Major force
By Frank Neill
Johnsonville’s Olympic Harrier Club athlete Toby Gualter has just proved he is a major force to be reckoned with in distance running in New Zealand.
Toby won a national title this month when he crossed the line first in Athletics New Zealand’s 5,000 metre Road Championship on the Rotorua Airport Runway on 2 May. Continued on page 2.
Toby Gualter leads the field en route to another win.
Photo: Supplied.
Overwhelming knowledge of the property market and commitment.
STEVE FEJOS & RACHEL AISLABIE
Onslow students serve staff lunch
By Frank Neill
A group of Onslow College students serve lunch to staff members every Thursday.
The students, who use learning support, prepare all the food and serve as waiters at the school’s Thursday Cafe.
They also provide a full barista service.
The students do everything from buying the food right through to the cleaning up once the Thursday Cafe has finished.
“My desire is that people who need some extra help in life will be employable,” says John Robinson, the staff member who leads Onslow College Learning Support.
“We are showcasing that all students have talents, all students have skills and all students are employable.
“We are creating opportunities for them to have positive vocational experiences, to make sure they have something to go to when they leave school.”
The cafe “is a wonderful learning for young people who are interested in getting into the hospo space,” John says.
The idea for the Thursday Cafe was sparked when one of the students, Alex Farrar, said he had an interest in making coffee and wanted a job, John says.
That was a couple of years ago, and the school worked with Alex and he was able to undertake a barista course at Mojo.
“It was fun,” Alex says.
“There were tons of good people.
“The teachers were good and they taught me a lot.
“My first plan when I leave school is getting a job as a barista.”
Alex has an even bigger ambition, too. “My number one goal is to become a Football manager,” he says.
He began playing Football when he was 13 years old, playing first for Onslow and then for North Wellington and currently plays for
the North Wellington Thirds.
The Thursday Cafe “is fun to do,” Pearl Mistry, another of the students working on it when the “Independent Herald” attended the cafe on 8 May said.
“I like cooking and I made the carrot cake.”
Not only do the students buy the ingredients, make the food, work as baristas, serve as waiters and waitresses and clean up, they also operate the Thursday cafe along business lines.
“We advertise weekly to staff,” John says.
New business in Glenside
By Frank Neill
A new business has opened in Glenside near where Twiglands Gardeners World was before it closed on 4 April.
T9 Haircuts was opened by hair stylist Tet Inzali on 22 April.
It is located next to Cafe Thyme.
T9 Haircuts is, as its name suggests, a hair cutting service, rather than a full hairdresser.
“We haven’t been open long and it’s not too busy at the moment,” Tet says.
Those who come to the cafe pay $7 each.
“We want staff from the wider school to come over here, meeting the students we work with”
The cafe has loyalty cards, which are stamped each visit and provide a free sixth cup of coffee.
They are also currently working on a redesign of their logo.
“We are very hard working,” Alex says.
“We are quite focused and we make sure everything is perfect.” he adds.
The Lower North Island Lions Speechmaking Contest for secondary school students will take place at 6pm on Thursday 22 May at the Johnsonville Uniting Church, Dr Taylor Terrace. Nine candidates had put their names forward when the “Independent Herald” went to print.
The winner will compete in the National Lions Speechmaking Contest in New Plymouth on 2 August.
Pearl Mistry with the carrot cake she made for the Thursday Cafe. Photo: Frank Neill.
Eddy Johnson preparing a dish for Onslow College’s Thursday Cafe. Photo: Frank Neill.
T9 Haircuts. Photo: Supplied.
Churton Park School’s celebrates 50th
Churton Park School, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 26 May. Photo: Supplied.
By Frank Neill
Churton Park School will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 26 May.
The school’s House Captains have organised a dress up day to mark the school’s birthday.
The theme of the day will be the 1970s, since the school opened in 1975. Students will dress up in
clothes from the 1970s and at lunchtime there will be a parade where prizes for the best dressed will be presented.
The House Captains will run the whole event.
In addition, the House Captains are making a time capsule, which will be opened in 2075, when the school celebrates its centenary.
Along with the initiatives of
the House Captains, the school will be running an open morning, with tours of the school, on 26 May.
Churton Park School provides primary education for students in years 1 to 6 and the school roll sits around 350 to 375 students.
It is committed to supporting and guiding its tamariki to have a love and curiosity of learning.
Big project review could save billions
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Council should not be taking on “vast numbers of new, complex projects that ratepayers can ill afford, and that will add to [the council’s] asset management burden”.
This was stated by Louise Tong in the submission she made on behalf of Wellington Rates Revolt and herself on the Council’s Long Term Plan. Wellington Rates Revolt is a group of more than 1,100 Wellington ratepayers and was established by Karori resident Judy Rohloff.
“With nearly $2 billion across 10 major projects under way, its
The school values are Manaakitanga (respect), Pou Manawaroa (resilience), Eke Panuku (success), Hauora (wellbeing) and Ngahau (fun) and theschool whakatauki is 'M whero, m pango kua oti te mahi'(when we work together we can achieve great things).
The school’s vision is “empowering connected lifelong learners”.
no wonder we have cost overruns, delays and disruption.”
Louise then listed the following 10 projects:
Several billion dollars of savings is possible by reviewing the big ticket items, Louise said.
Wellington ratepayers “are hurting.
“Many are on fixed incomes and many are under financial pressure.
“People have financial limits.
able to many thanks in large part to rate hikes.
limits, and they are hitting the wall,” she said.
“Ratepayers need trust that the Council is spending each and every dollar very carefully.
“There are too many examples where this is not the case.
“The rates money you get is hard earned, and in some cases people have gone without to pay their rates,” Louise said.
“It’s very easy for the council to
be generous with ratepayer money.
“We see gold plated options time and again and fruitless projects pursued all too often.
ples is the construction of a $55 million cycleway on Thorndon Quay when the Council knew it was building on top of failing pipes.
“What an utter and obvious waste of money, not to mention a failure to listen to the community,” she said.
“So treat ratepayers funds like every dollar matters, because it does.
“Secondly, prioritise just doing the basics well,” Louise said.
Clear demand for more transport
A new strategy that aligns public transport improvements with urban development is a key feature of the Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-35, recommended by the Greater Wellington Transport Committee.
After hearing submissions for two days, committee chair Thomas Nash says there is clear demand to expand Metlink services in growth areas, an aspiration not supportedby current government funding.
“Bus patronage continues to surpass record levels while train patronage is being driven down by underinvestment in the rail network,” Cr Nash says.
“With fast-tracked housing projects accelerating population growth projections, it’s essential public transport receives appropriate investment to meet forecast demand.
“Regional development requires sustained funding.
“Without this certainty, and under the government’s new constrained public transport settings, it’s nearly impossible to increase affordable Metlink services within council means and without cutting other services.
“The new strategy will empower Greater Wellington to explore additional funding mechanisms with partners, including a de-
velopment levy and congestion charging, with the goal of securing sustained investment in public transport infrastructure, while incentivising cost-effective land use and urban development that lowers the overall cost of infrastructure, housing and transport.”
The committee supported exploring service improvements, including increasing the frequency of buses to Hutt Hospital from Wainuiomata, extending bus routes into Aotea and Grenada, and boosting inter-regional bus services to Levin, subject to available funding.
Also recommended was a programme to study the feasibility
of new railway stations and infrastructure upgrades in K piti, Horowhenua and the Hutt Valley.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter says feedback shows it isnot the right time for paid parking at railway station Park and Rides, and that on balance, current rules about pets on Metlink services are adequate.
“We’ll keep working on the Park and Ride demand management proposal and look to align it with the introduction of fully integrated ticketing and congestion charging, once rail patronage stabilises,” Cr Ponter says.
“Small pets will continue to
be welcome onboard Metlink services, but our operators and the disability community have expressed concerns about the potential for animals not in pet carriers to disrupt services and guide dogs.”
Progressing a regional network of bus corridors and the redevelopment of Waterloo Station were supported by the committee, which also recommended accessibility improvements and an investigation into accelerating the phasing out of onboard cash payments.
The regional council will consider the committee’s recommendations on 26 June.
Friday 16 May 2025
Work to stop bullying
By taking part in Pink Shirt Day on Friday 16 May, you’re doing your part to eliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion.
K rero Mai, K rero Atu, Mauri TŪ, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!
Kua rite koe? Are you in?
LIFT EACH OTHER UP
Pink Shirt Day is about working together to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusiveness.
It’s about creating a community where all people feel safe, valued and respected, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion or cultural background.
Pink Shirt Day is the day Aotearoa comes together to take a stand against bullying. The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHFNZ) has run the campaign since 2012, inspiring tangata to K rero Mai, K rero Atu,
Mauri TŪ, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!
Celebrated annually around the globe, Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. Learn more about the Pink Shirt Day kaupapa here. Pink Shirt Day is funded by your donations. By donating to Pink Shirt Day, you’re helping create a kinder, more inclusive Aotearoa, where everyone feels safe, valued, and unafraid to be themselves.
What’s cool in the
Watch and learn about spinning and weaving!
If you want to know what’s made New Zealand a great agricultural country you can learn about it by visiting the Museum of Sheep and Shearing in Masterton.
The complex is housed in two authentic old wool sheds trucked in from local farms, plus a newly constructed gallery building –full of sheep farm gear, including shearing and wool handling equipment.
of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand
Demonstrations are held about spinning and weaving on Wednesday mornings and by arrangement. See the history of spinning from ancient times and our collection of spinning wheels.
Greytown Butchery keeps on winning the Golds
Greytown Butchery has added to their impressive reputation of winning Gold Awards, this year they’ve won it for the Italian Tomato & Spinach Sausage. They consistently win awards with their multi-award winning sausages having so far clocked up 26 awards in the last 19 years.
Established in 1873, Greytown B utchery is still operating in the same h istoric building and still keeping old b utchering traditions alive since it
Wairarapa
Operatunity is thrilled to announce its upcoming national concert tour, “3 Tenors
daytime concert will feature a talented quartet of vocalists, celebrating the rich tradition of operatic and classical music in a dynamic and engaging performance.
was first opened by original owner, Sam Haigh.
Artisan butcher Gavin Green and Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic and popular business into a gourmet, European-styled butchery. It prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match.
Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your goods –there’s always plenty to choose from!
See them at 67 Main St, Greytown.
Have fun learning about early Wairarapa
Come and explore the ways in which European knowledge in the early days of Wairarapa. Discover the histories of the heritage listed church, woolshed, school, stables, cottage, and hospital, along with the incredible stories of bravery, resilience, and determination. Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens and park-like grounds and see how life was revolutionised by farming, transport, saw milling, and dairy industries. Have some fun and photo opportunities in
European
the stocks and lock-up or take a seat in the glass coach and marvel at the horse-drawn taonga and waka displays and delve into the narratives of the visionaries who shaped Wairarapa.
Or simply bring a picnic, sit under the trees and soak up the unique setting that is Cobblestones. Spring and summer hours are 10am to 4 pm. Autumn and Winter 10am to 3pm. www.cobblestonesmuseum.org.nz or visit our Facebook page.
Audiences will be treated to three remarkable tenors – Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Benjamin Makisi and Derek Hill, each showcasing their unique vocal artistry and charisma, alongside the stunning soprano Amanda Atlas. Amanda is known for her powerful and emotive voice, she has captivated audiences nationally and internationally, performing leading operatic roles across Europe, America, and Australasia. She has quickly gained a reputation as a true singing actress, equally at home in opera, musical theatre, and concert performances. Accompanying the cast on piano will be Paul Carnegie-Jones. 12:30pm.
In addition to the performance, audiences have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary morning tea and mingle with the stars of the show.
About Operatunity:
Just 20 minutes north of Masterton, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre offers a chance to reconnect with nature.
Visitors can see tuatara and kiwi, search for the elusive kōkako on the scenic Loop Track, and enjoy the daily ranger talks.
You can also see master carvers in action and witness tuna (long-fin eels) being fed. Plus, there’s an onsite café where you can
relax and enjoy a bite to eat after your adventure.
Pūkaha is open daily from 9am to 6pm in summer, offering an unforgettable experience with wildlife talks, scenic walks, and close encounters with New Zealand’s most iconic species — perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Check out pukaha.org.nz for more information.
Operatunity is New Zealand’s leading producer of daytime concerts, bringing world-class music and entertainment to retired communities across New Zealand. Committed to caring for senior communities, all venues have been carefully selected for their convenience, accessibility, and easy parking. This ensures that patrons can enjoy a stress-free and comfortable experience. With a focus on supporting local artists and providing exceptional musical experiences, Operatunity continues to captivate audiences with its diverse and delightful performances.
Performance details:
Carterton - Friday 6th June, Carterton Event Centre, 50 Holloway Street
Lower Hutt- Monday 9th June, Hutt City Church, 22 Marsden Street
Kapiti- Tuesday 10th June, Southward Theatre, Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SHEEP & SHEARING HOURS OF AMAZING DISPLAYS AND INFORMATION
Shearing and farming memorabilia plus types of wool and their uses.
The story of shearing – its beginnings and how it became an international sport.
The history of sheep farming.
Live shearing demonstrations for groups arranged with prior notice.
Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement.
Wool garments and souvenirs.
Major award for Ohariu Altrusian
Katrina Clokie, who established Altrusa Ohariu in 2019, received the prestigious National Margaret Inch Leadership Award at the National Altrusa Conference held in Invercargill earlier this month.
There is only one recipient of this award each year after each Altrusa club in New Zealand is able to make one nomination.
The award acknowledges an individual’s positive leadership, encouragement and inspiration to others.
Katrina joined Altrusa in 2010 and has held positions on both the national and international board. During that time she has helped to lead many projects.
Katrina’s involvement in the community is multi faceted as she also involved in Girl Guiding, leading multiple units and driving regional events.
Emily Burton was also acknowledged recently for her time over the last 18 months as the Altrusa Ohariu Club President.
Emily has capably chaired the club’s meetings, co-ordinated its activities in the community, and been a wonderful leader.
Highlights for Emily through the year include the Stationary for Schools project, gardening at the local Plunket rooms, organising a menopause information evening and donating books to WellFed.
Altrusa Ohariu aims to “make a real difference in Ohariu”, an area of Wellington that covers Wadestown, Crofton Downs, Ngaio, Khandallah, Johnsonville, Newlands, Paparangi, Woodridge, Churton Park, Grenada North and Tawa.
E-recycling raises over $2,500
Karori Lions raised more than $2,500 after costs from their e-recycle fundraising event on Saturday 10 May.
All the money raised goes back into the community through Lions’ support of health, youth, environment, disaster relief and community projects. The club is “very happy with the public’s response” to the e-recycling event, it says.
The Lions transported the electronic goods they collected to Echo Tech Ltd in Lower Hutt, where they will be refurbished and recycled, or broken down such that valuable materials are saved – all with complete data security. Costs are substantial, as the recycler charges for some types of equipment items (flat screen TVs are up to $20), and those costs are passed on to the customers.
Almost all customers were very understanding that there were charges for disposing of their
Freaky Friday
The Samuel Marsden Collegiate School production of Freaky Friday The Musical comes to Karori this month. The musical will be performed between Wednesday 21 May and Saturday 24 May. The show is based on the novel Freaky Friday by Mary Rogers and the Disney films.
A heartwarming musical, it is packed with catchy songs, hilarious scenes and a beautiful message about understanding and love.
Tickets can be booked at www.trybooking.com/nz/VYU.
The club meets monthly and it undertakes a variety of service, literacy, fundraising and international projects each year. It is seeking new people to join. To find out more or to join email altrusaohariu@gmail. com.
excess electronic appliances, particularly as the nett proceeds would all go to charitable causes, the club says. What differentiates Lions from many other charities is that all profits are used for charitable causes, as the costs of running the organisation are carried by the members.
The club’s most recent donations include $10,000 towards a multi-club Lions’ project to support Life Flight, $4,000 to the Child Cancer Foundation and $500 towards the travel costs of a young Karori student at Scots College invited
to attend the Future Leaders Assembly 2025 in Bali, Indonesia. Karori Lions always welcomes new members. They say they are an inclusive club, with members from all walks of life, with a common interest in wishing to make a positive difference in their community.
Visit their Facebook page, KaroriLionsClubInc, to find out more or text Trevor at 021 454 056.
ON... O WHAT’S
The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid.
phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Emily Burton (left) and Katrina Clokie with her National Margaret Inch Leadership Award. Photo: Supplied.
KCA urgently need a new home
By Frank Neill
Grenada North based Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA) urgently needs help to find a new home.
The fact that it has to move puts KCA’s future at risk.
“After 11 amazing years supporting the community from our base in Grenada North, we’re heartbroken to share that KCA must find a new home by 31 August,” KCA says.
The group supports Wellington communities by rescuing surplus food and household goods, and redistributing them tofrontline agenciesassisting those in need.
“We currently operate out of a 500 square metre warehouse with a 400 square metre yard.,” KCA says.
“This space holds our two commercial chiller rooms and a freezer room (which we own), several commercial-sized
chest freezers, a portacom, warehouse racking, and secure overnight parking for our two refrigerated trucks, plus parking for our volunteers and for the agencies coming to collect stock from us.
“However, the building's new owner has significantly increased the rent – an amount we simply can’t sustain.
“With limited funding and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we are facing incredibly difficult decisions.
“Without a new space, we may be forced to downsize our operations –potentially ending the distribution of essential non-food items like clothing, footwear, and toys – and focus solely on food rescue.
“This is a path we don’t want to take.
“In the past year alone, we rescued and redistributed nearly 350 tonnes of food and nearly 4,000 banana boxes of non-food items at a cost of less than $1
per kilogram.
“Thanks to our dedicated team and amazing supporters, we cut operating costs by nearly 20% and increased the volume of food distributed by 33.8%.
“The stock is shared with partner agencies such as Newlands Community House Foodbank, Newlands Baptist Church, House of Grace, Challenge 2000 and Salvation Army Johnsonville, to name a few.
“But none of this can continue without a place to operate from.
“We are urgently looking for new premises of around 300 square metres in the Churton Park to Porirua area, ideally available at a charitable or heavily discounted rate,” KCA says.
People who can help, or who know someone who can help are asked to contact Tracy attracy@kca.org.nz.
Contact Brenda 021 640 152
KCA volunteers sorting clothing that has been donated. Photo: Supplied.
Johnsonville Hawks overwhelm OBU
By Frank Neill
Johnsonville’s premier Rugby team overwhelmed Old Boys University (OBU), winning 51-26 at Helston Park on 10 May.
In doing so the Johnsonville Hawks won the Bill Cavubati Cup, contested annually between the two teams.
Despite the fact that OBU fought hard throughout the match, the Hawks continued to keep the score board ticking over in their favour.
They were rewarded with some outstanding tries, and they dotted down eight times to
OBU’s four.
Second five eight Olly Paotonu was the match’s most impressive player on attack, and he was rewarded with two tries including the game’s first dot down.
Olly also had a hand in two other Hawks tries.
After establishing a 15-0 lead, the Hawks saw OBU make a comeback, scoring two tries to cut the Hawks lead to 15-12.
The Hawks hit back with two more tries before half time, to go to the break with a 27-12 lead.
A similar pattern marked the second half,
Makara church needs new roof
By Frank Neill
St Patrick's Church in Makara needs a new roof.
The Makara Community Centre (MCCA) is currently fundraising for this project. MCCA has set up a Givealittle page to “ensure we can continue to use the church and keep it as the iconic landmark it is”.
The fundraiser is at https://givealittle.co.nz/ cause/beat-the-leaks.
“St Patrick's Church is a staunch linkpin to the Makara Community,” MCCA says. It is a “landmark that always catches your eye driving past with its beautiful leadlight windows, white weatherboards and green roof and matching window frames.
“It's the place where many locals have smiled, laughed and cried.”
It is a “place of fond and sad personal memories for lots of us, a place we want to keep, a place we want to use.
“Unfortunately the green roof is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
“At a cost of $18,000 it's significant.
“Whilst a variety of funding options are being pursued, time is of the essence and we really just need to get on with it before the winter sets in and it becomes an even bigger problem. “We would dearly appreciate any donation you can make ... to get this project done.” The funds raised will be used to replace the current tin roof with 0.55 Corrugated Colorsteel Maxam in matching green.
with the Hawks consistently outscoring their opposition.
Along with Olly’s two tries, Finlay Sharp, Louis Magalogo, Anthony Pettett, Niall Delahunt and Asafo Faamafu dotted own.
Ken Yurihara scored the other Hawks try as well as kicking four conversions and a penalty.
This was the second year the Bill Cavubati Cup was contested after its inauguration in 2024.
The cup is named after the well known Rugby player who is also known as Big Bill, who played for both OBU and the Hawks.
Big Bill played for the Wellington Lions, Hurricanes and has 38 caps for Fiji.
Big Bill was a member of the first OBU team to run out in 1992.
In 1995 he moved to Johnsonville, where he played for most of the teams before he retired in 2005.
Design and carve your own piece to take home with the help of our master carvers! Plus learn about the significance of carving in Maori culture.
T: 03 755 6504
E: stevengwaliasi@gmail.com
W: www.bonznstonz.co.nz
St Patrick’s Church in Makara. Photo: Supplied.
