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Thursday April 10, 2025

Good news - rebuild

By Frank Neill

The Northern Community Gardens’ shade house, burnt down last year in an arson attack, has been rebuilt.

The rebuild is thanks to an initiative by Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty and signiﬁcant community support.

Cr McNulty set up a Givealittle page and this raised more than $4,500, which has allowed the shade house to be rebuilt.

Not only has it been rebuilt, but the funds raised has meant that the shade house has also been strengthened with a chain link fence.

Located at Jay Street Reserve, Paparangi, the Northern Community Gardens’ shade house was burnt down on 1 September last year in an arson attack. Continued on page 2.

PHOTO: The Northern Community Gardens shade house that was burnt down on 1 September. Photo Supplied.

Karori Event Centre sale ‘bad faith’

By Frank Neill

Wellington City Council including an option to sell the Karori Event Centre is an act of “bad faith,” says Karori-based Wellington Regional Councillor Simon Woolf.

“The community has raised a signiﬁcant amount of money [for the centre].

“For the council to put an option in the long term plan to sell the gift is actually bad faith,” Cr Woolf says.

“It is just terrible what the council has not done in terms of not keeping agreements.”

Cr Woolf was referring to the fact that the building was owned by the Karori Event Centre Trust until December 2022, when the trust gifted the building to the council with the promise that it would be ﬁnished and opened.

Now the council is saying that its “preferred option” is to sell the site.

While the future of the centre is going out to consultation “I think the damage has already been done, just in the way they are thinking and what their options are,” Cr Woolf says.

“In the last six to nine years there is no honour in the city council.

“The ﬂippancy with how agreements are broken or changed is not great.

Wellington City Council has included four options in its long term plan consultation document.

As well as the preferred option of selling the site, there is the option of demolishing the building so the site can be used by the community, demolishing the building and selling the site, and increasing the council’s budget to undertake work on the builing so it achieves building compliance.

Community organisers of Save the Karori Event Centre are calling on City Councillors to come and see the building they want to sell to a developer or bulldoze.

“The Long Term Plan is asking Councillors to vote on taking the Event Centre away from Karori,” says centre donor and supporter Gary Parsons.

“Most haven’t even been inside the building.

“We are asking Councillors to come down, take a look inside and see what we have here and why we want to save it.

“This is our community’s money and our Event Centre.

“It was supposed to replace the 10 community halls that our suburb has lost since 2005.

“We have the largest suburb in Wellington, and we serve as a hub for surrounding areas.

“We need this Centre open and we want to work with the Council in good faith to resolve this situation,” Gary continued.

Community groups, clubs, and schools are coming out in support of the Event Centre, which has widespread backing from the suburb.

Caroline Wills, the Principal of Karori

Normal School, said the Event Centre was “a vital and necessary facility for the community, including local schools such as Karori Normal’.

Caroline also said ‘the completion of this centre is crucial for school events, community gatherings, and the overall well-being of Karori residents”.

“We just want Councillors to go into the Centre and have a look for themselves,” Gary says.

“In our opinion, if they see the building they will understand what a travesty it would be for it to be sold or demolished.”

NZCT grants

Two local entities were recipients of grants in the latest round of the New Zealand Community Trust’s disbursements. Bellevue School in Newlands was provided with $3,000 for travel.

Waterside Karori Association Football Club was granted $80,000 for contract fees for the Director of Women’s and Junior Football and the Director of Men’s and Junior Football.

The trust disbursed $250,910.44 in the latest round of funding, announced on 6 April.

One gaming venue in the “Independent Heralds” circulation area contributed to these grants – The Pickle Jar in Karori. It was one of 16 gaming venues in the greater Wellington region that contributed.

Glenside meeting

The next meeting of the Glenside Progressive Association will be held on 15 April at Glenside’s Halfway House. This will provide a forum for discussion by the Glenside community about issues that impact on the community.

PHOTO: Outside the Karori Event Centre, Gary Parsons (front) with (from left) Grant Berry, Arnold Hart and Graeme Ching – all members of the Karori Lions Club that has fundraised and sponsored seats for the centre.

Awards honouring Karori dancer

By Frank Neill

The prestigious dance competition held in memory of Karori dancer Alana Haines will be held at the St James Theatre over Easter weekend.

The Alana Haines Australasian Awards (AHA) will see dancers from throughout Australia and New Zealand compete for cash prizes and elite scholarships to renowned dance institutions around the world.

On Christmas Eve 1989 a car accident took the life of Alana, a promising 11-year old dancer, following a performance.

The tragic accident prompted the Australasian dance community to fundraise for a biennial dance event in Alana’s name.

The event is one of the biggest dance competitions in the Southern Hemisphere.

It will give Wellington audiences the opportunity to watch talented young dancers between the ages of 11 and 18 before they enter the professional circuit, as well as seeing guest performers and former AHA winners on stage.

More than 370 talented contestants will compete for awards totalling $160,000, including cash

and elite international scholarships allocated to ﬁnalists on the Monday evening by an international jury from Canada and Australia.

The 2025 AHA event will take place at the St James Theatre from 18 to 21 April and feature guest performances from four special dancers from prestigious companies both at home and abroad.

Delivering the pas de deux Diana and Acteon from La Esmeralda are Alice McArthur and Marcus Morelli of the Australian Ballet.

Raised in Auckland, Alice won the AHA scholarship in 2017 to the John Cranko Schule in Stuttgart, Germany as well as gold awards at the Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition in 2019 and The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition in 2021 before joining the Australian Ballet in 2024.

Marcus grew up and studied in Melbourne, joining the Australian Ballet in 2014 before being promoted to principal artist in 2024.

Alﬁe Shacklock of Queensland Ballet will perform a variation of Le Talisman from Ballet Fantastique.

Alﬁe was an AHA Junior Winner 2017 before taking home the Supreme Gailene Stock Award in 2019.

Fundraising ride

A pre ANZAC day motorcycle ride is being held to raise funds for the care of military veterans.

The Patriots DFMC Ride of Respect 2025 will take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. Everyone is welcome to join the ride. The start point is noon on 12 April at the Otaki Maori Racing Club.

This is a staging point over night for those travelling.

The two main rides take place starting at 7:30am at Otaki Maori Racing Club. From there they will travel along State Highway 1 to the Pukeahu National War Memorial.

It then dovetails into the Ride of Respect 2025 in Wellington, which will run from Pukeahu to Upper Hutt.

After graduating from the Royal Ballet School he joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2023 and the Queensland Ballet in 2024.

Performing the original version of Odile from Swan Lake, Aucklander Lauren Wycherley was the Supreme Gailene Stock Award in 2023 and has since been studying at the Royal Ballet School in London.

Performing as part of the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) are principal artists Kate Kadow and Laurynas Vejalis with a grand pas classique.

Kate attended Kirov Academy in Washington DC before becoming principal artist at State Street Ballet in California and joining the RNZB in 2018.

Born in Lithuania, Laurynas studied at the Austrian Ballet and the Royal Ballet School in London, after which he joined the National Ballet of Canada in 2015 and the RNZB in 2018.

Tickets to the 2025 AHA are available at Ticketmaster, (type Ticketmaster AHA in a search engine).

The ﬁnals day performance on 21 April includes a cocktail party afterwards.

ABOVE: Kate Kadow and Laurynas Vejalis, who will be performing at the Alana Haines Australasian Awards. Photo:

RIGHT: Alphie Shacklock, who will be performing at the Alana Haines Australasian Awards . Photo: Supplied.

Northland homicide investigation

Police launched a homicide investigation following the death of Northland resident Simon Bird.

The 65 year-old’s body was found at his Albemarle Road home on 1 April.

“Mr Bird had not been heard from for several days, prompting a concerned friend to carry out a welfare check – leading to the discovery of his body,” Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard says.

Following a post mortem examination, the Police conﬁrmed

that they were treating the death as a homicide.

The Police are appealing for information.

“We have established Mr Bird was last seen alive on Thursday 27 March, however we are continuing to piece together his last movements and the events that led to his death,” Detective Inspector Pritchard says.

“I urge anyone with information that could help our investigation to contact us as soon as possible.

“We also want to speak to anybody who knew Mr Bird, as well as those who saw him, or his vehicle in the last week.

“This includes any CCTV or dashcam footage you may have of him or his vehicle.

“As part of the investigation, we also want to hear from anybody in the Northland area who has noticed suspicious activity or movements in and around Mr Bird’s address on Albemarle Road.

“What might seem like an insigniﬁcant detail to you, could be a missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle for us.

“If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us at 105, using reference number 250401/4530 and/ or referencing Operation North.

“You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Onslow’s ‘incredible’ NCEA results

By Frank Neill

Onslow College has achieved “really incredible” 2024 NCEA results, the school’s Acting Principal Jonathan Wyeth told the “Independent Herald”.

Onslow students achieved a UE pass rate of 79.8%, well above the national average of 50.6%.

NCEA level three students had a pass rate of 83.7%, compared with the national average of 69.4%

NCEA level two students had a pass rate of 85.7%, compared with the national average of 73.6%.

NCEA level one students had a pass rate of 80.8%, compared with the national average of 45.9%.

The school also recorded high ﬁgures in literacy and numeracy.

Year 11 literacy was 90.2% with the national average 76.6%, year 12 93.3% with the national average 89.1% and year 13 98.5% with the national average 92.2%.

Year 11 numeracy was 95.7% with the national average 74.8%, year 12 94.3% with the national average 89.1% and year 13 97.3% with the

national average 92.2%.

The college’s Maori student achievement rates were also high.

For UE Onslow recorded 64%, compared with a national average of 31.9%. Level 3 was 72% with the national average 59%, level 2 71% with the national average 65.4% and level one 73.7% with the national average 40.9%.

Overall Onslow College recorded higher achievement in every metric compared with other schools with the fewest socio-economic barriers, the recently released ﬁgures show.

The school also recorded higher achievement in every metric in 2024 compared with 2023.

Since 2022 the school has reduced the difference between level 3 and University Entrance from 9.6% to 3.9%.

Mr Wyeth puts these results down to three main factors:

• Onslow College has focused on the inclusion and well-being of its students over a sustained period of time;

• staff are committed to building robust learning relationships

with students; and

• the college has been at the forefront of de-streaming, and “through this we have prioritised universal design for learning which focuses on design of the learning activities, resources and assessment in such a way as to remove barriers to engagement and increase student agency”.

The college has experienced significant increases in M ori achievement at Level 1 (16%), Level 2 (11%) and University Entrance (5%).

“This has been achieved through a steadfast commitment to working with Mana Whenua, Te Atiawa, and a commitment to co-governance,” Mr Wyeth says.

“We are ensuring that our staff are accessing professional development in learning Reo Maori, connecting with our local whenua and are getting support to develop localised curriculum.

“The building of our new Whare, which is due to open in early Term 3, is a physical manifestation of the partnership between Onslow

College, iwi, hapu and whanau and we are pushing ahead to achieving equity of achievement for Maori.”

At Year 11, Onslow College exceeded the attainment nationally by 14% for literacy and 20% for numeracy.

When compared against schools with the fewest socio-economic barriers Onslow still outperforms them by 7% for literacy and 10% for numeracy.

“At Onslow College, we have had explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy in the timetable for the past three years,” Mr Wyeth says.

“In 2023-2024 it was one hour per week of each, and in 2025 it is now 75 minutes.

“Our programme is resourced by literacy and numeracy leads, and our staff are accessing resources and professional development in order to support our young people to feel conﬁdent to engage in the digital assessments.

“Further to that, our investment time in our Ako Programme, frequent and timely reports and up to date tracking ensure staff-

Stream pollution keeps happening

Families living beside the Stebbings Stream have recently reported numerous incidents of paint dumping in the stream to Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).

This included 10 complaints being made in one day.

The incidents occurred on Monday 3 April, Friday 28 March, Sunday 23 March and Saturday 22 March.

The spills are an ongoing issue with community members reporting paint spillage since 2022. The community have done Facebook

Johnsonville and Districts RSA Welfare Trust

ANZAC DAY PARADE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Friday the 25th of April 2025

10.00am

e Chairman and Trustees of the Johnsonville and Districts RSA Welfare Trust cordially invite citizens and service and youth organisations in the Johnsonville area to attend the annual ANZAC Day parade and community service to be held in Johnsonville on Friday the 25th of April 2025. e parade will assemble in Burgess Road at 9.30am, and step o at 9.45am for the march to the service at the Salvation Army Citadel at 125-137 Johnsonville Road at 10.00am.

For further information, please contact:

Glenton Waugh mobile: 0274 416 290 email: glenton.waugh@ salvationarmy.org.nz

T H J Knight Chairman

posts, a newspaper article, newsletters and even driven around Churton Park looking for potential sources of contamination.

The Glenside Progressive Association asked Greater Wellington Councillor Daran Ponter what is being done about it.

He asked the staff to respond and the reply is as follows:

"As you are aware we have visited the area on numerous occasions after incidents are reported to us but to-date unfortunately have been unable to identify the source,” GWRC’s Environmental Manager, Shaun Andreawartha, said.

“GWRC through our

environmental regulation team is actively responding to each reported event, engaging with local businesses and private operators in the Churton Park/ Glenside area.

“The regulation team are also promoting an educational programme, focusing on stormwater network and connection issues.

“In this regard collaboration is underway with our in-house Community Engagement team and we have reached out to Resene (following connections helpfully made by local residents) to help promote awareness.

“The regulation team are developing site-specific

students-whanau are all working together with the best information possible,” Mr Wyeth says.

“The students and staff at Onslow College exemplify and live our school values; Manaakitanga, Pursuing Growth, Whanaungatanga, Valuing Diversity and Kaitiakitanga.

“Our students are:

• cared for (Manaakitanga);

• set high expectations to achieve (Pursuing Growth);

• supported by expert teachers and the advocacy of Ako teachers (Whanaungatanga);

• engaged through a variety of learning activities, contexts resources and assessments which focus on a UDL approach to learning (Valuing Diversity);

• connecting their learning and taking an active role in addressing issues affecting their community both locally and globally (Kaitiakitanga).”

protocol to identify and isolate potential sources of contamination. This will be shared with the community to improve reporting and response effectiveness.

“Please be assured we share the community concerns with regards to these incidents and are taking the matter seriously.”

A photo of the pollution of Stebbings Stream taken on 22 March. Photo: Steve Watts.

& Health

Consultation begins on health workforce regulation

The Ministry of Health has opened consultation today on health workforce regulation.

Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown has announcednorth_east the Government is reviewing New Zealand’s health workforce regulation to ensure the focus is on putting patients first.

Health regulations are the rules that ensure New Zealanders get safe and quality health care when they see health professionals. The current Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 is now over 20 years old.

As part of this review, the Ministry of Health has published a discussion document, Putting Patients First: Modernising health workforce regulation.

The Ministry is now inviting New Zealanders to share their views on health workforce regulation through its online consultation portalnorth_east. The consultation closes on Wednesday 30 April.

Feedback on the options outlined in the discussion document will inform the Ministry’s advice to the Government

on possible changes to health workforce regulation.

The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act) is the law that provides a framework for the regulation of health practitioners. Its purpose is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by providing mechanisms to ensure the ongoing competence of health practitioners.

The Act provides for the regulation of recognised health professions. At present, New Zealand has 18 health regulators, known as responsible authorities.

To help prepare the discussion document, the Ministry looked at international best practice on health workforce regulatory systems and clinical safety, and considered how these models could be adapted to suit New Zealand’s unique needs.

The Ministry also held an initial series of workshops and meetings with key health sector stakeholders in 2024. These included responsible authorities, professional associations, medical colleges and unions. The Ministry will continue to engage with the sector.

Source: MoH

easy to stay IN YOUR OWN HOME

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!

New Director of Public Health

Dr Corina Grey has been appointed as the new Director of Public Health from 5 May. Public Health Agency Deputy DirectorGeneral Dr Andrew Old says Dr Grey has an extensive career working in research, epidemiology and public health. Her work has included a prior role at the

Ministry of Health as Chief Clinical Advisor Pacific Health and during the COVID-19 response, when she provided support in a range of areas, including case management and contact tracing.

Dr Grey is a public health physician and holds a PhD in population health. Source: MoH

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 design, engineering and safety. There are additional features built to keep you safe and provide a smooth ride around the curves of your stairs.

As people enjoy longer lives and wish to remain living independently at home, the demand for domestic stairlifts continues to grow. Acorn Stairlifts are innovative on every level, making Acorn the safest alternative for staircase use in every home.

A feature of the stairlift is an optional hinged rail. The hinge is an excellent option to avoid blocking a door or walkway

at the bottom of the stairs, as well as eliminating any trip or hazard situations.

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, by removing the obstacle of stairs if they become too challenging and restrict full use of yourhome.

As an example of Acorn’s commitment to excellence and safety, they are proud that their products have earned the prestigious Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.

This commendation is only awarded to companies whose products have passed rigorous testing proving they are easy to use for people with arthritis.

Acorn is the world’s biggest company dedicated solely to the manufacture, direct sale, installation and maintenance of home stairlifts.

Are you, or someone you know, coping alone?

The number of people living alone has increased significantly in recent decades, and traditional family support is often unavailable. In response, Wellington-based CaringStay offers a solution to bridge the gap between medical care and daily life support. CaringStay provides two options for recovery. The first is by recovering in a Host’s home where individuals stay with everyday Kiwis,

such as teachers and former nurses, who offer care and companionship in a welcoming environment.

The second is care in your own home where in-home support services, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship, allow individuals to recover while remaining in familiar surroundings.

Learn more at CaringStay.co.nz

Hand and wrist therapy

Hand Therapists use splinting, casting and taping to support and protect injured hands, wrists and elbows.

Exercises are used to regain range of motion, improve strength and reduce sensitivity. Hands on treatment and education help you know what you’ve injured, what you should do and what you should avoid to get back to your normal tasks as quick as possible.

Let us help you get back to doing what you love after injury to your hand, wrist or elbow. Phone 04 237-0229

www.handwristandelbow.co.nz

Cherries – helping support heart health and joint mobility

Diet plays a huge role in our health with foods that offer specific health benefits referred to as functional foods. Cherryvite’s Montmorency tart cherries is one such food.

As one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants and queritrin, it helps to fight your body’s free radicals, and support heart health and joint mobility, reduce stress and enable a better night’s sleep. Montmorency tart cherries are warmed and pressed to remove the cherry juice. Cherry juice is concentrated to 68° Brix by removing water. Cherryvite products contain no additives, preservatives or colouring

agents and are 100% natural. Tart cherry juice concentrate can be reconstituted into a single-strength beverage.

What’s cool in the

Greytown Butchery keeps on winning the Golds

Greytown Butchery has added to their impressive reputation of winning Gold Awards, this year they’ve won it for the Italian Tomato & Spinach Sausage. They consistently win awards with their multi-award winning sausages having so far clocked up 26 awards in the last 19 years.

Established in 1873, Greytown Butch ery is still operating in the same historic building and still keeping old butchering traditions alive since it

Just 20 minutes north of Masterton, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre offers a chance to reconnect with nature.

Visitors can see tuatara and kiwi, search for the elusive kōkako on the scenic Loop Track, and enjoy the daily ranger talks.

You can also see master carvers in action and witness tuna (long-fin eels) being fed. Plus, there’s an onsite café where you can

Wairarapa

was first opened by original owner, Sam Haigh.

Artisan butcher Gavin Green and Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic and popular business into a gourmet, European-styled butchery. It prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match.

Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your goods –there’s always plenty to choose from!

See them at 67 Main St, Greytown.

relax and enjoy a bite to eat after your adventure.

Pūkaha is open daily from 9am to 6pm in summer, offering an unforgettable experience with wildlife talks, scenic walks, and close encounters with New Zealand’s most iconic species — perfect for nature lovers of all ages.

Check out pukaha.org.nz for more information.

These holidays take time out to learn about early Wairarapa European

and Māori culture

Come and explore the ways in which European and Māori cultures traded and exchanged knowledge in the early days of Wairarapa at Cobblestones Museum in Greytown.

Discover the histories of the heritage listed church, woolshed, school, stables, cottage, and hospital, along with the incredible stories of bravery, resilience, and determination. Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens and park-like grounds and see how life was revolutionised by farming, transport, saw milling, and dairy industries.

Have some fun and photo opportunities in the stocks and lock-up or take a seat in the glass coach and marvel at the horse-drawn modes of transport. Admire the Māori taonga and waka displays and delve into the narratives of the visionaries who shaped Wairarapa. Or simply bring a picnic, sit under the trees and soak up the unique setting that is. Autumn and winter hours are 10am to 3pm. Spring and summer 10am to 4pm. www.cobblestonesmuseum.org.nz or visit our Facebook page.

Watch and learn about spinning and weaving!

If you want to know what’s made New Zealand a great agricultural country you can learn about it by visiting the Museum of Sheep and Shearing in Masterton.

The complex is housed in two authentic old wool sheds trucked in from local farms, plus a newly constructed gallery building –full of sheep farm gear, including shearing and wool handling equipment.

You’ll find displays describing the history of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand was said to “live off the sheep’s back.” Demonstrations are held about spinning and weaving on Wednesday mornings and by arrangement. See the history of spinning from ancient times and our collection of spinning wheels.

Accommodation and walking at Glenburn Stn

Glenburn is recognized as one of New Zealand’s truly iconic sheep and beef stations. It is a 7,000 acre property with 11km of Pacific coastline.

Glenburn Station, east of Masterton, offers a range of accommodation, making it the perfect retreat for friends, families and couples.

Five holiday houses ranging from the large Station Homestead sleeping up to 16, Shepherd’s Rest sleeping up to 11, and a fisherman’s bach on the beach (Russ’s Bach) both sleeping up to 10, and Cook House sleeping up to 16.

Also with the coastline, quiet walking tracks, and the popular Honeycomb Rock, Glenburn Station is the perfect place to relax, recharge and escape the daily grind.

Visitors are welcome to stay in the range of accommodation options available in this rural slice of paradise.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS AND DRIVE SAFELY!

• Shearing and farming memorabilia plus types of wool and their uses.

• The story of shearing – its beginnings and how it became an international sport.

• The history of sheep farming.

• Live shearing demonstrations for groups arranged with prior notice.

• Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement.

• Wool garments and souvenirs.

Barbour launches in Khandallah

A stylish evening of gin, tonics, and British charm marked the ofﬁcial launch of Barbour UK at Hamilton & Murray Boutique last Wednesday, 3 April.

Nestled in the heart of Khandallah Village, the boutique welcomed customers to preview the iconic British outerwear brand’s latest collection, and some styles sold out before the night was over.

Guests were treated to classic cucumber sandwiches and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere as they browsed the new Barbour lineup, which includes a mix of timeless menswear and elegant women’s pieces.

itage, offering fashion that’s as functional as it is stylish,” they said.

The menswear collection features the brand’s famous waxed cotton jackets, classic polo shirts and boxed socks.

Women’s offerings include tartan-lined ankle wellington boots, wax jackets, and reﬁned check anoraks – some with matching puppy coats for the four-legged fashionista.

Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the Kapiti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions.

The launch event gave fashion-forward Wellingtonians a ﬁrst look – and ﬁrst pick – at the coveted garments.

Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the Kapiti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions.

Hamilton & Murray Boutique owner Sheila Murray-Hamilton said she is “thrilled” to bring the storied British brand to their local community.

“Barbour is a label rich in history and her-

Founded in 1894 in South Shields, England, Barbour remains a family-owned business celebrated for its rugged outerwear and deep ties to British countryside traditions.

competition. A great example of a local business supporting the local community… You folks are absolute stars, and we can’t recommend you highly enough.

Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected. They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost.

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori is open for public inspection again on ANZAC day, Friday 25 April.

The brand rose to prominence by outﬁtting mariners, motorcyclists, and even WWII submariners with weather-resistant gear. Today, Barbour’s legacy lives on through its modern collections that pay homage to its rich past, including iconic pieces like the Liddesdale quilted jacket and Beadnell wax jacket.

Wrights Hill Fortress open day

nels and gun emplacements.

Tree pruning and hedge trimming are important to maintain health and structure. From thinning to reductions, Elite Arboriculture can keep your trees healthy and looking their best. The team can also help with planting and mulching, assisting you in finding the right trees for the right spaces and with the right aesthetics.

The World War Two coastal battery ﬁrst opened to the public in 1989 and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet.

A special amateur radio station is also being set up by a Radio club with the callsign ZL6ANZAC.

“We had a team from Elite Arboriculture working at our son’s and daughter-in-law’s place in Paekākāriki today”, a happy customer comments. “This work was being done as a prize that Elite Arboriculture had donated to a local

On ANZAC Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tun-

They will see the engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10-metre-long gun barrel.

“This work was being done as a prize that Elite Arboriculture had donated to a local

Also on show will be historic photos, and a DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well.

Trees are essential to our beautiful country’s ecosystem, but an unhealthy tree can be dangerous. If the time has come for removal, they are qualified to perform the job safely and professionally.

on four Open Days a year.

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Trees are essential to our beautiful country’s ecosystem, but an unhealthy tree can be dangerous. If the time has come for removal, they are qualified to perform the job safely and professionally.

The World War Two Fortress will also have war themed displays and safe blank ﬁring outside. It’s only open to the public

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress.

Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road.

Wrights Hill Reserve can also enjoy picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill.

There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child (cash only, no EFT-

Elite Arboriculture has a green thumb and green heart for the community and ecosystem.

free quote:

There is limited car parking at the summit of Wrights Hill. People are asked to park sensibly and use walking tracks.

For safety reasons jandals are not to be worn.

Elite Arboriculture has a green thumb and green heart for the community and ecosystem.

Visitors to the Fortress in

For more information and enquiries phone 04 476 8593 or visit www.wrightshillfortress.org.nz.

Barbour’s window in the Khandallah shop. Photo: Supplied.

Marsden’s 2025 Artist in Residence

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School’s Artist in Residence for 2025 is Connah Podmore.

Connah is an accomplished artist with an impressive background in ﬁne arts.

She majored in Art History at university, but her passion for creating art was ignited during a student exchange where she took a class at the Glasgow School of Art.

This pivotal experience led her to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts at Massey University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts.

Since then, Connah has exhibited across Aotearoa and participated in residencies in Wellington and the Wairarapa.

She currently works at Inverlochy Art School, where she continues to develop her artistic practice.

Connah describes her work as “expanded drawing”, incorporating installation, photography, weaving, painting and text alongside her drawing practice.

Taking inspiration from everyday life, her art explores the depth hidden in seemingly simple moments.

Her recent large-scale charcoal drawings, built through layers of mark-making and erasure, reflect her thoughtful and poetic approach

to depicting the ordinary.

Connah’s recent successes include winning the 2023 Parkin Drawing Prize, and her work has been exhibited in notable shows such as Tracing Intricacies (Webb’s Gallery, Wellington), Ordinary Devotion (Toi Poneke, Wellington), Care Taking (Meanwhile, Wellington), and The Room Where Your Brother Was Born (RM, Auckland).

Connah is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in a new creative environment at Marsden.

“I’m ready to begin new projects and trial making new kinds of work,” she says.

“My studio is at home, so the change to a community environment where I can take in other artists’ approaches and exchange of ideas will be incredibly helpful.

“My goal is to experiment, take chances, and push my artwork into new directions.”

Throughout the six-week residency,

Connah will work closely with Marsden’s Visual Art students, focusing on composition and creative process.

She plans to introduce students to her layered approach to drawing, encouraging them to explore mark-making, erasure, and rebuilding to create rich, textured work.

“I hope to show students that value and importance can be found in our everyday lives, and that even simple, overlooked moments can become something signiﬁcant through care and focus,” she says.

Marsden’s Artist in Residence programme extends beyond the school community, with Connah also leading a workshop for local primary school students.The residency will culminate in an exhibition of both Connah’s and Marsden students’ work at Te Auaha from 19 to 29 June.

Kathryn Cotter, Marsden’s Head of Visual Art, expressed her excitement about Connah’s appointment.

“Connah brings a new way of

viewing and interpreting familiar environments, which will resonate with our students,” Kathryn says.

“We are thrilled to have her share her expertise and creative vision with our school community.”

Marsden’s Artist in Residence programme has welcomed a prestigious list of artists over the years, building a legacy of artistic excellence and creative exchange.

Connah’s residency promises to add to this rich tradition, inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers at Marsden.

Established in 1999, Marsden’s Artist in Residence programme continues to inspire students by giving them the opportunity to work alongside practising artists and engage with their creative process.

To learn more about Marsden’s Artist in Residence programme, visit www.marsden.school.nz.

Connah Podmore.

ON... WHAT’S

Military medals talk

DON’T CHUCK IT

Don't Chuck It. Fix It! Ngaio Repair Cafe is free, open Saturday 19 April,10am - 1pm, Ngaio Union Church, corner Crofton Road and Kenya Street, Ngaio.

OF THE

Robert Henry and others from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will talk about the Personnel Archives & Medals Unit at Trentham at the next meeting of the Wellington Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists.

Robert and the other speakers will talk on how their team can help answer these and many other questions.

medals and who can claim them.

Composed by Tony Watling 11th.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 April at the Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road.

POOLS OF SATISFACTION

The collection at the Personnel Archives & Medals Unit consists of about 1.5 million ﬁles relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s military forces after World War I.

The records contain both personal and service information.

Blends in well did cause no fuss. With hydro slide will cause a splash. And to it many people dash.

Do you have a family member's service medal you'd like more information about?

Through native bush we twist and wiggle.

From the children brings a giggle.

Severn days a week the place is open. Hot summer days we all are hopen!

Or perhaps you know someone you think might be entitled to a medal? Or perhaps, as ANZAC Day approaches, you’d just like to know more about NZ military medals.

The speakers will discuss how to request information such as what medals former and current service members might be entitled to and which medals have already been issued to them; and how to apply for

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

They are responsible for issuing war, operational and service medals to former and current NZDF service members.

SECURE STORAGE 14sqm $42 per week. Wainui Self Storage, Waiu St, 0274805150.

The doors will be open from 7 pm for refreshments and a chance to meet others.

The talk will begin at 7:30 pm. Visitors are very welcome.

FOR ALL ELECTRICAL repairs and installations by top-qualiﬁed electrician with record of over ﬁfty years of giving locals the lowest cost “around-the-clock” service, just phone 977-8787 or 021-0717-674 or email jack.powell@outlook.com

49. Gallant. (9)

By Russell McQuarters

1. Magnificent. (11)

7. Nut of the hazel. (7)

11. Forgers’ block. (5)

12. ad , to the point of digust. (7)

13. Ex Silver Ferns coach, Leigh (5)

14. Game bird. (9)

15. Perturbs. (9)

16. Limited. (6)

18. More daring. (7)

21. Small island. (4)

23. Go astray. (3)

25. Dowry. (3)

Dowry. (3)

27. Real name Burle Icle Ivanhoe, singer Burl (4)

28. Standard. (7)

Real name Burle Icle Ivanhoe, singer Burl (4)

Standard. (7)

30. Small edible crustacean. (6)

32. Spike. (3)

Small edible crustacean. (6)

Spike. (3)

33. Hovel. (3)

Hovel. (3)

34. Loathe. (6)

35. Flourish. (7)

36. “Once were warriors” author, Duff. (4)

37. Stomach(inf) (3)

39. Small cask. (3)

Loathe. (6) 35. Flourish. (7) 36. “Once were warriors” author, Duff. (4) 37. Stomach(inf) (3) 39. Small cask. (3)

41. Pile. (4)

43. Single eyeglass. (7) 45. Fragment. (6) 48. Logic. (9)

Pile. (4) 43. Single eyeglass. (7) 45. Fragment. (6) 48. Logic. (9)

49. Gallant. (9)

51. Allege. (5)

52. Unlawful. (7)

51. Allege. (5)

53. Sacred images. (5)

52. Unlawful. (7)

38.

53. Sacred images. (5)

54. Decide. (7)

55. Dies before (another person) (11)

Humbleness (7)

55. Dies before (another person) (11)

DOWN

Friendship (11)

1. Knave (5)

Sound (5)

2. Surroundings. (11)

3. Bear. (8)

Sent (11)

(8)

42.

48.

49.

50.

Of public revenue (6)

5. Parasitic insect. (5)

Turn outwards (5)

6. Small species of deer (male) (7)

Constrict (7)

1. Knave (5) 2. Surroundings. (11) 3. Bear. (8) 4. N.American country. (6) 5. Parasitic insect. (5) 6. Small species of deer (male) (7)

4. N.American country. (6)

Has high morals (8)

7. Starved. (8)

8. Papal ambassador. (6)

9. Preserves a body. (7)

10. Chores. (5)

Splinter. (7)

Printing mistake. (7)

8. Papal ambassador. (6) 9. Preserves a body. (7) 10. Chores. (5) 16. Splinter. (7) 17. Printing mistake. (7) 19. Bury. (5)

Bury. (5)

Pulpit. (7)

20. Pulpit. (7)

Enrol as a jury. (7)

Staff. (3)

Belonging to thee. (3)

Of the nose. (5)

Eminent. (11)

N.Z. Consumer tax

(abbr) (3)

33. Fix. (3)

Reflect ethically. (8)

40. Study plants. (8)

Short sword. (7)

44. Coincide partly. (7)

46. Front of saddle. (6)

47. Integrity. (6)

Happen again. (5)

Secret hiding place. (5)

Throws. (5)

(abbr) (3)

Fix. (3) 38. Reflect ethically. (8) 40. Study plants. (8)

42. Short sword. (7)

Coincide partly. (7)

Front of saddle. (6)

Integrity. (6)

Happen again. (5)

Secret hiding place. (5)

Throws. (5)

Top award for Connor Lusty

Connor Lusty has been awarded this country’s highest community cricket honour, New Zealand Cricket’s Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.

This award recognises a volunteer for their signiﬁcant contribution to community cricket.

It is given to someone who shows passion and commitment that exceeds expectations, who’s presence has a clear impact on their community.

Connor grew up a stone’s throw away from Alex Moore Park, joining the Junior Johnsonville Cricket Club.

In 2015 he won the Charlie Temel Memorial Trophy, the club’s most prestigious junior award for a player that best demonstrates passion and commitment for the club.

Connor was a student at Onslow College from 2016 to 2020 (where he quickly became an Onslow College cricket legend, taking the most wickets in the school’s history).

He never lost touch with his roots and always gave back to the Johnsonville Cricket

Club, whether that was coaching the juniors, helping the prems boys with covers after school on a Friday, or even ﬁlling in for a social T20 team that needed numbers.

On joining the senior club, Connor quickly established himself on the pitch, becoming one of the most reliable premier spin bowlers in Wellington.

He also joined all three JCC comittees (club, juniors and womens) where he became an integral part of the day to day running of the club.

And while doing all that, he always found time to help the future generation, as a coach and currently as lead junior convenor.

Good win by Hawks

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Hawks celebrated the opening round of their 125th anniversary year with a convincing 46-28 win over Paremata-Plimmerton at Helston Park on 5 April.

The victory saw the Hawks make a highly promising start to Wellington Rugby’s Swindale Shield competition.

In an excellent display of team work, the Johnsonville forwards were dominant throughout the match, combining well with the backs, who ran well in the open space provided.

The Hawks led 26-14 at half time.

They then put the result beyond doubt with two tries early in the second half, taking their lead to 38-14.

Flanker Louis Magalogo shone in the match, scoring two tries on his debut.

Louis joined the Hawks this year after moving from Otago University, where he played in their Rugby team.

Captain Finlay Sharp scored a try before having to leave the ﬁeld early after injuring his hamstring.

Another player who shone in the forwards was lock Anthony Pettett, who returned to the Hawks from being overseas last year, and he scored a try also.

Olly Paotonu, Hurricanes under 20 wing Jacob Kennedy and Kuso Tuitama also touched down for Johnsonville.

Ken Kurihara kicked four conversions and one penalty.

Under their new coach Dallas Paotonu the Hawks moved, on their ﬁrst round performance, to a signiﬁcantly higher level than they performed at last season.

The Hawks next match sees them play Oriental Rongotai at the Polo Ground, Miramar, on 12 April.

By Hamish Wareham

Waterside Karori sit atop the Central League table after the ﬁrst two rounds along with four time reigning champions Wellington Olympic, Napier City Rovers and Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

Karori began their campaign with a trip out to Petone seeking their ﬁrst win at Memorial Park since April 2022.

After a scoreless first half it was the homeside who went 1-0 up in the 51st minute through a returning 2023 Central League Player of the Year Matthew Brazier.

That brought about changes from Wharﬁes coach Tomas Godoy Foquet as he introduced Ollie Arrowsmith and debutant joining from Olympic Sam Mitrakas who overcame a groin issue that dogged his preseason to score just nine minutes in to level the game.

Ten minutes later and following a Petone Red Card, Ahmed Othman scored a freekick from right at the edge of the Petone goal box to put Waterside 2-1 ahead that they hung onto throughout 10 minutes of added time for their ﬁrst three points in 2025.

Round Two followed a similar theme to Karori’s round one ﬁxture when they came up against newly promoted Upper Hutt.

After a scoreless ﬁrst half, goals to two players returning to the Wharﬁes after

a season elsewhere – Ihaia Delaney and Lukas Halikias – proved enough for Karori to make it two wins from two and give new goalkeeper Joshua Brown his ﬁrst clean sheet of the 2025 season.

North Wellington began their season at Alex Moore Park against a team that ﬁnished one spot ahead of them in 2024, Island Bay United (IBU), in an early contender for game of the season. Despite falling behind three times, goals in the 18th minute from Paulo Bjorck, 28th minute from Benji McMillan and lastly a 53rd minute goal from a returning Alex Mort, earned North Wellington a hard fought draw against IBU.

Napier City Rovers were up next on Sunday 6 April for North Wellington. Norths led for an extended time before Napier overturned that to emerge victorious each time. Unfortunately for North Wellington one goal proved the difference maker as a 47th minute Cam Emerson header saw Napier take all three points in their ﬁrst home game in 2025.

Waterside Karori take on a fellow unbeaten side Wellington Olympic at Wakeﬁeld Park at 3.45 pm on 12 April, having a crack at the O’Brien Shield that Olympic took off Karori in June last year. North Wellington are back at home, taking on Miramar Rangers who have begun the season with one win and one defeat.