Wednesday February 26, 2025
Brigade Open Day
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata people have the opportunity to find out more about the amazing service the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade does during the brigade’s Open Day on Saturday 8 March.
The brigade’s fire fighters are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and work for no pay. They save lives, they save property and they help people in distress.
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One of Wainuiomata’s fire engines, which will be at the Open Day on 8 March. Photo: Supplied.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
A chance to see what fire fighting is about
Continued from page 1
The Open Day, which runs from 10am to 3pm “is a chance for us to engage with the community and allow them to see what we’re about,” Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Thompson, says.
Among the demonstrations will be cutting open a motor vehicle, showing people how that is done.
“We also use the Open Day as a recruiting opportunity.
“If people are interested in joining the brigade they can come and see what it’s all about.
“We are, as well, trying to get fire safety messages out there.”
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
SALES
Steve Maggs
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
One of the messages will come via a demonstration showing what people should do and what they shouldn’t do if they have a pot of fat catch fire in their kitchen.
“We are also pushing home fire safety visits, where we can visit people’s homes and have a look around and give advice on electrical multi boxes, escape plans, smoke detectors and that sort of thing.”
The home fire safety visits are free.
As well as seeing what fire fighting is all about, people attending the Open Day will also see what other emergency and assistance services are doing to help the community.
The Wainuiomata Community Patrol, Neighbourhood Support, the Wainuiomata Bush Fire Brigade, the Police Dive Squad,
the local Police, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office, the Hutt City Emergency Response team and Love Wainuiomata will all be at the Open Day.
Wellington Free Ambulance will also be there and will be providing lessons in CPR.
The brigade is hosting a barbecue at the Open Day, thanks to donations of sausages and bread, and all the proceeds will go to the K kiri Marae’s Pataka Kai.
The Open Day will feature plenty for the tamariki, too.
Hutt City Council will have its play trailer at the event, there will be a face painter and there is a colouring competition for children.
The brigade has sent the picture to be coloured to all Wainuiomata’s schools and kindergartens.
There are four age categories in the colouring competition: under 5, 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12. Entries can be dropped off at the Open Day information desk by 2pm on 8 March.
“We will judge it after the Open Day,” CFO Thomson says. The
winners will be notified on 9 March.
There will also be a junior combat challenge.
This will be a smaller version of the combat challenge teams of fire fighters from throughout New Zealand take part in, and Wainuiomata’s team will be demonstrating some of the challenges they have been involved in.
The team will set up a junior challenge, which will include dragging an object along the ground as well as other challenges.
TRM Training graduates visit Japan
A group of TRM Training graduates visited Japan in January and February.
The group were recipients of the Prime Ministers Scholarship Award through Education New Zealand.
The scholarship enabled the groupto spend six weeks in Singapore and Japan on a cultural exchange.
The group, called Whiria he Tangata meaning to Weave People Together, started their tour in Singapore then onto Japan where they spent time with the indigenous Ainu people located in Hokkaido, North Japan.While they were there they learned about the history and indigenous cultural practices.The group left for Japan on 5 January also spent time in Minho, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto cities before returning home on Sunday 16 February.
It was particularly special to spend time in Lower Hutt's Sister City Minho city where
the delegation spent time teaching the council staff and their whanau the basics of raranga weaving.
They also spent time with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff at the New Zealand Embassy where they provided a presentation on Toi Maori.
The delegation wove a beautiful korowai with the people of Japan at every place they visited and shared their mahi toi raranga.
This korowai will be on display at Minho House as a reciprocal Art work aptly named 'Whiri He Tangata' or a demonstration of the 'Weaving of People Together'.
E'Mere Puketapu-Dahm led this delegation alongside Luke Bradley (Translator), Shairae Taepa, Mahinarangi Mohi and Tom Parima.
The TRM graduates were Destiny Tuari, Zariah Buchanan, Hope Dutch and Mereana Maney.
Firefighters carrying a portable pump during last year’s training exercise at Richard Prouse Park. Photo: Supplied.
The TRM group at the Wainuiomata Marae before leaving for Japan (from left) E’Mere Puketapu-Dahm, Hope Dutch, Mahinarangi Mohi holding Waitohi Mohi, Luke Bradley (translator), Zariah Buchanan, Destiny Tuari, Mereana Maney and Shairae Taepa. Photo: Supplied.
Major exhibition by Wainui artist
Hockey
The Wainuiomata Hockey Club is now taking registrations for junior hockey.
The club has teams for girls and boys aged from year 3 to year 8 and games start on 3 May.
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata artist Tautari
(Garry) Gerrard currently has a major solo exhibition at Wellington’s Toi M ori Gallery.
Named Ranga-Wairua, meaning Inspiration, the exhibition is running until 11 April at the gallery, level 4, 150 Featherston Street, from 10am to 4pm on weekdays.
It weaves together Garry’s creative expressions through a variety of paintings, ceramics, bone carvings and wood carvings.
Of Ng ti Porou descent, Garry has been living in Wainuiomata for 42 years.
In his younger days he played Rugby League for Wainuiomata
“and I had 12 years of that – 12 good years of enjoying sport,” he says.
Following that, Garry became an art teacher at MIX, a mental health community day service in the Hutt Valley, and he has now been teaching there for 26 years.
MIX’s motto is “Connecting, Creating and Living”.
“I’ve just started to branch out
and get my art out there,” Garry says.
“It’s time for me to to put myself out there and share what I’ve painted and created over the years.
“My art is a precious embodiment of my life’s journey.
“The taonga is instilled in its own wairua (spirit).
“Each piece that I create has its own wairua.”
“A frequent exhibitor in galleries around Te Awakairangi and P neke, Garry is recognised as a prominent artist by his communi-
Major symposium at WHS Kura
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School’s Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata will present a major all-day symposium on Monday 10 March.
Entitled ‘Navigating Te Ao Hurihuri’ the symposium aims to inspire, re-charge and help people navigate this ever-changing world.
The day of k rero and reflection features trail-blazing, world-renowned M ori thinkers and innovators.
They include speakers Linda Tuhiwai Smith,Graham Smith, Veronica Tawhai and Leonie Pihama with Ngaropi Cameron,with scene setting by Huia Puketapu.
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear these iconic pŪk rero, right here in our own backyard,” the Humanitix website says in its post on the symposium.
“They use indigenous wisdom to provide insights into where we have been and how
we can strengthen where we are going in education, the public sector and in our communities.
“With each speaker highlighting te whare tapa wh , and with their vast experiences which span generations and the globe, ‘Navigating Te Ao Hurihuri’ is an event that will provide insights to a wide audience.
This event is a fundraiser to support the Wharekura travelto Canada in June to participate in creative writing workshops at the Universityof British Columbia, and to travel to the unceded territory of Secwépemc to run KĪ o Rahi workshopsand perform Kapa Haka at the Kamloopa Powwow.
Tickets are available at Humanitix, https:// events.humanitix.com/navigating-te-ao-hurihuri, and the price includes kai for the day. N reira, kei te iti, kei te rahi, nau mai haere mai kia noho tahi ai t ua i raro i ng m tanga o t nei mea te m tauranga M ori.
A view of part of
exhibition at the Toi Māori Gallery. Photo: Supplied.
ty,” Toi M ori says on its website. Two of the exhibitions of his work have been in Wainuiomata, at the Art Gallery Estelle Cainey ran in the Homedale Village for around two to three years, until two years ago.
Garry’s exhibitions drew in people from “as far as Gisborne to view and purchase his prolific art,” Estelle says.
His work has received a significant recognition when he was named as a finalist in the inaugural Kiingi Tuheitia Portraits Awards in 2021.
Registrations can be made on the club’s website, www.sporty.co.nz/ woahockey. For more information text Barbara on 027 419 3300.
Student survey
CensusAtSchool New Zealand
– TataurangaKiTeKura Aotearoa launched its 12th biennial survey on 25 February, capturing the voices of thousands of students nationwide.
This year’s questionnaire explores screen time and gaming habits, pets, musical instruments, favourite sport to do, bedtime, and more —providing a unique snapshot of young New Zealanders’ lives. Visit https://new. censusatschool.org.nz/explore/.
Fare increase
Greater Wellington Regional Council will consider increasing Metlink fares at its meeting tomorrow, 27 February. The council will consider a proposal to increase the fare by 2.2%. An adjustment to the off-peak discount, from 50% to 30% when using a Snapper card, is also proposed.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
A self portrait Garry Gerrard painted. Image: Supplied.
Garry Gerrard’s
SEASON 2025
Walk for Mental Health
A Walk for Mental Health will take place on Sunday 2 March at William Jones Park, starting at 1pm.
Everyone is welcome on the walk, which has been organised by the Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club.
The walk will raise funds for Youthline Wellington. Entry is by donation and people can make donations using the donation buckets at William Jones Park or using the QR code. All the money donated will go to Youthline.
The colour theme for the walk is purple, for mental health awareness, and those taking part are invited to wear purple to show their support.
The event will also feature a barbecue.
Youthline is a “with youth, for youth” organisation that supports young people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
WANTED
Newspaper Deliverers
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
It has been providing support to Kiwis aged between 12-24 years for more than 50 years. Youthline exists to support all young people. This includes young people who are struggling with their mental health or other issues, as well as young people who want to learn, grow and give back to their community.
Youthline offers a free Helpline service (text, phone, webchat and email), free face-toface counselling services, youth mentoring, and programmes in schools and communities to help people grow and develop.
More than half of all 15-24 year olds experience anxiety or depression and over a quarter experience high mental health need.
AREA 2: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 3: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 4: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main - 280 papers
AREA 5: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
AREA 6: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St- 260 papers
AREA 7: Wright St, Hyde St, part of Moohan St - 300 papers
LOCAL TRADES
Casual vacancy for a parent representative
A casual vacancy has occurred on the school board for an elected parent representative.
The board has decided to fill the vacancy by selection. If 10% or more of eligible voters on the school roll ask the board, within 28 days of this notice being published, to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy, then a by-election will be held.
Request for a by-election should be sent to: Presiding member (chair) Michelle Knight Fernlea School Board
Address 25A Lees Grove Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, 5014 or bot@fernlea.school.nz by: Friday 28 March 2025
Situation Vacant
Fernlea School Board
Award for local League player
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata Rugby League player Alexis Tauaneai has been crowned League’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, New Zealand Rugby League announced on 21 February. She was one of two debutants named Rookie of the Year in the 2024 awards.
A Kiwi Fern, Alexis received the call up into the 2024 Kiwi Ferns squad.
She made an outstanding debut
off the bench against Australia, before starting against Papua New Guinea.
Her workload was evident throughout the campaign, and especially in the final loss against the Jillaroos, racking up 125 metres and 26 tackles.
Alexis also averaged 169 running metres and 33 tackles throughout the 2024 NRLW season for the St George Illawarra Dragons, when she was in the starting line-up for every game.
“Alexis has a unique array of skills combining power, endurance and toughness,” Head Coach of the Kiwi Ferns, Ricky Henry, says.
“Especially at such a young age, she’struly impressive.
“Alexis continues to amaze every time she takes to the field, and we saw another level of this when representing the Kiwi Ferns during the Pacific Championship.
“I would like to congratulate Alexis on receiving 2024 Rookie of the Year award.”
Women Cricketers win again
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata women’s premier Cricket team scored their 10th win of the season when they defeated City Suburbs on 22 February.
They did not lose even one wicket in cruising to a comfortable victory in their third division match, played at Ben Burn Park Karori.
Wainuiomata won the toss and elected to bowl.
They restricted City Suburbs to 114 runs for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs.
Wainuiomata then took just 10 overs and 5 balls to reach 115 without loss.
Matie Whitman was outstanding with the bat, retiring just after she
reached her half century when she had scored 51.
Angela Porter took one wicket for 41.
Wainuiomata is the only undefeated team in the competition and sit at the top of the table, four points ahead of the Taita Queens. Their next match sees them play Upper Hutt United at Bryan Heath Park on 1 March.
The premier men are locked in a close encounter with Petone Riverside after day one of their two day second division match.
Batting first at the Petone Recreation Ground, Wainuiomata was all out for 186.
Petone Riverside were 91 for the loss of four wickets at stumps on 22 February.
Jake Robertson was Wainuiomata’s highest scorer with 36 runs, just ahead of Tanuj Ahuja on 35. Captain Callum Mackaness scored 29 and Ryan Jackson scored 25.
Callum and Ryan were also among the wicket takers. Ryan took two wickets for 28 runs and Callum one wicket for 10.
Jackson Hemmingway was the other wicket taker and had figures of one wicket for 22 runs.
Wainuiomata will be looking for early wickets when the match continues on 1 March.
A major milestone was achieved when Richard Wilson took to the field in his 100th premier appearance for the Wainuiomata Cricket Club.
Wainuiomata’s champion Netballers
Wainuiomata’s Te Kohanga Nuggets are the College Sport Wellington Disability Netball champions.
The Nuggets and Heretaunga shared the title, played on 19 February, after the two teams drew their final.
Two teams from Te Kohanga (Learning Support unit) from Wainuiomata High School entered the Disability Netball tournament.
The students decided if they wanted to play competitively or if they wanted to play an adaptive version
of Netball.
The adaptive team learnt the rules of Netball and some experienced competitive sport for the first time in their life.
The Nuggets were the competitive team. They won all the games in their draw and made it through to the finals.
The final was against arch-rival Heretaunga. Wainuiomata won against them in 2024 so there was a lot at stake.
The Nuggets had a few new players
who were thrown into the deep end. These players had to remain focused. They had to shoot and defend to ensure they stayed in the game. It was a tense and even match – a big step up from the draw games. The players had to hold their cool and focus for the whole game.
After an even battle, the final whistle blew and the referee announced a draw.
The teams were advised they were to keep playing to find a winner but the two teams pleaded with the
ACROSS
Cheat (6-5)
Audacious (7)
Ridicules (5)
Confound (7)
Perfect (5)
Awe (9) 15. Indifferent (9)
Self-confidence (6)
Extend (7)
Border (4)
Monetary unit of Indonesia (3)
Strike(with axe) (3)
Stare (4)
Vest (7)
Irrational fear (6)
Favourite (3)
Wild punch; maker (3)
Last (6)
Low,wooden stool (7)
Japanese wrestling (4)
Electrocardiogram(abbr) (3)
Beak (3)
Exchange (4)
1960’s dropouts (7)
Large eel (6)
referee to make the game a draw. He was surprised by the response.
Heretaunga and Wainuiomata often end up in a final against each other. It can be a very bitter sweet win or loss.
The draw was perfect. It symbolised the closely matched game.
Both teams were as good as the other. The Nuggets look forward to facing Heretaunga at the many sport matches they have entered in 2025.
All the Te Kohanga students are a positive example of Wainuiomata.
Shakespears’ ‘A Night’s Dream’ (9) 49. Abundant (9)
Submerges (5)
High fashion dressmaking (7)
Supply (5)
Contagious disease (7)
Stationers (11)
Object (5)
Lacking culture (11)
5 year peroids (8)
Doglike (6)
Snow leopard (5)
Save (7)
Send off promptly (8)
As the teams left the stadium, the Netball Wellington organiser commented how “she loved the sportsmanship and energy of the Wainuiomata Students”. The DSP Netball tournament was awesome, with 10 teams from all over Wellington region entered. A huge thanks to Netball Wellington Centre and the team that ran the day.
All the students came away enthusiastic and excited by a day of Netball!.
Alexis Tauaneai, who has been crowned League’s 2024 Rookie of the Year. Photo: Supplied.
Richard Wilson. Photo: Supplied.
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Linda and Ray Wallace. Photo Supplied.