Wednesday September 24, 2025
Art Trail
By Frank Neill
Four Wainuiomata artists feature in this year’s Lower Hutt Art Trail that will take place from 10am to 4pm on 18 and 19 October.
Maggie Mundell, Sophie Gardiner, Katie Chrisp and Pepper Curry are the Wainuiomata artists who have displays on the Arts Trail.
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Sophie Gardiner with one of the art works she has created. Photo: Supplied.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
Exciting and amazing opportunity
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They will join over 50 Hutt artists who will be presenting at more than 30 stops on the trail.
REPORTER
Frank Neill
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“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Lower Hutt Art Trail again this year,” Sophie Gardiner says.
“Last year seemed to be a great success. It was amazing how many people did the whole trail and the feedback we got was that people really enjoyed touring around and seeing so much diverse work and meeting the artists.
“All in all, it’s great to be part of another art trail for our community. To get out and see so much creativity in one weekend is a great way to discover new artists and see their work.
“There’s usually a great buzz of excitement as visitors flow through.”
Sophie will be showing at Petone Depot, 8/193 Jackson Street, Petone.
“I’m busy finishing up some new works for the show, and also making some smaller ‘take away’ pieces.
“My work usually features our native Kakaruia (Black Robin). she is very special and significant to me.
“As the last surviving female of her species, she’s an inspirational creature, reminding us that with nurturing, positivity and resilience we can get through life’s toughest challenges.”
Sophie has had a busy year so far showing at the Wellington and Auckland Art Shows, and being involved with fundraisers and a few other projects.
Pepper Curry, one of the Wainuiomata residents taking part in the Hutt City Art Trail. Photo: Supplied.
“Later this year I’ll be hosting some festive paint parties and also teaming up with local Wainui artist Anna Gibson to launch our art club ‘The Sketch Pad’ for the local community starting up in the new year.”
Katie Chrisp’s artwork will also be on display at The Petone Depot.
In fact it will be part of an exhibition Katie is running at the Depot.
Called “An Expression of Joy”, Katie’s exhibition is running from 4 to 29 October.
“I’m so excited in the lead up into it,” she says.
“I’m just really thrilled to be able to share the Art Trail with all the other artists. It will be cool.”
Katie creates gentle watercolour paintings of birds and nature, alongside expressive acrylic abstracts that explore colour and emotion. Her art is available as prints, cards and handmade pieces. Katie also works as an Art Facilitator at MIX, a mental health community day service in the Hutt Valley offering programmes in art and wellbeing. MIX is also exhibiting in the Art Trail. The Art Trail “is an amazing
opportunity and hopefully people from Wainuiomata will get behind the Arts Trail and visit the artists all around the Hutt Valley,” Maggie Mundell says.
“It’s such a lovely opportunity for us as artists.”
Maggie is a jeweller and works mainly with stirling silver, often combining that with gem stones.
Her display of jewellery will be at The Learning Connection, 182 Eastern Hutt Road. During the two days Maggie will also be working on one or two projects, and will be able to show people jewellery making in action.
“I have developed my practice from my home studio in Wainuiomata, where I’ve lived since 2018,” she says.
“I primarily work with sterling silver, drawn to its versatility and timelessness. For commissions, I also work with gold, providing a unique and personal touch for clients.
“In addition to jewellery making I also enjoy sculpting and stone carv-
ing when time permits, expanding my artistic practice into other forms of creative expression.”
Pepper Curry is an illustrator and merch designer based out of her micro-warehouse in Gracefield, the Pepper Raccoon Studio. Pepper’s studio, located on the road that leads to the old Wainuiomata Tunnel, is one of the stops on the art trail. Pepper is well known for her nature-inspired enamel pins, stickers and apparel designs, sold in eco-sanctuaries and shops around the country. She has a fine art background that she brings to her original digital designs.
She is passionate about making art affordable and accessible, as well as bringing an original, alternative voice to the New Zealand nature art market.
Her studio is not only a space for drawing, but also where her stickers and many of her other products are made. Although four Wainuiomata artists are taking part in the 2025 Arts Trail, there will be no stops in the suburb.
“We really tried hard to get some stops together in Wainui,” says Johannes Mueller-Welschof, the Lower Hutt Art Trail Committee Chair.
“We would like to move into Wainui if we can and we are looking for expressions of interest.”
An application form where people can register their interest is on the Lower Hutt Art Trail website, https:// lowerhuttarttrail.co.nz under “the Artists”. Guides to the 2025 Art Trail are being distributed to libraries, galleries, museums, cafes and shops in Lower Hutt.
Measles is here
Check your Plunket / Well Child books, or call your GP. If you’re not sure, no worries. Contact your doctor to check. It’s safe to get the vaccine again if you have no record of receiving it. 0800 611 116 for advice.
Kokiri are able to check to see whether you have had the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination as well – this saves you a call to your GP. If there is no documentation as having received the MMR vaccine, then it is safe to have.
Maggie Mundell at work in her Wainuiomata studio. Photo: Supplied.
No plan to close Wainui pool
The petition asking Hutt City Council to “keep and refurbish the Wainuiomata summer pool” has attracted more than 700 signatures, the petition organiser Anaru Ryall told the “Wainuiomata News” early this week.
“I’m expecting it to reach 1,000 by the end of the week.”
The plan is to table the petition at the first meeting of the new Wainuiomata Community Board and ask them to present it to Hutt City Council, Anaru says.
Mayoral candidate Brady Dyer has also contacted the “Wainuiomata News” saying “let me be clear – I have no plan to close the Wainuiomata Pool.
“Wainuiomata Pool is a special place for me and my wh nau, and I love going there every summer.
“Community facilities such as our pools are an important part of our city because they’re more than just a place to swim – they’re where the community comes together.
“It’s been awesome to see so much aroha and passion for the local pool,” Brady says.
“One thing we can all recognise is that the rate increases being projected are just not sustainable, and we’ll need to have some big k rero over the next few years about our city’s facilities.
“Misrepresenting what I said in my “Ask Me Anything” Reddit thread, that was intended as a means of getting to know me a bit better, doesn’t help us to have the conversations that we actually need.
“Hard and honest conversations are part of the responsibility of leading a city, and I’m up for it.
“Use the passion for the community to vote for the city that you want to see, the city that future generations will thank us for, and keep sharing with the Council about what matters to you.
“Make sure to mark your calendars because the pool opens on 15 November and I’ll be there for opening weekend. See you there,” Brady says.
High School gala a huge success
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School’s International Gala on 19 September was hugely successful.
“It was an awesome community night,” the school’s Deputy Principal M tauranga Te Rauna says.
“The weather held out and we had a really good turnout.
“Over the night there probably would have been 300 to 500 people – that’s my best estimate,” Mr Te Rauna says.
“The overall purpose of the gala was to engage the community – to showcase or introduce the commmunity to the many cultures that we have in our school and in Wainuiomata.
“We were doing that through food and performances,” he said, adding there were around 18 stalls at the gala.
The gala gave people an opportunity “to come and learn about the kura, the community and all the cultures we have here.
“This was the first ever full school gala and probably the first of many.
“We will probably run another one around this time next year. “We may run another one before Christmas, as people are asking if there is going to be another one,” Mr Te Rauna says.
Artrageous
The Artrageous School Holiday programme will be held at the Wainuiomata Community Hub at 2pm on Thursday 25 September and Thursday 2 October. The 25 September programme will be an Eggy Flowers session. Tamariki will transform egg containers into colourful flower wreaths to brighten up their whare. At the 2 October session tamariki will create their own bird feeder using recycled materials. The sessions will provide a fun way to spark creativity, learn about recycling and how to lok after local manu (birds) and care for the environnment.
Vote now
Wainuiomata people are being urged to vote in the 2025 local body elections.
Voting is now open and will close at noon on Saturday 11 October. Wainuiomata people can vote for the Mayor, City Wide Councillors, the Wainuiomata Community Board members and the Greater Wellington Regional Councillor.
People will not need to cast votes for two Councillors as they have already been elected unopposed. Cr Keri Ward has been elected the new Wainuiomata Ward Councillor and Te Awa Puketapu has also been elected as the Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward Councillor.
Mayoral Candidate Brady Dyer and his daughter Scarlett enjoying Wainuiomata Pool.
Photo: Supplied.
Hutt Council awarded for its AI
Hutt City Council has won the Innovation Award at the Te Hapai Hapori/Spirit of Service Awards 2025, recognising the sector-leading impact of its AIVolution initiative. The Public Service Commission-backed awards were held at Wellington’s T kina Convention and Exhibition Centre on 3 September. The Council was honoured for its AI-Volution initiative, an unapologetically bold leap into the future of public service and a rare example of local government winning at these awards. The Council’s Chief Executive Jo Miller says at a time when councils across Aotearoa must change the way they work, we chose not to tinker at the edges but to reimagine what’s possible. “By embedding generative AI (GenAI) across our operations, we are radically changing how services are delivered, staff are empowered and community outcomes are achieved. With 15 custom-built AI assistants and 300 licences rolled out at
speed, AI-Volution is already delivering measurable impact: reclaiming 44,000 staff hours per year, realising $900,000 in annual savings, and enabling faster, more responsive services for residents.” Ms Miller says the rollout of AI across Council has freed up staff time, allowing them to work smarter and focus on the mahi that matters most.
“We know there are challenges in the local government sector but this award recognises that through innovation we can chart a course to navigate these challenges. “It also affirms our leadership as an early adopter of GenAI in the public sector.
“By openly sharing its frameworks, templates, and lessons, we’re helping councils across Aotearoa embrace innovation in the service of their communities. “The team responsible for embedding AI in Council deserve big accolades, as do all the staff who have embraced and accepted the technology,” Ms Miller says.
Chris Bishop
MP for Hutt South
Phone 04 564 8707 or email me at Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz
Why her name’s not on voting papers
Wainuiomata Ward Councillor
Keri Brown was in for a surprise while door knocking to support local candidates in the upcoming local body elections.
She has had to field questions as to why her name is not on the voting papers.
The reason for that is Cr Brown’s nomination was the only one lodged for Hutt City Council’s Wainuiomata Ward.
Because there were no other nominations that means she has already been elected, and so a vote is not needed.
Cr Brown is one of two Wainuiomata people who are already elected as Hutt City Councillors for the 2025-28 triennium as they were unopposed.
The current Wainuiomata Community Board Chair Te Awa Puketapu has also been elected unopposed as the Mana Kairangi ki Tai M ori Ward Councillor.
Cr Brown was first elected to the Council in 2019 and will soon be starting her third term as a Councillor.
Cr Brown says she was “honestly shocked” when she got the news
that she was elected unopposed.
“Every term I’ve stood, I’ve had strong contenders and we’ve campaigned vigorously for the opportunity to represent Wainuiomata,” she says
“You prepare yourself for campaigning because it is extremely full on, so it really took a while to sink in that I had been elected unopposed.
“While the Ward Councillor roles are confirmed, there is strong competition for theWainuiomata Community Board, with11 candidates standing for election.
“The standard of candidates for the Community Board is extremely high, and I’m genuinely excited to see who will be elected.
“They are all very capable and committed people who will serve Wainuiomata well.”
Cr Brown has been spending time supporting local candidates through the campaign period, and encourages the community to participate fully in the election.
“This election is very important,” she says.
“We’ve just welcomed Te Awa Puketapu as our M ori Ward
elections. Photo: Supplied.
Councillor, but voters will also be asked whether M ori Wards should continue.
“That means we are in the absurd position where this representation could only last for one term if the community doesn’t vote to keep M ori Wards.
“Please do not forget to vote. Your voice really matters,” Cr Brown says.
Community service is important
By Frank Neill
The importance of serving the community well was a major theme at the Wainuiomata Community Board meet the candidates meeting at the community hub on 14 September.
Ten of the 11 candidates who are standing for the community board were at the meeting, organised by Love Wainuiomata.
The only one missing was current community board member Daniel Chrisp.
Vatau Sagaga.
Frank Neill.
The current board’s Deputy Chair Lesa Bingley spoke at the meeting, along with Elle Abel, Simeon CollierFoley, Sharon Page, Nohokainga Puletaitaha-Lai, Anaru Ryall, Lahraine Sagaga, Vatau Sagaga, Nicky Smith and Mailena Rawiri Woonton.
events, and well as organising the Welcome to Wainuiomata sign on the hill, which took 10 years.
Noting that he had studied law at university Vatau said that he had both legal experience and governance experience.
“I live with invisible disabilities and I am the proud parent of children whose disabilities are invisible as well,” Elle said.
“Whether it is about saving the pool or not, I will be here fighting for our community,” he said.
“I’m running because I care a lot about local government,” Simeon said.
“I have lived experience which drives my passion for making Wainuiomata more inclusive, more compassionate and more connected.
“I believe in service, which means standing up for people who often go unheard,” Elle said.
“I’m here running for the board because it’s the biggest opportunity to thank and serve my community ... to work hard for all of you,” Mailena said.
“This opportunity is going to put me in front of more people, more community groups, so I can get to know what’s important to them and what they care about.”
Mailena said that she is “keen to hear what’s important to you.”
“The reason I am standing for the community board is that I owe Wainuiomata so much,” Anaru said.
“I’m a community organiser” and as Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator “I was hearing that there weren’t enough events and activites on the outskirts of Wainuiomata.”
As a result he organised a lot of
“We need new candidates in local government and on community boards.”
Serving on the community board will be “an oportunity to represent this community that feels like home,” he said.
“Wainuiomata is my home,” Nicky said.
Her aim if elected was to be “listening well, working together and following through.”
It was all about “putting our people and our place first.”
It was also about “building the strongest possible team to represent Wainuiomata,”
Nicky said.
“I spent 10 years working at Hutt City Council, starting as a library assistant and finishing as a community advisor,” Lahraine said.
“One of my roles was to engage with the Wainuiomata community.
“I’m standing because I believe our tamariki and rangatahi deserve a strong voice at the table.
“I want to ensure they are heard and supported so they can grow into confident citizens that can give back to our community,” she said.
He also had experience successfuly organising sporting events in Wainuiomata, which were very popular and meant people did not have to travel over the hill to compete.
“That’s why I’m here – to use my skills for our people and their futures in a place I love,” Vatau said.
“I am passionate about bringing our community board to our people,” Lesa said.
The current board had successfully fought to retain the community board when the Council voted to disestablish it.
“We must be more visible and accessible to our residents.
“We must elevate our board and amplify the voices of our community,” Lesa said.
“I come from a community of people who are often left out,” Nohokainga said.
“Their voices are not heard.
“I work for poeople who don’t understand the systems they are involved in.
“I am somebody who will advocate for us, for all of us,” she said.
“I want Wainuiomata to be safe and thriving for all generations,” Sharon said.
“If elected I promise I will be visible and accessible.
“My focus will be on making Wainuiomata’s voice heard loud and clear,” Sharon said.
Cr Keri Brown during her door knocking to raise awareness of the upcoming local body
10 Wainuiomata Community Board candidates at the 14 September meet the candidates event (back row from left) Simeon Collier-Foley, Anaru Ryall, Mailena Rawiri Woonton, Lesa Bingley and Lahraine Sagaga (front row from left) Nicky Smith, Elle Abel, Sharon Page, Nohokainga Puletaitaha-Lai and
Photo:
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TRUST A LOCAL
Wainuiomata’s very own youth theatre, Acting Out, has been working hard all year to bring a well-known Disney classic to life. Acting Out’s season of “The Little Mermaid Jr” begins today, 24 September, at the Wainuiomata High School Auditorium.
“The stage is set, the kids look and sound amazing, and the tech team’s ready to go,” Acting Out President, Jeremy Yuile says. “All that’s missing now is an audience.”
While ticket sales have been steady, there are still tickets available to evening performances,
Jeremy says. “If you’re looking for a fun and affordable night out with the family this week, why not support our local youth?
“Grab some tickets and head under the sea with us.”
The evening shows run from 24 to 27 September from 7pm to 9pm with an intermission. Tickets can be bought for $10 per person through https://www.trybooking.com/nz/YRI.
CATTERY Casa
Wootton, home away
Photo: Supplied.
Women’s Squash team outstanding
The Wainuiomata Squash Club D grade women’s team performed outstandingly to finish in third place at the National Squash Superchamps.
The team lost only one match during the tournament, held in Invercargill from 9 to 14 September.
Ten districts were represented from across the country, and they played the round robin matches in two pools of five.
Wainuiomata, who were seeded fifth, played the fourth seeds Putaruru first.
The team played really well and with the score locked up at two matches each, it came down to the last match. However Wainuiomata had a narrow loss meaning it lost the first round 3-2.
Wainuiomata then had very convincing wins against Hamilton and Christchurch beating both of them 5-0.
The last pool play matchsaw Wainuiomata play Invercargill, the top seeds and hometown favourites. Wainuiomata played outstandingly
to win the match 3-2.
A couple of highlights from this match were Kim Watene coming back from 2-0 down to win her match 3-2 and Abby Su’a Cherry coming out with a clutch performance in the last match.
With it all square at two matches and two games each in this it came down to the last game.
Abby brought it home, winning 3-2 against her opponent who was a grade above her.
With this result it meant Wainuiomata had to wait on the result between Invercargill and Putaruru who were playing each other the next day.
Invercargill won, meaning there was a three-way tie for first place in the pool with all three teams having three wins each.
Unfortunately Wainuiomata finished second on the tie break putting the team into the 3rd/4th place play off against Shepherd’s Park from the North Shore in Auckland who finished second in theirpool.
The team did not let the narrow second place finish in the pool play get them down as they came through with a convincing4-1 win, taking out third place.
This is a huge achievementfor the team and the club, in particular the ladies where the club has seen some strong growth in women’s squash through dedication from all the committee and volunteers that have dedicated their time to help the club grow and put it in the position where they have teams competing at the national level.
Wainuiomata’s D Grade Ladies Squash team qualified for the national Superchamps when they won the Wellington District Superchamps in July.
In doing so they became the first Wainuiomata team in 18 years to achieve this milestone.
The Wainuiomata Squash Club says it would like to “thank everyone that supported us through our fundraising efforts, our sponsors and also the wider squash wh nau that
supported us throughout in the lead up to Nationals as well as the week we were down there.
“The team were well supported
with people from home tuning in to the live stream each match to watch the ladies compete and send messages of well wishes.”
Wainui at national men’s and mixed Netball
By Lahraine Sagaga
Wainuiomata athletes and coaches made a strong impression at the Men’s and Mixed Netball National Tournament held last week at the Rodney Green Arena in Hawke’s Bay, with local talent contributing across multiple teams and roles. Four Wainuiomata players – Tautalaleleia Sa'u, Desire Wilson, Tane Ratana-Adams and Ngatikaura Brown – took the court as part of the Wellington Under 20s team.
Both Tane and Ngatikaura are current students at Wainuiomata High School, showcasing the depth of youth talent emerging from the region.
The tournament drew teams from across Aotearoa, with participants travelling from Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, K piti, Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, North Harbour, and Tamaki Makaurau. The
event highlighted the growing reach and enthusiasm for men’s and mixed netball nationwide.
Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball was well represented off the court too.
Ponifasio Smith led the Wellington B’s team as Head Coach, supported by assistant coach Sina Tamaali’i and manager Lahraine Sagaga. Emma Murray-Fifita also contributed as coach of the Wellington Men’s Reserve team.
Lahraine Sagaga praised the tournament as “an excellent showcase of men’s netball,” noting the vibrant energy and talent on display.
“It was great to see the NetBlacks [New Zealand Men’s Netball Team] participating,” she says.
“I was blown away by the number of young players embracing the game across the motu.”
After a week of fierce competition, Wellington A emerged as
the tournament champions, taking out top honours and reinforcing the region’s strength in the sport.
From players to managers to coaches, Wainuiomata’s presence was felt throughout the tournament, proof
that the community continues to nurture and celebrate netball talent at every level.
Presses (5)
Ornamental staff (7)
Takes back property (for non–payment)(11)
Extreme.(5)
Baggage (11)
Obstinately wrong (8)
Harvested (6)
Donkeys (5)
Character (7)
Band member (8)
Sift (6)
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Punctured (5)
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Think (5)
Grapples
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(2,2,4)
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Wakens (6)
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The high performing Wainuiomata D Grade Ladies Squash team (from left) Shelby Burns, Kaleb Allardyce (Coach/Manager), Snow Chase (supporter), Kim Watene, Bonnie-Lee Nicholas, Laura Nanai, Dani Burdon, Abby Su'a Cherry and Roena Rogers. Team supporter Erena Tapiata is in the front. Photo: Supplied.
The Wellington Under 20s team pictured with the Christchurch team at the National Men's and Mixed Tournament. Photo: Supplied.
Lightkeeper’s family home transformed
By Elena Smith-Beech
Gwen McDonald’s childhood was spent chasing the glow of lighthouse beacons from the Catlins to Cape Reinga.
Gwen’s family followed her father Bill Kemp, a renowned lightkeeper, to far flung destinations, including the splendid isolation of Waipapa Point and the vast remoteness of Baring Head/ rua-Pouanui.
Gwen was around 11 years old when she moved to the Baring Head lighthouse complex with her five siblings.
Built in 1935, the heritage-listed lighthouse complex now owned by Greater Wellington remains one of the most accessible and complete in Aotearoa, with two lightkeeper cottages on site.
Recently restored by Greater Wellington, the two cottages have become unique coastal accommodation, offering weekends away on what feels like the edge of the world.
The lightkeeper’s daughter was the first to spend the night up at the restored lighthouse complex. When asked about her stay, there was one word that came to mind.
“Spectacular,” Gwen says. “Absolutely spectacular.”
It’s easy to imagine drawing back the curtain to see a lighthouse framed by an electric sunrise, in what Gwen describes as “a photographer’s dream”.
Gwen sits at the kitchen table with her husband and lifelong friend Claire, who also grew up on the exposed coastline.
The house she grew up in now is bathed in retro glory, surrounded by warm yellow tones and charming mid-century furniture.
The exposed coastline is known for strong winds. They comment on the breezy stroll between the car park and cottage, but as the front door closes, the wind falls away.
“You can feel the strength of the house,” says Gwen. “When you’re in here, the wind means nothing.”
They talk about the wind like an old friend. Gwen and Claire recall their “flying lessons” on the edge of the cliff, arms outstretched as they waited for a gust to lift them from the brittle grass.
“I used to have dreams about it. I thought I was a bird.”
The flying lessons, horse rides across undulating hills and stellar sunsets form halcyon memories that Gwen looks forward to sharing with her grandchildren during weekends away at the restored cottage.
Nestled between the two lightkeeper’s cottages is a small museum, home to some of her parents’ nautical belongings and where visitors can learn more about what makes the area so special.
“They were lighthouse people,” she says.
Standing for Community Board
Elle Abel is standing for the Wainuiomata Community Board – for the third time –with a clear message: she gets stuff done, for everyone.
From coaching sports and mentoring young people, to serving on boards of trustees, national committees and local initiatives, Elle has spent years quietly doing the work that helps communities thrive.
“I come from a wh nau where community service wasn’t a choice — it was part of life,” says Elle.
“I was raised by people who served on councils and gave their time freely to others. It was expected that I’d do the same, and that’s what I’ve dedicated my life to.”
Elle brings a crucial perspective to the board as theonly disabled candidatein this year’s election – someone with invisible disabilitieswho also advocates fiercely for others in the disabled community, including her own children.
“I know what it’s like to be left out of decisions and systems that don’t consider accessibility,” she says.
“That’s why I’m committed to making
the Wainuiomata Community Board both visible and truly accessible – not just in name, but in action.”
Her priorities include:
can raise issues without needing to attend formal meetings;
sistent presence at local events, making it easy for residents to connect;
heard at the Council table; and -
odsso the whole community – not just a few – is involved in decision-making.
And standing right beside Elle on the campaign trail is her daughter, Gia, who has wanted to be mayor since she was five. In 2022, at just eight years old, Gia asked for her own campaign sign, and this year, she asked again. So Elle made it happen.
“I support the Wainuiomata Pool getting the money spent on in the ten year plan. Its very important that we keep our pool. It’s one of the best outdoor pools in the Lower North Island,” she says.
“We are all lighthouse people who love lighthouses. People like us exist all over the world.”
Gwen featured in the 2008 documentary Guardians of the Light, which interviewed the lighthouse people who cared for the most remote parts of New Zealand’s coast.
In the past, many lighthouse complexes were set alight to avoid the cost of upkeep; ash claimed by the tides of history.
When Gwen watched the film with her mother, Kitty Kemp, she remembers tears falling on her mother’s cheeks.
“My parents felt so strongly that this place should be preserved, and we are proud that it has become a destination for anyone who wants to experience what life was like up here.”
Another key character in the area’s story is Colin Ryder, who was paramount in the fight to restore the complex and hold on to the historic buildings.
Sadly, Colin died before seeing how his passion would be remembered.
“The work they’ve done to restore the landscape is excellent,” Gwen says. She attributes the “beautiful” restoration to the dedication of the lighthouse people who feel connected to the golden headland.
Many hands help care for the lighthouse complex, including the Friends of Baring Head charitable trust and Taranaki Wh nui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
While resident lightkeepers are a thing of the past, the Baring Head/ rua-Pouanui lighthouse continues to safely guide boats in and out of Te Wh ngangui-a-Tara, Wellington Harbour.
“You feel it, how spectacular and special this place is. You’ll just have to book a stay and experience it first-hand.”
Bookings to stay in this historic cottage can be made on Airbnb.
Electrify the Hutt expo
By Frank Neill
A free expo that will help Wainuiomata households and businesses lower their electricity bills and emissions will take place on 4 October.
The inaugural Electrify the Hutt expo will be held at the Lower Hutt Town Hall from 8am to 4pm.
The expo organisers say the event is “shaping up to be one of New Zealand’s biggest electrification events of the year”.
They are estimating that the expo, which will share the economic and environmental benefits of going electric, will attract more than 1,000 atttendees.
“How exciting it is to have this event in our city,” Wainuiomata resdient Cr Josh Briggs, who chairs Hutt City Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, says.
“I encourage everyone to get along to the event, have some fun, engage with the content and learn something new.”
James Scott, a founding member of the Electrify the Hutt community group, which is organising the expo, says the committee has worked hard to create a programme with a mix of education and inspiration.
“We’ve tried to cater to everyone’s needs, so whether you’re just dipping your toes in and want to find out how to reduce your energy bills at home or at work, or you’ve already started down that road and want to help others in the community follow your lead, there will be something at the expo for you.”
Scott says there’s been a lot of interest in the event from the local community and good support from sponsors.
There will be around 30 exhibitors showing off the latest technology along with technology demonstrations.
As well as getting to grips with the latest electric technology, there will also be a range of expert speakers, including:
runs the world’s first all-electric cherry orchard near Cromwell;
the numbers on rooftop solar and found they stack up pretty well;
who will talk about the future of the local network (his company is also a sponsor of the event);
calculator to help people electrify their homes and vehicles; and
who will talk about the combination of smallscale wind and solar.
Among the many things happening on the day will be: pancakes cooked with an electric vehicle; an electric rubbish truck; an ‘ask me anything’ lounge; electric cars, bikes, scooters, even an electric uni-cycle; and a kids zone.
One of the views from the newly restored lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Photo: Supplied.
Inside the master bedroom at the newly restored lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Photo: Supplied.
Elle Abel, who is standing for the Wainuiomata Community Board. Photo: Supplied.
Cr Josh Briggs. Photo: Supplied.