By Frank Neill
Khandallah diver Ross Miller won one gold medal and one bronze medal in the Pacific Junior Championships, held in Wellington this month.
The year 12 Onslow College student’s gold medal came in the Boys A platform event. He secured a bronze medal in the Boys A 3 metre dive.
Continued on page 2.
Miller in action. Photo: Suplied.
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The Pacific Junior Championship featured divers from Australia and Singapore as well as New Zealand.
“At the Pacific Juniors I went really well,” Ross says.
“I was pretty stoked with the scores and the results.”
Ross’s podium performances at the Pacific championship followed him winning two gold medals and one silver medal in the Diving New Zealand National championships, held in Auckland this month.
He won a gold medal in the Boys A platform.
He then teamed up with Sophie Derbyshire to win gold in the mixed synchro 3 metre dive.
Ross’ silver medal came in the Boys A 3 metre event.
Ross posted personal best performances in both the 3m and the platform, and broke a score of 400 on both boards.
His five medals came during a very successful season.
Ross was selected in the New Zealand team for a Junior Elite springboard/platform diving trip to Europe in April 2025.
“I had an epic month in Europe,” he says.
“I went to the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway, competing at the British Junior Elite Nationals, the Dresden International Youth Meet and the Bergen Open,” Ross says.
“I was pleased to post a personal best in Dresden and got better as the month progressed.
“That was a very big opportunity for me and I was very grateful to be on that trip with all the other divers from Auckland.
“I was the only one from Wellington.”
Ross’s aim now is to qualify for the Junior World Championships next year.
“At the Pacific Juniors I was 23 points off qualifying for the junior worlds so that’s a big goal for me for the next year.”
More broadly, Ross has goals of competing internationally, including moving into the open category, “looking at the Commonwealth Games and eventually aiming for the 2028 or 2032 Olympics”.
Ross began diving when he was 7 years old “and now I am 16.
“I’ve been diving for a very long time, the majority of my life.
“I’m pretty dedicated to the sport,” he says.
Ross dives for the Wellington Diving Club, the only diving club in the capital. It is based at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre in
Kilbirnie, which is the only pool in Wellington with all the diving platforms used in competition. He also dives for Diving New Zealand in international events.
I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.
There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.
Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
Having just spent a period in our public hospital, I had the time to make a few observations. First, there is still considerable goodwill among staff, and that is a desire to do the right thing not only by the patient, but by the system, i.e. a desire to make sure things are working well. I often think goodwill is an underrated commodity. If you break everything down into its component parts, cost out every activity and task, you fail to cost in something which is an integral component of making sure things work. And that is what I worry is happening not only in health, but across the whole public sector. If people stop caring about anything but what is in front of them, quickly the cost savings sought are lost, because you have to hire more people to do the jobs that
previously staff goodwill meant just got done; it doesn’t matter who’s job it was or is.
I hear politicians speaking at length about finding savings in every corner of every department.
runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.
Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.
They obviously don’t understand or value the goodwill component, especially in service professions like health, education, and law and order. While breaking everything down into its component bits, it’s essential to have oversight by someone who really understands the business and has worked in it.
The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meetdemand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.
That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.
There’s plenty to be getting on with.
I don’t see those people in decision making roles currently. Good will is something you don’t recognise until it’s gone. Those involved in our health system still have it, but nothing should be taken for granted.
By Frank Neill
Residents have “ alarmingly low public confidence in the Wellington City Council” a new survey shows.
Conducted by Wellington-based digital agency TAG using its proprietary AskKnowGrow platform, the survey ran from 23 June to 23 July.
The survey gave the Council a Brand Health Score of just 27 out of 100.
A very high 83% of respondents expressed negative sentiment toward the Council. Other key findings were:
38 responses.
waste, and public transport 26.3%.
recognition): Ray Chung 38.4%, Andrew Little 33.6%, undecided 13.0%.
The survey used targeted social media ads to reach a statistically significant cross-section of Wellington residents.
887 completed the survey.
“We launched AskKnowGrow to give brands and organisations a real-time pulse on public sentiment,” says Tom Reidy, Founder of TAG.
moment to ask Wellingtonians what they really think.”
The overwhelming negativity and low trust levels suggest Wellingtonians are demanding more transparency, fiscal accountability and focus on core services.
The results also highlight a clear desire for leadership that listens and acts, and for a City Council that delivers on the basics before pursuing broader ambitions.
“We’re not running any campaigns in the
“But as Wellingtonians ourselves, it’s hard to ignore the message in the data.
they’re looking for someone who will put the community first.”
By Felicity Wong
Last week I showed postcards of Victorian and Edwardian Wellington to a class of Victoria University students.
The course used to be taught by historian, author, and built heritage advocate, the late Dr Ben Schrader.
Dr Schrader’s terrific book “The Big Smoke” is a history of urban New Zealand.
As the Stout Fellow at Victoria University he was writing another book about heritage and cultural issues when he succumbed to a too-early death from cancer.
To understand Dr Schrader’s motivation the students watched a 1983 15 minute TVNZ documentary “Hometown Boomtown”.
It records the shocking demolition of Wellington’s central business district, the city in the old postcards.
The documentary is available at https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/ hometown-boomtown-1983.
Wellington City Council had given building owners 12 years to strengthen the city and then demolished the city in a man made event.
In the documentary Mayor Michael Fowler says “preservationists would have this city fall down
around the ears of its citizens” and “most of those people would have lived their lives of perception in times of little change”.
He adds “it had to happen and it will continue for another 10 years”.
The documentary features young property developer Bob Jones, (who died an extremely rich man this year) saying “we are becoming a mini New York”.
The destroyed brick and concrete Victorian city had itself replaced an earlier wooden town.
Only a few old wooden buildings remain in the CBD.
One is the magnificent Old Government Buildings opposite Parliament (1876) but there remains only a single wooden shop at 134 Willis Street (near Boulcott Street).
There’s a tiny cottage surrounded by car parks at 16 Walter Street, and a couple of wooden houses in Ghuznee and Jessie Streets.
One is the former home of Councillor Ray Chung and his nine siblings.
The nearby old Chinese Frederick and Haining Streets (recorded in a photo at Moore Wilson’s) are almost entirely demolished.
Only the old Chinese Mission remains and the owner plans to see it demolished.
The early wooden town disappeared under the Victorian “Empire City” of Wellington.
The students marvelled at the postcards showing an old city that looked more like Paris or London.
When it was being demolished Dr Schrader was a student at Onslow College cycling around it, deeply affected by his observations.
He devoted his career to thinking about, and articulating why old buildings matter.
He reflected on memory, belonging and continuity of residents’ lives, identity, history and architecture.
What building remains from your childhood and younger self?
The few grand and elaborate old
city buildings in Lambton Quay, Featherston Street, Willis Street and Manners Street were “saved” by a young Minister of Conservation Hon Helen Clark (in the 1984 Labour Government).
She arranged “heritage protection orders” on the Old BNZ (now fancy shops), the Public Trust Building (now home to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage), and several other remnants of grand Victorian Wellington.
Current standards once again mean the CBD has more than 500 “earthquake prone buildings”.
Many have been strengthened at least once already and cause financial stress and anguish to building owners.
Many office towers are partially or fully empty.
The older podium style buildings allow natural light inside, but many others have large floor plates and adjacent gloomy buildings so are not suitable for residential conversion.
The current government has extended the time frame for strengthening and is considering a more pragmatic, risk based approach.
Should a church only used for an hour or so a week be strengthened to the same standard as apartments
people live and sleep in?
Wellington’s new sludge plant was enormously costly and over engineered to withstand an apocalypse, but it’s a human waste plant. Such questions have been asked by Councillor Ray Chung for nearly three years.
He proposed an enquiry into the Town Hall cost blow out, rejected by fellow councillors.
Invisible, under floor old beams should not have not have been “saved” while renovating that building.
Adaptive re-use and cost effective solutions for heritage buildings are a better option.
Whanganui (with only 2.2% rates rise compared to Wellington’s 31% in the past two years), leads the way with such an approach to heritage.
Dr Schrader was an early advocate of adaptive reuse and creative solutions.
He extended his interest to modernism and the only modernist high rises from that post war era, notably the re-use of the Gordon Wilson Flats.
He advocated for the building owned by Victoria University to be re-used as high density student accommodation, not taken to the tip.
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This past weekend, St Anne’s Anglican Church in Northland marked 120 years since its first services in the church built in Woburn Road (now a house).
The anniversary festivities brought together parishioners, neighbours and friends for a community dinner on Saturday 26 July, featuring shared stories and warm fellowship in the hall.
A celebratory service on Sunday morning led by Rev Mel McKenzie highlighted the person
of St Anne and the lessons that could be learned from past and present parishioners.
Musicians Karel van Helden and a brass quintet provided uplifting music.
“Reaching our 120th year is a testament to the faith and generosity of generations of Northland families.,” Rev McKenzie said.
“We’re grateful to celebrate our shared history and look forward to deepening our community connection in the decades ahead.”
A newly released book – St Anne’s 120 years: Inspiring Stories – narrates a history of the parish within Northland and some of the ways or working together that form St Anne’s today.
Copies cost $20 and are available by emailing StAnnesTreasurer@gmail.com.
The parish continues to welcome people from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of belonging and care across the suburb.
St Anne’s has a website: www. stannesnorthland.org.nz.
A reminder that nominations for the Onslow School Board close at 12pm on Wednesday the 6th August.
You’ve still got time to think about nominating someone, or yourself, to be on the Onslow College Board. Nominations can be made here: https://app.electionpilot.nz/elections/onslow-college/1183
Timetable for the Onslow School Board Election:
Close Supplementary Roll - Monday 4th August
Nominations Close - 12 noon on Wednesday 6th August
Voting Papers Issued - Wednesday 13th August
Election Day - Wednesday 10th September (Poll Closes 4pm)
Count Votes & Declare Results - Tuesday 16th September
Genesia Girls, a Wellington youth initiative led by some Newlands College young women, held a highly successful Hackathon at Xequals in Cuba Street on 26 and 27 July.
The weekend, attended by 26 female high school students, revolved around healthcare solutions using Digital Technologies.
With projects such as predictive apps preventing burnout, localised databases of currently existing healthcare options, and websites to help reduce hospital waiting times, a wide range of solutions were found and pitched to a panel of experienced judges from the technology sector.
The winning team, CAS, created a demonstration of a game targeted towards Year 7s and 8s encouraging healthy hygiene habits to reduce the rates of respiratory illnesses in young people, thereby reducing pressure on hospitals.
The members of the winning team, Angela Anish, Chelsea Wong and Samaire Fern, demonstrated a strong understanding of user needs, implementation processes and pitching techniques, the judges said.
‘Best Pitch’ went to the team Microwaved Anomaly for an impressive and convincing
pitch of their product to help individuals track their health.
‘Best Use of Technology’ went to Jamba for their original website coded using HTML and CSS.
Some participants also received spot prizes for their significant individual contributions to their team’s final solution.
Parents, mentors, helpers and participants reacted very positively about the event.
“For me, the best part was having one of our shy year 9 MiniDevs declare, with animated excitement, she had decided on a career in tech,” says supervisor and assistant Marianne Malstrom. Participants described the event as “amazing”, “fun” and “inspiring”. Genesia Girls conducted a survey which showed an average enjoyability rating of 4.43/5 from the responding participants. TechStep ambassadors mentioned as particularly inspiring include Cat Alvarez, Joshua Kamau and Alexia Hilbertidou. The event was sponsored by TechStep and Creative HQ and led by a team of six additional high school aged girls. Additional supporting organisations included Tūhura Tech, PikPok, Xequals and Victoria University Women in Technology.
By Frank Neill
Onslow
played in the Under 15 Wellington Phoenix Academy team who won the prestigious Christchurch International Cup this month.
A dominant run saw the Phoenix score 32 times and concede just once across six matches.
That goal against them came in their very last match, the final, when they defeated Fencibles United 3-1.
They also triumphed over Palmerston North United, Nomads United, Melville United, Cashmere Technical and Northland FC on their way to the decider.
The year 10 student is now in his second year with the Wellington Phoenix Academy.
As a member of the Wellington Phoenix Academy Under 15 team, Juro competes in the Under 17 Capital Development League on Sundays. Juro also represents Onslow College in the Junior A Football team.
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Council will not be progressing the Code of Conduct complaint laid against Cr Ray Chung.
This was announced in a media release by the Council on 25 July.
Ten people wrote to the Council asking it to conduct a Code of Conduct investigation into Cr Chung in relation to an email he sent to three fellow Councillors in 2023.
In that email he recounted that he had heard from a neighbour that the Mayor, Tory Whanau, had been involved in a “bout of tempestuous sex” at a New Year’s Eve party – an allegation the Mayor denies took place.
Wellington City Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser has told the 10 complainants that he has decided to draw the matter to a close after speaking with Cr Chung and the Mayor, the Council’s media release states.
In his message to the complainants and elected members, Mr Prosser wrote that, as the Mayor was involved in the matter, it fell to him as Chief Executive to consider the complaints as required under the Council’s Code of Conduct.
“I have spoken to Cr Chung who has told me that he understands that the email constituted a lapse of personal judgement and failed to show respect for others in his role as Councillor,” Mr Prosser says.
“As a result, Cr Chung has issued a personal apology to the Mayorto acknowledge this and the harm caused.
“The Mayor advised me that she has accepted the apology from Cr Chung, and that she does not wish for a Code of Conduct investigation to
be undertaken and to instead focus on working as a cohesive council to deliver for the city for the remainder of the triennium.
“On that basis I have decided to draw this matter to a close.
“I wish to be clear that, in doing so, I am respecting the wishes of the Mayorand that personally I do not condone this behaviour ,” he said.
After the upcoming local body elections in October, Mr Prosser says, elected members will receive an induction highlighting the importance of good conduct in their role as an elected member of the Council.
“I am working with senior members of my team to ensure that this onboarding is as thorough as possible. ”
The Friends of Waip hihi Karori Stream group are rolling up their sleeves for an exciting new project behind the RSA on Campbell Street.
This area, known for its rather "aromatic" water, is about to get a major facelift.
The group plans to clean up the stream and introduce native riparian plants to improve water quality and bring back some natural beauty.
“It's a fantastic effort that promises to transform the area for all residents, par-
ticularly those who regularly use the access path between the RSA and Karori Pools,” the group says.
“This is a long term project which will take a few years and extra help to achieve, and the group invites everyone to get involved, whether through volunteering some time or just cheering them on.
“Keep an eye out for updates on their progress or put your hand up to help via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/fowks.”
Cocktails, tapas and pottery come together in this intimate new offering: a tactile experience at the Cabletop.
Guided by local potter Laila Faisal, you’ll explore the craft of pottery – designing your own unique pieces to take home.
By Frank Neill
Wellington City Council is currently seeking community feedback on upgrading three parks – Ian Galloway Park, Wilton Park and Appleton Park.
The Council is “creating a plan that will shape a shared vision” of the three parks, it says.
It has posted information on its website, at https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/ ian-galloway-park-draft-plan, and people can have their say via this web page.
Submissions close at noon on 12 August, and the Council plans to release a final report on the upgrade of the three parks in November or December.
A new play space, improvements to the dog park a new community-scale pump track and sportsfield improvements are among the enhancements proposed for Ian Galloway Park.
Capital BMX had put forward a proposal to create a BMX track where the dog park is currently.
“Relocating the dog park would require identifying a suitable alternative site that offers the same or improved level of service, as well as funding for relocation,” the Council says.
“Following analysis, the Council has not identified a viable alternative location, so the dog park will remain in its current location.”
The Council is “proposing to explore potential dog park improvements, informed by feedback in the Dog Policy Review.”
A new neighbourhood play space is proposed for Ian Galloway Park, and the draft plan includes provision of a community scale pump track.
“The Play Spaces Policy identified that there is no basketball court provision (either half courts or full courts) in Karori,” the Council says.
“The plan supports modifying the court at Appleton Park to be multi-purpose and considering a half-court as part of the new play space at Ian Galloway Park as part of the next stage of design.”
Whether you’re planning a celebration, catch-up or team treat, this experience blends story, pottery, and fun – where cocktails meet culture.
Bookings are essential. Join us at the top. PBA.
Duration: 90-minute pottery session. You can create tealight houses, small breakfast bowls, trinket bowls, small plates, and vases. Welcome drink on arrival.
Some Wellington City Libraries branches hold free weekly movie nights.
Showing indie films, art-house flicks, documentaries and more, the movies are selected from the library's collections and are suitable for adults.
Check with the library to find out which movie is showing or just come along and be surprised.
Screenings take place every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at tari Wadestown Library, and every Tuesday from 5.45pm to 8pm at Te Awe Library on Brandon Street.
People can get free access to streaming platforms Beamafilm and Kanopy using their library card. Beamafilm has more than 2,000 international movies and documentaries, with a strong Australasian focus while Kanopy offersmore than 30,000 titles from around the world and includes Kanopy Kids.For preschool and primary aged tamariki there is also Story Box Library – streaming story times read aloud on video by amazing authors and storytellers. Head to https://www.wcl.govt.nz/ collections/elibrary/watch/ to learn more.
Providing a balanced curriculum to grow future leaders. A specialised school meeting the needs of all adolescents. To create citizens that contribute positively to the world.
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 alsolessenstheenergyneededtotreatandpumpmains water to your property. Plants also prefer rainwater.
Cost Saving:
Using rainwater for tasks like garden watering, water bills, particularly during drought periods
Elite Arboriculture is a local, family-owned and operated tree management business on the K piti Coast, offering professional arborist services across the Wellington and Horowhenua regions. Elite Arboriculture believes the mana of trees must be respected. They love giving back to the Earth by planting trees and to the community through volunteer service. Elite Arboriculture has carried out free tree work at their local preschools and kindergartens, as well as for their Free Tree Initiative, where they offer one lucky recipient arborist services of their choice at no cost. “We had a team from Elite Arboriculture working at our son’s and daughter-in-law’s place in Paek k riki today”, a happy client comments “This work was being done as a prize that Elite Arboriculture had donated to a local
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 keep
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/product-category/ garden-tanks/
competition. A great example of a local business supporting the local community… You folks are absolute stars, and we can’t recommend you highly enough”. Tree pruning and hedge trimming are important to maintain health and structure. From thinning to reductions, Elite Arboriculture can keep your trees healthy and looking their best. The team can also help with planting and mulching, assisting you in finding the right trees for the right spaces and with the right aesthetics. Trees are essential to our beautiful country’s ecosystem, but an unhealthy tree can be dangerous. If the time has come for removal, they are qualified to perform the job safely and professionally. Elite Arboriculture has a green thumb and green heart for the community and ecosystem.
Whether you are stuck for ideas or have your own and need guidance, we can help - with garden layout, structural features and plant selection. We can provide solutions for problem areas, transforming unusable areas into fully functional ones, and addressing needs for shelter and privacy. We specialise in tree and plant knowledge and can advise which trees to keep and which plants grow best in your location.
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By Frank Neill
Two of the Johnsonvile Hawks – Tahana Firman and Lucas Aukuso – have been selected to play for the Wellington M ori Senior Tane Team for 2025.
This follows a very successful season for the Hawks in Wellington Rugby’s Jubilee Cup competition, where they qualified for the semi-finals.
The Hawks made the semi-final after scoring a surprise 25-20 victory over Oriental-Rongotai on 12 July.
Oriental-Rongotai went into the match as the hot favourites to win after they became first in the history of Wellington premier Rugby to both win and secure a bonus point in every match they played in the Swindale Shield and its predecessor competitions.
The Wellington M ori will play the following teams:
Park, Masterton, at 2:30pm on 2 August; piti Heartland at Playford Park, Levin, at 2:30pm on 9 August; ti Toa Domain,
Porirua, at 2pm on 16 August; ori)at Belfast Rugby Club, Christchurch, at 2:45pm on 23 August; and ti Toa Domain at 2pm on 30 August.
The Johnsonville Rugby Football Club also announced on 23 July that its premier coaching team will be returning for another season.
Dallas Paotonu will return as Head Coach, and he will be joined by Assistant Coaches Andrew Wharakura, Paul Wharakura and Andy Ellis.
For many of us, wounds are a common part of everyday life, with accidents leading to cuts and scratches, grazes, lacerations, blisters and sometimes burns.
These can happen no matter how careful we are or how organised our homes or workplaces can be. A wound occurs when a physical injury to the body breaks the skin or a mucous membrane.
The body responds immediately and begins repairing the wound with the skin closing up and trying to return to normal as soon as possible. The time of repair may only be needed for a very short time and last for a matter of days or it may need to continue for weeks and months, depending on the type and size of the injury.
In the past many wounds have been “fixed” with a plaster, the multipurpose plastic dressing strip. These are fine for small scratches and cuts but there are now many more dressings available for the different types of wounds that can occur.
In the past it was believed that wounds should be kept dry but now it is recommended that to help a wound heal well it should be kept moist. This is because a moist wound environment allows the skin cells to grow more quickly, thus healing and returning to normal in much less time.
The aim of wound care is to stop any bleeding, prevent infection and to restore the health of the tissue. With any wound once any bleeding is stopped it needs to be cleaned. If it is already a clean wound then warm running water or gauze soaked in saline is appropriate to be used.
Next dry the area and apply the dressing.
the wound does not become infected. It is necessary in these cases to use an antiseptic to wash the area and remove unwanted particles and debris. Talk to your Self Care pharmacist about which antiseptics are available and how to use them.
It is important to try and prevent infection from occurring but if the area of the wound becomes swollen, red, hot and angry then it may be infected and you will need to see your doctor regarding antibiotics.
Wounds caused by burns may occur due to sunlight, flames from fire, scalds, chemical or electrical sources. The affected area must be cooled immediately under cold running tap water for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The use of ice is not recommended in these cases.
Burns can be superficial affecting only the top surface layer of skin or can be much more serious affecting many layers of tissues. Blisters should not be burst and fat, lotions or ointments should be avoided.
There are a number of life style factors that can help with wound healing such as 1) diet 2) exercise 3) medication 4) dressing type 5) warmth. Your diet can affect the speed of the healing process.
Foods associated with wound healing are protein, Vitamin C and Vitamin A and zinc and a diet enriched with these components in your diet can enhance wound healing.
Regular exercise increases blood flow, improves general health and also speeds wound healing.
prescribed will hinder wound healing. Wounds that are dressed and kept warm heal faster. Dressings also need to be kept clean so change as necessary, usually not every day but maybe every few days depending on its condition.
See your Self Care pharmacist about the many types of dressings that are available and the most appropriate one for a particular wound or for your first aid kit. Also ask for the Pharmacy Self Care “Wound Care” card to take home and share with the family.
However if the wound is unclean and is contaminated with any dirt, gravel or foreign bodies then these need to be removed so that
Medication that affects wound healing includes anti-inflammatory drugs as these can interfere with the body’s natural healing process and hamper the action of immune system cells. Talk to your pharmacist about your medication to see if any that you are
Prepared by Pharmacy Self Care, Pharmaceutical Society of NZ Inc, Grand Arcade Tower, level 10, 16-20 Willis St, Wellington 6142.
T he Forgotten World H ighway, also known as S tate H ighway 43, is a 155km scenic route connecting S tratford and Taumarunui. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, historic settlements, and winding roads that offer a step back in time.
T he highway is also notable for its single-lane Moki Tunnel and the dramatic Tangarakau G orge.
T he R epublic of Whangamomona is a small settlement on the H ighway which came about after government boundary changes.
It is a popular tourist destination, especially during its biennial R epublic Day celebrations, which attract thousands of visitors.
With access to two national parks, stunning parks and walkways, a spectacular heritage trail, and countless opportunities to explore arts and culture, Stratford offers a lot to see and do for all ages.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours, a weekend, or the whole season, every moment in the Stratford district is time well spent. Checklist for the curious…
Shakespearean links throughout town, a must stop is Stratford’s Glockenspiel Clock
Tower – this one of a kind clock has Shakespeare’s most famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, emerge for the balcony scene, reaffirming their vows of love four times a day at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm.
hanga Ki Whakaahurangi - Stratford Discovery Trail.
Stratford’s urban parks and reserves as you wind your way around Carrington Walkway. Just a stone’s throw from the centre of town, you can start at the historic Malone
The name Taumarunui is reported to be the dying words of the
from the sun, or more commonly known to mean – “The place of big shelter”. There are also references to Taumarunui being known as a large sheltered location for growing kūmara.
Taumarunui is best known for its railway history, farming, weaving, golf, and more recently, cycle trails. Taumarunui was origi-
with the Whanganui..
It’s a great base for exploring Whanganui and Tongariro Nation-
h: 06 216 5011
Carpark.
Thomson Gallery - and don’t forget to exit special from our local Taranaki creators.
boards for a wheelie good time at Victo-
ketball court.
ic of cinematic history at the iconic TET King’s Theatre - the first theatre to play the ‘talkies’ in the southern hemisphere! For everything you need to know about eating, playing, and staying in Stratford, contact the wonderful team at the Stratford L ibrary and Visitor Information Centre.
Info@stratford.govt.nz 06 765 5403
By Frank Neill
The design of the new Blue Plaque for the Ngaio Town Hall has been unveiled.
The Blue Plaque is to be placed on the hall to mark its 100th birthday, due to be celebrated with an afternoon tea at the hall at 2pm on Sunday 3 August.
Viv Chapple, Chair of the Ngaio Town Hall Joint Centenary Committee, is keen to update the community regarding the Blue Plaque fundraising initiative.
“We are almost there! Just $300 to go,” Viv says.
“If we are unsuccessful by Sunday (afternoon tea, 2pm, at the hall, bring a plate if you are willing), then we will be whipping a hat around.
“As you can see from the photo, after a great deal of earnest discussion the wording has changed – all will be revealed on Sunday.
“Also, to those kind people who have donated, for whom the committee doesn’t have an email address, do please come and make yourselves known on the day,” Viv says.
People can make a donation to the Ngaio Town Hall Blue Plaque at NCDRA 12-32230086781-00 with their name and Blue Plaque for the Reference.
Blue Plaques are an initiative of Historic Places Aotearoa which aims to identify places of significance around the country.
The Ngaio Town Hall plaque will be the third in Wellington behind Randell Cottage in Thorndon and
Photo: Supplied.
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St Peter’s in Willis Street and a first for a Wellington City Council building.
The 3 August centenary celebration is being hosted by the Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association (NCDRA) in conjunction with the Onslow Historical Society, and with the goodwill of Wellington City Council.
The Ngaio Town Hall was offically opened on 1 August 1925. It became a reality following pressure from a newly established
ratepayers group – the Ngaio Progressive Association, the forerunner of today’s Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association.
The grand opening of the hall took place on Saturday 1 August 1925 with a vaudeville concert and speeches from dignitaries including the Mayor, Charles Norwood.
That saw the social and cultural life of Ngaio inhabitants and others really get under way and that has not stopped.
By Hamish Wareham
Round 14 of Football’s 2025 women’s central league competition was headlined by one fixture on 26 July between third placed Petone and fourth placed Waterside Karori at Memorial Park. With table topping Wellington United already having their second title in as many years already locked up and Phoenix Reserves who get an automatic national league spot sitting in second on the table, Saturdays’ third versus fourth clash would go a long way to
working out who takes the second spot from the Capital region. The sides were meant to have already met once this season.
However due to the ever present rain and the uselessness of Karori Park the game was abandoned and postponed before it could get under way.
A scoreless first half took place at Memorial Park, before a 15th goal of the season from Pepi Olliver-Bell opened the scoring for the team in blue in the 53rd minute.
Renee Bacon equalised with a
85th minute free kick that went through the gloves of Petone goalkeeper Aoife Gallagher-Forbes and into the back of the net as points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
Waterside Karori and Petone meet again on Saturday 16 August.
This weekend's action sees Wellington United host Petone on Friday night at Newtown Park.
The Wharfies travel to Napier to face Taradale on Sunday.
Elsewhere Palmerston North United host Victoria University, Phoenix take on Palmerston North Marist and Miramar Rangers host
The Khandallah Bowling Club has been named the 2025 Club of the Year by Bowls Wellington.
This was announced at the annual awards presentation by Bowls Wellington, which looks after bowls throughout the Wellington region which includes K piti and the Hutt Valley.
“This honour bestowed has been well earned and is accepted gratefully,” the club says.
“Our club was announced as Wellington Bowling Club of the Year. Why? you may ask.
“The Club’s Bowls Committee and Match Committee would say it is because our performance in matches and our results in Wellington com-
petitions has improved so much.
This is true.
“Our all weather and year-round artificial Green helps.
“The Facilities Committee and Beautification group would say it is because our clubhouse and grounds have improved so much and our environment is so pretty and relaxing. This also is true. “Visiting teams certainly like the setting and enjoy our native trees and thriving birdlife.
“All members would answer that it is because of the great atmosphere in the club – friendliness, social links, the amount of laughter on our relaxed Club roll-up days, our galas, etc etc. This is all very true and makes Khandallah Bowling Club such a
welcoming place for people.
“If any reader in and near the Khandallah area has been thinking about taking up a sport, do consider Lawn Bowls as you can achieve good results regardless of age, gender, and past record in sport.
“You can contact Khandallah Bowling Club Secretary or President, or just turn up to the club on Woodmancote Road at 9am on a Tuesday or Friday morning (throughout the year) and inform one of the bowlers present that you are thinking of taking up bowls. “They will see you are looked after,” the club says. People can contact the President Keith Scott on 027 499 0272, or the Secretary Bruce Beveridge on 027 464 8164.
Thanks to Karori Rotary Club support almost 1,000 tamariki aged 5 and 6 have laced up their boots for the first time, thanks to a community-driven initiative that’s bringing Football to schools across the region.
The free junior football tourna-
ments are co-ordinated by Little Dribblers and have now reached 17 schools across Wellington.
As well as the Karori Rotary Club, the tournaments are supported by KHHS Landscaping and the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust..
For many five-year-olds, it was
W R O O R C S D S
their first-ever taste of the beautiful game: pulling on team bibs, chasing their first goal and discovering the joy of teamwork.
“The best sign? Hearing the noise crank up a notch as the tournament rolled on – kids yelling, laughing, totally caught up in the kaupapa
ACROSS
1. Effect (11)
7. Took into consideration (7)
11. Debate (5)
12. Chides(7)
13. Express(opinion) publicly (5)
14. Relieve from anxiety(3,2,4)
15. Illicitly distilled whisky(9)
16. Aircraft shed(6)
18. Officiate(7)
21. Irritates(4)
23. Shelter from wind (3)
25. Wear down(3)
27. Quantity of paper(4)
28. Collapsible paper light. Chinese (7)
30. Quiet(6)
32. Tune(3)
33. Goddess of mischief (Grk myth) (3)
34. Sheep’s wool(6)
35. Attribute(7)
36. Sundry items, and ends(4)
37. Night before(3)
39. Weep(3)
41. Without firmness(4)
43. Precisely(7)
45. Almost(6)
48. Neglect(9)
Moturoa, all on Sunday.
Other women’s central league results from the weekend saw Miramar Rangers beat Palmerston North United 1-0, Wellington United beat Wellington Phoenix Under 18s 3-0, Moturoa beat Taradale 1-0 and Palmerston North Marist kept Victoria University stranded at the bottom of the table with a 1-0 victory with an 88th minute winner.
Almost all regular men’s top level football took a break on the weekend, except the eight sides remaining in the Chatham Cup
competition.
Overtime was the theme of the weekend as three out of four games went into extra time as Wellington Olympic saw off Western Suburbs 3-2 after Suburbs scored twice late to force an extra half an hour. Up north, Eastern Suburbs beat Fencibles 2-0.
In the South Island Auckland United came from 2-0 down to beat Christchurch United 4-2 in extra time and Nelson Suburbs eliminated heavy favorites Birkenhead 2-1 at Saxton Fields, also in extra time.
right to the final whistle,” says organiser Tony Morrison of Little Dribblers.
“The atmosphere was electric – not just for the kids, but for teachers, parents and volunteers alike.
“That’s a win for Football, for
49. Lead(attack)
51. Giraffe-like animal(5)
52. Phoenix is its capital(7) 53. Open(5) 54. Raise(7)
55. Miserly people(11)
DOWN
1. Stylish excellence (5) 2. Songbird(11) 3. Ultimate(8) 4. Tumult(6) 5. Lordly(5) 6. Igloo dwellers(7) 7. Steals away(8) 8. Maintain contact with(6) 9. Combatant(7)
Evade(5)
Injurious(7)
Soothe(7)
Scolds(5)
Oriental(7)
Meet wishes of(7)
Head of corn(3)
Unrealistic
community wellbeing and for healthy activity,” Tony adds. “And our sponsors made it happen.” With more tournaments booked in Lower Hutt, Whitby and beyond, the initiative is set to keep growing – and so are the smiles.
33. The alphabet(3)
Annual(8)
Knead(7)
Of the heart(7)
Part of the eye(6)
Abscond(6)
Becomes old fashioned (5)
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