Plan for Johnsonville rec centre
By Frank Neill
A plan for Wellington City Council to work with Johnsonville Mall owner Stride Property Group to create a new recreation centre near the mall is being considered today, 8 May, by the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee.
“We know that the northern suburbs need a recreation centre,” Northern Ward Councillor Ben McNulty says.
“It’s been identified in the Council’s facilities plan that there is a lack of recreation space in the northern suburbs.”
The Council has written to Stride letting them know that today’s committee meeting will consider signing off on a proposal to work with Stride on developing a new recreation entre.
The idea is that Stride would build the centre, and the Council would then lease it, creating a steady revenue stream for Stride.
Cr McNulty predicted that the committee would sign off on the proposal.
“I wouldn’t expect a huge amount of opposition to it,” he said on 5 May.
This development comes in the wake of a notice of motion
Cr McNulty put forward at the 5 September 2024 meeting of the Wellington City Council.
Cr McNulty’s motion was passed at the meeting.
It asked the council staff to prepare a report within six months on “options to facilitate and realise commercial development more quickly within the Johnsonville Metropolitan Centre Zone”.
The staff were being asked to “give us every option possible ... to make the mall redevelopment happen,” Cr McNulty told the “Independent Herald” after he put together his notice of motion.
The Council staff have prepared the report, and “they came back to us with a spectrum of options,” Cr McNulty says.
The preferred option is to take a “carrot and stick” approach to enhancing Johnsonville development.
The “carrot” option is formally
asking Stride to build a recreation centre and/or a community centre, which the council would then lease as tenants of Stride.
“The council’s lease is going to be a strong one ... that gives Stride financial security as well,” Cr McNulty says.
“With the closure of the collective community hub, there is a lack of community space in Johnsonville.”
The Council is, therefore “really interested” in Stride building the facility and giving the Council a tenancy.
The “stick” option related to the fact that Greater Wellington Regional Council has agreed that a proper bus and rail interchange is required in Johnsonville.
“We know that the transport interchange is overdue as well,” Cr McNulty says.
“Hopefully they can do that with the co-operation of Stride.
“The stick we’re doubling down on is the transport interchange.
“That needs to get done and we are happy to use the Public Works Act to make that happen.”
One of Council’s options under the Public Works Act is compulsory acquisition of land.
The idea of a new recreation centre has been welcomed by the Chair of the Johnsonville Business Group, Stephanie Guy.
“We would love to see it happen,” she says.
“Anything that will bring people and revenue into Johnsonville is positive.”
Under the Chairmanship of Mark Kirk-Burnnand last year, the Johnsonville Business Group was supportive of Cr McNulty’s move to facilitate commercial development more quickly in the Johnsonville business district.
If the proposed recreation centre “comes to fruition I would be a very happy man,” Mark says.
The “Independent Herald” contacted Stride Property Group and asked their reaction to the proposal. It would be “unwise” for Stride to make any comment until after today’s meeting to sign off on the Council plan, Stride’s General Manager Retail, Roy Stansfield said.
Community grants
Community organisations can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 from the Bupa Foundation’s Community Grants Programme.
Michael Burgess, Bupa New Zealand’s Director of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, said the programme is designed to support community organisations in implementing practical health-focused initiatives that genuinely benefit local communities. This year the Bupa Foundation will disburse $640,000 in grants. Applications close on 6 June. For more information and to make an application visit www.bupa.com.au/about-us/ bupa-foundation.
Cashless ferries
Wellington’s East By West ferry service moved to a cashless payment system on 1 May. Harbour ferries now accept ticket payments via credit or debit cards to provide faster, safer and more convenient transactions. Tickets can be bought from the East By West ticket office on Queens Wharf or on board. Payment by inserting or swiping a debit card will avoid a 1.5% credit/contactless surcharge. Ferry staff will be able to provide in-person support and assist passengers with any questions.
One of the areas near the Johnsonville Mall where a new recreation centre could be built. Photo: Ben McNulty.
Blood pressure awareness campaign
The Heart Foundation is launching a nationwide blood pressure awareness campaign to encourage New Zealanders to get their blood pressure checked.
The foundation is offering free blood pressure checks to the public at pop-up events around New Zealand from 17 May.
One pop-up will be held at the Newlands Community Centre, 6 Batchelor Street from 11am to 1pm on 23 May.
Another will be held at the Waitohi Community Hub, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, from 10am to 2pm on 26 May.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects a million New Zealanders and is the single biggest risk factor for New Zealand’s biggest killer – heart disease.
One in three New Zealanders over 30 have high blood pressure.
Of those, only a quarter have it under control. There are 350,000 Kiwis who have high blood pressure and don’t know it.
“High blood pressure damages your arteries and can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke,” says Heart Foundation Medical Director, Dr Gerry Devlin.
“It’s often referred to as a silent killer because high blood pressure itself rarely has symptoms.”
New Zealand blood pressure control rates lag behind nations like Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Heart Foundation is determined to help turn that around and believes New Zealand should be aiming to double blood pressure
control rates by 50% over the next 10 years.
“If we can achieve it, we will save 12,000 lives by 2040,” Dr Devlin says.
“If we adopt a more ambitious goal to achieve 70% control by 2030, the number of deaths averted will be considerably higher.”
Dr Devlin says high blood pressure currently contributes to 45% of the cardiovascular deaths in New Zealand each year (4,000 people).
Successfully managing blood pressure can have a dramatic impact on heart health.
“For every 10-point drop in your systolic * blood pressure, you reduce your risk of a heart event by 20%.”
Lynnette, a 53-year-old mother of two, mistook her heart attack symptoms for acid reflux. She had a family history of high blood pressure and cholesterol and had managed with medication, though, she admits, not always consistently.
After an appointment with a cardiologist, who undertook tests, it revealed Lynnette had been experiencing a series of small heart attacks.
"I thought heart attacks were sudden and severe,” she says. “I didn’t know they could happen like this, so gradually."
She is now focused on living a healthier lifestyle, listening to her body, and getting medical advice when something feels off.
“Go to the doctor if something feels off. Don’t just assume it’s nothing. And if you’re on medication, take it regularly – it could save your life,” Lynnette says.
Blood pressure checks can be done by your
doctor, nurse or at selected pharmacies.
Home monitors are also an option.
“We want to encourage New Zealanders to get their checks done, understand what the numbers mean and take charge of their heart health to live a longer, healthier life,” Dr Devlin says.
There are many practical actions people can take to prevent and help manage high blood pressure. Exercising more, reducing salt intake, improving sleep, reducing stress, increasing nutrition and reducing alcohol all
have an immediate and positive effect on blood pressure.
* Blood pressure measurement is given in two numbers which are written one above the other, for example 120/80. This is said ‘120 over 80’. The top number is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. This is systolic pressure . The bottom number is when your heart relaxes. This is diastolic pressure . An ideal blood pressure is 120/80, although this may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Big rise in library use follows no fines
Wellington City Libraries are seeing a 30% surge in new customers and over a million books borrowed by children and teenagers each year since introducing their popular fines-free policy almost three years ago.
The number of new library users rose by 14% to 10,824 in the first year ending 30 June 2023.
This growth more than doubled in the following year, reaching around 30% or 12,296 users.
Notably, in just the first nine months of the current financial year, the number of new library users has already surged to almost 10,000.
“We’re thrilled to see both a significant increase in new library members and strong borrowing numbers among children and teenagers,” Mayor Tory Whanau says.
“This proves that our decision to eliminate fines is enabling more of our young people to discover the wonders of reading and enjoy the welcoming environment in our libraries.
“It’s also about equity – providing equal access to information, resources, and learning opportunities for Wellingtonians, regardless of their financial situation,” Mayor Whanau adds.
Councillor Rebecca Matthews, who championed the removal of fines, said the impressive increase in new users demonstrated the positive impact of removing financial barriers.
“The problem with library fines wasn’t that
the books didn’t come back, it was that the people never did.
“Now our libraries are truly for everyone,” Cr Matthews says.
When the fines-free policy was introduced on 1 July 2022, a total of $541,198.78 in outstanding debt was written off Wellington City Council’s books.
Before this change, Wellington City Libraries collected $335,171 in fines in Financial Year 2020-21 and $227,668 in 2021-2022.
Statistics from the Wellington City Libraries show that the removal of fines has increased circulation and readership within the community.
As the number of new library users surged, the number of physical books borrowed rose by 2.5% to 1.9 million in the first year after fines were abolished.
This initial growth then jumped fourfold to about 10%, meaning 2 million books were borrowed by the end of June 2024.
Children and teenagers borrow over a million books annually, and they are on track to maintain this momentum, having already borrowed more than 808,000 in the first nine months of the current financial year.
Abolishing fines also led to a spectacular return of long overdue books – a 131% jump in the first year and a whopping 191% the year after.
Even more striking, kids and teens returned a massive 153% more overdue books in the first year, and around 190% more in the following year.
Cathy Lyders about to take a blood pressure reading. Photo: Supplied.
Ngaio Town Hall centenary
The centenary of the Ngaio Town Hall will be celebrated with an afternoon tea at the hall at 2pm on Sunday 3 August.
The celebration will be hosted by the Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association in conjunction with the Onslow Historical Society, and with the goodwill of Wellington City Council.
Everyone in the community is welcome at the celebration, and bakers are asked to bring a plate.
The Ngaio Town Hall first opened on 1 August 1925.
The Council of the day did not have the money to fund the building of a public hall in Ngaio, so under pressure from the newly established ratepayers group – the Ngaio Progressive Association, the forerunner of today’s Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association – agreement was reached to conduct a local ratepayers’ poll on whether to borrow money to build a hall.
Fortunately the Loan Poll was successful.
The vote was 191 to 61 in favour of agreeing to a £5,000 loan for a period of 10 years to be repaid by an additional rates charge on Ngaio ratepayers (“NZ Times” 8 January 1924).
Plans were drawn by the City Architect, tenders called by September 1924 and building began in October and was completed the following July.
The grand opening was on Saturday 1 August 1925 with a vaudeville concert and speeches from dignitaries including the Mayor, Charles Norwood.
Flowers were presented to the Mayoress, Mrs Norwood.
Then the social and cultural life of Ngaio inhabitants and others really got underway and hasn’t stopped.
Events held at the hall include fetes, fundraisers, dances, parties, weddings, films, lectures, sporting activities, musical events, concerts, shows and church services. The list is long.
“The hall has formed a back note to people’s lives for a very long time,” says Viv Chapple of the Joint Centenary Committee.
“We’ve thought long and hard about how we can celebrate this achievement and so as well as the afternoon tea (which is being done in a traditional way) we are launching a fundraising drive to put a Blue Plaque on the Hall.
“Blue Plaques, organised by Historic Places Aotearoa , are run along the British model of identifying something special about the ‘place’.
“It links passers by with the historical, social or cultural values of where they stand.
“We think that the Ngaio Town Hall is an ideal candidate to have the third plaque in Wellington after Randell Cottage in Thorndon and St Peter’s in Willis Street,” Viv says.
“We’re hoping that the hall’s community thinks this is a great birthday present and will donate accordingly, a sort of acknowledging the gift of those early ratepayers.
“Plaques cost around $2,500 and donations can be made to NCDRA 12-3223-008678100 with your name and Blue Plaque as the reference.”
Body found in burnt-out vehicle
Police are investigating after a body was found inside a burnt-out vehicle in Ladbrooke Drive, Woodridge. on 1 May
An investigation was initiated after the body was located at around 11.40pm.
“Initial indications suggest the death is not suspicious and the death will be referred to the Coroner,” Detective Inspector Haley Ryan says.
Although the death is not considered to be suspicious, Police are appealing for CCTV footage to establish the events leading up to
the incident.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the surrounding streets, specifically Ladbrooke Drive and Woodridge Crescent,” Detective Inspector Ryan says.
“If you have information that may assist in Police’s enquiries, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’ or call 105.
“Please use the reference numberP062417472.”
“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.
The Ngaio Town Hall. Photo: Supplied.
Learn to grow vegetables
People can learn how to grow their own vegetables at home during a presentation at the Newlands Community Centre next month.
The session will be held in the Youth Space at the centre from 10am to noon on Saturday 7 June.
This informative workshop will be presented by Tâtjana from Manabe Nurseries for an informative.
A special offer is also being made. The first 10 participants will receive a complimentary starter kit, to take home.
To register phone Tatjana on 021 0245 6932 or email manabe.micronursery@gmail.com.
A Matariki celebration will also be held at the community centre on Tuesday 24 June, starting at noon.
The centre will host a shared meal for the
local community where there will be an opportunity to reflect on the year.
“We are now planning the event and looking for helpers who would like to cook, set up and pack away,” the community centre says.
“We are also looking for donations of ingredients.If you can donate ingredients or would like volunteer your time please call us on 04 477 3724 or email Newlandscc@ wcc.govt.nz.
Free and confidential hepatitis C testing with Tu Ora will be held at the community centre from noon to 2pm on 13 May.
An estimated 20,000 to 25.000 people in New Zealand have hepatitis C. Around 25% of them do not know they have it.
A quick finger prick test can show if people have been in contact with the virus.
Changes to parking in Karori
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Councillors will consider making changes to parking in streets near Karori Park next month, and have opened the proposal for people to make submissions.
The Council’s Regulatory Processes Committee will consider the proposal at its meeting on 18 June.
The proposed parking changes near Karori Park are located outside 418 Karori Road, 338 Karori Road and 21A Sunshine Avenue.
Restricted time parking is being proposed, with 80 P120 at all times, 29 P180 at all times and three P120 mobility parking spaces.
It also proposes installing one P5 from 10am to noon on Saturdays and Sundays and P120 at all other times and formalising 280 metres of no stopping lines.
Feedback on the proposed changes closes at 5pm on Tuesday 14 May.
It can be made online on the “Let’s talk” section at www.wellington.govt. nz, by email to trfeedback@wcc.govt. nz or in writing to Transport and Infrastructure, PO Box 2199, Wellington 6140.
Well known resident Leith Wallace contacted the “Independent Herald” about the Council’s proposal saying that it is “really important to let the Council know what we think”.
“The proposed changes for Karori Park
Blue Dragon Book Fair set to go
Donations for this year’s popularBlue Dragon Book Fair, to be held in the Ngaio Town Hall over the weekend of 17 and 18 May, have been flooding inand all proceeds will support the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Vietnam.
Trustees of Blue Dragon Children’s Trust NZ and many supporters have been presorting the books into various categories. Among the helpers are students who belong to the Interact Club of Port Nicholson, a subsidiary of Rotary International.
“We’re really pleased to have their help. They've been brilliant,” says trustee Iona McNaughton.
“In fact, the girls have chosen Blue Dragon
as the charity they want to support this year and are organising a couple of fundraising events.”
Interact Co-President KatherineNg says:
“Being part of the Interact Club of Port Nicholson has helped me grow in many ways.
“I've met many new people, built connections with charities and become more confident speaking to businesses. It has also deepened my passion for helping others.”
This will be the 14th Blue Dragon Book Fair in the Ngaio Town Hall, supporting Blue Dragon’s work to improve the lives of Vietnamese children by breaking the poverty cycle through education and training, and stopping child trafficking.
are just tinkering with the parking areas and local streets,” Leith says.
“No change on Karori Road, but people can write in their opinion, such as that parking should be restored on Karori Road.
“The cycleway has very little use, and is empty most of the time.”
The reason the Council is proposing the change, it says, is because it has “received concerns from park and sports field users who are struggling to find parking during peak times.
“This issue is largely due to the misuse of available spaces by inappropriate long-term parking by non-recreational users, limiting access for those who wish to engage in recreational activities.
“The installation of the Karori cycleway has further exacerbated the problem by reducing on-street parking in the area, leading to increased demand for parking within Karori Park,” the Council says.
“Karori Park hosts a variety of competing recreational activities, and it is essential to balance parking use so that it accommodates the needs of the majority of users.
“Implementing time restrictions, confirming mobility parking and installing No Stopping lines will help ensure fair access and prioritise availability for those utilising Karori Park for it’s intended recreational function.”
Awards celebrate Te Reo champions
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo M ori, the M ori Language Commission, is calling for nominations for Nga Tohu Reo Maori 2025 – a celebration of those who are championing the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Maori.
Nominations are open until 11:59 pm on 29 June and can be made at tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
This year, the awards have been refreshed to align with five internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation, alongside the commission’s long-standing Tohu Oranga Angitu and Tu Rangatira awards.
The updated categories reflect the full spectrum of mahi New Zealanders carry out daily, weekly or monthly to uplift te reo Maori – from inspiring new learners and using the language every day, to leadership,
awareness and innovation in te reo Maori.
Nga Tohu Reo Maori is about uplifting the mana of te reo Maori, Te Taura Whiri Chief Executive Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr says.
“Our awards acknowledge the incredible individuals, organisations and kaupapa breathing life into the language across communities, the private sector, academia and beyond – kia mauriora te reo.
"The revitalisation of te reo Maori belongs to all of us. Te reo Maori is New Zealand’s language.
“These awards are about shining a light on those who are turning dreams into reality –making te reo a normal, living language in everyday Aotearoa – ake ake ake.”
The winners will be honoured at a special event on the evening of Friday 7 November in Wellington.
Helping to sort books for the Blue Dragon Book Fair (from left) Berta, Katherine and Hayley, members of the Interact Club of Port Nicholson, a subsidiary of Rotary International. Photo: Supplied.
& Health
Every day people regain their independence with an Acorn stairlift
All Acorn Stairlifts are easy to use, easy to maintain, and all feature the very best in additional features built to keep you safe and provide a smooth ride around the curves of
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A feature of the stairlift is an optional hinged is an excellent option to avoid blocking a door or walkway at the bottom of the stairs, as well as Acorn Stairlifts will help you master 'the three Rs': Regain your independence, Retain full use of your home, and Remain in the Installing an Acorn Stairlift turns your home into a bungalow, by removing the obstacle of stairs if they become too cha-
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Cherries – helping support heart health and joint mobility
Diet plays a huge role in our health with foods that offer specific health
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Hand and wrist therapy
Public consultation begins on modernising health workforce regulation
The Ministry of Health has opened consultation recently on health workforce
Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown has announced the Government is reviewing New Zealand’s health workforce regulation
Health regulations are the rules that ensure New Zealanders get safe and quality health current Health Practitioners Competence
richest natural source of Super Antioxidants!
The optional hinged rail section
12 May
Celebrating the nursing profession
AROHA CARE CENTRE
offers you a homelike environment with a friendly atmosphere and dedicated staff
“Caring
For more information please call the Manager on 04 567 1026 6 Cooper Street, Taita, Lower Hutt. E: manager@arohacarecentre.co.nz W: www.arohacarecentre.co.nz
is the essence of nursing.” -Jean Watson
Nursing International Day 12th May
A heart felt thank you to all our nurses and caregivers, you are the best.
International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated annually on 12 May to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern nursing profession.
Florence Nightingale’s groundbreaking work during the Crimean War, where she cared for wounded soldiers and drastically improved sanitary conditions, laid the foundation for professional nursing as we know it today.
This year marks the celebration of 205 years since Florence Nightingale was born.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially established IND in 1974, recognising the need to spotlight the critical contributions of nurses across the globe.
Over the decades, this day has become much more than a historical tribute.
It now serves as a platform to raise awareness, advocate for better working conditions, and inspire future generations to take up the profession with pride and purpose.
The day is dedicated to nurses, their vital role in the health care system and their contribution to patient care.
The wellbeing of nursing staff will be the focus of the 2025 IND, which has the theme “Caring for nurses strengthens economies”.
This marks the continuation of the overarching multi-year theme of “Our Nurses, Our Future”, which aims to raise the profile of nursing and show how important the profes-
sion is for health systems.
The 2025 theme, the ICN said, has been chosen to highlight how a healthy and secure nursing workforce is crucial to the overall functioning of healthcare.
Dr Pamela Cipriano, President of the ICN, says the theme would promote the importance of supporting the physical and mental health of nurses.
“Nurses face numerous challenges: physical, mental, emotional and ethical, and it is imperative that we address these challenges in a way that promotes their overall health,” Dr Cipriano says.
“This theme provides an opportunity to bring actionable solutions to the forefront – solutions that can be implemented immediately to support nurses in their daily work and improve their long-term health.”
Like last year’s IND theme – “the economic power of care” – this one will also draw attention to the benefits that nurses have to the economies of the nations they serve.
“Our goal with IND 2025 is not only to highlight the challenges nurses face but also to provide a roadmap for enabling a healthier nursing workforce,” Dr Cipriano says.
"By prioritising the wellbeing of nurses, we are ensuring that they can continue to provide the high quality care that is critical to the health of our communities."
Aroha Care Centre
Aroha Care Centre for the Elderly has been providing services to older people since the 1970s and throughout time has maintained a reputation for its unique quality and high standard of service which has been built on the solid foundations of caring, giving and sharing.
Aroha's Clinical Nurse Manager and her team of registered nurses, trained caregivers and recreational staff are dedicated to personal well-being where residentsl have access to 24-hour care and support in a warm environment.
Steps Medical Centre
All residents have access to recreation, hairdressers, dining room and day trips and the private rooms include an ensuite with a shower and toilet.
Meals are always something to look forward to with nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners plus of course morning and afternoon teas.
Aroha also has in-house cleaning and laundry services, and local doctors visit weekly and in between times for unwell residents.
Hutt City Health Centres: 5 Raroa Rd, Lower Hutt, 5 Fitzherbert Rd, Wainuiomata | Phone 04 576 2009 Hutt Central & Wainuiomata
Plimmer Steps: Level 2, 342 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central Phone 04 472 6024
www.plimmerstepsmedical.co.nz www.huttcityhealth.co.nz
Unichem Cuba Mall Pharmacy
Music Month at libraries
Wellington’s libraries continue to celebrate New Zealand Music Month with free events.
Folk songs of Aotearoa with Murray Kilpatrick takes place on Thursday 15 May from 3:30pm to 4pm at Waitohi Johnsonville Library.
Murray is a great proponent of New Zealand songs and even writes some himself. He plays guitar and piano accordion.
Expect to hear songs steeped in New Zealand gold panning and pioneer history among others from his wide repertoire.
Mood music with Sam and Neil will be held on Saturday 10 May from11am to 11:30am at Te TukapŪ o Patukawenga Tawa (Mervyn
Kemp) Library.
“Enjoy a soundscape of music with Sam Leamy on electric guitar and Neil Johnstone on synth deluge,” Wellington Libraries says.
“Close your eyes and allow the music to envelop you.”
The Tuhura HIVE recording studioat the Waitohi Johnsonville Library will be open to anyone interested to learn how a fully functioning recording studio operates between 3pm and 5pm on 12 May.
The studio is open every Monday afternoon in May during New Zealand Music Month.
A staff member will be on hand to answer questions and guide those attending through the basics of the recording process.
BUILDER
ON... O WHAT’S
The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid. phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Karori Lions e-recycle fundraiser
Saturday 10 May at Karori Community Centre 9am-1pm No whiteware, car batteries or old type TVs. Flat screens ok.
Don’t Chuck It Fix It
Ngaio Repair Cafe is free, open
Saturday 17 May,10am - 1pm, Ngaio Union Church, corner Crofton Road and Kenya Street, Ngaio.
THURSDAY
Eagles to fly from airport
Wellington Airport’s iconic giant eagle sculptures will be flying off into the sunset tomorrow, 9 May, ending a 12-year residence in the terminal.
The two eagles and Gandalf will be replaced by a new display later this year which is being kept under wraps for now.
Wellington Airport’s chief executive Matt Clarke says it will be the end of an era for the airport, with excitement building for what’s coming next.
“It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us.
“They have been a huge success and travellers from around the world have loved admiring them. After 12 years it’s the right time for them to fly the nest.
“We’re working with W t Workshop on some exciting plans for a unique, locally themed replacement to take their place.
How fast can a submarine go?
U.S. nuclear-powered submarines can go faster than 25 knots (nautical miles per hour) underwater, which is approximately 29 miles per hour or 46 kilometers per hour.
this.
“We’ll unveil what’s next later this year so keep watching the skies.
“By the end of the year the whole terminal is going to have a spectacular new look with the new multi-level hospitality venue open
as well.”
The eagles were made by W t Workshop and unveiled in December 2013 to tie in with the Hobbit movies.
Date: Thursday 15 May at 9:45am
Johnsonville Uniting Church 18 Dr Taylor Terrace Enquiries to Kathy 938 4523
W t Workshop Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Richard Taylor says it's a bittersweet moment farewelling the eagles which have become such an iconic feature for locals and travellers alike.
“There are many more stories to be told, and we're looking forward to working with Wellington Airport on bringing a new chapter
to life."
Each eagle weighs 1.2 tonnes and has an internal steel framework and a polystyrene body. They have a 15-metre wingspan and a combined total of 1000 feathers, with the longest feather measuring 2.4 metres.
The eagles will be disassembled overnight on the evening of Friday 9 May and placed into storage. The long-term plans for them are still to be decided.
Smaug the Magnificent remains in the check-in area.
Mean (7)
Arrival (6)
Clumsy (5)
Precise
One of the eagles and Gandalf at Wellington Airport. Photo: Supplied.