 selfcare of nails and feet a risky proposition. As we age 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 our 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.
A green heart
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 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
“Family
Email: Tim.Halpine@xtra.co.nz
www.activefeetpodiatry.com
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.
Retirement lifestyle in Tasman
Wakefield Homestead aims to make a positive difference in people’s every day lives with their rest home care. With a great team of caregivers and a pool of volunteers, you can rest assured residents are well looked after. Residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with furniture and ornaments or pictures. There’s also a happy hour every Thursday. With around 22 beds, Wakefield Homestead creates a friendly atmosphere. There’s one large family lounge as well as a quiet lounge so people can get away from the main part of the home. This room has a lovely sunny aspect. There are two smaller sitting areas in the foyer area of the home. Outside, there are several areas to enjoy the gardens or look out to the park. Wakefield Homestead has a van outing once a week so residents can get out and about. Because the homestead is so close to the village, residents can also walk to the shops, park or local green whenever they want. Interests and activities include (but aren’t limited to) aromatherapy, art, big print books, board games, bowls, breakfast in bed, craft, chapel, classical music, concerts, cooking, dancing, flower arranging, gardening and so much more. A nurse is available 24/7 and healthy, nutritious, home cooked meals are provided. There’s access to a dietician and all menus have been scrutinised by the dietician. A hair dresser visits every Monday (and as required) and a physiotherapist is available through the local Health Centre, which is next door to the homestead. Other services include: palliative care, wound care, diabetic care, meals on wheels, respite, day stay. For more information, visit the homestead at 10 Edward Street, Wakefield or visit the website at: www. wakefieldhomestead.co.nz
working for Families in Tasman”
The Homestead is in the heart of Wakefield Village. Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Apple grafting workshop in J’ville
By Frank Neill
An apple grafting workshop will be run by the New Zealand Malaysian Society at the Johnsonville Collective Community Hub from 1:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday 8 September.
More than one variety of apple can be grown on a single tree, but it can only happen if grafting takes place.
“Join us for an exciting and educational Apple Grafting Workshop, and learn a skill that will bring joy to your garden for years to come,” the Malaysian Society says.
Buying an apple tree could cost $40, making the workshop fee of $25, which includes one rootstock, worth considering. Places on the workshop are limited to 50 people and registration is required.
People can reserve a place by emailing NZMalaysianSociety@gmail.com. People need to provide their full name, whether or not they are an NZMS member, how many tickets they want and if they wish to buy extra rootstocks at $10 each.
Thorndon Quay petition presented
By Frank Neill
A petition signed by more than 2,000 people, asking Wellington City Council to halt Thorndon Quay roadworks until an independent project review is completed, is to be presented to a council committee today, 1 August.
The petition presentation will be to the council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee, which has a meeting start time of 9am.
The petition was started by Paul Robinson on behalf of the Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road Collective, a group of business owners in the area.
“Wellington City Councillors made a grave error when they accepted advice from officers to approve the new $58m bus and cycle lanes along Thorndon Quay,” the petition says.
“The advice that Officers gave Councillors was grossly deficient for three reasons:
1. Officers did not tell Councillors about the underlying water-mains. 8 major watermains lie under Thorndon Quay. 2 of these are over 100 years old. Council Officers were advised (via Let’s Get Wellington Moving) that some of these pipes either
must or should be replaced as part of the roading project. Officers did not inform Councillors of the condition of these pipes when seeking approval for the project.
2. Officers grossly underestimated the economic impact of these roading changes on local businesses. In 2021, 1500 people petitioned council to do an economic impact study but officers recommended that councillors reject the petition. They said that the $1.3m of car parking revenues would only reduce by $32k pa. In fact, they have reduced by as much as $750k pa. Pedestrian foot counts are down by up to 80%, cafe revenues are down by 40%. Businesses were only supposed to suffer disruption for 12 weeks. In fact, the disruption is slated to last for 18 months and most likely much longer. Wellington’s water infrastructure is in crisis.
3. Safety data relied on by Councillors was based on advice that was not independent and free of bias. A company called ViaStrada Ltd was engaged to prepare various reports used to develop the strategies and business cases used to justify expenditure on cycleways. Officers of this company were also, at various times, officers of the cycle activist organisation Cycle Action
Network. This dual interest does not appear to have been disclosed to Councillors. The consequence of this is that data is perceived to have been interpreted from a position of bias. If this data had been objectively interpreted, adequate safety improvements could have been made at a fraction of the cost of the current project.
“Currently, over 330km of Wellington’s pipes need replacing.
“Wellington Water estimate that in 10 years’ time the amount of pipe requiring replacing will have increased to 560km.
“Spending $58m on a nice to have but non-essential cycle and busway in preference to replacing pipes is a poor prioritisation of scarce council resources.
“Council will say that other water projects take priority, but those projects aren’t having a $58m roading project being built on them.
“Those projects aren’t causing severe economic harm to the local businesses.
“If customers can’t access the businesses along Thorndon Quay, then those businesses can’t afford to pay their share of infrastructure upgrade.
“Let’s stop this poor allocation of public resource,” the petition says.
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
So you can sing?
Join us! Wellington Male Voice Choir has practice sessions every Monday 7-9pm at Tawa Union Church, 6 Elena Place. 2nd Tenors, Bass, Baritone. Music Director: Mark Stamper, President: Les Williams lesliewills47@ gmail.com mob 022 106 1574
Life Art Class
5.30-7.15pm Wednesdays, Untutored. St Andrews on The Terrace. Entrance lane at right of church. $15.00 waged / $9 unwaged. Please bring your own materials.
Churton Park home a winner
By Frank Neill
A new home in Churton Park is among the winners in this year’s regional Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards.
Kenepuru Homes is the winner of the Cook Strait Builder’s Own Home Award and a Gold Award for the Churton Park home.
“Working on a steep site, the Kenepuru Homes team have expertly navigated this project, resulting in a stunning example of a builder's own home,” the awards citation says.
“Features such as recessed LED lighting and overhung internal walls enhance the home’s visual aesthetic, and the smart home features further elevate its appeal.
“The outdoor pizza room was a standout feature, with the thoughtfully curated colour palette with green accents, charred timber, and stone tops, offering a sense of peace and warmth. “A unified connection throughout the home make it an absolute privilege to experience,” the citation says.
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E: grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com
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Local News
The Board invites applications from parents who wish to enrol new entrant out-of-zone students at Cashmere Avenue School. Cashmere Avenue School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on the school website. Applications for new entrant out-of-zone places are now being invited for students who will be eligible for enrolment during Term 1 and 2 2025. Applications are made on the official enrolment form, which is available via email: office@cashmereave.school.nz
The deadline for receipt of applications for new entrant out-of-zone places is 5pm, Friday 20 September 2024. If a ballot for out-of-zone places is required, it will be held on Monday 23 September 2024. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.
Please contact the School office, phone 04 939 4700 for details regarding the application process or email office@ cashmere-ave.school.nz
Enrolment at our school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on our website. The board has determined that up to 12 places will be available for out-of-zone students in 2024.
The exact number of places will depend on the number of in zone student enrolments. The fourth enrolment period runs for term 4 2024 from Saturday 28 September 2024 to Tuesday 17 December 2024. For students seeking enrolment within the fourth enrolment period, the deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 9am, Friday 30 August 2024. Please submit an online enrolment form via www.rewarewa.school. nz/enrolment for submission to the ballot. If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot.
If a ballot for out of zone places is required, it will be held on Monday 02 September 2024. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held. Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend to enrol their child at any time during this year or the next should also notify the school as soon as possible to assist the school to plan appropriately. Details relating to the first enrolment period for 2025 are as follows:
Deadline for 2025 first enrolment period applications: 9am, Friday 11 October 2024
Date of ballot if required: Monday 14 October 2024
Ocean (3)
Large Indian tree (3)
Dreadful (8)
(11) DOWN 1. Public square (5)
Things that hinder progress (11)
Style of lightly fried egg (4-4)
Science of vision (6)
Prayer leaders(in mosques) (5)
Japanese seafood dish (7)
Band member (8)
Parhelion (3,3)
Hinders (7)
Punctured (5)
Frequents (7)
Inns (7)
Wood-turning machine (5)
Giggles (7)
Baked dish (3)
July 2024
Ettiene
Repeat (7)
Wakens (6)
Hauls (5)
Preen (5)
Chores (5)
The winning Churton Park house. Photo: Supplied.
Strong win by Wellington Olympic
By Grant Stephen
Topflight men’s football took yet another scheduled break over the weekend of 27 and 28 July in deference to the quarter finals of the Chatham Cup national knock out competition.
At the end of the weekend, only Wellington Olympic was left standing in terms of local representation after a strong 4-0 win at Wakefield Park over Manurewa AFC from Auckland.
The Aucklanders may well play in the Auckland Northern League but Olympic lead the Central League and also won the National League last year and their pedigree was there for all to see.
Hamish Watson was in scintillating form and scored a brace while captain, Ben Mata, scored a goal that was not from the penalty spot for a change.
Kaelin Nguyen scored the fourth and final goal right on the end of regulation time.
Napier City Rovers couldn’t keep pace with Birkenhead United who are currently running hot and are runners up in the Northern League.
Even though they held home court advantage, Rovers were looking at
the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline at half time.
They came back immediately after the break but that’s where the goals ended with Birkenhead proceeding through to the semifinals with a 2-1 win.
Hibiscus Coast of Whangaparoa held out Coastal Spirit of Christchuch in a 3 all draw.
The match was decided on penalties and the spirit moved Coastal through to the penultimate round in a 6-3 shoot out to the southerners.
Otago University took a knife to a gun fight when they hosted Auckland City FC in a Saturday night match at Logan Park in Dunedin.
Auckland are the current Northern League leaders and they showed it in a comprehensive 5-1 win over the students.
Women’s Football did not need to take a week off and diamonds continue to remain forever for the time being at least when the Wellington United Diamonds hosted Petone on a Friday night match.
There was just a goal in it and the scorer was Jemma Robertson for Wellington United at the 50-minute mark.
Waterside Karori excelled on the plastic at Boyd Wilson turf and
showed no respect for Victoria University.
It was the students who took the learning in a 5-1 result for Karori.
Kendall Pollock put Waterside on the board after just three minutes.
Nikki Furukawa thought two minutes was enough of a gap and scored at the five-minute mark and then added another with 15 minutes still to play.
Jessica Shilton also got in on the action, as did second half substitute, Emma Narelle Kruszona.
Victoria Uni’s goal came courtesy of Tessa Brownlie in the first half.
Palmerston North Marist lost 2-0 at home to visitors, Taradale.
Seatoun unfortunately could not break their duck when they lost 5-3 at home to Moturoa of New Plymouth.
All teams have played at least nine games in the 14-game competition and Waterside Karori and Wellington United still have to make up for their postponed match.
The league table currently reads Wellington United 25 points, Waterside Karori 24, Petone 17, Palmerston North 13, Moturoa 12, Taradale 12, Victoria University 7 and Seatoun no points.
Sports awards nomination close soon
By Frank Neill
Nominations for the ti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards close on Monday 5 August.
There are 12 award categories, recognising the sport excellence of athletes, teams, clubs, volunteers, officials and coaches.
In addition to the sporting categories, there will be special awards on the night, tailored by the Iwi, to honour our region's unsung heroes who exemplify manaakitanga and leadership.
Nominations can be made at www.wellingtonsportsawards.co.nz and close on Monday 5 August.
The finalists will be announced in mid August.
The winners will be announced at the Wellington Regional Sports Award night at the Alan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College, at 6:45pm on Thursday 24 October.
The new name for the awards has come about as Te RŪnanganui o Te ti Awa and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira have joined forces as joint naming rights sponsors for the sports awards in 2024.
From now on, they will be known as the ti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards.
This event, formerly known as the Wellington Sport and Recreation Awards, has been running for 40 years.
More transport for All Blacks
Additional train services on the Johnsonville line, and increased capacity on core bus routes, are confirmed for the upcoming All Blacks games on Saturday 10 August and 28 September.
This will include free public transport for ticket holders and Sky Stadium members on bus and rail.
Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says the capital always comes alive when the All Blacks are in town.
“The All Blacks are returning to Te Whanganui-a-Tara for the first time since 2022, and Metlink is pleased to back the All Blacks and support fans with free public transport and additional rail and bus services to boost capacity,” he says.
“We’re expecting thousands of people to
be travelling for the games – we encourage passengers to travel as early as they can, so all that’s left to do is enjoy the game.”
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain says providing additional services is a team effort, and thanks KiwiRail, Transdev and the bus operators for their cooperation.
“2024 has been a busy year for rail maintenance, and we are very happy to have worked with KiwiRail and Transdev to prioritise game day public transport services amid crucial upgrades,” Ms Gain says.
“All fans need to do to travel to and from the game for free on Metlink services is show their match day ticket or Sky Stadium members club card and jump on board.”
The All Blacks play Argentina on 10 August and Australia on 28 Setpmber at Sky Stadium.
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Wellington Olympic Captain Ben Mata brings the ball forward. Photo: Supplied.
