By Frank Neill
Phone (04) 587 1660
www.independentherald.co.nz
REPORTER
Frank Neill
herald@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
NATIONAL
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
SALES
Steve Maggs steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
SALES
Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152
CLASSIFIED SALES
classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Continued from page 1.
The Wellington North patrol covers a big area. It runs from just south of Tawa and covers Churton Park, Johnsonville, Broadmeadows, Khandallah, Ngaio, the Ngaio Gorge to Kaiwharawhara, from Kaiwharawhara to the bottom of the Ngauranga Gorge, the Ngauranga Gorge, Newlands, Woodridge, Paparangi and Grenada.
The patrol currently has 20 volunteers, of whom 18 work on patrolling.
“Our ideal is that we are patrolling every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30pm to 11:30pm,” the Patrol Leader Grant Signal says.
“I’m trying to cover every Friday and Saturday but we’re not doing it very well at the moment.
“We need more volunteers.
“If we got more volunteers we could do mid weeks as well,” Grant says.
Volunteers are asked to commit to one patrol a month, or more if they wish.
That is a commitment of four to five hours patrolling plus a one hour meeting per month.
To volunteer for the Karori Community Patrol, or for more information, email grant.signal@outlook.com.
The main aim of community patrols is to deter crime – deterring and preventing things before
they happen by having an active, visible presence.
They do this by being visible and highly present.
Although deterrence and letting the Police know when they observe something is the main function of the community patrol, they do also, from time to time, come across actual offending.
The Wellington North Community Patrol was in the Countdown car park one night, Grant says, when “two girls came out of Countdown with things stuffed in their jackets and started pulling them out and putting them in the back of their car.
“That’s not normally how you take stuff out of the supermarket.
“So the patrol took photos of the girls doing it and their number plate.”
They then went into Countdown and gave them the photos.
As the patrollers were getting back into their car “they saw a guy sitting in a car drinking a bottle of wine, so they took a photo of his face and number plate and took it back to Countdown.”
It turned out he was a shoplifter too.
“So we got two lots in one night.”
On another occasion the patrol was following a motor bike and the rider fell off at a roundabout in Johnsonville.
“The patroller stopped and had
Acorn Stairlifts will help you master ‘the three Rs’: Regain your independence, Retain full use of your home, and Remain in the home you love. Installing an Acorn Stairlift turns your home into a bungalow!
a look and the number plate was obviously false.”
The patrollers called it in to the Police and it turned out the motor bike was stolen.
“So we do just happen upon stuff,” Grant says.
The community patrols provide an “invaluable service” to the community, a Police spokesman says.
The service “works really well as the eyes and ears of the Police, to see what is going on in the community and to work towards making the area safe.
“When something happens they are often in the right place at the right time and can pass the information on to us.
“They are a good source of intelligence and can alert us to something we need to look at.
“With their intelligence and ringing us, they help us build
a picture of who’s out and about.
“I think they are a great asset to have out there in the community.”
Founded in 2002, Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) is a nationwide organisation backed by funding from the New Zealand Police and Government. Its vision is a New Zealand where everyone feels safe.
“In partnership with others, we prevent crime and reduce harm through the active presence of trained patrollers,” CPNZ says on its website.
“Through intelligence gathering and keen observation, we assist law enforcement and other agencies in building safer communities.”
The Wellington North Community Patrol was founded in 2007.
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.
Parliament has been an interesting place recently. Normally the time a bill which goes through parliament, from when it is introduced on its first reading until it passes into law, is about nine months.
This gives time for the public to have a say, for submissions to be heard at Select Committee, and for the MPs who make up the Committee to debate changes and make improvements to the bill.
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.
However, the Government are getting behind with the bills they want to pass, and so they are using a lot of Urgency again. That means they can truncate the time and often eliminate the opportunity for the public to have a say, all in name of expediency.
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.
This is regarded as poor law making, and bills rushed through like this often must be fixed up or amended later because mistakes are made.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
The officials, who are the people tasked with writing the legislation,
are often rushed and don’t get a chance to do the necessary checks and balances.
However, a good piece of legislation was an amendment which, unusually for an Opposition MP, I was successful in getting passed.
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.
In the meantime, MPs have been busy putting Government departments and their Ministers through their paces, making sure they justify how they spend taxpayers’ money. This is called scrutiny week.
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.
That will be followed by a considerable amount of late-night Urgency, which will see MPs and officials working until midnight, and back again first thing in the morning. No one minds the hours but we’re wary of the impact that rushing through legislation can have on the people it affects if we don’t get it right. These long hours will ensure that everyone will enjoy getting away for the Christmas break!
By Frank Neill
The Khandallah Swimming Pool opens for the season on Saturday 6 December.
The pool will be open throughout the summer from 11am to 7pm seven days a week.
It will be closed on Christmas day and open for reduced hours – from 11am to 6pm – on 24 December.
The hugely popular Khandallah pool celebrated its 100th birthday on 26 January this year.
Financed by local donations and built by volunteer labour, the pool opened in January 1925.
However due to the depth proving to be insufficient, local swimming enthusiasts approached Wellington City Council about making the pool deeper so that racing could be possible.
Work continued through the end of the 1924-25 summer season to raise the wall at one end of the pool, and the surrounding area was concreted. A ticket box office was also put in place.
The pool was officially opened by Mayor Norwood in November 1925.
Captain Galloway was the first to enter following the official opening.
To help maintain a safe water quality, Khandallah Pool operates with a maximum
bather limit.
Staff will monitor the pool’s filtration and circulation flow rates and may update the bather limit if needed, to ensure it continues to meet the New Zealand pool water quality standard.
Pool staff monitor the number of swimmers and spectators on entry.
If the maximum number of 55 swimmers is reached, entry to the pool will be restricted to a ‘one swimmer out, one swimmer in’ approach. Bather limit for the toddler pool is six swimmers.
Spectators do not count towards the bather limit.
The Thorndon Fair will return this weekend, running from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 7 December.
It will be held in Tinakori Road (Bowen Street to Harriet Street) and Hill Street (Tinakori Road to Selwyn Terrace).
Thorndon Fair is run by Thorndon School, and is the School’s main annual fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the school.
The school also runs a second-hand book stall and school stall with a massive raffle, native plants and this year they will have fresh avocados for sale.
More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the fair, and it will feature 250 stall holders.
The Thorndon Fair has run since 1977. It was set up by the Thorndon Society and then gifted to Thorndon School in 1983.
Entry to the fair is by gold coin donation at the gates.
For more information visit www. thorndonfair.nz.
By Frank Neill
Four organisations that operate in the “Independent Herald” circulation area were recipients of grants in the latest round of the New Zealand Community Trust’s disbursements.
The Karori Cricket Club was awarded $28,904.98 for playing uniforms and equipment, and a contractor fee for the Director of Cricket.
Makara Peak Mount Bike Park Supporters were granted $5,000 for trail build and refurbishment.
The Ngaio Lawn Tennis Club was provided $2,233.04 for tennis balls.
The Victoria University of Wellington Cricket Club was granted $3,177.40 for playing uniforms.
The trust disbursed $904,381.56 in the latest round of funding, announced on 2 December.
One gaming venue in the “Independent Herald”’s circulation area contributed to these grants – The Pickle Jar in Karori.
It was one of 17 gaming venues in the greater Wellington region that contributed.
Light displays at the Botanic Gardens during last year’s Gardens Magic. Photo: Wellington City Council.
By Frank Neill
Wellington’s hugely popular Gardens Magic will return to the Botanic Gardens in January.
All the Garden Magic events are free.
Gardens Magic will see a series of concerts at the Botanic Gardens ki Paek k Soundshell between 6 and 25 January. These concerts will feature the sounds of Wellington’s vivacious talent. The free concerts start with awarm-up solo
act from 7pm, before the main act at 8pm.
Concerts are on Tuesday to Sunday each week, with Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 3.15pm kept as a rain back-up day.
The concert programme is at wellington. govt.nz/news-and-events/events-and-festivals/gardens-magic#concert.
On Mondays 12 and 19 January a relaxed solo performance will be held at the Duck Pond from 9:15pm to 10:15pm.
Along with the concerts there will be evening light displays at the Botanic Gardens,
Watercolour New Zealand is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a stunning book, “Awash with Colour”.
It is a coffee table book of images of the work of members past and present.
There are 250 beautiful paintings that showcase the ability of watercolour to reflect the world with depth, transparency and drama.
The text relates the story of the society over its 50-year history, a history that illustrates the determination and passion of watercolour artists through those years.
It has been said by English artist Jack Merriott that “watercolour has never been accorded the same degree of importance as oil painting, yet … in many ways the beauties of watercolour surpass those of oils.”
Much of New Zealand’s early history was recorded using watercolour and those images remain as works of both beauty and substance.
This book dispels the myth that watercolour is just for amateurs and little old ladies painting landscapes.
In this book people will find dramatic im-
with a magical light display by MJF Lighting. The light displays will take place between 9pm and 10:30pm daily from 6 to 25 January.
During the day, families can enjoy the Kids Garden Trail and Discovery Days. They take place daily between 9am and 5pm from 6 to 25 January.
Kids Explorer Days will take place from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays 7, 14 and 21 January at the Discovery Garden and on the Quad Lawn near the Soundshell.
ages, many abstract and all illustrating the vibrancy that is the unique characteristic of watercolour.
Other media do not have the ability to utilise transparency to convey mood and emotion in the same way.
The book gives art lovers the opportunity to appreciate the range of images that are both possible and are the hallmark of watercolour painting.
Copies of “Awash with Colour” can be ordered through Watercolour New Zealand’s website, www.watercolournewzealand.nz.
There’s something about Christian Pera that puts you on your best behaviour, though his manner is warm and at ease. He speaks about his new role, as founding principal of Altum Classical Academy, with intelligence and enthusiasm. It’s not hard to see why the new charter school snapped him up.
Pera got in touch and Johnston didn’t miss a trick.
Fresh from a close to six-year stint as Deputy Principal of Hastings Girls’ High School, Pera has hit the ground running. He’s already met with families across Wellington in their homes who are eager to have their children attend the school.
His first week on the job, however, has been a “comedy of errors”. The moment he arrived, his car clapped out and he’s been Ubering around Wellington ever since; but it seems nothing can slow him.
Pera’s whirlwind appointment to Altum happened so quickly that his wife and two children are still in the Hawkes Bay. The plan is to travel home on the weekends to see them and help get the house ready for rental.
phones without any sort of gradual process; we just said ‘nope’. After a lot of pushback and standdowns the school’s approach worked.” Speaking of devices, a parent once commented, “Christian, we’re going to look back on this like smoking in the 60s.”
Right now it’s all systems go and the pressure is on. Altum Academy needs to get its name out quickly and they’re busy recruiting staff (from over 400 applicants).
“They’re not really obstacles,” says Pera. “They’re just challenges. But we have a beautiful little school that we will be able to give a nice polish up very shortly. And that is a huge blessing to not have to worry about it. A site that’s fit for purpose is great.”
It wasn’t that many weeks ago that Pera was following the progress of the proposed charter schools in the news along with the rest of us. He was particularly interested to hear of a school in Wellington with a classical curriculum. Looking into it, Pera discovered that an old lecturer of his, Dr Michael Johnston, was Chair of the board. Curious,
Pera is taking on his role as principal very seriously. He hopes to build trust with the families and students; to be someone who is welcoming and makes them feel safe. He says, “safe also in terms of upholding high standards and routines, because that level of security makes people feel at ease.”
Having taught in a number of countries across several curricula, Pera believes the biggest difficulty schools face, especially state schools, is that they have to try and be all things to all people. He says, “the government has given us this tremendous opportunity, but
it’s on us to make it work and to offer the types of choices that New Zealand is after.”
As a charter school, Altum Classical Academy is free to attend but it has a focus on excellence in education that few schools would dare to consider. When asked if he was worried about having to take whomever first applied, Pera replied, “not really, because it’s so important that we are open to all and that everyone has the opportunity.”
Pera is equally determined that the school will be device-free as he’s seen the positive effect it can have at a prior school. “So we started getting strict on uniform and behaviour standards. We eliminated mobile
Christian Pera is nothing if not dedicated. He says, “if people have questions, they should just contact me directly (he’s not joking, his mobile’s the contact number on the school website). I’m moving all over Wellington this week (albeit without a car) seeing different families and answering questions.”
When you arrange to meet Pera, as his Uber draws up at your door, take a moment to appreciate that he and his team are setting up something extraordinary with Altum Academy. A classical education open to everyone.
Altum Academy will open 2 February 2026 in Wilton, Wellington. Visit altum. school.nz for details.
Altum Classical Academy invites you to visit their new charter school located at 66 Albemarle Road, Wilton, Wellington. Open Days are on Sunday 7 December and Tuesday 9 December. Starting 2 February 2026 for years 7, 8 and 9, Altum aims to graduate men and women who think deeply, act justly and love what is good. Open Days: 7 & 9 December. Visit
The popular Johnsonville Christmas Market is on this Saturday, 6 November and will run from 10am to 2pm.
Johnsonville Rotary and the Johnsonville Shopping Centre are hosting the market, which will be held at the main car park of Johnsonville Shopping Centre
Santa will be arriving on a fire engine at 10am to open the market. Santa will then be inside the shopping centre until Christmas for photos.
There will be around 50 stalls offering a wide range of goods, ideas for Christmas presents, and food stalls offering everything from cakes to grilled meat.
There will be entertainment in the market and inside the Shopping Centre.
The Newlands College Jazz Orchestra, 'Take Note' Singers, R roa Intermediate School Orchestra, and the Sri Lankan Dance Academy Drummers andDancers will all be
performing and the Wellington Carnival Street Band makes a welcome appearance again this year as well.
Johnsonville Rotary will be holding a sausage sizzle and will also be selling the delicious Rotary Christmas Puddings.
They will also be collecting foodbank items and new and unwrapped toys, which Kiwi Community Assistance will distribute to those in need.
There will be a gold coin Koha. All proceeds will go to support local charitable causes in the Johnsonville area.
The market’s main sponsor is Collective First National Real Estate Co and Woolworths Johnsonville is also a sponsor.
Johnsonville Rotary is a small, diverse, friendly and active club supporting its community . For more information go to https:// johnsonvillerotary.org.nz/.
By Frank Neill
Fire safety in the Makara area will be the focus of a discussion at the Makara Community Hall at 7pm on Monday 8 December.
talk.”
The talks will be relevant to people who live in Makara as well as northern suburbs residents who spend time in Makara.
“Fire safety is a community effort,” the event organisers say.
“We are all better protected when everyone understands the risks and takes action.
“Come along and join us for a fire safety
In preparation, people can visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website, which has information about how people can prepare for a wildfire, at www.checkitsalright.nz/prepare-for-wildfire. People can use that website to create a personalised action plan and guide to prepare themselves, their wh nau and their home for wildfires, and this can be good preparation for Monday’s meeting. If people have any questions about the plan they create, they can ask the team leading the fire safety talks on the night.
By Morris Robertson
The annual Rotary Fair in the Khandallah village will be a place of activity from 10am till 3pm on Sunday 14 December.
This fair is the annual initiative of the Wellington North Rotary Club, which organises and runs the fair for the local community on the eve of Christmas.
While the event is primarily held to serve the local community, it also allows the Rotary Club to raise funds for its local and international charity work.
The fair will take place whatever the weather. If wet, or too windy, the stalls will move indoors, utilising both the Khandallah Presbyterian Church (KPC) hall and the historic Town Hall.
An entertainment programme will be presented inside the church, wet or fine,with this year’s programme ranging from school bands to an organ recital.
Added this year, a Christmas pageant will form part of the programme staged by the KPC congregation.
Once again the central activity of the fair will be the stalls selling a variety of quality items. This is a handy occasion to get those last-minute Christmas presents. Do come and support these gifted artisans.
No one will go hungry as food trucks will again be part of the fair along with the range of local eateries which will be selling their well-
loved goodies alongside some ‘fair specials’.
As a bonus, no fair is complete without a sausage sizzle, this year thanks to the Khandallah New World supermarket. Do support these outlets.
To top the menu the Wellington Inner Wheel Club will again host Devonshire teas and yummy scones in the church lounge.
Proceeds from this activity will go to Life Flight Trust and Wellington Free Ambulance.
Meanwhile, a special guest will be performing and entertaining fairgoers along Ganges Road, if fine, or the indoors if wet.
Many local businesses and related organisations support the fair, mostly behind the scenes.
The Rotary Club is grateful for those who get in behind the event, often with signage and promotions, funding and raffle prize donations. Listen out for the mentions they will get over the PA during the fair.
And, as always, a wonderful team of volunteers roll up their sleeves to make the fair happen.
The Khandallah Village Fair is a niche event especially planned for the good folks of the western suburbs, from Karori to Khandallah. Its popularity goes before it.
The club is grateful for the active support from its City Mothers and Fathers.
This year,five dignitaries will gather to officially open the event at 10am, with a special welcome to the new Mayor, Andrew Little, who will cut the ribbon.
Light House Cinema has you covered this holiday season with a range of great films that are perfect for the whole family. You can also treat the film lover in your life and be in to win! Purchase Light House gift vouchers and go in the draw to win a private screening for you and up to 30 friends, plus $300 worth of catering. There is a chance to win at each cinema, so grab your vouchers today!
They also have e-gift vouchers, making it easy to give the gift of film, from anywhere. Competition entries close 24 December. Conditions apply, head to the website for details.
They have a great range of films including ZOOTOPIA 2, an animated buddy cop comedy film. The sequel to Zootopia (2016), detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.
SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can’t miss cinematic event ever… THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS. Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before.
In AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang. As the conflict on Pandora escalates a new moral focus emerges.
Looking for a perfect date night film?
NOT ONLY FRED DAGG, a documentary about iconic Kiwi satirist John Clarke, will make you chuckle, or see Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney star in the new twisted thriller, HOUSEMAID
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are sure to pull on your heartstrings in the heartwarming SONG SUNG BLUE , filled with all your Neil Diamond favourites.
There’s something for all ages this holiday season at Light House Cinema, not to mention plenty of delicious snacks, drinks, and fresh food available from their cabinet daily. Book online at lighthousecinema. co.nz, or give one of their friendly staff a call, they’ll be happy to help.
By Felicity Wong
Last weekend the Onslow Historical Society marked the reopening of its museum at the Khandallah Automatic Telephone Exchange (K.A.T.E).
The displays are refreshed and reorganised for summer visitors.
The first Wellington telephone exchange operated in Stout Street from 1883.
Early exchanges were operated manually by connecting numbers by plugs and jacks.
Telephones first reached the Khandallah area in 1892 as the suburb began to grow fast with subdivisions springing up in Khandallah and Ngaio replacing the earlier dairy and mixed farms.
White's (Tixall) subdivision of Box Hill/Clark Street was the first in 1888, followed by others including Hannah's 'Khandallah Township' around the railway station and Ngatoto, (where KATE is located).
Until the 1920s telephones were mainly used by businesses, public servants and doctors.
The 1909 Wellington telephone directory had only 14 telephones listed for the northern suburbs.
Explosive growth prior to the First World War put the suburb among the first five locations for an automatic telephone exchange that did not require people to operate.
Others were in Courtenay Place, Wellington South, Kelburn and Miramar.
The building at 86 Khandallah Road was designed in 1918 by Government Architect John Campbell, built in 1919 and began operation in 1922.
The equipment was supplied by American firm Western Electric and used 'rotary' switches powered by an electric motor driving shafts,
cogwheels and clutches.
Such exchanges relied on 'rotary' dial telephones which sent electrical pulses that the exchange switchgear would react to.
The building contained a power room and a back up battery room.
Initially it had 100 two-party lines and 100 four-party lines serving 225 customers: 54 individual lines and 171 party-lines plus five extensions.
Local telephone numbers were originally
18-XXX; later they were 36-XXX or 37-XXX.
In 1925 the building was extended at the rear for a further 200 individual lines.
By 1930 there were 532 customers plus 18 extensions.
Although a Wellington multi-exchange network was created from the various exchanges, growth was severely constrained and limited to five-digit numbers.
The Khandallah exchange also served Johnsonville and Newlands until a Johnsonville rotary exchange was built in 1947 catering for 400 subscribers.
In 1953 English Ericsson 'step-by-step' (Strowger) equipment was installed in a new extension built alongside the original building.
From 1956 the new electro-mechanical switches automatically selected numbers in steps, and supplemented the prewar exchange, with numbers being 34-XXX or 35-XXX.
It serviced 600 individual and 200 party lines.
Other 'step-by-step' exchanges were already in Island Bay (1946), Karori (1947), and Kilbirnie (1949).
In the 1970s rotary switchgear became obsolete when the Post Office changed to electronic crossbar equipment which provided STD (subscriber trunk dialling) that enabled national and later international calls without going through an operator.
The Khandallah exchange continued servicing the area until 1984 when more compact computerised technology was put in the 1953 building next door.
K.A.T.E. was no longer required and was set for demolition for a car park.
In 1985 Society representatives Julie Bremner, Don Barber and Judy Siers met
Postmaster-General Jonathan Hunt with an eye to finding a permanent home for the Society.
They reached agreement about the preservation of K.A.T.E. and it was recognised as a heritage building by Heritage New Zealand as Khandallah's most distinctive brick public building, and of Edwardian neo-classical style. K.A.T.E. is one of only two automatic exchanges of the period that remain.
In 1992-93 the Society, supported by the Northern Suburbs Community Trust, shared with its landlord and sponsor, Telecom, the $91,000 cost of earthquake strengthening and refurbishment.
Since 1994 the building has been routinely open to the public on Sunday afternoons (24pm), and is used for displays, meetings, talks and hosts a library and photographic collection.
Since Telecom’s breakup in 2014, Chorus has been the generous official sponsor of K.A.T.E. and the Society as owner of the building.
The Society’s 2018 publication contains more information and extracts from the heritage conservation plan written by Conservation Architects Cochran and Murray and heritage consultant Michael Kelly.
The Society recently conferred Life Membership on local resident Margaret Dommett in recognition of her contribution over many years.
Society members welcomed the Government’s proposed new earthquake prone building rules, under which 1-2 storey buildings with secure facades will no longer be required to be further strengthened.
The rules will instead focus on risk and safety to lives, rather than a “one size fits all” system about property.
Wellington audiences are set for an unforgettable dose of festive theatre when BIG Christmas Spectacular arrives at The Opera House on 12–13 December.
Blending musical theatre, cabaret, ballet and large-scale storytelling, the production brings together an exceptional cast led by awardwinning Australian stage star James Millar, known for his celebrated Helpmann Awardwinning performance as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical.
Joining him is rising musical theatre performer Lily Burke, whose international credits include performing as a swing in the Seoul production of School of Rock, and appearing as Amanda Thripp in the Australian and New Zealand tour of Matilda the Musical.
The show also features fulltime professional cabaret and ballet artists from Finesse Burlesque, bringing their signature blend of glamour, choreography and storytelling
to create the production’s vivid world.
At the heart of BIG Christmas Spectacular is a touching original story. On Christmas Eve, a young girl named Eve sits beneath her family’s tree, honouring a tradition she once shared with her late mother.
When a loud crash interrupts the night, a dishevelled Santa suddenly appears, shaken from a sleigh accident. Realising their grief has frozen time, Eve and Santa embark on a magical adventure to repair the sleigh, restore Christmas spirit and restart time itself.
Guided by the MerriMetre — and transported into a vibrant Christmas Wonderland filled with dancers, singers, snowflakes and tapdancing elves — Eve discovers that imagination, joy and memory can light even the darkest moments.
The journey culminates in a glittering finale celebrating wonder, hope and the true magic of Christmas.
Artist: Joe Zhou
FEE THOMPSON STUDIO/GALLERY
Artist in Residence is open Tues–Fri 9.00am3.30, Sat 9.00am-2.00pm
Local artists: Paintings, glass, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics , gifts. 55A Ottawa Rd, Ngaio, Wellington Ph: 027 355 2259 www.feethompson.com
VINCENTS SUMMER GROUP SHOW – FREE 9th Dec–6th Jan at Vincents Gallery, Willis St Village.
Ever wished you could articulate your ideas well, win a pitch or motivate others? Join Wadestown Toastmasters Club to gain confidence speaking whatever the setting.
PORTRAIT CLUB WELLINGTON
The Portrait Club meets on Monday nights (aside from public holidays) from 7:30 - 9:30pm at the Karori Arts Crafts Centre.
ST ANDREW’S LIFE DRAWING Life Art Class 5.307.15pm Wednesdays, Untutored. St Andrew’s on The Terrace. Entrance lane at right of church. $15.00 waged / $9 unwaged. Or if you bring a friend it’s $8 each. Resumes 11 Feb 2026.
Entries in the competition for young Wellington photographers close at 5pm this Sunday, 7 December.
The N ku to Ao Capital E Young Photographers Competition is open to people aged from eight to 18 years who live in the Wellington Region.
The theme of the competition is “Ako Kori Hanga, Learn Play Create.”
The challenge is to capture one, two or all three of these ideas in a single image.
The judges will be looking to see how photographers bring this theme to life in a unique way.
Photos will be judged in three age categories – eight to 10 years, 11 to 13 years and 14 to 18 years.
Entrants can take photos on any device, including a DSLR camera, point-and-shoot camera, GoPro or a smartphone.
The winner will receive a prize pack that includes a Canon EOS
R50 mirrorless camera with a 18-45mm lens valued at $1,469 and artist fees for the use of the photo.
Each winner will meet with theWheakoP neke Experience Wellington Retail and Design team to transform their winning photo into a retail product that will be produced and sold in the Wellington Museumshop, learning how a creative passion can makea viablecareer.
For more information and to enter the competition visit https://www. capitale.org.nz/young-photographers-competition.
The Karori Business Association is hosting Christmas in the Park, which will take place from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday 11 December at Ben Burn Park, Karori.
This free evening is a relaxed, family-friendly celebration filled with music, connection, and festive spirit.
This year’s event will feature live Christmas carols performed by Nick Tansley, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for residents of all ages.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic, a blanket, and their favourite people for an evening of community togetherness.
Local groups will also add to the festive flavour, with Karori Lions running a barbecue and the Karori Playcentre hosting their own stall, providing tasty options for those who want to enjoy dinner in the park.
The event is not only a celebration
of the season, but also a heartfelt thank you to the community, the Karori Business Association Manager Bill McDonald says.
“Karori is at its best when we come together.
“Christmas in the Park is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported our local businesses throughout the year. “Your support keeps our community vibrant, connected and thriving.”
All Karori residents, and anyone from across Wellington, are warmly invited to Christmas in the Park.
you can count on us to deliver quality results.
Contactustoday:0223152137
Email:jhawkenconcrete@gmail.com
Travel to the beautiful riverside city of Whanganui, hauled by both steam locomotive Ab 608 and heritage diesel electric locomotive, Da 1410. Choose on a serene cruise of the Whanganui River Waimarie”.
Leaving Kapiti we quickly escape the coast and delve into the rurality of the Horowhenua. After a stop in Palmerston North we head up the trunk through the townships of Feilding and Marton before turning onto the Marton–New Plymouth railway line for the last stretch into Whanganui. After crossing the 290km long Whanganui River, we proceed slowly down the short 5km branch line taking us to Taupo Quay.
From here - it’s up to you what you wish to do!
Sail On The Queen Of The RiverWaimarie
Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the paddle-steamer Waimarie was restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000. She is now the only one of her kind in operation in New Zealand.
Your cruise leaves the Riverboat Centre Wharf and heads up-river taking in the scenery and views of Whanganui which can only be experienced from Te Awa Tupua, the Whanganui River. The commentary shares riverboat history and points of interest along the way. Check out the boiler that powers our p addle steamer, and maybe meet the homing pigeons and send a message with them on their flight back to the Riverboat Centre.
An Artisan Lunch for Two - $35 add-on
Pre-order a beautifully curated picnic hamper designed for two, featuring an elegant selection of artisanal delights.
Collect your hamper from the Riverboat Centre either before your serene river cruise or upon your return. Each hamper typically includes flaky croissants, premium cured meats, fine cheeses, freshly baked breads, a delectable dip, and a sweet delicacy to conclude your experience in style.
Do Your Own Thing & Explore Whanganui
Buses will transport you from your arrival at the station to the Waimarie River Boat Centre.
There will be a collection of vintage cruiser bikes for hire for a small fee to those keen to take exploring to the next level.
There will be short tours available at the Durie Hill Elevator. It is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is still used on a daily basis by locals and visitors.
There are multiple places to go, and things to see on a cruiser bike or on foot. Take a tram ride for a small fee and arrive at the Riverboat museum, be blown away by NZ Glassworks, admire the sculptures and views from the Motua Gardens along the river, indulge in local cuisine, or simply shop local.
Fares cover your return train fares, Waimarie River Cruise, and bus transfers.
Departing Paekakariki/ Paraparaumu/Waikanae/Otaki/Levin
Adult 13+ yrs - $209; Child 2-12yrs$179
There will be 2 cruise departures, you will receive your group allocations prior to arrival into Whanganui on the day. Fares excluding the Waimarie River Cruise cover your return train fare, and bus transfers.
Departing Paekakariki/ Paraparaumu/Waikanae/Otaki/Levin
Adult 13+ yrs - $159; Child 2-12yrs$139
Rally your crew. Race together. Celebrate with coffee and connection at the Kapiti Women’s Triathlon on 22 February. New Group entries are now available
Triathlon. Enter with a group of 6 or more and every member will score a free coffee voucher from our friends at Coffee Cruisers - because races are good company! Round up your running us in February.
To promote health and wellbeing in the workplace,Kapiti Women’s Triathlonhas teamed up with the legends at Coffee Cruisers to launch the KWT Workplace Challenge.
Every month Finn’s have their monthly live music gig so it’s a great chance to have a good time.
Finn’s is a popular hub at Paekakariki and only a few minutes’ walk from the railway station and right on State Highway 59 which means it is very easy for visitors to get to by train from Wellington, or by car, making it the ideal
getaway destination for that weeken d away from the pressures of city life and work. It is a boutique hotel of superior studio units with spa baths, king-size beds, microwave, tea and coffee-making facilities so why not book a room fo r Labour Weekend or the holidays?
Don’t forget to check out the nearby Paekakariki Station Museum!
Jane uses porcelain, ceramic and glass tiles which are hand cut and applied on sign plywood. These panels are not suited to the outdoors.
Outdoor mosaics are by commission only. They are done by the indirect method and do not use wood.
Jane has exhibited in Wellington, Auckland,
Australia and England and sold from selected Galleries. She says she is lucky that her work has pleased, and been collected by, so many buyers from around the world.
Jane is available for commissions and welcomes enquiries from her website: www. live.com
Onslow College, Newlands College and many primary and intermediate schools in the area have reaffirmed their commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Their statements saying they will continue to honour Te Tiriti come in the wake of the Government’s Education and Training Amendment Bill, which has removed the requirement for school boards to “give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.
The Onslow College Board has written to its community to publicly reaffirm its ongoing commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“For the Onslow College Board, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is, and will remain, a core component of our identity, our decision-making and our strategic direction,” the Onslow College Board statement says.
“This is fundamental to our integrity and our purpose as a kura and is woven into the very fabric of how we operate.
“Our school vision is: Kei k nei m tou | We bring ourselves; Ka poipoitia m tou pu waitanga | and together are nurtured to thrive; and Ka ea hoki m tou wawata | and realise our aspirations.
“We cannot fully realise this vision for all our konga without honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“The call to ‘bring ourselves’ demands a learning environment where the language, identity and culture of tangata whenua are not just protected but celebrated, allowing M ori konga to thrive as M ori.
“The partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the foundation that makes it possible for us all to ‘be nurtured to thrive together’.
“We see, time and time again, that when we create a learning environment that authentically upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we create a better, safer and more inclusive environment for all students.
“This work enriches our curriculum and prepares all Onslow College graduates to be informed, empathetic, and responsible citizens of a modern Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Therefore, the Onslow College Board will continue to:
1. Ensure our strategic plan, policies and practices actively give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
2. Invest in the capability of our staff and students to engage confidently with te ao M ori and te reo M ori.
3. Prioritise building and strengthening our relationships with mana whenua and our M ori wh nau.
4. Hold ourselves accountable for achieving equitable outcomes for our M ori konga.
“Our focus remains unchanged: to provide education that empowers all students to thrive and realise their aspirations,” the Onslow College Board statement says. Newlands College, along with the Te Korowai Horokiwi School cluster, has also issed a message confirming that they are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They have written to Education Minister Erica Stanford as the Te Korowai Horokiwi Cluster School Boards of Bellevue Primary School, Newlands College, Newlands Intermediate School, Newlands Primary School, Paparangi Primary School and Rewa Rewa
Primary School “to formally reaffirm our ongoing and unwavering commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“We acknowledge the Ministry’s removal of the legal requirment for boards to uphold Te Tiriti o Watangi.
“In light of this, we wish to formally and publicly affirm that our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is foundations to our cluster schools’ identities and mission.
“Our work is not driven by compliance, but rather by our deeply held principles of equity, partnership and cultural competence.
“For us, the commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a moral and ethical responsibility that is integral to our schools’ visions and their values.
“Our commitment to remain grounded in te reo M ori, local tikanga and Te Ao M ori is strong.
“As a Crown entity we have a moral and legal duty to continue to recognise Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We have experienced the improved engagement, achievement and wellbeing of all our konga that results form a steady, sustained focus on embedding Te Tiriti and the culturally responsive practice of our kaimahi.
“We are proud of the work we have done over many years, working closely as a cluster of schools with our local urban marae Ng Hau e Wh o Papar ngi, with one another, and with Tangata Whenua to develop our bicultural practices.
“This work has been collaborative, sustained and is far-reaching.
“We have strong foundations and are excited by the work we have yet to undertake to prepare our students to be culturally capable, engaged citizens in a bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand for all.
“As stewards of our schools, we confirm that the principles of Te Tiriti are an indivisible part of our schools which will continue to guide our governance and decision-making regardless of any action taken by the government to the contrary,” that statement of the school cluster boards says.
If you like to talk about books, share insights, and give recommendations to like-minded readers, come along to one of Wellington City Libraries (WCL) book discussion groups.
This monthWaitohi Johnsonville Library will host “Tea & Tales Book Club”on Friday 5 December from 2pm to 3:30pm.
tari Wadestown Library will hold“Community Book Chat”on Monday 8 December from 11am to noon. At these groups readers can enjoy lively discussions and peruse new and interesting books.
A WCL librarian will be on hand with
recommendations and readers' advisory. It is also time to sign up for the Summer Reading Adventure.
Running from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026 there are challenges for all readers of all ages – children, teens and adults.
Read books, explore the city, win prizes. This year, WCL has set a Community Reading Goal for Wellingtonians to join together and collectively read and log 25,000 books over the summer.
Sign up now to take part athttps:// www.wcl.govt.nz/services/at-the-library/ summer-reading-adventure/.
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.
phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Please join us for Christmas Carols
Sunday 7 December 7pm. Onslow Community Church, 4 Ngatoto Street, Ngaio. Koha welcomed for Christian World Service.
NZ Opera’s 2026 is a vibrant declaration of its mission: telling stories through the power of the human singing voice while deepening connections with the community.
With a spectacular roster of talent on and off the stage, the programme celebrates worldclass opera, made in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“This is opera at its most extraordinary; this is opera made in our light,” NZ Opera says.
The season features three major productions: the internationally acclaimedBluebeard’s Castle, a long-awaited Wellington season ofThe Marriage of Figaro, and a new staging ofThe Pearl Fishers,alongside a return of the celebrated te reo M ori concertToiere.
Tumu Whakarae, General Director Brad Cohen, says after 25 years in its current form, NZ Opera has clarity regarding its identity and artistic direction.
“We’re committed to widening the reach of our work to engage with more communities, and we’re committed to complementing the classics of the repertoire with innovative programming,” he says.
This commitment is evident in the carefully curated season which demonstrates the company’s ability to create world-class opera, working within its limited resources.
Brad acknowledges that while funding challenges are significant, “we persist, because we believe in the power of the voice singing stories, the value of a national opera company singing a culture’s song, and the urgent need for art which connects us.
“We continue to seek funding from government at a national level for NZ Opera, which would enable us to bring our productions to more cities across Aotearoa, while remaining
financially responsible.”
The highly anticipated Te Whanganui-aTara Wellington premiere of DirectorLindy Hume’s sumptuousThe Marriage of Figaroby Mozart takes to the stage in June.
2025 Te Ahurei Toi o T maki Auckland Arts Festival and later broadcast by SOUNZ and Radio NZ,Toierewill tour to locations across the motu in 2026.
Originally part of the 2021 season and one of the most popular productions to date in the company’s history, the 2021 Wellington run was unable to open due to the pandemic.
NZ Opera is delighted to finally offer this vibrant, comic masterpiece to Wellington audiences, withOrchestra Wellingtonand theFreemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus.
The core creative team ofTracy Grant Lord(set and costume design) andMatthew Marshall(lighting design) also return, and the production features a cast of the finest opera talent from Australasia under the baton of esteemed conductorJames Judd.
The acclaimed concertToiere(meaning ‘to sing’) returns, blending operatic arias with te reo M ori, celebrating the M ori language through the timeless art of opera.
First performed to great acclaim at the
(5)
Further details on this highly anticipated revival, led by NZ Opera’s Manu TŪ RaeKawiti Waetford(Ng ti Hine, Ng tiwai, Ng ti Rangi, Ng puhi), will be announced in the New Year. The new season proudly showcases a large contingent of Kiwi performers across the mainstage productions, including bringing home some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s finest operatic talent.
Sophie Sparrow(Susanna),Julien Van Mellaerts(Count Almaviva),Felicity Tomkins(Countess Almaviva),Cecilia Zhang(Cherubino),Kristin Darragh(Marcellina),Andrew Grenon(Don Basilio/Don Curzio),Sarah Mileham(Barbarina) andJoel Amosa(Antonio) all feature inThe Marriage of Figaro.
Madison Nonoa(Leïla),Filipe Manu(Nadir),Phillip Rhodes(Zurga), andAnthony Robin Schneider(Nourabad) return to New Zealand from Europe to star in the new coproduction ofThe Pearl Fishers.
Gothic church, Abbey (11)
Having left a will (7)
Mohammeds’ birthplace (5)
Various (7)
In flower (6)
Slum areas (8)
Peaceful (7)
Of the blood (6)
Craftsmen (8)
Fertilizing land(by plane) (3,8)
Acts (5)
By Frank Neill
Johnsonville’s premier Cricket team managed to narrowly defeat Wellington Collegians Cricket Express in their division two match on 29 November.
Johnsonville emerged the victors by just six runs at Endeavour Park.
After Collegians won the toss, Johnsonville batted first and were all out for 150. They then bowled Collegians out for 144.
Reece Edgecombe was Johnsonville’s top scorer with 42.
Opener Samuel Hunter also contributed well with 32, while Captain Zack Scott-Howman scored 25 and Ben Stephen 24.
Connor Lusty took three Collegians wickets at a cost of only 17 runs.
Reece followed up his good batting by taking two wickets for 32 runs, Maximus Petrie took two wickets for 21 runs and Ben took one wicket for 26 runs.
Johnsonville’s next one day match is against Wainuiomata at Alex Moore Park on 6 December, starting at 10:30am.
The Johnsonville women’s division 1 team did not have such a good day when they were comfortably beaten by Collegians.
Batting first on Nairnville Park, Collegians finished their 40 overs with 247 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
Johnsonville was then all out for 150.
Mira Patel was the best of the Johnsonville bowlers, taking three wickets for 42 runs.
Estella Wallace, Aesha Sukhu and Kacey McCully took one wicket each.
Anvi Verma was Johnsonville’s top scorer with 26 runs.
ball in Johnsonville’s win over Wellington Collegians on 29 November. Photo: Supplied.
Estella also finished in the twenties with 21 runs.
The Johnsonville women’s next match is against Upper Hutt United at Trentham Memorial Park on 6 December, starting at 11am.
All Cricket Wellington’s men’s division one matches were abandoned on 29 November, including the matches scheduled for Onslow and Karori.
Onslow’ next match sees them play Eastern Suburbs at Nairnville Park on 6 December, starting at 10:30am.
Karori will play Petone Riverside at Karori Park on 6 December, starting at 10:30am.
Police were justified in using tasers against a man in Cockayne Road, Khandallah, on 9 January this year, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has found. They were justified to protect a woman and baby, as well as to ensure their own safety and that of their collegues, the IPCA says.
The Police were dispatched to an urgent family harm incident on Cockayne Road.
“A man was reportedly armed with a large knife and was chasing a woman who was holding a baby in the street,” the IPCA report says.
“Three officers located the man at a nearby bus stop.
“He was standing at the entrance of the bus shelter, while the woman was sitting on a bench behind him, still holding the baby.
“The man had half of a hedge-trimming scissor in his hand.
“An officer attempted to communicate with him, and the man became focused on Police.
“The woman managed to escape from behind him and began to run away. The man noticed her fleeing and moved purposefully toward her with the weapon in hand.
“One officer deployed a taser against the man, but it was ineffective.
“At that moment, the man turned around and faced the officers in an aggressive stance.
The Johnsonville Bowling Club (JBC) team of Paula Meredith (skip), Lynnie Campbell, Alison Colgate and Debera Dean took out the Lower Hutt After Hours Medical Centre Open Fours last weekend. The win was even sweeter because the JBC was headquarters for the event.
In the final Paula and her team faced the teenage combined (Rangatahi) team skipped by Lily Signal.
It was a pleasure to see those talented
and determined young women do so well in such a highly competitive environment. The game was played in excellent spirit with JBC’s experience being the deciding factor.
Only slightly outdone by the women, the JBC men’s team of Wayne Coleman (skip), Bruce Henderson, Brent Ahern and Isi Taito reached the semi-final before being narrowly beaten by the winning Silverstream team skipped by Adam Turner.
“As he started pulling out the taser wires that had made contact with him, two other officers discharged their tasers at him in quick succession.
“This time, the taser was effective, causing the man to fall and hit his head on the tarmac road surface.
“He sustained a serious head injury and was taken to Wellington Hospital,” the IPCA report says.
As well as finding the Police officers were justified in using tasers, the IPCA concluded that the Police did not delay medical care for the man and that they appropriately discharged their duty of care toward him.
The Police say they accept the findings of the IPCA.
Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Nick Thom says officers involved assessed the situation and responded accordingly to ensure the safety of the public.
“Officers deployed their tasers to stop a dangerous situation evolving into something that could have been much worse.
“Our officers have made good decisions and the IPCA investigation supports that.
“Police are often working in fast paced, dynamic environments, and although it is the expectation, I am pleased with the decisions made by staff,” Inspector Thom says.
“Family working for Families in Tasman”
The Homestead is in the heart of Wakefield Village.
Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Visit Us
Imperial Park, Unit 81, 41 Bouverie Street, Petone, Lower Hutt.
Antique & Estate Jewellery, Bullion, Coins, and Watches in Petone
Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 2:30pm Thursday: 9:30am - 4pm
Enter Imperial Park, turn right, go to the North end, and you ’ll see us.
On Sale Now - While Stocks Last - Ends Dec. 23rd, 2:30pm Gold Ring Trays WERE $1195 NOW $795 WERE $1595 NOW $1195 Up to 60% Off Silver Jewellery 40% Off Silver Rings and Charms 15% Off Gold Chains 25% off All Vintage Watches - Omega, Seiko, Longines
Open December 23rd until 2:30pm. Closed December 24th. Reopen January 26th at 9:30am.
Open Saturday, 13th December 9.30am – 2pm. All Gold Jewellery Gold and Silver coins and bars Wanted to Buy Jew Sil licenc Visit us in All Vintage &
Please come and see us instore with your items for an on-the-spot offer. Please bring your bank details for payment. ment.
We Specialise in Buying & Selling all kinds of Jewellery, Bullion, Coins and Banknotes, Silver and Gold items, and Watches. Fully licenced with over 50 years industry experience. Visit us instore or online at www.heritagegold.nz
