10 May Wainuiomata News

Students star

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata Intermediate

School’s Kapa Haka group was a major feature at the swearing in of Justice Andrew Becroft QSO, who is also from Wainuiomata, as a High Court Judge on 5 May.

“The contribution by Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s Te K hui Tamariki Kapa Haka Group was simply outstanding, and was a real highlight [of the swearing in],” Justice Becroft says.

Continued on page 2.

Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s Te Kāhui Tamariki Kapa Haka Group with the Judges at Justice Becroft’s swearing in ceremony. Justice Becroft is second from right. Photo: Mark Coote.

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Frank Neill

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Students can be enormously proud

Continued from page 1

“It was so refreshing to hear children’s voices and it was an important reminder of how children are affected by so many court judgments and decisions.

“The students performed with huge passion, enthusiasm and commitment, and they can be enormously proud of themselves.

“We were humbled by their excellence of presentation and no one who was there will quickly forget them.

SALES

Les Whiteside les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008

“Given that three of the judges on the bench hail from Wainuiomata, it was also a good reminder to all the children involved that there is no reason why some of them couldn’t end up in the same place in the decades to come,” Justice Becroft says.

Justice Becroft, Justice Paul Radich and Justice David Collins are all from Wainuiomata and are all High Court Judges.

The swearing in was “a very moving occasion which blended the tradition of the High Court with modern New Zealand,” Justice Becroft says.

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sam@wsn.co.nz 021 109 4406

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“It was a real privilege to be asked to go to such a unique and important occasion,” says Craig Sharp, the Principal of Wainuiomata Intermediate School.

“It was great to continue our association with Justice Becroft.”

Wainuiomata Intermediate School and Justice Becroft, when he was the Children’s Commissioner, worked together on the

smokefree cars legislation.

The Smoke-free Environments (Prohibiting Smoking in Motor Vehicles Carrying Children) Amendment Actwas passed in May 2020 and came into force on 28 November 2021.

When meeting up with the judges following the formal swearing in, they appreciated the energy and vibrancy the students had brought and the fact that they were being spontaneous, Mr Sharp said.

“The fact that three Judges have

come from Wainuiomata will say to the kids as well that they could follow this path [and become Judges],” he added.

After graduating from Auckland University with a BA LLB(Hons), Judge Becroft worked at law firm Fortune Manning and then at the neighbourhood law office in Grey Lynn until 1986.

That year he and fellow lawyer Johnny Moses set up the steering group that established the Mangere Law Centre, where he worked until 1993.

Justice Becroft then worked as a criminal barrister until 1993, when he was appointed a District Court Judge.

He was the Principal Youth Court Judge from 2001 to 2016, when he became the Children’s Commissioner, where he served for five and a half years.

Justice Becroft was made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for services to the judiciary, children and youth in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours.

Local MP takes a big step

By Frank Neill

After nearly 10 years as the Labour Party’s Member of Parliament for Te Ikaroa-R whiti, Meka Whaitiri left Labour to join Te P ti M ori on 3 May.

“The decision to cross the floor is not an easy one, but it is the right one,” Ms Whaitiri said when announcing she was joining Te P ti M ori.

She was making the move, she said, “to join an unapologetic M ori political movement to achieve what was promised to us 183 years ago.”

In doing so, she said she was making a clear commitment to M ori voters across the country.

“To the voters of Ikaroa-R whiti, I have served you tirelessly for the last 10 years.

“Let me continue to serve you. I will be contesting the seat again in October 2023 as the Te Ikaroa-R whiti candidate.”

Ms Whaitiri currently sits as an independent member of the House of Representatives.

Following her decision to resign from the Labour Party, Ms Whaitiri lost her roles as a Minister. She served asMinister of Customsand Minister for Veterans from 2020 and Minister for Food Safety from 2022.

Te P ti M ori co-leader Debbie NgarewaPacker has welcomed the move.

“This is a momentous day for our proud to be M ori movement,” she said on 3 May.

“Today marks yet another milestone in creating an Aotearoa hou as Meka Whaitiri crosses the floor to join Te P ti M ori.”

Ms Whaitiri “will bring extraordinary strength and has shown enormous courage and leadership in service to tangata whenua.

“By crossing the floor Meka demonstrates a clear commitment to the continued fight for a Te Tiriti centric Aotearo,” Ms NgarewaPacker said.

The “Wainuiomata News” made a series of attempts to speak to Ms Whatiri, but she did not respond to the messages the paper left.

The Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s Te Kāhui Tamariki Kapa Haka Group performing at Justice Becroft’s swearing in. Photo: Mark Coote.

Te Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Meka Whaitiri. Photo: Supplied.

A quiche. It’s a light snack and it’s healthy.

Q: What snack would you recommend?

I would love to see more healthy choices such as an apple or a banana.

A mini meat pie or sausage roll would be good (thanks Qantas).

I don’t eat meat so something like a vegetarian pie.

A fantastic way to contribute

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata needs more firefighters and more brigade support people.

The brigade is holding an information evening for people who may be interested in joining on 17 May at the fire station, 34 Fitzherbert Road. The information evening starts at 6:30pm.

In addition to discussing the onboarding and recruitment process, there will be a couple of operational crew to share their experiences and there will also be an opportunity to ask some questions.

Joining the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade is a fantastic way to contribute to the community. And it comes with a range of benefits for those who join.

“The thing I have personally got out of firefighting is a sense of contributing to a greater cause, that is your community,” says Qualified Fire Fighter Roger Whioke, who is organising the information evening. In addition, you get to become part of a “second family” at the brigade.

Volunteers become part of a team, and learn teamwork skills.

The learning that comes with it is, in fact, another of the big advantages of joining the brigade.

“You can carry the skills that you get outside the brigade into your day-to-day life,” Roger says.

“If you are someone who enjoys learning you get plenty of that from the brigade,” he says.

The Wainuiomata brigade currently has 30 operational fire fighters and 12 operational support volunteers.

A “good size” operational support crew for the Wainuiomata brigade would be 15 people. That means the brigade is looking for three more volunteers.

Wainuiomata currently has 30 operational fire fighters.

“In terms of the operational firefighting win we could afford to have another six to eight fire fighters,” Roger says.

With its current numbers, the brigade can respond to call outs with its two fire engines during evenings and weekends.

However during work hours there are only enough fire fighters to respond with one truck, Roger says. That means that during the day the Wainuiomata brigade is relying on the Seaview Fire Brigade to provide backup. It also means that the brigade is asking more of its members than it normally would. It takes significantly longer for a fire engine from Seaview to attend a fire in Wainuiomata than it does for the local brigade to reach the scene. A rapid response makes a big difference when fighting fires. Speed can, for example, allow the fire brigade to save a house that would otherwise burn down. It’s not just property that can be saved by a fast response. It can also save lives.

Brigade volunteers get “a lot of support from Fire and Emergency New Zealand,” Roger says. That includes providing mental health support. Fire and Emergency has a scheme similar to an Employee Assistance Programme that provides counselling services, and they also provide health and

safety support.

My rule is you have to have bubbly wine and you need something salty so nuts would be ideal.

Can’t go past the old ginger nuts and maybe jaffas.

“Volunteering is rewarding,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand says on its website.

“As a volunteer you will become part of a team, learn new skills, serve your community and have access to special benefits that recognise your commitment.”

The brigade provides a much bigger community service than just fighting fires.

Volunteers also attend medical incidents, motor vehicle accidents, severe weather events, dealing with

hazardous substances and other requests for help.

They also install and check smoke alarms and help to improve fire safety in the Wainuiomata community. People interested in attending the information evening can email wainuiomatavolunteers@fireandemergency.nz with their name and contact details.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand also has information about volunteering on its website, at https:// www.fireandemergency.nz/volunteering/.

Sharon Hilton-Jones

Juan Volante

David Hollis

Christina Hechfeooner

Susan Hollis

Rob Campbell

Chris Bishop standing for Hutt South

GARDENING THIS WEEK

High health vegetables: By Wally Richards

By Frank Neill

Locally based list Member of Parliament Chris Bishop will be standing for the National Party in this year’s general election.

Mr Bishop entered Parliament as a list MP in 2014 after standing against Trevor Mallard in the 2014 election. He lost the race to gain the Hutt South seat by just 709 votes.

He then became the first person outside the Labour Party to win the electorate seat when he defeated Ginny Andersen by around 1,500 votes in 2017.

Ms Andersen won the seat back, however, in 2020 and is the current Hutt south MP.

“Getting things done for the Hutt is my top priority,” Mr Bishop says.

“From getting the government to fund the new Melling Interchange, to saving the Airport Flyer, securing fairer fares for students on our buses and trains, and better maternity services, I’m always working to make the Hutt an even better

place to work, live and play.

“I love the Hutt and I know our best days as a city lie ahead of us,” he says.

Mr Bishop is National’s Spokesperson for housing, urban development, and infrastructure, and is ranked third in the National line-up.

He is also National’s Chair for the 2023 election campaign.

Born and raised in Lower Hutt, Mr Bishop attended Eastern Hutt School, Hutt Intermediate and Hutt International Boys’ School.

He has a first class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University, and has been admitted to the Bar as a barrister and solicitor.

Before serving as an MP, he worked in behind-the-scenes roles at Parliament, as a researcher for the National Party in opposition, and an advisor to Ministers in the John Keyled Government.

He was the 2006 Young Wellingtonian of the Year.

High School Kapa Haka

Two Wainuiomata High School teams are currently practicing for the Wellington secondary school regional Kapa Haka competition next month.

The Wairarapa ki Awakairangi competition takes place at Te Mako (Walter Nash Stadium, in Taita on 28 June.

Wainuiomata High has two teams preparing for the event, a competitive team and a non-competitive team.

I have always enjoyed growing different plants that are not commonly available. This is one of the aspects that makes gardening more enjoyable and exciting when you have successes. Three vegetables that I have grown in the past and are writing about are not rare but also not common for many gardeners. The first of these is called Chayote or more commonly known as Choko. Originating from Mexico where the vines grow prolifically they have little financial value there likely because they are so prolific. Specialist fruit and vegetable shops or flea markets are likely to have chokos for sale at this time of the year for about a dollar each. Most people likely do not know the fruit and by pass them where people from Asia are likely to be the main buyers. Choko are a member of the gourd family; Cucurbitaceae, along with melons, cucumbers and squash. In Asia they are commonly diced up and used in stir fries and soups. The fruit does not need to be peeled to be cooked or fried in slices. Most people regard it as having a very mild flavor by itself. It is commonly served raw with seasonings (e.g. salt, butter and pepper) or in a dish with other salad vegetables and/or flavorings. It can also be boiled, stuffed, mashed, baked, fried, or pickled in escabeche sauce. Both fruit and seed are rich in amino acids and vitamin C. The fresh green fruit are firm and without brown spots or signs of sprouting. Smaller ones are more tender. I actually I like the fruit raw eaten like an apple they are crisp and refreshing. The tuberous part of the root is starchy and eaten like a yam (can be fried).

Isjara Waiai, who is also the Wairarapa ki Awakairangi secondary regional kapa haka representative, is leading the teams’ preparation for the regional competition.

Kapa means to form a line, and haka to dance.

Kapa haka involves an emotional and powerful combination of chants and choral singing to graceful action songs and ferocious haka.

The leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties, and a tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and to dissolve kidney stones. So a very versatile, interesting plant. They are easy to grow and the older fruit will start shooting from the base then all you need to do is place the fruit sideways, half buried in compost with the shoot upwards. Start off in a container where it will root up and then protect in a glasshouse or similar (even a window sill) till spring when it can be planted out. It must be planted in a free draining situation, sunny and a degree of protection from frosts. Spray the vine with Vaporgard for frost protection in winter and cover with frost cloth when there is two or more frosts in a row. The first season from experience I found no fruit but a lot of growth and some winter damage. The next season I once again thought all it wanted to do was grow but as the day light hours shortened small flowers and fruit started forming. The fruit grow rapidly and within a week or so a baby fruit becomes bigger than your fist. For the health and mineral benefits we have; Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 80 kJ (19 kcal): Carbohydrates 4.51 g : Sugars 1.66 g : Dietary fiber 1.7 g : Fat 0.13 g : Protein 0.82 g.

Vitamins are Thiamine (B1)

(2%) 0.025 mg: Riboflavin (B2) (2%) 0.029 mg: Niacin (B3) (3%) 0.47 mg: Pantothenic acid (B5) (5%) 0.249 mg: Vitamin B6 (6%) 0.076 mg: Folate (B9) (23%) 93 g. That is an impressive range of B vitamins making 43% of total them there is Vitamin C (9%) 7.7 mg: Vitamin E (1%) 0.12 mg: Vitamin K (4%) 4.1 g The Trace metals are Calcium (2%) 17 mg: Iron (3%) 0.34 mg: Magnesium (3%) 12 mg: Phosphorus (3%)18 mg: Potassium (3%) 125 mg: Zinc (8%) 0.74 mg Health wise how good is that? So easy to grow and eat raw to obtain full benefits of the vitamins and minerals. Next we have a less common one called Jerusalem Artichokes which is a root vegetable from the Helianthus tuberosus family, also called sunroot, sunchoke, earth apple or topinambour, it is a species of sunflower native to eastern North America. Grown from tubers it can be successfully grown any where that has reasonable drainage and sun light. Grown in a container, waste area, vegetable garden or flower garden it will thrive. In a container it grows about a metre or so tall in open ground from a couple of metres to 3 or 4 metres tall dependent on soil and growing conditions. In autumn it produces smaller sunflower blooms and dies back about this time of the year when you can start harvesting the tubers. The nobly tubers contains about 10% protein, no oil, and a surprising lack of starch. However, it is rich in the carbohydrate inulin (76%), which is a polymer of the monosaccharide fructose. Tubers stored for any length of time will convert their inulin into its component fructose.

Jerusalem artichokes have an underlying sweet taste because of the fructose, which is about one and a half times sweeter than sucrose.

Jerusalem artichokes have also been promoted as a healthy choice for type 2 diabetics, because fructose is better tolerated by people who are type 2 diabetic. It has also been reported as a folk remedy for diabetes. Temperature variances have been shown to affect the amount of inulin the Jerusalem artichoke can produce. When not in tropical regions, it has been shown to make less inulin

than when it is in a warmer region. You can find recipes for the tubers on the Internet, steamed or baked and excellent for soups. They have a nutty, earthly taste a bit like Gin sing. Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) is Energy 304 kJ (73 kcal): Carbohydrates 17.44 g: Sugars 9.6 g: Dietary fiber 1.6 g : Fat 0.01 g: Protein 2 g. Vitamins; Thiamine (B1) (17%) 0.2 mg: Riboflavin (B2) (5%) 0.06 mg: Niacin (B3) (9%) 1.3 mg: Pantothenic acid (B5) (8%) 0.397 mg: Vitamin B6 (6%) 0.077 mg: Folate (B9) (3%) 13 g: Vitamin C (5%) 4 mg: Trace metals Calcium (1%)14 mg: Iron (26%) 3.4 mg: Magnesium (5%)17 mg Phosphorus (11%) 78 mg: Potassium (9%) 429 mg Last and the most uncommon of all is yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius, syn.: Polymnia edulis, P. sonchifolia) a species of perennial daisy traditionally grown in the northern and central Andes from Colombia to northern Argentina for its crisp, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots. The peeled roots are lovely to eat raw, sweet to the taste without the side effects of sugar.. The tubers contain fructooligosaccharide, an indigestible polysaccharide made up of fructose. Fructooligosaccharides taste sweet, but pass through the human digestive tract unmetabolised, hence have very little caloric value. Moreover, fructooligosaccharides have a prebiotic effect, meaning they are used by beneficial bacteria that enhance colon health and aid digestion. Easy to grow, plants grow about 1.5 metres tall large leaves with a texture like Borage harvest, roots in autumn. If you can obtain a starter tuber of yacon its well worth growing. End....Here is a link that I received recently that you maybe interested in especially in regards to the current select committee on the Therapeutic Products Bill. This bill which has in the past been defeated twice before could mean that you are not allowed to grow healthy vegetables by some Govt committee if the bill is passed. https://hatchardreport.com/ wellington-conference-onthe-therapeutic-products-bill/ Also concerning article from the same writer: https://hatchardreport.com/are-wegoing-backwards-or-rushing-ahead/

Chris Bishop. Photo: Supplied.

Initiatives to cut hospital wait times

Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley has opened new facilities to increase available beds and relieve pressure on busy hospital wards and emergency departments as winter approaches.

“Our Hutt Valley, Kenepuru Community, and Wellington Regional Hospitals continue to experience high occupancy, with patients often having to wait in ED for long periods of time until a bed on a ward, or another facility such as aged care, becomes free,” says Andre Cromhout, Acting Chief Medical Officer.

“Winter illnesses, such as the ‘flu and COVID-19, increase hospital pressures and we have a number of initiatives underway to ease this – including opening new facilities within our hospitals and working with partner organisations to support greater community care.

“Last week we opened a new eightpatient Transit Hub at Hutt Hospital, where we can monitor patients ready to leave hospital but who are waiting

By Frank Neill

Nominations for the Wellington Airport regional community awards are now open.

These awards recongise the valuable work of community group volunteers in the wider Wellington region.

and emerging community groups.

opened at Hutt Hospital on 9 May.

At the blessing of Ward Two at the Wellington Regional Hospital. Photo: Supplied. for discharge papers, or for wh nau or an ambulance to pick them up.

“Each morning we discharge about 40 to 50 people from Hutt Hospital. However, they are often unable to leave until late afternoon or early evening.

“The hub enables these patients to wait in comfort while freeing up much-needed beds for new patients, particularly those waiting in ED,” Mr Cromhout says.

“We can monitor surgical patients who are expected to stay in hospital less than 24 hours after their operation.

“We expect this will support 2,000 patients a year and free up beds in the hospital’s medical wards,” he says.

“Work on a range of community care initiatives, which will reduce demand on hospitals, is also underway.”

More than 60 groups will be recognised this year, with more than $50,000 in award money and prizes.

People making a submission will go into a draw to win one prize of a night’s accommodation for two people at Rydges Wellington Airport, including breakfast for two and a $150 Whiskey Lima Golf dinner voucher.

Awards will be presented in six categories:

In making the awards, the judges take into consideration volunteer input, utilisation of resources, innovation and creativity, effectiveness of activities and impact within the community – all with a focus on activities within the past year.

People can submit nomina-

wellington-airport-community-Nominations close on 31 May.

group

Hours:

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Situation Vacant

WANTED

Newspaper Deliverers

Deliverers required in the following areas:

Area 1: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, part of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers

Area 2: Karaka St, Kowhai St, Puriri St, part of Wainuiomata Rd - 295 papers

Area 3: Hamstead St, Kendal Gr, Enfield St, part of Wellington Rd - 220 papers

Area 4: Petrie St, McKillop St, Bull Ave, part of Moohan - 280 papers

Area 5: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main rd - 280 papers

Area 6: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St etc - 255 papers

Area 7: Meremere St, Mataura Gr, Manurewa Gr, Sun

Contact Sandra

Feedback sought on safety changes

On-road trials of a series of street, footpath and lane improvements in Wainuiomata began today, 10 May.

Part of the Maru – Streets for People project, the improvements aim to make it safer for people to walk, scooter, bike, push a pram or pushchair and ride a mobility scooter.

Final installation of a series of improvements is scheduled to be completed by tomorrow, 11 May.

The changes include making safer road crossings for tamariki on their journeys to school, replacing the metal barriers on lanes with planter boxes and adding kerb ramps to improve access for people with scooters, prams and pushchairs, bikes and mobility scooters.

Hutt City Council will have people conducting surveys at three sites and will be available to hear what people think of the trial changes.

The people will be conducting these surveys until 17 May between 2pm and 4pm most days until 17 May. The two days they will not be there will be tomorrow, 11 May and Saturday 13 May. They will be at: Rata Street;

and Totara Streets.

A number of the other improvements are part of the Maru –Streets for People project.

Seating will be placed in the green spaces off the laneways, giving people places where they can stop and rest.

New artwork, signage and wayfinding is also appearing in the laneways.

The council is using temporary materials for a week-long on-road trial that will reduce speeds to 30km/hr and tighten up intersections to reduce turning speed. The council is also improving existing and likely road crossings.

Wainuiomata Rural Community Association Inc 2023 AGM

You are invited to our 2023 AGM. Come and join us and have your say.

When: Saturday 27th May 2023

Venue: WCHUB Room 3 (Next to Wainuiomata Library)

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Tea and biscuits will be provided.

Raised courtesy crossings will be installed on Totara Street at the start of the paved laneway, and on Hinau Grove at the end of its laneway.

The road will also be narrowed at existing pedestrian crossing on Rata Street in front of St Claudine Thevenet School.

To reduce turning speeds and shorten the distance pedestrians need to cross on the road the council will be tightening the

AGM

followed by talk:

‘The Early Development of the Catchpool Valley’, Ivan Morrison Saturday 20 May 2023, 1.30pm

Wainuiomata Historical Museum Society Museum, Main Rd, Wanuiomata

WEDNESDAY FACT

Do cashew nuts come from a fruit?

The top end of the cashew apple is attached to the stem that comes off the tree. The bottom end of the cashew apple attaches to the cashew nut, which is encased in a shell. In botanical terms, the cashew apple is an accessor y fruit that grows on the cashew seed (which is the nut).

51. Contempt (5) 52. Closest to (7) 53. Hidden riches; treasure (5) 54. Made certain (7)

55. Qualified drug dispensers

DOWN

1. Fundamental (5)

2. Out of action (11)

3. Offered (8)

4. Charm (6) 5. Follow (5)

6. Flaunt (4,3)

7. Final (8)

8. More neat (6)

9. Rolled pork (with stuffing) (7)

10. Shiny (5)

16. Retainer (7)

17. Recount (7)

19. Beneath (5)

20. Just coming into existence (7)

22. Resided (7)

24. Busy insect (3)

26. Tiny (3)

29. Proportion (5)

31. Prompt (11)

and Rata Street; Rata Street, Hinau Grove and Totara Street; and Totara Street and Parkway. The council is seeking feedback from the community in two ways. One is through the people who will be at the three locations from 10 to 17 May.

The other is through an online survey which is at https://hutt. city/MaruSurvey or via https:// hutt.city/wainuistreets.

32. Lyric poem (3)

33. Beer (3)

38. Swayed dangerously (8)

40. Emotional (8)

42. Inquisitive (7)

44. Tanning device (3,4)

46. SEE 15 ACROSS.

47. Habit (5)

48. Speed (5)

49. A full meeting(pl) (5)

50. Considers (5)

Solution

Last Week: 3 May 2023

Public Notices

Public Notices

Photo: Supplied.

Lions move into second place

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata Lions scored a convincing 24-12 victory over Toa at Wise Park on 6 May.

This win saw the Lions climb into second spot on the Wellington Premier Rugby League table, just one competition point behind the Vikings.

John Tahana Wharepapa-Rawiri was outstanding for Wainuiomata. Not only did he score the first two tries of the match, he went on to record a hat trick with his third try coming in the second half.

John’s first try also saw him reach a milestone. It was try number 100 for John in his Wellington Rugby League Premier career.

Joshua Onekawa also scored a try in the first half, to give the Lions a 12-6 lead going into the break.

Following John’s hat trick try, Simeona Saumolia also dotted down and Murphy Albright successfully kicked both second half conversions.

Murphy’s two successful kicks marked his return to the field and he picked up three points as the team’s most valuable player in the match.

Regan Hauwho picked up two MVP points and the in form Ulai Oti-Lahood scored one point as he continued his strong run of performances.

The Lions coaches said they were very impressed with the Lions

halves, who provided good direction and an outstanding kicking game. with both half backs picking up points.

The Lions next match will see them in a top-of-the-table clash with the Porirua Vikings at Ascot Park on 13 May.

The combined Hutt Old Boys Marist-Wainuiomata team picked up its first win of the season on 6 May in the women’s Premier Rugby Union competition. Playing on their home ground, the combined team defeated Poneke 31-17.

Hutt Old Boys Marist-Wainuiomata’s next match is against Petone at the Petone Recreation Ground on 13 May.

Wainui needs big playground and park

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata needs a high quality playground area that also caters for outdoor activities, the Wainuiomata Community Board told Hutt City Council in its submission on the draft annual plan.

“We need a place that is more family friendly, with a better quality playground and places for outdoor activities that encourage physical well-being,” the community board’s Chair, Te Awa Puketapu, told the “Wainuiomata News”. The community board would like to see a facility similar to Avalon Park in Lower Hutt or Silverstream Park in Upper Hutt.

This submission, Te Awa says, is based on “what we have heard from the community”.

Avalon Park features a wide variety of activities for families. It even has a mini railway people can takes rides on. Another feature is the 12-metre Tyrannosaurus Rex on the pond.

Paddle boats are available for hire and there are electric barbecues for people wanting to picnic.

the Editor

Among the many other activities are climbing, swinging, drumming, water play and mini golf, plus there is a mini road bike park.

The community board is asking Hutt City Council to put a park similar to Avalon or Silverstream Parks in the long-term plan “so that we can have some discussion about it and make plans,” Te Awa says. The community board submission also makes some recommendation to the council on solid waste.

“The Silverstream tip is filling faster than council had expected,”

Te Awa says.

“We need space to have a social investment-type framework to slow down the speed of the tip being filled.”

The board is asking the council to “work with the community to help solve these problems around recyclable clothing and green waste”.

It is asking the council to explore “some creative community-led initiatives that respond to the solid waste issues that we are having at Silverstream”.

The board is also recommending

Meet the kitties Sundays

that the council have a focus on the Coast Road in its long-term plan.

“There are significant erosion issues along Coast Road,” the draft annual plan states.

“Over the last few years, the river has diverted 10-15 metres closer to the road (and is now less than 5 metres away).

“With an increasing number of severe weather events, the road and three properties are at risk of washing away.

“The road also provides the only access to approximately 70 properties.

“We’re proposing that we urgently rebuild sections of the retaining wall at 204 Coast Road, and put in a new protection wall between 566 and 636 Coast Road,” the draft annual plan states.

What the draft annual plan proposed “would be a solution for the interim,” Te Awa says.

“However we need more consideration.

“Our desire is to have a focus on the Coast Road and we think there are some long-term considerations on this road.”

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Letters/Opinions not necessarily those of the Wainuiomata News management.

Car parks lost

Could someone please enlighten me. I refer to the car park area behind the community centre. Why have eight of our car parks been converted for the sole use of electric vehicle charging stations?

These car parks are vital for users of the library, hub and community centre, where they could park their cars and not have to watch the clock in case they overstayed

their time, as in Queen St which has a two hour time limit.

Most of these users are elderly or have some disablility and need to be able to park close to this area.

The library/hub is used much more by the general public and parking is at a premium, especially during the upgrading of the Queen Street area. We understood that this would

By Frank Neill

Wainui Whiskers, which rescues

cats, is holding a “Meet the Kitties” event on the next two Sundays – 14 and 21 May.

On these two days people can make an appointment to come and see the cats that are available.

Appointments can be made by texting 027 490 5395 with your name, address and a brief description of what you are looking for.

Wainui Whiskers has rescued so many cats and kittens recently that they cannot take any more until they adopt some out.

Some of the kittens have been with Wainui Whiskers for more than a year.

All the cats, kittens and ferals will be able to be viewed at the “Meet the Kitties” Sundays.

Some of the kittens (aged three to six months) were feral, but

A warning

I am a disabled person and hold a parking permit for a disability car park.

I am sick of people parking in these car parks without a permit. From now on I and others will be photographing these cars and giving them to Hutt City Council.

have now become cuddly. If they are too young or too small and not desexed yet people can “pre-adopt” them and Wainui Whiskers will move them up the list for desexing, chipping and vaccinations.

All cats are a minimum donation of $280 each. Even the kittens that have had medical expenses of more than $15,000 are still only $280. This money does not cover the expenses but helps go towards them.

The fine for this is $150 so if you can afford this lease carry on parking.

A Disabled Person

[The writer of this letter provided their name to the “Wainuiomata News” and we have agreed to publish the letter anonymously.]

1080 is deadly

be temporary and put up with the inconvenience of trucks taking up more than one park but these charging stations are permanent and I understand that if we park in a vacant one we could/will receive a parking ticket.

Is there any plan to provide more car parks in this area to replace the eight that have been taken?

Dorothy Gallagher

A word of warning.

OSPRI are doing some more drops ofthe deadlypoison 1080. They claim it only kills possums. Do you believe that?

Scouts used tocookpossum stews in the 60s.It didn’tkillus this tuberculosis. ThisTBthey are talking aboutshould have killed all us old scouts.

Isn’t it just an excuse to wipe outa species of animal they call public enemy number one. I urge youWainuiomata people tosend in complaints to thesepeople if yourdogsget poisioned, or send in a petition to have 1080banned.

If my dog got poisonedI would be the first to put in a complaint.

Peter Wells

One of the kittens Wainui Whiska has available for adoption.

Photo: Supplied.

The Wainuiomata Lions bringing the ball up the park again.

Photo: Frank Neill.

New speed limits proposed

Hutt City Council is seeking feedback on proposed changes to speed limits in Lower Hutt, to improve safety as part of the Government’s nationwide ‘Road to Zero’ campaign.

The council is proposing a series of changes in Wainuiomata.

One of these is a 30km/h speed limit on Queen Street.

The other areas where the council proposes lower speed limits are

close to schools. These include Parkway, Konini Street, Karamu Crescent. Totara Street, Rata Street, Hinau Grove, Frederick Street, Wellington Road, Norfolk Street and some smaller streets close to Arakura School, Main Road, a small section of Moores Valley Road, Homedale Road and Poole Crescent.

"Our aim is for a safer, more integrated transport network for

Volunteer awards open

Volunteer Wellington has opened nominations for the Mahi Aroha Awards 2023.

The Mahi Aroha Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution and achievements of outstanding volunteers in the community.

The awards are open to any community organisation or business in the Wellington region.

This is a special way to say “thank you” to the volunteers that do so much mahi in many outstanding organisations.

The categories are:

Award – do you have a superstar volunteer you’d like to nominate?

– nominate your amazing board.

Community Award – do you have a business or government agency making a difference to your community organisation?

Nominations close on 19 May.

"We encourage everyone in Wellington to take this opportunity to recognise the inspiring work of their peers and colleagues by nominating them for the Mahi Aroha Awards 2023,” says Julie Thomson, Volunteer Wellington’s Regional Manager . For more information and online nomination forms see www.volunteerwellington.nz.

WELLINGTON OR CHRISTCHURCH, DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS

all road users,” the council’s Head of Transport Jon Kingsbury says.

“Whether people are walking, cycling, scooting or driving, they should feel safe when they are travelling on, or crossing our roads.

"We know reducing speed limits helps improve the safety of our roads. So, we’re consulting on areas where people congregate or go the most, such as shopping and community centres and marae."

Data shows that speeds of less than 30 km/h increase the chance of survival in a collision. The likelihood of a pedestrian or cyclist being severely hurt or killed in a crash with a car travelling at 43km/h is 35%. That likelihood rises to 80% if the car is travelling at 50km/h.

The consultation opened on 8 May and runs until 5 June. The proposed changes can be viewed online and more information is

available at https;//www.huttcity. govt.nz/services/roads-and-parking/roads/speed-reviews.

The council says it will be scanning public feedback and adding updated information throughout the consultation process.

People can submit feedback by email to roadsafety@huttcity.govt. nz or by post to Hutt City Council, Private Bag 31-912, Lower Hutt 5040.

Caring for pets in emergencies

Pet owners are being encouraged to register with a veterinary clinic, understand what services they provide, and have a robust emergency plan in place.

Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) Professional Advisor Seton Butler says the veterinary profession is facing resource shortages and staffing issues similar to that of the public health system, so people need to take this into account in planning their animals’ health care.

“If you have not registered with a clinic, or researched what to do when an emergency happens, you won’t know who to call or where to go,” Seton says.

“That puts you under pressure, and if you just turn up to a clinic, the vet won’t know you are coming or be ready to meet you.

“If you are registered with a

clinic, you know where you are going, the hours they are open, and the availability of emergency services provided by the veterinary clinic to their clients.”

For instance, some larger centres in New Zealand will advise patients to travel directly to a dedicated emergency clinic. These facilities are staffed by veterinarians experienced in treating emergencies and have vet nurses on call.

In some smaller regions on the other hand, if you arrive with an animal not registered to the clinic, you may be asked to drive to an emergency centre or wait to be seen while staff triage cases and source case details.

There are many other advantages to being registered with a veterinary clinic, Seton says.

“All their patients’ records and history are there, and the vet will

be ready to see you.”

Seeing animals throughout the year on a preventative basis also means veterinary teams can provide guidance on conditions, such as dental and skin problems, vaccinations and regular treatments.

“There’s two ways an emergency happens. One is through an accident and the other is poorly planned health care,” Seton says.

“By being registered and having your pet on a clinic’s books, it helps stop preventable issues that could become a problem later.”

“Vets, like doctors, nurses and teachers, are really, really busy right now.

“The main message is to make sure people know the services their clinic delivers, are registered with one, understand what their emergency services are, and have a plan.”

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