Wednesday December 17, 2025
New fire chief
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ahron Eastall will become the brigade’s Chief Fire Officer on 1 January. Continued on page 2.
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade’s new Chief Fire Officer, Ahron Eastall (left), who will take up the role on 1 January 2026, with the current CFO, Peter Thompson, who steps down on 31 December.
Photo: Frank Neill.
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
Looking forward to the challenges
Continued from page 1
He will succeed the current CFO Peter Thompson, who will finish in the role on 31 December.
Peter is stepping down as Chief Fire Officer at the end of the year as his wife Rachel has secured a new job in Australia.
“I am looking forward to the challenges that 2026 will bring,” CFO Ahron says.
“It’s always upsetting to see long serving and experienced members move on.
“However we remain positive, and this has opened a door for this opportunity.
“I have the support and experience within the brigade to lead them into the new year with confidence that we are still in a great space, and will work together with our community to always improve our response in a time of need,” he says.
SALES
Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz
021 640 152
SALES
Steve Maggs
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
CLASSIFIED SALES classifieds@wsn.co.nz
YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Ahron has served just over 22 years as a Wainuiomata firefighter.
He joined the brigade “fresh out of high school” as a 17-year-old in 2003, having been a student at Sun Valley Primary School, Parkway Intermediate School and Parkway College.
As well as his service with the Wainuiomata brigade, Ahron has been involved with both the Hutt Valley, Wellington and K piti Fire Brigades Sub Association and the Wellington Provincial Fire Brigades Association, which covers the bottom of the North Island, from New Plymouth and Gisborne south.
He is a past President and a Life Member and current Secretary of the Hutt Wellington and K piti Sub Association and also past President and Life Member of the Wellington Provincial Association.
Ahron has been a member of the Wainuiomata brigade’s team in two fire brigade competitions: the Waterway Challenge, held in Wellington, and the Sky Tower Challenge,
competing in that event for the first time last year and then competing again this year.
In doing so he helped the brigade raise a significant amount of money for Leukaemia and Blood NZ.
Ahron works at Scania New Zealand, based in Seaview.
Peter joined the Wainuiomata brigade on 23 January 1986, and will have served almost 40 years when he steps down.
He became the brigade’s leader when he was presented the CFO helmet by Fire and Emer-
gency’s Group Manager, Gareth Hughes, on 1 August 2024.
During his time with the brigade CFO Thompson has received three major awards.
In 2017 the brigade presented him with a trophy for his “commitment, passion and dedication to the brigade second to none”. This was the first time the trophy was presented, and it has not been presented since.
In 1998 he was made a life member of the brigade and in 2011 he was presented the Gold Star for 25 years’ service.
Fantastic Christmas concert
office will be closed from 19 December and will reopen on 13 January. A small team will be available through the holiday break for any urgent repair work.
Planning Roofing Work for the New Year?
Summer is the perfect time to book reroofs, new roofs, and essential maintenance. If you’re considering a project for 2026, now is the time to secure a spot. If you’d like a free, no-obligation quote or need advice about your roof, please get in touch — we’re here to help.
Wishing you a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday season Junior and the team at LHG Roofing
“Fantastic”, “Most enjoyable afternoon” were among the comments of praise given by people who attended the Christmas Concert at the Wainuiomata Pioneer Church.
As a change from the church’s usual Carol Night the Christmas Concert organisers welcomed well known local Entertainer Gil Mohe.
Along with members of his family, Gil sang many popular Christmas songs at a very well attended event at the church on 7 December.
Local talented singer Talia Atlas also sang three solos as well as harmonising with Gil on some other songs.
As always the afternoon finished with a lovely afternoon tea and was declared a great success by all attendees.
The Wainuiomata team outside the Sky Tower for the 2025 Sky Tower Challenge (from left) Eva Ruscoe, Ahron Eastall, Sean Bates and Ngarue Ratapu. Photo: Supplied.
Talia Atlas and Gil Mohe performing at the Pioneer Church’s Christmas Concert. Photo: Supplied.
Two big wins for Wainui boxer
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata boxer Raymond Seumanu took two big steps towards possible selection in New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games team on 12 and 13 December.
Raymond won his two 2026 Commonwealth Games Selection Box-offs in the 70kg light middleweight division, held at the Velodrome in Cambridge, Hamilton.
He did this despite entering both box-offs as the underdog. Raymond defeated Wesley Cameron from Bay Box Fit in Tauranga, winning every round and securing a unanimous points decision on 12 December.
Wesley came into the match as favourite, having won a bronze medal at the New Zealand Boxing Champion-
ships in September and having boxed internationally, competing in the World Boxing Championshps in Liverpool on 4 September.
Raymond then defeated the pre match favourite Fiston Iradukunda, of West City Boxing, Auckland, on 13 December.
He once again won every round, securing a unanimous points decision in beating the New Zealand 75kg champion.
“Congratulations to the winners on their performances,” New Zealand Boxing says on its Facebook page. “Final team announcement will be made later in the week.”
If he is selected, Raymond will go into another selection process, which will involve boxing overseas early next year.
Ulalei Football continues to grow
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s primary schools Football competition has reached new heights in its third season, with a record-breaking 56 teams registered in Term 4.
The growth has been remarkable compared to the league’s humble beginnings.
“Our first season had 26 teams,” Ulalei’s Scott McLeod says.
“So to see our league grow so quickly has been great for the game but more for our community.
“It’s brought our community closer, that’s for sure.”
The school league’s success and Ulalei’s annual M ori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day has caught the attention New Zealand Football and Capital Football, who have praised the kaupapa for its impact on
grassroots sport.
“We have forged strong relationships with New Zealand Football’s diversity and inclusion team, Capital Football and Wellington Phoenix’s community and culture team,” Ulalei’s Vatau Sagaga says.
“They have always been positive supporters of our kaupapa which has given us the confidence to keep going.”
Ulalei credits its ability to run the competition free of charge to the ongoing support of Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, One Foundation and Hutt Mana Charitable Trust.
Their backing has ensured that the league remains accessible to all primary school children in Wainuiomata.
Ulalei’s league will take a break for Christmas before returning in Term 1 on 16 February 2026.
Wainuiomata darts player Jonny Tata created major waves with a huge upset victory in round one of the Professional Darts Corporation world championship at Alexandra Palace, England, on 15 December.
Jonny defeated former European champion Ritchie Edhouse to advance to the second round.
Not only did Jonny win, but he scored a straight sets 3-0 victory.
This not only shocked the many at the championships and those following it, it also surprised Jonny.
He had not been expecting to qualify for the second round, and had booked a flight back to New Zealand before the second round was due to be played.
In winning, Jonny became the first New Zealander to win a round one match at the PDC world championship since Cody Harris did in December 2018.
New Golf Club Patron
By Frank Neill
Lower Hutt Mayor Fauono Ken Laban has been made a Patron of the Wainuiomata Golf Club.
He and his sister, Dame Winnie Laban, are now the joint Patrons of the club.
Fauono Laban’s installation as Patron this month follows the tradition of the club making Lower Hutt Mayors club Patrons.
Campbell Barry served as Patron before the current Mayor, and Ray Wallace also served as Patron before Campbell Barry.
Raymond Seumanu (in red) in action during the New Zealand Boxing Championships. Photo: Supplied.
Pukeatua School and Arakura School in action in Term 4 in the Ulalei Monday Night soccer league. Photo: Olive Nila Images.
Dr Peter Swain, Dame Winnie’s husband, Fauono Ken Laban and Dame Winnie Laban just after the new Mayor was made a Patron of the Wainuiomata Golf Club. Photo: Supplied.
Now that the fate of Wainui cleanfill application is in hands of commissioner it is time for elected members to front up and support Wainui.
At very least they can express concern at way this whole issue has been handled and reiterate their support for environmentally friendly projects.
Disappointed the Mayor did not attend the [4 December Wainuiomata] Community Board meeting. I have faith that my complaint with Ombudsman will confirm limited notification was unreasonable and an affront to democratic process and the people of Wainui.
David L F Smith
LOCAL TRADES
National award for junior footballer
Christmas arrived early this year for rising Wainuiomata footballerLafaele Sagaga, who has been named theCapital Football’s 2025 National Fair Play Player of the Year.
The award was announced on New Zealand Football’s official Facebook page.
“Lafaele shows outstanding respect, enjoyment, collaboration, inclusivity and ambition on the field,” the Facebook post says.
NZ Football’s Campaign and Brand Manager Marco Smeets praised the young athlete’s attitude both on and off the field.
“The commitment you’ve shown to New Zealand Football’s core values of enjoyment, respect, collaboration, inclusion and ambition makes you a truly deserving recipient,” Marco said.
As part of the award, Lafaele will receive aprize pack and his team will benefit from a special coaching session organised by NZ Football.
Lafaele, whose favourite player is Lionel Messi, played for Wainuiomata U10 team Pukeatua this season and also represents his school,St
CATTERY Casa De Wootton, home away from home. Rural surroundings. 187 Moores Valley Road. Phone Jane 5644310 Pets
Claudine Thevenet, in the Ulalei Monday Night Football league. He will continue his football journey at the Wainuiomata Association Football Club and Wainuiomata Intermediate School in 2026.
Photo: Supplied.
Ruby Lasini wins gold again
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School
student Ruby Lasini won one gold and two silver medals at this month’s New Zealand Secondary School Athletics Championships.
Ruby won her gold medal in the Long Jump with a jump of 2.56 metres.
She then went on to win silver medals in both the Shot Put and the Javelin.
“Her Te K hanga wh nau are incredibly proud of her accomplishments as she continues to be an inspiration to all our students,” Wainuiomata High School says.
Ruby was named Wainuiomata High School’s Sportsperson of the Year in 2024.
Ruby was named after
she broke the North Island Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) Shot Put record with a throw of 6.05 metres last year.
She also won the AWD Long Jump and placed second in both the AWD 100 metres and AWD 200 metres.
“This student will go places. She could represent New Zealand in her chosen sport/s,” Ruby’s Sportswoman of the Year citation says.
“But the true success of this student’s sport involvment is that they have found a place where they are accepted and have broken boundaries.
“Their wh nau are so proud of their achievements, especially because life can be challenging for this student.”
Women Cricketers remain undefeated
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Design and Build women’s Cricket team continued their winning ways with a big victory over City Suburbs Wild Lionesses at Bryan Heath Park on 14 December.
Batting first in their Wellington division three match the Lionesses scored 87 for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs.
Wainuiomata took just eight overs to eclispe the Lionesses’ score, reaching 88 for the loss of one wicket.
This saw Wainuiomata remain undefeated, the only team in the competition that has not lost a match.
Just as she had done the week before, Matie Whitman starred with both the bat and the ball. She took two wickets and con-
ceded only five runs in the four overs she bowled.
Matie then scored a half century before she retired on 53 not out.
Wainuiomata Design and Build’s next match is against Petone Riverside at the Petone Recreation Ground on 24 January, starting at 2pm.
The other Wainuiomata team in the competition, Wainuiomata Life Direct, also recorded a win when they beat Petone Riverside by default.
Their next match is against Upper Hutt United at Heretaunga Park on 24 January, starting at 2pm.
The Wainuiomata men’s team lost a closely contested encounter with North City at Bryan Heath Park on 13 December.
Batting first, Wainuiomata reached 170 all out in the Wel-
lington division two match. North City were nine wickets down when they finally overhauled the Wainuiomata total, reaching 172.
Ryan Jackson was in outstanding form with both the bat and the ball. He almost scored a half century when he was out for 49. Ryan followed that up by taking three wickets for 38runs. Gurpreet Singh also batted and bowled well, scoring 25 runs and taking one wicket for 15. Daniel Hewitt scored 24 and James Riley 19 not out. Roshan Sugathan took two wickets for 30 runs, Logan Stoupe one wicket for 17 runs and Craig Foster one wicket for 18 runs. Wainuiomata’s next match is against Wellington Collegians Cricket Express at Bryan Heath Park on 20 December, starting at 10:30am.
Ulalei embraces
K o Rahi
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport has taken a bold step into the world of traditional M ori games, fielding a KĪ o Rahi team in the local competition at Wainuiomata High School.
The competition is overseen by Matauranga Te Rauna, widely regarded as one of the game’s leading advocates.
K Ī o Rahi, a fast-paced sport rooted in M ori tradition, has been experiencing a surge in popularity across New Zealand, particularly in schools.
Wainuiomata High School has become a powerhouse in the sport, winning several national championships over the past two years under Matauranga Te Rauna’s guidance.
Just last month, the school’s senior
52. In the middle of (5)
Word opposite in meaning to another(7)
Undergo religious conversion (3,3,5)
Worked at (5)
Not one or the other (7)
Braid (5)
Listen in (9)
Halt temporarily (9) 16. Fair(4) 17. Royal couple; & Camilla (7) 19. Write untidily (6)
Furore (6) 26. Leather pistol case (7) 29. Of the ear (4) 30. Slight blow (3) 32. Petrol(U.S) (3)
34. Flog (4)
35. Prompts (7)
36. Desire to drink (6)
39. Hebrew prophet(O.T.) (6)
40. Ate lavishly (7)
42. Care for (4)
46. Obstinate (3-6)
48. Unrehearsed (9)
50. Friend(Sp) (5)
51. Gratify (7)
53. Augmentation(11)
54. Child-minders, baby (7)
DOWN
1. Commodious (5)
2. Steals (7)
3. Sun-worshipping cult member (6)
4. Kingdom (8)
5. Captain (7)
6. Distinctive character of a culture(5)
7. Badger (6)
8. English novelist, D.H. (8)
9. Outstanding chess player (5,6)
10. Rough-surfaced cloth (5)
16. Festival (7)
18. Slackened (5)
20. Found (7)
21. Average (3)
22. Stage of journey (3)
24. Tell apart (11)
25. Spoil (3)
27. Of sheep (5)
28. Small rodent (3) 31. Vigour (3)
team was named KĪ o Rahi Team of the Year at the Wellington College Sports Awards.
Ulalei captain Andre Deys says the club is thrilled to be part of the movement.
“If you want to learn how to play this game, Wainuiomata is one of the best KĪ o Rahi nurseries in the country,” he says.
“We are still very much in the learning stages but having heaps of fun too.”
The Ulalei team acknowledges the generous backing of local sponsors, including GJ Gardner Homes Hutt Valley, Nuku Ora, Wainui Joinery, The Sign Team, and Tipene Funeral Homes, whose support has been vital in helping the club grow.
33. Throw (3)
37. Capital of Cape Province(S.A.) (4,4)
38. Dependent (8)
41. Small frying pan (7)
43. Beseech (7) 44. Suggest (6)
45. Tasmanian capital (6)
46. Calm (5) 47. Evade (5) 49. Strong desires (5) Solution
Last week: 10 December 2025
Ruby Lasini with the gold medal she won at this year’s New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships. Photo: Supplied.
Ulalei’s Lafaele Sagaga in action at the Kī o Rahi competition at Wainuiomata High School. Photo: Supplied.
KOKIRI MARAE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Measles is here
Check your Plunket / Well Child books, or call your GP.
If you’re not sure, no worries. Contact your doctor to check. It’s safe to get the vaccine again if you have no record of receiving it.
0800 611 116 for advice.
Kokiri are able to check to see whether you have had the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination as well – this saves you a call to your GP. If there is no documentation as having received the MMR vaccine, then it is safe to have.
