Wednesday October 15, 2025
History maker
By Frank Neill
Fauono Ken Laban has made New Zealand history. He has become the country’s first Pasifika Mayor. Ken won the Lower Hutt Mayoralty with a convincing margin when Hutt City Council’s preliminary election results were posted on 13 October. Continued on page 2.
Ken
at his Wainuiomata home. Photo: Supplied.
Fauono
Laban
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A win for the community
Continued from page 1
Ken won the Mayoralty with 10,970 votes, ahead of Brady Dyer on 8,858 votes, Karen Morgan on 7,244 votes and Prabha Ravi on 4,657 votes.
In doing so he has become the third Mayor in a row that lives in Wainuiomata, following Ray Wallace, who served from 2010 to 2019 and Campbell Barry, who served from 2019 to this year.
“This isn’t just a win for me – it’s a win for our community,” Ken says.
It is a win “for the people who love the Hutt, for those who believe in our collective potential as a city, and it’s a win for the values that make our city special – our diversity, resilience and our sense of community.
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“I’m humbled by the mandate from residents of the Hutt to deliver for them and grow confidence in our city’s direction,” Ken says.
“Thank you to the Hutt City for the trust they’ve placed in me to lead our city forward.
“Lower Hutt is a place where people from all walks of life live, work, do business and raise families.
“We look out for each other and we make things happen. That’s our strength, and that’s what I’ll be building on as Mayor.
“My campaign wasn’t about politics – it was about people.” Ken says.
“I’m committed to making sure that every resident, from across Hutt City , feels seen, heard and are part of our city’s future.
“Residents and ratepayers have voted for a return to basics: keeping water affordable, safer roads, investment in core infrastructure and services and action on the cost-of-living.
“It’s my privilege to have been elected to
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deliver on my promises.
“As I’ve knocked on doors, walked the markets and visited businesses, people have told me loud and clear – they want a council that gets the basics right.
“I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to do just that.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to our new Council who have been elected.
“My focus ... will be to ensure our Council works efficiently, transparently and in partnership with iwi and the community.
“I would like to thank outgoing Mayor Campbell Barry for his service to our great city and I acknowledge all the candidates who put themselves forward to represent their respective and diverse communities.
“This campaign wouldn’t have been made
possible without my team of volunteers and supporters who have really proven their love and passion for the Hutt.
“We ran a grassroots campaign powered by passion and a genuine love for our community.
“We will be a council that listens and delivers – not one that overpromises and underdelivers,” Ken says.
“I think it’s fantastic news” former Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace said following Ken’s victory.
“Ken is the right man for the job.
“He will be a Mayor for all the people.” The preliminary results announced on 13 October do not include special votes. This year there were 1,349 special votes. The official results are due to be announced on 16 October.
Close vote to decide Community Board
By Frank Neill
The final composition of the Wainuiomata Community Board may not be known until the official results are announced, which is due to happen by 16 October.
Just 25 votes were separating the sixth placed candidate for the six person board and the seventh placed candidate when the preliminary results were announced on 13 October.
Lahraine Sagaga was in sixth place with 2,486 votes on the preliminary result, while Mailena Woonton Rawiri had 2,461 votes in seventh place.
The preliminary results do not include special votes. This year there were 1,349 special votes.
Anaru Ryall was leading the voting, with 3,312 votes in the preliminary results.
The former Love Wainuiomata Coordinator says he is “genuinely excited about what this next term holds with such a strong group of people committed to serving and
representing our community.
“I know Wainuiomata is in good hands.
“I’m looking forward to working in partnership and serving our community with my fellow community board colleagues,”
Anaru says.
“The calibre of candidates we had this election speaks volumes about the strength, passion and talent that exists in our community.”
The two current Community Board members seeking re-election, Lesa Bingly and Daniel Chrisp, were second and third.
The board’s deputy chair for the last three years, Lesa had 2,921 votes and Daniel had 2,873.
Nicky Smith is among the top six with 2,738 votes and Vatau Sagaga had 2,735 votes.
The Wainuiomata Ward Councillor on Hutt City Council, Keri Brown, also sits on the Community Board. Cr Brown has been elected the Ward Councillor when she was not opposed.
Lower Hutt’s new Mayor Ken Laban being welcomed by Hutt City Council staff. Photo: Supplied.
The top two candidates in the Wainuiomata Community Board election, Anaru Ryall and Lesa Bingley, celebrate topping the poll. Photo: Supplied.
Work on Marae projects starting soon
By Frank Neill
Work on three major projects at the Wainuiomata Marae is scheduled to start on Monday 24 November.
The work will follow a dawn blessing of the whenua (land) by the Mana Whenua on 22 November.
The three projects are an eco-papakāinga consisting of 12 affordable rental houses of between one and four bedrooms, the Ngahere Korowai (urban forest), which will see plantings take place on the swamp area between the marae and the hill, and an indigenous play space.
This is “massive news,” Star Olsen, the Wainuiomata Marae Chair, says.
“It’s been 10 to 12 years in the making. It’s been a long time.”
The first stage of the project is earthworks to prepare the ground for the three projects.
Contractors will begin by preparing the ground for the Ngahere Korowai on 24 November.
That will be followed by the earthworks for the indigenous play space, and then for the papakāinga.
Just how long the earthworks will take will depend on the weather.
In the meantime, the Marae has begun putting up fencing along the side of the land that faces Frederick Wise Park.
Ngahere Korowai will cover an area of around 80 square metres.
The new forest will use species native to the area, densely planted following the Miyawaki method to help drain and stablise the nearby area, which is prone to flooding.
Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki recognised that Japan’s shrine forests were extremely resilient to storm damage, flooding and even tsunami. His “tiny forests” built in urban land proved just as resilient.
One of the native plants the organisers are looking to plant in the new forest is Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire).
This endangered plant is a distinctive native tree with smooth, light-colored bark and dark green, leathery leaves that thrives in damp
conditions.
After the earthworks for the Ngahere Korowai are complete the next stage of the project will be preparation of the soil.
“The excavated soil will be mixed with organic compost, pea straw, mulch and leaf litter from nearby bush and then we will plant the whole area out in what you might call green manure,” the project co-ordinator
Pam Crisp says.
“That’s plants that will benefit the soil, bringing nitrogen into the soil and attracting microorganisms to create a very rich soil.
“Then we will plant.
“There’s lots of work to do to make a rich soil and plant the trees. We’d love local families to come along with their kids, get their hands in the soil and stay on for a cuppa,” Pam says.
The Ngahere Korowai project has a dedicated website, www.ngaherekorowai.co.nz, which includes a lot of information about the project and where people can contact the project organisers if they would like to help.
Planting is scheduled to start next autumn. Earthworks for the indigenous play space will begin following the earthworks for the Ngahere Korowai.
Tu Kotahi Asthma Trust and WMCT received funding from the Lego Corporation (Denmark) via the Spirit Project (John
Hopkins University, USA) to develop the indigenous playspace.
The outcomes of the playspace include:
• indigenous traditions, culture and relationships with land and the environment are (re)established to improve the health and wellbeing of families;
• development of intergenerational playspaces designed by and for indigenous communities with a focus on early childhood, particulary (but not only) 0-6 year olds;
• knowledge and experience across different indigenous nations are shared between projects, especially ways that overcome systemic barriers to improve the health and wellbeing of children and their families; and
• acceptability, satisfaction and reach of/ with playspaces through indigenous and other evaluation methods.
The papakāinga will be based on the vision and values of the Marae which are contained in the Marae’s Development Plan created in 2021.
The papakāinga’s houses will be connected to the Marae through design features, pathways, tohu and services for residents.
In addition the Marae has a very strong environmental approach – above the building code and other requirements – which it will apply to the papakāinga design and operation.
Wainuiomata Primary School will hold its annual community gala on Friday 17 October from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
There will be a wide range of food to enjoy, including sapa sui (chop suey), nachos, fry bread, hamburgers and a sausage sizzle.
Student-created crafts will also be for sale.
A wide range of businesses have donated towards raffles, including hampers from New World and Pak’n Save, a $150 Mitre 10 voucher from AJ Fencing Ltd and a family portrait session and print voucher worth $750 from photographer Novabella Studio.
Funds from the gala will allow all of the school’s 200 students to participate in education outside of the classroom, including a week-long camp for seniors.
“We want to get all our students to these activities so money raised will enable this to happen,” the school’s Principal Allison Burdon says.
“The gala is also a way for us to connect with our school and wider community.”
An artist’s impression of the Wainuiomata Marae’s eco-papakāinga.
Gabriel Tupou elected to Regional Council
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata resident Gabriel Tupou has been elected a Greater Wellington Regional Councillor.
In doing so he created history, becoming the first person of Tongan descent elected to the Council.
“I think history was made on all levels of local government in terms of Pasifika representation” during this year’s elections he says.
He noted that Lower Hutt’s new Mayor Ken Laban made history when he became the first Mayor of Pasifika descent in New Zealand and that Mele Tonga-Grant has been elected a Lower Hutt city-wide councillor.
The election result was also a “huge win for Wainuiomata representation at all levels of local government,” Gabriel says.
As the largest ward it was important that Wainuiomata had a voice at each of the Council tables.
“I was quite overwhelmed by the amount of support that came through,” he says.
Cr Tupou, who served as a city wide Councillor on the Hutt City Council during the last triennium, has been elected to the Regional Council alongside the sitting Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie and Nigel Elder.
Cr Duthie has been a regular attender at the Wainuiomata Community Board over the last three years, providing each board meeting with an update on the Regional Council.
Cr Tupou welcomes the politically diverse perspective the three Lower Hutt constituency Councillors will bring to the Council table – Cr Duthie as a Green Party member, Cr Elder as an ACT Party Councillor and “most people would describe me as progressive,” he says.
Cr Duthie also paid tribute to Ken and Winnie Laban.
They have been both friends and mentors “over a long period of time,” Cr Tupou says.
Really good meeting on clean fill
By Frank Neill
The public meeting on 8 October to discuss the proposed clean fill at 1044 Coast Road and explore what people may be able to do about it “went really well,” its organiser Nicky Smith says.
The meeting drew a vey good attendance of around 80 people.
“We went into everything we know – what is being proposed and what the next steps are.
“People also had an opportunity to share their concerns.”
Some “really key themes” came through, Nicky says.
These included the impact on the transport network, including road safety issues.
“People are also really concerned about dust.
“The impacts on health is a key theme too. A lot of Coast Road residents rely on drinking water coming from their roof. How safe is that?”
A fourth concern raised related to the way the ground around the Wainuiomata River floods and what the impacts of changing that will be.
The fifth concern is around how many trucks will be coming through Wainuiomata on a daily basis because of the clean fill.
The trucks will be coming past Wainuiomata Primary School, Nicky notes.
School children will be travelling down Coast Raod on buses to be dropped off near their homes, “so there is a period where the students will be on the road and we know it is quite a narrow, windy road so there are safety concerns there”.
In the past when there were logging operations down the Coast Road one of the conditions was that the trucks were not allowed to drive along the road during a window of time, so that the kids could be safe.
People attending the meeting “want to see these sorts of conditions back on the table for this operation,” Nicky says.
“Now we are putting all our collective effort into writing submissions together that will be as strong as possible.”
However they are on a “limited clock” as submissions close on 16 October.
“We have requested an extension from Council but it is unclear what we will receive at the moment,” Nicky says.
In the meantime “we are putting all our effort into supporting each other writing submissions.”
Kakariki Estate Limited has lodged the resource consent application to run a clean fill at 1044 Coast Road.
Hutt City Council has decided that only immediately affected parties need to comment on the application.
The Council has notified nine property owners about the application and given them until 16 October to make a submission.
The clean fill would only be used by or on behalf of contractors working for Friday Homes.
The clean fill would be separated into eight stages with progressive filling and rehabilitation occurring with each stage being returned to pasture once complete.
Only one stage will be in operation at a time.
The total area would be 9.37 hectares across eight stages with a total maximum volume of 196,500 cubic metres and a maximum height of 3.5 metres.
To control dust the maximum area of unstabilised fill will be 2,500 square metres at any one time. Mitigation planting is proposed around parts of the site.
Only single unit trucks would visit the site with no more than 18 trucks per day.
A new site entrance will be formed along with warning signage.
New plan for water services
In s media release issued two days before stepping down as Lower Hutt’s Mayor, Campbell Barry welcomed the Government’s approval of a new plan that will see a dedicated organisation take over water services across metropolitan Wellington from July 2026.
The plan, submitted by five councils – Hutt City, Porirua, Upper Hutt, Wellington, and Greater Wellington – is part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme.
It outlines the creation of a new, councilowned water organisation working in partnership with mana whenua iwi Ngāti Toa Rangitira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
The organisation, currently called Metro Water, will take over from Wellington Water Limited and be responsible for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the region.
Mayor Barry said the approval marked real progress.
"This is good news for our communities.
“We now have the green light to build a new water organisation that is better set up to do the job, with more funding options, focus and scale,” he said.
“The next councils will have a solid foundation to keep moving this forward.
“It has taken real teamwork across councils and with mana whenua to get here, and while it won’t be a silver bullet, we are in a much better place to fix a system that hasn’t been working for some time."
Metro Water will have its own board, secure
funding, and a region-wide view, allowing it to plan and deliver services without being limited by individual council budgets or political cycles.
A joint committee of council and mana whenua representatives will oversee the transition. Key governance documents will go to councils for sign-off in late 2025. Wellington Water will continue delivering services until Metro Water takes over on 1 July 2026.
Gabriel Tupou, who has been elected a Greater Wellington Regional Councillor. Photo: Supplied.
Hutt City’s former Mayor, Campbell Barry. Photo: Supplied.
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ON... WHAT’S
armed Offenders Squad in Wainui
Squad, executed the search at the property at around 3pm.
During the search Police located firearms and ammunition at the address.
Sergeant Vincent Smylie says the arrest is part of a larger Police focus on the illegal firearms trade within New Zealand.
“I would like to commend staff on their efforts today.
“This was a great result and works toward our mission of making our communities as safe as possible,” Sergeant Smylie says.
The man has been charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing ammunition and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.
Lower Hutt retains Maori Ward
By Frank Neill
Lower Hutt has voted to retain the Hutt City Council’s Māori Ward. When the preliminary election results were posted on 11 October they showed that 19,316 people had voted to keep the Māori Ward.
That compared with 11,479 who voted to remove the Māori Ward.
Local authorities that had Māori Wards were required by the government to hold binding polls on whether or not to retain their Māori
Wards from the 2028 election and beyond.
Composed by Tony Watling 11th. Nov. 2015
Two of Lower Hutt’s adjoining local bodies also voted to retain their Māori Wards.
POOLS OF SATISFACTION
The vote to keep its ward was massive in Wellington City, coming in at almost two to one in favour.
Te Awa Puketapu, who is the new Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward Councillor.
Our summer pools were built by us. Blends in well did cause no fuss. With hydro slide will cause a splash. And to it many people dash. Through native bush we twist and wiggle. From the children brings a giggle. Severn days a week the place is open. Hot summer days we all are hopen!
Wellington’s progress result saw 38,125 people vote in favour of keeping the ward, compared with 19,622 against.
Porirua.
That saw 11,372 people vote to keep the ward while 5,127 voted against.
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The vote to keep the ward was even higher than two to one in
Greater Wellington Regional Council will also keep its Māori Ward after people voted overwhelmingly in favour, with 84,067 people voting to keep the ward while 52,203 voted against.
There was no referendum on Māori Wards in Upper Hutt as the Upper Hutt City Council voted in August 2024 to rescind its earlier
Breaking the silence, rewriting the story
Menopause is something every woman will experience, yet it’s still not openly talked about enough. For many, it’s a stage marked by confusion, frustration and symptoms that feel overwhelming.
FACT OF THE DAY
remove symptoms and help women feel strong, confident and in control again.
“Menopause isn’t the end of the road,” Coach P says.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Lower Hutt-based personal trainer
Paula Nuku (Coach P), who provides services to many Wainuiomata residents, has made it her mission to change the conversation.
With new certifications in menopause health and weight loss coaching, Paula is determined to shine a light on how lifestyle – through nutrition, stress management, sleep and exercise – can reduce or even
51. J.K. Rowling chose the unusual name ‘Hermione’ so young girls wouldn’t be teased for being nerdy! Bringing local news to the community
“It’s the start of a new chapter, and with the right tools, women can thrive through it.”
Paula has recently completed two certifications through My Menopause Transformation (founded by Dr Wendy Sweet PhD), making her a qualified graduate of both the Introduction to Menopause for Health Coaches and the Menopause Weight Loss Coach programmes. Armed with science-backed tools from experts such as Dr Stacey
Corner of Main Road and Moohan Streets, Wainuiomata Wainuiomata Squash Club AGM
Sims and Dr Wendy Sweet, Paula is helping women approach menopause not as a condition to endure, but as a stage of life that can be managed – and even celebrated –through tailored lifestyle changes.
know about:
decision to introduce a Māori
Board game park planned
By Frank Neill
A new life-sized board game park is being planned for Wainuiomata.
T he plan is being developed by Scott Radvan, who lives in Newlands.
His plan is to buy a 4 hectare (9.9 acre) section in Upper Fitzherbert Road and develop the park there.
and Ladders, Jenga and Trivial Pursuit.
That would cover around 4 acres and the section would also include an amenities block, a parking area, five bus bays, a food truck plaza, central convered seating and pergola seating.
Native landscaping would also be part of the project.
The park would have life-size “boards” for Monopoly, Chess or Checkers, Connect 4, Snakes
Contact Sandra on 587 1660 accounts@wsn.co.nz 7.00pm Monday 30th November At the Clubrooms
Research shows that many menopause symptoms – weight gain, hot flushes, fatigue, poor sleep and mood changes – are linked to lifestyle factors such as inflammation, stress and nutrition.
With the right interventions, women can regain energy, manage their weight and thrive through this life stage.
Coach P highlights three key areas that every woman should
• Sleep: Menopause often disrupts sleep, which in turn affects hormones like insulin and cortisol. Poor sleep makes it harder to manage weight and recover from exercise. By improving sleep routines and managing stress, women can restore their energy and resilience.
• Strength Training: As estrogen levels decline, women lose muscle mass and bone density faster. Targeted resistance training is one of the most powerful ways to protect long-term health, prevent osteoporosis and maintain independence while boosting metabolism.
• Nutrition: Nutrition needs
shift during menopause. A focus on lean protein, fiber-rich foods, and anti-inflammatory choices can help regulate blood sugar, reduce hot flushes and support weight management.
Through her work, Paula is not only supporting her clients at The Transformation Centre but also aiming to spark a wider conversation about women’s health, ageing, and empowerment.
“Too many women think they just have to ‘put up with it,’” Coach P adds.
“But with the right knowledge and support, menopause can be a chance to thrive—not just survive.”
Required in Area 1: Momona, Mohaka, Kawatiri - Kaponga.
The cost of the project, Scott says, is budgeted at around $35 million.
He does not yet have a time frame on the project.
CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD
By Russell McQuarters
By Russell McQuarters
ACROSS 1. Rope dancer (11) 7. Nourish (7)
11. On the move (5)
12. Exhausted (7)
13. Swift (5)
14. & 30 ACROSS. Minor mistake (speech) (4,2,3,6)
15. Implored (9)
16. Laboured (6)
18. Difficult to catch (7)
21. Lazy (4)
23. Delve (3)
25. Finish (3)
27. Hypocritical speech (4)
Live a country life (9)
List of jurors (5)
List of jurors (5)
28. Ceased to occupy(house) (7)
30. SEE 14 ACROSS.
SEE 14 ACROSS.
32. Sheep in 2nd year (3)
Sheep in 2nd year (3)
33. False hair (3) 34. Hesitate (6)
35. Characteristic of class (7)
Cease (4)
Snake (3)
Born (3)
Bait (4) 43. Christian recluse (7)
Sacred place(pl) (6)
(7)
His works include’Madam Butterfly ‘ & ‘Tosca’(7)
His works include’Madam
‘ & ‘Tosca’(7)
Number (5)
Number (5) 54. Tolerates (7)
Tolerates (7)
Friendship (11)
Interpret wrongly (11)
Interpret wrongly (11)
Sound (5)
Droops (5)
1. Droops (5)
Sent (11)
Nourishing (11)
Shy (8)
Nourishing (11)
Abandoned (8)
Abandoned (8)
Modernize (6)
Modernize (6)
Turn outwards (5)
Icon (5)
Constrict (7)
Offers (7)
Of public revenue (6)
Has high morals (8)
Arrest (9) 49. Live a country life (9)
Calming (8)
Reduce (6)
Sanction
Ward. Wainuiomata resident Te Awa Puketapu, stood in the 2025 election and has been elected unopposed to the one position on the Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward.
A life-sized board park like this one is being planned for Wainuiomata. Photo: Supplied.
Crowded places safety resources released
The Police have released a suite of resources to help increase awareness about what to do in the unlikely event of an active armed attack in a crowded place.
Police is the lead agency of the government’s Crowded Places Strategy.
This work is about protecting the lives of people working in, using and visiting crowded places.
“The nature of crowded places means they at times can pose extra risks, as they can be a target for attacks,” says Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson.
“While there is always the possibility of a Crowded Places attack, Police together with businesses will continue to work together to prevent this from occurring.
“Like anything we do, it’s important to have plans in place,”
Assistant Commissioner Johnson says.
“The goal is that none of us will ever need to use this information.
“It’s about being prepared so people know what to do should something of this nature happen.
“Remember three simple words: Escape, Hide, Tell.
“That means moving quickly and quietly away from danger, staying out of sight, silencing your phone and — when it is safe to do so — calling Police on 111.”
Crowded Places Business Advisory Group member Scentre Group Director of Security John Yates is supportive of this work:
“The safety and security of our customers, communities and people is our highest priority,” he says.
“We support the New Zealand Government’s campaign to raise
GARDENING
Some years ago I wrote about the advantages of using aspirin sprays and drenches on plants we grow.
The article was well received at the time and a number of gardeners started using this interesting gardening practice.
A conversation I had with a gardener over the phone this week brought back the memory of the aspirin information from over 20 years ago.
Basically the reason why aspirin will help with gardening problems is primarily due to its active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, which is derived from natural plant hormones and can trigger beneficial responses in plants.
Aspirin was derived from a substance found in the bark and leaves of the willow tree.
The active ingredient, salicin, was used for centuries to relieve pain and reduce fever, with its properties later leading to the modern synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin.
Enhanced plant immunity: Aspirin helps plants activate their defense mechanisms earlier, making them more resistant to diseases and pests.
So what are the advantages of aspirin?
Improved seed germination: Soaking seeds or watering them with diluted aspirin solutions can increase the germination rate, resulting in stronger seedlings also add a little Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) as well..
Increased growth and yield: Aspirin-treated plants tend to be larger, have better fruit and flower production, and show improved overall health and vigor.
Better stress tolerance: When applied either through soil drenching or foliar sprays, aspirin can help plants withstand environmental stresses such as drought and heat.
Longer-lasting cut flowers: Aspirin inhibits hormones that cause
broad community awareness of the ‘Escape, Hide, Tell.’ messaging.
“Knowing what to do in the unlikely event of an active armed offender attack is a difficult topic yet a critical one.
“Remaining vigilant when in public and crowded places and remembering these three words could make a difference.
“The ‘Escape, Hide, Tell’ messaging gives guidance to help people find a safe place to hide, move out of harm’s way and to relay critical information to authorities to aid in their response.
“We encourage our customers, business partners and broader community to have conversations with their teams and family members and help to raise awareness as we would for any other important public safety message.
“From this month, we will be supporting the Government’s campaign by displaying the ‘Escape, Hide, Tell.’ message across digital screens within our Westfield destinations.”
Paul Patel Chair of the Crowded Places Community Advisory Groups says: “The Crowded Places Strategy marks a vital step forward in safeguarding our shared spaces, empowering communities to act with clarity and confidence.
“‘Escape, Hide, Tell.’ is more than a message, it’s a commitment to collective responsibility".
Mat Hellyer Chair of the Crowded Places Business Advisory Group says: “Crowded places are where much of life happens.
“Venues, malls, transport hubs, cafés, street activities, places of worship – they are where we gather, celebrate, share experiences, and
connect.
“But with that vibrancy of course comes vulnerability.
“Businesses play an important role in keeping New Zealanders safe, and we take very seriously the responsibility that comes with owning and operating them.
“The Business Advisory Group is proud to partner with Government and New Zealand Police in launching this campaign, a vital step in strengthening public safety, building resilience and ensuring our spaces remain welcoming and secure for all.
“We are committed to doing our part."
The strategy is on the Police’s website, at www.police.govt.nz/ advice-services/protecting-crowded-places-attack/crowded-places-strategy.
THIS WEEK TAKING THE HEADACHE OUT OF GROWING PLANTS:
rapid death in cut flowers, prolonging their freshness so popping a bit of an aspirin into your vase water is an old tip also used on freshly cut pine trees as Christmas Trees..
To make an aspirin spray for garden plants, dissolve one regular, uncoated aspirin tablet (300 mg) in 4 liters of water, mix thoroughly, and use a spray bottle to apply it to the leaves every two weeks.
In NZ only one type I see has 300mg most have 100mg so need to use 3 tabs.
It’s good practice to add 40 mils of MBL and 4mils of Wallys Raingard to help the solution stick to plant leaves, for overall best results.
In a trigger sprayer kept out of light when not in use the mix will last nicely between uses till used up and then make a fresh batch.
As a soil drench it is two 300 mg into 4 litres of water with 80mils of MBL added. (Do not add Raingard) water into the root zones of plants nonce a month that you want to improve or on perennial plants and trees twice a year, spring and autumn.
The best timing to apply aspirin spray on tomato plants is every 10 to 14 days, starting when plants are healthy and established (about 18 to 24 inches tall, or a few weeks after transplanting).
Begin applications before common diseases and pests tend to appear in your garden, which is typically early summer, and continue throughout the growing season, stopping just before harvest or when disease risk drops.
Apply the first aspirin spray two weeks after planting or when plants reach approximately 18–24 inches in height.
For your tomato plants using the above spray products (Aspirin, MBL and Raingard)
Spraying is best done in the early morning or evening to avoid leaf
By Wally Richards
burn and maximize absorption.
Four sprays at 10-day intervals, starting two weeks after planting, is supported by research for optimal disease prevention.
Continue with regular feeding of Wallys Secret Tomato food with Neem Granules and care alongside aspirin spray routines.
This schedule helps prime the plant’s defenses before threats arrive, leading to stronger, more resilient tomato plants throughout the season.
If you want to increase the sweetness of the fruit occasionally add some Wallys Mycorrcin to the
spray. Now here is the clincher from my conversation with the gardener that brought up the subject of aspirin.
He told me that last season a friend grew two plots of garlic one of which he sprayed the foliage every 2 weeks starting after he has a good show of foliage using the combination sprays above.
(Aspirin, MBL and Raingard)
The other plot he used as a control and did not use the combined aspirin spray on their foliage. Results were, unsprayed got the dreaded garlic rust and the treated
crop did not.
Thus if you are growing garlic this season best you use the aforementioned products and start a spray program now before rust strikes later. (Adding mycorcin to the spray will help create larger bulbs)
I would also suggest the you also spray the foliage of stone fruit with same to help with curly leaf disease and add to the spray Wallys Copper Nutrient which also helps. If all that does not help then for yourself; take two aspirin and put your feet up and have your favorite drink on hand.