Wednesday May 21, 2025
Top in sports
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata residents were presented with three top awards at the Hutt Valley Sport Awards on 15 May. Tyrel Lomax won the Sportsman of the Year Award, Vatau Sagaga won the Administrator/Volunteer of the Year and Chantal Brunner was inducted as a Legend of Hutt Valley Sport. Continued on page 2.
Hutt Valley Sportsman of the Year Tyrel Lomax in action for the All Blacks. Photo: Supplied.
Vatau Sagaga (right) with the cup he won as Hutt Valley Sports Administrator/Volunteer of the Year, with Mayor Campbell Barry and his son Vatau Junior. Photo: Supplied.
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One of the world’s top Rugby props
Continued from page 1
Tyrel Lomax (MuaupokoandNgai Tuhoe)
“has become one of the world’s top Rugby props,” his citation says.
“Since joining the Hurricanes in 2019, he’s earned 66 caps and played 44 tests for the All Blacks, including the 2023 World Cup final.
“In 2024, he was named Tom French Maori Player of the Year and selected in the World Rugby Team of the Year.
“From Tasman to the Maori All Blacks to global recognition, Tyrel continues to set the standard in world rugby.”
“I was surprised to be acknowledged,” Tyrel told the “Independent Herald”.
This was the third time he had been selected as a finalist and he had not won before. In addition one of the other finalists has had a very good season.
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Tyrel’s playing career began in Wainuiomata, although not playing Rugby Union, but rather Rugby League.
That is, perhaps, not surprising as he is the son of former Kiwis Rugby League prop John Lomax.
He played for the Wainuiomata Lions throughout his junior years, before moving to Australia in 2017 when he was aged 15.
It was while he was in Australia that he took up Rugby Union.
He returned to New Zealand mid way through 2017, playing for Tasman. He then debuted for theMaori All Blacksin November 2017 againstCanadaand played a total of six games for the side between 2017 and 2019.
Tyrel becameAll Blacknumber 1180, making his debut againstJapaninTokyo.
Being selected for the All Blacks is his career highlight, Tyrel says.
“My All Black debut was a bit of a dream come true really,” he says.
Vatau Sagaga’s award recognises the incredible impact for Wainuiomata tamariki and their
parents on the free sports competitions run by Ulalei Wainuiomata.
Vatau “has created new, free primary school sports competitions in Wainuiomata, breaking barriers of cost and access,” his award citation says.
“With 100+ teams in touch and soccer, and events in Ki o Rahi and Kilikiti, he’s built a vibrant community hub. Vatau’s work ensures all tamariki have the chance to play and thrive.”
“I was very proud and humbled to win the award,” Vatau says.
“It is not just me that does all the work. There’s a group of us.
“I accept [the award] on behalf of our whole club and the work we do for our kids and for our community in Wainuiomata.”
Vatau led the iniative to introduce the free touch competition last year.
More than 50 teams made up of boys and girls now participate in a competition that includes all seven Wainuiomata primary schools.
The competing teams include Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa Maori in Alicetown, which has a large number of pupils who live in Wainuiomata.
There are also teams made up of tamaiti that live in Wainuiomata but attend school over the hill.
Before Vatau led the introduction of the competition, many families had not entered their children into touch events due to cost and travel.
Previously the Wainuiomata schools played
in the touch module at Hutt Park meaning tamariki needed a ride to and from the games. The module also had a fee of $20 to $25 per child which, for many whanau of three or four tamaiti, was just unaffordable.
“Olympian number 692, Chantal Brunner, is a true Hutt Valley Sports Legend,” her citation says.
“Her contribution to New Zealand sport, both on and off the field, is marked by excellence, integrity and service to the Olympic Movement.
“A two-time Olympian in athletics, Chantal represented New Zealand at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
“Her international career spanned four Commonwealth Games and four IAAF World Championships.
“In 2017, long after her retirement from elite competition, she returned to the track to win her age group long jump at the World Masters Games in Auckland, setting a New Zealand Masters record.
“Chantal’s athletic journey began in Wellington, where she fell in love with running at the age of seven.
“Inspired by a local newspaper story, she joined the Wainuiomata Athletic and Harrier Club and quickly rose through the ranks.
“Her early years were filled with family road trips to Saturday meets across the region.
“She fondly recalls racing at Richard Prouse Park and the annual ribbon day at Paraparaumu Athletics Club – cherished memories of community, summer picnics and spirited competition. “Since retiring from competition, Chantal has continued to shape the sporting landscape in New Zealand and internationally.
“She has been a vital contributor to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) since 2005, serving on the NZOC Board (2010–2015), and chairing both the NZOC Athletes’ Commission and the NZOC Olympians’ Commission.
“Recently she was appointed an NZOC Selector, continuing her long-standing association with the Committee. “Her leadership extends across the sector. “Chantal served on the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand for nearly a decade and continues to support organisations such as the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and Athletics New Zealand in governance and advisory roles. “On the global stage, Chantal represents athletes at the highest levels. “She has been a member of the World Olympians Association Executive Board since 2016 and of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athlete Charter Steering Committee since 2017, her citation says.
Chantal Brunner. Photo: Supplied.
Wainui motorcyclist victorious
Wainuiomata motorcyclist Jake Whitaker
soared into contention for the 2025 New Zealand Hard Enduro title when he was the overall winner of round three of the seven round series.
Jake was the Gold Grade stand out during the weekend’s racing, held in Canterbury on 10 and 11 May.
He was thrilled with his overall win.
“It was a cool couple of days racing down south,” Jake says.
It “took a bit to get comfortable on the enduro cross track Saturday with a third-place finish for the day.
“Was happy to get out in the South Island high country Sunday morning and get into the main race.
“I had some good fun battles with the boys earlier in the day, but managed to pull away in the afternoon.
“The track was set to a really good level and the organisers put on a great event once again.” Motorcycling New Zealand enduro commissioner Justin Stevenson confirmed the racing was close and exciting over both days of the weekend.
“It was again pleasing to see so many riders showing up from as far afield as Invercargill in the south and Whangarei in the north, with riders from everywhere in between,” Justin says.
“The host Christchurch Off-Road Motorcycle Club did a great job and both days of racing were as challenging as they were enjoyable.”
Round four is set for Northland on the weekend of 19 and 20 July.
Three rounds into the seven-round Hard Enduro Nationals and there have now been three different outright winners.
Fulbright awards
Applications for the 2026 Fullbright New Zealand Scholar Awards are open. These awards, valued at up to $37,500, are for New Zealand academics, artists or professionals to lecture or conduct research at United States institutions or both.
Applications close on 1 October. For more information or to apply visit fullbright.org.nz/study-in-the-unitedstates/awards-for-nz-academics-artists-and-professionals.
Writer’s award
Applications are new open for the New Zealand Society of Author Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa’s Shaw Writer’s Award 2025.
The $5,000 award for a New Zealand fiction writer supports the completion and/or publication of new fiction by a mid-career fiction writer from New Zealand.
Applications close on 13 July
For more information and to apply visit https://authors.org.nz/ and click on awards, then NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award.
Photo: Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com many different riders featuring at the top and each of them in contention for ultimate glory. Only six of the seven rounds will be counted, with riders expected to discard points from their worst result.
This season’s ultimate off-road motorcycling competition could be the toughest yet, with so Wainuiomata’s Jake Whitaker (KTM 300 EXC) is the latest rider to win a weekend outright.
Wainui Spirit Awards close soon
By Frank Neill
People have only four more days to make nominations for the 2025 Wainuiomata Spirit Awards. Nominations close on 25 May. No Wainuiomata Spirit Awards were presented last year. The reason for that was because the community board did not receive any nominations. Although there had been a lot of interest in the awards that had not translated into actual nominations.
These awards are usually presented each year by the Wainuiomata Community Board to
recognise people who have given outstanding voluntary service which has contributed to the spirit of the valley’s special community. . Nomination forms are available at the Wainuiomata Library and can also be requested by messaging the community board’s Facebook page. There is also an online nomination form for the Spirit Awards at www.tinyurl. com/spiritofwainui. The 2025 awards will be presented at an awards night on Wednesday 11 June. The ceremony will be held at the Wainuiomata Library and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
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Three selected for art show
By Frank Neill
Three Wainuiomata High School students have been selected to exhibit in the 2025 New Zealand Art Show.
Ruby McGregor, Victoria Rivett and Logan-Scott Hesketh, who are in year 13, will be among the artists featured in Aotearoa’s premier annual art event.
They will be among more than 250 talented artists who will be bringing more than 4,000 original artworks to the show, which runs from 30 May to 1 June at the TSB Arena in Wellington.
With their selection Ruby, Victoria and Logan are in the running to win the Hyundai Emerging Artist Award worth $1,000. They also have the opportunity to sell their work at the show.
Wainuiomata High School’s year 13 painting class will be going to see their work and the work of all the other New Zealand artists on display on 30 May.
Tickets to the show are available at www.artshow.co.nz/product/earlybird/. Children under 12 are free and do not need a ticket.
Wellington and Hutt Valley Region.
Builds
Ruby McGregor, Victoria Rivett, and Logan-Scott Hesketh behind their paintings. Photo: Supplied.
Tough challenge coming to Wainui
By Frank Neill
The Wellington Tough Guy and Gal Challenge comes to Wainuiomata on 24 May.
This four hour challenge is presented by Event Promotions and will be held at Camp Wainui, 203 Coast Road, starting at 8am.
New Zealand’s original mud run series, the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge, is the ultimate obstacle course race designed for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers.
An action-packed event, it tests participants’ endurance, strength, and determination while offering a fun and exhilarating experience.
Event highlights are:
of obstacles, including mud pits, climbing walls and crawling tunnels, designed to push contestants’ limits.
group, making it a great opportunity to bond with friends or colleagues.
athlete or just up for some muddy fun, the event is tailored to suit everyone.ter, camaraderie and a sense of achievement when crossing the finish line covered in mud.
The events are open to both male and female competitors who are 13 years of age and older.
“This event is not just a race; it’s an adventure that promises memories for a lifetime,” Event Promotions says.
the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge.”
This year sees the challenge return for its online visit https://eventpromotions.co.nz/ adult-tough-guy-and-gal-challenge/#wj.
Memorial for mental hospital patients
A project to memorialise former Porirua Hospital patients is under way.
More than 1,800 people are buried in Porirua and Whenua Tapu Cemetery who were former patients of the hospital. All of these people lie in unmarked graves and as part of the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in care the Government has set up a fund for headstones for patients buried in unmarked graves throughout the country.
Porirua City Council is now taking steps to see that happens for former Porirua Hospital patients.
As overseer of these cemeteries, the Council wants to hear from the public as they have just published a list of names of those buried.
The list is available at www.poriruacity. govt.nz/cemeteries-project.
The people on this list are known to be, firstly, patients of the hospital and secondly, without a headstone, Porirua Cemeteries Manager Daniel Chrisp says.
Supplied.
Daniel is also a member of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
“This project is a significant and meaningful one to the Porirua and Wellington communities,” he says.
“The hospital was once the biggest asylum in the country and working towards naming every single patient buried with us is a huge step to restoring the mana and dignity of those individuals who died while in the hospital’s care.”
The council is asking people to contact cemeteries@poriruacity.govt.nz if they see a known family member in the list.
Hospital, opened in 1887.
At its height in the 1960s it had more than 2,000 patients and staff and covered 1,000 acres of land, making it one of the largest hospitals in the country.
By the 1980s, many patients were in community-based care and the hospital was closed in the 1990s.
By Filip Sowa, Senior Dental Hygienist at Wainui Dental Clinic
When I moved to New Zealand in 2017, I brought with me nearly a decade of experience as a dental hygienist in Canada, working alongside dentists and knew then – and still believe now – that prevention is the most powerful tool we
on a quiet mission: to help people stop small dental issues before they grow into mission continues today at Wainui Dental Clinic, where I work with a wonderful team just across from the community
What keeps me passionate about my and take charge of their oral health in for example, is something I talk about one – often painless and invisible in its early stages – but left unchecked, it can strong link between gum disease (like gingivitis and periodontitis) and other health conditions in the body, from
manageable through treatments and
part of a regular routine, my job is to make your experience as informative, comfortable, and empowering as friendly, preventative-focused clinic in
You can see the team at Wainui Dental
THE NEW TREND IN FENCING ...Metal
Action from a past Tough Guy and Girl Challenge. Photo: Supplied.
Porirua Hospital in the early 1900s. Photo:
Filip Sowa, Senior Dental Hygienist
Third bus route is needed
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata needs a new bus route, with two routes replacing the current number 160 bus, local resident Hayes Stackhouse said in his submission on the Regional Transport Plan.
Mr Stackhouse presented an oral submission, as well as his written submission, during the two days of hearings undertaken by the Greater Wellington Regional Council Transport Committee.
He suggested one new bus route that essentially ran down Wellington Road and one that essentially ran down Wise Street, replacing the current 160 run that serves both areas.
Because the current 160 route is circuitous so that it can cover the two areas, it takes a lot longer to travel from the northern sector of the suburb to the Wainuiomata hill road, Hayes says.
Currently it takes buses “somewhere around 25 minutes from Wise Street to just reach the Wainuiomata hill”.
By creating two runs, each would take around 10 minutes, or 15 minutes in peak
time, to travel from their northern point to the hill road.
The distance the buses would need to travel under his suggestion is much shorter, he says.
In addition there is a new development at the top end of Wise Street and the nearest bus stop is nearly 2km away.
His recommendation, he says, “would bring a whole lot more people onto the buses.
“I think something needs to be done about people taking their cars over the hill.
“It’s a serious issue.
“There is a lot of money that goes into repairing roads. It makes sense that people are putting less wear on the roads.”
Hayes also suggests that one of the main things that could be done to encourage people to use buses would be to have a T3 lane on the Wainuiomata hill road.
If that happened it would mean the trip to Queensgate would reduce from the current 45 minutes during peak traffic to around 20 minutes, compared with taking 15 minutes by car.
“If the bus only took five minutes more, more people would use it, he says.
New plan for Council engagement
Hutt City Council is currently working on developing a draft plan on how it engages with the community.
“Our goal is to make it easier for everyone to share their thoughts and see how their feedback influences Council decisions,” the Council says.
“We’ve also heard that our current engagement methods don’t always work for everyone, so we’re creating a plan to improve.
“We will call this ourEngagement FrameworkandAction Plan.”
The Council is currently working on a draft of the plan and when the plan is drafted will present it to residents for feedback.
It aims to present the plan to the community for consultation around the middle of this year.
After considering the submissions, the Council will provide an update on the feedback received, and any changes it has made to the framework and action plan as a result
of the feedback.
It plans to provide this update late this year.
The Council began the process by reviewing past feedback and spent time in the community “to understand what we can do better.
“From these insights, we’ve drafted a set ofEngagement Principlesto guide our work,” the Council says.
“These principles aren’t a detailed list of all the ways we’re looking to improve how we engage. That will come in the plan we’ll put together.
“We’ve tested these with a group of community members who agreed they set the right direction but mentioned they are ambitious – that’s right.
“These principles reflect our commitment to meaningful engagement, and while ambitious, they set a strong foundation for change.
“Change won’t happen overnight, but we’re taking the right steps to get there,” the Council says.
Rugby premiers narrowly lose
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s premier Rugby team narrowly lost a very closely contested encounter against Marist St Pat’s 20-22 on 17 May.
Playing on their home ground of William Jones Park, Wainuiomata opened the scoring when Wainuiomata’s captain Andrew Wells kicked a penalty.
Marist St Pat’s came back with a converted try, however, to lead 7-3 at the half time break.
Despite outscoring Marist St Pats 17-15 in the second half, Wainuiomata was not able to do quite enough to claim a victory.
Inspire (5)
Journeys (7)
Running loop (5)
54. Of the stomach (7)
55. Shop assistant (11) DOWN
1. Canal boat (5)
2. Of little importance (5-6)
3. Captivated (8)
4. Swoop (6)
5. Abides by (5)
(7)
(9)
Matt Jacobs and Braydon Soi both scored tries for Wainuiomata.
Andrew added a second penalty and kicked two conversions.
Zane Humphrey chalked up a milestone during the match when he celebrated earning his 50th cap for Wainuiomata.
Zane took to the field playing as a lock. The match was played for the Rona-Morrissey Cup, which the visitors claimed for 2025. Wainuiomata’s next match sees them play Poneke in a second successive home game at William Jones Park on 24 May. The club will also celebrate its Old Timers Day next Saturday.
33. Fuss (3)
38. Overjoyed (8)
40. Grace (8)
42. Book containing several works (7)
44. Advances (7)
46. Vocation (6)
47. Critical point (6)
48. Dishonest (5)
49. Perfect (5)
6. One who shoes horses (7)
7. & 18 ACROSS. By fair means or foul (2,4,2,2,5)
8 N.Z. political party (6)
9. U.S. state (7)
10. Avoid (5)
16. Loathes (7)
Ease (7)
Concede (5)
Long coatlike Eastern garment (7)
Loiters (7)
Pinch (3)
Son of(Scot) (3)
Regions (5)
Recurring ad nauseam (11)
Golf pin (3)
50.Flock of wild geese (in flight)(5) Solution Last Week: 7 May 2025
Zane H um p h rey ho l d in g a m e m e mto
marking his 50th cap with his grandfather Gran t Earn sh aw, w ho al so playe d fo r Wainuiomata. Photo: Supplied.
Football Reserves remain undefeated
By Ryan Imray
After having last weekend off, the Reserves were back as they welcomed Petone to Richard Prouse Park.
Looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, Petone were the side to draw first blood as they scored the opening goal in just the eighth minute.
That goal turned out to be the first of five that was scored in the opening 20 minutes.
Cameron Gelderblom, making his first appearance since injury, made the scores level just two minutes later before Petone took the lead just one minute after.
Their lead lasted only three minutes this time as Lachlan Harris levelled things up.
Four minutes later, Cameron got his second to make it 3-2.
The goals slowed up after this before Lachlan Harris got his second of the game to give Wainui a 4-2 lead at half time.
The second half saw four goals scored in total, two for each side and it was Lachlan Harris who stole the headlines.
He scored four goals of his own and helped Wainui to a 6-4 lead and remain top of the table without losing a game so far.
In other games across, the Capital Premier side returned to league action as they travelled to Victoria University and it was a tough day for the green and black.
Tyron Curtis scored two goals, also on his return back from a hamstring injury, but it wasn’t enough as Victoria University walked away 3-2 winners.
The Thirds suffered a 5-2 defeat to Stop Out while Halfbaked Round-
Ulalei success on and off court
Last week was jam packed for the Ulalei aiga in both the academic and sporting fields.
The week started with celebrating Ulalei’s patron Hon Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban receiving her Honorary Doctorate in Literature alongside players Oakley Baldwin gaining a Bachelor of Midwifery and Ria Aberdein-Tapua’i gaining a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
On Thursday 15 May the Walter Nash Centre was transformed into an amazing arena for the 2025 Hutt Valley Sports Awards featuring Ulalei Netball and Ulalei Sports as finalists in six of the 13 categories.
“We were humbled to be finalists for these prestigious awards although I admit it is a nice feeling to be recognised for our services to the club and the community,” says Ulalei Netball president, Sina Tamaalii.
“I was beaming with pride when I heard Ulalei called out in the various categories before an audience of over 1,200 people as well as those watching the live feed.”
Finalist Vatau Sagaga of Ulalei Sports was awarded Hutt Valley Sports Awards Administrator/Volunteer of the Year 2025, a well-deserved recognition of his efforts to create new, free primary school sports competitions in Wainuiomata.
Rounding up the week, five Ulalei Netball
balls had another rough day losing 5-1 to Island Bay.
Both Pasifika sides played North Wellington in their respective Masters grades and both sides won their games 4-1.
The headline game of the weekend was The OCs who travelled to Endeavour Park where they played unbeaten Western Suburbs in what was a first versus second match in Masters 6.
It was a game that would give an indication as to whether the OCs could be classed as serious title contenders.
As the great Alan Shearer once said “pressure, what pressure. Pressure is for tyres” and the OCs seemed to not feel the pressure at all as they won 3-1.
Due to the terrible weather on Sunday, the Women’s game against Island Bay was postponed.
teams were winners in the second weekend of its Round 1 games.
The results from Saturday 17 May were: Premier one, Ulalei Aute won against Upper Hutt Maidstone (2) 75-45; Premier two, Ulalei Puataunofo won against Naenae Collegians (2) 54-41; Senior one, Ulalei M lili won against Naenae Collegians (3) 36-22; Senior three: Ulalei Pualulu lost to Avalon (2) 28-31; Senior four, Ulalei Moso’oi won against Naenae Collegians (5) 31-24; Senior five, Ulalei Fuesina won against Upper Hutt Rams (6) 40-16; Reserve one, Ulalei Laga’ali lost to Naenae Collegians (7) 31-38.
The draw for 24 May is: Premier one, Ulalei Aute v St Oran’s 2 at 12:30pm WNC 1; Premier two, Ulalei Puataunofo v Upper Hutt Maidstone 2 at 12:30pm WNC 3; Senior one, Ulalei M lili v Petone Panthers 2 at 2pm WNC 1; Senior three, Ulalei Pu lulu v St Oran’s 4 at 4pm WNC 4; Senior four, Ulalei Moso’oi v Upper Hutt Rams 5 at 9:30am WNC 4; Senior five, Ulalei Fuesina v Avalon 3 at 11:30am WNC 5; Reserve one, Ulalei Laga’ali v Naenae Rugby at 10:30am WNC 4.
Ulalei Netball will be holding its annual fundraiser, a bingo night, on Friday 30 May at the Wainuiomata Rugby Clubrooms. Further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Awards celebrate Te Reo champions
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, the Maori Language Commission, is calling for nominations for Nga Tohu Reo Maori 2025 – a celebration of those who are championing the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Maori.
Nominations are open until 11:59 pm on 29 June and can be made at tetaurawhiri.govt.nz This year, the awards have been refreshed to align with five internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation, alongside the long-standing Tohu Oranga Angitu and Tu Rangatira awards.
The updated categories reflect the full spectrum of mahi New Zealanders carry out daily, weekly or monthly to uplift te reo Maori – from inspiring new learners and using the language every day, to leadership, awareness and innovation in te reo Maori.
Nga Tohu Reo Maori is about uplifting the mana of te reo Maori, Te Taura Whiri Chief Executive, Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, says.
“Our awards acknowledge the incredible individuals, organisations and kaupapa breathing life into the language across communities, the private sector, academia and beyond – kia mauriora te reo!
“The revitalisation of te reo Maori belongs to all of us. Te reo Maori is New Zealand’s language.
“These awards are about shining a light on those who are turning dreams into reality –making te reo a normal, living language in everyday Aotearoa – ake ake ake.”
The winners will be honoured at a special event on the evening of Friday 7 November in Wellington.
Panthers pip the Lions
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Lions were pipped by the Petone Panthers 18-20 in their Wellington premier Rugby League match on 17 May.
Playing on their home ground of McEwan Park, the Panthers staged a major second half comeback to take the match with the final kick of the day, when they converted the try they had just scored. At half time the match looked to be headed the Lions
way as they lead 14-6, but they were only able to add one second half try to their tally. John Wharepapa-Rawiri was outstanding for the Lions, scoring two tries.
Fa’asipa Isaiah Itula and Connor Burnett also dotted down.
Eru Wera Tu kicked one conversion. A week earlier the Lions recorded a resounding 60-10 victory over the Te Aroha Eels. The Lions next match is against the Victoria Hunters at Frederick Wise Park on 24 May.
More buses from Wainui to hospital
By Frank Neill
Increasing the frequency of buses between Wainuiomata and Hutt Hospital is being recommended by the Greater Wellington Transport Committee.
This follows the commiite hearing public submissions over two days on the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) and then making recommendations to the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
"I'm delighted at the quantity and quality of submissions we received from Wainuiomata,” Hutt Valley based Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie says.
"Lower Hutt makes up 20% of the Wellington region, yet made up 30% of submissions on the Regional Public Transport Plan.
“Wainuiomata was exceptionally well represented in written submissions and at the hearings.
"People advocated for a range of different improvements to Wainuiomata bus services – some simple, some complex and expensive.
"In response, the committee recommended that the RPTP commit to increase the frequency of Wainuiomata buses and to improve the connection to Hutt Hospital as soon as possible.
“We will also undertake a full review of Lower Hutt bus routes in 2026, looking closely at all the many valuable suggestions received and how services can be rejigged to meet more peoples' needs and provide better value for money," Cr Duthie says.
There is clear demand to expand Metlink services in growth areas, the committee chair Thomas Nash says.
However that aspiration was not supportedby current government funding.
“Bus patronage continues to surpass
record levels while train patronage is being driven down by underinvestment in the rail network,” Cr Nash says.
“With fast-tracked housing projects accelerating population growth projections, it’s essential public transport receives appropriate investment to meet forecast demand.
“Regional development requires sustained funding.
“Without this certainty, and under the government’s new constrained public transport settings, it’s nearly impossible to increase affordable Metlink services within council means and without cutting other services.”
Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter says feedback shows it isnot the right time for paid parking at railway station Park and Rides, and that on balance, current rules about pets on Metlink services are adequate.
“We’ll keep working on the Park and Ride demand management proposal and look to align it with the introduction of fully integrated ticketing and congestion charging, once rail patronage stabilises,” Cr Ponter says.
“Small pets will continue to be welcome onboard Metlink services, but our operators and the disability community have expressed concerns about the potential for animals not in pet carriers to disrupt services and guide dogs.” Progressing a regional network of bus corridors and the redevelopment of Waterloo Station were supported by the committee, which also recommended accessibility improvements and an investigation into accelerating the phasing out of onboard cash payments. The regional council will consider the committee’s recommendations on 26 June.
Lachlan Harris puts the ball in the goal for his hat-trick. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
FRESH AIR, SPACE AND THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
Standing for Lower Hutt Mayor
Prabha Ravi QSM has announced she will stand as an independent candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt in the upcoming local elections.
With over two decades of civic leadership and cultural contribution in the Hutt, Prabha says she is entering the race with a clear purpose: to deliver smarter council spending, more responsive local services and inclusive, people-first leadership.
“Lower Hutt has been my home for over 25 years,” Prahba says.
“It’s where I raised my children, built a business and formed relationships that have shaped who I am.
“I’m running for Mayor because I believe our city deserves leadership that’s thoughtful, future-focused, and genuinely connected to the communities it serves.” Prabha is widely known as the founder and artistic director of Natraj School of Dance, an institution that has trained more than 1,600 students and presented bold, cross-cultural performances across Aotearoa.
She has served as Establishment Chair of the Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council and was on the Hutt City Council Community Panel for the Central ward for two terms.
She is a Justice of the Peace, and has received the Queen’s Service Medal for her contribution to ethnic communities and dance.
Prabha currently sits on the boards of Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, the Hutt Sister City Foundation, and is a member of the Hutt Valley Rotary Club and the Hutt Multicultural Council. She also holds governance roles with national sports organisations including Volleyball New Zealand, Baseball New Zealand, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre and Arts Wellington. Professionally, Prabha is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Grow Consultancy Ltd, a firm that supports New Zealand businesses and education providers with international strategy and market development. Her previous senior leadership roles include
Head of Engagement
Prabha’s campaign is built around three core pillars:
1. Value for Money: smarter Council Spending. This will include introducing a Ratepayer Value Charter to promote outcome-based budgeting, and auditing major council projects for effectiveness and accountability.
2. Transport and Infrastructure That Works. This will inlcude advocating for more frequent and affordable public transport, including on weekends, maintaining affordable council parking and improving reliability.
3. Inclusive, Connected Communities. Prabha will launch Community Connect to support grassroots initiatives and local hubs. She will champion the arts, sport and youth participation across the Hutt and ensure all communities — especially rangatahi and ethnic groups — are represented and heard.
“Good leadership listens. It acts. It delivers,” Prabha says. “That’s the standard I’ll bring.”
at Toi Whakaari, Director of International Education at YMCA Central, Waiariki Institute of Technology, and senior strategy roles with Education New Zealand and WelTec.
Prabha Ravi QSM, who is standing for the Lower Hutt Mayoralty. Photo: Supplied.