Wainuiomata High School are the national senior Ki o Rahi champions. The mixed team of 16 players won the title when they were undefeated at the National Secondary Schools Ki o Rahi Championships, held at the Manawatu Arena, Palmerston North. Continued on page 2.
The victory means that Wainuiomata High School has become the first school in New Zealand to simultaneously hold both the junior and senior championships.
Wainuiomata High School has also become the first Wellington school to win the senior championship since the competition began in 2010.
The school also provided the most valuable player of the tournament, with Reihana Te Rauna winning the award.
Coached by Matauranga Te Rauna, the team defeated Te Waiu o Ngati Porou 11-8 in the final to clinch the title.
The team had an even tighter encounter when they played a team from Gisborne Boys and Gisborne Girls High Schools in the semi final.
The scores were tied at full time, and Wainuiomata took out the win when they were the first team to score in extra time.
After winning all their three pool matches on day one of the competition, Wainuiomata High School then defeated Dannevirke High School in the round of the top 16 and
Hawaiki Hou in the round of the top eight.
Following the competition two Wainuiomata High School players were named to represent New Zealand – Reihana Te Rauna and Braddock Akuhata.
Five Wainuiomata High students were named in the Aotea Maori representative team – Rico-Zane Kumeroa, Niwa Purkis, Carter Lewis, Neveah Puketapu-Utanga and MahinaRiana Hughes.
These players will compete in what will be an international tournament, featuring New Zealand, Maori, Pasifika and Cook Islands teams, to be held in Rotorua over Labour weekend.
Wainuiomata High School’s junior Ki o Rahi team will be looking to win a second successive championship when they compete in the Junior National Secondary Schools Tournament, to be held in Ruatoria on 6 and 7 November.
Coached by Matauranga Te Rauna, the team defeated Te Kuiti High School 18-8 in last year’s final to become the first Wellington school to win the title.
Reihana Te Rauna, who was named most valuable player of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Ki o Rahi tournament.
Photo: Frank Neill.
New bus shelter for Wood Street
By Frank Neill
A new bus shelter will be built in Wood Street, close to one erected by a local resident in 2023, Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie announced at the 16 April meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
“You might remember the story of the bus shelter that was built on the corner of Wood Street and Parenga Street,” Cr Duthie said.
“It was a good idea.
“There is one coming soon,” Cr Duthie said.
“It is currently awaiting sign off from the council’s transport team.
“It has not been forgotten. Fingers crossed (it will be built) before winter.”
Creating a new bus stop in the location “has been a difficult one,” Cr Duthie said.
After the plan was announced a local landowner objected, and Metlink then had to go through a process where they worked towards negotiating an agreement.
“We have reached a point ... where there is agreement to allow the shelter from an adjacent landowner.
“It won’t necessarily be in the perfect position, because of the agreement reached,” Cr Duthie said.
In August 2023 a Wood Street resident, who has asked the “Wainuiomata News” not to name her in the paper, erected a home made shelter outside 104 Wood Street.
It was constructed from old election signs that MP Chris Bishop had put up during previous election campaigns.
It was taken down later in 2023.
Its builder was one of a number of local residents who had been asking Metlink and Greater Wellington Regional Council for a bus shelter at this stop for years.
“I’ve been here [in Wood Street] for 13 years and agitating for a bus shelter all that time to no avail,” the home made bus stop builder said just after it was erected.
“We got a bit desperate,” she said.
“Basically I’m trying to [annoy] the council or Metlink or whoever is responsible for bus stops.
“I don’t know how else to embarrass them and kick them into action.
“Everything else has failed. We’ve phoned and emailed and nothing works.
“Now we have got a bus shelter and it is being used. The kids are using it and so are the older people.
“Even the bus drivers say that this spot gets more demand than the other bus shelter
Mitre 10 Opening
Mitre 10 Wainuiomata will officially open its new store on Thursday 8 May.
The day will begin with a blessing ceremony at 6am followed by formal opening proceedings and speeches at 7:30am.
The new store will have 3,500 square metres of retail space including a garden centre and Columbus café.
Mitre 10 moved into Wainuiomata last year, after the owners of Mitre 10 Mega Petone, Upper Hutt and Porirua bought the Hammer Hardware store formerly owned by Jocelyn and Brian Pollock, who served the community for 60 years.
The company bought the building formerly housing the Warehouse located at 6 Te Ara Raukura, for the new shop.
“We’re really excited about it,” says Cliff Lockyer, one of the family that owns the store.
“The new store is looking really good on the inside, and we are really happy with the way it is coming together, how it is looking and how it feels.”
Funding Granted
? The Wainuiomata Community Board approved a grant of $2,520 toward the establishment of a Ngahere Korowai (tiny forest) at the Wainuiomata Marae at its meeting on 16 April.
The grant comes from the community board’s allotment from Hutt City Council’s Community Climate Action Fund.
The Ngahere Korowai will be created by Transition Town Lower Hutt in partnership with the Wainuiomata Marae and Nature’s Vela.
The community board also approved a grant of $5,000 to TRM Training, which is based at the Wainuiomata Marae, for a harakere planting project.
further down Wood Street,” another local resident, who also did not want to be named, told the “Wainuiomata News”.
“The locals are loving this home made one for now.
PHOTO: Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie and the home made bus shelter that was erected in Wood Street in 2023. Photo: Supplied.
Has anyone noticed there are more complaints about dogs barking day or night than there are complaints about fireworks being let off in the early hours.
Get your priorities in order.
Sometimes it’s the fireworks setting off the howling and other man-made inventions that aggravate dogs’ hearing.
The ones letting fireworks off out of spite are antisocial.
Why should dog owners be warned when the councils won’t attend complaints for fireworks?
I know some people who don’t have dogs but have phoned up about big bangs at night after 11:00 but if someone phones up about a dog barking or howling oh yes the animal services are at your door warning you to keep your pets quiet.
Yes it’s one sided rules.
The rules need changing.
Peter Wells
Two-term Hutt City Councillor Brady Dyer has announced he will run for Mayor of Lower Hutt as an independent candidate.
“Lower Hutt deserves bold, experienced leadership that will build stronger communities, boost local business, and do the basics better,” Cr Dyer says.
“I genuinely love this city.
“I’m one of the Hutt’s biggest cheerleaders, and I want to see us thrive.
“My six years as a councillor and 20 years running several businesses means I un-
derstand council, and real world challenges. I know how to bring people together, inspire confidence, and get things done.”
Lower Hutt is facing some big challenges, like investment in core infrastructure, water reform, and delivering Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink).
“I don’t see these issues as just problems to fix, but as massive opportunities,” Cr Dyer says.
“While RiverLink is about flood protection, it’s also a once-in-ageneration chance to future-proof infrastructure and bring life back
into the heart of our city centre.
“With the right leadership, these challenges can be long-term wins that help shape a city future generations will thank us for.”
Cr Dyer acknowledges outgoing Mayor Campbell Barry for his service to local government.
“Campbell has dedicated 15 years to Lower Hutt, and I respect the drive and determination he’s shown. I wish him well for the future.”
Photo: Hutt City Councillor Brady Dyer, who is standing for Mayor of Lower Hutt.
Photo: Supplied.
Gollans Station purchased
By Frank Neill
The “exciting news today” is that Greater Wellington Regional Council has just purchased Gollans Valley Station, Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie told the 16 April meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
The 1,366 hectare block of land adjacent to Wainuiomata has been bought for $9 million, and will become part of the East Harbour Regional Park.
The purchase has the potential to improve access from Wainuiomata and from Coast Road, Cr Duthie said.
“One of the challenges that I see from a Wainuiomata perspective is how do we create better access to this regional park from Wainuiomata.
“It’s a long way to go over the [Wainuiomata] hill right now.”
The purchase of the station provides the potential to significantly
improve the access.
The buy “is super exciting and we were aided by a very generous bequest of $1 million,” Cr Duthie said.
The purchase was made possible by a $1m gift from the estate of John Marsden Nankervis, a Wellingtonian who was a prominent mountaineer and nature conservationist.
“As champions of te taiao, we have forged a partnership based on common values to secure land that has the potential to become a major public amenity for the Wellington Region,” Cr Duthie said in a media release about the purchase.
“We hope the estate’s generosity fosters further philanthropy towards the council’s environmental goals.”
Chair of Greater Wellington Daran Ponter says the purchase connects the Northern Forest to Parangarahu Lakes, making the park whole.
“With over 1,000 hectares of precious native bush including old growth, environmentally significant wetlands and stunning coastal views, the station has been purchased for the people of our region,” Cr Ponter says.
“From Wainuiomata saddle to the sea at Pencarrow, the entire eastern backdrop behind Wellington Harbour is now in public ownership or protected through covenants.”
OCs maintain perfect start
By Ryan Imray
With the Easter Holiday there was a shorter schedule with five of our teams having last weekend off meaning there was only four teams in action.
It began on Friday night as the Reserves travelled to Island Bay to face Wellington Olympic.
After a win and a draw to start the season, Wainuiomata was looking to maintain their unbeaten start and they managed to do just that, in style.
Yvan Sapele, with his family on the sideline in fine voice, scored all four of Wainui’s goals as they won 4-1 and climbed to the top of the
Capital 3 table.
Only one game was played on the Saturday and it was the OCs in Masters 6 taking on North Wellington.
The OCs had a perfect start to the season winning their opening two games and they were hoping to extend that to three.
After a closely fought contest that was evenly poised heading into the final moments of the game, Rowan Campbell turned into prime David Beckham helping the ball cross the line to give the OC’s a 3-2 win and keep their place at the top of the table.
Sunday saw the final two games when the women’s side travelled
Penny Gaylor, the regional council’s Environment Committee chair, says the land will be managed by Ropu Tiaki, a co-governance group of Taranaki Whanui and Greater Wellington overseeing the Parangarahu Lakes.
“On the open market for the first time in more than 50 years, the station’s purchase was a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure land rich in biodiversity of significance
to Naenae and the men’s Capital Premier side travelled to Western Suburbs.
Sadly, both results didn’t go in favour of Wainui.
Despite goals to Arnika Lahood and Leanne Smith, the women’s side suffered their first defeat of the season losing 4-2.
Despite the setback though, the team still remain top of the table on goal difference.
The Capital Premier side had a day to forget in the pouring rain as their day was as bad as the weather, sadly losing 6-0 to Western Suburbs.
Mahi Aroha nominations open
Volunteer Wellington has opened nominations for its 2025 Mahi Aroha Awards.
These awards recognise the contribution and achievements of outstanding volunteers – the dedication, passion and impact of those who give their time to help the community. Volunteer Wellington has introduced three new award categories for this year.
The award categories are:
Mitre10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award
This award celebrates an outstanding volunteer who has made a lasting impact in their community.
Whether through ongoing service, leadership, or inspiring others, this individual embodies the spirit of volunteerism.
The winner will be someone who goes above and beyond – a unique individual who makes a special contribution as a volunteer.
Te Ao Māori Award
This award, which is new this year, recognises a volunteer who has been instrumental in leading or supporting their organisation’s journey to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Whether through governance, advocacy, cultural initia-
The regional council will take ownership of the station in July.
The land’s future will be planned through public consultation and the council’s Toitu Te Whenua Parks Network Plan.
The public will not be able to access the land until the planning process is complete.
tives, or meaningful engagement with Maori communities, this individual has played a key role in embedding Te Ao Maori values.
Volunteer Team Award
This award is also new for 2025 and celebrates a group of volunteers who make an impact together.
Some of the best volunteering happens when people come together for a common cause.
This award recognises a group of volunteers –whether staff from a local business volunteering regularly or team of volunteers that is part of community group, who together make a significant difference to a community organisation. Youth Volunteer Award
Young volunteers can bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion to their communities. This award, which is also new this year, recognises an outstanding volunteer under the age of 25 who has made a meaningful impact through their time, skills, and dedication.
The closing date for nominations is 9 May. More information about the award categories and nomination forms are on Volunteer Wellington’s website, https://volunteerwellington.nz.
Photo: Jack Imray clears the ball for the Capital Premier side.
Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
to Mana Whenua,” Cr Gaylor says.
PHOTO: The Gollans Valley Station.
Photo: Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Convincing victory for Rugby premiers
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata premier men’s Rugby team took out a convincing 33-13 victory
over the Wellington Axemen in the latest round of the Swindale Shield competition. In doing so, they won the Bill Jones Cup, contested each year between the two teams.
Two awards for Wainui Cricketers
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata Cricketers won two awards at Cricket Wellington’s awards evening, held at the Bain Reserve on 15 April.
Callum Mackaness was presented the Platt Cup for the outstanding performance of the season over all the competitions.
The premier women’s team won the trophy for winning the division three T20 competition.
Callum’s award winning performance came in Wainuiomata’s match against North City on 8 and 15 March.
After reaching his century, Callum went on to score 105.
He then took eight of the Norths second innings wickets to fall at a cost of just 46 runs. Callum’s Platt Cup win followed his award
for the outstanding performance of the season at the Wainuiomata Cricket Club’s prizegiving on 29 March.
The premier women’s team were presented their award as the divison three T20 champions.
After topping the table during the round robin matches, Wainuiomata qualified for the grand final, played at Fraser Park on 22 March.
They won the title when they overwhelmed the Taita Queens.
Wainuiomata lost just one wicket in overhauling the Queens total, taking only 16 overs and one ball to score the victory.
The Queens batted first and reached 133 for the loss of eight wickets.
Wainuiomata then ended the match when they scored 134 for one wicket.
Played at Hataitai Park on Thursday 17 April, the match saw Wainuiomata come out of the block strongly.
When left wing Niko Paletesion scored the second of his two tries, it saw Wainuiomata take out a 33-3 lead.
Unfortunatley Niko injured his hip while scoring that try and had to leave the field early.
Play was held up following the injury and it also saw Wainuiomata lose some momentum.
That allowed the Axemen to narrow the gap with two tries, adding 10 unanswered points to their tally.
Number eight Braydon scored a try for Wainuiomata, as did right wing Campbell Cowie.
Number 10 Andrew Wells scored a try and kicked four conversions.
Wainuiomatas’s next match sees them play Johnsonville at William Jones Park on 26 April.
The Wainuiomata premier women’s team did not fare so well in their Rebecca Liua’ana Trophy match against Avalon, also played on Thursday 17 April.
They lost the game, played at William Jones Park, 12-0.
ABOVE: The three 16-year-olds who are
in the
This year the team has a number of new players, with six of the team making their debut for Wainuiomata in the opening round on 5 April. This included three 16-year-old players, Mariah Nicholls, Ryshia Leota and Hoana Hori-Hohepa.
Student features in sailing
Wainuiomata Intermediate student Mackenzie Knight featured prominently in recent sailing regattas. She was in combinations that took out three first placings and two second placings, including two gold medals at the National Scout Regatta.
Mackenzie has written about her experience.
Here is her article:
Some kids like to kick a ball, some kids like to game, and some kids are still figuring it out – but for me, I love spending my time on the water.
Sailing is a sport where it’s not always about winning. It’s about the adventure of the journey.
Some days bring extreme winds, while others are calm and light. There’s a thrill in the fear and excitement of almost capsizing as you push towards the finish line.
I’ve been really lucky.
My mum and our family friend Bruce introduced me to the Saint James Sea Scouts, and that’s where my passion for sailing and rowing truly began.
Then my mum’s friend Malina (who also happens to be my Scout leader) introduced me to the Heretaunga Boating Club (HBC), where I now sail my Optimist, “Bish Bosh”.
If I’m not sailing Bish Bosh you will find me teaming up with my very good friend Aurora in the Feva (which is a two-handed boat).
Most weekends, I will be out on the water with St James or HBC, we are out all day but I wouldn’t change it.
Thanks to Saint James and HBC, I’ve met an amazing group of friends who share the same love for the water.
Recently, I had the chance to attend the National Scout Regatta in Titahi Bay, which is a huge milestone and a
proud achievement as a sea scout.
I have attended many regattas for both sea scouts and HBC.
I also had the opportunity to take part in the Wellington schools competition at Paremata which was pretty great too.
I’ve had some amazing achievements. In the Feva class (the two-handed boat), my sailing partner Aurora and I came second in both the Women’s Regatta and the Youth Regatta.
At the Sea Scouts prize giving, we (St James Sea Scouts) took home first place. We are super excited to see how we do this year. Plus, at the National Scout Regatta, we won the Robin Hood Memorial Trophy (for winning the regatta). If you ever get the chance to go sailing I highly recommend it. It’s not like any other sport.
ABOVE :Mackenzie Knight (right) and Aurora Mckewon sailing their Feva class boat.
Photo: Supplied.
Photo: With the trophies they won at Cricket Wellington’s awards evening (from left) Callum Mackaness. Matie Whitman and Tauvale Whitman. Photo: Supplied.
playing
Wainuiomata women’s premier team (from left) Mariah Nicholls, Ryshia Leota and Hoana Hori-Hohepa. Photo: Supplied.
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