Wednesday July 16, 2025
Major blaze
By Frank Neill
A Wainuiomata family is currently seeking new accommodation after the house they were living in and their belongings were destroyed by fire on 10 July.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to the blaze in Nelson Crescent at 8:56am.
Continued on page 2.
The home that was destroyed by fire on 10 July. Photo: Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
ONLINE: www.issuu.com/wsn11
WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
Alerted to fire by smoke alarms
Continued from page 1
By the time they arrived, fire was coming out of the back of the house in the roof area, says Station Officer Nathalie Pettigrew, who was the officer in charge of the scene during the early part of the response.
Wainuiomata firefighters worked on containing the blaze for “at the very least three hours.”
The scene was then taken over by other fire brigades.
Six brigades attended the fire.
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As well as Wainuiomata, the Seaview, Avalon, Thorndon, Wellington City, Remutaka, Newtown brigades were at the scene.
All the occupants of the house got out safely.
“They were alerted by a smoke alarm,” Station Officer Pettigrew says.
“It’s good that they got out and it’s good that they had smoke alarms.
“If you don’t have working smoke alarms, make contact with the fire brigade,” she says.
Free assistance with smoke alarm installation and other fire safety help is available from the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The brigade provides free home fire safety visits.
To book a free visit, contact the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, phone 564 8340 or email FENZwellington@ fireandemergency.nz.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) recommends long-life photoelectric smoke alarms and checking they’re
Standing for the Maori Ward
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Community Board’s Chair, Te Awa Puketapu, will stand for the Mana Kairangi ki Tai M ori Ward in Lower Hutt in this year’s local body elections.
Ms Puketapu was elected to the Community Board at the last election in 2022, and was elected to Chair the board at its first meeting.
Of Te Ati Awa, Ngai TŪhoe, Ng ti Ruapani whakapapa, Ms Puketapu has lived most of her life in Wainuiomata – apart from a small amount of time overseas.
“Wainuiomata is home for me,” she says. She was raised by her grandmother, following one of the traditions that the oldest grandchild would go to their grandparents.
Ms Puketapu was a student at Pukeatua K hanga Reo, New Zealand’s first K hanga Reo when it opened in April 1982.
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working once a month.
It is also very important to make sure that if you remove batteries from smoke alarms that the batteries are replaced.
Sometimes people switch off the smoke alarm because it is sounding, and then don’t replace the battery.
That then significantly increases their chances of not surviving if a fire does break out.
“You are four times more likely to survive a fire if you have working smoke alarms,” FENZ says on its website.
She returned to work at Pukeatua K hanga Reo in the early 2000s to support in the management and during that time she was involved in setting up the Atiawa Nui Tonu K hanga Reo in Moohan Street as the second arm of Pukeatua K hanga Reo.
Today Pukeatua K hanga Reo is located at the Moohan Street site, where Te Awa recently returned as the Interim Manager after spending 14 years in public service.
Ms Puketapu first attended Waiwhetu Primcay School then moved to Pencarrow School. She went to Parkway Intermediate School, which is now known as Wainuiomata Intermediate School and where she is also a Board member.
She wanted to go to Parkway College, but because her grandmother was teaching there, she studied at Hutt Valley High School.
Most of her early work background has been in teaching and education, although she also worked for the Wainuiomata Golf Club, Eddie's Bar and the Palliser Hotel while she was studying.
Following her time at Pukeatua K hanga Reo, Ms Puketapu worked at the Education Review Office (ERO) as a review officer before joining the Ministry of Education, firstly as a wh nau advocate and then as an education
adviser.
Her next role was with the Office of the Children’s Commissioner as an independent monitor of tamariki, and then she worked for the Royal Commission of Enquiry into Abuse in State Care.
Before returning to Pukeatua K hanga Reo this year, Te Awa spent time with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, ManatŪ Taonga working in Taonga Tutur Ū and Matariki kaupapa.
Returning back to the community was always the plan, she says.
“I wanted to go and work in central government as I wanted to bring that learning back to the community – to be able to give back what I can to the community,” she says.
The opportunity presented to stand for the M ori Ward seat as the prospective M ori Ward Councillor, giving the space to support city wide.
“This is the part I’m most excited about,” Te Awa says.
“I’ve been privileged with the different hats I’ve worn to have met amazing people and wh nau across the whole of Lower Hutt, doing incredible things for communities.
“Being able to represent those voices in local council would be an honour.”
The Wainuiomata Community Board Chair Te Awa Puketapu, who is standing for the Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward in this year’s local body elections. Photo: Supplied.
Wainui’s talented young darts players
A total of 197 young players from across Aotearoa converged in Masterton for the Junior and Youth New Zealand Darts National Competition from 5 to 8 July.
Ranging in age from 9 to 17, these talented tamariki and rangatahi showcased their skills and sportsmanship on the national stage.
Among the competitors was a proud team of 11 young players representing Wainuiomata (Region 12), supported by wh nau and chaperones who stayed together at Te Ore Ore Marae.
The team competed in a range of events including singles, pairs and mixed pairs over four days.
“Our kids gave it everything,” said Kim McLean, President of Wainuiomata Darts.
“They played with heart and represented our community with pride. It was beautiful to see the mana they carried, both on and off the oche.”
This year’s goal was to improve on the previous year's results – and they delivered.
Two local players were recognised for their standout performances, with one junior girl and one youth boy selected for their respective tournament teams.
“Being named in the tournament teams is a massive honour,” Kim added.
“It reflects not just talent, but hard mahi and dedication. We’re incredibly proud of them.”
The darting community across Aotearoa remains tight-knit and supportive, with teams from Hutt (Region 10) and Capital (Region 9) also bringing strong numbers and cheering loudly for players from all regions.
“There’s a real sense of wh nau in the darts world,” Kim said.
“Even though we’re from different regions, everyone wants to see these kids succeed.
“The support from other teams was unreal. They really lifted our tamariki.”
Darts may look simple – a countdown from 501 ending on a double – but as New Zealand’s first professional darts player Haupai Puha once said: “It’s a game of
millimetres.” Kim agrees.
“It’s not just throwing darts, it’s mental strength, consistency, strategy. Our juniors are learning how to stay focused under pressure, and that’s a life skill,” she explained.
Locally, the Wainuiomata Junior and Youth Darts group trains every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Wainuiomata Football Club at Richard Prouse Park.
“We’re always keen to welcome new faces,” Kim said.
“Whether your child is a total beginner or has been playing at home, come down and
check it out. It’s affordable, it’s fun, and it gives our rangatahi something to really be part of.”
With darts growing in popularity thanks to increased social media coverage and televised international competitions, the future looks bright and Wainuiomata’s youth are right at the heart of it.
“These kids are the future of darts in Aotearoa,” Kim said. “And trust me, the future is looking sharp.”
The contact for the Wainuiomata Junior and Youth Darts group is Kim McLean, wainuidartssec@gmail.com, 027 543 2913.
Let us know
The “Wainuiomata News” is keen to hear from people who will be standing for the Wainuiomata Community Board at the upcoming local body election.
The paper is also keen to hear from people standing for other roles in the election, including as Mayor, a city-wide, Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward or Wainuiomata Ward Hutt City Councillor, or for the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
People who are standing can contact the “Wainuiomata News” via its reporter, Frank Neill, by emailing frank@wsn. co.nz or phoning 027 490 3916.
Help needed
The Cancer Society is looking for voulnteers to help with fund-raising events during Daffodil Day, which takes place on 29 August. They are keen to hear from people who can rally their workplace, host a bake sale, deck out their office in yellow or run a quiz night.
More information on how people can help during Daffodil Day is at https://daffodilday.org.nz/.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
The Wainuiomata contingent at the Junior and Youth New Zealand Darts National Competition. Photo: Supplied.
Maintenance on Gums Loop Track
A section ofGums Loop Track in the Wainuiomata Regional Park was be closed on Monday 14 July and Tuesday 15 July for maintenance.
The work was, however, dependent on the weather.
Planting day at Baring Head
Volunteers planted locally sourced natives at rua-pouanui/Baring Head in East Harbour Regional Park on Sunday 13 July, the last day of Matariki celebrations.
This continues Greater Wellington’s restoration of the dramatic and rugged valley that surrounds Wainuiomata Stream.
Historically this section of the park was an important source for mahinga kai (gardens) for local iwi and with official Matariki celebrations concluding on 13 July, volunteers helped plant native species for the day; practising renewal and mana taiao, the Matariki value of environmental awareness.
Restoring the park has been a collaborative effort, says Greater Wellington’s Park Ranger for East Harbour, Jo Greenman.
“Since grazing ended we’ve been working with mana whenua, Friends of Baring Head and other community volunteers to restore the park and facilitate a healthy ecosystem,” Jo says.
“We’ve conducted pest plant and animal control work and planted species that help reduce grass fire risk and improve the park’s biodiversity.
“The plants we used on Sunday were all locally sourced from a variety of local nurseries and suppliers including Forest & Bird and He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao.”
He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao, formerly known as the Hem of Remutaka, previously a Jobs for Nature funded project in partnership with Greater Wellington Taranaki Wh nui and Department of Conservation, is now carrying on as a commercial enterprise closely associated with Taranaki Wh nui.
Their involvement in restoring the land of rua-pouanui is part of the kaupapa of Te ti Awa led conservation efforts says He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao Operations Manager, Gary Sue.
“Following on from the Hem of Remutaka project we are continuing environmental mahi throughout our takiw of Te ti Awa including Wainuiomata with the owners and the team of staff that are mostly iwi or whakapapa M ori,” Gary says.
“The restoration of rua-pouanui using local eco-sourced plants, specific to the region, grown from our own nursery will cultivate an eco-system that is suited to our climate and soils and ensure the whenua thrives in future.
“He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao is committed to Greater Wellington’s Recloaking Papatū nuku and Taranaki Wh nui’s Toitū te taiao strategic priorities.”
For more information about Greater Wellington’s restoration programme visit Greater Wellington - Recloaking Papatū nuku.
Both the Sledge Track and the Tana Umaga Track remained open.
The Gums Loop Track is an easy one hour walk through gum trees and past the old Wainuiomata dam construction houses.
The section of the track that was be closed was between the swing bridge and Sledge Track intersection, and the Gums Loop and Tana Umaga Track intersection.
New look Community Board coming
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata will have a new look Community Board following the upcoming local body elections.
Only two of the current board members – Lesa Bingley and Daniel Chrisp – have announced that they will stand again.
Three current board members – Te Awa Puketapu, Gary Sue and Tamsyn Harker –told the “Wainuiomata News” that they will not be seeking re-election.
Te Awa has decided that she will stand for the Mana Kairangi ki Tai M ori Ward in Lower Hutt in this year’s local body elections.
The other current board member – Leah Clark – said she will probably not stand. If her current plan for the future takes place, she will not stand, although there was a possibility that plan could change, in which case she would stand.
“It has been a great privilege to have served as the Deputy Chair of the Wainuiomata Community Board for the past three years alongside my colleagues, whom I now call friends,” Mrs Bingley says.
“I have been deliberate and active in my quest to show up for our awesome community. “This opportunity has given me great joy and the chance to meet so many new people from all walks of life.
“I have played a role in many community events from the reopening of the Police Station, to making cups of tea, community pool parties, kids face painting, completing community surveys, assisting in Anzac Day events, serving Christmas dinners, Matariki
and celebrating local superstar volunteers.
“I am so grateful to all of you who have welcomed me and who have trusted me to have open and frank conversations about what is important to you, what is working and what isn’t,” Mrs Bingley says.
The 37-year-old Mrs Bingley was born in the Hutt Valley of Tokelauan, Scottish, Samoan and Swedish descent.
She has worked in the Insurance Industry for more than a decade but says she “is most proud of being a Mum”.
Mrs Bingley first championed a community petition to stop a second bottle shop from opening on Queen Street in 2022, which drew the public’s support with more than 900 signatures against Fergusson Holding Ltd which resulted in them withdrawing their application. “If you or someone you know is contemplating running in this election I encourage you to Go For It,” Mrs Bingley says.
“Team work makes the dream work, and what better team that ours in Wainuiomata”.
Mr Chrisp is a cemeteries manager, having worked in the sector for more than nine years. Before that he was a school caretaker for three years and volunteered for nine years as a youth pastor for his church.
He helped start the Poole Crescent community gardens and enjoys golf, woodworking and gardening in his spare time.
The “Wainuiomata News” is keen to hear from local people who are going to stand for election to the Mayoralty, the Council, the Community Board or Greater Wellington Regional Council. Candidates can contact Frank Neill by email at frank@wsn.co.nz or by phone at 027 490 3916.
Legal action over insert removal settled
By Frank Neill
The Hutt City Council and the Free Speech Union (FSU) have agreed to settle the court action launched by the FSU, the union announced on 3 July.
The FSU commenced the legal action in December last year, alleging that the Hutt City Council breached the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act by removing a paid insert from newspapers.
In February 2024 The Post and a number of its community newspapers, including the Hutt News, contained an eight-page insert paid for by the New Zealand Centre for Political Research.
The insert was a reproduction of the English translation of Sir Apirana Ngata’s 1922 explanation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This translation is widely quoted by people who believe that by signing Te Tiriti Maori ceded authority and sovereignty to the Crown.
Copies of the Hutt News are held at Hutt
City libraries and the insert was removed from the papers by a Council staff member, who held the view that the insert was misinformation.
The FSU welcomes Hutt City Council’s “agreement to settle with us and their commitment to free speech and the right to impart and receive information and opinions as a critical part of our society,” the FSU’s Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling says.
“They’ve also acknowledged that if similar situations arise in the future, the Council would be likely to adopt a different approach.
“They’ve confirmed that the role of the local library is not to act as a gatekeeper of information, and that ratepayers should be free to access information.”
Hutt City Council “will make several public statements affirming its commitment to free speech, and its role as a gateway for information, not a gatekeeper,” Jonathan says. “It is not the role of local councils to decide what ratepayers do and don’t read,” Jonathan says.
The Gums Loop Track. Photo: Supplied.
Volunteers working on planting at Ōrua-pouanui/Baring Head. Photo: Supplied.
the Locksmith
“Lance
Dominant win by Ulalei Aute
Collegians United with a decisive 67–41 victory.
Defending Premier 1 champions Ulalei Aute made a bold statement in the second round of competition, overpowering Naenae
With the introduction of the 2-point shot rule, Aute’s sharpshooters Armani Fruean, Sina Tamaalii, and Emma Mur-
ray-Fifita showcased their precision, consistently landing longrange shots and capitalising on the new scoring opportunity.
In the Senior 3 grade, Ulalei Pu lulu bounced back after an early setback.
Ulalei Pu lulu faced adversity early on with a suspected dislocated kneecap injury to Uga Muaiava.
Trailing 10–5 after the first quarter, the team regrouped and mounted a strong comeback.
Led by the defensive trio of Moriah
Sopoaga, Kate Muaiava and Tiana Ruwhiu, they applied relentless pressure, forcing turnovers and shifting momentum.
Their efforts paid off with a hardfought 36–28 win over Tautoko Aiga.
In the Senior 4 Grade the unstoppable force that is Ulalei Moso’oi continued their unbeaten run, dispatching High School Old Girls with a confident 35–23 victory.
The team’s consistency and cohesion have made them a standout this season.
Ulalei Laga’ali notched their second win of the season in emphatic fashion, defeating the previously unbeaten Wellington Area Sports Club 38–18.
The team’s energy and execution were on full display as they dominated both ends of the court.
In other results Ulalei Puataunofo lost to Sacred Heart College 53–43, Ulalei Malili went down to Maidstone United 51–37 and the promising young squad Ulalei Fuesina came second in their game against Mana Wolves 29-15. Ulalei extends itsgratitude and thanks to the many local businesses who have continued to support the club.
Special thanks to: Hedz for Hair, Domino’s Wainuiomata, Charlie’s Sushi, CJ’s Hangi, Matiu’s R wena, Dawn Bakery, Creative Meats, McDonald’s, Wellington Pipelines, The Bottle-O Wainuiomata, Clives Chemist, Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services and Just Beauty.
Photo: Supplied.
Premiers win three in a row
By Ryan Imray
Normal scheduling resumed after cup week and week one of the school holidays so this meant all of the Wainuiomata Football teams were back in action last weekend.
On a grey and cloudy afternoon at a mud covered Richard Prouse Park, the Reserves started off proceedings with the early kick off and they started the day with an emphatic victory over Wellington Olympic.
A goal each by Mackenzie Georgeson, Beauyn Goochwood, Yvan Sapele, Cameron Gelderblom, a double by Ollie Burton and four by the in-form Lachlan Harris gave Wainuiomata a 10-1 win.
Three games kicked off simultaneously in the later kick off.
On pitch number three, Halfbaked Roundballs continued life
in the Wellington Four Division unbeaten as they came on top in a seven goal thriller.
Hosting Miramar Rangers, the Wainuiomata side won 5-2.
On pitch number two, the OCs hosted Western Suburbs in a first versus second clash.
On a pitch that had more mud than grass, the conditionswere not ideal and sadly it showed as Western Suburbs walked away 4-1 winners.
On pitch number one, the men’s Premier side made it three wins in a row and narrowed the gap between them and first placed Wellington Olympic by four points.
A double to Sam Gribben, including a goal in the first minute, gave them a 2-1 win over Western Suburbs.
At Bryan Heath Park the two Pasifika teams were in action.
Pasifika Originals remained top
of the Masters Four table with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Miramar Rangers.
Pasifika Old Boys in the Over 45 division had a tough day at the office as they fell to a 5-1 defeat to Wellington Marist.
The weekend was wrapped up on Sunday as the women’s side travelled to Wakefield Park to face Brooklyn United, looking to follow up last week’s victory against Tawa.
In what was a clinical display in front of goal, the women’s side made it two from two since their mid-season promotion to the Capital Three Division.
Goals to Shaelyn Kilburn, Sheena Nicholson, a first in Wainui colours for Abbey Humphrey and a double hat-trick for Leanne Smith and Arnika Lahood helped the Wainuiomata side win 9-0.
Lioness win top of table clash
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Lioness remain top of the Wellington premier women’s Rugby League table following their 26-14 defeat of the Randwick Queenfishers on 13 July.
Playing on their home ground of Frederick Wise Park, the Lioness were in front of the Queenfishers 14-10 following a closely contested first half in this top of the table clash.
The Lioness dominated the second spell however, adding 12 more points and restricting the Queenfishers to just four points.
Tyra Leota scored two tries for the Lioness, and Tyshia Leota, Kyla Mere Pasene and Tura Kupa-Cummings also dotted down.
Acacia Claridge-Te Iwimate kicked three conversions.
The Ken Laban coached Lioness are the only undefeated team in the competition, having won all their four matches.
They lead the table on eight points, three points ahead of Porirua Valkyrie and the Queenfishers.
The Wainuiomata Lions meet the St George Dragons on 19 July in their bid to make the semi-finals of the premier mens Wellington Rugby League competition.
Five teams are competing for the four semi final positions and there are only two points
separating them.
The Dragons currently lead on 20 points, and all the other four teams – the Lions, Whiti Te Ra, the Randwick Kingfishers and Toa – have 18 points.
Whiti Te Ra will remain on 18 points following the final match before the semi-finals on 19 July as they have the bye.
The Kingfishers meet Toa, meaning one of these teams is likely to finish on 18 points, unless the match is drawn.
This means that the final placings could be decided on goal differential.
Currently the Lions sit in fourth place on the table thanks to a very slightly better goal differential of 87, compared with Toa’s 86. The Kingfishers have a good lead over them with a goal differential of 104.
The Lions meet the Dragons at Cannons Creek Park on 19 July. Kick off is at 2:30pm.
The Lions had a bye on 12 July. Qualifying for the semi-finals will give the Lions the opportunity to become the Wellington Rugby League champions for the third successive year. The Lions won the Appleton Shield as champions last year when they defeated the St George Dragons 40-30 in the final.
The Lions defeated the Porirua Vikings 22-18 in the 2023 Appleton Shield final, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2007.
Good comeback by Wainuiomata
By Frank Neill
A great second half comeback was not enough for Wainuiomata’s premier Rugby team in their match against Old Boys University on 12 July.
Wainuiomata outscored their opponents in the second spell, adding 17 points to Old Boys University’s 12.
However the damage had been done in the first half, with Old Boys University leading 27-5 at the break, playing on their home ground of Nairnville Park.
1. Magnificent. (11)
7. Nut of the hazel. (7)
11. Forgers’ block. (5)
12. ad , to the point of digust. (7)
13. Ex Silver Ferns coach, Leigh ... (5)
14. Game bird. (9)
15. Perturbs. (9)
16. Limited. (6)
18. More daring. (7)
21. Small island. (4)
23. Go astray. (3)
25. Dowry. (3)
27. Real name Burle Icle Ivanhoe, singer Burl (4)
28. Standard. (7)
30. Small edible crustacean. (6)
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33. Hovel. (3)
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35. Flourish. (7)
36. “Once were warriors” author, Duff. (4)
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39. Small cask. (3)
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45. Fragment. (6)
48. Logic. (9)
49. Gallant. (9)
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53. Sacred images. (5)
54. Decide. (7)
55. Dies before (another person) (11)
DOWN
1. Knave (5)
2. Surroundings. (11)
3. Bear. (8)
4. N.American country. (6)
5. Parasitic insect. (5)
6. Small species of deer (male) (7)
7. Starved. (8)
8. Papal ambassador. (6)
9. Preserves a body. (7)
10. Chores. (5)
16. Splinter. (7)
17. Printing mistake. (7)
19. Bury. (5)
20. Pulpit. (7)
22. Enrol as a jury. (7)
24. Staff. (3)
26. Belonging to thee. (3)
Of the nose. (5)
Eminent. (11)
Wainuiomata’s four tries were scored by Andrew Wells, Tyler Tane, Mikade Fono and Michael Lealava’s.
Andrew kicked one conversion.
Saturday’s loss has meant that Wainuiomata will not have the chance to retain the Hardham Cup this year, as they have missed out on a semi-final spot.
Wainuiomata’s premier two team did not have a good day, either.
They lost their HD Morgan Memorial Cup match against Northern United 38-22 and did not qualify for the semi-finals.
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38. Reflect ethically. (8)
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Week: 9 July 2025
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Fix. (3)
Study plants. (8)
Short sword. (7)
Coincide partly. (7)
Front of saddle. (6)
Integrity. (6)
Happen again. (5)
Secret hiding place. (5)
Throws. (5)
Sam Gribben (left) celebrates his opening goal with Flynn McCaul. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Six of the Wainuiomata Lioness just after they defeated the Randwick Queenfishers 26-14 on 13 July (from left) Kyla Pasene, Hoana Hori-Hohepa, Mac Collins, Mia Ualesi, Ryshia Leota and Lei Sipaia. Photo: Supplied.
