Wednesday June 11, 2025
Weather station planned
By Frank Neill
A new state of the art weather station in Wainuiomata is currently being planned. Wainuiomata born and brought up Daniel Talbot, who set up the award winning Upper Hutt Weather Station, has begun fund raising for the project. Continued on page 2.
Daniel Talbot
the Upper Hutt Weather Station.
Supplied.
at
Photo:
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Best weather instruments in the world
Continued from page 1
“I’m quite excited about it,” Daniel says.
“We have got just over $3,000 donated so far.
He is aiming to raise $200,000 for the new weather station.
“Obviously we’ve got a long way to go yet, but it’s a step in the right direction,” he says.
“The weather station will have the best weather instruments in the world and it will be state of the art, like the one in Upper Hutt.”
Daniel established the Upper Hutt Weather Station following a successful community fundraising initiative.
When it was completed it went on to win the Heritage and Environment Award at last year’s Wellington Airport Awards.
“That was incredible. I will never forget that,” Daniel says.
“I’ve also been given a Civic Award by the Upper Hutt City Council for the weather station.
“I’m one of the youngest to receive a Civic Award as well.”
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The Upper Hutt community donated more than $70,000 towards the project and the rest of the funding came “through business sponsorships and things like that.”
Located at St Joseph’s School
“it is one of the best weather stations in New Zealand,” Daniel says.
“At this stage there is no chosen location [for the Wainuiomata
Weather Station].
“Central Wainuiomata is going to be the best place for it.
“Somewhere around the CBD would be awesome.
“It needs to be visible to the community as well.”
There are three things Daniel lists as being important for the new station. It needs to be on a grass area, it will need power and it will need a fibre internet connection.
Wainuiomata does not currently have an official weather station, and one is important because of the different weather dynamic between the valley and the Hutt.
“All we need now is for the Wainuiomata community to get behind it, and let’s start crowd funding for it,” Daniel says.
People can donate by paying into the bank account number 11 7286 0486553 88.
“Donate and comment with ‘Done’.
“Share and Tag any friends, as many as you can. By doing this the algorithm shares the post with more members. Any help is greatly appreciated.”
Developing the weather station will take a number of years, Daniel says.
“It took me seven long years to crowd fund for the Upper Hutt Weather Station.
“If the community supports it then I’m into it.
“I think that’s really important, having that community spirit and community engagement,”
Daniel says.
With the Upper Hutt Weather Station, “I’m in partnership with the Met Service.
“Having a weather station that’s official is one of the benefits of having the Met Service as a partner.”
Another benefit is that “the weather data will always be free to the community,” Daniel says.
“I am proud to say I am a child
“Family working for Families in Tasman”
The Homestead is in the heart of Wakefield Village.
Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
of this little town.
“It was my playground as a kid and I hold many wonderful memories here.
“From doing Scouts to Playing Rugby and Cricket it was awesome.”
Wainuiomata, Daniel says, is a “community full of pride, surrounded by mountains with the rugged south coast and gateway to the Remutaka Forest Park.”
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A weather station like this one in Upper Hutt is planned for Wainuiomata. Photo: Supplied.
Wainui student wins korero contest
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata student Mya Vulu is a 2025 korero champion.
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 Nga Manu Korero competition, held on 3 June.
In doing so Mya claimed victory in this event for the second successive year.
The year before Mya was also victorious, winning the junior title.
Following her top placing, Mya will compete in the national Nga Manu Korero competition, to be held in Whanganui from 16 to 18 September.
Wainuiomata student Braddock Akuhata
also claimed a high finish when he was second to Mya in the Pei Te Hurinui competition.
The Pei Te Hurinui competition comprises the prepared senior Reo Maori and the impromptu Reo Maori.
Another second placing also came to a Te Kura Matua student, Keelan Renata.
Keelan was runner-up in the Korimako competition, comprising senior English impromptu and senior English prepared.
Journey-Leigh Reno Tautau completed the top placings by Te Kura Matua students with third place in Ta Turi Kara (junior English) competition.
Eight students from Te Kura Matua competed in the regional Nga Manu Korero competition and they all performed very well.
Matariki celebration at the Marae
By Frank Neill
Matariki will be celebrated at the Wainuiomata Marae on Friday 20 June.
It will begin with the Hautapu Ceremony at 5:30am – a sacred dawn ceremony to honour Matariki and remember those who passed away during the year – and continue to 9pm.
“We’re putting in themahi to make Matariki in Wainuiomata 2025 something truly special – a day for reflection, connection and celebration,” the organisers say.
“All are welcome.”
Following the Hautapu Ceremony there will be a community breakfast, where people can gather together to share warm kai and korero.
A night market will feature during the evening, running from 4pm to 9pm.
This night market will feature stalls, entertainment and activiities.
It will include performances by local musi-
cians and entertainers, led by Snow Chase’s band Five Six Four.
A competition to find the 2025 Omata Idol will also take place during the night market.
“Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage pro, this is your time to shine,” says Omata FM who are running the Omata Idol competition.
As well as the live performances, there will be free tamariki activities, a free sausage sizzle, delicious kai stalls, free health services and unique arts and crafts by Wainuiomata’s talented local small businesses.
Open to all cultures and walks of life, the Matariki celebration at the Wainuiomata Marae will be a free family-friendly event.
The Matariki celebration at the Marae is brought to Wainuiomata by Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services, Love Wainuiomata, Wainuiomata Marae, TiHei Rangatahi and Omata FM.
Humanoid Olympiad
A new Olympiad will be held at Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, this year.
The inaugural International Humanoid Olympiad will run from 29 August to 2 September at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia. The event will see humanoid robots participate in demonstrations and Olympic-inspired games, showcasing their dexterity and intelligence. Global leaders in robotics and AI will also share insights through expert talks and workshops. Blending millennia-old values, ethos and ideals with a bold vision for the future, the event will spotlight how human creativity and robotics are shaping the future. Initiated by Acumino, a pioneering scale-up in Robotic Intelligence, and co-organised with Endeavor Greece, the organisation that helps high impact entrepreneurs scale and multiply their impact, the Humanoid Olympiad invites the world to witness how humans and machines can learn, evolve and inspire one another.
Mya Vulu with the trophy she won at the regional Nga Manu Korero competition.
Photo: Supplied.
New look Community Board coming
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata will have a new look Community Board following the upcoming local body elections.
Two of the current board members –Gary Sue and Tamsyn Harker – told the “Wainuiomata News” that they will not be seeking re-election.
“It's been an honour to represent Wainuiomata these past three years,” Tamsyn says, adding that she “looks forward to engaging with future boards as a member of the community".
A third current board member – Leah Clark – said she will probably not stand. If her current plan for the future takes place, she will not stand, although there was a possibility that plan could change, in which case she would stand.
Only one current board member – Daniel Chrisp – has said he will be standing for re-election to the board.
Daniel is a cemeteries manager, having worked in the sector for more than six years.
Before that he was a school caretaker for three years and volunteered for nine years as a youth pastor for his church.
He helped start the Poole Crescent community gardens and enjoys golf, woodworking and gardening in his spare time.
The other two board members – Te Awa Puketapu, who is the board’s Chair, and Lesa Bingley, who is the board’s Deputy Chair – have yet to decide whether or not they will be standing.
The current Hutt City Council has four Wainuiomata residents sitting at the Council table.
They are the Mayor, Campbell Barry, the Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown and City Wide Councillors Gabriel Tupou and Josh Briggs.
The Mayor has already announced that
he will not be standing for re-election. Cr Tupou told the “Wainuiomata News” that he will be seeking re-election to the Council.
However he had yet to decide in what capacity, as there are two options available, standing as a City Wide Councillor or standing as a Ward Councillor.
Cr Brown told the “Wainuiomata News” that she had not yet decided whether she will be standing for reelection.
Cr Briggs was on holiday and not available by telephone when the “Wainuiomata News” was contacting current elected representatives.
The “Wainuiomata News” is keen to hear from local people who are going to stand for election to the Mayoralty, the Council or the Community Board.
Candidates can contact Frank Neill by email at frank@wsn.co.nz or by phone at 027 490 3916.
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The current Wainuiomata Community Board, which is nearing the end of its term (from left) Lesa Bingley, Tamsyn Harker, Leah Clark, Daniel Chrisp, Cr Keri Brown, Gary Sue and Te Awa Puketapu. Photo: Supplied.
Wind tears up Konini School roof
By Frank Neill
The high winds that hit Wainuiomata overnight on 4 and 5 June peeled back a roof at Konini Primary School.
The major damage to the school library’s roof, which was at risk of coming off, led to the school being closed on 5 June. It also led to a callout for the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade early on the Wednesday morning.
“The wind was pretty severe,” Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson says.
“I suspect it was about 2:30 when it happened because there was a huge gust at the time.”
When the brigade arrived at the school “it was too dangerous for us to be able to get onto the roof,” CFO Thompson says.
Firefighters determined that it needed experts in roofing to secure the roof.
However the brigade was able to provide salvage and to cover the books in the library so they did not get water damaged.
After being closed for the day on 5 June for safety reasons, the school reopened on 6 June after workers secured the library roof.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade just after arriving at Konini Primary School surveying the badly damaged roof. Photo: Supplied.
Matariki celebration begins next week
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s first Matariki celebration, Ko Puanga raua ko Matariki – Pohutukawa, will be held on Thursday 19 June.
It will start with a Hautapu on Pito One Beach at 6am.
This will take place next to the Oars and opposite Cuba Street lights.
Following a karakia there will be fire and taonga puoro to see out the old year, Puanga, and Herald in the new year, Matariki.
“It will be a place to remember those who have passed from July last year to now,” says the event’s organiser Louana Fruean. “Puanga sees out the old year and Matariki brings in the new.
“This year we are focusing on the star Pohutukawa, where we remember the people that have passed away from last year to this year.
“Te waka a Rangi carries those people and when it dives down into the horizon, the net casts out all the people and they turn into stars.”
This year’s Matariki celebration “will provide those attending a time to remember
people who have passed and also to see the Tangaroa moon phase and set goals.”
After the Hatapu on Pito One Beach people will walk or drive to Petone Beach Kindergarten for quick kai.
The celebration will then move to the town centre in Queen Street, where the programme will run from 10:30am to 10pm.
Lunch is provided, with a free sausage sizzle, jam cream sponge and fry bread. Tamariki activities finish around 1pm to 1:30pm.
Kaumatua (elderly) get together for karaoke and bingo from 2pm to 4:30pm.
Following a performance by Arohanui Strings, a 100 free sit down hangi will take place in the community hall at 5pm.
“This year our Taranaki cousins have donated Maori riwai, kumara, and pumpkin for our hangi,” Louana says.
Workshops for adults will take place from 6:30pm until 10pm. They will include workshops on bone carving, taonga puoro, raranga (weaving), seed sovereignty and music.
“Mitre 10 Wainuiomata is also donating plants and staff to help tamariki pot up and learn about plants. The Lions are coming to help with the barbeque.
“Our organising group are a bunch of local w hine volunteering for this event.”
Whanau Manaaki Kindergartens applied for funding from Hutt City Council for the celebration and were successful.
Planting
day
Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is running a planting day at Parangarahu Lakes on Saturday 14 June. The lakes are important to the surrounding environment and are home to native taonga.
at Parangarahu Lakes
E: grahamspaintersnz @gmail.com
www.grahamspainters.nz
(04) 564 9202 021 183 9492
This includes a range of wetland plants, inanga (galaxias maculatus), manu (birds), and our native freshwater mussel, the kakahi.
This planting day is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of physical activity, as people participating will be carrying plants and digging holes.
GWRC will provide free transport from Burdan’s Gate, Eastbourne, to the Lower Pencarrow Lighthouse at the harbour entrance and onto the
entrance of the first lake.
GWRC asks people to book their seat as numbers are limited. No private cars will have access.
51. Aquatic mammal. (8)
Stuntman,(9).
British P.M.1976-79, James (9)
Rough wool fabric. (5)
Baffle. (7)
Terra ... , dry land. (5)
Unwanted. (8)
Excluded from society. (10)
Auspicious occassion, ... -letter day. (3)
Whirlpool. (4)
Loss of memory. (7)
Strictness. (6)
Australian bird. (3)
Tribunal. (5)
29. walk leisurely. (7)
32. Under(poetic). (5)
33. Officers’ servant, man. (3)
34. N.Z. bird. (3)
35. Eggs. (3)
36. Saunter (5)
37. Facial feature. (7)
38. Impish dwarf. (5)
39. Prosecute. (3)
41. Delirium. (6)
42. More robust. (7)
44. Cow-house. (4)
47. Escort on departure, off. (3)
49. Sprite,(Irish folklore). (10)
55. Delete. (5)
56. Illicit relationship. (7)
57. Hawaiian farewell. (5)
58. Jewel set by itself. (9)
59. Last day .(9)
DOWN
1. Easing of hostility between nations. (7)
2. Male ruff. (5)
3. Cheat. (6)
4. Morning star (5)
5. Fast time (4)
6. Large statue(pl). (7)
7. Sheen. (6)
8. Loving. (12)
9. Standard frequency unit. (5)
10. Early species of man. (11)
15.Solid carbon dioxide. ... ice.(3)
16. Dutch cheese. (4)
19. Disprove. (6)
21. Lasting. (7)
23. Collection of peacocks. (6)
25. Rhetoric. (7)
26. Theft by an enployee. (12) 27. Graze. (6)
Timidity. (11)
Small lump. (3)
People can book by visiting GWRC’s website, www.gw.govt.nz. The Council will also provide plants, planting tools and gloves.
31. Long,vehement speech. (6)
44.
50.
40. Constellation, minor. (4)
43. Fawn upon. (7)
Turkish governer. (3)
45. Rapture. (7)
46. Hot sauce. (6)
48.Colourless,odourless gas. (6)
Small medicine bottle. (5)
Joins (5)
Haughty. (5)
Catch sight of. (4)
The hautapu ceremony at the 2023 Matariki celebration. The musicians playing are (from left) Shane James, David Trinder, Joe Taylor and Ripeka Hori. Photo: Frank Neill.
Parangarahu Lakes. Photo: Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Tough weekend for Football
By Ryan Imray
It was a weekend to forget for the Wainuiomata Football Club as only one out of the eight senior teams managed to win their game.
With several injuries in the squad, Pasifika Old Boys had to default their game Brooklyn United meaning that game goes down as a 3-0 win to Brooklyn.
The horrific weather cancelled many games on the Saturday, including the Masters 6 game between the Wainuiomata OCs and North Wellington.
In the Capital Premier league and the only home fixture of the weekend, Wainuiomata welcomed 2023 and 2024 champions and current league leaders Wellington Olympic to Richard Prouse.
A game played in pouring rain was an entertaining match that ultimately ended in heart breakas Wellington Olympic clawed their way back from 3-1 down to win 4-3.
The Reserves played the late fixture at Upper Hutt in another entertaining game full of goals between two teams at the top of the table.
It was Upper Hutt who sadly came out on top, defeating the Wainuio-
mata Reserves 5-3.
The Thirds had a tough day at the office losing 6-1 to Tawa while Halfbaked Roundballs suffered a narrow defeat going down 3-2 to Miramar.
Pasifika Originals in Masters 4 were the only Wainui side to walk away with a win as they defeated Tawa away from home 4-1.
The women suffered just their second defeat of the season at Miramar Park.
Despite a player of the day performance from goalkeeper Beth Jackson-Jupp who pulled off more saves than I can count, they unfortunately fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Junior Football began the second half of the season after all the sides were regraded and while some of the games were cancelled because of the weather, some games were still able to go ahead and that included the Girls Only Under 12 side, Wainuiomata Whakanui.
They travelled to Karori in their first game after being promoted up a grade and it was a tightly contested match which Wainui eventually won 2-0 thanks to a Sophie Brown strike and a deflected corner late in the game.
Wainui Lioness team lead League table
By Frank Neill
The Wainiomata Lioness Rugby League team continued their unbeaten run in the premier competition with a convincing 32-10 victory over the St George Dragons on 8 June.
The Lioness team dominated the second half of the match, played at Canons Creek Park, after the scores were tied 6-6 at half time.
They then ran in five second half tries while St George could only manage one touch down.
The win sees the Lioness team lead the table on four points after the first two round of the competition, one point ahead of the Porirua Valkyrie and Randwick.
Kiri Gronbeck touched down twice for Wainuiomata.
Mary-Ann Collins, Louise Tangitutu, Aca-
cia Claridge-Te Iwimate and Teina Puketapu each scored one try and Teina kicked four conversions.
Next Sunday will see a top of the table clash between the Wainuiomata Lioness and Porirua Valkyrie at Frederick Wide Park.
Kick off in the 15 June game is at 1pm.
The premier men’s team did not have such a good day on 7 June.
They were beaten 28-16 by the Otaki-based Whiti Te Ra.
The first half of the match was very closely contested, and saw the teams go to the break level at 10-10.
However Whiti Te Ra came out the strongest in the second half to take out the win.
Joshua Le’afa-Pake, John Wharpapa-Rawiri and Eruwera Tu scored tries for the Wainuiomata Lions.
Tiaki Nager kicked two conversions.
New Water Board directors
Three new directors have been appointed to the Wellington Water Board.
Wellington Water Committee Chair and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the new appointments strengthen the board’s overall depth of experience.
“We were looking for directors in key areas of expertise and skills that complement the strengths of existing board members and make for a well-rounded team to tackle the challenges ahead.
The newly appointed directors are Gillian Peacock, Ben Pitchforth and David Adamson.
“Gillian brings crucial expertise in organisational change management, Ben has extensive experience in IT systems and management, and David’s significant background in infrastructure will be a valuable asset at the Board,” Mayor Barry says.
These appointments bring the board back up to full strength, with Board Chair Nick Leggett now supported by six independent directors.
Board members are appointed by the Wellington Water Committee, made up of the region’s mayors and iwi representatives.
Current Board members have warmly welcomed the new appointments, with Board Chair Nick Leggett sharing particular praise for the breadth and depth of relevant knowledge these new appointments bring to the board.
“After a long wait, we are delighted to have our board back to full strength,” Nick says.
“With Gillian, Ben and David’s expertise we can move full steam ahead and make the right decisions now to ready the organisation for the transition to the new entity.”
Wainui dominating women’s Rugby
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata premier women’s Rugby team continues to lead the Izzy Ford Cup competition following a convincing 32-7 victory over Avalon on 7 June.
Playing on their home gound of William Jones Park, Wainuiomata dominated the match, scoring six tries to Avalon’s one.
This saw them end the day with a big lead on the Izzy Ford Cup table. Wainuiomata has 10 points, double the tally that second placed Poneke and Paremata-Plimmerton have managed.
The match was huge for Zoe Clark.
Not only did she chalk up a milestone when she ran onto the field for her 50th match wearing the green and black, Zoe also scored two tries.
Unsurprisingly she was named Most Valuable Player and awarded three MVP points, with Acacia Claridge-Te Iwimate gaining two points and Trenell Leota one point.
Zoe began playing for Wainuiomata in 2016.
Since then she has been a consistent and committed presence within the club both on and off the field.
Known for her loyalty, work ethic and love of the game, she is a role model for younger players coming through the ranks.
Canon Hakaraia also scored two tries for Wainuiomata and Nesa Galuefa and Aamai Roberts dotted down once each.
Acacia Claridge-Te Iwimate kicked one conversion.
The semi-finals of the Izzy Ford Cup will be played next Saturday, 14 June.
Wainuiomata will once again play Avalon at William Jones Park, and Paremata-Plimmerton will face off against Poneke.
The two winners will then meet in the Izzy Ford Cup final on Saturday 21 June at Rugby League Park. Kick off is at 11am.
Peter Umaga-Jensen also starred during the week.
He was named Super Rugby’s Player of the
Week for the round 16 matches, following the popular vote.
Peter was the star in the Hurricane’s bonus point 64-12 victory over Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium on 31 May.
Playing at second five eight, he scored two tries. One was an incredible 50 metre solo effort, where he evaded player after opposing player.
Peter began his Rugby career when he was just five years old, playing for Wainuiomata. It was not such a good day for the premier men’s team on 7 June. They were beaten 48-19 by the Upper Hutt Rams at William Jones Park. Dion Lealofi, Renata Kotuhi and Jordan Sului scored tries for the green and blacks and Andrew Wells kicked two conversions. Wainuiomata’s next match is against Avalon at Fraser Park on 14 June.
Ben Taylor and Jack Imray go for the ball in testing conditions. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Zoe Clark with the plaque commemorating her 50th premier game for Wainuiomata. Photo: Supplied.
Clean sweep by Ulalei Netballers
By Vaegaau Isaac
Ulalei turned up the heat this week, delivering a clean sweep as all seven Netball teams were victorious.
In the Premier 1 grade, defending champions Aute delivered a commanding performance from start to finish, overpowering Naenae Collegians with a decisive 54–38 win.
Emma Murray-Fifita dazzled in the shooting circle, showcasing her silky skills with dynamic footwork and pinpoint accuracy that completely outclassed the opposition.
In a tightly contested Premier 2 grade clash, Puataunofo and High School Old Girls went goal for goal in a thrilling encounter.
However, Puataunofo found their rhythm late in the third quarter, surging ahead to establish a 10-goal lead heading into the final stretch.
In the final quarter, the team swiftly adapted to the officiating style, leveraging their skill and fitness to secure a hardfought 58–53 victory.
Malili came out firing in their Senior 1 clash, racing to an astonishing 15–2 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their momentum carried through the game, with their sharp shooters keeping the scoreboard ticking. The team’s cohesive play and relentless pressure proved too much for the Avalon Rugby, as Malili secured an impressive 45–24 win. Pualulu delivered a strong performance
to secure a 38–29 win over Tautoko Aiga. Holding a narrow five-goal lead at halftime, Pualulu dominated the pivotal third quarter – often called the ‘championship quarter’ – to establish a strong and ultimately unassailable lead.
Moso’oi extended their dominant run in the Senior 4 grade with a commanding 47–13 victory over High School Old Girls. Despite missing several key players, the team showcased impressive depth and cohesion, underlining their strength across the team.
Fuesina’s young guns delivered a spirited performance to clinch a hard-fought win over seasoned campaigners Maidstone United.
With superior skill, relentless energy, and impressive fitness, the Ulalei development team outpaced and outclassed their much more experienced opponents 38 – 30.
Laga’ali clinched their first win of the round with an exciting 36–26 triumph over Maidstone United.
The team hit their stride early, showcasing strong connections and excellent teamwork.
With new players seamlessly integrating into the team, Laga’ali delivered a confident and cohesive performance to secure a well-earned victory.
Ulalei gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Pacific Health Services and their commitment to empowering our members and their wh nau through education on healthy nutrition and the importance of physical wellbeing.
Dog art features across the city
The city’s youngest creatives are taking centre stage in Hutt City Council’s 2025 dog registration campaign, with their artwork set to feature across the city.
Earlier this year, Council’s Animal Services team ran a drawing and colouring competition inviting local tamariki to showcase their artistic take on man’s best friend. Entries flooded in from across Lower Hutt.
A selection of the most eye-catching and heartwarming pieces now appears on signage, posters, email headers and Council’s social media.
For Ava,14, seeing her artwork of Pipi on a local signboard was a bigger thrill than the prize pack they received for being one of the top four winners.
“Mum came home and told me to hop in the car. I didn’t know where on earth we
were going.
“She pulled up next to the Naenae signboard and just said, ‘Ta da!’ It was such a cool surprise.”
Council’s Animal Services Manager Duncan Pratt says the campaign has been a hit.
“We’ve had dog owners and sign printers telling us how much they’ve enjoyed these artworks.
“It’s a simple way to spread some smiles while encouraging responsible pet ownership.”
More of the children’s dog-themed masterpieces will roll out in the coming weeks, just in time for the 2025 dog registration period. Invoices began to be sent out from 9 June. Dog owners are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted registration fee by paying in full before 31 July.
GARDENING THIS WEEK
GARLIC: By Wally Richards
Yes readers its that time of the year when we once again plant our garlic cloves and dream of big fat bulbs in December/January to harvest.
That once was a normal pattern but has, in the last few years, gone from a dream to a nightmare as a dreaded rust commonly known as Garlic Rust; invaded New Zealand with devastating outcomes at harvest.
Small bulbs with tiny cloves not worth the effort of peeling to use.
I remember the days when one could pop a few fat cloves into a rich garden soil and forget them till harvest time which 99 times out of a hundred one would have big bulbs with fat cloves to hang in strings, for all the world to see and obviously be security against roaming Vampires.
Garlic rust, a fungal disease, was first identified in New Zealand in 2015.
Thats 10 years of misery and frustration.
Here what one lot of professional growers have realised (taken from internet)
Rust does NOT transfer to the seed, thankfully you can still plant cloves from plants that were affected with rust.
Rust species, Puccinia allii, lives on LIVE allium (onion, leek, garlic, elephant garlic, chive, bunching onion, and spring onion) plant matter.
If you grow other alliums in the garden particularly leeks as their growing season is the other half of the year from garlic, you may find the spores will remain in your garden and re-inoculate your crop.
Fortunately, once the plant dies, so do the spores of the rust fungus.
My (their) research initially led me to believe that only this specific species effects alliums, but I have seen in our garden rust spread from non-allium plants such as grass to our garlic. I now keep an eye out in spring for any rust on any plant and if it appears I try to remove the plant on a calm, no wind moment, and bag it to be taken out of the garden.
Rust is a fungal spore that spreads on the WIND especially in moist environments.
The longer the leaves and any surrounding weeds stay wet the more that the rust will spread. Wet springs bring more rust then dry ones.
We have successfully for the last two seasons planted our garlic up wind (from our prevailing wind in spring) from leeks and we plant our main crop garlic up wind from our early garlics. This technique is very effective at limiting the spread of the spores.
Garlic rust has two types of spores, orange and black. The black spores are the ones that hunker down and wait for the right climatic
conditions and then start to produce the orange spores.
These spread all over the leaves and significantly impact the growth of the crop by blocking photosynthesis and stressing the plant overall.
Plant spacing and placement in the garden is very important. Traditionally, we have planted garlic as close to 10-15cm apart in a bio intensive grid pattern.
Those days a long gone, as this means all their leaves are touching, and the rust can then spread like wildfire. We now plant garlic in rows at 25cm spacing, and the cloves in the rows also at 25cm spacing.
(Thats not much good in small gardens but spacing is a help)
We use mulch (grass clippings or straw) and weed regularly to allow for as much air movement as possible so plants can dry faster.
We also plant each garlic bed spread out across the whole garden with no two beds next to each other. In the past, we would have a garlic patch, this meant that if rust presented, it would soon spread to the whole plot.
With the spreading out technique, if one bed gets rust, other beds don't. In the home garden even if you are only planting a small number of cloves I would recommend spreading them out so you don’t have all your plants together.
(Thats a good move and plant some even in flower gardens)
Early planting is probably the most effective thing we have done to date.
Planting your early and main crop garlics in March/April gives the plants a head start on growth. By November when the spores seem to get out of hand, the crop is more developed and better able to size up, regardless of rust.
Variety choice is important. We have consistently found our early garlics (Early Pearl and Early Purple) to be less affected by the rust than the main crop varieties.
Elephant Garlic, is actually a leek and neither leeks or elephant garlic are affected by the rust, so choose wisely when planting. A fail safe choice seems to be elephant garlic.