30 January Independent Herald

Page 1


New school opening

The new school in Johnsonville, Wellington Hills Christian College, opens next month.

“It’s exciting,” the school’s founding Tumuaki/Principal Tim Kuipers says.

“We

and seeing the school develop and grow.”

Continued on page 2.

An architect’s impression of the new Wellington Hills Christian College, which is still being worked on. Photo: Supplied.

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Very enthusiastic parent body

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Located at 19-21 Broderick Road, Wellington Hills Christian College is initially open for years 1 to 9 students.

The roll is being capped at 140 because the school has more buildings to refurbish.

“There is a very enthusiastic parent body who have been looking forward to this for some time and are quite excited,” Mr Kuipers says.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the parents .. and I’m looking forward to working with the community.”

The staff team at the school

“has got a really great, exciting feel about it,” Mr Kuipers says.

The team met on 27 January and, among other things, spent time talking about the special character of the school.

“We are looking forward to implement all that that means as well.”

Wellington Hills Christian College is a non-denominational Christian school.

It is not associated with any church, but it is associated with a group of schools under one proprietor.

The Johnsonville school is one of a group of nine schools,

and the group is also part of the New Zealand Association for Christian Schools, which has 65 schools across the country.

The school “has been established with a desire to serve God by assisting Christian parents in the task of training and developing their children,” Mr Kuipers says.

“Our vision, beliefs and practices reflect those of the Christian home and are summed in our five core values of Faith, Character, Wisdom, Excellence and Community.

“These values will be woven through the school’s culture and curriculum.

“Our teachers see every child as uniquely made in God’s image and with a set of gifts and talents to be encouraged and developed.

“We seek to manage behaviour restoratively, taking deliberate steps to build character in the process.

“We are committed to a curriculum with rich sequential content designed to develop competencies in deep thinking and questioning, self-discipline and relating to others from a Biblical view of the world.

“In the secondary school, the curriculum includes university entrance qualifications and vo-

cational pathways, keeping doors open to a wide range of career options,” Mr Kuipers says.

Wellington Hills Christian College’s journey began in 1979 as ‘Miramar Christian School’ based in Camperdown Road, Miramar.

It has been providing a Christian education to the Eastern Suburbs ever since. Initially the school catered for years 1 to 8.

Over the years two Wellington based Christian Trusts, (the Peniel Charitable Trust and the Wellington Christian Education Trust) have continued to carry a vision for an interdenominational Christian school in Wellington that offers a full pathway from

years 1 to 13.

In 2022 they started to explore relocating the school to improve student accessibility and promote growth of the school.

The Minister of Education last year approved a relocation of the school and its expansion to year 13, adding one year level annually.

The Peniel Trust purchased the Johnsonville site and remodelled the first of the site’s two large double storey buildings to provide a state-of-the-art teaching facility.

As an integrated state school, it receives government funding for staffing and operations. The land and buildings are owned by The Peniel Trust.

The work is planned to occur between Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th February 2025.

The parliamentary year began this week, with each party leader outlining their views of where we are at as a country and what we intend to do about it.

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.

One thing which is indisputable is that the economy has deteriorated in the last year. Unemployment is up and rising, sadly apparent in Ōhāriu as many public servants, in particular, lose their jobs; and we are borrowing more money than ever. It’s very easy from Opposition to blame the incumbent Government, as happened prior to the last election, but it’s a lot different when the reality of the situation becomes apparent and needs fixing when you come into government. Luckily, due to the actions of the Reserve Bank, our interest rates and inflation have come down, as they have in every OECD country. That has reflected in improving economies in those countries, but not here. Austerity measures here have shrunk our economy, and that is why there is

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

less money to spend. That causes unemployment.

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.

We want to increase tourism, but the budget for tourism-related infrastructure has been cut, and even the money collected from the tourist levy, which was supposed to be spent on things like toilets and other facilities to cater for tourists, has been used to prop up the budget elsewhere. Of course, Government has less money to spend because of tax cuts.

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.

At the same time, our City Council are reconsidering their long-term spending and so will be looking again at facilities like the Khandallah Pool and our sports grounds. With the deteriorating economy, we will need more community facilities for our population, not less. We need to be using what we have to ensure they remain, so I encourage constituents to use the pool as much as possible. And the research is showing cold water immersion is great for the brain and general health!

The Wellington Hills Christian College leadership team (from left) Betsy Anderson, Tim Kuipers and Dan Shaw standing in a hallway designed around the Wellington Hills theme. Photo: Supplied.

Making positive difference for young people

Karori Youth Centre (KYC) aims to be “a place of belonging for young people,” the centre’s Youth Worker Riley Fraser says.

“We also hope that we can build positive relationships with them and, through these, deliver targeted support.”

The KYC offers a safe, welcoming space for young people aged from 10 to 18 to gather, learn and grow.

The centre runs a range of activities through its drop-in centre.

“The idea is that the centre is ‘youth led’ meaning that they get to choose the activities they engage in and we simply get alongside them in these,” Riley says.

“Favourites at the moment include basketball, table tennis, playing pool, board games and cooking/baking.

“A large chunk of young people enjoy the chance to come and chill and talk about their week with a youth leader.

“We offer dinners on Fridays and after school snacks on the other days.

“We have also become a great hub for young people to meet up with their friends who go to different schools. We are often the launch point for more fun activities and extra-curriculars for our youth,” Riley says.

The centre aims to run workshops based on the current needs of young people. Successful workshops have been run on CV curation, the enneagram test, nutrition advice and vision setting for the youth centre.

“My aspirations are to help young people achieve their full potential,” Riley says.

“I feel that it is difficult growing up in the world right now.

“Technology offers a huge amount of comparison to young people which can leave them feeling worthless.

“It is harder to make friends if people are stuck in digital communities and you aren’t a part of them.

“The media speaks of young people almost exclusively negatively. [We are] hearing stories of ram raids far more often than young people's thriving.

“I interact with young people who are dealing with a myriad of mental health issues, low self-worth and difficult family or life circumstances that are really hard to deal with alone.

“My hope is that by coming to KYC, they can meet someone who can help journey alongside them with these difficult things and have them believe that there are people in the world who genuinely care about them.

“I would love to see these relationships grow into mentorships, encouraging, empowering and equipping young people to do great things and make a difference in the world.

“I have seen this work happening at KYC and I believe in its ability to achieve these things time and time again.

“Small donations would be of great use to us.

“Small amounts of money can be put towards funding cooler workshops, paying for more dinner and afterschool snacks and the purchase of newer, better equipment.

“We could also use a range of donated goods such as baking, sports equipment, furniture, electronics and art supplies.

“Furthermore, if you or your company provide a service that you think young people could be interested in, I would love to set up a workshop space with you.

“Any of these things can help us provide a better service for young people and make the place itself more attractive to new youth,”

Riley says.

“We would love to be able to extend the support we give to young people further.

“Currently, we are only able to open three

days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“I talk to the young people about their weeks and usually they discount Tuesdays and Thursdays as ‘boring’ because there’s ‘nothing for them to do in Karori’.

“My dream is that the centre can be open all weekdays to meet this need and that the youth worker would have enough employed hours to go and do some work in the local schools, meeting young people where they are and providing extended support.

“I would also love for us to be working with a team of youth workers. Currently it is just me.

“More qualified youth workers would allow further support to young people and some respite to myself.

“I can really see these interventions changing the future of Karori and raising up young leaders who can actually change the world.

“This would require substantial financial contributions, but would make a huge difference to the youth in Karori.

“If you are able to contribute in any way please contact us at youth@karoricommunitycentre.org.nz,” Riley says.

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

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

Open 10am - 4pm. Admission fees are:

Family Pass: $20 (2 adults+3 children under 12) Adults: $10 Child under 12: $5 (CASH only: no EFTPOS)

Please check our website for further information; Enquiries: (04) 4768 593 contact@wrightshillfortress.org.nz

Women leaders

A women’s leadership gathering will be held at the Johnsonville Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road, at 5:30pm on 1 February. Entitled “Kaapi with Meena”, the event is presented by Wellington Mutamizh Sangam.

The guest speaker at the gathering will be Fazleen Ismail, the Director, Government Relations and Advisory, with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. The evening includes empowering insights, strategic networking, interactive engagement, fellowship and dining. This event is free and open to all women in the community.

To register for the event visit https:// wellingtonmutamizhsangam.org.nz/ event-details.php?id=21.

Challenges and allure of space

‘A Song of Ice and Solar Flares: returning humans to the moon this decade’ was the title of Daniel Wrench’s talk at the most recent meeting of the Rebus Club of Khandallah.

Daniel is a PhD student in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences at Victoria University. He and four other Kiwi students undertook internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California in 2023. Half a century after man walked on the moon, the hardware that took the astronauts there is in a Space Museum. And we now find ourselves in a lunar renaissance. Daniel gave a fascinating talk on the challenges and the allure of space, the difficulties and disasters, political and commercial demands and setbacks, the overwhelming costs, the international co-operation and competition. From moon shots to a shipwreck –Graeme Jupp, a professional cartographer, will be speaking on ‘Titanic: Unknown, Unusual and Unbelievable’ at the Rebus meeting on Friday 31 January at 10am, at the Khandallah Bowling Club, 24 Woodmancote Road. Rebus is a social club for seniors which meets on the last Friday of the month. For more information about the club, internet search “Khandallah REBUS" or go directly to the website https://khandallahrebus.wixsite.com/ khandallahrebusclub.

/GregOhariu

Riley Fraser. Photo: Supplied.

The ‘sincere way’ of a WellingtonShuseki Shihan

Shuseki ShihanBenOtangsits in the silence of a deserted dojo and explains to me the translation of the word “Karate”.

“It means ‘empty hand," he says.

"You are taught to defend yourself without a weapon, to face every challenge, while never knowing what’s coming next.”

Ben retired in late 2023 as one of the second-highest ranking Seido Karate instructors in New Zealand, largely responsible for the exponential growth of Wellington Seido over the past five decades.

ForBen, 72, life and martial arts have been forever intertwined.

He was born and raised in Kiribati, an island nation he describes as “somewhere in the middle of the ocean, close to Fiji”.

Some of his earliest memories are of his father practising a traditional island martial art calledRuabou.

“I was raised with my dad as a martial artist, so when I came to New Zealand I latched on to it.”

Ben arrived in Christchurch in theearly1970s where he attendedSt Andrews College to finish his sixth and seventh form education, earning an engineering scholarship to Canterbury University.

Shortly thereafter, he accompanied a friend who practiced Karate to a Kyokushindojo.

It was the Seido philosophy, however, that captured his heart.

“Seido means ‘The Sincere Way’. It’s about being yourself. It’s about self-expression.”

He began training under instructor Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham, the owner of New Zealand’s first Seido Karate dojo and a direct student of legendary Seido founder Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura.

Bencredits Renzie as a powerful influence in his life, both inside the dojo, and outside.

“He became like a father-figure to me.”

By 1980,Benhad moved to Dunedin where he began to teach his own Seido classes and developed a passion for instruction.

In 1982, his engineeringworktook him to Wellington, where he opened the first Seido dojo of the city.

He explains that originally, it was a decision that stemmed from his own love for Karate, more than a business aspiration.

“If I wanted a place to train I had no choice but to open a dojo.”

At that point in time, a youngBenhad not dreamed of what the Seido legacy would go on to become.

Today, Seido dojos in the Wellingtonregion alone can be found in Northland, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kapiti, in addition to the headquarters in Brooklyn.

Benattributes the fast growth to the appeal it held in the eyes of a parent.

“When people look at it from afar, it’s self-defense. But really, it’s a way of life.”

When asked about the hardest point in his martial arts journey, he recalls the psychological challenges of a grading in the higher dans.

“From fourthor fifthDan up, you never know what’s going to happen. You only find out in the moment. But that’s what you trained all those years for. To make sure you are ready.”

A career highlight forBenwas taking his students to New York City to compete at the Seido World headquarters, where he was taken for lunch by Kaicho himself.

Yet over the course of his martial arts career, nothing has brought him more fulfillment than seeing his students gain self-confidence.

“What I love about seeing students come to the dojo, is that when they first walk in the doors, they might

Ben Otang in action. Photo: Supplied. have no confidence. But then suddenly, they do. Not just in their self-defence, but in themselves.”

The dojo, toBen, is a special place where one can go to put their troubles aside and clear their mind.

He stresses the importance of inclusivity, stating that ethnicity, genderor background does not matter when one steps inside a Seido dojo.

“Seido is about passion, friendliness, and being accommodating of everyone, no matter who they are.”

This value system is maintained throughout the Seido hierarchy.

“I always express to my black belts never to have an ego. People can see it. They can feel it.”

The dojo is the place whereBenfound belonging, pas-

sion, and solace.

It was also where he met his wife of almost 40 years, a second-dan black-belt herself, when the two met training in the early 1980s.

After they had children, she stepped away from Karate to focus on raising the family. This was the same reasonOtanghimself would eventually retire from Karate.

“I’m 72 years old, and I need time with my family. Especially my grandkids.”

Benshares a personal revelation he experienced after the sudden passing of a Seido comrade.

“In my training years, I missed out on a lot of time with my family. And then last year, one of my equal ranks just had a heart attack and fell down and died. I said right, I’m

going to devote my life to my family for whatever time I’ve got.”

Even in his retirement,Benstill returns to the peace of the dojo once a weekwhen he can to train in solitude.

It’s a glimpse into the purity of his love for karate and offers a poetic symmetry to the circle of his martial arts career.

Long after the end of the interview, I reflected once again on Shuseki Shihan’s words about the true meaning of Karate.

“You train to stay ready for anything, to face every challenge, while never knowing what’s coming next.”

It suffices to say that those lessons learned in the dojo, might just come in handy in life.

Newlands winner at Manu champs

Andonis Neonakis from Newlands delighted the crowd at the Z Manu World Champs Super Qualifier, held at the Wellington Aquatic Centre on 25 and 26 January.

Andonis won the Tamariki Boys title with the day’s biggest splash.

Of Greek and M ori descent the 12-yearold has been doing manus for the last three years and competed in last year's Z World Manu Championships.

With 165 competitors vying for a spot in the prestigious Grand Final at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on 1 March, the event showcased fierce competition, and some remarkable skill.

By the end of the two-day event, 14 bombers secured their place in the Grand Final, ready to represent Wellington on the national stage.

Event organiser Scott Rice commended the talent on display, saying: “The level of skill and energy we saw in Wellington was phenomenal.

“The competitors and crowd made this an unforgettable event, and Wellington’s finalists are sure to bring the heat in Auckland.”

Andonis Neonakis climbs

Double Glazing with German uPVC Joinery

Happy Birthday Onslow Garden Club

Balloons danced and Onslow gardeners chatted last Thursday at the lunch held to birthday. Many of the forty-two members who gathered at the Royal Wellington Golf of gardening fellowship had been at the

Clare Gleeson and Sue Skene welcomed guests who sipped champagne or orange juice before sitting down to enjoy lunch at tables decorated with vintage horticultural competition vases brimming with dahlias from members’ gardens.

After lunch founder club member Margaret Domett, who had hosted two of the Club’s most popular events at her historic -

ous birthday cake which had been created by another founder member, Viv Chapple.

While members enjoyed the café and coffee, Sarah Hodge of Horrobin & Hodge to delighted Club members.

During its history the Club has heard from some of New Zealand’s best known gardeners including Jo Wakelin, Margaret Long, Linda Hallinan and Fiona Eadie. Sarah Hoooker from Twigland, who was a guest at the lunch, has a regular six-monthly slot

answering members’ gardening questions.

The Club has enjoyed many days out and an annual bus trip looking at gardens beyond Wellington. The eagerly anticipated spring garden ramble is a chance for members to share their gardens with others.

Contribution to the community is an important aspect of the Club and several donations have been made to the Wellington Botanic Garden.

The Club also sponsored an Otari gardener on a course at Canterbury University. Close to home the Club holds four working bees a year to care for the area around the

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Three steps in the Davis Method for ADHD

(ADHD) is used to describe individuals comes as 2 main types – inattentive and hyperactive - and there is also the combined version.

There are two main causes– boredom and confusion. People with ADHD are very intelligent and like dyslexics, are used to going into their own world to be and/or the real-world boring.

A person with ADHD can experience time either faster or slower than reality and their understanding of concepts like or missing.

Without a solid understanding of change, our understanding of consequence cannot be concrete. Without this, concepts of

cause, effect, before and after cannot be sure. Without an understanding of before and after, understanding of time cannot be attained, nor can concepts of sequence and how to create order be fully understood. This is why ADHD people repeat the same mistakes.

People with ADHD are picture thinkers. They convert language (both oral and written) into a picture or movie, process it and then act. If a negative instruction is given, they will often do the opposite to what is intended. That is because there are no automatic pictures for words like “no”, “not”, “don’t”, “never”. If a picture thinker is told “Don’t run”, the first thing that comes to mind is running, in their impulsivity or eagerness to please, they will implement that picture and do the opposite to what was instructed.

Piratical adventures in Khandallah Park

are (from left) Stanford Reynolds (Sam), Vicki Wolfe (Pirate Mother), Krzysztof Kowal (First Mate), Hayley Cherryblossom (Cow), Brooke Harris (Farmer) and Jaron Peek (Sea Captain).

KAT Theatre’s annual summer Play in the Park celebrates its 25th birthday this year with Tim Bray’s fun-filled adaptation of Margaret Mahy’s “The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate”. The beloved Kiwi children’s classic tells the tall tale of staid and steady Sam who finds adventure when his former pirate mother hears the call of the sea again. Director Megan Davies was attracted to the pure joy of the story, and it has all the magical ingredients audiences have come to expect from KAT’s Play in the Park.“Margaret Mahy’s rollicking and funny pirate adventure makes for a brilliant family outing,” Megan says.

“It’ll be a colourful, tuneful, interactive and fun experience for children and their families who can bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in the sun, as well as this wonderful piece of theatre.”

Jaron Peek plays two roles – the Sea Captain and Mr Fat – and when he secured the roles, his mum went out and bought him a copy of the book to celebrate.

“She put a little blurb inside the cover. It was very sweet of her,” he says.

“Children’s pantomime is always fun as you get to go incredibly big.

“The Sea Captain is the narrator of the show, so I warm up the crowd and get the kids to

participate. Then Mr Fat is the closest the show comes to having a villain. He’s a terrible, capitalist joke of a man.”

First Mate to Peek’s Sea Captain is Krzysztof Kowal, returning to the KAT stage after playing the King of Hearts in last year’s musical version of “Alice”.

“I’m also a tree, a road worker, and a river. The story is new to me, but I love how whimsical it is. The Pirate Mother is a lot like my mother, very otherworldly and adventurous.”

Krzysztof is also relishing the opportunity to sing on stage again.

The funny lyrics and catchy music in Tim Bray's version, which was written in 2006, were composed by Christine White, a K piti Coast-based composer, performer and sound artist.

The lively production is ideal for younger children, as well as the young at heart among their family and friends.

“So, grab a rug and a picnic, put on your best pirate outfit, and head on down to Khandallah Park on 15,16, 22 or 23 February for 1:30 and 3:30pm performances,” KAT says.

“If the weather os looking piratical, check the KAT Theatre Facebook or Instagram pages for news as the show may relocate indoors to Cochran Hall.”

Looking to get on the property ladder or add to your investment portfolio? Well, here's the perfect opportunity! This pretty one bedroom, one bathroom home is just waiting for someone to snap it up. Whether you're a working professional looking for a cosy base or an investor on the hunt for a great addition to your portfolio, this one's got you covered.

The open plan kitchen and living area create a bright and welcoming space. With the sliding doors leading out to a little outdoor area, you'll love the indoor/outdoor flow.

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Duncan Traill

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Minutes from Johnsonville's bustling centre, this delightful freehold property offers the ideal blend of convenience, tranquillity and movein-ready comfort. With offstreet parking and a car deck, coming home is a breeze. Nestled away from the road, this private and peaceful home provides a serene retreat from the everyday hustle.

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The cast of “The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate” took a trip to Titahi Bay to experience the joy that the characters Sam and his mother felt when they finally reached the sea. They
77 Clifford Road, Johnsonville

Khandallah Ballet Academy

For over 30 years, Khandallah Ballet Academy has nurtured dancers of all ages, fostering creativity, confidence, and skill. Last year, we welcomed Erin Hildred, who introduced hip-hop and jazz classes loved by students. Now fully qualified with an Associate qualifi-

Dancing Keep on

cation in IDTA Ballet, she continues to inspire with her passion and expertise. In addition to children’s classes, we believe anyone can dance and offer adult classes too. Discover the joy of movement at Khandallah Ballet Academy

LOVE TO DANCE

Come and join us at Angela Goodall Dance Academy. We offer dance classes in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap and Pre School Dance. Classes are based in Newlands (Centennial Hall) and Johnsonville (Johnsonville Community Centre Hall).

In 2025 we will be offering beginning classes in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary and Lyrical, alongside our regular classes available for preschoolers to teens.

Join us for our OPEN DAY on Saturday 1st

February from 10.00am-11.30am at Centennial Hall in Newlands.

Come and meet the teachers, watch our performances and have a go!

Secure your place for dance this year by completing the enrolment form at angelagoodalldance.com

We welcome new students to join our dance family. Registered Dance Teacher of NZAMD, Dance NZ Made and Theatrical Dance International (TDI).

Dance Classes exclusively for adults

“No Judgements. No Expectations. Just your spirit blended with ours.”

Spiritus Dance Company specialises in fun, friendly, inclusive classes for adults. We offer something for everyone!

From the everyday person who has never stepped foot inside a dance studio to the most advanced, experienced dancer, who dances more than they walk!

We will make you fly high at our beautiful, atmospheric, colourful, purpose-built studios in Wellington city.

You will not find a more welcoming, supportive, inclusive, positive group of people in one place.

Our teachers genuinely care about giving you the best dancing experience possible and there have been many great friendships formed amongst the dancers of Spiritus. We

even have a social club!

Join us in 2025. Do something you’ve never done before. Do something you’ve always wanted to do. Do something you used to do. Do something you love. Do it with Spiritus.

Dance with your heart and your feet will follow

Established in 2012 Leaping Lizards has grown and developed to become Wellington’s leading recreational dance school.

Our classes are buzzing with excited, energetic students who dance their way in, around, and out of our wonderful locations.

Leaping Lizards prides itself on its firstclass dance tuition within a fun and relaxed

Dance classes exclusively for adults in Wellington

environment. We focus on sharing our love of dance through creative, original, up to date choreography which means classes are never boring!

Leaping Lizards is a dance school any child can go to dance for pure fun and enjoyment. We look forward to welcoming you into the Leaping Lizards family.

Photo by Andrew Turner ATPhotos

Keep on

JENNIFER EVANS DANCE ACADEMY

Dancing

Jennifer Evans dance academy is based at Samuel Marsden School, providing top facilities, available to students from all schools and colleges.

The IDTA top scholarships have been awarded 10 times to the academy by visiting IDTA examiners as a result of dancers achieving technical excellence in examinations.

The Marsden based dance academy is well established and continues to support ‘The Wellington Free Ambulance’.

Jennifer would like to welcome you to the world of dance and be a member of a dance academy supporting the community. Jennifer is valued for her dedication and joy imparting her knowledge with high delight and happiness.

Teaching alongside Jennifer is Christina Lamaya, Christina started her career as a very young dancer with Jennifer passing all her major ballet examinations with distinction and developed a passion for teaching. Under the guidance of Jennifer, Christina passed her Associate and Licentiate teaching examinations with distinction. Christina has recently been awarded Fellowship with distinction by the President of IDTA

Scottish country dance classes in Khandallah

Town Hall from Monday 10 February

All genders, all ages, from teenagers upwards, come and give it a go, make new friends and get some exercise – up to 5000 steps in a night of dancing! No partner needed, come alone or bring a friend. Tutor Rod Downey makes the classes fun with lively Celtic music, friendly club members are on hand to help new dancers. Wear soft, flat shoes, dress ready for exercise, BYO water bottle & $5 cash. Doors open from 7:15. Contact: Robert 021 163 9649, Maureen 027 447 2312. More info athttp://www. johnsonvillescd.org.nz/aboutus/beginners/

Hello dance lovers, you are invited to join the Jennifer Evans Dance Academy. Long established centre of learning dance.

INTRODUCING BALLET FOR BEGINNERS

Starting Saturday February 15th

A 6 week self-contained course, for boys and girls from 4 - 6 yrs. This course is an ideal introduction to the ballet class and a good preparation for 2025 enrolment.

in

Mime ✴ Creative expression ✴ Music ✴ Preliminary steps Fun, family based boutique dance academy offering top facilities. Classes 7 days a week. Dance Academy Term 1 commences Saturday February 8th

Scottish Country Dancing KHANDALLAH

& HOME Gardening LIVING

Blueberries ready for picking – and summer’s the best time for planting winter crops!

Late variety bluberries are ripening so protect from the birds and keep watering. Once the berries turn blue leave them for another week or so to develop a white bloom before picking. They should feel slightly soft and pull away easily from the stalk. If you don’t manage to eat them all

straight away then freeze them. They make wonderful frozen smoothies, just add some yogurt and blend.

Now’s the time to plant seedlings of cabbage, cauli, broccoli as they take between 65 and 75 days before harvest.

somewhere to lay her eggs so net your patch as soon as you plant them. The net needs to

Landscaping your garden?

as well. Don’t forget to mulch around the seedlings, this helps preserve moisture and protects your soil.

If you want to see even faster results then grow Gai lan and pak choi (ready to eat in 30 days). Plant a few at a time over several weeks otherwise you’ll have a glut. Continue to sow salad crops. If you are

mind the summer heat or your plant will rapidly go to seed. Planting in tubs (selfwatering if possible) or a pot means you can move them into shade. Place them near the kitchen so you can easily pick off a few leaves for your sandwich or salad. Encourage the whole family to do this.

somewhere to lay her eggs so net your patch as soon as you plant them. The net needs to

well. Don’t forget to mulch around xthe seedlings, this helps preserve moisture and protects your soil.

If you want to see even faster results then grow Gai lan and pak choi (ready to eat in 30 days). Plant a few at a time over several weeks otherwise you’ll have a glut. Continue to sow salad crops. If you

Double Glazing with German uPVC Joinery

Now’s the time to plant seedlings of cabbage, cauli, broccoli as they take between 65 and 75 days before harvest.

doesn’t mind the summer heat or your plant will rapidly go to seed. Planting in tubs (self-watering if possible) or a pot means you can move them into shade. Place them near the kitchen so you can easily pick off a few leaves for your sandwich or salad. Encourage the whole family to do this.

Landscaping with well-designed top quality timberwork

Our Groundplanz team specialises in timberwork – anything from pergolas, screens and outdoor seating, to decks, steps, and the more precision-required BBQ cabinetry. Our woodwork team leader has many years of experience as both a craftsman joiner and landscaper.

We can design wooden structures to help define areas, address functional needs and provide aesthetic appeal. Pergolas and screens can provide a sense of enclosure, shelter and privacy. They can also be used to support climbing plants, frame desirable views and block undesirable ones.

Decks extend indoor living areas into your garden where you can enjoy spending time with friends and family. They can be built over

unusable sloping ground to provide secure level areas for walking and seating. Bespoke built-in seating, and well-designed planting, can add something really special to your outdoor living. Need help? Groundplanz provides professional landscape design, a wide range of construction services, and expert advice on plant and tree selection and care. www.groundplanz.co.nz

Eco Doors & Windows will save you money on power bills

Eco Doors & Windows specialise in uPVC glazing. And as the cooler months are here after. Their windows are ideal for helping keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

uPVC has been used in windows and doors since the 1930s and offers superior thermal and noise insulation performance, well exceeding the current minimum requirements for joinery in New Zealand. uPVC offers significant benefits over aluminium and timber.

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

uPVC windows and doors, the company has grown. They have a number of teams of installers with plenty of experience backed by LBPs (Licensed Building Practitioners).

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

As the uPVC joinery uses a double rubber

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

WARMER

uPVC windows are ideal for helping keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

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

Our uPVC doors also offer these same

PEACE AND QUIET

In addition to being an effective thermal insulator, our uPVC frames are also an extremely effective barrier to noise.

When combined with double-glazing, overseas testing has measured sound reductions of up to 38dB!

So your home will not only be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, but quieter too.

Eco Doors and Windows are locat ed at 405 Hutt Road, Lower Hutt.

& HOME Gardening LIVING

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

Hymn singing with church organ

Wed 9.30am - 10.00am, Khandallah Presbyterian. Try it out! Range of experience. Covid vaccinated please.

‘Hope’ a clever, witty, relevant play

I often ask the audience member next to me what drew them to the play we’re about to see. But this time the response is far from usual:

“Because my mother wrote it.”

Mother in this case means Jenny Pattrick – former jewellery maker turned novelist and now newly minted playwright.

The title is thought provoking: hope concerns the future and is speculative in nature. It can therefore evoke doubt and possibly cynicism.

The play embodies these concepts in the personalities and actions of four characters.

We meet Adam (Jack Buchanan) and Daniel (T mata Porter) first in a dramatically intriguing encounter.

Dodge), who has just returned from nursing the wounded in her home country.

That the play is set some time in the near future becomes evident in the mention of a recent government measure: the Last Year of Life Bill. Such legislation – as controversial as it sounds – has ramifications for the bedridden Irina and gives rise to Danny’s illegal actions, all hopefully intended to keep her alive. Yulia rails against his dishonesty. And there we have it: a clash of values.

What is more important? The hopefulness of keeping Irina alive by whatever means, or acting within the law? And is there justification for offering only palliative care to those in the last year of life?

All praise to writer Jenny Pattrick for a play that is theatrically clever, witty, and relevant.

Painters

Some of us may be as on edge as the actors themselves – until we find ourselves laughing at a potentially grave situation defused by humour. It’s the first example of many that follow in which seriousness is balanced out in the same way. Daniel now invites Adam back to visit Irina (Perry Piercy), the ailing mother of Danny and as it turns out Adam’s former music teacher. She inhabits a bedsit crowded with furniture and relics of her former life. Even the wallpaper is a reminder of her cherished Ukrainian heritage.

She is Russian she declares. But being Ukrainian means something different to daughter Yulia (Mel

Direction by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford is superb. As central to the action, Perry Piercy is matchless. All the actors do full justice to the play’s theme, and we empathise with the situations they find themselves in.

The set, designed by Ian Harman, enhances both theme and action. And the music, composed by Briar Prastiti and recorded and played by Michael Houston, is a further delight.

This is a play for our times. We are intellectually and morally challenged as well as entertained. See “Hope”. It’s special.

Eva Rippon
Maz Mussell
Jenny Pattrick (right) with flowers she was presented by Director Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (left) at the end of the first performance of “Hope”.
Photo: Tyler Clarke.

Two centuries in local Cricket match

Fresh from winning the Ewen Chatfield Trophy, Onslow’s premier Cricketers were in a good position after day one of the first two-day matches for 2025.

After dismissing Karori for 248 at Nairnville Park on 25 January, Onslow reached 232 for the loss of two wickets at stumps.

Kevin Weerasundara, batting for Karori, scored a century during an outstanding knock, which saw him score 133 runs.

Shivang Choudhary was the next best of the Karori batsmen and he scored 40.

Bowling for Onslow, Matthew Scoble took three wickets for 27 runs.

Two Onslow bowlers took two wickets each, with Micah Conroy having figures of two for 19 and Ryan Tsourgas two for 26.

Oscar Jackson, Henry McIntyre and Elliot Seddon took one wicket each.

Devan Vishvaka not only scored

a century for Onslow but kept his wicket intact, finishing the day on 121 not out.

Ethan Jefferson chimed in with a half century, finishing on 54, while William Julian scored 27 and Micah Conroy was 25 not out when stumps were drawn.

Max Sargentina and Yashraj Kalsi took the two Onslow wickets to fall.

The Cricket Wellington divison one match, which continues on 1 March, is being played at Nairnville Park.

Johnsonville looked to have the edge following the first day of the division 2 match against Victoria University, played at Kelburn Park.

Batting first, Johnsonville declared at 313 for the loss of six wickets.

Victoria University reached 126 for four at stumps.

Centuries by Reece Edgecombe, who scored 133, and Matthew Nel, who finished on 108 not out, led the way for Johnsonville.

Bowling for Johnsonville, Domi-

nic McAlister took two wickets for 31, Ashan Wanasinghe one wicket for 12 and Maximus Petrie one wicket for 33.

Ben Stephen bowled a miserly spell, although he did not take a wicket. He conceded just nine runs in his five overs.

The Johnsonville premier women’s team did not fare so well in their top of the table clash with North City at Alex Moore Park on 25 January.

Batting first, Johnsonville reached 81 for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs.

North City took just 12 overs and one ball to pass the Johnsonville total and did not lose a wicket in reaching 82.

Dhriti Girish scored 22 for the home team, Anissa Greenlees 18 and Aesha Sukhu 16 not out.

Following the 25 January round, Johnsonville sit in second place on the Wellington division one table behind Norths.

Johnsonville’s next match is against Collegians at Anderson Park on 1 February.

Local wins prestigious Tennis award

Long serving Karori United Tennis Club member Peter Browne has been awarded the prestigious Tennis New Zealand Te Topu H pai award.

This honour recognises those who have contributed outstanding service and commitment to Tennis in New Zealand.

Currently the President and a Life Member of the Karori United Tennis Club, Peter has been a member of the club for 38 years, starting as a player.

He competed for the club in inter-club competitions in the 1980s and 1990s and then the business house competitions and the Presidents grade where he played until 2009.

He has served as a club office holder in most positions, often more than once.

Work Peter does for the club has included organising tournaments, cooking the sausages for Junior community Friday nights, representing the club on various governance boards and even putting out the rubbish bins each week.

Peter participated in the review of tennis structure in New Zealand,

assisting with the implementation of the resulting changes including constitution review and inaugural Tennis Central Region (TCR) Board appointments.

He has been a TCR club elected member of the three person Board Appointments Panel for over 12 years, including secretary. Peter joined the Wellington Tennis Association Board in 1993 and was active for over 15 years including seven years as Chair until 2007.

EMAIL: brenda@wsn.co.nz

PHONE: 021 640 152 www.wsn.co.nz

027 765 8303

Peter Browne with his award.
Photo: Supplied.

Dove Outdoor Rope Hanging Egg Chair

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Zinc coated hardware 120kg weight rating. W:830mm D:690mm H:1950mm.

Petrol Lawn Mower

127cc Black/Orange 400mm

127cc 4 stroke engine. Light weight and compact 16inch steel deck.

7 convenient height adjustment positions.

Quality 45L babric catcher. Recoil pull starter.

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