Wednesday September 10, 2025
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Huge expansion
By Frank Neill
The school stationery drive launched in Wainuiomata by Nicky Smith in 2023 has expanded massively in the last three “back to school” periods. Te Awakairangi School Stationery Drive began in Wainuiomata in January 2023, and has now expanded into a region-wide service, helping families throughout Lower Hutt, from Wainuiomata up to Trentham.
Continued on page 2.
Nicky Smith and her two children – Harper (on the left) and Joshua – outside the Wainuiomata Community Hub soon after establishing the school stationery drive in 2023.
Frank Neill.
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Surprising number of requests
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The drive has now distributed an estimated $20,000 worth of stationery to tamariki/children across the Hutt Valley over the last three years.
“It really grew quite quickly,”
Nicky says.
“It took us by surprise the number of requests coming through.”
That included schools reaching out to Te Awakairangi School Stationery Drive for assistance for their families who were struggling financially.
This year the drive supported close to 150 wh nau/families with the essential stationery items their tamariki/children needed to start the school year prepared and confident.
This year proved a tough one for the drive, however.
“Financially, donations stayed roughly on par with 2024 with just under $7,500 raised, but physical donations at collection points were noticeably lower,” Nicky says.
“At the same time, we saw a huge increase in demand.
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“It was a classic catch-22: more families needing help, fewer able to give it.”
As a result “we have had to really work hard to budget every dollar we could and complete as many packs [of stationery] as we could,” Nicky says.
“There were definitely moments I worried we wouldn’t be able to meet the demand.
“We had to stretch every dollar and every item further than we
ever have.
“But thanks to an incredible community effort, we got there. We answered every call.”
To make it happen, the drive partnered with K kiri P taka Kai, the Lower Hutt Foodbank, and schools across the region to get supplies directly to the families who needed them.
“These partnerships are critical,” Nicky says.
“It’s proof that community-led solutions work.
“Organisations already rooted in their communities can respond quickly, locally and with compassion.
“We provided the basics: pens, pencils, exercise books, glue sticks, pencil cases – but the impact was much greater than just the supplies,” Nicky says.
“This isn’t just about pens and paper.
“If a child walks into school on day one with everything they need and feels like they belong, that’s powerful. That’s what this is about.
“We know that school attendance has been dropping across the country, and we’re seeing that here too,” says Nicky.
“If supplying basic stationery makes it that little bit easier for a child to turn up and engage in learning, then we’re doing the right thing.”
Planning for the 2026 Stationery Drive is already under way.
“With demand continuing to rise, preparations will begin earlier this year to ensure we’re
Nicky says.
“Fundraising efforts will launch in the coming months, and donation points will return to Hutt City Libraries from December.
“The drive also has a Facebook page where updates will be posted. Follow along to see how you can support.
“Every donation matters. Whether it’s $5, a packet of pencils, or a new school bag, it all adds up,” Nicky says.
“People also reach out throughout the year with one-off donations, and I’m always happy to take those.”
To support the 2026 Te
Awakairangi School Stationery Drive or to donate school supplies, email kiaora.nicky@gmail.com, or visit the drive’s Facebook page facebook.com/TeAwakairangiSchoolStationeryDrive.
“For many wh nau/family, the back-to-school period is one of the most financially stressful times of the year,” Nicky says.
“Uniforms, devices, school bags, new shoes and stationery all hit in the weeks following Christmas, when budgets are already stretched thin.
“That’s why the Te Awakairangi School Stationery Drive was created.”
“Family
Nicky Smith, founder of the hugely beneficial Te Awakairangi School Stationery Drive. Photo: Supplied. ready,”
Intermediate school the winners
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata Intermediate School (WIS) was the winner of a Hutt wide competition organised by Queensgate Shopping Centre.
Two Queensgate staff presented WIS the winning cheque for $10,000 at a school assembly on 3 September.
The competition involved schools preparing and submitting a proposal for a special project they were planning.
Queengate then selected the top three proposals and these were placed on the internet for a public vote.
WIS’s presentation attracted 25,916 votes to emerge the victor.
The school will be using the $10,000 –along with money they have and are still fundraising – to establish a P Harakeke for flax.
It will contain “flax that connects all iwi to our community,” says WIS Assistant Principal Charmaine Russell.
The garden space will also be used for a rongo m ra, a medicinal garden as well as a sensory garden.
WIS attracting more than 25,000 votes was
“amazing,” Charmaine said at the presentation of the cheque for $10,000.
“We are really looking forward to having a place where our tamariki can whakapapa to.”
Queensgate Shopping Centre’s Marketing Manager Jasmine Baker congratulated WIS on winning the competition.
“This is the first year we have launched this campaign,” she said, adding that “it’s been a big success.”
Fundraising to pay for the new P Harakeke is continuing.
This includes WIS running a night market from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 11 September at the school hall.
As well as seeing what the school’s year 8 students have been working on, people at the market will be able to buy souvenirs and food.
Paywave will not be available, so sales will be by cash or card.
The new P Harakeke has begun with the school starting to list the plants for the area.
The design and the paths will take place in term four this year and planting is due to take place in term two next year.
Meet the candidates
People have an opportunity to hear from the candidates for the Wainuiomata Community Board on 14 September.
A Meet the Candidates meeting will be held at the Wainuiomata Community Hub, 1A Queen Street, from 4pm to 5pm.
Eleven candidates are standing for the six seats on the Wainuiomata Community Board.
included are the current board’s Deputy Chair Lesa Bingley, board member Daniel Chrisp, Elle Abel, Simeon Collier-Foley, Sharon Page, Nohokainga Puletaitaha-Lai, Anaru Ryall, Lahraine Sagaga, Vatau Sagaga, Nicky Smith and Mailena Rawiri Woonton.
Correction
In last week’s edition of the “Wainuiomata News” we incorrectly spelled the name of the winner of last year’s inaugural Wainuiomata Hill Run. The winner was Cooper Bewley – not Cooper Bexley as incorrectly printed in the paper.
The second Mitre 10 Mega Wainuiomata Hill run will take place this Saturday, 13 September.
As well as the full hill run of 10km there is a 6.5km half hill run, a 10km full hill walk, a 6.5km half hill walk, a flat 1km dash for children aged 5 to 10 and a 6.5km half hill “buggy” hikoi. The runs starts with the 10km event at 7:30am, followed by the other events and closing with the prizegiving at 11am.
With the cheque for $10,000 Queensgate Shopping Centre presented Wainuiomata Intermediate School (from left) Assistant Principal Charmaine Russell, students Layton Alberts-Tui, Teira Alesana and Indigo Topp, and Jaime Hartley and Jasmine Baker from Queensgate Shopping Centre. Photo: Frank Neill.
Wainuiomata Intermediate School Assistant Principal Charmaine Russell and Principal Craig Sharp standing on the area of the land that will become a Pā Harakeke.
Photo: Frank Neill.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated its 81st birthday on Thursday 4 September.
Fire brigade 81st birthday High School’s International Gala
“We acknowledge and thank all past and current members for adding to our history and also to their families for the amazing support given through the years,” the brigade says in a birthday post on its Facebook page.
The brigade was officially formed on 4 September 1944 following a major house fire in 1943.
This fire led to lengthy deliberations over the months that followed, with Jack Dunn, who would become the brigade’s first superintendent, and Wainuiomata Development Company director Mr Frederick Wise playing leading roles.
The brigade had 19 founding members, and at first they did not have a fire engine.
When the siren sounded Ted Smith would race to the station in his Morris 8 and pick up the necessary gear before driving to the fire.
The brigade would not get its first fire engine, a Ford V8 Marmon Herrington four-wheel drive, until 1946. A former Air Force tender, it remained in service until 1965.
It was not until 1963, however, that the brigade got its first “real” fire engine, a Commer Karier Gamecock.
The first fire station was built in 1945 opposite Wainuiomata School.
The Wainuiomata Development Company donated the land and timber. Stokes Valley donated a Gwynne trailer pump, several lengths of hose and a standpipe, giving the brigade access to underground mains.
A new station was built in Fitzherbert Road during 1971, and was officially opened on 27 July.
Following that, the old fire station was brought from its original site to the Fitzherbert Road station, where the brigade is now stationed.
Wainuiomata High School is running an International Gala on Friday 19 September.
The gala, which will run from 5pm to 8pm, is the first night gala the school has run.
“It’s going to be an awesome night,” the school’s Deputy Principal Matauranga Te Rauna says.
As well as food, craft and other stuff, the gala will feature live performances, which will run from 6pm to 8pm.
The major aim of the gala is “to connect with the community, [and to] share the many cultures of our community through food, arts and crafts, and performances,” Matauranga says.
The school will also be running night tours of its brand-new school facilities – perfect for future Wainuiomata High students and families to explore.
Wainuiomata High is looking for schools, groups and individuals who would like to perform on the night.
People can register to perform by visiting https://forms. gle/7DTmuZgGoq6stszt9 or by contacting the School office.
The school is also calling for stallholders, and there is no charge for taking a stall.
The school is wanting to confirm stallholders by Wednesday 17 September, and people can sign up for a stall at https://forms.
gle/7DTmuZgGoq6stszt9.
The International Gala is being held in three areas of Wainuiomata High School – the main office, the information hub and main school carpark (or the school gym if the weather is wet).
The contact for more information is tekuramatuaowainuiomata@gmail.com.
your Plunket / Well Child books, or call your GP. If you’re not sure, no worries. Contact your doctor to check. It’s safe to get the vaccine again if you have no record of receiving it.
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Gear. Photo: Jamaica - Photo & Design.
Te Rau Matatau graduation
Te Rau Ora private training establishment called Te Rau Matatau held their graduation at Wainuiomata Intermediate School on 23 August.
A group of 42 students (akonga) graduated with the New Zealand Diploma in M ori Public Health (level 6) M ori Mental Health and Addiction.
This NZQA qualification is for health practitioners who work in M ori communities. This programme was delivered at Wainuiomata and Horouta Maraes over a 12 month period. Students (akonga) came from as far as Wairarapa to learn.
Guest Speaker Cheryl Davies provided an excellent overview of the extensive work of Takiri Mai Te Ata Health Collective.
All of the graduands will go on to make a strong contribution to Hauora Services across the Wainuiomata and wider Wellington region.
The event was officiated by Dr Cheryl Stephens Pouwhakahaere of Te Rau Matatau and it was well attended by CEO Riki Niania and board officials.
Local photographer Jamaica - Photo & Design captured this event and local caterers Fine Touch Catering’s Lance and his team provided the great kai.
Overall it was a successful event to celebrate at a great venue. Thanks to Craig Sharp and the team at Wainuiomata Intermediate School.
Surprising election sign
By Frank Neill
An election sign that is something of a surprise has sprung up in Wainuiomata.
The sign is asking people to vote Gia AbelMcEwen for Mayor in 2034.
Although the sign has been put up for the 2025 local body elections, Gia is not a candidate.
There are, in fact, four candidates for Lower Hutt Mayor – Wainuiomata resident Ken Laban, Brady Dyer, Karen Morgan and Prabha Ravi.
The “Wainuiomata News” decided to contact Gia and ask about the sign.
Gia is 11 years old, in year 6 at school.
“I have wanted to be the Mayor since I was five years old and yes I do plan to stand in 2034,” she says.
“So that’s why thesign says 2034 as I can’t stand until I am 20 years old unless the voting
age comes down to 16 years.
“I want to stand for Hutt City Mayor[as the city]has not hada woman Mayor since I have been alive or many woman stand for Mayor.
”If I was Mayor I would have a Youth Council giving advice to me and the Council, which we currently don’t have.
“A M ori Ward seat would be important to have on the Hutt City Council if I was Mayor of Hutt City.
“I would want to have events, buildings and footpaths that were able to be used by all including disabled people or older people,” Gia says.
Gia has the support of her mother, Elle Abel, who is standing for the Wainuiomata Community Board in this year’s local body elections, her father and her wh nau.
Gia “has wanted to run for Mayor since the first time I ran for the Wainuiomata Community Board in 2019,” Elle says.
Te Rau Matatau granduands waiting for the Karanga (from left) Iquarne Te Wiki-Mu, Angus Te Puni, Aroha Taputoro, Katerina Stevens TeKira, Anita Tamaka, Awarau Snowden, Nathania Snowden, Analia Snowden, Te Kahu Retikaukau, Brooke Pateliseo, Skye Maraki, Nicodemus Lopa, Tewairahipere Keelan, Tania James and Rohan
Gia Abel-McEwen and her mother Elle Abel standing beside the sign asking people to vote for Gia as Mayor in 2034. Photo: Supplied.
Wainui’s new national champion
Wainuiomata 11-year-old Peyton Ymker is a national champion.
The Wainuiomata Intermediate School Year 7 student was the overall winner of the Artistic Girls Open step 4 gymnastics competition at the Yespri AIMS Games on 31 August.
The games, held in Tauranga this year, attracted more than 14,000 competitors from 431 New Zealand schools and four international schools.
In winning the title Peyton secured first place in two of the four disciplines in the competition – the vault and the uneven bars.
She also placed fourth in the beam and the floor exercises.
When asked her reaction to winning, Peyton said “I was very surprised.
“I thought I had come second.”
In fact initially the judges thought she had
come second also, but then later announced that Peyton was, in fact, the overall winner. Peyton began her gymnastics career when she was three years old, but then took a break and returned to the sport when she was seven and has continued since then.
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Photo: Frank Neill.
Tough loss in first leg
By Ryan Imray
Pride. Passion. Togetherness. Spirit. Fight. Heart. Family. Just a few words to describe Wainuiomata Football Club that was evident on Saturday as the Capital Premier side made the trip to Whanganui for the first leg of the Central League 2 play-off fixture.
While the result didn't go Wainuiomata’s way, the lads brought the fight on the field and their supporters brought the noise off it.
Wainuiomata went toe-to-toe with a well coached and well organised Whanganui Athletic side who have six import players from overseas and who have only lost one game all year.
Flynn McCaul's header in the sixth minute gave Wainuiomata a lead that sent everyone associated with the club into uncontrollable ecstasy.
Adam Ross had a 25 yard effort brilliantly saved on to the crossbar before Flynn had the ball in the back of the net for a second time. However the linesman deemed Flynn to be in an offside position.
Whanganui saw them have a goal
disallowed just before the break for a hand ball and Wainuiomata deservedly led 1-0 at half time.
Whanganui levelled the game early in the second half and from that moment, Wainui's defence stood tall.
Daniel Stewart in goal claimed multiple crosses and the back four of Jared Nicol, Ben Taylor, Jack Imray and Baxter King displayed body on the line football blocking a number of shots and making several crucial tackles.
The final 20 minutes was end-toend football, Hadley Attewell and Sam Gribben being a constant threat with their pace on the wing.
At times the only way they were stopped was by being fouled.
Just as it seemed the game would be finishing level, Whanganui scored two quick goals in the final five minutes of the game to swing the tie in their favour.
Both sets of fans were loud and backed their sides right until the final whistle.
If you looked up at the newly renovated balcony, there was not an empty spot and you would not be able to tell who was supporting who
if it wasn't for Wainui doing things the typical Wainui way – matching glasses, hand made signs, a top hat that was made the night before and flags that were bigger than any man, woman or child that was there.
The second leg is on Saturday 13 September at Richard Prouse Park
Stellar Ulalei season rewarded
Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball capped off a brilliant season by taking home an impressive 14 trophies at the recent Netball Hutt Valley Awards.
Among the accolades was the prestigious Administrator of the Yearaward, presented to Alofa Aberdein-Tapua’i for her commitment to the club across numerous roles, exemplifying the core values upon which the club was founded.
Alofa is a member of the Premier 1 Ulalei Aute – the back-to-back championship team.
She is also a coach, administrator, fundraiser and role model.
Her dedication to the club and the wider netball community is an inspiring example of leadership through service.
This season, Alofa coached the Ulalei Pualulu team to its first ever championship, a milestone that speaks volumes about her ability to nurture and elevate others.
When the Year 5 and 6 team at St Claudine’s Primary School team
needed a coach, Alofa stepped in.
Her influence was beautifully reflected during the Premier 1 Grand Final, when her young St Claudine’s players formed a guard of honour — beaming with pride as they watched their very own coach compete at the top level.
Alofa is also a member of the Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Komiti.
She spearheaded Ulalei’s fundraising efforts for Relay for Life, raising thousands of dollars for the Cancer Society.
She has been instrumental in organising fundraisers and supporting the club’s operations behind the scenes.
In recognition of her exceptional service across all levels of the club, Alofa was awarded the Vaiula Sagaga Cup for Exemplary Service to the Club at the recent Ulalei prizegiving– a fitting tribute to someone who truly represents the values of Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball.
Her story is a powerful reflection
Wainui student in national
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s regional k rero champion Mya Vulu is about to compete for the New Zealand title.
Mya will deliver her speech in the national competition, Ng Manu k rero in Whanganui on 17 September.
Mya, who attends Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata
Wharekura at Wainuiomata High School, placed first in the Pei Te Hurinui contest at the Hutt Valley-Wairarapa regional Ng Manu k rero competition, held on 3 June.
In doing so Mya claimed victory in this event for the second successive year.
The year before that Mya was also victorious, winning the junior title.
of the heart and dedication within the club that has led to Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball's success.
The club is built on a culture where players don’t just play – they coach, mentor and serve.
Many of Ulalei’s players give back by coaching or managing teams within the club, and in the wider community at secondary schools and intermediate level, creating a cycle of growth, support and excellence that strengthens the entire netball wh nau.
The full list of cups awarded to Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball is:
Ulalei Aute won the Premier 1 cup, Best Goal Average cup in Premier 1 and the Highest Goal Average Cup across all the grades.
Ulalei Malili won the Premier 3 cup and the Senior 1 cup for winning round 1.
Ulalei Pualulu won the Senior 3 cup, and the Senior 3 cup for winning round 1.
Ulalei Moso’oi won the Senior
where Wainuiomata will need to overcome the two-goal deficit.
If there is anywhere in Wellington they can do that, it is at home in front of the loyal and vocal Wainuiomata community.
With that being said, the club is putting the call out to the community to get down to Richard
Prouse Park and be the 12th man to help the boys get over the line and be louder then the bus full ofWhanganuisupporters who will be making the trip down. Kick off in the second leg of the play off for a spot in the Central League is at 2:45pm at Richard Prouse Park on 13 September.
4 cup, the Senior 4 cup round for winning round 1 and the Best Goal Average cup for Senior 4.
Ulalei Fuesina won the Reserve 1 cup.
Ulalei Laga’ali won the Reserve
Best Goal Average for round 2
Netball Hutt Valley School Coach of the Year – Justin Wilson. Netball Hutt Valley Administrator of the Year -–Alofa AberdeinTapua’i.
The Wainuiomata supporters on the balcony, one wearing a top hat especially made the night before. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Katie Hawley holds up a sign in support of Wainuiomata player and her partner Hadley Attewell. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Alofa Aberdein-Tapua'i receives the Administrator of the Year from Tasi Betteridge and Central Pulse's mascot Flossie. Photo: Supplied.
3
Mya Vulu with the trophy she won at the regional Ngā Manu Kōrero competition. Photo: Supplied.
