Wednesday April 30, 2025
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata came together at the 2025 Anzac parade and service that began at 11:30am on 25 April.
The town centre was filled with people to remember the many who have served during war time.
Continued on page 2.
The front of the ANZAC parade, approaching the war memorial.
Frank Neill.
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Continued from page 1
The parade, featuring veterans, uniformed services, voluntary corps and school representatives, marched along Te Ara Raukura to the Wainuiomata War Memorial in Queen Street.
The Anzac service, held around the war memorial, followed.
Arakura’s School Tumuaki/ Principal Tute Mila presented the guest Anzac address and Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry presented the civic Anzac address.
“At every Anzac I think about the mothers whose husbands and sons never returned from war,” Ms Mila said.
“There are so many lessons to learn by looking back at the past, but incredibly there are many leaders in our world who don’t seem to have looked back far enough to learn and instead are risking a repetition of the worst parts of our human history.
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“I worry what their actions and inactions might bring for all of us, what impact it might have in the immediate and long term future, and as a mother, it really worries me what it might mean for my daughter, serving in the Navy.
“And while we enjoy peace here in Wainuiomata, there are thousands upon thousands in other parts of our world living under the tyranny of war.
“So the call of Pope Francis to continue efforts for a just and lasting peace couldn’t be more
relevant.
“Anzac day is one day in the calendar year that we come together as communities all around the motu to remember and honour the fallen Anzacs and the veterans who carry the living memories of their fellow comrades.
“We gather to remember that values such as freedom, democracy, liberty, equality, inclusion and peace should never be taken for granted.
“While Anzac day with all its ceremony touches our hearts into quiet reflection, I think the way we truly give honour to our Anzacs are in the other 364 days of the year.
“We have what Anzacs no longer have – that is, time.
“They made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives believing that what they were fighting for was for the good of humanity, to create a better world, even if they themselves never saw it.
“Today it is now our time as kaitiaki of our world and we have the gift of time.
“Therefore what are we doing with the time we are given?
“How are we contributing to building a just and peaceful world which Anzacs fought for?
“And what legacy are we creating with our lives?” Ms Mila asked.
“This Anzac day, let’s reflect on how we can build the kind of community and world worthy of the bravery and sacrifice made
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to fight for and build a better world for our children and for all the generations to come,” Ms Mila said.
“N reira, t n koutou, t n koutou, t n koutou katoa.”
“To the veterans among us and to those who still serve in our armed forces we offer our gratitude,” Mayor Barry said in his speech.
Hutt-based MP Ginny Andersen laying a wreath during the Anzac day service. Photo: Frank Neill. by Anzacs, a community and world that cares, that is inclusive, that connects people with each other so they know they are safe and they belong, where families, as the building block of communities, are healthy and thriving, and where we value and uphold the dignity and mana of each other, from our babies to our senior citizens alike.
“This is our time as kaitiaki to make a difference.
“Let’s learn from the past so we can commit to creating a better humanity for all.
“Let’s carry the spirit of Anzac not just today on the 25th of April but for all 365 days of the year,
“Your service has helped shape the freedom we enjoy today.
“While Gallipoli often sits at the heart of our remembrance, it is just one chapter in a much larger story.
Continued on page 3
By Frank Neill
Love Wainuiomata is currently in the strategic planning process, its Co-ordinator Chastity Card told the April meeting of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
“Our plan will shape us for the next three years,” she said.
“I don’t have the answer yet for what’s happening ... [but] we do have projects in the mix ... [and] there are lots of exciting things.”
In the lead up to developing its strategic plan, Love Wainuiomata was advised to conduct a survey of the community to find out what the community wants.
“We surveyed the community for three weeks and we got over 1,100 submissions,
which is great,” Chastity said.
Love Wainuiomata was now using social media as a communication tool.
The Love Wainuiomata Facebook page had more than 500 followers.
A recent post on the page was viewed by 28,000 people.
“Social media is a real engine room in what we do and how we do it.
“With the growing population of Wainuiomata, our key focus at the moment is business.
“There are lots of businesses opening.”
Love Wainuiomata was running the Wainui Connections business breakfast, which was about providing a platform for key stakeholders in the community, Chastity said.
“We remember those who faced brutal winters and heavy artillery on the Western Front and those who stood firm at El Alamein in the deserts of North Africa.
“These were moments of immense courage, written not only in history books, but also in family stories and collective memory,” the Mayor said.
“Anzac day isn’t just about looking back.
“It’s also a time to reflect on what we stand for today.
“The legacy of the Anzac’s is one of standing up against cruel authority, defending democ-
By Kate Halsall
I am a support worker here in the great Wainuiomata.
A lot of people don't know about us or the work we do until they have an accident or experience ongoing health issues.
People like me quietly go from home to home looking after the elderly and people who need help, some for the rest of their lives.
We do simple things like helping with medication, all the way through to complex spinal and palliative care.
What a lot of people also do not understand is we are paid the minimum wage to do this essential work, at inconvenient and unsociable hours 24/7, 365 days a year.
You may say why do this job then? It's simple, we care.
And because we care deeply about our people and our community, there are organisations that take advantage of us.
Over the past two years many of us have not had a pay risefrom the companies we work for – while essentials like housing, food and utility bills have only gone up.
It particularly stings when some of our employers have received increased funding from the government.
In our collectivebargaining,our company has offered us nothing but has proposed to take away important conditions we have worked hard to get, like adequate sick leave and pay recognitions for qualifications and long tenure.
What’s more, these companiesare making clients’ times shorter with more care attached to the time, which puts more and more work on us and compromises the care we provide.
We do not get tea breaks or meal breaks. We can work more than seven hours straight.
Our phones are always ringing asking us to do more work because our employer cannot attract
racy and building lasting relationships – particularly with our close allies, like Australia, whose bond with us was born in those same trenches and battlefields.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank those who serve in our community today – the volunteers, emergency services and service organisations who carry the Anzac values into their everyday work.
“You remind us that service comes in many forms and that we are all stronger when we support one another.
“So as we remember the fallen, let us also
look forwards.
“Today, and always, we acknowledge the commitment and values of our veterans and those still serving.
“Your dedication has shaped our nation and your service will never be forgotten.
“N reira, t n koutou, t n koutou, t n koutou katoa.
“We will remember them,” the Mayor said.
A dawn ceremony was also held at the Wainuiomata war memorial in Queen Street at 6am, followed by a flag raising service at the Garden of Remembrance in Hine Street.
and retain staff at these pay rates.
The sad thing is while we are burnt out, we know if we don't to provide the care then no-one will. Clients are being let down daily.
Currently we are planning to take industrial action to demand better pay, better training and to attract more people into this industry. At the moment, people are leaving for jobs with less stress and better work conditions. You get paid more at a supermarket with no qualifications.
On 1 May, International Workers’ Day, we will be standing up for our workers’ rights and our community’s right to healthcare at Maranga Ake. Last year, this national hui saw 10,000 people come together to resist this government’s attacks on communities. We would love to see our friends and supporters from Wainuiomata join us on 1 May at Hutt Hospital to fight back together for health. There is also an event for those who wish to join us in the city at Queens Wharf. Find out more at www.together.org.nz/fight_back_together_maranga_ake. We need our local community to stand with us and help us push back against the companies that take advantage of us, so we can get the respect and resources we need to help the elderly and others in need of care. *Kate Halsall is a Wainuiomata local and support worker.
Mariah Nicholls, Kyla Pasene and Ella Sue competed in the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League tournament in Rotorua over the weekend. They helped their team take first place for the under 17 Kotiro grade for the second year in a row.
Following the matches, Kyla was selected for the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League under 17 Kotiro Tournament Team that will compete in the Pasifika Youth Cup in October. Mariah, Kyla and Ella are all students at Wainuiomata High School.
There’s still time for people to join in with Road Safety Week (12 to 18 May) and join hundreds of communities, schools and organisations running activities to help raise awareness of road safety.
Road Safety Week is co-ordinated by Brake and has the theme “Be a road safety hero”, recognising all those who are working to make our roads safer and who care for people after a crash.
Brake is encouraging community leaders, organisations and groups to visit www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/ communities for more information and to register for a free resource pack.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
Two months after taking the plunge and starting her own business Reluxe Beautè, local Wainuiomata teenager Riley
Taylor is enjoying being able to offer beauty therapy to the women of Wainuiomata, and has already expanded the list of available services as well as offering Gift Vouchers, which are proving popular for Mother’s Day gifts.
From an early age the young entrepreneur became fascinated by appearance medicine, which focuses on non-surgical treatments to enhance physical appearance and decided that this was where her future lay.
Riley is soon to complete her studies at Elite School of Beauty and is looking forward to working full-time in the industry.
The new Te Kura o Wainuiomata at Wainuiomata High School. Photo: Supplied.
Wainuiomata High School will celebrate the completion of its new Te Kura o Wainuiomata building on Friday 9 May.
“This is a significant milestone for our community, and we invite you all to come and celebrate with us,” the school says.
The celebration begins at 4pm and runs to 7pm.
“Come along to explore our beautiful new spaces, see the learning our tamariki are proud of, and enjoy the festivities,” the school says.
“We are looking forward to celebrating this special moment with you all.
“Thank you for your continued support of our kura and konga.”
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By Frank Neill
Creek catchment “are currently absolutely terrible,” Greater Wellington Regional Coun-
“Ideally they need to be cleaned up over time.
“We have a grading of a to e, where e is
absolutely terrible.
“The Wainuiomata water catchments are currently e.”
Greater Wellington Regional Council has put in a plan change to bring the catchment up to c by 2040.
However there has been a “strong push back to that” including from Hutt City Council “saying it is too expensive.
“We may find that the outcome is to raise it from e to d by 2060. said.
I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the drivers who treat the right-hand lane like their own personal driveway.
It’s truly touching to see such commitment to ignoring road rules, social convention and basic spatial awareness.
The fast lane – sorry, the overtaking lane – isn’t actually designed as a scenic cruising path for those who enjoy blocking traffic at 65 km/h. Nor is it intended as a security blanket, for just in case you get blocked in the other lane.
It’s almost poetic: the dance of the left-lane motorist slowly inching into the right lane for no apparent reason, or those who at the very earliest opportunity, hang a sharp right and head directly to the outside lane, only to stay
I want to talk about something that I believe is incredibly important — not just for those involved, but for all of us. The situation in Gaza, and why it should matter to us here in New Zealand.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its broader military aggression are driving instability that reaches far beyond the Middle East. This is not just a regional issue; it’s a global one.
Silence is not neutrality; it’s complicity. And it will backfire on us. We do not need to “fix” anything overseas, we just need to stop funding oppression.
there until it disappears back into single lane again, blissfully unaware of the vehicular conga line forming behind them. Meanwhile, actual overtakers are left pondering if perhaps they’re the crazy ones for thinking overtaking lanes are meant for – well – overtaking.
Perhaps I missed the memo?
So, to the dawdlers of the fast lane: you’re not just breaking the flow of traffic, you’re breaking hearts – including mine. Please, do us all a favour – embrace the left lane. It misses you. We all do.
Yours in left-lane loyalty.
David Blake
is invested at Mindful Money and move to an ethical fund.
nesses – Avoid companies profiting from apartheid.
movement to hold Israel accountable through economic pressure.
port PSNA, Justice for Palestine, Alternative Jewish Voices and others on social media. write to MPs, and participate in demonstrations.
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There areseveral road rules people break every driving day.
1. No indication of direction.
3.Tailgating.
4. Running red lights at intersections.
5. Going through Stop Signs.
6. The most common of allisa heavy foot on thepedal.
Here the Government is putting up the speed limit to110km/h.
The more speed, thelesschance
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7.Road rage is a big issuewith lots of impatient drivers. The trouble is this article may not reach the eyes of theguilty partiesor they can't read. If sothey may nothold a licence. Peter Wells
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By Ryan Imray
Richard Prouse Park was finally available after undergoing drainage work since October 2024 and the first game was on ANZAC Day as the Capital Premier side welcomed Miramar Rangers.
The Wainuiomata community came out to support the team with around 100 people choosing to spend the day in the sun supporting the lads.
It was a tightly contested first half and in the 31st minute, Ben Taylor latched onto a loose ball to give the home side the lead with the help of Jared Cunningham saving a penalty deep into the half.
Miramar Rangers equalised early in the second half before Flynn McCaul ignited the well known Richard Prouse roar as he fired a strike into the top corner to give the hosts the lead.
Despite missing two penalties of their own, Wainuiomata managed to hold on to their 2-1 lead and climb to fourth on the table.
Saturday 26 April saw three games at Richard Prouse Park, the first of those games being the Third Team hosting Western Suburbs.
The visitors took the lead early on and despite having a load of the possession, Wainui were unable to find the back of the net and it looked like it was heading for a narrow defeat until Curt Trotman
unleashed a 30 yard strike from the edge of the box late on to level the scores.
In one of the last kicks of the game, Jake Gribben received the ball in the box and calmly slotted it home to give Wainui a 2-1 win.
The Reserves then hosted Brooklyn United and just like the Third team, the Reserves came from behind late on to win 2-1 and go top of the league.
A headed goal from Rowan Whitfield put the sides level before Mackenzie Georgeson bent the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box and sealed the come back.
At the same time, the OCs played Naenae and their fairytale start to the season continued.
The 5-0 win helped them make it four wins from four and cement their place at the top of the league.
Elsewhere, Halfbaked Roundballs secured their first points of the season after a 2-2 draw away to Wellington United.
The Undertakers struggled for numbers due to injuries and sadly it showed as they went down 6-1 to Wellington Marist.
Pasifika Originals defeated second place Miramar Rangers 4-1 while Pasifika Old Boys had a tough day at the office going down 9-0 to Brooklyn United.
Sunday saw the Women play their
first game at home as they welcomed Petone to Richard Prouse Park and were looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season the week before.
A clinical performance in front of goal and a brilliant defensive effort helped them win 4-0 and remain top of the league.
The Chatham Cup got underway
By Frank Neill
Nominations for the 2025 Wainuiomata Spirit Awards are now open.
These awards are usually presented each year by the Wainuiomata Community Board to recognise people who have given outstanding voluntary service which has contributed to the spirit of the valley’s special community. .
Nominations close on 25 May.
Nomination forms are available at the Wainuiomata Library and can also be requested by messaging the community board’s Facebook page.
There is also an online nomination form for the ‘Spirit Awards at www.tinyurl.com/ spiritofwainui.
The 2025 awards will be presented at an awards night on Wednesday 11 June. The ceremony will be held at the Wainuiomata Library and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
No Wainuiomata Spirit Awards were presented last year.
The reason for that was because the community board did not receive any nominations. Although there had been a lot of interest in the awards that had not translated into actual nominations.
Three individuals and one group were presented with Wainuiomata Spirit Awards in 2023.
Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Ewen Heron, the President of the Wainuiomata Bowling Club Richard Morgan, Wainuiomata High School trustee Lahriane Sagaga and the #TAGS were presented their awards for the many thousands of volunteer hours they have provided in the community.
Ewen was the recipient of the 2023 Kaitiakitanga Award.
“Ewen has been a role model to many people who have come through the service
and continues to support new people into their voluntary roles ensuring they are included and empowered as they progress through the ranks within the fire service,” his citation says.
“This dedication and commitment, leaving at the sound of the siren ringing, comes at a cost, and that cost is leaving immediately to respond to the unknown, rain, hail or shine, family events, gatherings, and celebrations, then often experiencing times of sadness when they have to watch all their efforts come to a bitter end.
“He is a well-respected person in his community and also in the wider community of Wainuiomata.”
Richard Morgan received the 2023 M ramatanga Award.
“In 1990, Richard was one of the junior Rugby coaches for the Wainuiomata Rugby Club,” his citation says.
He did this for three years before moving on to Parkway College where he coached their second team and then the first fifteens.
In 1994, Richard was asked for his expertise and skills to help fundraise money for Fernlea School so they could take children on an education school trip to Napier.
From 2018 to 2022 Richard was a volunteer cancer patient driver for Wainuiomata.
Lahraine Sagaga was presented the 2023 Whanaungatanga Award.
“Lahraine has been working tirelessly in the Wainuiomata Community for many years,” her citation says.
In 2008, Lahraine joined the Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Committee and has been a player, coach, manager, scorer, social media and PR officer, club administrator, fundraising co-ordinator, basically the glue that holds Ulalei together.
In 2022, Lahraine began the UlaFit Community Fitness Classes as a way to assist in the improvement of fitness for the netball
for the new season and it saw the Wainuiomata First Team travel up to Weka Park to face K piti Coast United on 27 April.
Despite playing two games in three days, the lads put on a clinical performance winning 8-0 to put their name in the hat for the next round.
Flynn McCaul backed up his goal
on Friday by scoring four times while other goals were scored by Sam Gribben, Jack Imray, Jared Nicol and Jack Sharkey-Burns, who scored his first goal for Wainuiomata AFC.
Three days, eight games, seven wins and back at Richard Prouse Park, it was a fantastic weekend for Wainuiomata Football Club.
teams.
Lahraine was approached to sit on the Wainuiomata High School Board where she has been a trustee since 2022. During this time she coached the Wainuiomata Junior Netball Team again, after also holding this role in 2015 and 2016.
In 2023 Lahraine was approached to manage the Wellington Men’s Netball representative team and the Love Wainuiomata Board.
During 2016, Lahraine was involved in the Wainuiomata Pasifika Education Success Initiative (WaiPESI).
The #TAGS were presented the 2023 M tauranga Award.
“This award goes to a group of individuals working collectively within their own agency and leadership to achieve change,” their citation says.
The #TAGS, which stands for Holistic Action Sustainable Health Through All Generations, are a group of Rangatahi or young people that have managed to achieve big things not just locally in Wainuiomata, but also nationally.
The #TAGs were set up in 2012 by the Wainuiomata Smokefree Working Group. All rangatahi were chosen to champion the Wainuiomata Smokefree Car Campaign. They successfully lobbied Parliament to have smoking and vaping banned in cars carying people under the age of 18 years. In doing so they become the first youth group to successfully lobby for a law change.
It became illegal to smoke or vape in cars with anyone under the age of 18 years on 28 November 2021.
By Frank Neill
A late try by Andrew Wells gave the Wainuiomata premier men’s Rugby team a 31-24 victory over Johnsonville at William Jones Park on 26 April.
The home team’s first five eight intercepted a Johnsonville pass and scorched down the field to score a runaway try.
The try broke a 24-24 deadlock between the two teams in the closely fought Swindale Shield match.
Andrew then converted his try to take Wainuiomata to a seven point win.
A home team win was not looking promising at half time, when Johnsonville led 19-10.
Wainuiomata began the match well and this saw centre Tyler Tane dot down within the first five minutes of play.
Johnsonville replied with three tries and two conversions to take out a 19-5 lead.
Wainuiomata would narrow the gap before the break, however.
Andrew was again in the try-scoring action, sending through a perfect grubber kick for full back Derek Lealiifano to score.
Shortly after the second half started wing Ray Va’a scored a try to level the scores up at 19-19 only for Johnsonville to take back the lead when they dotted down.
Minutes later hooker Daniel Fiso tied up the scores again when he scored a try and then Andrew’s try topped off the see saw encounter. Kitiona Leitufia chalked up a milestone in the match, playing his 50th premier game for Wainuiomata.
After making his debut in 2022, Kitiona has become a fearless leader of the forwards pack, playing as a lock.
Wainuiomata’s next match sees them play Northern United at William Jones Park on 3 May. The premier women’s team did not have such a good day on 26 April, losing 10-42 to Marist St Pat’s. Their next match is against Paremata-Plimmerton at William Jones Park on 3 May.
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Lions took out the narrowest of victories in their premier Rugby League match against the Porirua Vikings played at Ascot Park on 26 April.
There was just one point in it, both at the half time break and at full time.
After leading 13-12 at half time, the Lions went on to win the match 25-24.
John Wharepapa-Rawiri was outstanding for the Lions, scoring two tries.
Psalms Harema and Andrew Pasene also dotted down.
Joshua Le’afa-Paki converted all four tries,
and added a dropped goal, which ended up being the difference between the two teams. The Lions have now won two of their first three matches in the 2025 competition. Only one team has done better, the Randwick Kingfishers, who have won all three of their matches. The Lions are looking to become the Wellington Rugby League champions for the third successive year. The Wainuiomata team won the Appleton Shield, awarded to the champion team, when they defeated the St George Dragons 40-30 in last year’s final, although it took extra time for the game to be decided. The Lions have a bye next Saturday, 3 May.
