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Incredible investment for Wainuiomata
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“The Wainuiomata community has eagerly anticipated this.”
they can’t wait for the cafe to open and that it is going to be so great to have a Mitre 10 in town.
REPORTER
Frank Neill
WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152
SALES
Steve Maggs
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
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YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Mayor Barry thanked the owners of Mitre 10 Petone, Porirua, Upper Hutt and now Wainuiomata, the Lockyer family, for the “incredible investment that you and your team have made for the people of Wainuiomata.
“It’s an incredible offering given to the community,” Mayor Barry said.
Close to two years after starting the journey “it’s fantastic to be here today opening the store for the community of Wainuiomata,” Cliff Lockyer, one of the family that owns Mitre 10 Mega Wainuiomata, said in his speech.
“We have been blown away by the support we have had from the community and our partners in delivering this store and want to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”
Looking back, no one realised the amount of steel and concrete that was going to be needed to enable Mitre 10 to realise the vision for this building but through the efforts of everyone involved
“I think we have delivered a top-class store that will serve the community for many years to come,” Cliff said.
The Wainuiomata community have been “great to connect with” over the last year or so.
Their support for the store has been “extremely encouraging”, as has their perspective that it’s great for the community, that
“This shows the spirit of the community we are now a part of, and we look forward to a great future here in Wainuiomata,”
Cliff said.
“Today we are so proud to offically open the doors to Mitre 10 Wainuiomata,” Sandi Lockyer, Cliff’s sister and one of the company’s owners, said in her speech.
The opening marked “a new chapter in our family’s story and one grounded in the same values that have guided us for over four decades – family, people and community.”
The Wainuiomata store project “is one we’re particularly proud of.
“It began with the purchase of Hammer Hardware, run by Jocelyn and Brian Pollock – two people who poured their lives into serving this community.
“Their wish was simple: that their store would continue to serve Wainuiomata with care and integrity.
“We’re incredibly honoured to carry on that legacy.
“We’ve transformed the former Warehouse site into a vibrant, full service Mitre 10 – one that we believe Wainuiomata truly deserves,” Sandi said.
“This store has created over 30 new jobs for Wainuiomata, with an additional 15 roles in the cafe.
“Many of our Petone team who call Wainuiomata home
transferring here and their move opens up even more opportunities across our network,” Sandi said.
“We believe in growing not just businesses, but people, careers and communities.
“That’s why we continue to invest in our own properties, in
long-term infrastructure and in the future of the region we serve.
“Wainuiomata, we are here for the long haul.
“We are here not just to open a store, but to be part of your community – to employ your people, support your projects and earn your trust,” Sandi said.
Cliff Lockyer, one of the family that owns Mire 10 Wainuiomata, speaking at the store’s opening on 8 May. Photo: Frank Neill. are
High School celebrates rebuild
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School celebrated the completion of its major multi-million rebuild from 2pm to 7pm on 9 May.
“We have a stunning, innovative facility,” the school’s Tumuaki/Principal Lea Vellenoweth said in her speech at the celebration.
“This is more than a school rebuild.
“It’s a chance to reimagine what learning can look like – together.
“We’re not just here to deliver credits or content.
“We’re here to create powerful learning experiences that prepare young people to think critically, to collaborate, to contribute meaningfully to their communities and futures.
“We can’t do this on our own. And we shouldn’t. We want to do this with you, our community,” Ms Vellenoweth said.
“This school has never been afraid to ask the big questions, to challenge the system, to say: ‘What do our kids need and how do we build a school that gives them just that?’
“That’s the legacy I’m proud to stand in today.
“Learning doesn’t start with a curriculum document.
“It starts with belonging, with connection, with creating a space where every student sees themselves reflected.
“That’s what we are working towards creating here – not just buildings, but identity.”
Ms Vellenoweth also thanked the “incredible collective effort of the many people who brought this vision to life.
“To Elliot and the team at Naylor Love – your flexibility, care, and commitment to working alongside us throughout this complex rebuild have been outstanding.
“To our architects, contractors, planners, project managers, Ministry of Education leads – you’ve become part of the Wainuiomata whanau along the way: nga mihi,” Ms Vellenoweth said.
“Each house is in a hub, which has a name, a logo, a storyboard.
“These aren’t just decorative. They tell our story. They whakapapa to this whenua.”
The hub names are Ngahuia, Pukeatua, Remutaka, Rimurapa and Turakirae.
Mātauranga Te Rauna, head of Wainuiomata High School’s Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata, presenting his welcome speech at the powhiri that began the five-hour celebration of the school’s rebuild being completed. Photo: Frank Neill.
The rebuild had its effective start just before the 2017 general election.
Jacinda Ardern, who would soon become New Zealand’s Prime Minister, visited the school and announced that Labour would be allocating $20 million for a major rebuilding programme.
Earlier in 2017 the then National government announced that it would allocate $14 million to the rebuild.
In 2018 Stephenson & Turner Archtects were selected by the Ministry of Education to design the rebuild and construction started in 2019.
Blake awards
Nominations have opened for the BLAKE Awards, an annual celebration supported by Westpac which celebrates inspiring New Zealanders.
The awards are made in six categories: science, business, communication and education, community, youth and schools (which is the only group award).
A Blake Award will be made in each category and in addition the supreme award, the Blake Medal, will celebrate one person whose leadership has helped create a more sustainable future for New Zealand.
These awards honour famous New Zealander Sir Peter Blake.
Nominations close on 14 June.
For more information visit www.blakenz.org/programmes/blake-awards.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
The Ngahuia hub, part of the major rebuild at Wainuiomata High School.
Photo: Frank Neill.
Dame Winnie Laban awarded honorary doctorate
Dame Winnie Laban DNZM was awarded honorary doctorate by Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington at the university’s graduation ceremony yesterday, 13 May.
The honorary Doctor of Literature award recognises Dame Winnie’s achievements for Pasifika.
“I am humbled and honoured to receive an honorary doctorate,” the Wainuiomata resident says.
Dame Winnie is a distinguished and transformative leader who has driven profound changes within Aotearoa New Zealand’s political, social and educational landscapes.
From her career in politics as the first Pacific Island woman MP in New Zealand, to her role as the first Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika in New Zealand – at Victoria University – she has consistently broken down barriers for Pasifika representation and strongly advocated for the needs of the Pacific Island community.
Her parents emigrated from Samoa to New Zealand in 1954 and settled in Wainuiomata, where she still lives, raising her and her brother, Fauono Ken Laban there.
She grew up in an ‘aiga entwined in public service, which instilled in her the traditional Samoan value of supporting other people.
After completing a Diploma in Social Work at Victoria University she worked as a family therapist, probation officer, social worker and community development worker.
The closure of the Kenson Industries car part factory in Wainuiomata, where many workers, primarily Pacific Islanders, lost their jobs with no support, motivated her to stand for Parliament in 1999.
As an MP from 2002 to 2010, she worked tirelessly on behalf of Maori, Pasifika, working-class communities and the elderly.
Supplied.
One of her proudest achievements was leading the charge to repeal the Employment Contracts Act and replace it with the Employment Relations Act, to bring good faith negotiations into law.
Her dedication to improving the lives of others carried on into tertiary education, and during her tenure as Assistant ViceChancellor Pasifika at Victoria University from 2010 to 2024, the number of Pasifika students enrolled at the University, as a percentage of the student population, increased from 4.7% in 2010 to over 6.6% in 2024.
“Education has always been a passion of mine because it’s very consistent with my commitment to social justice,” Dame Winnie says.
“Because I feel if you have an education, you have more choice, and more doors open to you. But secondly, you research, you read – you’re an informed citizen.”
Dame Winnie believes passionately in making education accessible for all, and spearheaded initiatives such as the annual Pasifika Roadshow, which introduces the university experience to people within their communities, as well as funding a scholarship and promoting Pacific student success in other ways.
“Dame Winnie’s contributions to the University, and to all of New Zealand, are immense,” Victoria University’s Chancellor Alan Judge says.
“During her impressive career she has consistently worked to uplift and celebrate Pacific peoples, and we are pleased to award her this honorary doctorate in recognition of everything she has achieved.”
Dame Winnie is a founding member of The Fale Malae Trust, a group whose vision is to build an internationally significant, landmark Fale Malae that will be a place to gather, learn and celebrate the contribution that Pasifika arts, cultures and histories make to New Zealand’s national identity. Her leadership in this space and in Arts and Education will continue to shape the future of Pacific Islanders in both New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
Dame Winnie has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Women of Influence Awards, her Damehood in 2018, and an honorary doctorate from the National University of Samoa in 2023.
Dame Winnie Laban. Photo:
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata residents are being given an opportunity to give smallbore target shooting a go.
The Wainuomata Smallbore Rifle Club is offering a‘Give it a Go’Introduction to indoor smallbore target shooting on Monday evenings from 7.30pm at its Burden Avenue range.
“This is a great way to experience this sport and get a real insight into Smallbore Target Shooting,” the club
says.
The introductory sessions run from now through to September and cost $12 a target shot.
People attending will receive a mandatory safety briefing, an introduction to shooting equipment and an introduction to the basics of target shooting, including loading, aiming and what to expect when the shot is fired.
Participants will shoot a 10-shot target which they get to keep.
The club will provide all the shooting equipment and ammunition, and individual coaching for the approximately one-hour session.
A firearms licence is not necessary to take part.
Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing wsbrci@gmail. com.
People taking part will need to sign the club’s visitors book and bring a photo ID. People can wear comfortable clothing, preferably long trousers.
Already we have lost so much wetland in Wainui (Parkway) and I will strongly oppose and encourage others to prohibit any hint of removing this iconic and beautiful tree. Stephen Owens
Wainui out of Chatham Cup
By Ryan Imray
After the weather caused the opening week of Junior and Youth Football to be cancelled a week ago, the 24 Juniorand Youth sides were able to get going for 2025 over the weekend.
Two of the standout performances were the Under 15 United side getting a 3-1 win over Tawa and the Under 17 side beating Stokes Valley 8-0.
It was Cup week for senior Football, which meant the Reserves and Women’s side had the weekend off and the Capital Premier side travelled to Seatoun hoping to advance in the Chatham Cup.
With Seatoun sitting in the middle of the Central League 2 ladder, it was a good test for Wainuiomata and they got off to a good start but found themselves down at the break after a shot by Geordie Mansford took a wicked deflection that ended up in the back of the net.
The second half got underway and just over 10 minutes in to the half, Seatoun saw themselves a man down when goalkeeper Joel Beets was shown a straight red card for a horrible late tackle on Wainuiomata striker Flynn McCaul.
From that moment on, Wainui dominated the game but were unable to find the back of the net.
They dominated possession, hit
the woodwork five times and had 14 corners but Seatoun were somehow able to hold on for a 1-0 win.
There were plenty of positives for Wainuiomata to take from the game as they visit Victoria University in their next league fixture.
In the other senior games, Halfbaked Roundballs were the only side to register a win and their first win of the season as they beat Western Suburbs 2-1. The Thirds and Pasifika Old boys both suffered defeats to Island Bay while Pasifika Originals and The OCs were able to walk away from their games with a point, Pasifika Originals drawing 1-1 away from home while The OC’s game ended goalless.
Hutt South’s new Youth MP
By Frank Neill
Lucy Trenberth will represent Wainuiomata as the 2025 Youth MP for Hutt South .
A year 12 student at Queen Margaret College, Lucy has been selected as a Youth MP by Hutt South MP Chris Bishop.
“In 2023 she conducted a food drive for the Lower Hutt Salvation Army Food Bank and I was really impressed by her social conscience and determination to improve Lower
Hutt for young people,” Chris says.
“Lucy is a very talented sportswoman as well.
“She plays in her school's Senior A teams for Football, Futsal, Netball, Touch Rugby and Volleyball.
“She is a Wellington representative in Futsal, Football and Netball.
“Where she finds the time I have no idea,” Chris says.
Lucy lives in Waterloo, and “she used to attend my old schools, Eastern Hutt and Hutt Intermediate,” Chris adds.
Wainuiomata’s new Youth MP
By Frank Neill
Tautalaleleia (Tau) Sa’u has been selected as a Youth MP by Hutt South based Labour list MP Ginny Andersen.
“I think he will be amazing,” Ginny says. “He will make a great Youth MP.
“It’s nice to have someone from Wainuiomata ... and it will be good for Wainuiomata to have a Youth MP as well.
“I've known Tau since he was at intermediate and I am incredibly proud to now have him as my Youth MP. “He has always been a hard worker and staunch advocate for this community.
“It was awesome to be able to show Tau around Parliament and talk about some of the issues that might come up during Youth Parliament.
“When Tau visited, Parliament was sitting under urgency to pass legislation that cuts women's pay. “We talked about how the pay equity legislation will make life harder for women who are already underpaid.
“I'm really excited to have Tau learning the ropes on how to be an MP, and the importance of speaking up for our community.”
A proud Samoan, Tau “cares deeply about making sure youth voices are heard, especially on issues like fair access to education, better financial support for students and encouraging more young people to get involved in politics,” Ginny says.
About 20 young people applied to be her Youth MP. “It was quite hotly contested,” Ginny adds.
Tau was a student at Wainuiomata High School last year.
He won the 2024 Award for overall excellence, one of the school’s top two awards. The other top award is Dux.
The Cyclone Principal’s Award for Overall Excel-
who has shown both academic and personal excellence during their journey at the school.
Tau “is an enthusiastic and dedicated student who gives their all to anything they are involved in,” the school’s Deputy Principal, Mary Horner, said when
announcing the award winner.
“They never hesitate to dedicate their time to their studies, school activities and the community.
“Teachers describe them as passionate and loyal, always willing to support teachers and peers.
“They have proven leadership school-wide, as a tuakana and as a team member.
Tau “makes opportunities possible for others. Their contribution to the school has been consistent.
“They are approachable and responsible and any request is never too much.
“This commitment is the same in their subject areas, sports at school and beyond, extra-curricula groups and activities in the community,” Ms Horner said. This year Tau is studying law at Victoria University.
Kody Fawcett holds up the ball for the Under 15 United. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Ulalei finalists in HV Sports Awards
Eight individuals and one team from the Ulalei Netball and Ulalei Sports aiga are finalists in the prestigious Hutt Valley Sports Awards.
The awards will be presented this Thursday 15 May at Walter Nash Stadium.
This event is an opportunity to celebrate Hutt Valley’s amazing athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.
The finalists from Ulalei are:
Volunteer of the Year (multiple sports);
Volunteer of the Year (multiple sports);
the Year (Wainuiomata High
Young Team of the Year (Hutt
Contribution Award (Ulalei);trator/Volunteer of the Year (Ulalei) ;istrator/Volunteer of the Year (Multiple Sport);
of the Year (Ulalei); and the Year
The Netball Hutt Valley netball season started on Saturday 10 May, with seven Ulalei teams taking the court for round one of the club competition.
It was a steady start with five of the seven teams victorious in their first hit out.
The results were: Premier one, Ulalei Aute won against Petone RFC Netball 65-39;Premier two, Ulalei Puataunofo lost to Wellington Mens 2 40-47; Senior one, Ulalei M lili won against Upper Hutt Rams (3) 29-27; Senior three, Ulalei Pu lulu won against Blitz 29-23; Senior four, Ulalei Moso’oi won against Upper Hutt Maidstone (7) 37-10; Senior five, Ulalei Fuesina won against Upper Hutt Rams (7) 34-22; and Reserve one, Ulalei Laga’ali lost to Hutt Valley Marist (3) 38-21.
The draw for Saturday 17 May is: Premier one, Ulalei Aute v Upper Hutt Maidstone 2 at 8am WNC 1; Premier two, Ulalei Puataunofo v Naenae Collegians 2 at 9:30am WNC 3; Senior one, Ulalei M lili v Naenae Collegians 3 at 12pm WNC 2; Senior three, Ulalei Pu lulu v Avalon 2 at 8am WNC 2; Senior four, Ulalei Moso’oi v Naenae Collegians 5 at 11:30am WNC 4; Senior five, Ulalei Fuesina v Upper Hutt Rams 6 at 10:30am WNC4; Reserve one, Ulalei Laga’ali v Naenae Collegians 7 at 10:30am WNC 5. Ulalei are thankful to Pacific Health Service, Hutt Valley for their sponsorship and partnership to Ulalei Netball this season.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop and Hutt South Youth MP Lucy Trenberth. Photo: Supplied.
Local Labour list MP Ginny Andersen with her 2025 Youth MP Tautalaleleia Sa’u at Parliament. Photo: Supplied.
