October 29, 2025
Deputy Mayor
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Keri Brown is Lower Hutt’s new Deputy Mayor. Her appointment was announced by the new Mayor, Fauono Ken Laban, on Wednesday 22 October. Continued on page 2.
Lower Hutt’s new leaders, Mayor Fauono Ken Laban and Deputy Mayor Cr Keri Brown. Photo: Supplied.
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An honour taking on the role
Continued from page 1
This means that Wainuiomata Residents will serve Lower Hutt as both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2025-28 triennium.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and to continue serving the city I love,” Cr Brown says.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Mayor Ken and our councillors to deliver on our shared priorities – getting the basics right, supporting our communities and building trust through action.”
Cr Brown was first elected as the Wainuiomata Ward Councillor in 2019 and is now starting her thrid term in the role. She was re-elected unopposed in this year’s election.
“Keri brings significant experience and a genuine commitment to people,” Mayor Ken says.
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“I’ve seen first-hand her steady leadership and the respect she’s earned from colleagues and our community.
“She knows how to bring people together and get things done, and I’m proud to have her alongside me as Deputy Mayor.”
“Cr Brown ... has represented her community with dedication over the past six years.
“Her focus on collaboration, practical solutions and strong local relationships has made her a trusted voice around the Council table.
Mayor Ken says the appointment reflects his commitment to stability across the new Council.
“Our residents have asked for a council that listens and delivers.
“Keri embodies that approach,” the Mayor says. She is “grounded, capable and deeply connected to the people we serve.”
The new Council and Community Boards will be formally sworn in at the Inaugural Council Meeting today, Wednesday 29 Octo-
Ulalei kids provide Phoenix guard of honour
Following on from Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s Māori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day, a group of young footballers were given an unforgettable experience — attending the Wellington Phoenix’s first home game of the season against the Brisbane Roar.
In a special gesture, Wellington Phoenix FC invited Ulalei to provide both the player mascots and the guard of honour as the teams took to the field at Sky Stadium last Sunday.
“The Phoenix staff who were mascots when they were young tell me they still remember the day, so this is a special moment for our tamaiti and their whanau – many of which had not been to a Phoenix game or Sky Stadium before,” says Ulalei’s Vatau Sagaga.
A total of 48 tamariki took part in the Phoenix Match Day Experience, which included a behind-the-scenes tour of the changing rooms and the chance to walk around the iconic Sky Stadium pitch before the game.
ber, at 5:30pm in the Lower Hutt Town Hall. As well as announcing his Deputy, Mayor Ken has set out the new committee structure. This includes: Connected Communities, Climate and Resilience Committee – Cr Mitchell, Chair; Cr Shaw, Deputy Chair. Policy and Performance Committee – Cr Stallinger, Chair; Cr Parkin, Deputy Chair. Infrastructure and Regulatory Committee – Cr Simon Edwards, Chair; Cr Lewis, Deputy Chair.
District Licensing Committee – Cr Dyer, Chair; Cr Ravi, Deputy Chair. District Plan Subcommittee – Cr Dyer, Chair; Cr Puketapu, Deputy Chair. Strategy, Long Term and Annual Plan Subcommittee – Mayor Laban, Chair; Deputy Mayor Brown, Deputy Chair. Age and Accessibility Subcommittee – Cr Barratt, Chair; Cr Parkin, Deputy Chair. Hutt Valley Services Committee – Cr Shaw, Chair in 2026 (alternate with Upper Hutt City Council).
“I was a bit nervous during the rehearsal, but was excited when we walked out onto the field,” says 11-year-old Darius Samuelu.
“The players were really nice so I wasn’t scared,” adds eight-year-old Vaitu’u Toalepai.
Ulalei’s Katrina Barclay says it’s great to see more connections forming within the football community.
“We have built some good relationships with different groups in football circles including Capital Football and the Phoenix who are impressed with what we’re doing at Ulalei. And so it’s nice that we can pass opportunities like today on to our tamaiti.”
Ulalei extended its thanks to Wellington Phoenix FC’s Lily Alfeld, Justin Liu, and the wider team for hosting the tamariki and making the day so memorable.
While at the match, the Ulalei tamariki were able to enjoy the Wellington Phoenix defeating the Brisbane Roar 2-1 on 26 October.
Steady as you go
Exercise classes to help prevent people having a fall are held each week in Wainuiomata.
The Steady As You Go fall prevention classes are held at 11 am on Tuesdays at the Wainuiomata Library.
As well as helping prevent falls, the classes improve balance and leg strength, flexibility, general fitness and wellbeing. They are also a great way to meet new people.
The sessions run for an hour.
Steady As You Go has been evaluated by University of Otago researchers. They found the classes improved physical function, reduced the risk of falls, were
fun, improved sense of wellbeing and confidence and provided links with other people in the neighbourhood.
The programme uses exercises designed by physiotherapists, exercises from the Otago Exercise Programme, and exercises based on tai chi principles; mindfulness and controlled movement.
The classes include a seated warm up, followed by standing, strengthening, walking and vision exercises and closes with a seated warm down.
A range of light ankle weights is used for the leg strengthening exercises and all participants are encouraged to work at their own pace and stop if they encounter any pain.
Wainuiomata’s new Deputy Mayor, Cr Keri Brown. Photo: Supplied.
Ulalei’s young Footballers at Sky Stadium for the game between the Wellington Phoenix and the Brisbane Roar. Photo: Supplied.
Chief Fire Officer stepping down
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson will step down from the role at the end of the year.
His wife, Rachael Thompson, has secured a job in Australia.
Ms Thompson is currently the Deputy Principal and Junior Team Leader at Fernlea School, having been at the school for 18 years.
She has secured a position as the Director of Learning at a primary school across the Tasman Sea.
Stepping down from the role of Chief Fire Officer “will be the end of an era for me,” CFO Thompson says.
“I’ve been close to 40 years in the brigade,” he says.
He became the brigade’s leader when he was presented the CFO helmet by Fire and Emergency’s Group Manager, Gareth Hughes, on 1 August 2024.
During his time with the brigade CFO Thompson has received three awards.
In 2017 the brigade presented him with a trophy for his “commitment, passion and dedication to the brigade second to none”.
This was the first time the trophy was presented, and it has not been presented since.
In 1998 CFO Thompson was made a life member of the brigade and in 2011 he was presented the Gold Star for 25 years’ service.
As well as serving as a volunteer firefighter, CFO Thompson has also worked for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
He has been a Voluntary Support Officer for FENZ and since after taking early retirement three years ago he continued to work part-time as a specialiast fire investigator for FENZ.
He has also served as treasuer of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, as well as conducting the Fire Wise programme in Wainuiomata schools, when he became one of the first people to deliver the programme.
Wind events keep fire brigade busy
By Frank Neill
The strong winds that buffeted Wainuiomata in the week to 28 October resulted in 29 calls to the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The brigade received 10 calls on Tuesday 21 October, 16 calls on Thursday 23 October and three calls on Monday 27 October.
“It’s been busy that’s for sure,” the brigade’s chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson says.
“It’s definitely the busiest we’ve been this
year,” he says.
It is not the busiest the brigade has ever been, however. During a storm even a couple of years ago “we had 30 to 40 calls in one day”.
The high winds led to “all sorts of calls,” CFO Thompson says.
“There were a couple of trampolines, trees, fences, roofs lifting, a couple of sheds – those very thin flimsy sheds – so it was busy all round.”
A number of calls were as a result of power lines coming down, including lines that were
brought down by a fallen tree.
The wind affected Wainuiomata badly, much more that over the hill in the Hutt Valley.
“It was definitely windier here compared with the Hutt,” CFO Thompson says.
“Quite a few of our people were in the Hutt and they said they didn’t think it was that bad there.”
Although it did not result in a call to the brigade, CFO Thompson also experienced his fence coming down because of the wind and he repaired it himself over the weekend.
The massive winds and bad weather on Thursday 23 October led to the Wainuiomata Hill Road being closed.
Hutt City Council closed the road at 11:30am and it remained closed for four fours until 3:30pm.
“Due to quickly changing forecasts of severe winds of greater than 140km/h, an emergency decision was made to close Wainuiomata Hill Road,” the Council said on 23 October.
“We’ve been watching the situation all morning.
“Things changed quickly, and we closed the road to make sure people stayed safe during the worst of the weather.”
When announcing that the road would re-open at 3:30pm the Council advised drivers to take “extreme care” when driving over the hill.
The Wainuiomata Hill Road was one of a series of roads that were closed during the storm, including the Remutaka Hill Road.
Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson. Photo: Rod Wealleans.
MELBOURNE CUP 2025
LOCAL TRADES TRUST A LOCAL
Young girls looking to give football or futsal a go in a fun and safe environment can now do so by joining the MILO Fantails programme. MILO Fantails is a programme designed to attract new female players aged from 4 to 12 years old to the beautiful game through sessions focused on helping girls make friends, have fun, improve their skills and become active through football.
It is coming to Wainuiomata for the first time this year.
There will be six sessions, starting on Sunday 2 November and running until Sunday 7 December from 9am to 10am at Richard Prouse Park. People can book online at www.nzfootball.
co.nz/milo-fantails-programme.
People who have questions about the programme can email Juniorswainuiafc@gmail. com.
Special clothing and gear is not needed. People can just wear comfortable clothing and they do not need boots.
All sessions are delivered by New Zealand Football qualified coaches.
The welfare of people’s daughters is key, so the programme ensures that all MILO Fantails coaches are fully trained in health and safety, safeguarding and more.
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A group of girls about to enjoy Football at MILO Fantails. Photo: Supplied.
Ulalei Soccer Fun Day a big hit
By Vatau Sagaga
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s third Māori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day was another success over Labour Weekend, with more than 120 tamariki enjoying a day full of football, fun and whanaungatanga at Frederick Wise Park.
The Fun Day concept was first sparked by a request from Capital Football for ways to boost participation among Māori and Pasifika communities.
“A Fun Day was the best and easiest way to attract our tamariki to the sport,” explains Ulalei’s Katrina Barclay.
“But it needed to be accessible, so the support from our awesome sponsors has enabled us to run it at no cost to the families – which is crucial to its success.”
from Nixie, the Wellington Phoenix Football Club mascot, who was a big hit with the children.
The team from Free Ride were also on hand, busy tuning and fixing bikes as Ulalei continues to encourage families to travel to the park by bike or scooter.
The Fun Day has quickly become a favourite fixture in Wainuiomata’s sports calendar, attracting new families each time it’s held.
“We’ve met our initial goals – giving our tamaiti the opportunity to play soccer and increasing participation in our Monday Night Football schools competition and with Wainuiomata AFC,” says Ulalei’s Scott McLeod.
Severn
“But this Fun Day is something quite special for our Mā ori and Pasifika communities.
OF THE DAY
The event was full of highlights, including a special surprise visit
“There’s a unique wairua at this event, so it’s here to stay.” Ulalei extends its thanks to the many
At Ulalei’s third Māori and Pasifika Soccer Fun Day. Photo: Supplied. organisations, individuals, and businesses who made the day possible. Their support – including from Nuku Ora, Capital Football, Wellington Phoenix, Moana Pasifika, Deputy
Cricketers score their first win
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s premier Cricketers chalked up their first victory of the season on the afternoon of 25 October.
Playing in Wellington Cricket’s T20 competiton, Wainuiomata overtook the total set by the Wellington Collegians Cricket Express with an over and a half to spare.
Batting first Wellington Collegians reached 124 for the loss of eight wickets. Wainuiomata then reached 125 for the loss of six wickets.
Five Wainuiomata bowlers took wickets, with Abhishek Singh snaring two for 18, Logan Stoupe one for 24, Craig Foster one for 15, Tyson Thomas one for 23 and Philip Raju Mathew one for six.
innings not out and was on seven from five deliveries.
Liam McGee batted very well too, scoring 25 runs.
The morning match on 25 October did not go as well for Wainuiomata, however.
Naenae Old Boys gained a comfortable win.
Batting first Naenae scored 117 for the loss of eight wickets and then bowled Wainuiomata out for 88.
Philip Raju Mathew bowled outstandingly for Wainuiomata, taking four wickets at a cost of just nine runs from his three overs, while Loyus Edwin took two wickets for 14.
Dijo John was the best of the batsmen with 26 runs.
out for 92, Johnsonville overtook their score with the loss of just once wicket.
Gurpreet Singh, who was one of Wainuiomata’s top socrers with 18, took the only Johnsonville wicket to fall at a cost of 26 runs.
Captain Craig Foster top scored for Wainuiomata with 19 and Vice Captain Ryan Jackson scored 18.
Wainuiomata lost a close encounter against the Sir Lankan Sports Club in the afternoon match.
Batting first, Wainuiomata reached 125 for the loss of six.
The Sir Lankans replied with 126, also for the loss of six wickets.
Required in Area 1: Momona, Mohaka, Kawatiri - Kaponga.
Roshan Sugthan starred with the bat for Wainuiomata, scoring 40 not out from just 34 deliveries.
Tyson Thomas also finished the
Wainuiomata did not fare well in its first two T20 matches of the season on 18 October.
They lost the morning encounter to Johnsonville.
After bowling Wainuiomata
CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD
Captain Craig top scored with 43, Elvis Peter added 25 and Ryan 24.
Wainuiomata ran out four players and James Riley and Gurpreet took a wicket each.
Mayor Keri Brown, Ginny Andersen MP, New World Lower Hutt, Pak n Save Petone, Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and New Zealand Football – ensures that the event remains
free and open to all. With smiles all around and plenty of goals scored, the Ulalei Soccer Fun Day once again proved that sport, community and culture make the perfect team.
By Russell McQuarters
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Chaos(inf) (5)
ACROSS
Result (5-6)
1. Result (5-6)
& 1 ACROSS. Make a great effort (4,3,3,3,5)
Scoundrel (7)
Should (5)
Scoundrel (7)
Pulls (5)
Pulls (5)
Delicacy (7)
Deviousness (7) 13. Excellent (5)
Enormous (5)
Made known (9)
Vital (9)
Alert (9)
Very happy (6)
Gratifies a desire (7)
Leg joint (4)
Groove (3)
Tree (3)
Boxing match (4)
Stake (4)
So (9) 16. Directs (6) 18. Skull (7) 21. Disorder (4) 23. Racket (3) 25. Take by sips (3) 27. Stake (4)
Found (7)
Artlessness (7)
28. Artlessness (7)
Young bird of prey (6)
30. Low chair; Chaise (6)
Wield (3)
32. Expert; hand (3)
33. Insect (3)
33. Strange (3)
34. Tree-lined street (6)
35. Large,spotted animal (7)
34. Zealous (6) 35. In brisk time(music) (7) 36. U.S. state (4)
36. Young Women’s Christian Assoc (Abbr) (4)
Biblical vessel (3)
Curve (3)
37. Low tavern (3)
Cupid (4)
39. Range of knowledge (3)
41. Flat (4) 43. Prickly plant (7) 45. Most uncommon (6) 48. Essential part (in score)
Exposed to air (7) 45. Female relatives (6) 48. An endless time(Lat) (9)
Showy display of boldness (7)
58. Home (9)
49. Sent away (9) 51. Uncanny (5) 52. Rife (7) 53. Ward off (5)
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51. Angry (5) 52. Solidify by cooling (7)
Boredom (5)
Solidify by cooling (7)
Anaesthetic (5)
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Humbleness (7)
Humbleness (7)
54. Paves the way (7)
Friendship (11)
59. Lasting the entire evening (5-4) DOWN
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Friendship (11)
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1. Sound (5)
Shun (5)
Sent (11)
Sphere (3)
Restrained (8)
Casual (7)
Annual calendar (7)
1. Sound (5)
Shy (8)
2. Golf; two strokes under par (5) 3. Fortress, hold (6) 4. Elegance (5) 5. Neat (4)
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Shy (8)
Lawmaking body (11)
Inn-keeper (8)
Of public revenue (6)
Most secure (6)
Of public revenue (6)
Scoffs (6) 47. Manservant (6) 48. Form of expression (5) 49. Water vapour (5)
Gambol (5)
Turn outwards (5)
Agnostic (7)
Possessed (5)
Turn outwards (5)
Expect (6)
Constrict (7)
Hang (7)
Constrict (7)
Has high morals (8)
Satisfaction (8)
Has high morals (8)
Prententious language (12)
Reduce (6)
Reduce (6)
Sanction (7)
Sanction (7)
(6)
Answer (5) 10. Large battleship (11)
(7)
Seabird (3)
(5)
Audacity (5)
Audacity
Arrange in steps (7)
(7)
Small budget; -string (4) 19. Sovereign (6)
‘Old Blue Eyes’ Frank (7)
Competitor (5)
(7)
Pragmatic person (7)
Austere, -laced (6)
(7)
Shimmer (7)
Left handed people(inf) (9) 51. Angry (5)
N.Z. Prime Minister 1975-84 Sir Robert (7)
Boils (7)
Sensible (4-8)
Catch (3)
Confer holy orders upon (6)
Group of whales (3)
Uninvited guest (4-7)
Topic (5)
Vehicle (3)
Uninvited guest (4-7)
By Russell McQuarters
(7)
Wainuiomata Captain Craig Foster, who has been performing well with the bat and the ball in the opening matches of the 2025 season. Photo: Supplied.
Wedding Expo at Pioneer Church
Pioneer Church on Coast Road is hosting a Wedding Expo on Sunday 7 November from 11am to 4pm.
The expo is being held in conjunction with Heritage Month when all heritage buildings in New Zealand open their doors to the public. More than 40 weddings have been held at the lovingly restored church since 2013 when it reopened after extensive renovations.
Many of the general public have already attended one of the many events held there.
The Wedding Expo is an opportunity to see the church as it is decorated for all weddings, with white sprays in place at the end of every pew and other floral arrangements in place on the lectern.
There will also be information available from many other local suppliers who specialise in providing services to the brides on this wonderful occasion.
If you or a member of your family is planning a wedding in the future this is an ideal opportunity to see the church in all its finery. If not just come along to admire the decorations. As always the Pioneer Church committee is
Don’t keep pests as pets
Greater Wellington Regional Council is asking people not to keep pest species as pets.
The regional council is aware of small numbers of people who are taking possums into their homes and keeping them as pets, says Greater Wellington’s manager of environment operations Myfanwy Hill.
“Possums pose a serious threat to native birds and plants.
“No one in the community should consider them pets,” Myfanwy says.
“Domesticated possums may escape and destroy wildlife and keeping them undermines our broader conservation efforts.
“We work hard to ensure native flora and fauna can thrive and be protected from pests such as possums.
“When they are kept as pets it puts the health of our eco-systems seriously at risk.”
Predator Free Wellington has been hugely successful in recent years, eliminating pests from the Miramar Peninsula and is making substantial progress in the next phase of its work, moving westward into the city.
Predator Free Wellington Project Director James Willcocks says communities have been integral to the success which should not be undone by a handful of people trying to make pets out of pests.
“People keeping possums as pets could deal a major blow to the hard work of so many in our communities over decades,” James says.
“Possums damage our trees, eat birds’ eggs and can spread tuberculosis.
“With Greater Wellington we’ve made great strides, removing possums from our region, so we ask that people look at the bigger picture, instead of trying to domesticate pests.”
Keeping pets safe during fireworks
Guy Fawkes day, 5 November, is nearly here, bringing with it the familiar bangs, whistles and shrieks of fireworks.
While a great occasion for many people, it can be a distressing time for the 4.4 million pets living in New Zealand.
Every year it results in a significant number of pets getting injured.
“I’ve witnessed broken teeth, torn limbs (especially toes and pads), damaged eyes, torn ears, and deep penetrating wounds from glass, including one that pierced the chest and lacerated a lung,” says Dr Cath Watson, veterinarian and Healthy Pets New Zealand Trustee.
“I’ve also seen dogs hit by cars while fleeing in panic, and horses badly tangled in fences.
“These incidents can tragically result in death or euthanasia,” she says.
“Fireworks season always brings a spike in problems,” says Michelle Le Long, COO of PD Insurance.
Because of this, PD Insurance has put together a series of steps people can take to prepare for the fireworks and help prevent problems.
The six steps they advise are:
1. If you plan on having fireworks, post a notice in neighbourhood online groups so your neighbours are forewarned. Perhaps even distribute a leaflet into the neighbourhood letterboxes.
2. Create a safe pet space inside that’s dark, enclosed, and filled with comforting things. Bring pets there, then close the windows and draw the blinds. Cover outdoor aviaries with a tarpaulin.
3. Help your pet relax with distractions, treats or calming sprays/wraps. Your local pet store or vet can provide you with great options for your furry family member.
4. Try to stay calm, even though it’s distressing to see your pet upset and scared. They take their cues from you, so reassure them in a comforting manner that they are always safe with you.
5. There’s always a risk your animal may bolt, so ensure they’re microchipped and tagged with your contact details. Take photos, especially of unique marks/fur patterns to help others identify them if needed later.
6. Playing calming music is another effective way to reduce anxiety. Soothing sounds such as classical music or calming playlists for pets help drown out the noise and soothe pets.
“If you’re going to use fireworks, make sure to prioritise the safety of pets and other animals,” Michelle Le Long says.
“Keep your celebrations mindful by setting off fireworks in areas far from animals, and ensure pets are secure indoors.
“By being considerate, you can enjoy your festivities while doing your best to protect the animals who can’t speak up to express their fear or ask for help.”
If your pet is showing extreme reactions to loud noises, especially if it’s worsening over time, don’t wait for them to grow out of it, get help, Dr Watson says.
“Talk to your vet about medication, nondrug tools and strategies.
“A referral to a veterinary behaviorist can be money well spent to avoid costly recovery later.”
The common bush-tailed possum
Trichosurus vulpecula. Photo: Supplied.
Pioneer Church decorated for a wedding about to begin. Photo: Supplied.
Matthew and Kimmy during their wedding at Pioneer Church. Photo: Supplied.