Onslow College’s Tumuaki (Principal) Sheena Millar will spend her last day in the role tomorrow, 27 June.
Ms Millar is leaving the school she joined in October 2018 to become the executive Principal of Indooroopilly State School in Brisbane. Continued on page 2.
Onslow College’s Tumuaki, Sheena Millar, who finishes in the role tomorrow.
Photo: Supplied.
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Focus on equity and excellence
Continued from page 1.
In this role she will lead the whole school, which has a very big roll of some 2,100 students and has a both a junior school Principal and a senior school Principal.
One of her major achievements during almost seven years as the college’s Tumuaki has been the focus on equity and excellence.
“You can see that in our results, especially over the last three years,” Ms Millar says.
Onslow College is “well above our equity index for our level one and two exams and we have excellent results in our UE [University Entrance].
“We are doing that while keeping a real focus on wellness for young people, and embedding an approach in the school which looks at restorative practices, rather than a punitive approach.”
This has been made possible thanks to “a really dedicated, hard-working team of teachers who put students at the centre.”
One of the factors in the big rise in student achievement at Onslow College has been the school’s move away from streaming.
“Since we destreamed we have had all these successes academically.
“It’s wonderful,” Ms Millar says.
“Everybody can access learning.
“We have kids access learning at all different levels in all different classes.”
The success of the destreaming has been one of the highlights of her time at Onslow College.
Onslow students winning the senior English speech contest for two years in a row in the regional Nga Manu Korero competition has also been a highlight.
“The fact that the University of Auckland has reached out to us and want to study the work we have been doing because our Maori achievement has exceeded what they are seeing across New Zealand as a whole is a highlight.”
Another of the many highlights of her time at the college is that “we are close to the finishing of our whare.
“We are pretty committed to our strategic goals to honour Te Tiriti [o Waitangi] and creating spaces that value Maori.
“When we got in 2019 the announcement that we would get new classrooms, we asked to have the whare included.
“After much debate there was agreement and it went into our planning.
“When we lost all the funding they offered [for the new classrooms] they offered to still build the whare and we said yes.
“That’s all we got from the planning money of $3.6 million.
“It’s really important to us,” Ms Millar says.
Work on the new whare is continuing and it is planned to be opened in term three.
“Being able to embed a partner-
ship with Te Ati Awa and having co-governance on our board is a highlight.”
Ms Millar grew up in Morrinsville and attended school there, from primary school through to year 13.
Early in her year 13 time she won a scholarship and attended the United World College in Canada for two years.
She then graduated with a BA in English and History at the University of Waikato before training as a teacher.
Later in life Ms Millar gained a Masters in Educational Leadership through Unitech.
Following her teacher training she taught at Te Puke High School in the Bay of Plenty, then at Otumoetai College then returned to Te Puke High School as Deputy Principal.
Her next move was to Tauranga Girls College as a senior Deputy Principal and then she came to Onslow College.
After Ms Millar leaves the Tumuaki role, the college’s Deputy Principal Jono Wyeth will be Acting Principal until the end of the year.
Onslow College is looking to have its new Tumuaki start at the beginning of 2026.
MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES
HEALTH & WELLNESS CLINIC
9.30am - 3pm Saturday, 12th July 2025 Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington
The new whare being built at Onslow College. Photo: Supplied.
Move to reinstate parking defeated
By Frank Neill
A move that would have allowed 31 restricted car parks on the Botanic Garden side of Glenmore Street was voted down at the 18 June meeting of Wellington City Council’s Regulatory Process Committee.
The Council removed car parks from the Botanic Garden side of the street last year so that it could create a bike lane.
The 18 June committee meeting voted on a proposal to install a 4pm to 7pm clearway that would allow parking outside those hours in three areas – the Botanic Garden side of Glenmore Street, Karori Road area near Karori Park and Kaiwharawhara.
Voting was evenly split when the motion was considered.
Four councillors voted in favour of a clearway that would allow the 31 cars parks and four voted against.
The committee Chair, Cr Sarah Free, had the casting vote and voted against the clearway proposal.
Diane Calvert, Ben McNulty, Ray Chung and Nuredin Abdurahman voted for the clearway proposal.
The Mayor Tory Whanau, Sarah Free, Geordie Rogers and Liz Kelly voted against. Had the proposal passed it would have allowed 31 new P180 car parks to be installed close to the Botanic Garden.
The Friends of the Botanic Garden were “disappointed, but not surprised” by the decision, says Mazz Scannell, the President of the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Following the loss of the car parks “the garden visitors are down,” Ms Scannell says.
The Council had done a survey that showed visitor numbers had droppped by 10%.
“That’s 100,000 people plus,” Ms Scannell says.
“The counters on the gardens reflect that we have lost 100,000 people going to visit the Botanic Garden.
“The perfect world for the friends would be that we would have a clearway.
“A less perfect world would be that they put in more mobility parks, so that those who are not able to catch a bus or walk would have somewhere to park and visit the flat area of the gardens,” Ms Scannell says.
“We don’t see a lot of bike traffic there [in Glenmore Street] during the day.
“I can speak with some authority on that because I live right next door to it.
“Every time I’m going though there, there are no bikes during the day.”
At the same time as they are disappointed the Friends of the Botanic Garden “are very grateful that the chair [of the committee] Sarah Free gave us another opportunity to state our case.
“That was good.
“In the end it didn’t make any difference, but at least we had the opportunity to talk about it again,” Ms Scannell says.
The decision not to allow the restricted parking, which would have made more parking available in the three areas “was really disappointing,” says Wharangi/ Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Diane Calvert.
The Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden were disappointed.
So were the Thorndon businesses, and so were the Waterside Karori Football Club and so were some Kaiwharawhara businesses.
“Everyone was disappointed that elected members who do not live in the area voted against the proposal,” Cr Calvert says.
Although the committee voted against the proposal for restricted parking in the three areas, it did decide to turn some of the all day parks on Glenmore Street into P180 parks, Cr Calvert said.
They also added some car parks on Glenmore Street “but they are way up Orangi Kaupapa Road, not near the actual entrance of the Botanic Garden,” Cr Calvert said.
They are also on the opposite side of the road from the Botanic Garden.
That was not where people wanted them, because of access issues for disabled people and people with young families, who wanted access without having to cross the road.
A candidate who will be standing for the Onslow-Western Ward, Lily Brown, posted comments on Facebook about the committee’s decision.
“This means that visiting the Botanic Gardens remain off the cards for many due to the lack of parking,” Ms Brown’s post said.
“Walking or taking two to three buses ... or cycle to get there simply aren’t viable options for many.
“This means the space taken over by cycle lanes will be under-utilised for most of the day.
“This shows that many councillors choose to ignore the voice of the majority,” Ms Brown’s post says.
“Cycleways are great in certain settings but should not overwhelm the needs of the larger community. I would have voted for this sensible amendment.”
Spokesperson
The cycleway that has replaced car parks on Glenmore Street. Photo: Frank Neill.
Work on Event Centre future under way
Two
outstanding runs
Churton Park School’s two competitors performed outstandingly in the Wellington Regional Schools Cross Country Championship, held at Harcourt Park on 24 June.
Racing in the year 6 boys event, Jackson took a podium spot when he finished third.
This saw Jackson win a place in the Wellington inter-regional team that will travel to Christchurch in September, where they will
race against the top runners in the South Island.
Seren also shone in her event, the year 4 girls race, and finished seventh.
The regional cross country races featured the best runners from Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, the Wairarapa and Kapiti and each race attracted around 70 entrants.
That made them the most competitive cross country races of the season to date.
By Frank Neill
Work towards planning for the future of the Karori Event Centre is under way.
Wellington City Council officers and the Karori Event Centre Trust had held their first meeting when this issue of the “Independent Herald” went to print.
“The trust and Council officers have met since the Council’s decision,” the Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Diane Calvert says.
That decision was to hand the Karori Event Centre ownership from the Council to the Trust, with the trust needing to produce a plan within three months or the Council would sell the centre.
“The trust and Council officers will work together over the next few months and come up with a viable plan,” Cr Calvert says
“All the information the Council has got and the Council’s own con-
sultants will be made available free of charge to the trust.
“Hopefully we will get a workable solution,” Cr Calvert adds.
“We will do our very best to get the best result,” says Heather Baldwin, the chair of the Karori Event Centre Trust.
“At the end of the day we want the Event Centre finished and open.
“We are working proactively with Council,” Heather says.
The trust is, however, “concerned about the three month time limit” to come up with a future plan for the Event Centre.
The time to develop the plan has been compared with the Begonia House plan and the Khandallah pool plan, both of which were achieved within three months, but the circumstances with the Event Centre were “substantially different,” Heather says.
That is because none of those two projects involved transfer of owner-
ship to a charitable trust, and because the trust will have to raise funds both to complete the project and provide the operating costs for the centre in the future.
“We need to be really confident we can raise those sums of money,” Heather says.
“To do that in three months is going to be incredibly challenging.
“The trust is also still firmly of the view that the Council should be completing the Event Centre.
“That is something that would be consistent with their long-standing promises and with what submitters to the [Council’s] long-term plan asked to happen.
“This option of gifting it back to us was made without any consultation with us,” Heather notes.
“Having the operational funding removed is also a change to what were the expectations of both the community and what the Council said it would do in the past.”
The Karori Event Centre. Photo: Supplied.
Heather Baldwin, the chair of the Karori Event Centre Trust.
Photo: Frank Neill.
Lectures on art history
By Frank Neill
An art history lecture series entitled “On Further Thought” will begin on 2 July at Aho Ruruku, Nga Mokopuna, with entry from Kelburn Parade.
The first lecture in this free series presented by the Adam Art Gallery is Emma Ng, whose lecture will begin at 6pm on 2 July.
This will be followed by Balamohan Shingdle’s lecture at 6pm on 16 July and Ane Tonga’s lecture at 6pm on 30 July.
“On Further Thought” is a seriesof talks which address significant moments – published texts, exhibitions, art works – in local art history from the 1990s and early 2000s.
The emphasis is on the act of re-reading, and on reflection itself as a productive form of research that helps navigate the present and energises our future art histories.
“We are particularly interested in research that acknowledges a changing of one’s mind, addresses misconceptions, and attends to the archive as a site of lively reclamation or transformation,” the series organisers say.
Emerging in response to local writer, arts programmer and curatorEmma Ng’s prompt towards the formation of “an art history that can take us somewhere new” ( Rattling the Shelves , Satellites Archive, 2024 ), the intention of this series is to deepen and expand
understanding of local and regional art histories, with a focus on those that may be insufficiently represented art history curricula and dominant exhibition-making practices.
From July through to September,six speakers will present a talk which revisits an art historical moment that they have some personal connection with, and critically reappraises this from where they stand now.
These speakers don't all identify as art historians. Rather, the propositions come from a range of practitionerswhose work has brought them into contact with the discipline and the wider contemporary arts sector.
As a whole the series is intended as a contribution to the future of our multiple art histories in Aotearoa.
Each presentation will be introduced and followed by a brief critical response from Te Pataka Toi director Abby Cunnane.
In the interests of maintaining an open space for frank and spontaneous korero, the talks will not be recorded live but will be published as papers subsequently.
For each talk, the abstract will be uploaded to the Adam Art Gallery website, www. adamartgallery.nz, in the week leading up to the event andlinkspostedtosocial media.
More speakers will be announced. Watch the Adam Art Gallery website for details.
Emma Ng, who will present the first lecture in the art history series. Photo: Jinki Cambronero.
Talented cast sought for classic horror
A series of random nocturnal assaults in the backstreets and alleyways of Victorian London are spreading fear and panic. Meanwhile, the friends of a highly respected doctor are beginning to wonder why he goes missing on exactly the same nights … So begins the 1886 horror novella “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Itsimpact on popular culture since its publication has been significant, with the phrase ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ being used in vernacular to refer to people with an outwardly good, but sometimes shockingly evil, nature.
British playwright Neil Bartlett’s inventive, brilliantly theatrical stage adaptation of the book was first performed in the United Kingdom in 2022 and cuts right to the heart of Stevenson’s darkly fascinating tale of male violence, guilt and privilege.
KAT Theatre’s production of the play, which will be staged at Cochran Hall in Khandallah in October, will be its first production in Wellington.
The adaptation thrills its audiences with a bold, new take on this classic tale of murder and mayhem, centring the investigation of the grisly events round a female doctor, matron and Hyde’s first victim, a young woman.
The production will be presented in the round and will involve elements of physical theatre and a Greek chorus of Victorian gentlemen, providing a unique experience for actors and audience alike to become
immersed in the story.
Director Tanya Piejus is holding auditions for “Jekyll and Hyde” on Sunday 13 July.
“As well as a strong ensemble cast, I’m particularly looking for a versatile and talented actor to play the central role of the charming and charismatic Dr Jekyll and his alter-ego, the creepy and ferocious Mr Hyde.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone to stretch their acting skills to portray the split personality of the character but also draw out the good/evil duality that lurks inside us all, which is what Stevenson was ultimately getting at when he wrote the story.”
The first to sign up to audition for this challenging role was Tom Kereama, a budding professional actor who studied theatre at Victoria University and graduated with honours.
Since then, he’s performed in a variety of theatrical and short film productions in Wellington and is always looking for new opportunities to not only further his career, but to have fun while doing so. This script would offer just that chance, he says.
“I’ve always been a fan of the Jekyll and Hyde story.
“I would love the challenge of playing two people.
“Even though it’s the same guy, the differences are very clear between the two.
“If I was cast, I’d have to go away and really work on the physicality of it. Jekyll is a strong,
SUPERIOR TREE MANAGEMENT
strapping man and Hyde is just this little guy and is described as ape-like. That would be really fun to play.”
Written for an ensemble of nine with three key roles for women, “Jekyll and Hyde” is a
great opportunity for actors aged from teens to retirement to get involved in an exciting theatre experience. For more information and to sign up for an audition, visit kattheatre.org.nz/auditions.
Double Glazing with German uPVC Joinery
Director Tanya Piejus is looking for nine talented actors to perform in KAT Theatre’s upcoming production of a new stage adaptation of “Jekyll and Hyde”. Photo: Supplied.
Exhibition by Marsden resident artist
After six inspiring weeks at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, award-winning artist Connah Podmore concludes her time as the 2025 Artist in Residence with a collaborative exhibition, Peripheral Views, at Te Auaha.
The exhibition opened on 19 June and runs until 29 June.
Established in 1999, Marsden’s Artist in Residence programme invites professional artists to work closely with students, building on a legacy of artistic excellence and creative exchange. This year, Connah Podmore – whose poetic drawing practice explores the depth found in everyday moments – shared her distinctive approach to composition, mark-making and process with Marsden’s Visual Art students. Throughout the residency, students were encouraged to look beyond the obvious, to engage with subtle shifts of light and shadow, and to work in reverse – removing rather than adding – to build their images.
Students learned to see the familiar with new eyes.
“I enjoyed learning about Connah’s story and hearing the meaning behind her work,” says Olive, year 10.
“I found shading the black canvas with a malleable rubber challenging, but I learnt how to use charcoal to create light, shadow and monochrome depth.”
Pina, year 10, says: “It was fascinating that instead of working from light to dark, we worked from dark to light. I learned to play with light and shadows, and to find ways to add interest to my work.”
“I loved creating a charcoal piece with Connah,” says Maddie, also in Year 10.
“Working with charcoal was a new concept to me. We took photos of shadows and recreated them using malleable rubbers to bring out the light. Connah was so inspiring and talented.”
“It was really fun to turn a blank sheet of paper into art using only charcoal and a malleable eraser,” Sudhiksha in year 10 says.
“I enjoyed going out to take photos and exploring lighting in interesting ways – turning those photos into artwork was really cool.”
Kathryn Cotter, Head of Visual
Art at Marsden, said the experience had a powerful impact on students.
“Connah brings a new way of viewing and interpreting familiar environments, which has really resonated with our students,” Ms Cotter says.
“Her thoughtful and experimental approach encouraged them to slow down, to observe more carefully and to find creative depth in what they might otherwise overlook. “We were incredibly privileged to have an artist of Connah’s calibre in residence.
“Her generosity in sharing her practice and process made this a truly inspiring and transformative opportunity.” The residency extended beyond Marsden, with Connah also leading a creative workshop for local primary school students on 9 May. Titled A Window on the World, the session encouraged young artists to explore texture and layering using found objects, foliage, talcum powder and water to create expressive prints. Each student selected a favourite to frame within a custom paper “window,” giving their work a sense of perspective and place. They then had fun cutting up and collaging their remaining monoprints to create wonderful new compositions. It was a fun, hands-on introduction to creative thinking and visual storytelling. The upcoming exhibition, Peripheral Views, invites audiences to meditate on the gentle details often glanced over and discover layers of complexity in the seemingly simple. Drawing on the dispersion of light, the fleeting nature of vision and the subtle distance between observer and object, Connah and students of Marsden present work that explores a shifting from subject to sensation. The exhibition at Te Auaha Gallery, 65 Dixon Street, is open from 8:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on weekends. Artworks are available for purchase Marsden says it is proud to support and nurture creative potential through its Artist in Residence programme.
“Connah’s time at Marsden has been both inspirational and enriching for students, staff, and the wider school community.”
Connah Podmore (right) working with Marsden’s painting and printmaking students. Photo: Supplied.
Holiday events at local libraries
This week school holiday programmes get under way at Wellington City Libraries and they also have a number of activities to celebrate Matariki.
Check out our full listing of events at https://www.wcl.govt.nz/.
“Make your own show” with Wellington Youth Improv will be held at Waitohi Johnsonville Library on Thursday 3 July from 10:30am to 11:30am.This is a silly, fun and hugely interactive comedy show for tamariki aged 3 to
13.Wellington’s funniest teens will entertain with a series of scenes that they create on the spot – no scripts, no plan, just audience suggestions and their wit.
“Experience the fun that is improv comedy, with local young performers,” Wellington Libraries says.
“Puanga kai rau: planting for the coming year” will be held at Te Takapu o Patukawenga Mervyn Kemp Tawa Library on Thursday 3 July from 2pm to 3pm.
“Celebrate Puanga and plant something tasty to add to your mara kai (food garden) when spring comes.
“Learn a little about Puanga and its place in our skies, then try your hand at making a seedling pot out of newspaper and plant some seeds to take home.”
As potting mix will be used during this event, those attending may prefer to wear face masks.
This event is for ages five and older with their caregivers.
Have you ever had that really heavy feeling in your head, with pain, swelling and tenderness around your eyes and cheeks or forehead, a feeling of pressure building around your face?
This could be a sinus infection or sinusitis. Sinusitis is a common condition and can occur after you’ve had a cold or flu, or with hay fever and with allergies. Symptoms include nasal congestion with the build-up of mucous, and thick nasal discharge, which may be yellowish or greenish in colour. There may also be post nasal drip with mucous dripping down the inside of the throat. Sometimes there can be a high temperature of 38C or above, and sinus headache.
The sinuses are made up of several spaces or cavities in the skull, and when these become inflamed or infected then mucous is unable to drain away and sinusitis can be the result. The build-up of pressure in this area can then lead to headaches or pain, which can be quite severe. When sinusitis occurs in young children signs include irritability, difficulty feeding and breathing through the mouth and not the nose. Symptoms of sinus infection generally clear within a week to ten days and this is without the need of any antibiotic treatment. There are several reasons why this is the case.
Firstly sinusitis is often caused by viruses which are not treated with antibiotics. Also it has been seen that when bacteria are the cause of the infection, antibiotics have not been found to be beneficial and that the symptoms have gone and the condition has resolved even without the use of antibiotics.
A movie night will be held at Otari Wadestown Library on Thursday 3 July from 6pm to 8pm. Indie films, art-house flicks, documentaries and more – a free film is screening every week. Movies are selected from the library’s collections and are suitable for adults. Check with the library to find out which movie is showing. Wellingtonians have the opportunity to design a library card and win.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library is reopening
extreme or severe pain, fever over 38.6 degrees Celsius, or signs of cellulitis, i.e. a skin infection such as a fast spreading hot red rash. Also you may need to visit your GP for antibiotics if the condition initially improves but then worsens and is prolonged.
In some cases sinusitis can recur and last longer than 3 months. This is known as chronic sinusitis and may need a referral from your GP to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist
There are things that you can do at home that will help sinusitis such as getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluid. Extra fluid helps to thin the mucous so that it can drain away more easily. Gently blowing the nose, one nostril at a time is also effective.
Holding a warm flannel or compress over the inflamed area can help to ease the pain and this can be done for a few minutes several times a day. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water may give some relief but care must be taken to avoid scalding and this is especially important with young children and is therefore not encouraged. Applying a salt water solution to the nostrils can also help to ease the congestion. Homemade salt solutions can be used or they can be purchased from the pharmacy.
A humidifier can also be helpful, as is stopping smoking and avoiding known allergy triggers. Good hand hygiene can help to keep the spread of infection and prevent reinfection from occurring.
next year and to mark the occasion Wellington Libraries want original te taiao/nature-themed artwork. The chosen library card designs will be used by thousands of Wellingtonians.
Those whose cards are chosen will win a $100 Unity Books voucher.
“Surprise us with your creativity and show us your passion for libraries.” Terms and conditions and entry online are at wcl.govt.nz/ librarycardcomp or at any Wellington City Library branch.
SINUS INFECTION (SINUSITIS)
Avoiding antibiotics is the preferred situation to minimise the overuse of antibiotics and help prevent antibiotic resistance from occurring. However there are certain circumstances where your GP could prescribe antibiotics, e.g.
There are medicines available to use for sinusitis which includes pain relief such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Your Self Care pharmacist can also give you advice on decongestants that can be used to help by drying up the mucous and unblocking the nose. These are available as nasal sprays or drops and it is very important to
use these for a few days only, after 3 to 5 days their usage should be stopped. If they are used continuously for long periods of time they can cause a condition known as rebound congestion, which is more congestion, adding to the problem. Decongestants are also available as tablets, some are only available with a GP’s prescription while others can be purchased from the pharmacy. Care needs to be taken to see if pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs have been included in the same product when buying these over the counter. Discuss this with your Self Care pharmacist to find out. Other medication available from your pharmacist are antihistamines, which can be used to help dry up the nasal secretions especially if allergies are the cause of the symptoms. Your Self Care Pharmacist can provide you with Self Care fact cards for more information on coughs, colds and flu and how to protect yourself this winter.
More investment needed in Johnsonville
By Frank Neill
Johnsonville’s population is growing and more investment in the area needs to be made by Wellington City Council.
This was stated by the three Takapu/ Northern Ward Councillor’s, Cr Ben McNulty, Tony Randle and John Apanowicz at a meeting with the Johnsonville Business District (BID) members on 24 June.
The most recent Census figures showed the northern suburbs had grown by 2,200, Cr McNulty said.
That compared with the central city, which had grown by 600 people.
“The rest of the city went backwards,” he said.
“We are the growth area. We demand that we get the facilities.”
“The northern suburbs have an advantage,” Cr Apanowicz said.
“We are the growth area and more money should be spent here.”
“The Council for a long time has beeen targeted on the CBD and against Johnsonville development,” Cr Randle said.
Some change in that looked promising however.
“The city planner wants do some planning for Johnsonville,” Cr Randle said.
Also, “the Council has about $800,000 to see Johnsonville develop.”
City Council iniatives relating to the Johnsonville Mall, which could also help bring more people and see more investment in the
suburb, were outlined by Cr McNulty.
Last year Cr McNulty put a notice of motion to the Council.
The motion, which was passed, asked Council officers to come up with a plan on “options to facilitate and realise commercial development more quickly within the Johnsonville Metropolitan Centre Zone”.
After Council officers presented the plan, the Council decided to work with Johnsonville Mall owner Stride Property Group to create a new recreation centre near the mall.
The recreation centre would be built and paid for by Stride, and the Council would then lease it, giving Stride a very profitable long-term lease.
That proposal “makes me really excited about what this suburb could be,” Cr McNulty told the Johnsonville BID meeting.
Homelessness in Johnsonville was also the subject of a series of questions to the three Councillors.
Homessless was a problem, and the Council has rolled out a safety plan, Cr Randle said. “There is demand for that plan everywhere in the city.”
Sometimes homeless people were involved in disruptive behaviour.
As an example, the Johnsonville Community Centre used to have a bench outside, but when people started sitting on the bench and yelling abuse into one of the meeting rooms, they took the bench away.
“What we want is that when people notice either disruptive behaviour or homessless that
“Family working for Families in Tasman”
The
they report it.
“We want people to report it to the Council.
“We want to get a measure across the whole Johnsonville CBD of what the problems are and where they are.”
“Homelessnessness is firmly on the radar of the Council,” Cr McNulty said.
“Council is aware that it is causing issues.
“We are putting some real tangible money as a Council to get a positive response to homelessness,” Cr McNulty said.
In answer to questions about the increase in rates, the three Councillors referred to the fact that some spending was necessary, but that the Council had not always been wise when forking out ratepayer money.
One example they referred to was the half million dollar bike rack just off The Terrace in Shell Lane, opposite the Council’s building.
The bike rack was largely unused, with just one or two bikes.
Cr Randle also gave an example of the Council spending a million dollars on an electric bulldozer to work at the landfill. The much higher cost was paid to fit in with an agenda of creating less emissions, rather than asking the question “is that something we need to do?”
Instead, the Council should be focusing on core activities, Cr Randle said.
Working on Wrights Hill
“More
included Tawa,
“It is exciting to be part of such a project.”
The three Takapu/Northern Ward Councillo
Cr B
n McNulty. Photo: Frank Neill.
Karori Kaitiaki is now working on Wrights Hill Reserve on restoration of native plants. Another working bee was held along Lansdowne and Salvation Tracks on Sunday 22 June.
Together with the working bee in May, Karori Kaitiaki has planted more than 100 plants on the hill.
The species
Northern Rata, Rimu, Wharangi, Rewarewa, Kowhai,
Titoki, Hinau and Totara. The aim of this project is to revive native plant species that previously thrived in this area, but have not returned at all, or only exist now in small numbers.
native birds like the Kereru will be attracted to this area as the native trees, and especially the forest giants, take hold,” says Siva Sivanantham of Karori Kaitiaki.
. Photo: Supplied.
& HOME Gardening LIVING
Using New Zealand’s abundant water resource to your advantage
Water Conservation:
Although conditions can vary, Kiwi summers are becoming hotter and drier, usually leading to water restrictions in Wellington. A rainwater tank allows you to collect and store rainwater for later use, reducing reliance on mains water and helping conserve this valuable resource.
Environmentally Friendly:
Rainwater harvesting reduces demand on local water supplies, crucial in drought-prone regions. It also lessens the energy needed to treat and pump mains water to your property. Plants also prefer rainwater.
Cost Saving:
Using rainwater for tasks like garden
lower your water bills, particularly during drought periods when mains water costs may rise.
Emergency Water Supply:
With natural disasters, burst pipes, droughts, and other water outages having access to rainwater stored in a tank enables you to
installed with a First Flush unit you can even drink it if needed.
They also have an easy to set tank for bulk storage of drinking water – that is it’s not connected to your downpipe.
For a full range of tank options and setup advice for your situation give the Tank Guy a call – 0508 326 8888 – or visit their website – https://thetankguy.co.nz/
Reduce heating costs with Eco Wellington
Combining uPVC’s natural insulating properties with double-glazing means Eco Doors & 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
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Johnsonville’s premier Rugby team made sure they qualified for the Jubilee Cup competition with a bonus point 32-24 victory over Northern United on 21 June.
This saw the Johnsonville Hawks retain their eighth placing on the Swindale Shield ladder. With one round to play, the Hawks are an unassailable nine points ahead of the ninth-placed Old Boys University, qualifying for the top eight that will contest
the Jubliee Cup. Playing on Porirua Park, the Hawks also won the Barlow Cup with Saturday’s victory. Their bonus point came thanks to an outstanding try by right wing Jacob Walmsley, who ran half the length of the field after picking up the ball from a break down before touching down.
Jacob was one of six Johnsonville players who scored tries.
The team’s captain Olly Paotonu also touched down, as did Jacob Walmsley, Mike Faimalo, Ish Perkins, Jacob Kennedy and
Koloa Aisake.
The Hawks had to withstand something of a comeback by Norths, however.
Johnsonville led the match 22-5 at half time after dominating the first 40 minutes.
Norths had the upper hand during the second spell though, scoring 19 points to narrow the margin from 17 points to eight points.
The Johnsonville Hawks next match sees them play the fifth placed Upper Hutt Rams at Maidstone Park on 28 June.
Local history – Frank Moore
By Felicity Wong
Frank T Moore – of Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville fame – was an orator, writer of over 50 publications and a socialist politician.
Part Maori, he had many brothers, was dux of Wellington College and his family owned land in Johnsonville.
Frank Moore served prominently from 1894 on the Johnsonville Town Board, the Hutt County Council, the Makara County Council and the Wellington Hospital Board.
As Chair of the Johnsonville Town Board he called for more frequent commuter trains and land for a library, police station and court.
He established a town drainage scheme, lighting, gazetting of street names and road improvements.
He arranged for a town hall to be built on old school land on Johnsonville’s Main Road.
“Moore’s Hall” was later renamed the Empress (film) Theatre, and finally became
Nominations
TO FILL TRUSTEE VACANCIES
In accordance with Clause 15 of their Trust Deed, the Johnsonville Charitable Trust advise that a meeting of the Trustees will be held on 26 August 2025 for the express purpose of considering nominations and if appropriate electing two Trustees.
himself from the “native owners of Puketapu” south of Taumarunui and milled it.
Moore campaigned for the state to purchase businesses from private firms for workers to manage and operate.
He chaired the socialist Fabian Society when it was set up in 1908.
By 1910 the Johnsonville Town Board was spending more than it could afford and was borrowing funds.Moore began his career chairing the butchers union, and rose to head the Kaiwarra slaughterhouse, and then the export focussed, industrial freezing works in Ngauranga. He took a break in 1900 to write a book about telepathy and set up business as “The Ideal Physician” dispensing spiritual advice and “God’s suggestions”.
A photo shows a dapper, handsome man with twirled moustache.
Moore’s female clients were reportedly of “nervous dispositions”, but his “faith healing” business failed and he lost 1,000 pounds.
He returned to the meatworks trade, in Paihatua. In his 1901 “Manifesto for Fair Prices” Moore called for private owners, and meat and wool trade “middlemen” to be cut out in favour of co-op owned operations.
another referred to “violent delusions”; and another to “the erratic Mr Moore”. He remained on the outer of the early Labour Party, led by Michael Joseph Savage, Peter Fraser and Bob Semple.
Perhaps an earlier event contributed.
When Moore completed his meat industry report in 1902, Premier Seddon was overseas and Sir Joseph Ward was Acting Premier. Moore took his report to Parliament and waited to be called to present it in person.
After fruitless hours he went home disappointed, and sent two complaining letters to the Acting Premier. Moore wrote that “if the writer removed Ward as [US President] McKinley was removed [Moore] believed [he] would be rendering a service to New Zealand.”
“Sir J G Ward was the head of monopolies which [Moore] was fighting, and stopped [Moore’s] progress. "Why should I Iet you stop me when a bullet or dagger will put you out of the way?
“I am willing to sacrifice my life for the good of my cause as Anarchists do." Moore was promptly arrested for threatening to assassinate Sir Joseph Ward.
Members of the public who are ordinarily resident in the Trusts designated areas may nominate suitable candidates to fill Trustee vacancies.
Nominations must be signed by two residents of the Trusts designated areas, and the nominee. Retiring Trustees are eligible for nomination and re-election. Nominations must be received by the Trust before 4.00pm on Friday 11 July 2025.
In accordance with clause 15 of their Trust Deed, the Johnsonville Charitable Trust advise that a meeting of the Trustees will be held on Tuesday 27 June 2017 for the express purpose of considering nominations and electing two Trustees. Members of the public who are ordinarily resident in the Trust’s designated areas may nominate suitable candidates to fill Trustee vacancies. Nominations must be signed by two residents of the Trust’s designated areas, and the nominee. Retiring Trustees are eligible for nomination and re-election. Nominations must be received by the Trust before 4.00pm on Friday 16 June 2017
Tharcolds fridge store. Moore spent years obtaining 17 acres of native reserve for the recreation area, eventually named “Alex Moore Park” (after brother Alexander A Moore, a Town Board member from 1916).
Frank Moore obtained 6,000 acres of land
He criticised middlemen for undercutting each other’s prices in London, New Zealand’s primary market. Moore gave public talks and set up a “Producers Union”, contrasting with the “Farmers Union” which focused on reducing input (labour) costs. Liberal Premier Richard Seddon asked him to report on New Zealand’s meat export industry. Moore unsuccessfully stood for Parliament several times, calling for state ownership of freezing works and for meat inspection to prevent harm from diseased meat. He also called for a state (reserve) bank, and for New Zealand to have its own currency instead of using British sterling.
Such radical ideas met efforts to discredit him.
Medically examined Moore was declared sane. He pleaded guilty and the trial judge agreed Moore was unlikely to have carried out his threat. The judge said he had to “inflict such a sentence as would be a warning” and that “somebody had to occupy public positions, and those whose duty it was to do so should be protected.” Moore was sentenced to three years hard labour. Sir Joseph Ward promptly issued a full pardon, and gave Moore a positive testimonial about his considerable “abilities”. Moore went briefly to Australia but returned to pick up his political career, recalling that “the pen is mightier than the sword”. He served in Palestine in 1918, and continued writing and political activities.
One headline read “State Bank Crank”,
Moore died in 1940.
Only persons ordinarily resident in the designated areas shall be eligible for nomination and they must be able to provide evidence of their residential status. The Trustees may wish to interview nominees prior to or on the day of the meeting.
Only persons ordinarily resident in the designated area shall be eligible for nomination, and they must be able to provide evidence of their residential status. The Trustees may wish to interview nominees prior to or on the day of the meeting.
The current designated areas of the Trust are: Johnsonville, Newlands, Churton Park, Paparangi, Broadmeadows, Grenada Village, Grenada North, Woodridge and Glenside and other adjoining areas as the Trustees may decide from time to time.
Nominations are to be addressed to:
The current designated areas of the Trust are: Johnsonville, Newlands, Churton Park, Paparangi, Broadmeadows, Grenada Village, Grenada North, Woodridge and Glenside. Nominations are to be addressed to:
The Secretary Johnsonville Charitable Trust PO Box 13072 Johnsonville 6440
The Secretary Johnsonville Charitable Trust Postal to: PO Box 13072 Johnsonville 6440 Or Deliver to: 15 Kaiwharawhara Road, Kaiwharawhara
Frank T Moore. Photo: National Library.
JOHNSONVILLE CHARITABLE TRUST
North Wellington wins
By Hamish Wareham
Almost a year to the day since their last Central League victory over Stop Out 3-1 at Alex Moore Park, North Wellington at last have a 1 in the win column in the 2025 Central League competition.
It didn't start off well, however, when Norths hosted the fifth placed Napier City Rovers on 20 June.
The visitors took the lead just 45 seconds into the fixture when Eric Kostandini Ziu, a new arrival in the Hawkes Bay, scored his second goal in as many games.
This flipped a switch in North Wellington, as they went on to dominate the remainder of the first half and Miles Woodhall, who scored in North Wellington’s last league victory, equalised in the 37th minute.
Paul Owaci, a recent new arrival to North Wellington from IBU, put his new side 2-1 ahead in the 47th minute when he got onto the end of a Tom Speers to open his account for 2025.
Despite spending the remainder of the second half camped inside their own half,
North Wellington held firm with at times some brilliant defensive action and goalkeeping from Brooklyn Browne as the final whistle was met with scenes of jubilation as Norths gained their first win of the Central League for 2025.
Waterside Karori played out a six goal thriller at Maidstone Park on 20 June.
Their opponents Upper Hutt took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute through Blake Chandler but this was canceled out moments later with a goal from Ryan Harrison.
Harrison would score again in the 81st minute along with a goal on the hour mark to midfielder Sam Mitrakas gave Karori a 2-1 and then a 3-1 lead.
That was canceled out, however, by two own goals from Wharfies goalkeeper Josh Brown in the 69th and 89th minute as honours ended even in a 3-3 draw.
Waterside Karori are back at home next week hosting Wellington Olympic should Karori Park be available to play on.
One in a row North Wellington meanwhile travels to David Farrington Park to take on third placed Miramar Rangers.
New service to help the homeless
A new coordination service, aimed at strengthening Wellington City’s response to chronic homelessness and making it more coherent, has been given the go-ahead.
At its meeting on 19 June Wellington City Council’s Korau Matiniti Social, Cultural and Economic Committee today approved $460,000 in funding to establish the Homelessness Coordination Service, which will be led by the three frontline agencies working with some of the city’s most vulnerable communities.
This decision came three days after a meeting of Johnsonville community leaders to look at the issue of homelessness in the suburb.
The Johnsonville meeting comprised personnel from the Johnsonville Business Improvement District and DCM (formerly Downtown Community Ministry), Wellington City Council officers, and the three Northern Ward Councillor's, Cr Tony Randle, Ben McNulty and John Apanowicz.
Mayor Tory Whanau says the new coordination service seeks to build a more connected, compassionate, and effective support system for those facing homelessness.
“Critically, this approach will improve access to support during evenings and weekends – periods when vulnerable individuals are often most at risk and services are typically least available.
“To better address the challenges of homelessness, this new approach will make our support system much more agile and the care we provide far more consistent,” adds Mayor Whanau.
The City Council co-designed the new service with its partners DCM, Wellington City Mission, and He Herenga Kura.
The initiative aims to improve collective coordination for the most complex cases of the estimated 30 people experiencing chronic homelessness in and around the central city.
The Committee Chair, Cr Teri O’Neill, says this initiative is about removing barriers that prevent whanau from accessing stable, safe housing, not about shifting people on.
“It’s about honouring the mana of those experiencing homelessness by ensuring our systems work better, supporting frontline teams with the resources and coordination
needed to provide compassionate, people centred care.
“We recognise the concerns about visible homelessness, but real progress comes from building trust, connection, and wrap-around support – not through enforcement or ‘banning people’ to the next street over.”
Cr Geordie Rogers, who moved the paper at today’s meeting that outlined the new co-ordinated service, says it “brings together housing, health and social support providers to work in partnership – aiming to streamline responses for the most complex cases, enable after-hours support when usual services close, and address systemic barriers through joint advocacy.”
City Council Senior Responsible Officer Sehai Orgad says despite sustained efforts across government and community sectors, local support for people experiencing chronic homelessness has been fragmented and under strain with agencies and frontline workers often left to operate in siloes “with limited ability to align effort, share insights, or escalate challenges.
“This results in people falling through the cracks.”
Ms Orgad says that, without coordination, there’ll be ongoing challenges in addressing the needs of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
“This will likely continue public concern around city safety and visible homelessness in the central city.
“These ongoing issues also have implications for the city’s broader economic and urban development goals, as perceptions of safety influence how people choose to engage with the central city – including impacts on foot traffic, retail activity and business confidence.”
Ms Orgad says a coordinated approach will better deal with systemic issues such as lack of housing supply or access to health services and feed these into shared advocacy and planning efforts, helping the sector speak with a more unified voice.
Governance for the Homelessness Coordination Service will be provided by a partner agency leadership group representing the three ‘delivery partners’ and the Council. This group will meet monthly.
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Miles Woodhall in action for Northern United in their win over Napier City Rovers.
Photo: Wareham Sports Media.
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