6 June Independent Herald

Khandallah Pool saved

By Frank Neill

Wellington City Councillors voted overwhelmingly on 30 May not to include closing the Khandallah Swimming Pool in its Long Term Plan (LTP). The council’s Long-term Plan, Finance and Performance Committee saw 17 members vote against including the pool closure in the LTP while just one member voted for the closure.

Continued on page 2.

Children with some of the “save the pool” placards they made during one of the Save Khandallah Pool events this year. Photo: Supplied.

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Pool can now celebrate its centennial

Continued from page 1.

Khandallah Pool can now look forward to a big celebration of its centennial next season, rather than being demolished.

The committee’s overwhelming vote has been welcomed by John McGrath of the Save Khandallah Pool group.

This community group was formed in the wake of a council decision in January to include the demolition of the pool in its draft LTP.

“We are very pleased with the council’s [30 June] decision,” John says.

“We think it is practical, pragmatic and the basis of a good way forward.

The decision means that the council will work with the community in a bid to find an affordable and practical solution on the future of the pool.

“We look forward to working with the council on that approach,” John says.

“It was a 17 to one vote, which shows the council’s commitment to finding a solution.

“The councillors were willing to recognise the strength of the community feeling about this.

“It was a strong council reaction to a very strong community voice.

“The community has spoken loud and clear,” John says.

“The community has said how much they love the pool.

“The community has said that they want to keep the pool.”

A petition to save the pool was signed by 3,412 people, and this petition was presented to the council along with a compendium of

“save the Khandallah pool” artwork and writing prepared by children who want to see the pool saved.

More than 1,100 submissions on the council’s LTP asked the council to remove the demolition of the pool from the plan.

“It is great that council have listened to the voice of the community.

“We really appreciate that,” John says.

“We know that this is not the end of the journey.

“We know that we still have to find solutions for the pool – to make sure the pool not only celebrates the centenary but also for generations to come.”

“It’s good news on the Khandallah pool,” Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Diane Calvert says.

“For me it is all about how communities can influence council.

“There was the tremendous effort put in by the community from young people to older

people and everyone in between.”

The 17-1 vote showed that it was not a political decision but one based in the heart of a community, Cr Calvert says.

The local initiative to save the pool has been unifying for the Onslow community as well “because it brought a lot of people together to save a much loved community asset.

“That has really benefitted the community.” There are three things that will need to happen over the next three months, Cr Calvert says.

Firstly an advisory group will be set up, containing local representatives and engineers, a group that will be technically focussed and will look at whether there is a viable option to refurbish the pool within the current budget. Secondly planning will be needed to get the pool ready for opening for the summer season. Thirdly will be the community planning a variety of events to celebrate the pool’s centenary season, Cr Calvert says.

I’ve always believed that if it was easy, someone would have done it. People who enter politics do so determined to do what they can to make the world a better place, and using the knowledge they have of the world at that time, come into local or central politics thinking the answers are easy.

stop all crime.

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.

That is why from opposition, or during a campaign, promises are made by those who think they are easily achieved.

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, from the first briefings they get, and from the papers the diligent ones read, backgrounding the issues facing the Council or Government, reality hits home.

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.

Criticisms of the people who candidates seek to unseat are suddenly a bit redundant, as they are forced to understand just why certain actions had to be taken. And it’s usually because of money. We’d all love to be able to build everything we want, to fund every need of all New Zealanders, and

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

I go back to what I said at the beginning if it was easy someone would have done it!

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

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

There’s no substitute for hard work and building relationships with those we need to work with to get stuff done. I take every opportunity to build relationships across the political divide to be able to work with people to get the best results for Ōhāriu and New Zealand. Joining in with parliamentary sports teams, cultural groups and other crossparty activities is the best way to do that, something it’s almost impossible to do as a cabinet minister especially.

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.

Be wary of those who are always publicly falling out with colleagues, as it usually means they are not team players working toward the best result long-term. Trying to make the result look easy without bothering with the facts, Trump-style, is worse for everyone in the long run.

Some of the children’s artwork about saving the Khandallah Swimming Pool. Photo: Frank Neill.

Honoured for state service

By Frank Neill

Christopher (Chris) Seed, who retired this year as Chief Executive and Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

The Kelburn resident was made a CNZM for services to the state. This honour is just one step down from a knighthood.

Chris completed a 40-year career in the public service on 31 January this year.

He became MFAT’s Secretary in 2019 and during his time in the role Chris has led a long series of initiatives, including some that are very high profile.

He was among the public servants who led during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chris led the government’s consular response, trade recovery initiatives and foreign policy engagements during the pandemic and its aftermath.

He was instrumental in ensuring that New Zealand's diplomatic network continued to function and deliver for New Zealanders through the pandemic.

He led the initiative, Operation Whakahokina Mai, that brought 1,700 New Zealanders and local people who had helped them out of Afghanistan in 2021 following the Taliban takeover.

Chris Seed, who was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours. Photo: Supplied.

He also oversaw international aspects of several complex consular and disaster responses including the 2019 Christchurch Mosque attacks and the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

“It has been a privilege to be a public servant and to serve governments of all dimensions across my 40 years,” he says.

“I’m very conscious that the Ministry [MFAT] has had a long history. It’s in its 81st year.

“I do think it is one of the great institutions of the state.

“It has excellent people who do really significant and important things to protect New Zealand’s security, advance its economic prosperity and ensure the sustainability of the global commons, which is shorthand for climate

change.

“It’s a tough challenge in a world which is both more complex and more complicated than it has been since the Second World War,” Chris says.

When he learned he was receiving a King’s Birthday Honour “I was humbled by the recognition”. He was also “very grateful” that his peers felt they should nominate him.

“It’s essentially a recognition of the work of the Foreign Ministry, because there is no way that Chris Seed was personally responsible for delivery of all the elements in the citation.

“That came about because of the efforts of many staff across many parts of the Ministry’s business and they often were the fruit of work and activity over a really long period of time, often decades.

“That’s very true in terms of the trade and economic outcomes that were delivered during my time.”

While he was in office there were many consular responses where people in the Ministry’s task forces were deployed to regions where there was conflict or getting people out of Afghanistan or supporting New Zealanders who were caught up in cyclones and the like overseas.

“Personally I wasn’t going to these places. That was the staff of the Ministry.

Lots on at Churton Park

By Frank Neill

A lot is happening at the Churton Park Community Centre in the next few weeks.

The centre is running a Matariki Puanga treasure hunt at John Walker Park from 28 to 30 June.

The treasure hunt starts at 10am on 28 June and runs during daylight hours. It finishes at dark on 30 June.

It will give participants the opportunity to discover the stars

as well as finding treasure.

The treasure hunt is brought to Churton Park by Team Churton, Seekers Code and the Churton Park Community Centre.

A new group is starting up at the community centre.

Play 500 with Kathy will hold its first session from 1pm to 3pm on Friday 10 June.

“This is a fun, friendly and socially competitive gaming afternoon,” the community centre says.

Bookings are essential, via

cpcc@wcc.govt.nz, and entry is by gold coin koha.

An open mic night will be held at the community centre from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday 25 June.

“Bring your Poetry, Music, Comedy, Hip hop,” the community centre says.

“Tables will be set up so you are welcome to bring along a plate to share. Everyone is welcome.”

Entry is free and there is a gold coin koha to perform. Performers can book by emailing

“The honour is a recognition really of the competency and the professionalism and all the hard work of many Ministry staff.”

MFAT “is a big Ministry, with 1800 people spread across 58 locations.

“It demands or requires not only very capable diplomatic staff but very expert consular people.

“The fact that I was fortunate enough to be the secretary and to have this honour is simply a recognition of their skills, their capability and what they deliver for New Zealand,” Chris says.

An important part of his professional career was being able to spend time on New Zealand’s relationship with Australia.

“I had three assignments in Australia. A quarter of my career I was posted in Canberra.

“I think it is our most significant relationship by far across all dimensions.

“It affects New Zealanders every day in numerous ways and it’s a relationship as a country and as citizens we need to think carefully about and invest in and understand how it can work better, and also recognise what it delivers for New Zealand.”

Chris joined the public service in 1984 and MFAT in 1985.

He was New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea from 2001 to 2003 and to Australia from 2013 to 2018.

Vicki_OMC@hotmail.com.

A community kite day will be held at Churton Park Reserve from 11am to 2pm on Sunday 14 July.

The aim of the day is to celebrate the joy of flying kites. Activities and entertainment at the festival will include kite-making workshops, kite-flying competitions, face painting, demonstrations by professional kite flyers and food stalls. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy,” the organisers say.

Repair Cafe

The next Karori koha repair cafe will be held at the Karori Community Centre on 9 June from 10am to 1pm. As well as repairing a wide variety of items, the repair cafe will also offer a recycling facility. It will take tetra-paks, metal recycling and small to mid-sized home appliances.

Honoured for sports coaching

By Frank Neill

Allison (Ally) Todd, a swim coach with more than 37 years’ experience and an equestrian coach for the last 14 years, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours. She was made an ONZM for services to equestrian coaching and water safety.

The Ohariu resident has coached children of all levels across swimming, water polo, triathlon, kayaking and lifeguarding.

She has coached swim teams at a national level as well as internationally.

When she received the email saying she had been nominated for a King’s Birthday honour and asking if she would accept it “I thought it was spam and I nearly deleted it,” she says.

When she realised it was not spam “I instantly could think of so many people I would give the award to, because so many people have helped me get the skills to help other people.

“This isn’t really about me. “I think it’s a collective acknowledgement of youth benefit,” Ally says.

“I want to accept it on behalf of all the amazing people who have helped me.”

It’s a “life-long passion” of hers to “understand how we can teach and coach people, and how we can encourage people to enjoy the benefits of sport for life.

“I’ve been super lucky.

“I’ve been lucky to get opportunities, and I’ve been lucky to have so many good people who have helped me.

“I’ve got a lot of people to thank.”

Ally holds various positions with the New Zealand Pony Club (NZPCA), including Branch Head Coach for 10 years, District Commissioner of the Wellington Pony Club, and the NZPCA Education and Development Committee Chair.

She is a qualified equestrian coach and examiner and has coached many others to become qualified through the Equestrian Coaches Training

Programme.

Ally developed the Swimming Teaching and Coaching Qualifications Framework in line with the National Coaching Strategy (Sport New Zealand).

She has worked with Water Safety New Zealand to develop an infant and preschool swimming programme to help reinforce the importance of water safety.

As National Education Manager of Swimming New Zealand, Mrs Todd established the swim school’s initiative to set the standards for swim schools, with 35 schools meeting this standard today.

She also runs her own swim school, the Ally Todd Swim School, which is at Discovery School in Whitby.

Some 13 years ago she began the rebuild of what was a run-down pool at the school and the rebuilt facility is used by both the school and for the classes she runs there.

“It’s a real community win-win,” Ally says.

Local MP’s bill now law

hariu MP Greg O’Connor’s members bill, the Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (overseas travel reporting) Amendment Bill, is now law. Parliament passed the bill on 29 May.

This new law ensures sex offenders on the Child Sex Offender Register must supply all their overseas travel

details, including addresses they will be staying at, while overseas.

“Many MPs never get a bill drawn from the legendary biscuit tin, or if they do, don't get beyond first reading, so it was very satisfying to get the bill passed,” Greg says.

“As my staff member said, I just gave birth to a new law.”

It was quite a rush for Mr O’Connor

when Parliament came to vote in the new law.

A Speaker can’t preside over a bill they are participating in.

“I was on Speaker duties chairing the previous bill, and had to race from there to my own seat in the House to lead off the debate,” Greg says.

“That was possibly a first.”

Update from your local city councillor

(Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward)

Council’s Long Term Plan Decided - A time for compromise & concessions

Khandallah Summer pool will be open for Summer in 2024/25!

Thanks to all for submitting & having your say. Thanks also to the Mayor and Council colleagues for their support & taking on board strong community feedback & extensive technical analysis. It’s been a real pleasure and inspiring experience working with Save Khandallah Pool - an energetic and professional group that shows the power of community and that you can effect change. No time to rest as we need to get on with;

for the pool within the next 6 months prep for the pool’s 100 year summer season celebrate the pool throughout the upcoming summer season

Wadestown Community Centre proceeds back to the community Council has agreed to sell the centre however has changed its plans and agreed that they will work with the local community on where the proceeds from the sale will go. Thanks to the community and my colleagues for supporting a compromise.

Pipes, Airport & Waste Collection

Council also agreed to put more money into the pipes, sell the airport shares but keep a lower debt limit and stronger safeguards on the new investment fund containing the proceeds, and introduce rubbish bins for most (subject to access)

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz

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

Authorised by Diane Calvert, dianecalvert.nz

Ally Todd at the swim school she runs in Whitby. Photo: Frank Neill.

Defence Chief honoured

By Frank Neill

Air Marshal Kevin Short, who lives in Churton Park, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Marshall Short received the CNZM for services to the New Zealand Defence Force.

Air Marshall Short has led the Defence Force since 2018 and is the longest serving Chief in more than 50 years.

He joined the New Zealand Air Force in 1976 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 as a Task Group Commander, providing leadership for the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan Province.

He was appointed the Air Force’s Deputy Chief in 2011.

Air Marshall Short went on to become Commander Joint Forces New Zealand and Vice Chief of Defence Force.

His tenure as CDF has encompassed significant and unprecedented domestic and global events, including the recovery of bodies following the Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption, the Covid-19 pandemic and the evacuation of New Zealanders from Kabul during the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

The pandemic saw the largest deployment of New Zealand Defence Force personnel in a generation, into an unfamiliar environment of establishing and operating managed isolation and quarantine facilities.

He oversaw military and humanitarian aid operations domestically and overseas in a resource-constrained, pandemic environment, while also overseeing a significant update of

the Capability Management System and a large re-equipment programme for the Defence Force.

He has led The Totara Commitment, an initiative bringing together South Pacific Defence Chiefs.

Air Marshal Short has overseen inclusivity and diversity inroads within the Dence Force, which has been recognised with gender equality and rainbow inclusion awards.

Other awards Air Marshall Short has received are United States, Commander of the Legion of Merit in 2024; Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (Military Division) in 2022 and Honorary Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (First Degree) in 2019.

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Air Marshall Short.

Honoured for transport history

By Frank Neill

Henry Brittain, who was Secretary of the Karori Historical Society from 2004 to 2021, was awarded a King’s Service Medal (KSM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Henry received the KSM for services to transport history and tourism.

He is considered an expert on tram history and has written articles for transport journals.

Henry has been involved with the Wellington Tramway Museum in Paek k riki since 1965, holding several committee positions including President from 1997 to 2009, when he was made a life member of the museum.

He played a key role in developing the museum from a collection of salvage from the Wellington City Tramway into a flourishing organisation.

He has supported the museum to be an operational tramway, with the twokilometre line from Mackays Crossing to the beach a tourism highlight, receiving around half a million visits annually.

He was also instrumental in collaborating with Greater Wellington Regional Council on the development of Te Ara o Whareroa in 2016, the pedestrian and cycle path that crosses the tramline to the beach, ensuring that a shared crossing would provide a safe and smooth experience for all users.

Henry has been President of the Council of Tramway Museums of Australasia since 2021, having been a member since 2003.

He was the tramway convenor for the Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand from 2004 to 2024 and has been Secretary of the Omnibus Society since 1989.

Henry now lives in Waikanae.

New co-ordinator

The Newlands Community Centre has a new co-ordinator, Emma Gordon, who began in the role on 29 May.

Visitors to the community centre will already know Emma, as she volunteered with the centre last year, cooking delicious soups and serving them up with aroha.

Emma lives locally and hails from the Far North with Ng puhi, Ng ti Kahu and P k h whakapapa.

She will be working Tuesdays to Fridays in the mornings and until 2pm in the afternoons.

SUPERIOR TREE MANAGEMENT

Honoured for serving Niuean community

By Frank Neill

Karori resident Mailigi (Ligi) Hetut Ū has been awarded a King’s Service Medal (KSM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

A Niue community leader in Wellington, Ligi was awarded the KSM for services to the Niuean community.

She has contributed to the preservation and revitalisation of the Niuean language, culture and heritage for 30 years.

It was, she says, a surprise when she learned she was being awarded the KSM.

“I’m surprised but happy.”

At first it was “wow, and then shock after that.

“I’m still having that shocked feeling that I have been chosen over so many people, and there are so many people working with Pasefika in New Zealand.

“I’m very grateful of this acknowledgement of what we are doing.

“I’m also very grateful to the people who nominated me.

Ligi pays a tribute to her parents for the role they played that has led to her receiving a KSM.

Her parents were community leaders as well as being composers and singers, and her father was a carver.

They did a lot of things in the community “and we learned from watching them,” she says.

Ligi established and delivered Niue language classes in Porirua and the Hutt Valley for young children and their families.

She has been one of the voices of the Wellington Punaaga Vaghau Niue programme and host of the 531pi Pacific Media Network radio station since 2014, providing the community with updates, education and entertainment.

She has chaired the Wellington Niue

Language since 2010, responsible for organising events, workshops, festivals and performances in Wellington, particularly during Niue Language Week and the Wellington Pasefika Festival.

Ligi has been the Wellington representative on the National Vagahau Niue Trust since 2013 and has been a member since 2010. She has served as a Niue Language Interpreter for more than 20 years for government and non-government agencies.

She has been involved with the Wellington Niue Presbyterian Church since 2008, including being the Convenor of the Church Mission and Outreach Committee.

Through the Wellington Niue Presbyterian Church Ligi has been the Secretary of the Women’s Fellowship since 2011 and parish representative to the Central Regional Presbytery Executive since 2019.

Dining out in Wellington

Plating Up will be the focus of a presentation by Gábor Tóth, Local History Specialist at Wellington City Libraries, at the next meeting of the Wellington Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists on 19 June.

The meeting will be held at the Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road, at 7pm for a 7:30pm start.

Eating out in Wellington has changed hugely over the decades, reflecting corresponding changes in society.

Gábor’s generously illustrated talk looks at

the history of the restaurant trade and food trends in the Capital City over the past 100 years.

Gábor is a very popular speaker, well known for his enthusiasm and the depth of his knowledge about all sorts of fascinating aspects of Wellington's history.

“This is a talk everyone will enjoy,” the organisers say. Entry to the talk is free and there will be coffee, tea, biscuits and a friendly welcome to visitors.

Ligi Hetutū. Photo: Supplied.

One of Wellington’s dining out venues, Le Normandie Restaurant. Photo: K E Niven.

Emma Gordon serving a soup she cooked at the Newlands Community Centre. Photo: Supplied.

Unsafe crossing

The Wellington City Council makes a lot of statements about making the streets safer for everyone.

It says that raised pedestrian crossings increase safety and visibility for pedestrians.

The photo shows the crossing outside Karori West Normal School (KWNS).

It is sandwiched between the high traffic areas of Karori Park and the bus terminus on one side, and the Makara Road intersection on the other side.

Makara Road is the gateway for the Makara community and beach, the main cemetery for Wellington, the West Wind Turbine project, and several recreational facilities.

KWNS is the tech centre for eight other primary schools in the western suburbs.

Cars often speed around the corner of Makara Road opposite the school, both ways.

A cyclist was killed there in 2011, but this seems to have been forgotten.

Cyclists also use Allington Road to access other entrances to the mountain bike park, and cars speed up and down this road too.

The three other primary schools in Karori

have the benefit of traffic lights and raised crossings, including one on Campbell Street.

The Karori cycleway route goes to the bus terminus and then ignores this large primary school and a major intersection. It turns left down South Karori Road, a dead-end road with fewer houses, to reach the mountain bike park.

South Karori Road has been given speed bumps and a raised pedestrian crossing which few people use.

When asked last year about the crossing outside the school, Karori Connections simply replied that it wasn't in their plan.

When the question was raised openly on Facebook, the council took three days to reply, then gave a brush-off answer that it is in their works programme, so it will be upgraded in due course. No date was given and no discussion of work needed.

The council has installed raised crossings on Churchill Drive and is now proposing work in Wadestown.

The safety of this school crossing and busy area seems to be ignored.

Leith Wallace

SHOWCASE

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June 10am-4pm

Malvina Major Village warmly invites you to their art showcase, featuring artwork by the Wellington Art Club.

This is a free event Village tours available

Artwork from the talented group of artists at the Wellington Art Club will be displayed in the Village Centre and will be available to purchase.

A portion of the proceeds from all artwork sales will go towards Ryman’s current charity partner, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Find out more at rymanhealthcare.co.nz/events

For more information Call Josie on 04 478 3422

‘Petunias’ by Annette Straugheir

The pedestrian crossing outside Karori West Normal School. Photo: Leith Wallace.

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Call Ann on 027 645 0785 to discuss your kitchen project. ann@absolutedesigngroup.co.nz

Airport shares

While many of us on Thursday had our head swamped with the Budget and finding out you're getting a tax cut worth three chupa chups lollipops, Wellington City Council was also in session and voted to sell its 34% share in Wellington International Airport, something many of the candidates including Mayor Tory Whanau didn’t campaign on.

But this isn’t bad news for Tory as her past predecessor Mark Blumsky promised not to sell the remaining 51% of the MED, now known as Wellington Electricity, then sold it in his first term.

This move here is likely to secure Tory’s second term as Mayor because Wellingtonion support their leaders (just not those 74% polled who are opposed to selling the airport shares) who sell their revenue generating assets that result in higher rates bills.

As a result there will be lots of anti-asset sales Mayoral candidates going to crowd the field in 2025 which will split the vote to secure Tory’s second term, just like Mark secured in 1998.

The only thing that's changed since 1998 is we use STV not FFP when we vote.

Sam Somers

Regional rates rise of 20.56% planned

By Frank Neill

A general rates increase of 20.56% will be considered by Greater Wellington Regional Council at its meeting on 11 June.

This follows a recommendation by the council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) Committee made at its meeting on 23 May.

The committee’s decision was made following five weeks of public consultation and three days of public hearings.

Despite the LTP Committee developing its 2024-34 Long Term Plan under difficult financial circumstances it had managed to balance those pressures with delivering a vision for an extraordinary region, with a thriving environment, connected communities and a resilient future, the council’s Chair Daran Ponter says.

“Like all councils in Aotearoa New Zealand, we’ve been hit by double-digit increases in our insurance premiums and rising inflation costs.

“However, we never lost sight of the work

needed to keep our region fit for the future.

“The top of our to do list was a future-proofed public transport network and doing the groundwork to be well prepared for extreme weather events.

“We are committed to continuing to deliver our core services well and, in some instances, we’re increasing our investment to make improvements.”

Cr Ponter says that he is looking forward to the council meeting on 11 June when councillors will confirm final changes to the LTP ahead of the formal adoption of the 2024-34 LTP on 27 June.

“This has been an outstanding process, led by a committee of Greater Wellington Councillors and six mana whenua representatives, and informed by quality public submissions and participation.

“I want to thank everyone who has taken part to help guide what’s important for us to focus on for the next 10 years in our fantastic region,” Cr Ponter says.

Meet the residents who love living at Summerset

Join our Open Day at Summerset on the Landing in Kenepuru and meet some of the residents who happily call the village home. They’ll let you in on the lifestyle they enjoy, share the resort-style facilities, and show you around the wonderful homes that are available.*

“It’s the best decision I have made in a long time. You get a much better social life in a Summerset village, and you can enjoy a garden that someone else has to weed.”

CLAIRE - SUMMERSET ON THE LANDING RESIDENT.

Open Day

Friday 14 June, 10am - 2pm

Summerset on the Landing 1 - 3 Bluff Road, Kenepuru 04 230 6722 | kenepuru.sales@summerset.co.nz

Just a short distance from central Porirua, the village offers a relaxing, low maintenance and modern retirement living lifestyle. All safe and secure within our fully gated community.

There are a range of homes available, so whether it’s a villa, apartment, or serviced apartment – we’re sure you’ll find the perfect home to suit you.

Love the life you choose.

If you would like to give it a try see them at Tawa Union Church, 6 Elena Place, Tawa on Thursdays for a 7pm start or just call the President, Les Williams on 022 106 1574.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is used to describe individuals who either faster or slower than reality and their can concepts of sequence and how to create What can be done about it? If you want to find out more, contact Margot Young at Wellington Learning Solutions phone 021 673 119 or email margot@wls.co.nz

Volunteering at Zealandia

Things To Do This Winter

This Saturday! 10am–4pm FREE Entry Te Rauparaha Arena

Local businesses • Market stalls Community organisations • Yummy local kai

We can’t thank our volunteers enough for the hard work, enthusiasm and time they dedicate to Zealandia Te M ra a T ne. Volunteers help us with a wide range of tasks and activities around the sanctuary, including fence checking, bird banding, wildlife monitoring and more. Their support has helped us transform the biodiversity of Wellington, seeing birdlife return to backyards all over the city and region. Thank you volunteers! We couldn’t do what we do without you!

Want to get involved? Check out visitzealandia.com/volunteer for more information.

Love Local Expo is back!

Mark your calendars for Saturday 8 June, as the popular Love Local Expo returns to Porirua. Now in its fifth year, the expo is a notto-be missed event showcasing Porirua’s best local products, services, crafts and community groups.

It’s a great day out for family or groups of friends with plenty of delicious food and drinks on offer. “Love Local brings the best of our city together under one roof, highlighting the sheer

amount of innovation, service and quality we have in Porirua,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker. Entry to the expo is free, and once again visitors will have a chance to win a year’s supply (that’s 52 blocks) of Whittaker’s chocolate by voting for their favourite Love Local booth. Love Local Expo, free entry, Saturday 8 June, 10am-4pm at Te Rauparaha Arena. For more information, visit poriruacity.govt. nz/lovelocalexpo

Johnsonville Shopping Centre

Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid missing out. Embrace the opportunity to stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Every movement counts towards a better you! Plus, after the session, enjoy a complimentary coffee card.

Time: Thursdays 20 June, 25 July, 15 August 2024

poriruacity.govt.nz/lovelocalexpo

Staying active is crucial for good health, especially as we age. Join us at Johnsonville Shopping Centre for a rejuvenating hour of gentle movement. Led by Lisa, our experienced yoga teacher, you'll safely move, stretch, and reset your body and mind. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves mood, and boosts energy levels. Lisa creates a safe, nourishing space, allowing everyone to go at their own pace. This class is a perfect introduction for those new to yoga.

Venue: Johnsonville Shopping Centre Contact: Lisa at 027-279-4230 or lisaoakley2005@yahoo.co.uk to reserve your session.

to book your space

lisaoakley2005@yahoo.co.uk

Please bring a mat, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing.

What’s better, after the session, you’ll receive a complimentary coffee card to treat yourself!

Time: Thursdays 20 June, 25 July, 15 August 2024

Venue: Johnsonville Shopping Centre

Volunteer. Photo: Rory Wilsher

Onslow College wins Showquest

By Frank Neill

Onslow College won this year’s Showquest, New Zealand’s largest student performing arts competition.

Onslow won the Open title with their play “Tangata. Whenua” in the competition, held at the St James Theatre on 27 and 28 May.

Showcase featured schools from around Wellington with performances that showcased the six elements of art, music, dance, drama, culture, and technology into a themed performance piece. As well as winning the overall title, Onslow College was also awarded best drama, best live music and best student-created original composition.

Onslow College Student Leaders

Tia Te-Awa Douglass and Tumanako Waa beamed with excitement as they spoke about how amazing it was to be in first place. “This is our third year leading the show and it means a lot to win,” Tia said.

“The kind of messages that we’ve been doing the past three years are always something that is really important to us. “Sharing [M ori pŪr kau] with the audience on this kind of platform is such a big thing for us.”

The theme of “Tangata. Whenua” is “Kia whakat muri te haere whakamua – I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past”.

“Our performance focuses on how we can look back to our M ori stories to guide us through contemporary issues,” Tia says. “Hineahuone was sculpted out of clay at Kurawaka by T ne M huta. He breathed life into her in the form of a hongi.

“Hineahuone is known to be the ancestor of human kind in te o M ori.

“We are people of the whenua. How can we hold on to this concept in our current climate crises?”

Teams were judged overall on their production, performance, movement, and theme.

The 2024 Wellington judges were Jthan Morgan (Ng i T manuhiri, Rongowhakaata, Magiagi, Sapap li’i, Lotofaga), Brynne Tasker-Poland and Cassandra Tse.

It “just makes me feel so proud of the rangatahi we have in this region and the future of performing arts is looking bright for this country,” says Brynne, who is an arts producer and designer.

Launched in 2018, Showquest is run by RQP (Rockquest Promotions), the pioneering force behind iconic youth competitions such as Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, and Rockshop Bandquest.

RQP also offers platforms OnScreen (film), Toi (wearable art), and Stills (photography).

Showquest provides a growth opportunity for students that goes beyond developing skills in the performing arts, says Matt Ealand, Showquest Director and RQP General Manager.

“Platforms such as Showquest are pivotal for nurturing students’ creative expression and their deeper engagement with the arts.

“Participants are not just honing their artistic skills across the educational elements of Showquest – art, music, dance, drama, culture, and technology; they’re also developing critical life skills such as teamwork,

communication, leadership and goal-setting.

“Watching these young artists share their thoughts and talents on stage is a true privilege for us. Their ingenuity and dedication is inspiring,” Matt says. Showquest is made possible by the support of the Ministry of Education.

Contact Darrin:

027 2767 691 browndarrin202@gmail.com

A scene from Onslow College’s winning production. Photo: Supplied.

ON... O WHAT’S

Don’t Chuck It. Fix It

Ngaio Repair Cafe is free, open Saturday 15 June,10am - 1pm, Ngaio Union Church, corner Crofton Road and Kenya Street.

Church helps the community

Members of Onslow Community Church were out and about again on Sunday 26 May helping in the community.

“Serving Sundays” have become a regular part of the church’s calendar with three scheduled each year.

Church members of all ages work alongside each other to meet various needs in the community.

Jobs are sourced through the contacts of individuals within the church and from the local community.

More than 80 people got involved this time round. Jobs included gardening/weeding, lawn mowing, stacking firewood, helping a family shift house, picking up rubbish at a local school, baking cookies/muffins, making cards and making meals for the community.

A large team assembled at Newlands Intermediate School to

prepare over 30 cooked meals which were given away later in the day outside the Collective Hub in Johnsonville.

Community Pastor Pete Rhodes-Robinson acknowledged the invaluable support of school staff who generously made their food-tech classroom available for the day.

“Previously we haven’t been able to contemplate a meal-making project at this scale, and the intermediate’s facilities made it possible.

“It was fantastic to see young and old working together to prepare and distribute the meals”.

The church has two more Serving Sundays scheduled for this year – one on 18 August and another in early November (date to be confirmed) where they will be assisting Khandallah School with their annual “Kaukau Challenge” fundraiser.

Karori gin wins gold again

The super-premium gin created by a Karori doctor has won its second gold medal of the year.

Chemistry Gin won gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London, with the results announced on 3 June.

With a score of 95 out of 100, Chemistry was awarded “Spirit Gold” in the Contemporary Gin category. The award follows a gold medal in January at the equally prestigious World Gin Awards, also in London, and brings its gold medal haul to three.

“We’re absolutely delighted at this latest gold medal,” says Marie van Drimmelen, a chemical pathologist and co-founder of Karori Drinks Company, makers of Chemistry Gin.

“Scoring 95 out of 100 at the IWSC is about as good as it gets.”

Their gin nearly didn’t make it to the judging, when their samples were returned for unpaid customs duties in the United Kingdom.

“It was a disaster,” Marie says.

“We had to scramble to get another sample to them ASAP, before we missed the deadline.

“Fortunately, we got them there in time.

And thank goodness, because if we hadn’t we wouldn’t be celebrating this amazing gold medal result today.” One of the world’s most prestigious drinks competitions, the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London was established in 1969.

Entries are blind-tasted by the world’s most experienced spirits judges, ensuring the results are independent, objective and trustworthy.

The IWSC judges noted that Chemistry Gin’s “charming aromas of vanilla and saffron charm the senses, leading to a complex palate with layered spicy tones.

“A delicious harmony comes into play with fresh herbal characters of bay leaf, which linger on the elegant finish. Sublime!”

Chemistry Gin was launched in October 2022 by Dr Marie van Drimmelen and Laura Bruce, a professional speaker and stand-up comedian.

The pair spent two years developing the recipe and sourcing a 100% recycled glass bottle for the gin.

It has subsequently won numerous awards for its branding, designed by Auckland firm SingleDouble.

With a doctor founder, the women-owned business is committed to supporting women in science. For each bottle of Chemistry Gin sold, Karori Drinks Company donates $2 to women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in Aotearoa.

This latest gold medal is the third gold medal for Chemistry Gin.

It won its first gold in November 2022, only a month after launching, at the Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards in London.

Ettiene Kirsty

Some of the team washing up after the big cook up at Newlands Intermediate School from left Noah Bootsma, Bronte Mounter (behind) Alex Rhodes-Robinson and Felix Mounter . Photo: Supplied.

Dr Marie van Drimmelen (LEFT) and Laura Bruce, founders of the Karori Drinks Company. Photo: Supplied.

Hawks make Rugby history

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Hawks may have made history in their Swindale Shield Rugby match on 1 June.

For the third week in a row they lost the lead and the match at the end of their games.

And for the second week in a row

they lost by just one point.

The Hawks were leading Paremata-Plimmerton 28-22 with just minutes to play at Ngati Toa Domain on 1 June.

However the home team scored a late try, which Paremata-Plimmerton’s first five Sam Clarke converted from the sideline to help his team to a 29-28 win.

The story was very similar on 25 May when Johnsonville was leading the Upper Hutt Rams 24-18 with less than a minute to play.

Once again it was a converted try that undid the Hawks, who lost 25-24.

On 18 May Johnsonville lost to Tawa 35-40 when their opposition

Salford St play area refresh

Wellington City Council is looking to refresh the Salford Street play area in Newlands.

The council is seeking feedback on two designs it is presenting for people to submit on.

Submissions close at 5pm on Sunday 9 June.

Key features of proposed concept design number 1 include:

climbing opportunities;

the entrance to the play area.

Key features of proposed concept design number 2 include:

tunnel, climbing opportunities, fireman’s pole and two slides;

the entrance to the play area.

People can make their submissions by emailing playgrounds@wcc.govt.nz, or by filling out the survey at www.letstalk. wellington.govt.nz/salford-street-play.

City Council rates to rise 17%

Wellington City Council has a provisional rates rise of 17%, following the meeting of the Long-term Plan, Finance and Performance Committee on 30 May.

The decisions made at the meeting “deliver the investment needed to help P neke continue to be a city where people and nature thrive, while balancing our economic constraints,” Mayor Tory Whanau says.

As well as the rates rise, key outcomes of the meeting, the council says, were: infrastructure; -

ment Fund using the proceeds of selling the council’s minority airport shares;

lanes and cycle lanes to connect the city and suburbs;

the waste system, decarbonising the pools, and funding the Green Network Plan to bring nature into the city;

completing Te Matapihi Central Library, supporting the arts sector and boosting funding for city safety.

“A tough economic environment has made this a difficult plan to put together,” the Mayor says.

“Like other councils around the country, we are facing external pressures from inflation, rising interest rates, rampant insurance

costs and aging water infrastructure.

“I have made it clear that water is a priority for the council in this Long Term Plan (LTP).

“We have significantly increased our funding in water. Over the 10 years of this LTP one in every four dollars we spend on capital will go to the three waters.

“The addition to the LTP of an initiative to decarbonise our pool network will save the to offset the cost of new initiatives to boost funding for city safety and the Capital Kiwi programme.

“It will also reduce our carbon emissions by the equivalent of removing 1300 cars off our roads every day,” the Mayor says.

“By transferring our minority holding in airport shares, we will be able to mitigate our large insurance gap and save ourselves from having to cut potentially hundreds of millions from our capital expenditure.

“In getting rates to where they are we have already done away with all the low hanging fruit. What is left is our transformational actions which we have already started to deliver.

“To me, the choice was either sell our shares in one asset, to create a better more resilient asset, or make such big cuts to our core services that our city would essentially be running on bare bones,” the Mayor says.

also scored a last minute try to break the 35-35 deadlock.

Two players scored two tries in the Hawks latest match.

Both Jacob Walmsley and Jacob Kennedy, who came into the game from the bench, dotted down twice.

Andrew Ellis kicked two conversions and Morgan Williams kicked

two penalties.

The Hawks next match sees them meet Hutt Old Boys Marist at the Hutt Recreation Ground on 8 June.

The Johnsonville Rugby Football Club will celebrate Old Timers’ Day on 29 June, which is during Matariki weekend.

This will see the premiers meet Marist St Pats at Helston Park.

Wadestown parking and bike lanes consultation

Plans for parking in Wadestown and completing the Wadestown bike connection are now open for public consultation.

Wellington City Council’s proposals are open for feedback until 24 June and feedback can be provided at transportprojects.org.nz/ wadestown.

If people prefer, FreePost feedback forms can be downloaded and printed, or requested by phoning 04 499 4444.

The proposals involve:

parts of Wadestown to prioritise residents and short-stay visitors and discourage commuters from parking for long periods in residential streets;

streets where it’s too narrow to park safely; and Churchill Drive and Wadestown shops, via Blackbridge Road and Wadestown Road, to complete the Wadestown bike connection and bus improvements.

The council will run a drop-in session on the proposals at the Wadestown Library on Saturday 8 June from 10:15amd to 11:15am.

P neke must be fit for the future and street changes like these are key to that, Councillor Sarah Free the Chair of Koata H tepe, the council’s Regulatory Processes Committee, says.

“Wellingtonians have made it clear they want action on climate change and transport.

“These plans are important because they will connect the improvements already in place on the city side of Wadestown and on Churchill Drive to complete this route to the city.

“The new-style parking and permit schemes, like the one soon to start in Newtown and Berhampore, are important for the future of the city too,” Cr Free says.

“They can be tailored to local needs and prioritise residents in the area.”

In response to community feedback about parking in Wadestown, the council is proposing changes to where, and how long, people can park in some residential streets in Wadestown and plans to introduce a mix of P120 permit-exempt spaces and unrestricted parking.

Residents who live in the scheme area, and are eligible, will be able to apply and pay for

a permit that will allow them to park in the P120 (permit exempt) spaces for as long as they want.

The scheme would replace a small amount of existing resident parking on Grosvenor Terrace.

Councillor Free encourages residents and people who regularly come to Wadestown for work to check what’s planned and provide feedback.

“We’ve heard from people in Wadestown that parking is an issue in some areas and that it can be hard for residents to find a park near to where they live,” she says.

“The scheme that’s being proposed has been developed in line with our 2020 Parking Policy.

“The changes prioritise residents and provide for people who just want to park for a couple of hours.

“Unrestricted parking spaces will remain free but there will be fewer of them so commuters may need to park a bit further away or consider other transport options.”

Other parking changes being put forward would improve safety and access on some Wadestown streets where they are too narrow for people to park safely.

New ‘No Stopping’ lines would be installed to limit where people can park. These plans have been developed alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand and would reinforce access for emergency vehicles.

The council is also seeking feedback on a proposal for bike and bus changes between Churchill Drive and Wadestown shops, to complete the connection between Crofton Downs, Wilton, Wadestown and the central city. This would mean:

bridge Road and Wadestown Road to the shops (people on bikes would continue to share the downhill lane with other traffic);

to wait behind people on bikes or cross the centre line to avoid parked cars; and

Councillors will consider and make decisions on the proposals in September. If approved, the new parking scheme, no stopping lines and the safer bike route could happen in the first half of 2025.