By Frank Neill
Ulalei Wainuiomata proved the major force in Hutt Valley Netball when the club’s teams won not just one but all five grand finals they played on 23 August. No other club came close to Ulalei’s record at the Walter Nash Stadium, which as suggested by a supporter’s placard, became the Ulalei Stadium for the day.
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Ulalei was the only club to win multiple titles during the 12 grand finals played.
Ulalei Aute became the premier champions when they dominated St Orans Old Girls, winning 52-43.
In doing so they secured back to back championships.
Aute was all power and all precision. They had one hand on the cup by the end of the first half, taking an unassailable 30-18 lead.
Aute was just too experienced, and had all the netball smarts and when their natural flair was added in they were unstoppable.
The management trio of coaches Memory Timo and Brittany Antipas, along with manager Faim Tamaali’i, have done an outstanding job shaping this team into a true force to be reckoned with. Their dedication and leadership have been key to the team’s rise and success.
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The Premier 3 team, Ulalei Malili, made it back to back championships in style.
Malili stormed home with a complete annihilation of the Petone Panthers 48-17.
They were in scintillating form, their confidence high, following two pressure-cooker wins leading into their grand final.
Coach Eleanor McLeod and Manager Lagi Moananu were beaming with pride after their team’s outstanding performance, a true reflection of their hard work and commitment.
The Senior 3 team, Ulalei Pualulu, had their first taste of finals netball following a journey three years in the making.
In one of the tightest games of the day, the grand final went into extra time with Pualulu holding their nerve to edge out Avalon Hunter Wolves 27-25.
This team has and gone from strength to strength under the guidance of coach Alofa Aberdein-Tapua’i and manager Mailena Rawiri.
The Senior 4 team, Ulalei Moso’oi, have been unbeaten all season. They entered their
As Daffodil Day draws closer the team at Cancer Society Greater Wellington wants to express gratitude to the local community.
On Friday 29 August, the Cancer Society will hold its 35th Daffodil Day, raising awareness and funds to support the 1 in 3 New Zealanders who get cancer and their whānau.
Nearly 1800 volunteers are involved in making the iconic street appeal happen in the Greater Wellington area, says Fundraising and Community Events Team Leader Sandra Davey.
She says she hopes when people see all the pockets of yellow popping up around the city for Daffodil Day collections that people realise “they aren’t alone in their experiences with cancer”.
“Wellingtonians are all in it with them, we see them and want them to have the best support possible!”
Cancer Society Greater Wellington Chief Executive Darryl Carpenter says it is the community’s generous and unwavering support that will help bring to life the Cancer Society’s new vision of ‘working together towards a future free from cancer’.
“It instils a sense of pride in me that our community supports our work to the huge degree they do, and it also instils a sense of honour that our community trusts us to use their donations wisely for the critical work we do.
“We are predominantly funded by our community to deliver the wide range of cancer services and support we offer, the cancer prevention and advocacy programmes we run, and for our significant contribution to research.”
Darryl Carpenter (Cancer Society Greater Wellington Chief Executive). Photo Supplied.
Darryl says the Society has committed to extending and improving its services and support through its Hub network in Kāpiti, Porirua, the Hutt and Newtown.
“With every dollar that is raised, my commitment is to use that wisely, and to honour those who give a little or much, to shift the dial and make a positive contribution and difference in our communities through our services.”
For General Manager Cancer Services Jenni Drew Daffodil Day 2025 is her fifth in the role.
“I love being able to connect with the community. I never tire of hearing people’s stories. Every time I am just blown away by people’s generosity and people’s ‘why’, people’s reason for giving.”
Her key message for the community is this: “we are here for you”.
“Daffodil Day is a visual reminder that we are in and part of your community. Whether it is researching, advocating for prevention, or supporting people with and after cancer - we are here for anyone who needs us, we are here for you.”
grand final with high expectations and they delivered under pressure, beating Maidstone United 30-27.
They were made to fight hard for this one, using all their experience, mental toughness and resilience to get home.
After taking an eight goal lead in the first half, they had to make some major adjustments to the umpires calls to hold on for a well deserved win.
Congratulations to coach Justin Wilson on an outstanding season. This achievement is a true testament to his dedication, inspiring leadership, and the heart he brings to every game. He was well supported by managers Lei-Marie Rooney and Kathleen Samuelu.
The Reserve 1 team, Ulalei Fuesina are the babies of the club and a proud development team.
They claimed their first-ever championship in a thrilling grand final.
After a nervous start, both sides went goal for goal, until Fuesina found their rhythm in the third quarter – the championship quarter – pulling ahead with a slender five goal lead. Despite facing a more experienced opponent, the young guns held their composure, showing maturity beyond their years to seal a 27-20 win over Avalon Mana Wolves
The team’s success was guided by the expert leadership of coaches Sina Tamaiali’i and
Lahraine Sagaga.
Ulalei Fuesina kicked off Finals Day with a bang, setting the tone and raising the bar for the rest of the teams to follow suit, which they did in kind.
From the first centre pass at 9am to the eagerly anticipated Premier 1 final at 2:30pm, the support for all the teams was absolutely phenomenal.
The courts came alive with cheers, supporter’s signs and a deep sense of connection that reflected the true spirit of the Ulalei Netball aiga.
Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban was present and was so proud of the clean sweep. She said that it was “emotional for her seeing all generations come along to support our Ulalei teams”
It was a celebration of whanaungatanga, as players, whānau, volunteers and supporters coming together, strengthening the bonds that make the club so special. The warmth and generosity shown throughout the day embodied manaakitanga, creating an environment where everyone felt welcomed, valued and uplifted. The club is incredibly proud of all who contributed to this memorable day. The energy, passion, and alofa showed exactly what this club is all about.
Ulalei Netball extends its deepest gratitude for all the amazing support.
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Community Board was thanked for its contribution over the last three years by Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry and city wide Councillors Gabriel Tupou and Tony Stallinger at its meeting on 20 August.
This was the board’s final meeting for the 2022-25 triennium.
“Congratulations on the last three years,” the Mayor said.
“A big thank you for the contribution you have made.
“I look forward to seeing where you go next,” he said.
“Thank you all for your service over the last three years,” Cr Tupou said.
“It has really been a joy to see how the board has grown.”
“I want to thank you all for your work serving the community of Wainuiomata,” Cr Stallinger said.
“I believe that it was your advocacy and your performance here in the community which secured the Wainuiomata Community Board of the future when it was looking like ... it might be the end.
“I think that was a huge achievement.”
Cr Sallinger was referring the events that unfolded after Hutt City Council decided in 2024 to disestablish the Wainuiomata, Eastbourne and Petone Community Boards.
This decision was open to appeal, and the appeals on the proposal to disestablish the Wainuiomata Community Board were considered by the Local Government Com-
mission (LGC).
The Wainuiomata Community Board lodged an appeal, as did community board member Daniel Chrisp and Linda Olsen on behalf of the Wainuiomata Marae.
The council should retain community boards, the Wainuiomata Community Board said in its submission.
“It is crucial for our community to continue operating a community board to ensure local responsiveness and representation of local interests,” the submission said.
“Community board members can mobilise activities within the community and facilitate public decision-making at the grassroots level.
“With rapid housing growth and numerous new developments, Wainuiomata faces both opportunities and challenges that require focused attention and localised decision-making.
“Collaboration with the council is essential to ensure that infrastructure, services and community amenities keep pace with rising demands.”
“We have heard from residents of our community about the value of having a community board who have also expressed their unhappiness and concerns about the proposed diestablishment for the boards,” the submission said.
“It is clear that the [Wainuiomata] community board does provide a level of representation and advocacy for a geographically defined community with distinct socio-economic and demographic characteristics,” the
LGC said in its determination.
“In our view, disestablishing the Wainuiomata Community Board at the October 2025 local election leaves a gap in representation for the Wainuiomata community.
“This is exacerbated by the proposed underrepresentation for the Wainuiomata General Ward.
“We therefore determine that the Wainuiomata Community Board is retained for at least the next triennium,” The LGC said.
During the public comment section of the meeting Rosie Goss also thanked the community board.
“On behalf of Wainuiomata Gray Power thank you for your commitment, your patience and your willingness to guide the community,” she said.
Cr Keri Brown asked Ms Goss what ideas she would like to see in the community board’s next term.
“A focus on how we can best support our seniors and we can best help our seniors,” Ms Goss said.
Wainuiomata Intermediate School is holding a night market from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 11 September in the school hall.
The market is being held to raise money for a Pā Harakeke and rongoā garden at the school. As well as giving people the opportunity to buy food and souvenirs, the market will also allow those attending to see what the Year 8 students have been working on. Paywave will not be available, so sales will be cash and card only.
A new group for writers has been started in Wainuiomata. The new Wainui Writers group will hold its first meeting on 1 September at the Wainuiomata Library and will run from 6:30pm to 8pm.
“Discover your inner wordsmith at Wainui Writers,” the group’s organisers say on the Facebook events page for the inaugural meeting.
“Are you an aspiring writer or poet yearning to embark on a creative journey?
“Or perhaps you’re an established wordsmith seeking a vibrant community to share your work and gain valuable feedback?
“Look no further.
“The Wainui Writers group at Wainuiomata Library is for anyone with a passion for writing and storytelling.
“For our first session we’d love to know what kinds of things you’re looking for, and what would help you get the most benefit from this group.”
Hutt City Council’s Mouri Tupu programme has reached an exciting milestone, with more than 115,000 native trees distributed and planted across Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
A blessing was held at Black Creek, between Wainuiomata High School and Kōnini Primary School, to mark the planting of the latest trees on 18 August.
The ceremony was attended by Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Ken Laban, City-Wide Councillor Gabriel Tupou, and Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown, alongside local students, wh ā nau, and community members.
The Mouri Tupu programme is more than a tree planting initiative – it’s about restoring the life force of the whenua and building connections between people, place, and environment.
The programme is run in partnership with Te Rito Maioha, Enviroschools, and Mountains to Sea, who have been
instrumental in coordinating planting days and engaging rangatahi in handson environmental education.
Councillor Tupou said the milestone reflected a true community effort.
“Mouri Tupu is about more than planting trees – it’s about restoring the life force of our whenua, reconnecting our communities with nature, and leaving a living legacy for future generations.”
Councillor Keri Brown added that it was special to celebrate the achievement in Wainuiomata.
“Our rangatahi are leading the way, and by planting here at Black Creek, they’re helping to restore an important part of our local environment,” she said.
With schools, iwi, community groups and volunteers all contributing, Mouri Tupu continues to grow.
The long-term vision is a greener, healthier, and more resilient Te Awa Kairangi – one tree, and one community, at a time.
By Frank Neill
A new bus stop with a shelter in Parenga Street, near the intersection with Wood Street, received approval of the Wainuiomata Community Board at its meeting on 20 August.
Hutt City Council’s Transport Subcommittee is being asked to approve the relocation of bus stop number 9914 from outside 104 Wood Street to Parenga Street.
The subcommittee has been asked to approve the bus stop relocation by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).
The proposed relocation ”addresses key community needs, particularly in relation to safety,” GWRC says.
“A dedicated, clearly marked waiting area will reduce risks near the road way and discourage unsafe behaviour.
“It will also strengthen local connections between neighbourhoods, schools and services, encouraging great use of sustainable transpoort and supporting a more accessible public transport network.”
The proposed location “offers improved visibility of approaching traffic and greater convenience for bus passengers.
“The proposal also considers the privacy of nearby residents by considering the placement of the bus shelter.”
GWRC has worked with Hutt City Council officers to identify a suitable location for moving the bus stop to from its location outside 104 Wood Street.
The proposal was welcomed by Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie during his presentation to the community board.
“It is very exciting that it has got to this stage,” Cr Duthie said.
“It has been a long time.”
Two years ago, in August 2023, a Wood Street
resident built a home made shelter
“I have been advocating for it ever since,” Cr Duthie told the 20 August meeting of the community board.
Soon after she built the home made shelter, the resident, who asked the “Wainuiomata News” not to name her in the paper, said she was one of a number of local residents who have been asking Metlink and Greater Wellington Regional Council for a bus shelter at this stop for years.
“I’ve been here [in Wood Street] for 13 years and agitating for a bus shelter all that time to no avail.
“We got a bit desperate,” she said.
The home made bus stop was taken down later in 2023.
Every day 74 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer. For over 35 years New Zealanders have supported the work of the Cancer Society on Daffodil Day and we need your help
again this year. People wanting to support the Cancer Society can do so by donating directly with a street collector, at any ANZ branch, or online at daffodilday.org.nz.
By Ryan Imray
If there was an example of doing something the hard way, it was Saturday’s Capital Premier game against Victoria University. Wainuiomata knew the equation was simple – win this game and they would secure their spot in the Central League 2 play off spot. Things got off to a good start when Tyron
Curtis put Wainui in front in the 26th minute but it all changed in a blink of an eye.
Victoria University found themselves 2-1 up after converting a penalty and getting a slice of luck from a corner kick.
They started to frustrate Wainui who seemed to do everything but find the back of the net but just before the half time whistle, Flynn McCaul’s strike just evaded the goal-
It is really great to see so many excellent candidates standing for the Wainuiomata Community Board at this year’s elections.
When I read in the “Wainuiomata News”, just two days before nominations closed, and the article said that no candidates had been nominated I was quite concerned.
We need a good Community Board here in Wainuiomata.
The Board provides both good advocacy and representation for what is a geographically distinct community.
The Community Board has, over the years, served Wainuiomata well.
So it is very good to see that 11 candidates are standing for the six seats that are up for election.
The board has a membership of eight
– six elected members and two appointed members.
The two appointed members on the next Community Board will be the Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown, and the Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward Councillor Te Awa Puketapu, who is the current Community Board Chair.
Both Cr Brown and Ms Puketapu have been elected unopposed. Congratulations to them.
I confidently predict that they will serve the Wainuiomata community well and I also confidently predict that the new Community Board will serve us well.
I can’t put my name on the letter because my job conditions say I cannot make media statements.
Happy ratepayer
keeper to make it 2-2 going into the break.
It was a nervy second half and the longer it went on, the more it felt like it was not going to be but cometh the hour, cometh the man.
In the 86th minute, Wainui were awarded a penalty and Tyron Curtis calmly slotted the pressure kick to give Wainui a 3-2 win.
They will now face Whanganui Athletic in a two-legged play off where the winner will play Central League football in 2026.
In other games, the Thirds had a 2-2 draw away to Western Suburbs and Halfbaked Roundballs had a narrow 2-1 defeat away to North Wellington.
The OCs defeated Waikanae in a six goal thriller with a 4-2 final score.
Pasifika Old Boys put on a dominant display against North Wellington to win 10-2.
The Women’s side played two games in three days. First off it was Friday night at Wakefield Park against Seatoun in a catch up game and despite a brilliant goal from Bailey Te Maipi, Seatoun edged the game to win 2-1.
The Wainui side followed this up with a brilliant display of football on Sunday as they hosted Stop Out.
After a first half that had not many clear cut chances, it was Wainui who made the breakthrough in the second half. Leanne Watkins latched on to a through ball and calmly slotted the ball home.
Sadly, the lead did not last long as Stop Out found an equaliser from a set piece. There was no change to the score and Wainui finished their regular season campaign with a well earned point.
Hutt City Council is celebrating global recognition after being selected as one of just 50 finalists in the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge.
The challenge, which attracted 630 applications, is the world’s biggest ideas competition for cities.
It rewards bold, creative ideas that have the power to improve lives. The 25 winning cities will receive $1 million each to bring their idea to life.
The Council’s ground-breaking GenAI Community Emergency Response Assistant (CERA) idea stood out from hundreds of entries around the globe.
As a finalist, the Council will receive US$50,000 funding to create and test a CERA prototype to better deliver personalised, real-time emergency updates to residents.
CERA will help overcome two major challenges: the time it takes to verify and share updates during a crisis, and the lack of accessible, culturally relevant information for diverse communities.
The tool will learn from on-the-ground reports and speak multiple languages to deliver trusted, clear advice when it
matters most.
Whether it’s a flood, big sea swells, an earthquake or a land slip, the aim of the technology is to get the right message to the right person at the right time.
Mayor Campbell Barry says the recognition is a massive vote of confidence in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai.
"This idea came straight from listening to our communities – especially people who’ve told us they’re not getting the right information when emergencies hit.
"It’s about saving lives and making sure every person, in every part of our city, can act quickly when it matters.
“We’re backing our people to lead their own response, and we think this could be a real game changer - not just for us in Lower Hutt, but right across Aotearoa," the Mayor says.
If the Council’s CERA tool is named a winner in the competition, it would receive a US$1 million prize to bring the concept to reality.
All funding and prizemoney in the Mayors Challenge is supplied by Bloomberg Philanthropies. There is no cost to ratepayers.
Love Wainuiomata’s Community Connections breakfast celebrated its one year anniversary at its latest breakfast on 18 August.
The breakfast featured two speakers –Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown and local business owner Hayden Wilby.
Cr Brown shared her personal journey to becoming a Councillor, reflecting on the role that family, resilience and community pride played in her decision to step into public service.
She spoke about the changes Wainuiomata has seen over the years, from its past as a closeknit working community, through challenges of growth and change, to the exciting future ahead.
“It’s about celebrating where we’ve come from, recognising where we are now and shaping what comes next together,” she said.
Hayden spoke from the perspective of a business owner, outlining both the rewards and challenges of running a business in Wainuiomata.
He stressed that success relies on hard work, adaptability and the support of the local community.
He talked about the difficulties of running a business that it isn’t always easy, but when you back the community the community will back you, the opportunities can be huge,
“The Community Connections Breakfast continues to highlight what makes Wainuiomata unique –strong relationships, grassroots energy and a willingness to work together,” Cr Brown says. “As it enters its second year, the event is set to remain a regular fixture, giving locals a chance to strengthen ties and celebrate community spirit.”
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By Frank Neill
Hutt City Council’s Democracy Advisor Judy Randall served her final meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board on 20 August.
Judy is retiring after having served the community board for the last six years and Hutt City Council for almost 16 years.
When asked what had been the highlights of her time serving the board Judy said: “every meeting is a highlight.
“The nice thing about Wainuiomata is the manaakitanga” (showing respect, generosity and care for others).
The Wainuiomata Community Board is a “very caring board, very community minded,” Judy says.
“Thank you Judy for your valued contribution to our community board over the years, not just Wainuiomata but also Petone and Eastbourne,” the board’s deputy chair Lesa Bingley said at the 20 August meeting.
Ms Bingley was chairing the board in the absence of Te Awa Puketapu.
“Thank you especially for supporting Te Awa and I with our many late night emails, hundreds of questions.
“You never made us feel like we were a burden.
“Thank you for your calm and uplifting spirit which has often cheered me on in times of uncertainty as I’ve navigated through this new role.
“I am proud to have had you by my side over the last three years and you will truly be missed,” Ms Bingley said. Judy began her journey with Hutt City Council in November 2008 as an Administration Officer in Democratic Services. Over time, she embraced new roles and challenges, including the complex position of Long Term Plan/Annual Plan
Advisor. In February 2021, Judy returned to Democratic Services.
“At the heart of Judy’s life is her whānau,” Ms Bingley said in her tribute to Judy.
“She is the proud mum of four daughters, two close by in Lower Hutt (including one working here at Council), with the others spread further afield in Hamilton and London.
“She’s also a devoted grandmother to five grandchildren, who will now be seeing a lot more of her as she steps into retirement.
“Judy’s care extends well beyond her family.
“A vegetarian since her 20s, she has always carried a deep respect for nature.
“That love for the environment inspired her to volunteer on a trap line in the western hills bush, where she works to keep pests under control so that our native birds can flourish. “It’s a quiet, behind-the-scenes role, but one that speaks volumes about Judy’s values – nurturing, protective and committed to leaving things better than she found them.” In his address to the board Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry also thanked Judy for the contribution she has made.
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry has set out a vision for the city to become a “powerhouse for water services”, with professional services being anchored within Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (formerly RiverLink).
Speaking at a business event on 29 July, Mayor Barry said the timing is right with major investment into both Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi and the newly confirmed water services entity.
“These are once-in-a-generation changes,” he said.
“With both projects locked in, there’s a real opportunity to bring them together in a way that transforms our city and supports the country’s future water needs.”
The Mayor is proposing that the new water entity establish its headquarters in Lower Hutt’s CBD, acting as a catalyst for a wider precinct of businesses and research focused
on water infrastructure and services.
“By bringing together the right people, skills and technology, we can build a centre of excellence right here – one that’s ready to meet the enormous demand coming over the next 30 years.”
Mayor Barry, who will not seek re-election in October, said he had hoped to pitch this idea three years ago, but had needed certainty on both projects which has only come in April and July respectively.
“I’m not going to be around to lead this, but the opportunity is real.
“We’ve got the projects, the investment and the momentum. What we need now are people willing to step up,” he said.
The Mayor described both projects as a once in a generation opportunity to leverage off and he is encouraging anyone who wants to see what the art of the possible looks like to get in contact with Hutt City Council.
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Community Board agreed to endorse an application by the Wainuiomata Primary School for $4,895 funding from Hutt City Council’s Community Climate Action Fund.
The community board made this decision at its meeting on 20 August.
The Wainuiomata Primary School applied for funding to assist with its waste minimisation project.
This project facilitates hands-on learning by the students. It includes a robust compost system, class-
room waste systems and a space dedicated to displays that encourage multiple forms of learning in an inclusive environment.
The project supports the Climate Action Fund initiative in two ways, the school said in its application.
Firstly it provides students with sustainable knowledge and skills that they can share with their wider community.
Secondly it reduces waste and lessens the impact on the natural environment and local community.
The school is applying for funding to pay for bins, an anti-rodent compost system, a worm farm and a paper shredder.