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WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS
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Frank Neill
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Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152
Continued from page 1
The first stop on the 16-day trip saw the group hosted at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and participating in creative writing, coding and STEM workshops as well as Indigenous Museum Curation sessions at the world-renowned Museum of Anthropology.
A connection with Dr Alice Te Punga Somerville (Te ti Awa, Taranaki) Professor and Head, Department of English Language and Literatures UBC saw the group invited to continue a long history of M ori connection with UBC.
After a few days on Musqueam whenua, the group headed to Kamloops where they were hosted by the tribal nation Tkemlúps te Secwépemc to further cultural exchange that started earlier in 2025.
Here the group had the exciting opportunity to perform Kapa Haka as esteemed guests at the 2025 Kamloopa Powwow, a three-day long festival which celebrates indigenous dance, music, rituals and customs.
“The Powwow was incredible, so full of colour and history,” the teacher in charge of Kapa Haka, Isjara Waiwai, says.
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“It’s powerful for our students to see that despite all the hardships the indigenous people here have endured, they still hold tight to their customs and can celebrate their beautiful culture with so much joy and pride”.
“We felt privileged to perform there, to share our culture,” year 10 student Cherish Harrison says.
“It was really cool performing for them because the energy they gave back and the atmosphere was so different from when we perform here.
“Everyone in Canada was really intrigued by our songs and our haka”.
As part of the Powwow weekend the group was also invited to showcase the fast-growing sport of KĪ o Rahi with a demonstration and workshops with the tribal nation.
Members from Wainuiomata High School’s national championship winning side were able to show members of the local community how to play and teach them key skills needed to join in at a special pre-Powwow community evening.
“This was a great opportunity to showcase one of our taonga t karo on a world-stage,” Matauranga Te Rauna, Head of the Wharekura and coach says.
“One of our goals is to grow KĪ o Rahi and eventually to see it at the Olympics.”
As well as performing at the biggest Powwow in Western Canada, the group also were given the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, and to visit the sacred site of Le Estcwicwéy.
Year 10 student, Te Aniwaniwa Hori-Temara says of the visit: “It was heartbreaking to hear what happened to the students.
“I was shocked to hear about the abuse that happened. I am glad that I went there even though it was so emotional.
installed as Thompson Rivers University’s fifth president and vice-chancellor.
“Being able to connect with Dr Airini, and her community at TRU was an eye-opening experience for our students,” Nicole Hawkins, co-organiser of the trip says.
“It is so important that our young people see that there is space for them in places like universities, not only as a part of learning communities, but as leaders.
“Hearing the speeches about Dr Airini’s humble beginnings resonated with and inspired our group”.
The teachers and students were blown away with the incredible generosity of the community hosting them, with members of the tribe and general public dropping gifts and food off for the group each day.
The group looks forward to building on the connections they have made this year for future trips.
“We want to thank everyone that supported our kids and this trip,” trip organiser Carolyn Perry says.
“Without all of the tautoko from our community we wouldn’t have been able to make this trip of a lifetime happen.
To watch the group’s performances at the Powwow check out the youtube channel www.youtube.com/@PowwowTimes. SALES
“There are lots of similarities between us and it’s important that we pay our respects”.
The students were also able to support New Zealander Dr Airini as she was formally
“We appreciate all the locals who rallied behind this kaupapa”.
By Frank Neill
A Giveallitle page has been set up to help the family that lost their house and everything in it in a fire on 10 July.
People can help the family by making donations at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ devastating-house-fire-for-a-beautiful-family-of-6.
“This beautiful family of six have just lost their 20 year old family home to a devastating house fire,” the Givealittle page says.
“They have lost absolutely everything including one of their fur babies.
“This is a hard working family that put their heart and soul into their house which now has to be demolished.
“These people are always helping others and now it’s time for us to help them.,” it says on the Givealittle page.
The funds will be used to demolish the house, to help the family and to pay for a rental while the house is rebuilt.
Steady As You Go falls prevention classes, designed to improve strength and balance and help prevent a fall, are run by Age Concern in Wainuiomata.
The classes are held at 11am on Tuesdays at the Wainuiomata Library. Steady as You Go classes improve:
For more information ring 04 499
The classes are also held online via Zoom on Wednesdays at 9:30am and page.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
Despite some very heavy rain, this winter has been busy for restoration efforts at Waiu Park.
Forest and Bird volunteers led by Gary James have planted thousands of natives throughout the wetland over several weekends.
In addition, the Waiu A Rocha team have been planting alongside the path from the carpark up to the Motorcycle Mini-Bowl.
About 300 plants have gone into the ground on two working bees in an area that has been cleared of gorse, blackberry and a lot of buried rubbish over the last 12 months.
Wetlands are one of the most threatened habitats in New Zealand.
Over the last 200 years more than 90% of New Zealand’s wetlands have been either drained or modified.
A Rocha is an international Christian organisation involved in environmental research, education and local conservation projects in over 20 countries.
At Waiu Wetland, working bees are held on the third Saturday of each month, from 10am to noon.
Morning tea is provided and new volunteers are always welcome. People who are interested can contact Richard Rhoades at randjrhoades@gmail.com. The Waiu
By Frank Neill
A fire in a garage on 18 July was caused when a scooter battery exploded while it was being charged in a garage.
“The occupants heard the explosion and extinguished the fire with a dry powder fire extingisher,” Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson says. They first called the fire brigade at around 4:46am.
The occupants had extinguished the fire by the time the brigade arrived, and firefighters ventillated the smoke out of the garage and ensured the fire was out.
The fire caused only a small amount of damage to a roller door, CFO Thompson says. Lithium-ion battery fires are increasing not only in New Zealand but globally.
There have been two fires that have happened in Wainuiomata as a result of battery charging in the last two years.
This has included a house on Coast Road being completely destroyed by fire.
Because of the risk of fire while battery charging, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has issued the following advice on battery safety.
FENZ recommends the following:
equipment from reputable manufacturers
and suppliers.
supplied with the device, or certified thirdparty charging equipment compatible with the battery specifications (same voltage and current).
away from exits to ensure you can safely escape in the event of a fire. Where possible these should be stored and charged outside or in a garage, shed or carport, away from living spaces.
phones, and laptops, do not charge these under a pillow, on the bed or on a couch – they can overheat and cause a fire. [It is best to charge these items on a flat, solid surface.]
When your item is fully charged, disconnect it from the charger.
devices in cool dry spaces, out of direct sunlight.
replacements done by a qualified professional.
alarm should be installed in any room, garage or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged.
By Frank Neill
Only around half of Wainuiomata is receving deliveries of the “Wainuiomata News” currently, and the paper is urgently looking for people to deliver papers.
The valley is divided into 22 paper runs and currently we have deliverers for only 11 of them.
Doing a paper run is great for fitness.
In fact this is the main reason some people do the run, as it means they are getting paid while they are doing exercise they would be doing anyway.
Another interesting aspect of paper deliveries is the increase in the number of people aged 65 and over who are doing paper runs as a way to keep fit while earning money.
The “Wainuiomata News” is delivered weekly on a Wednesday.
People wanting to apply to become a deliverer, or people wanting more infomation can contact Sandra, phone 04 587 1660 or email accounts@wsn.co.nz.
The “Wainuiomata News” is looking for
deliverers for the following areas: Norfolk Street; 290 papers. of Wellington Road and Kendal Grove; 220 papers. of Wellington Road; 385 papers. Mackay Street; 260 papers. Pollard Street; 300 papers. of Wainuiomata Road; 310 papers. Moohan Street; 300 papers. Avenue; 280 papers. Stanley Street; 380 papers. and part of Main Road; 280 papers. of Wood Street; 270 papers.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has established its new Wellington Local Advisory Committee (LAC), with seven inaugural members.
The Wellington LAC members are: Adrienne Staples (Chair), Shamia Love Shariff (Deputy Chair), Maleeha Ahmad, Asher Wilson Goldman, Sara Williams, Andrew Brown and Maria Mitimeti.
The LAC members were appointed by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board and will provide the board with independent advice about what their communities value, their needs and the risks they face.
Te poko Region Manager, Bruce Stubbs says the Wellington LAC will provide a voice for the communities across Weland Wairarapa.
“Members represent a diverse range of interests, offer strong local knowledge and will bring real value to the table. We look forward to working with them,” he says.
The committee’s first task will be to plan how to best engage and seek feedback about local needs from people in their communities, and to build a shared understanding with them about the service Fire and Emergency delivers. Every community in New Zealand is now represented by a Local Advisory Committee. As well as the two new LACs in Wellington and Canterbury, there are LACs in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Tair Taranaki, Whanganui-ManawatŪ, NelsonTasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, Southland and the Chatham Islands.
Among the many top things to see and do in the Hutt Valley are Staglands Wildlife Reserve and Percy Scenic Reserve.
Staglands offers a rare opportunity to interact with the local fauna on its own terms.
Ten hectares of bush, farmland and wetlands have been sensitively cultivated into an idyllic home for some of New Zealand’s endangered species.
This natural and genuine experience blends tourism, conservation, and education into a great experience for all.
Celebrated Wellington artist Brendan Grant invites art lovers and Wellingtonians alike to experience the capital through a vibrant new lens in his upcoming exhibition, Wellington in Colour. opening Saturday August 2nd at Petone’s seaside art & gift gallery.
This captivating new exhibition features a striking collection of fresh acrylic paintings that reflect the rhythm, architecture, and atmosphere of Wellington and Hutt Valley. Known for his bold, expressive brushwork and evocative use of colour and light, Brendan brings familiar streetscapes, harbour views, and hillside perspectives to life, capturing the soul of the city with depth and emotion.
“Wellington is always shifting
— light bouncing off the water, clouds rolling over the hills, people in motion. I wanted to freeze those moments and celebrate the beauty in the everyday,” says Grant.
The exhibition runs from Saturday, August 2nd to Sunday, September 14th. On the opening afternoon, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artist and hear firsthand about the inspiration behind his work. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor discovering the capital, Brendan Grant’s Wellington offers a rich and refreshing perspective on the city’s ever-changing mood and character.
The exhibition runs from Saturday, August 2nd to Sunday, September 14th and the gallery is open 10.30 - 4pm Wed to Sundays.
Tucked under the bush-clad Belmont Hills, Percy Scenic Reserve offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.
Surrounded by native bush and a stream, several manicured lawns make the perfect place to stop for a picnic.
The duck pond will provide entertainment for the kids.
Visitors to the park can explore a dark cave full of giant w t , spot eels in the creek, or relax by the duck pond and be serenaded by cheeky tŪĪ and kererŪ
A series of short bush trails are included in this secluded park along with a beautiful waterfall.
Other Hutt attractions include the Dowse Art Museum, 45 Laings Road Lower Hutt, Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive Upper Hutt, Aston Norwood, 1747 State Highway 2 Kaitoke, and the Petone Settlers Museum, 160 The Esplanade.
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councils across the country. It also shows the cumulative rates increases for each council over the last three years. The Rates Dashboard is at www.taxpayers.org.nz/ rates_dashboard_2025. It shows that Hutt City rates have increased by 12.6% this year and have gone up by 44.66% over the last three years. The 12.6% increase is higher than the average rates rise of 8.39% for New Zealand this year. Over the last three years, the average rates rise has been 34.52%.
That three-year hike is decribed as “incredible” by the Taxpayers’ Union. Over that same three years inflation has been 13.7%.
“Ironically, Stats NZ has cited council rate hikes as a key driver of inflation and the costs of living crisis,” the Taxpayers’ Union says.
On its Rates Dashbord web page, the union says that “these figures show why we need to cap rates now”. It asks people to sign a petition calling on the government to implement a rates cap. The petition is at www.capratesnow.nz.
“I call on Local Government Minister Simon Watts to cap rates increases to no more than annual inflation,” the petition says.
“The UK and Australia have already introduced capped rates,” the Taxpayers’ Union says. “It’s time for New Zealand to do the same.”
By Ryan Imray
With Wrexham in town facing the Wellington Phoenix in the final game of their tour, all local football kicked off a little earlier than normal on 19 July.
The Reserves travelled to Wakefield Park to face Brooklyn United and it was a comfortable day at the office.
Goals to Yvan Sapele, Beauyn Goochwood, Lachlan Harris, David Prendergast and Cameron Gelderblom gave the Wainui side a 5-1 win.
The Thirds played out a rollercoaster match at Richard Prouse against Tawa but sadly just fell short as they lost 4-3.
Halfbaked Roundballsmaintained their 100% record in Division 4 with a 3-1 win over
Victoria University.
In the Masters divisions, the OCs didn't have a game as they were sadly defaulted too. However, the default gave the Wainui side a 3-0 win which keeps them firmly second on the ladder.
Pasifika Originals remained top of their division with a 5-3 victory over Miramar Rangers.
Pasifika Old Boys provided the upset of the round in a 7 goal thriller against Brooklyn United, winning 4-3.
On Sunday 20 July both the Men's and Women's first team were in action.
First up was the Women's team against Miramar Rangers and the game was entertaining, full of goals but sadly Wainui were unable to walk away with any points. Despite their best efforts and
fighting until the end, it was Miramar who walked away as 5-3 winners.
The Men's team travelled to David Farrington Park to also play against Miramar Rangers.
This was a tough test for Wainuiomata playing away from home against a very strong Miramar team that included players that had experience at National League level.
A well drilled and spirited Wainui side walked away with a point as Adam Ross's ninth goal of the season was able to help them come from behind to walk away with a 1-1 draw.
The draw extends their unbeaten run to four matches and sees them sit fourth on table but equal on points with second and third place.
Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball teams delivered a series of impressive performances over the weekend, showcasing their depth, determination and growing momentum across the grades.
In Premier 1, Ulalei Autebattled through a nail-biting encounter with St Oran’s Club.
The match was goal-for-goal until the final minutes, when Ulalei’s shooters capitalised on the two-point shot to pull away for a 64–57 victory.
Ulalei Puataunofowere narrowly edged out in a heart-stopping finish, falling 56–55 to Petone Rugby Football Club in the dying seconds of the match.
Ulalei Malilireturned to winning form with a commanding 50–34 win over High School Old Girls, while Ulalei Pualulucontinued their impressive run, defeating Upper Hutt Rams
38–23.
Coach Alofa Aberdein-Tapuai and Manager Mailena Rawiri praised the team’s consistency and cohesion, attributing their success to a stable core group and shared values that have been cultivated over several seasons. They highlighted how the players are now reaping the rewards of years of dedication and development, and expressed their excitement at seeing that hard work come to fruition.
Ulalei Moso’oimaintained their unbeaten streak with a solid 22–15 win over Maidstone United, further cementing their dominance this season.
The young talents of Ulalei Fuesinabounced back in style, delivering an emphatic 27–15 victory over High School Old Girls. Meanwhile, Ulalei Laga’alinotched back-to-back
R O O R C S D S
wins, defeating Naenae Collegians United 44–33.
The team’s growing synergy and clear understanding of their individual roles were evident in their cohesive performance.
ACROSS
1. Inundate (9)
6. After birth. (9)
11. Rate in music(pl) (5)
12. Grease from wool. (7)
13. Disturb. (5)
14. Make less severe. (8)
17. Hackneyed convention. (10)
18. Pounds,shillings & pence(abbr)(3)
20. Heavy wooden hammer. (4)
22. Sets fire to. (7)
24. Halo round heavenly body. (6)
26. Consumed. (3)
28. Papal letter. (5)
29. Cotton fabric. (7)
32. Accustom. (5)
33. Parson-bird. (3)
34. U.S. Intelligence agency (abbr) (3)
35. Facial twitch. (3)
36. Ingenuous. (5)
37.One who urges wrongdoing. (7)
38. Muslim title. (5)
39. Electric fish. (3)
41. Tributary stream. (6)
42. Embellished. (7)
44. Agitate. (4)
47. The same. (3)
49.Paid motor-car driver (fem) (10)
51. Valet. (8)
Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball extends heartfelt thanks to these local businesses for their continued support: Pak’n Save Petone, Stihl Petone, Lighthouse Cinema Petone, Muzzy Shirts, Bunnings
55. Of sight. (5)
56. Soaked in blood. (7)
57. Cooped up. (5)
58. Act of formally withdrawing from the church. (9)
59. Loathes. (9)
DOWN
1. Most favourable. (7)
2. Ant. (5) 3. Twists. (6) 4. Splendour. (5)
5. Covering for horse’s head, -sheet. (4)
6. Artist’s paint board. (7)
7. Girls name (6)
8. Of the nerves. (12) 9. Sapid. (5) 10. Professional writer. (11) 15. Ailing. (3) 16. Mine entrance. (4) 19. Husband-to-be. (6) 21. Use. (7)
For December 22, 2004
New Zealanders have serious questions about the performance of their local bodies, Hutt South MP Chris Bishop told last week’s Local Government New Zealand Conference.
Rapidly rising rates, a reputation for wasteful spending, restrictive planning rules holding back economic growth and crumbling local infrastructure have led Kiwis to question whether local government is fit for purpose, Mr Bishop said.
“I want you to make hard decisions about your spending.,” he told the local government leaders.
“People don’t elect you to make the easy decisions – they elect you to make the tough ones.”
“Councils continue to waste ratepayer money.
“Kiwis struggling today deserve better.”
Mr Bishop told the councils that it’s okay to build a local road without spending hundreds of thousands on artworks. Not everything they do has to be an architectural masterpiece.
Not everything has to win awards for being the most sustainable or the most innovative or the most beautiful.
Simplicity is smart. Complexity is costly. The only awards council projects should be winning are for cost efficiency and effectiveness, he said.
Mr Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible
for RMA Reform, Minister of Transport and Parliament’s Leader of the House.
His collegue, Local Government Minister Simon Watts, last week made a move aimed at focusing local bodies on their core functions.
He announced that he was introducing the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill.
This bill, he said, would help restore discipline and transparency, and push councils to focus on things like roading, core infrastructure, water and rubbish.
"Kiwis are frustrated with rising rates, expanding bureaucracy, and poor value for money,” Minister Watts said.
“This bill puts councils back to work on the basics, their core services, so ratepayers see real results for what they pay."
The bill willremove four well-being provisions– social, economic, environmental and cultural – which were reintroduced by Labour in 2019 after being removed by the previous National government in 2012.
It will also impose a requirement on
councils to prioritise core services when managing finances and setting rates.
Hutt City rates have increased by 12.6% this year – higher than the average rates rise of 8.39% for New Zealand.
Hutt City rates have gone up by 44.66% over the last three years, higher than the New Zealand average of 34.52%.
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Lioness have qualified for the semi-finals of the Wellington premier women’s Rugby League championship.
The team secured their spot to vie for the Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban trophy when they were undefeated in the round robin matches to decide the four semifinalists.
The Ken Laban coached team did not even need to play its final scheduled match on 20 July, as they beat the Petone Panthers by default.
The week before the Lioness team comfortably won its top of the table clash with the Randwick Queenfishers 26-14, and this result augurs well for a team that has dominated the competition so far this season.
Wainuiomata Lioness will play the St George Dragons in their semi-final at 2:30pm on 27 July at Fraser Park.
The other semi-final will be between Porirua Valkyrie and the Randwick Queen-
fishers at 1pm on 27 July, also at Fraser Park.
The men’s premier team, the Wainuiomata Lions, did not fare so well last weekend, however.
They lost a closely contested match against the St George Dragons, played at Cannons Creek Park on 19 July.
After the Dragons emerged from a tight first half with a narrow 12-10 lead, they went on to win 18-12.
Tyrone Tihore and Aethan Tuisila scored tries for the Lions.
Tiaki Nager kicked two conversions and a penalty.
The Lions needed a victory over St George to progress to the semi-finals and the chance to win the Appleton Shield for the third year in a row.
The Lions defeated the Dragons 40-30 in last year’s Appleton Shield final and beat the Porirua Vikings 22-18 in the 2023 final, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2007.
The Wellington region’s eight Mayors have approved a 10-year emergency management strategy to strengthen their communities’ ability to manage a “Most Likely Plus” event like a severe storm or devastating cyclone.
The strategy’s overarching vision is to build resilient communities that are connected, capable, and ready to respond effectively to disruptive events, Tory Whanau, the Chair of the Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Joint Committee and Wellington’s Mayor, says
“With the increasing frequency of severe weather, as we’ve seen with the May 1 storm and with Cyclone Gabrielle two years ago, this strategy is absolutely vital.
“We’re proactively strengthening our ability to respond to and recover from significant events like major storms, ensuring our communities are better prepared and that we’re collaborating with them and local iwi,” Mayor Whanau says.
The strategy aims to enhance the current emergency management system and capabilities, preparing communities to respond to and recover from high-probability events, while also strengthening their resilience for rare but catastrophic events.
This proactive approach comes as emergency events in the Wellington region have surged by a staggering 330% over the last
10 years.
Severe storms, which require significant regional co-ordination, are considered highly probable in the coming decades.
Dan Neely, Regional Manager of the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office, says the strategy is only the starting point.
“Detailed actions and programmes that will deliver on the goals of the strategy will be outlined in the region’s CDEM Group Plan, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
“This strategy takes a whole-of-society approach to resilience, with actions for everyone from elected officials to response agencies to community groups,” Mr Neely says.
The Wellington region faces significant challenges including increased hazard exposure from climate change and urban growth, ageing infrastructure, insufficient community preparedness, funding constraints and a lack of co-ordinated risk management.
The Wellington Region CDEM Group Joint Committee – comprising the mayors from its eight city and district councils, the Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council, and iwi representatives – will help ensure the strategy remains aligned with local needs and benefits residents throughout the area.