13 March Wainuiomata News

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Tailoring bus service to meet local needs

Continued from page 1

Ms Harker is both a community board member and the Wainuiomata representative on Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Public Transport Advisory Group.

The primary aim of the transport hui was to understand the hopes and concerns of residents regarding an improved bus service tailored to meet the evolving needs of Wainuiomata’s growing population.

Attendees at work during Wainuiomata’s transport

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At the meeting Ms Harker expressed her eagerness to gauge residents’ sentiments.

She emphasised the crucial role of community input in shaping a more appealing and accessible public transport system.

“Understanding what is most important to locals is paramount in encouraging them to opt for public transport,” she said.

During the meeting residents were invited to share their ideal public transport service and to describe the barriers preventing them from using buses as their primary mode of travel.

“A recurring demand from the discussions was the necessity for a direct service” between Wainuiomata and Wellington, Cr Brown says.

This is “a plea that has echoed throughout the community for years.

“Residents expressed frustration at the glaring disparity between Wainuiomata’s size and the absence of direct bus routes, contrasting sharply with the services provided to smaller communities like Eastbourne.”

Noting attendees’ sentiments, Cr Brown questioned the fairness of this discrepancy, highlighting the need for an equitable distribution of resources across all communities.

“While the issues were well articulated during the meeting, many innovative ideas were also presented to enhance transport efficiency within Wainuiomata,” Cr Bown says.

Ms Harker has launched an online survey to ensure comprehensive community involvement and capture a diverse range of perspectives on transport.

The survey is at http://tinyurl. com/wainuibussurvey.

“Residents of all ages and backgrounds were encouraged to participate, further amplifying

the collective voice advocating for improved public transport infrastructure,” Cr Brown says.

“This inclusive approach underscores the commitment to representing and addressing the community’s multifaceted needs.”

The urgency around public transport in the area is underscored by Wainuiomata’s substantial population growth in recent years, currently standing at nearly 22,000 residents.

“Addressing transportation needs effectively holds the potential to alleviate the daily congestion caused by the significant number of cars commuting over the hill, contributing to both environmental and societal benefits,” Cr Brown says.

The meeting also discussed the government’s plans to halve its spending on public transport, raising concerns about the plans for Wainuiomata.

do a fraction of what it might like to do for Wainuiomata,”

Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Quention Duthie told the transport hui.

Cr Duthie is a member of the regional council’s transport committee.

“In the face of these challenges, the need for collective advocacy and sustained community engagement becomes even more pressing,” Cr Brown says.

“Despite the obstacles ahead, the momentum generated by this meeting promises ongoing dialogue and tangible action.

“Residents are urged to stay engaged through upcoming meetings and actively participate in the ongoing survey.

“The quest for improved public transport in Wainuiomata is a shared goal, and by working together, residents and local officials can navigate the challenges ahead and pave the way for a

hui. Photo: Supplied.

Roading programme fantastic news

By Frank Neill

It’s “fantastic news for Wainuiomata” that the Petone to Grenada Link Road and the Cross Valley Link have been named by the government as “Roads of National Significance”, says Hutt South MP Chris Bishop.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced on 4 March that the government was re-introducing the Roads of National Significance programme.

The new programme includes 15 “crucial projects to support economic growth and regional development across New Zealand,” Mr Brown says.

“I’ve pushed hard for these projects [the Petone to Grenada Link Road and the Cross Valley Link] for many years and they’re now a step closer to reality,” Mr Bishop says.

“The Cross Valley Link will provide a new route across the Hutt from east to west and will make it much easier for Wainuiomata residents to get to State Highway 2 – reducing travel times and taking pressure off the Esplanade.

“The Petone to Grenada Link Road will reduce congestion on State Highway 2, increase resilience and help drive economic growth in the Hutt and the wider region,” Mr Bishop says.

“These projects have been talked about for years.

“Under National, they’ll be a reality and I’ll continue to push their case as the MP for Hutt South.”

The inclusion of the Cross Valley link in the government’s national roading programme has been welcomed by Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry.

“We absolutely welcome the news from Government that the Cross Valley Link will be prioritised within their transport programme,” Mayor Barry said via Twitter.

“This East to West connection, connecting to State Highway 2, is absolutely vital from a resilience perspective — particularly Seaview/ Gracefield as the Wellington Region’s

largest industrial area.

“It will also significantly improve the current traffic congestion and challenges when we have accidents/ major works on the Valley Floor which often can gridlock the entire city.”

The new Cross Valley link will provide a series of improvements, including a new west-east connection across the Hutt Valley. This will be a multi-modal transport corridor on a Wakefield Street to White Line/ Randwick Road alignment.

It will divert traffic away from The Esplanade in Petone.

The Petone to Grenada Link Road will provide a new transport link between Tawa/Porirua and the Hutt Valley.

It is expected to improve travel on two of Wellington’s main highways and resolve some critical issues that affect day-to-day travel and the region’s ability to manage events such as crash-related closures, earthquakes or storms.

“Investments in these essential corridors will make it easier for New Zealanders to get where they need to go, create a more productive and resilient transport network, drive economic growth, and unlock land for thousands of new houses.,” Mr Brown says.

How do you want to be represented?

Greater Wellington Regional Council wants to hear community views on how the people of Wainuiomata are represented on the council.

In particular it wants people’s views on whether Greater Wellington’s constituency arrangements are fair and effective .

It is doing this as part of the council’s Representation Review.

The six-yearly review helps council determine the best way to serve the region’s diverse communities, the council says.

The primary measure for determining fair representation under the Local Electoral Act 2001 is the population that each councillor represents, while effective representation reflects communities of interest in the region.

The review, which could affect the number of councillors elected to the regional council, coincides with above average annual population growth in the region of 7.1% from 2017

to 2023.

Greater Wellington Regional Council currently has 13 councillors representing six constituencies, with a councillor representing a region-wide Māori constituency due to be elected in 2025.

Currently there are three councillors representing Lower Hutt – Cr Ken Laban, Cr Quentin Duthie and Cr David Bassett.

The council is currently conducting a preliminary engagement with the community on representation.

Following the consultation an initial proposal will be developed, which the public will be able to submit on, before the council finalises representation for the next two elections.

For more information on the review and to participate visit Representation Review

Preliminary Engagement | Have Your Say | Greater Wellington (gw.govt.nz).

Hutt South MP Chris Bishop. Photo: Supplied.

A map of the proposed new Cross Valley Link, indicating the route as a red line.

Regional council voting on 19.8% rates rise

Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Long Term Plan Committee will vote this Thursday, 14 March, on a 19.8% rates increase consultation.

The rates increase will be included in the draft Long Term Plan (LTP) for 2024-34 the committee will be voting to put out for public consultation.

If it opts for a 19.8% rates increase this would equates to an approximate average increase per week of $3.57 for the residential ratepayer, $7.04 for the business ratepayer and $2.51 for the rural ratepayer region wide.

The Long Term Plan Committee, made up of councillors and mana

whenua, will consider the LTP’s draft Consultation Document and Supporting Information, which includes propositions to purchase Horizons Regional Council’s stake in CentrePort Limited and lease land for two new bus depots in Lyall Bay and north Wellington, in line with Metlink’s Asset Control Strategy.

Greater Wellington and Long Term Plan Committee Chair Daran Ponter says the benefits and risks of each proposal have been set out for the public to consider

“Public feedback is integral to setting the direction of our region through the Long Term Plan,” he says.

Craft show a huge success

The Wainuiomata Craft Show returned to the valley on Sunday 10 March after a four year absence.

The show was hosted for the first time by the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church and was unanimously voted as a huge success by both the entrants and the many members of the public who came to view the entries.

There were more than 90 entrants who submitted in excess of 500 items into the competition.

The winners of each category were presented certificates denoting their placing.

The winner of the Supreme Award as judged by the two independent judges was Ainslie Alexander from Patea who won the CWI Cup for her entry “Out of Africa” cross-stitch.

A very large number of the public came to view all the entries and to enjoy the scrumptious afternoon teas the Pioneer Church is now renowned for.

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“It gives councillors confidence that we’re making balanced decisions that account for our communities’ views on rates and regional priorities.

“This year, public consultation topics include two of the most significant decisions I’ve seen during my time on council, which will greatly affect the future of public transport and maritime trade in our region”.

The LTP is reviewed every three years, with consultation focussing on new activities or changes to key projects, that will significantly impact council’s budget, or the levels of service provided by council.

“Since the last review in 2021,

inflation, insurance premiums, interest rates and operating costs have risen, putting significant pressure on the first year of this updated plan,” Cr Ponter says.

In December 2023, the council signalled double-digit rates rise was likely this year, with lower increases to follow.

“We’ve worked hard to find savings by keeping personnel positions vacant, reducing operational expenditure, rephasing and reprioritising projects, as well as increasing borrowing terms,” Cr Ponter says.

Projects in progress or with funding committed also pushed rates up.

“This includes vital flood defence

upgrades in the Hutt Valley and the design and planning of two storage lakes for bulk water supply.”

Residents are also being asked for general feedback on activities such as:

· increasing funding for pest management and flood protection programmes;

· restoration work in regional parks; and

· renewable electricity generation through solar arrays and farms to meet growing electricity needs for the rail network, electric buses and bulk water supply.

Consultation on the LTP review opens on 18 March 2024 and submissions will close on 22 April.

The Supreme Award winner at the Wainuiomata Craft Show. Photo: Supplied.

Just some of the hundreds of art works on view at the Wainuiomata Craft Show. Photo: Supplied.

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Locals close to an outright victory

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s first Cricket XI came within one wicket of an outright victory over Naenae Old Boys on 9 March.

Wainuiomata gained first innings points in the match, to remain in second place on Cricket Wellington’s second division two-day match table.

Batting first at Naenae Park, Wainuiomata was all out for 203 on day one of the match.

They then took five wickets at a cost of just 76 runs when stumps were drawn on 2 March

Wainuiomata bundled Naenae out for just 122 runs on day two before declaring their second innings at 205, giving them a lead of 286 runs.

Outstanding bowling by Ryan Jackson, who is also a Wellington

representative, saw Wainuiomata in with a chance of an outright win. Playing against his former club, Ryan took seven wickets at a cost of 71 runs.

Naenae managed to hold on until stumps, when they were nine wickets down for 139 runs, 147 runs behind Wainuiomata.

The final match of the two-day competition will see Wainuiomata play North City at Bryan Heath Park on 16 and 23 March.

Wainuiomata’s second Cricket XI was batting comfortably in their division six match against Upper Hutt United Indian Stiflers when their opposition forfeited the match, played at Trentham Memorial Park on 9 March.

The Stiflers batted first and were bowled out for just 163 runs in 26 overs.

Jordan Nevalagi bowled just

one over but took two wickets, the first one breaking the Stiflers biggest partnership of 38 runs. The home team did not add to their total before Jordan took his second wicket, and he conceded just one run.

Chris Ingram also took two wickets at a cost of 48 runs while Josh Sales and Scott Babot took one wicket each.

Wainuiomata reached 26 runs without loss when the Stiflers forfeited the match.

The Wainuiomata women’s team did not have such a good day on 9 March.

Batting on their home ground of Bryan Heath Park they scored 85 for the loss of six wickets in their alloted overs.

Naenae Old Boys surpassed their total for the loss of two wickets in just 12 overs and five balls.

Soccer fun day returning

Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s popular Māori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day is set to return for its second iteration on Saturday 23 March.

More than 110 tamariki attended the first fun day on Labour weekend last year.

Registrations currently sit at that number two weeks away from kick off.

“We always felt that the first fun day was just the beginning for our Māori and Pasifika tamariki in Wainuiomata,” the event organiser Katrina Barclay says.

“We have followed that up with our primary school soccer league which has been a massive success.

“The Wainuiomata Football Club now has over 50 tamariki registered who have never played for the club before. That’s great for the game, our tamaiti and and our commu-

nity,” Katrina says.

Ulalei’s reason for getting involved in soccer was to boost the number of Māori and Pasifika players which sat at about 3% of the total playing population in Aotearoa.

“We wanted to break down the barriers of our tamaiti playing a game we know they have the natural attributes for,” organiser Scott McLeod says.

“Travel and cost were two barriers we felt we could address simply by holding events and a proper competition in Wainuiomata for free.

“We are grateful to wonderful community-minded supporters like One Foundation, Hapai te Hauora, Nuku Ora and Hutt City Council for meeting the big costs like field hire, goal sets and playing shirts,” Scott says.

Another key aspect of low Māori and Pasifika participation in soccer

across Aotearoa was that tamaiti and their families were not comfortable and did not feel a part of the soccer clubs.

“So small things like having the flags of the pacific nations and tino rangatiratanga flying proudly on the fields and playing music strictly in te reo and Pasifika languages goes a long way to creating that inclusive environment for players and supporters alike,” organiser Vatau Sagaga says.

Parents can still register their tamariki for the fun day by visiting Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s Facebook and Instagram pages @ ulaleiwainuisport or via ulaleiwainuisport@gmail.com.

Ulalei acknowledges the fantastic support from One Foundation, Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley, Reids Family Lawyers, Wainui Joinery and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, for the fun day.

Awesome Australian tour by League team

By Frank Neill

The Ngā Hau e Whā o Wainuiomata Marae women’s under 18 rugby league team has returned from a highly successful tour of Australia.

The team won all three of its games, including a big victory over Australia’s reigning secondary school Rugby League champions Mabel Park High School.

Ng ā Hau e Wh ā o Wainuiomata Marae defeated Mabel Park 48-0.

It also defeated Marsden State High School 30-4 and Caboolcha Snakes 64-0.

In total the Wainuiomata team chalked up 142 points and conceded just four points in its three matches.

The results were “awesome,” Ngā Hau e Whā o Wainuiomata Marae’s

club manager Jermaine Pasene told the “Wainuiomata News”.

Coached by Rugby League great Ken Laban, the 22 team members “have been working toward the Australian trip for the last two or three months,” Jermaine says. Around 10 coaches, staff and support crew accompanied the team on its trip, which ran from 18 to 28 February.

The Ngā Hau e Whā o Wainuiomata Marae Rugby League club was launched four years ago.

In that time the team has played 23 matches, winning 22 of them, including New Zealand championship victories.

Their one loss came in the final of last year’s under 18 women’s Rugby League championship, when they finished as runners-up.

Ryan Jackson in action for Wainuiomata.

Photo: Frank Neill.

Cruz Achari in action during the first Ulalei Soccer Fun Day last Labour weekend. Photo: Supplied.

The Nga Hau e Wha o Wainuiomata Marae under 18 Rugby League team, who won all three of its matches during its recent tour of Australia. Photo: Supplied.

Wainui stalwart passes away

The last remaining member of the Wainuomata stalwart Parker family passed away recently.

Frances Parker was 92 years old when she died on the 28 February in her home in Harlow Grove where the family had lived for over 50 years.

Frances was a child in London during the Second World War and was evacuated to the south of England for the duration.

She returned to Hounslow in London after the war and met Bert

Parker and married him. They had two sons, Tony and Colin Parker.

They suffered the restrictions and hard living in the United Kingdom after the war and looked for a new future by emigrating.

They chose New Zealand and came out on the ship the Southern Cross in the 70s only to go back on the Northern star after becoming home sick.

A year later they were back in New Zealand for good realising the mistake they had made.

Carpentry apprentice of year

Entries are now open for the 2024 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition, in partnership with CARTERS.

The competition is open to carpentry apprentices of all ages, and entrants don’t have to work for a Master Builder or be trained by a specific training provider.

Apprentices are the sector’s future leaders. This competition will give them the opportunity to

test their project management, business, presentation skills and practical skills, as well as meet industry leaders and like minded apprentices.

All completed entries will receive a CARTERS gift pack, and the winner will receive a $5,000 Career Advancement Grant and the use of a brandnew Ute for a year.

Entries close on Friday 12 April 2024 and can be made at apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz.

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They set up home in a new bungalow in Harlow Grove.

Frances’s parents then wanted to join them and to make space for them they took the unusual step of jacking their bungalow up in the air and building underneath.

Frances’s mum Minne and dad Frank Ashton shifted in.

Frank became involved in the community and belonged to the RSA and Garden Club and was active in both while Minne fed the local wildlife population.

She had magpies and other birds tapping at her doors and windows at evening feed time if she was late.

Meanwhile Frances and Bert became involved in various groups with Frances the book keeper for St Johns and Bert laid the bricks at no charge on the front of the then new St Johns Hall down next to the fire station.

Frances worked with figures all her life in the government at treasury and latterly at the Music

Warehouse in the Hutt. She remained active in the Garden Club and the Wainuiomata Historical Society until recently performing various roles in the background of both organisations. She could often be found on a Sunday down at the school hall on the coast road helping to keep watch on the museum. Wainuomata has been left a better place with the involvement of the Parker family.

Plan to fix water services

Hutt City has voted unanimously to join forces with other councils in Wellington on a plan to reform the region’s broken water services. This month, councils across the Wellington region will consider a proposal on a joined-up approach to develop a new affordable and sustainable water delivery model.

Hutt City was the first to commit to this approach at its meeting on 6 March.

Councils in the region are facing challenges to meet the significant level of investment needed for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says.

"Across the region, we are facing up to the effects of historic underinvestment and ageing infrastruc-

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ture in our water networks.

“The level of investment needed is simply not possible under the current model which limits council’s borrowing power, leaving today’s ratepayers with big rate hikes if we don’t introduce a new model.

"This is a regional and nationwide problem.

“By working together we are more likely to find effective solutions."

"We need to be acting with urgency. Any delay simply makes the problem and cost get bigger," Mayor Barry says.

The Government’s new Local Water Done Well policy is still under development, but indicates that by mid-2025 councils will be required to come up with a water service delivery plan that

meets regulatory and investment requirements.

Councils across the Wellington region will consider signing a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at meetings over the coming weeks.

The MoU will create a non-binding partnership between councils to work together on a water service delivery plan.

Under the MoU, one elected member from each council will sit on an Advisory Oversight Group (AOG) for the joint water service delivery plan process, alongside iwi/Māori partner representatives.

The AOG would be chaired by an independent expert, and supported by Chief Executives and a joint project team. It would not be a formal joint committee or have any decision-making rights.

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