
February 18, 2026


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February 18, 2026


By Frank Neill
Krystal Nikara celebrated a major challenge last week – walking the Wainuiomata hill for 100 consecutive days. She was joined by a group of supporters who went for the walk with her to help her celebrate on 10 February. Continued on page 2.
Krystal Nikara on her 100th consecutive daily walk up the Wainuiomata hill. Photo: Supplied.
































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Continued from page 1
The challenge began after she and her best friend Tania James decided to make walking the Wainuiomata hill a habit as part of their health and well-being journey.
Rather than just making the hill walk a reguar routine, they decided to set themselves the challenge of walking the hill 100 days in a row.
Completing the 100 days was “definitely one to celebrate,”
Krystal says.
“[I] don’t think I’ve ever committed to something like this for 100 days so definitely a proud moment for us both aye bud Tania James.”
Krystal says that she was “so amazed at all the wh nau that were there to join us.
“We are so blessed. Even our Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Club wh nau joined us too.
“The support via pm, phone calls etc – they mean so much.”
One of her supporters is Lower Hutt Mayor Ken Laban.

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Krystal’s “contribution and service in the community is exceptional,” the Mayor says.
Both she and Tania are deeply involved in their community, committing weekends and public holidays to Food Rescue, supporting fundraising efforts for the P taka Kai, and lending a hand wherever help is needed.
On top of this, they are dedicated supporters of their tamariki
and their sporting commitments, while also being active players themselves in indoor netball.
“Balancing these responsibilities quickly became the catalyst for some creative problem-solving,” says Janice Aldridge of Kokiri Hauora & Social Services.
“With commitments often taking them as far as T maki Makaurau (Auckland), ensuring the daily hill walk was completed

was no small task.”
Krystal and Tania “doing it together in the same location would have been easier – but that was never their style.
“Instead, Krystal and Tania began connecting via live video, each walking a hill in different locations while cheering each other on and sharing laughs along the way.
“It was a solution that per-
fectly reflected who they are: best friends, support sisters and milestone-making mates, proving that commitment, creativity and connection can carry you all the way to the top,” Janice says.
“While some looked on with mild scepticism and others offered to join them from time to time, few expected the challenge to be completed.” However it was.

Four Wainuiomata High School students and Wainuiomata Softball Club players are 2026 Softball champions. Rukua Ngatoko, Rico Te Iwimate, Linkin Gore and Luka Sue were members of the Hutt Valley Under 15 Representative Softball team who won the Northern Zone U15 Softball Championship.
Hutt Valley went through undefeated to qualify for the final, played in Auckland on 30 January.
They played a tough North Harbour team in the final.
Following a very closely contested match, Hutt Valley defeated North Harbour 6-5 to become the 2026 champions. Wainuiomata Softball Club player and coach, Gary Sue led the team to victory.
Following the matches, Luka, Linkin and Gary were all named in the tournament team.
Three Wainuiomata players – Allegra Kempson, Mihi Awa and Isabella Peniata –were in the Under 15 Hutt Valley girls team who won the plate final and who finished fifth overall.
The inaugural Wellington Mountain Bike Festival is coming to Wainuiomata on 1 March.
The festival will include Waiu Park and takes place from 27 February to 1 March at three venues. As well as Waiu Park there will be events at the M kara Peak MTB Park and Matairangi (Mt Victoria).
A major international drawcard, world-renowned slopestyle rider Brett Rheeder, has confirmed that he will attend the festival.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest slopestyle riders of all time, Brett is an X Games athlete and global icon of the sport.
His attendance brings international attention to Wellington’s trail network and reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for mountain biking and outdoor recreation.
Organised by Trails Wellington, the not-forprofit festival celebrates Wellington as a City of Trails, bringing together riders, volunteers, businesses, families and visitors for three days of riding, racing, demos, music, food and community connection.
Trails Wellington spokesperson Matt Farrar says Brett’s attendance is a milestone moment for the festival and the wider trail community.
“Having Brett Rheeder join us puts Wellington firmly on the global mountain biking map.
“But just as importantly, it’s a celebration of the trails and the community that have been built here over many years.
“This festival is about sharing that with the world and with Wellingtonians themselves.”
Brett will spend time riding Wellington’s trails and taking part in festival activities across all three days, alongside riders of all abilities and ages.
The Wellington Mountain Bike Festival will feature races and competitions, guided and social rides, bike demos and product showcases, kids’ activities, live music, food trucks and craft beverages.
Attendance is free, with activities designed to bewelcoming for riders, spectators and non-riders alike.
The festival is supported by a range of local and national businesses, led by principal

sponsor Armstrong Motor Group.
Beyond recreation, the festival is expected to deliver economic benefits by attracting visitors to the region, supporting hospitality, retail and showcasing Wellington as an outdoor adventure destination.
Wellington’s trail network spans more than 265 kilometres across 11 trail areas, supported by volunteer trail groups, bike businesses and charities.
Thousands of volunteer hours, including the planting of thousands of native trees, have helped build a sustainable trail network with strong community roots and a deep
Well known local artist, Ian Gooch, has donated many of his Intuitional Art paintings to the Pioneer Church and these are to be sold at the church on Sunday 1 March between 1pm and 3pm.
All proceeds will be used by the church committee for ongoing maintenance.
Attendees of the Art Show held at the Church two years ago will recall that Ian donated several of his paintings for the church to sell at that time and these were very quickly purchased by fans of his work.
A spokesperson for the Pioneer Church committee said that they are immensely grateful to Ian who has been very supportive to them over many years, both with his building expertise, concerts by the Stargazer band of which he is a member held as fundraisers for us and now by this extremely generous gesture of his art for us to sell.
The sale of art will be held in conjunction with the Craft Show which is also on Sunday 1 March so visitors will be able to view beautiful craft, beautiful art and enjoy lovely afternoon tea at the historic building.

connection to the natural environment.
For more information and to sign up for updates, visit www.wellingtonmtbfestival.nz.
The festival’s organiser, Trails Wellington, is a charitable trust working to create a cohesive, well-resourced trail community that builds, cares for, and uses trails to make Wellington better for all.
The organisation connects volunteers, trail groups, riders, businesses and partners to support inclusive, sustainable trail development across the region.
More information is available atwww. trailswellington.co.nz.

People can now drive at up to 110km/h on Transmission Gully. The speed limit was increased from 100km/h to 110km/h at 12.01am on Monday 16 February.
Transmission Gully is a critical transport link for Wellington and Kāpiti, carrying around 22,000 vehicles a day.
“Since opening in 2022, Transmission Gully has recorded low crash rates, with no deaths despite more than 150 barrier strikes,” Transport Minister and local Hutt South MP Chris Bishop says.
“Safety features including two lanes in each direction and a flexible median barrier between opposing lanes help reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash.”
The new higher speed limit applies between the Linden and Paekākāriki interchanges.
Heavy vehicles and vehicles towing trailers will continue to have a 90km/h limit.
The first Wainuiomata Community Board meeting for 2026 takes place tomorrow, 19 February, at the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub, Queen Street, at 6:30pm. Following the opening formalities and receipt of any apologies there will be time when people can make a presentation to the board.
Following the public comment time Lower Hutt Mayor Fauono Ken Laban will present a verbal update.
Deciding the month when the Community Board will hold the 2026 Wainuiomata Community Spirit Awards is on the agenda. In her report to the board, the Council’s Democracy Advisor Vanessa Gilmour, states that the Board determined at its 4 December 2025 meeting that the Wainuiomata Community Spirit Awards would be held in 2026, with the specific month to be decided at the Board’s first meeting in 2026.
“The Board will also consider whether to hold the Spirit Awards on a biennial basis, to ensure the awards remain special and meaningful, achieve cost savings and allow sufficient time for promotion, collaboration, and engagement with nominators and nominees,” Ms Gilmour’s report says.
The report also says that the Board is now asked to consider the level of funding it wishes to contribute towards the Wainuiomata ANZAC Day event in 2026. Last year the Board approved funding of up to $200 for the purchase of a wreath and up to $300 for catering for the Wainuiomata ANZAC Day event.




The Wairere Nature Park in Northland is a 143ha (353 acres) farm and native bush setting for the many house-sized boulders that give Wairere Boulders its name. These very large basalt (volcanic) boulders are heavily fluted by the special conditions found at Wairere. This geology is globally significant, and according to some experts, unique. While the boulders are spread throughout the property, many are concentrated in the Wairere stream floor.
Well-marked walks of from one to three hours allow you to explore under, over, and around the boulders at your leisure




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Two full amenities blocks, with toilets, showers, basins, hand dryers and hair dryers. Fully equipped kitchen We also have cabins and onsite caravan.
The kitchen area is a popular gathering point in the evenings where campers come to cook their dinner and exchange stories of their travel adventures in New Zealand.
while taking in the beautiful subtropical rainforest and cascading stream setting. While walking, keep an eye out for the endearing Scottish Highland Cattle and ‘black face’ sheep in the adjacent paddocks.
The boulders are ideal for ‘bouldering’, with 50 boulders currenty mapped by enthusiasts and many more waiting to be discovered. Expect to see boulderers outside of the boulder reserve in the valley.
The stream terminates on the property at an estuary of the Hokianga Harbour, providing an idyllic setting for kayaking around the boulders. Kayaking is tidal, so aim for high tide.
If you want to experience the Wairere Boulders for more than a few hours; or spend time contemplating our ultra-dark night sky; or try a night walk (using red lights) to see the many glow worms
Your classic
or kiwi. They provide a low cost, basic campground with toilets, showers, water, and wifi.
The aim at Wairere Boulders is to provide a mix of adventure and tranquillity in a unique setting. The perfect camping weekend can easily embrace walking / hiking, bouldering, swimming and kayaking. Their near neighbours also provide bikes and shuttles for the Twin Coast Bike Trail.
Kayaking is one of the several activities available at

Located just 30 minutes from New Plymouth, Urenui Beach Camp is a classic Kiwi campground that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, family-friendly facilities, and a variety of activities. Enjoy camping options for all budgets, from powered sites to cozy cabins, along with amenities like a playground, a seasonal shop, free Wi-Fi, and communal facilities. Spend your days swimming, fishing, or playing golf with breathtaking views, and experience a traditional holiday in the beautiful Taranaki coastal environment.


We have site wide WIFI so you can catch up with family while you are away.


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Whether you want a passive few days or to make it the base for experiencing the West Coast, Woodland Glen Lodge Bed and Breakfast – accommodation set in a beautiful country house 2km out of Hokitika is the perfect choice.
With five guest rooms, three of which are en suite; the other two share a private bathroom, but can be booked individually. Escape the bustle of the city for tranquility when you stay.
They have 21 acres of park like grounds to wander through, they also have a wonderful orchard to sit and enjoy listening to the birds maybe enjoying a glass of wine and a picnic. Drive out to one of the beautiful local lakes where you can sit or swim in the crystal waters.


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By Frank Neill
This week’s very strong winds and heavy rain, which caused damage throughout Wainuiomata, led to a massive number of calls for the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The brigade received 37 calls during Sunday 15 February and Monday 16 February. A check on the callouts on Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s website showed Wainuiomata had by far the largest number of any suburb in the Wellington region.
It may possibly be a record number for the brigade.
“It is certainly up there and it may very well be a record,” the brigade’s Senior Station Officer Tamati Kaa says, “but I don’t have the historical call record to confirm that.
“It was hectic. The crews worked hard and they are still working hard”.
They were still attending calls to storm related events yesterday.
The calls were mainly to wind damage, water damage and physical damage caused by objects being blown or falling.
One call was to a chimney about to fall.
There were calls to trees falling on houses and trees that had come down across drive-


ways.
And there were “roofs lifting all over the place,” SSO Kaa says.
A number of the calls were because lines had come down, including one call where the lines had come down on a house.
Some of the calls were to flooding. One of the calls was the flooding in Konini Street, which saw the Konini Superette flooded. That flooding “was so bad the water level exceeded the safe wading depth for our trucks”.
The flooding situation was made worse by people driving through them, exacerbating the effect of the flooding because the car “generates a bow wave which pushes water further into the properties affected,” SSO Kaa says.
“We even had people drive around ‘road closed’ signs.”
















By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata’s men’s premier Cricket team kicked off the 2026 premier 2 two-day competition with an outright victory over the Sri Lankan Sports Club on 14 February.
Wainuiomata also took out the first innings points in the match.
Batting first on Grenada North Park, Wainuiomata scored 244 in their first innings on 7 February.
They then bowled the Sri Lankans out for 204, with Ryan Jackson collecting a five wicket bag and going on to take six wickets for 67 runs.
Wainuiomata declared its second innings closed at 237 for nine wickets and then bowled out the Sri Lankans for 264.
Loyis Edwin came close to century when he scored 94 runs in Wainuiomata’s second innings. This followed his knock of 42 in
the first innings.
Ryan was also in great form with the bat as well as the ball, scoring 82 in the second innings to follow his 37 in the first innings.
Ryan then went on to secure 10 wickets from the match when he took four Sri Lankan wickets for 101 runs.
Logan Stoupe took two wickets for 34 runs, Tyson Thomas two wickets for 53 runs, Tanuj Ahuja one wicket for 31 runs and Gurpreet Singh one wicket for 38 runs in the second Sri Lankan innings.
The lastest victory sees Wainuiomata in second place on the Wellington divison two table, 20 points behind North City.
They still have the opportunity to overhaul that, particularly if they perform well in the final two-day match of the season against North City.
Wainuiomata’s next match is

Ulalei Kirikiti has officially wrapped up its 2025–26 season, with the Ulalei Lupe women’s team securing an impressive second place finish in the Kirikiti Premier League (KPL).
The team completed their final match against Porirua United in what was a hard fought battle, with Porirua United coming away with the victory.
In addition to their KPL campaign, Ulalei participated in the Fiso Group Kirikiti at the Basin tournament, hosted by the Wellington Samoan Kirikiti Association in partnership with Cricket Wellington.
The event brought together clubs from across the region, celebrating the cultural significance of kirikiti and providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a prominent stage.
Ulalei Kirikiti held its annual prizegiving on 9 February, recognising outstanding performers across the season.
Major award recipients were:neliese Lauvao;becca Isaako; and
Club management acknowledged the team’s efforts and the signifi-
against Naenae Old Boys at Bryan Heath Park on 21 and 28 February, starting at 10:30am.
The Wainuiomata men’s second XI lead the table in the premier reserve division two, helped by a resounding victory over North City on 14 February.
Batting first on Bryan Heath Park, Wainuiomata reached 207 when they declared their innings for the loss of seven wickets. They then bowled out North City for 174.
In the local derby between the two Wainuiomata women’s team at Richard Prouse Park on 14 February it was the table topping Design and Build team that scored a comfortable victory.
After Wainuiomata Life Direct scored 70 for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs, Design and Build did not lose a wicket in overhauling that total, scoring 72 in just nine

overs.
Amalia Lipidis finished the match on 46 not out, scored from only 38 deliveries, and Natasha Morgan scored 13 not out.
Amalia also took two wickets for 15 runs while Emele Matautia took one wicket for 8 runs and Jacey Morgan took one wicket for 14 runs.
Wainuiomata Design and Build’s next game is against Naenae Old Boys at Richard Prouse Park on 21 February, starting at 2pm.
Wainuiomata Life Direct were scheduled to play City Suburbs on 21 February but the match has been cancelled.

cance of their achievements.
“This season has been a testament to the dedication of our players, coaches, and supporters,” Ramona Ioane says.
“Finishing second in the KPL reflects the hard work put in across the year, but equally important is the way our ladies have provided a safe space for new players to join our club and learn the game.”
Players also reflected on the season with gratitude and optimism.
“We are proud of how far we’ve come with the amount of new players who have joined our Ulalei family we have almost doubled our membership in the womens space,”
Morah Brown notes.
“The bond within our squad is strong and will carry into the next year.
“The support from our families and community made a huge difference.”
Ulalei Kirikiti also acknowledged and would like to thank the support of its community partners.
The club expressed its grateful appreciation to One Foundation, GJ Gardner Hutt Valley, Nuku Ora, and the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).
Their contributions have been instrumental in maintaining and developing Kirikiti opportunities within the Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt community.
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s popular school touch module returns to Frederick Wise Park this Friday, bringing the community together for another action-packed term. Now in its second year, the module has continued to grow, with more than 100 teams taking part across the summer.
Among them are composite teams made up of tamariki who live in Wainuiomata but attend school over the hill or are homeschooled
— ensuring every child has the chance to play.
This term also marks the launch of Ulalei’s new referees programme, which will see students from Wainuiomata High School earning NCEA credits while officiating games. The initiative is a collaboration between Ulalei, Gateway provider The Get Group, and the high school.
“We are chuffed that we can offer the students this opportunity. It’s
important to our club to assist in our rangatahi’s education where we can,” says Ulalei’s Scott McLeod. Ulalei has acknowledged the fantastic ongoing support of Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, One Foundation and Healthy Families Hutt Valley, whose backing allows the competition to remain free of charge. NZ Community Trust, Puku Pies, and Kai and Moana Pasifika Community Group have also stepped in to kit out the student referees.
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s Ryan Imray of Imray’s Snaps features in Capital Football’s current campaign ‘Football is Here’.
The campaign, Capital Football says, has been launched “to get Wellington buzzing about Football and drive new registrations across the region.”
The campaign imagery includes photos taken by Ryan.
The imagery “may include photos of your members taken in public places during games. Thank you to Ryan Imray for capturing these
fantastic shots,” Capital Football says.
The campaign will run across The Hits Radio, digital billboards, social media andNZ Heralddriving people to Capital Football’s landing page with all the important season information.
“This is a great opportunity to attract new players and build the excitement for the season,” Capital Football says.
The newly promoted Wainuiomata men’s team will begin its 2026 Central League season on Saturday 28 March, and the season will run to 29 August.
Wainuiomata won promotion with an outstanding performance in the second leg of the Central League 2 play off at Richard Prouse Park on 13 September.
With Whanganui winning the first leg 3-1 the weekend before in Whanganui, Wainuiomata needed to win by a margin of three goals.
They did just that, defeating Whanganui 4-1.
Ben Taylor and Jack Brown scored goals, Adam Ross kicked a penalty and Whanganui scored an own goal for the home team.
John Bertrand Collectables Are Buying in the Wainuiomata, Hutt Valley and Wellington area Next Week
Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting the Wainuiomata, Hutt Valley and Wellington area next week. Mr. Kevin George from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr. George. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.
“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr. George. “Nothing is too small for our consideration.
We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in the Wainuiomata, Hutt Valley and Wellington area next week. (see details below). As Kevin George points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”

Kevin George Senior Buyer John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd
During these uncertain times

we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Kevin George says “We can buy gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.
The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting the Wainuiomata, Hutt Valley and Wellington area next week, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1920’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.
“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Kevin George, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.
Early New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr. Kevin George, Senior Buyer. Mr. George is in the Wainuiomata, Hutt Valley and Wellington area next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound banknote from a New Zealand
trading bank dated 1932 or before. Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr. George. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.
Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr. Kevin George, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.
Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity
Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Kevin George from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins and World Silver Coins. “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr. George.





















