By Frank Neill
Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty has set a new voting record. He received 8,601 votes at the final count in the 2025 local body elections, setting a new record for the largest winning margin since Single Transferable Voting was introduced. Continued on page 2.
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Continued from page 1.
Cr McNulty finished 4,605 votes ahead of second-placed Tony Randle in the voting for the TakapŪ-Northern Ward’s three Councillors, with Andrea Compton also being elected.
That winning margin beat the record previously held by Tamatha Paul, who won the PukehĪnau-Lambton Ward by 3,131 votes in 2022.
“It’s just an insane number of votes,” Cr McNulty, who lives in
Johnsonville, says.
“I don’t know what to say.
“I’m kind of flabbergasted at the level of support people up this way have put in me.
“It’s validating, because I’ve never taken this job for granted.
“I have this aspirational goal when I’ve been elected that I would do this role in a way that I would like my elected member to do it.
“I’ve really tried to throw everything at it, and keep people informed of what’s going on with
Council, whether I agree with it or not, and trying to let people know in a neutral way.
“What I got time and time again on the election trail ... was we might not always agree with the way you vote but we always appreciate how you keep us informed.
“The result validates all that effort.
“It feels nice but it is humbling and it is just validating to know that people have really appreciated what I have done up this way.
“I’ve got a huge amount of trust to keep in view moving forward,” Cr McNulty says.
“To the 8,601 of you who put your trust in me, thank you.”
First elected a Councillor in 2022, Cr McNulty is now starting his second term on the Council.
Before becoming a Councillor he spent more than a decade working in financial services – insurance brokering, funds management and marketing.
It’s been a tumultuous week politically and weather wise. Inflation is up, unemployment is up, and economic growth is down.
I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.
We had a good old traditional Wellington gale ripping through the city sending people and property scattered in its wake. And there is more of both to come.
Scandinavian countries have way worse winter weather than New Zealand does, but its people are wealthier and healthier and happily pay their taxes to ensure free healthcare and education
runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are Existing infrastructure is aging advantage of intensification of existing areas
There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’ usually built by the developer.
We have little control over the weather, but we do over the economy.
in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.
Tax cuts must have to be paid for somehow, and our fellow Wellingtonians who have been laid off are among many paying for them.
Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing apartments.
There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.
Developers of course need to make a profit, nce costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource We as government for our part have undertaken to The feedback was good, but the success will demand. That is certainly my
In my previous job, I was privileged to spend time in many countries and had the opportunity to observe different political approaches.
Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
A belief that putting all our eggs in one basket, say farming, will see us all become better off, is a bit of a myth. Only good government policy will ensure we can even things out among all New Zealanders. That is what the industrial action this week by teachers, doctors, and many others is about, making sure everyone gets a share in the
Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act. The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meet demand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.
functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we
That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.
The weather will never treat us fairly, but we can demand
There’s plenty to be getting on with.
The Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association in conjunction with the Onslow Historical Society and with support from Wellington City Council is delighted to confirm the installation of the Blue Plaque.
“It’s a fabulous 100th birthday present for the hall,” says Joint Centenary Committee Chair Viv Chapple.
Blue Plaques are an initiative of Historic Places Aotearoa which aims to identify places of significance around the country.
The Ngaio Town Hall plaque will be the third in Wellington behind Randell Cottage in Thorndon and St Peter’s in Willis Street and a first for a Wellington City Council building.
The hall “qualified for a plaque not because of its age but because of the unusual nature of the hall build funding - arising out of a poll as to whether Ngaio ratepayers would pay for it.” Viv says.
“We are very grateful they did!”
The positioning of the plaque is unusually not at the front doors of the hall where it would visually impact on the beautiful Arts and Crafts symmetry of the entrance, but rather on the car park side of the hall, where there is quite a constant pedestrian flow, and the plaque can make its own visual statement. Donations for it came from both individuals and groups with both long and short associations with the hall.
One woman remembered playing table tennis in the 1960s and having to position the tables just so, to avoid the vent plates in the floor.
Another provided funds from an estate, to acknowledge the many happy hours her father had spent fossicking at antique events which were a feature of the hall in the 1950s and 60s.
The Onslow Garden Club made a hefty donation on the basis of the many flower shows and plant competitions held in the hall from the 1930s – backed up with Viv’s favourite – a photo of Sir Edmund Hillary attending a flower competition in the 1950s.
To all the donors and well- wishers Viv says thank you.
“Hopefully the plaque will endure for another 100 years.”
In last week’s issue of the “Independent Herald” we printed an article about the Karori United Tennis Club’s popular Junior Fun Friday Nights.
In that article we printed the incorrect address of the Karori United Tennis Club.
The correct address is 16 Campbell Street, Karori.
The Junior Fun Friday Nights are free and run throughout term 4 and term 1, subject to weather.
The sessions run from 5:30pm until 7pm.
Experienced coaches and enthusiastic volunteers lead the activities, offering guidance, tips and plenty of encouragement.
The sessions are structured to emphasise fun, teamwork and inclusion, ensuring that every child – regardless of experience or ability – has a great time on the courts.
The club has racquets available for those who are trying tennis for the first time.
The “Independent Herald” apologises for this error.
A record-breaking number of votes were cast by Wellingtonians in this year’s elections, with the Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward topping the list.
The voter return was 49.99%, being 81,574 voting papers, including special votes.
Wellington City Council says it understands this is the highest in 30 years.
The Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward led the way with a voter turnout of 56.49%.
Andrew Little was elected Mayor in the first iteration with 46,016 votes, 34,522 more than Karl Tiefenbacher.
Diane Calvert, Rebecca Mathews and Ray Chung – the three sitting Wharangi/ Onslow-Western Ward Councilllors – were all re-elected.
Two of the Takapū/Northern Ward Councillors – Ben McNulty and Tony Randle – were re-elected.
They will be joined at the Council table by new Councillor Andrea Compton.
Johnsonville resident Matthew Reweti will also be joining them at the Council table, as he was elected the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Ward Councillor.
In doing so, he defeated the sitting Mayor, Tory Whanau.
The Mayoral and Councillor inauguration and swearing-in ceremony will take place on 30 October.
Wellington will retain Te Whanganuia-Tara Māori Ward with 52,677 (68.37%) people voting to keep the Māori Ward and 24,365 (31.63%) voting to remove it.
Voter turn-out was the highest by some margin since the single transferable vote was introduced in 2004, the Council says
The Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer Jennifer Parker says the high voter turn-out is a great result for Pōneke.
“We introduced several new initiatives into the mix this year to make voting more visible and accessible for everyone,” she says.
“The videos of candidates were particularly popular, and the election hubs around the city in the last week saw huge numbers of the public turning up to ask questions, get oneof-a-kind ‘I Voted’ stickers made by Tawa School tamariki, and make special votes.
“The bright orange bins all across the city did a great job of both raising awareness and making it easy to return voting envelopes too.
“This election also had lots of engagement from the start thanks to some interesting characters running for Mayor and Ward Councillor, lots of news coverage – some
One of the bright organe voting bins that did a great job of both raising awareness and making it easy to return voting envelopes. Photo: Wellington City Council.
good, some bad – plus the binding Māori Ward poll got people talking, and a lot of hot topics being addressed were of high public interest for the city’s future.”
Progress, preliminary and final results are all available on the Council’s website at wellington.govt.nz/results.
Wellington adopted the single transferable
voting (STV) system to elect the Mayor and City Councillors through a referendum in November 2002.
The STV system was used in the 2004 and 2007 Wellington City Council elections, with a second referendum in 2008 resulting in STV being opted in again – and has been used ever since.
Young girls looking to give football or futsal a go in a fun and safe environment can now do so by joining the MILO Fantails programme.
MILO Fantails is a programme designed to attract new female players aged from 4 to 12 years old to the beautiful game through sessions focused on helping girls make friends, have fun, improve their skills and become active through football.
Sessions will take place throughout the remainder of the year, and are now rolling out all across Aotearoa New Zealand.
MILO Fantails is running at Nairnville Park in Khandallah from 4pm to 5pm on Mondays and the sessions are free.
The key contact for the Nairnville Park sessions is Moira, 021 391 396, captain@ onslow.org.nz.
People can just turn up at Narinville Park where they will be registered manually or they can book online at www.nzfootball. co.nz/milo-fantails-programme.
Special clothing and gear is not needed. People can just wear comfortable clothing and they do not need boots.
All sessions are delivered by New Zealand Football qualified coaches.
The welfare of people’s daughters is key, so the programme ensures that all MILO Fantails coaches are fully trained in health and safety, safeguarding and more.
Applications are now open for the seventh Adam Art Gallery Internship. This internship enables a recent graduate, postgraduate student or early-career art professional to work with the gallery to develop research skills and knowledge relating to collecting, curatorial practice, exhibition making, communications and public programming through their involvement in the planning and delivery of aspects of the gallery’s work.
The internship is a paid, fixed-term,
part-time position. The total duration of the internship is 400 hours.
Although the timeframe for the Internship is flexible, ideally the successful applicant will be available between February and August 2026.
Applications close at midnight on Friday 12 November 2025.
For more information visit https://ejye. fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/1008497.
The Internship is made possible with the generous support of Barbara Blake.
By Felicity Wong
Tours of St Gerard’s monastery and adjacent church were quick to fully book during the current Heritage Festival.
Wellingtonians are eager to see inside the historic site which remains largely as the Redemptorist fathers left it.
The fathers were dedicated to travelling the country reviving the spiritual lives of Catholic parishioners.
In 1905 the Redemptorist Fathers of New Zealand purchased the site of “Fitzgerald’s Folly”.
It was a large wooden house built some distance from town in 1871 for early citizen James Fitzgerald.
The fathers bought the site for 500 pounds and lived in the house.
In 1908 St Gerard’s Church, a large but simple gothic building designed by John Sidney Swan, was built next to the house.
The church was funded entirely by the community, reflecting the strong support the fathers had inspired in the local community.
The church was the first to be named after eighteenth century Italian St Gerard Majella, the patron of mothers and happy childbirth.
On the outside face of the church is an unusual statue of a pregnant Mary.
The church was built of brick with a vaulted wooden ceiling, flanked by gorgeous stained glass windows.
The windows were made by Hardman and Son, a renowned Birmingham firm and each was sponsored by members of the parish.
In the 1980s the large gilt framed painting of St Gerard which hung above the altar was returned to the Vatican.
It depicted a life sized figure of St Gerard levitating above an astonished crowd and had originally hung in the Vatican in Rome.
It now reportedly hangs in the old monastery south of Naples where Gerard Majella lived and worked.
The church pews were hand made by the
The church had a very good choir and became known around New Zealand as its services were broadcast on national radio for 37 years.
When St Gerard’s Church was recently de-consecrated its magnificent marble altar was transferred to the impressively restored Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Hill Street.
The altar was restored and continues in use for its sacred Christian purpose.
The adjacent monastery building was built on the site of Fitzgerald’s Folly in 1932.
The two separate buildings fit together sympathetically high above the city as a distinctive
Playcentre Aotearoa is inviting whānau across the motu to step outside and experience the joy of outdoor play during Playcentre Outdoor Play Week, running from 3 to 7 November.
During Playcentre Outdoor Play Week nearly 400 centres across Aotearoa will be open for whānau with tamariki from birth to school age to visit, explore and experience the magic of outdoor play.
Playcentres can be located by visiting www.playcentre.org.nz, clicking on “Find
a Centre” and inserting your address. Playcentres offer a variety of outdoor play experiences, including sand and water play, nature-based play, physical play, gardening, mud kitchens, building and construction with natural and recycled materials and much more.
Outdoor play is essential for early childhood development. It helps young children stay active and develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
landmark and historic place.
The monastery building was built of reinforced concrete with inset brick panels.
It is a very strong building constructed after the Napier earthquake using the modern techniques of that time.
Inside it is in surprisingly good condition, with its native timber interior woodwork in glorious condition.
It has 20 bedrooms over two levels for the fathers and brothers, each of a spacious four metres by four metres.
Each floor has a long gallery (“ambulatory”) across the front of the building.
When first built those spaces were open to the city view but were shortly after glassed in, as so many early Wellington verandahs were to shelter from unpleasant winds.
Two huge stained glass windows on the north end of the front facade are for the library and the private chapel of the fathers and brothers.
The two buildings are on the same land title and were sold in 1993 for $800,000 to the International Programme of Evangelisation (ICPE).
They conducted training and accommodation for Catholic missionaries and teachers operating in the Pacific and elsewhere.
After vacating the complex for some years, it was then sold into private ownership In March
2023 for $4.65 million.
The Monastery building has maintenance issues (windows, roofs and exterior painting) and needs targeted strengthening.
The church needs less maintenance but presents a more complex strengthening project given the height of each of its gable ends, themselves above a basement.
Currently the strengthening of the complex is required by 2031.
The Heritage Festival tours of St Gerards are being hosted by the site’s resident project manager Bianca, and by Auckland based project Trustee Jason Foote.
Neither are casual about the challenges involved in restoration but are serious and committed guardians of an extraordinary place. They are working towards a sympathetic contemporary residential or visitor accommodation development.
They’d also like to incorporate some future community use of the church.
Jason Foote said his involvement may have been an “impulse of youth” but that he enjoys showing people around who are enthusiastic and encouraging of their tremendously positive project.
A narrow strip of grass adjacent to the public walkway remains owned by the Redemptorists, while the ICPE owns a neighbouring old house in Oriental Terrace.
Thursday September 12, 2024
that a total of 300 million devices
released with much fanfare in midon, the offer to upgrade to Windows about to expire.
Windows 10, with about a third of those But the majority - about 60% - of are still running Windows 7 so if want that free upgrade, you’ve got do it.
Windows 10 upgrades have gone reasonwith the sheer volume being done, of horror stories. Many of these have two months when Microsoft made automatic update without really letting around the world people woke up operating system running on their Unfortunately, many woke up to a non-funcand a sinking feeling in their stomach. continue its extended support comWindows 7 through to January 2020, so if Windows 7 and don’t believe you’ll be computer in four years’ time, then the for you.
to upgrade from your current Winyou get a hurry on. The process it out at https://www.microsoft. com/en-NZ/windows/windows-10-upgrade. Just make carry out the upgrade, you’ve got a your computer that you know works to go back. most other things in life – a byte of terabyte of cure. deadline looms
10 Thursday September 12, 2024
Prost-FIT is a free fitness and wellbeing programme for men at any stage of their prostate cancer journey. The Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ programme blends physical and cognitive elements in a fun, social, supportive setting – led by qualified exercise professionals.
It’s more than just a workout – it’s about connection, laughter, and staying strong together. Join us Mondays at 11am at Jenkins Gym, 497 Hutt Rd, Alicetown. For more info, contact Trainer Daisy Hutton: daisy.hutton@tbihealth.co.nz or 027 260 3443.
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The Ministry of Health’s advice on the use of paracetamol in pregnancy has not changed.
Paracetamol continues to be the safest medicine to take in pregnancy if you require pain relief or treatment for fever.
High-quality scientific evidence shows no causal link between autism and using
paracetamol while pregnant.
Medsafe, which is responsible for assessing the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines, has reviewed this issue several times in the past and concluded there was no link.
Medsafe continues to monitor the safety of all approved medicines, and to take action when necessary.
Source: PHF
As an example of Acorn’s commitment to excellence and safety, they are proud that their products have earned the prestigious Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. This commendation is only awarded to companies whose products have passed rigorous testing proving they are easy to use for people with arthritis.
All Acorn Stairlifts are easy to use, easy to maintain, and all feature the very best in design, engineering and safety. The Acorn
180 Curved Stairlift has all the same safety features as the Acorn 130 and more. There are additional features built to keep you safe and provide a smooth ride around the curves of your stairs. All Acorn Stairlifts are easy to use, easy to maintain, and all feature the very best in design, engineering and safety. There are additional features built to keep you safe and provide a smooth ride around the curves of your stairs.
As the temperatures climb, our feet have to adapt to our summer shoes and activities. Sandals offer a chance for the feet to breathe and stay cool.
The best sandals are ones that have a strap or closed heel to help provide support to the foot. It is important to clean sandals occasionally to prevent problems such as tinea or athlete’s foot.
Self-care in summer should also include using heel balm to keep the heels from
drying out and cracking. Podiatrists help in maintaining summer feet by trimming off the build up and helping to prevent these heel cracks forming, known as fissures.
At Active Feet Podiatry we are here to assist and advise you to have pain free and attractive feet.
Call for an appointment and start the new year with a spring in your step.
Active Feet Podiatry can be reached on (04) 473 8696. ActiveFeetPodiatry.com
Hand Therapists use splinting, casting and taping to support and protect injured hands, wrists and elbows.
Exercises are used to regain range of motion, improve strength and reduce sensitivity. Hands on treatment and education help you know what you’ve injured, what you should do and what you should avoid to get back to your normal tasks as quick as possible.
Let us help you get back to doing what you love after injury to your hand, wrist or elbow. Phone 04 237-0229 www.handwristandelbow.co.nz
Diet plays a huge role in our health with foods that offer specific health benefits referred to as functional foods. Cherryvite’s Montmorency tart cherries is one such food.
As one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants and queritrin, it helps to fight your body’s free radicals, and support heart health and joint mobility, reduce stress and enable a better night’s sleep. Montmorency tart cherries are warmed and pressed to remove the cherry juice. Cherry juice is concentrated to 68° Brix by removing water. Cherryvite products contain no additives, preservatives or colouring
agents and are 100% natural. Tart cherry juice concentrate can be reconstituted into a single-strength beverage.
Following a hugely successful sold-out tour in 2023, awardwinning UK comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey is heading back to New Zealand this October and November with his brand-new show Vaudevillean – bringing his trademark wit, musical virtuosity, and wonderfully twisted sense of the absurd to 13 centres across the country.
Familiar to fans from his iconic roles in Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI, In the Long Run (created by Idris Elba), and the award-winning Black Books, Bailey also hosted the debut season of New Zealand’s own hit panel show Patriot Brains.
His creative range spans film, television, music, art and publishing – from voicing the animated feature Dragonkeeper, to writing the best-selling Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness, and winning the hearts of millions as the 2020 champion of Strictly Come Dancing.
Bill’s global touring career has taken him across Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand with acclaimed shows including Part Troll, Tinselworm, Qualmpeddler, Limboland and Thoughtifier. In Channel 4’s Perfect Pub Walks, he embarks on countryside rambles
with famous friends, journeying between historic pubs – proof that Bailey brings charm and humour to every setting.
Before streaming, before tv, before cinema, before even radio…
There was Vaudeville!
This was the prime time entertainment of its day… a celebration of comedy, songs, and multifarious skills; tales of showbiz, tales of the city; tales of the strange, the unusual… all with the aim to amuse and amaze a broad audience; enthralling family fun, to divert and transport from the tribulations of daily life!
Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates this great tradition, as the versatile multiinstrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of humour and musical prowess, who could lay claim to being perhaps the foremost practitioner of this great tradition – an entertainer, a performer, a modern Vaudevillian!
Don’t miss your chance to experience the master at work –tickets are expected to sell fast.
“Bloody excellent… The material is solid gold” NZ Herald
“Virtuoso… Comedy’s Mozart” The Sunday Times
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THE PORTRAIT CLUB
The Portrait Club meets on Monday nights (aside from public holidays) from 7:30 - 9:30pm at the Karori Arts Crafts Centre.
FEE THOMPSON STUDIO/GALLERY Artist in Residence is open Tues–Fri 9.00am3.30, Sat 9.00am-2.00pm
WADESTOWN TOASTMASTERS
Ever wished you could articulate your ideas well, win a pitch or motivate others? Join Wadestown Toastmasters Club to gain confidence speaking whatever the setting. To be seen
The Karori Community Centre was filled with colour, joy and togetherness as locals came together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights on 16 October.
The event, organised by the Centre with the support of volunteers, was a true reflection of community spirit and cultural pride.
The celebration featured a presentation on the meaning and traditions of Diwali, along with children’s games, Rangoli art, flower arrangements and henna painting.
The henna stall was a crowd favourite, with many attendees, including Kiwis, eagerly getting beautiful designs applied.
Adding to the warmth of the occasion, many participants brought a plate to share, filling the hall with the aroma of traditional Indian sweets and savoury treats.
The shared meal captured the essence of Diwali: sharing joy, love and light with one another.
“My main purpose was to show the importance of Diwali and how it can be celebrated creatively at home with family and friends, without spending much,” volunteer organiser Gaytri explained.
“It’s about togetherness, not expense.”
Sangeeta shared her excitement for the future: “We will make it even bigger next year.
“These celebrations bring us together and remind us of the importance of passing our traditions to the next generation.”
Her fellow organiser Megha agreed, saying: “We will make it bigger next time!”
And Kitty, delighted with how the day turned out, said: “I feel so happy organising and celebrating with my friends. It truly felt like a family celebration.”
“This celebration truly reflects what our Centre stands for, bringing people together, fostering friendship and connections and spreading happiness throughout the community,” the Karori Community Centre Manager Rubbana Adnan said.
The Karori Community Centre provides a warm and welcoming space for all.
It offers halls for hire and is home to a wide range of community groups and activities –from senior gatherings to exercise classes, educational programmes and more.
People who would like to learn more about what the community centre offers or get involved, can join its upcoming annual general meeting on Wednesday 5 November at 7:30 pm, 7 Beauchamp Street, Karori.
By Frank Neill
Rewa Rewa School welcomed its new Tumuaki/Principal Stacey Mabey, with a powhiri on 15 October.
Ms Mabey came to Rewa Rewa School as its Deputy Principal at the beginnning of this year.
Her vision for the school includes “preserving our community heart,” she says.
“We are committed to keeping the ‘small school with a big heart’ ethos at the centre of everything we do, ensuring the unique, supportive culture that is so important to our community remains paramount.”
Another asepect of her vision for the school is developing a “passion for real-world learning and talent expression.
“My personal leadership passion is for students to see learning as a tool for life,” she says.
“Obviously foundational literacy and numeracy remain essential.
“My leadership passion is on seeing students use these skills across the entire curriculum to engage with real-world contexts.
“We will champion opportunities – from the arts to science and technology – that allow every child to discover their passions and truly shine. “
A third aspect of her vision is empowering passionate teachers.
“My goal is to empower our teachers by ensuring they feel confident, passionate and supported to design and deliver innovative, inspiring learning opportunities for all our students.”
Maximising the school’s outdoor environment is a fourth aspect.
“Following significant investment by our school board and leadership in developing our green spaces, a key priority for 2026 and beyond is seeing our children thrive outdoors.
“We will ensure these spaces are fully utilised to foster enjoyment, active participation in sports, fitness and all physical activities, supporting their overall health and well-being,” she says.
After training at Massey University in Palmerston North Ms Mabey began teaching at Masterton Primary School before moving to Pahiatua School.
“I was quite lucky to move quite quickly to being Deputy Principal” at Pahiatua School, she says, starting in that role in her fourth year.
She then taught in the East End of London for two years, returned to New Zealand and taught for a short time in the Wairarapa and then headed to Australia for a short while On her return she taught at Frimley School in the Hawke’s Bay.
While there she began looking into playbased learning.
She became “really lucky,” she says. “I was the facilitator and went around New Zealand for three years ... supporting teachers with learning through play.
“That’s when I first met people from Rewa Rewa School.
“I was really struck with how welcoming Rewa Rewa was. I can remember travelling throughout the country and thinking that school had something really special.
“I was really, really lucky that Rewa Rewa School had a Deputy Principal position at the start of the year,” she says.
If you haven’t been to the Johnsonville Club before it’s in the heart of Johnsonville at 1 Norman Lane, across the road from Subway and up the driveway which gives us beautiful views over Johnsonville.
We have parking but are also close enough to taxis, buses, and the train for a worry-free way home.
Vista Café & Bistro aims for affordable, family friendly, delicious meals with a range of dining to suit everyone.
• Enjoy roast dinners, lasagne, satay chicken, and more.
• Brunch/Lunch served Tuesday–Saturday try our popular eggs benedict!
• Pensioner Tuesday: 11am–2pm, Gold Card holders enjoy $12 meals (*excludes steak).
Sunday Roast: Served 5:00–7:00pm, the perfect way to end your weekend. Everyone welcome including non-members!
Eco Wellington is the new name for trusted and well-known Wellington company Eco Doors & Windows. They have also relocated to large new premises in Alicetown, Lower Hutt.
Eco Wellington specialise in uPVC glazing and as winter approaches you’ll find just the advice and look you’re after at their new location at 405 Hutt Road, Alicetown, Lower Hutt.
Their windows are ideal for helping keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Combining uPVC’s natural insulating properties with double-glazing means their windows achieve thermal insulation levels that far exceed even thermally broken aluminium – and at a very competitive price. Their uPVC doors also offer these same thermal benefits.
Eco Wellington have over 17 years’ experience in fabricating uPVC doors and windows. They use uPVC profiles from Aluplast in Germany.
As the city has awoken to the benefits of
Locals regard the Innkeeper as an ambient and friendly pub setting, where the staff are eager to learn your name, and prepare your favourite drink from their extensive range!
With winter starting to bring its chill, now is the time to experience the open fire and hearty meals of the Innkeeper!
The restaurant features hand-cut steaks, roast beef, pork belly, mouth-watering burgers, the best fried chicken, and plenty of kids’ meal options.
They specialize in catering for large groups, fundraisers, and birthday parties. Contact them today to organise your next outing!
Enjoy a Guinness, craft beer, or top shelf spirits at a bar leaner or on the couch by the fireplace.
uPVC windows and doors, our company has grown. They have a number of teams of installers with plenty of experience backed by LBP’s (Licensed Building Practitioners).
uPVC windows are perfect for heat and coolness insulation. uPVC is not a thermal conductor and by combining it with double glazing, windows can achieve first-rate insulation values.
As the uPVC joinery uses a double rubber gasket engaged by a multi-point locking system, windows and doors seal tightly and evenly against their frames, unlike legacy products like timber and aluminium joinery. Enjoy lower heating costs this winter with uPVC joinery.
At Sewing Alterations (part of the Attire for Hire premises in Johnsonville) Judy Liddell can see to your rips, adjustments, darning, lining or whatever might be holding you back from wearing that special item.
Judy is Wellington’s answer to TV’s “Repair Shop” programme!
Double Glazing with German PVC Joinery
• Superior energy efficiency
• Tough and durable
• Low maintenance
• New Build, Retro Fits
• Free measure and quote
• Full installation service
Ph: 04 974 8930
E: sales@ecowindows.nz www.ecowindows.nz
405 Hutt Rd, Lower Hutt
Judy also runs Attire for Hire and is an expert in having you look great for your next big event – whether it’s dresses for the women or suits for the men.
us dress you for your next
She has a vast array of glamorous dresses and evening-wear from sizes 6-26 including brand new dresses from the United States. Sunday Roast: Served 5:00pm–7:00pm the perfect way to end your weekend
By Frank Neill Ngaio’s
Cameron Harrison Butchery was among the medal winners at this year’s Dunninghams Great New Zealand Sausage Competition.
They won a silver medal for their Free-Range Chicken Carbonara sausage.
For the past 28 years, the Dunninghams Great New Zea-
land Sausage Competition has revealed the finest and tastiest sausages that New Zealand has to offer.
Each year, talented sausage producers from every corner of New Zealand meticulously refine their recipes in anticipation of being crowned the supreme sausage maker.
This year, the competition broke all previous records with
814 entries, representing the craftsmanship of 118 producers across the 13 sausage categories. The competition is managed by Retail Meat New Zealand and is supported by Dunninghams, Big Chill, Kiwi Labels, Multivac Handtmann and Pact Packaging. As well as its Ngaio butchery, Cameron Harrison has stores in Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Seatoun.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 8am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-2pm
1 Upland Road, Kelburn
Phone 04 475 9512
Email: Kelburn@psl2022.nz
We know when our children are sick, they go from being active and alert to quiet, grumpy, sleepy, clingy and wanting more cuddles. Often they lose interest in food.
The most common general signs of illness are fever, pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, headache and rash. Fever (body temperature above 37°C) indicates that the body is ‘fighting’ infection from either bacteria or viruses.
Children’s natural defence mechanisms are less well-developed than adults’ immune systems, so children are at higher risk of infections. Fever accompanied by cough, runny or blocked nose and headache can signify the common cold.
“Ask us about our Children’s Pain & Fever fact card”, recommend Self Care pharmacists, “because this has a lot of helpful hints for looking after sick children. Also it indicates what other signs to look out for in children that indicate more serious illnesses.”
Keeping your child comfortable in bed, giving plenty of fluids, and using liquid medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever, are best when your child has a cold.
“But” advice from Self Care pharmacists is “use proper medicine-measuring spoons when measuring-out doses of liquid medicines. Don’t use kitchen teaspoons because they are not
accurate, the volume varies from spoon to spoon, and your child will not receive the correct dose of medicine.”
It is important to look out for sore throats in children as it can lead to Rheumatic Fever. This is a serious illness that affects mainly Maori and Pacific children and young people, aged four and above.
Sore throats generally clear up by themselves but “strep” sore throats can lead to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease which can be life threatening. It is important to check up children with sore throats so if they do have a “strep” sore throat they can be treated with antibiotics and stop the illness progressing any further. If you are unsure then get in touch with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse.
Parents can encourage their children to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of some illnesses.
Children should cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze and cough, and then wash their hands straight after. Washing hands is also VERY important after going to the toilet, and before eating. They should not share cups and drink bottles, nor spoons and other eating utensils. Tissues are best for blowing noses, and then they should be thrown away immediately after use.
Immunisation is generally one
Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm
of the most effective ways of protecting children against infections that can cause serious diseases and associated complications (including death). All forms of immunisation work by causing the body to produce an immune response, in the same way it would if exposed to the disease but without the child suffering all the symptoms and consequences. In the future, when the child comes into contact with the disease, the immune system responds quickly and helps prevent the child developing the disease.
The World Health organisation and the Ministry of Health recommend immunisation for your children. However there may be cases where it is not suitable to immunise and it is important to see your pharmacist or doctor regarding possible risks and/or contraindications.
Children with asthma or allergies, or who are recovering from
an illness, such as a common cold, can be immunised.
Free immunisation, at specific times in a child’s life according to the Ministry of Health’s immunisation schedule, is available to all children in New Zealand, to protect against a number of diseases – diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae type b (a cause of childhood meningitis), pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus and whooping cough. Side effects from vaccines can sometimes occur and include redness and soreness at the injection site. There may also be mild fever.
While these symptoms may be upsetting at the time, the benefit is protection from the disease. More serious reactions to immunisation are very rare.
Ask your Self Care pharmacists for a copy of the Children’s Illnesses and Children’s Pain & Fever fact cards that contains useful information for parents.
By Frank Neill
The TakapŪ-Northern Ward of Wellington city has a new Councillor, Andrea Compton.
Cr Compton became the only candidate in this year’s local body election to unseat a sitting Councillor when she finished ahead of John Apanowicz on the final count.
“I am delighted that the ward has elected me to represent them and that I will be able to use my skills and experience in finance and infrastructure around the Council table,” she says.
“During the campaign, I spoke with many residents, and almost all of them said rates affordability is their greatest concern.”
When asked her top priorities Cr Compton said they included:
• understanding why the large capital projects are overspending and implement changes to avoid this in the future;
• reviewing the commercial differential and look at ways to reduce rates to encourage businesses back to Wellington; and
• conducting a line-by-line audit of council expenditure to look for efficiencies.
The “Independent Herald” also asked Cr Compton what planned or proposed projects she would like to see stopped.
She named two projects.
The Golden Mile project needs to be paused, she says.
“The assumptions the business case are based on have changed and as such it is appropriate to pause and reassess.”
The second project she named is the Organic Waste scheme.
“With rates affordability the greatest concern across Wellington, spending tens of millions on this scheme is not a top priority for many Wellingtonians.
“There are local options that should be trialled to ascertain demand before a larger rollout.”
Cr Compton grew up in Khandallah.
In fact delivering the “Independent Herald” was her very first job.
Cr Compton bought her first house in Newlands and she has resided in Tawa for the last 10 years, where she is raising her family.
A Chartered Accountant, she has spent the last 20 years working within Infrastructure both nationally and internationally.
She has worked at senior levels for Transpower and HEB Construction here in New Zealand and Westfield and Honeywell in the United Kingdom.
She is involved with social netball and she makes “a pretty good cheese scone”.
Cr Compton was the treasurer and grants officer for the Mana Parents Centre, helping families through their parenting journey, and recently began volunteering for Kiwi Community Assistance who, she says, “provide incredible support for our communities”.
Wellington City Libraries is presenting the New Voices of Aotearoa author panel at Te Whare Hapori o Ngā Puna Waiora, Newtown Community Centre on Wednesday 29 October from 6pm to 7pm.
Wellington City Libraries, in conjunction with the Coalition for Books and Te Herenga Waka University Press, are bringing together some of the brightest authors from Aotearoa’s literary scene to discuss their work and the current writing environment. The attending authors are:
• Olive Nuttall, author of “Kitten” and winner of the 2022 Adam Foundation Prize; and
• Michelle Rahurahu (Ngāti Rahurahu, Ngāti Tahu-Ngaati Whaoa), author of “Poorhara” and winner of the Hubert Church Prize for Best First Book at the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. The panel will be hosted by award-winning author Pip Adam.
Wellington City Libraries expects this event to be extremely popular, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Una Cruickshank, author of “The Chthonic Cycle” and winner of the E H McCormick Prize for Best First Book at the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards;
The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid.
phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Year 5 and 6 children from Crofton Downs Primary School visited Trelissick Park for a science field trip on the morning of 20 October.
Volunteers from the Trelissick Park Group met the children, teachers and parent helpers at Wightwick’s Field.
They helped guide small groups of children along the Korimako Track to the fish ladder which is at the entrance to the tunnel that takes the Kaiwharawhara Stream under the railway line and Churchill Drive.
One group spotted a tuna (long fin eel) close to the fish ladder.
Further upstream other groups of children tested the Korimako Stream for clarity and
Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme. Applications for out of zone places are now being invited for students wishing to enrol between 2 February 2026 and 3 July 2026.
The Board has determined that 15 Year 0/1 places are available during this enrolment period. We have no Special Education Unit spaces in 2026.
The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 10 November 2025.
If a ballot for out of zone places is required it will be held on Tuesday 11 November 2025.
Please contact the school office for details regarding the application process. Ph 478 7155 or email office@johnsonville.school.nz
for nitrate levels.
The results were reassuringly good.
They also hunted for critters and found yet another tuna hiding in the shallows.
ACROSS 1. Enterprising (2-3-6)
Woman(Maori) (6)
Pirate (7)
Tent rope (3)
Hires (4)
Retribution (7)
Small demon (3)
Feverish (6)
Eye liner (7)
Employer (4)
However(poetic) (3)
Glimpses (6)
Crofton Downs Primary School is planning to revisit the park and stream regularly and use it as a natural laboratory for the children to learn about the environment.
By Russell McQuarters
Noticeable (9)
Possessed (5)
Sleeping robe(Fem) (7)
Remain (5)
Kenya’s capital (7)
Compensated (11)
Seize(power) wrongfully (5)
By Russell McQuarters
with
Of the eye (5)
Correct (5)
(5)
By Frank Neill
Onslow’s premier Cricketers kicked off their season with a convincing 36-run victory over Eastern Suburbs on the morning of 18 October.
Batting first in the T20 encounter, Onslow scored 147 all out.
They then Bowled Eastern Suburbs out for 111.
Micah Conroy led the way with the bat, scoring 41 runs from just 23 deliveries in an outstanding knock.
Yash Vagada also batted very well, scoring 38 runs from the 28 balls he faced.
Devan Vishvaka was scoring rapidly too when he reached 21 from 12 deliveries before he was out.
Elliot Seddon had a major role in restricting Eastern Suburbs when he took four wickets for 18 runs.
Ryan Tsourgas took two wickets for 12 runs and George Holmes two wickets for 20.
Yash took one wicket for 32 and also ran out one of Eastern’s batmen.
The team played two matches on 18 October and the afternoon’s encounter with Petone Riverside was a cliff hanger.
Onslow won by just one run when they scored 139 for six while Petone scored 138 for eight.
Charlie Jackson came within one run of a half century when he was out for 49 off 40 deliveries.
Sam Keegan scored 44 runs from 32 deliveries and Micah 23 from 20 balls.
Yash again featured in the bowling, taking three wickets for 27 while George took two wickets for 31.
Sam followed up his good batting by taking one wicket for just six runs, as did Micah with one wicket for 20. Elliot took one wicket for 19.
Karori also won both its matches on 18 October.
It defeated Petone Riverside first up by nine runs.
Batting first, Karori was all out for 101. They then restricted Petone to 92 for eight wickets.
Max Parun top scored with 24 not out and the captain Oscar Wilson scored 22.
Yashraj Kalsi played a major role in restricting Petone when he took four wickets for 21, while Nibu Jose took two wickets for 13 and Puvin Anthony one wicket for 16.
Karori won the afternoon match against Eastern Suburbs by 23 runs.
Batting first, Karori scored 147 for nine wickets and then bowled Eastern Suburbs out for 124.
Campbell Gollan top scored with 36 not out from just 28 deliveries.
Shivang Choudary notched up 27 and followed this up by taking two wickets for 20 runs.
Wilkie Proudfoot scored 22 and then took one wicket for 12 runs.
Nibu took three Eastern Suburbs wickets for 20 and Yashraj two wickets for 13.
Louis Ayers took one wicket for 39 and Puvin one wicket for 20.
The Khandallah Croquet Club is holding a “Have a Go Day” at 2pm on Saturday 1 November at the club, 18 Woodmancote Road, Khandallah.
Located in an idyllic spot on Woodmancote Road – next to the Bowling Club and metres from Khandallah Park, Khandallah Pool and Cafe du Parc – the Khandallah Croquet Club has been a fixture in this area for more than 110 years.
Originally set up as a Ladies Croquet Club in 1914 it is now a successful mixed club, unique in that the club owns the lawn, the clubhouse and the land, which is managed by the members.
KCC is a small, friendly club with one croquet lawn nestled among native trees with tui and kereru, where the members play golf croquet.
People who are interested in seeing what golf croquet is about or have been
Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the Kapiti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions.
Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected. They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost.
By Frank Neill
The “Independent Herald” is keen to ensure good coverage of summer sport for all teams based in Wellington’s northern and western suburbs.
In order to do this, the paper’s reporter Frank Neill is keen to touch base with the appropriate contact people for each sport.
Frank is asking each sport to make contact with him, either by email at frank@wsn. co.nz or by telephone at 027 490 3916, providing the up-to-date contact person and their contact details.
The ideal scenario is that every sporting code in the paper’s area is able to make contact with the “Independent Herald”
once a week, where there are weekly competitions, or where the competitions are less often than weekly whenever the competitions take place.
Some winter sports also run events during the spring and summer, and the paper is also interested in hearing about these events.
“We look forward to hearing from you,” Frank says.
“As the ‘Independent Herald’ has only one reporter, the paper is reliant on receiving information and photographs from the sports clubs and organisations.
“The ‘Independent Herald’ is also interested in providing readers information about the upcoming season for the various sports, and would welcome contact with information about this,” Frank says.
“We had a team from Elite Arboriculture working at our son’s and daughter-in-law’s place in Paekākāriki today”, a happy customer comments. “This work was being done as a prize that Elite Arboriculture had donated to a local competition. supporting absolute highly enough. Tree pruning to maintain to reductions, your trees team can assisting right spaces Trees are ecosystem, dangerous. they are professionally.
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Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the Kapiti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions.
Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected. They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost.
“We had a team from Elite Arboriculture working at our son’s and daughter-in-law’s place in Paekākāriki today”, a happy customer comments. “This work was being done as a prize that Elite Arboriculture had donated to a local
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