Wednesday September 3, 2025
Big rates rises
By Frank Neill
Hutt City Council spending and big rates increases were the two major items Mayoral candidates spoke about at a candidates meeting in the Lower Hutt Event Centre on 1 September. All four Mayoral candidates – Brady Dyer, Karen Morgan, Prabha Ravi and Wainuiomata resident Ken Laban – addressed the meeting, which was moderated by Jehan Casinader. Continued on page 2.
Wainuiomata resident Ken Laban making his presentation during the Mayoral Candidates meeting in Lower Hutt on 1 September.
Photo: Frank Neill.
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Council living well beyond its means
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Continued from page 1
“People are very concerned about the rates and the rises,” Ken Laban told the meeting.
“People are concerned about the cost of living.
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
“While the cost of living may not be a responsibility of Council, nevertheless it has an impact on our ratepayers.”
They have to pay “rates and then on top of that they have got power and then insurances, which is killing everybody, and then all the very basics of life.”
After noting that Council rates has risen 12.6% this year and rates had doubled since 2019, Ken said: “we are living in an enviroment well beyond our means.
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“We need to make some brave calls.
“We need to seriously look at what we can do to improve the lives and increase the incomes of people living in out community – especially those on fixed incomes,” Ken said.
“We are living beyond our means.
“We all accept that.”
However getting rid of the “nice to haves” would not make much difference.
Among the other areas the Council could look at to save money would be the question “is the Hutt City Council in its current form fit for purpose?
“I would be interested to know what the cost savings would be if Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt became one council.
“At the moment there are 12 Councillors and a Mayor in Lower Hutt” and the same for Upper Hutt.
“All of a sudden if those 25 Councillors become 12 that halves the cost on the Council.
“If we have one CEO we know CEOs are on between $300,000 and $500,000.”
Ken said he was not saying that Lower and Upper Hutt should amalgamate, but it would be one of the things he would be looking at.
One of the three things that would be her main focus if elected Mayor was that “we will stop wasteful spending,” Prabha Ravi said.
“The wasteful spending is across the board,” she said.
Among examples of spending she considered waste was Council spending $300,000 on a new park in an area that would be better served by providing car parks.
Another was that “we have chosen a gold plated option of demolishing the Naenae Pool and rebuilding it for $60 million when we could have refurbished it for $20 million.
“Our city doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem,” she said.
“We need to be living within our means ... in every aspect of Council.”
Her three main values in standing were first “value for money.
“We will stop wasteful spending”
Second was a focus on basics.
“We must fix what’s broken. That means a focus on our infrastructure.”
The third was getting transport sorted.
“I’m here to listen and I’m ready for work,” Prabha said.
“We are facing future rates increases that are not sustainable,” Brady Dyer told the meeting.
“We have had to significantly increase rates over the last six years to front up to big challenges – water reform being the biggest one.” If elected Mayor he would look to making savings by, for example using Artificial Intelligence and technology to make big savings in the time it took staff to complete a series of Council activities.
“If I am elected I will lead a line-by-line review of Council spending, because true leadership means making the tough calls [and] Council needs to be much more open.” In their speeches, which followed Brady’s, both Prabha and Ken also said they would implement a line-by-line review of Council spending and they both said that this reivew would be an independent review conducted by consultants.
Karen said she would bring a proven record of success in leadership to the Mayoralty.
“This community deserves the best,” she said.
As an example of her leadership she said that when she was Principal of Taita College the school secured $32 million for a rebuilding project.
Before that there had been talk of closing the college.
“I want to bring that culture of success, that culture of support to the Council for all of us and see what we can do.
“Your voices matter.
“I want to be a Mayor that you can approach, that you can talk to, so that we can find the solutions for our city because that’s important,” Karen said.
The four Mayoral Candidates and Moderator just before they presented at the Mayoral Candidates meeting in Lower Hutt on 1 September (from left) Jehan Casinader (Moderator), Brady Dyer, Karen Morgan, Prabha Ravi and Ken Laban. Photo: Frank Neill.
Help for young cancer sufferer
Twelve-year-old Wainuiomata resident George recently found out he has leukaemia, and a Givealittle page has been set up to help him and his mother.
The page is raising funds to help with travel, daily costs, hospital support and advocacy for George and his mum, and giving George little comforts and activities to brighten his treatment journey.
People can help by donating at the Givealittle page, at givealittle.co.nz/ cause/helping-george-and-his-mumwith-his-cancer-fight.
“George and his mum have had their world turned upside down,” the Givealittle page says.
“After becoming suddenly and seriously unwell, George was rushed to hospital.
“At first, doctors suspected meningitis, but further tests showed that he has leukaemia.
“Not long after, George and his mum were transferred to Wellington Hospital’s ICU, ready for the lifeflight plane to fly them to Christchurch for an unknown period of time for treatment.
“Before this, George was a healthy, happy pre-teen with a heart full of love and a sense of humour bigger than just about any twelve-year-old you’ll ever meet.
“Creative and easy-going, he adores going to Scouts, spending time with his dog and playing games.
“George also has many younger friends who look up to him, admiring his fun, caring nature and incredible patience.
“George’s mum is his rock. Despite living with a chronic illness herself, she has always been there for her son – supporting him, encouraging him and making sure he could thrive as his full self.
“Both George and his mum are
neurodivergent, which adds extra challenges to navigating hospital environments and stressful systems.
“With very little support around them, they now face this journey largely on their own, away from home.
“George and his mum have always given their love and kindness freely to others. Now, they need a village to help hold them through this storm.
“Any contribution – big or small – will make a huge difference to keeping them safe, supported and focused on George’s fight ahead.”
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. Email them to news@wsn.co.nz. Please note that your name must also be provided in e mails.
WHS Rugby reps
Six Wainuiomata High School students will represent Wellington in Rugby this year.
The six have been selected for four Wellington Rugby squads.
Haydees Perese-Sukroo, Siobhan Sa’u and Sha-Petty Ioasa have been named in the Wellington Under 16 Girls squad. Elijah Faio has been selected for the Te Upoko o te Ika – Wellington Māori Under 18 squad.
Rysia Leota has been named in the Wellington Under 18 Girls squad.
Mariah Nicholls has been selected in the Under 18 Girls Centurions squad.
Missing girl found
A three-year old Wainuiomata girl who was reported missing was quickly found on 28 August. One of her family went outside the home and returned at around 9am to discover the girl had gone. The Police were notified, and the Police said at 11:30am that the girl had been found.
Bounce Back this Allergy Season
Spring brings us many things to smile about. Daffodils, sunnier days, baby animals and blossom trees should be things we enjoy, rather than avoid this season.
Why should you have to hide from the fresh scent of freshly mown grass and the pollen in the light of springtime air? Allergies are no joke when you’re under attack.
Take the power back with these tips to help reduce your allergy symptoms:
• Avoid being outside on humid or windy days. Anytime between 5am and 10am is when the most pollen is being release, so take extra care during this time.
• Use you weather apps. They will tell you about the daily rankings for allergens. Try www. weather.com to track pollen in Wainuiomata.
• Aim to keep your windows closed at night to avoid pollen getting inside the house.
• Your skin and hair will collect pollen during the day. Having more frequent showers will help to wash away any that has been trapped. It will also reduce skin irritations that can come from too much exposure to pollen
If you want to make the most of this season and melt away those winter blues, here at Clive’s Chemist there is a wide variety of products to manage or eliminate allergies. Our specialist team can talk to you about a plan to that you can look forward to getting out and smelling the flowers.
George and his mum in the photo on the Givealittle page.
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Little Mermaid comes to town
Wainuiomata's youth theatre, Acting Out, is back with a brand new show, several new members and the same can do attitude they always have.
With kids ranging in age from nine to 16 years, the team has been working hard on building up confidence, increasing volume, dancing in time and singing in tune.
And after a lot of practice, they're ready for an audience.
This year, they're heading “under the sea” as they bring Disney's story of “The Little Mermaid” to life.
They will be performing a shortened junior version of the Broadway stage show; one that has been specifically designed for young people to perform.
The Acting Out team are thrilled to bring the classic love story of a little mermaid who longs to be human to Wainuiomata.
"The songs and characters you
know and love are all there," says Acting Out President, Jeremy Yuile.
"We encourage you to come along, check it out and meet Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Scuttle and Flounder – not to mention our villains, Ursula, Flotsam and Jetsam."
Acting Out will be performing a total of six shows at the Wainuiomata High School Auditorium from Wednesday 24 September to Sunday 28 September.
Tickets are on sale now through the Trybooking website, https://www. trybooking.com/nz/YRI, at a cost of $10 per person.
"We know things are tough for people at the moment with the high cost of living, but we're pleased we can still offer an affordable family entertainment option for people in the first week of the school holidays", Jeremy says.
Acting Out shows often sell out so people are advised to book quickly.
LOCAL TRADES
The sea creatures in Acting Out’s production of “the Little Mermaid” (back row from left) Matthew Riches, Evie Hayes, Gia Abel-McEwen, Madison Rigby and Emily-Rose Condliffe; (front row from left) River Kearns, Indie Sue and Charlie de Kort. Photo: Supplied.
The meristers who will appear in Acting Out’s production of “the Little Mermaid” (back row from left) Leyla Atlas and Ella Daniel; middle row (from left) Millie Forward, Kailee Bright and Bonnie Lucas; and Libby Llewell (in front). Photo: Supplied.
The Pilot and Sailors will appear in Acting Out’s production of “the Little Mermaid” (back row from left) Talia Atlas, Imogen Butcher and Isabel Potiki-Williams; (front row from left) Isla Barclay, Faith Lucas (Pilot) and Taylor Usher. Photo: Supplied.
One plant for every resident
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry has delivered on his pledge to plant a native tree or plant for every resident in the city.
Mayor Barry planted the 114,000th tree – a Kōwhai in Riddiford Gardens – on 29 August,
That marked the significant milestone for Mouri Tupu Planting for the Future.
"I’m really proud we’ve achieved this citywide goal before the end of this triennium. None of it would have been possible without the community, who embraced the project and put in the work," the Mayor Barry says. Schools and kindergartens stood out in particular, the Mayor notes.
"Seeing our youngest residents take part in planting has been a real highlight."
Mouri Tupu has been so successful that it will exceed its target through a mix of council projects, community partnerships and public giveaways.
This will see around 46,000 plants in parks and reserves, nearly 29,000 delivered through major projects like Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness, Motutawa Avalon Skate Park and Tupua Horo Nuku, a further 31,500 distributed to 14 community groups, and 6,000 gifted to
more than 1,100 households during weekend giveaways.
More than 30 schools and kindergartens received around 6,000 plants through the Enviroschools programme, and approximately 1,100 new citizens received plants at recent ceremonies.
Mouri is the life force or energy present in everything, while Tupu refers to the early stages of the plant life cycle.
Mayor Barry hopes the campaign will inspire people to continue planting more trees and plants and serve as a reminder of the importance of looking after the environment.
"Trees are our environment’s lungs, and by doing more planting we can mitigate our city emissions and enhance our places and spaces.
"By planting these trees and other plants, we will leave a greener legacy for our tamariki and mokopuna and will help teach the value of protecting and enhancing our environment," he says.
He acknowledges the efforts of council staff, community groups, mana whenua partners, schools, volunteers and every local who picked up a spade.
and carve your own piece to take home with the help of our master carvers! Plus learn about the significance of carving in Maori culture.
Authorised by Chris Bishop, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
Mayor Campbell Barry preparing the ground for planting the 114,000th plant, watched by Hutt City Council’s Asset Manager - Parks and Reserves Sam Guerin. Photo: Supplied.
(Top Right)
Mayor Campbell Barry beside the Mouri Tupu plaque just after planting the 114,000th tree. Photo: Supplied.
ON... WHAT’S
Local history –Wainuiomata tunnel
The Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community Notices must be pre-paid.
By Jeremy Foster
Call into our office, phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
At the Columbus Café that is located in the hardware store Mitre 10 at 6 Te Ara Raukura, there is a map on the wall showing the plan of the proposed new tunnel and development for Wainuiomata by the Wainui–o–mata Development Ltd.
WANTED
Wainuiomata needs a cemetery
Mr Patuwai suggested looking at the Coast
The map in the café is a copy of the original one dated about 1930.
29 February, 10.30 –11.30am Waiora Sports and Community Hub, Johnsonville
The map is looking towards Wainuiomata and features future development in the Gracefield / Seaview area at the mouth of the Hutt River.
Heart Foundation FREE session for people living with an ICD. Talk by Lin Coleman, Clinical Nurse Specialist. Contact Annette 04 4722780
The tunnel was completed in 1981 on a smaller scale and is primarily used for conveying water in a pipe but also has a sewer pipe and telecommunication cables.
The map is freely available at the National Library website and has often been reproduced over the years in newspapers and other publications.
Mitre 10 at 6 Te Ara Raukura opened on Saturday 10 May 2025.
the
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We have got a cemetery in Naenae, which is full up.”
A petition may help the council understand the needs of the residents, community board
“Have you stated one or thought of starting
Providing a cemetery in Wainuiomata “has been an issue raised in the last decade since I have been on council,” the Mayor, Campbell
“The challenge has always been the
This bird photo, which the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub is using to promote the “Native Bird in Your Backyard” photo competition, was taken in Wainuiomata.
Mr Patuwai also noted that “most of my [Māori] people don’t like to be cremated.
“I think most of us understand the need, but it’s a matter of what location is appropriate and that is where we always come a bit unstuck.
Bird photo competition
“I’m standing here for the whole people. What we want is for [Hutt City] Council to build a cemetery in Wainui.”
By Frank Neill
Community board member Gary Sue asked Mr Patuwai if he had any idea of a location for a cemetery.
The Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub is running a “Native Bird in Your Backyard” photo competition.
Entry is free in the competition, which runs until Friday 19 September.
“We would love to see your snaps for our Native Bird in Your Backyard photo com-
“I think it is a live issue,” the Mayor said, adding that it was a conversation that could well be part of the council’s Long Term Plan. Now was the right time to think about providing a cemetery in Wainuiomata, the Mayor said.
petition,” the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub says.
“Got a tŪĪ, kererū or even a cheeky pĪwakawaka hanging around at your place?
“Grab a pic, email to wainuiomata.hub@ huttcity.govt.nz, or bring it.
“We can print it for free.
“You could be in to win,” the Community Hub says.
Gateway Administrator
We seek an enthusiastic and committed person for the position of Gateway Administrator.
By Russell McQuarters
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The map showing
planned development of Wainuiomata at Mitre 10. Photo: Jeremy Foster.
Under 17s crowned champions
By Ryan Imray
Wainuiomata’s Under 17 Footballers were crowned league champions after a brilliant season that saw them score 110 goals.
The side was neck and neck with Island Bay right until the end last weekend but it was the significant goal difference that secured the trophy.
With full focus on the Central League play offs, the Men’s Capital
Premier side rotated their team for the final league game of the season and they narrowly went down 2-1 to Wellington Marist.
The thirds had a 3-1 win over Island Bay while Halfbaked Roundballs had a narrow 1-0 defeat, also to Island Bay.
Both Pasifika teams had a win and the win was a significant result for Pasifika Originals. Their 1-0 win over North Wellington saw them finish league winners
and earn promotion to Masters 3 for 2026. Pasifika Old Boys beat Wellington Marist 4-2.
The Reserves played out the game of the weekend in their cup semi-final against Upper Hutt. Wainui found themselves 3-0 down inside 10 minutes but the fighting mentality helped them pull off one of the come backs of the season to book a spot in the final against Petone.
Lachlan Harris pulled a goal
back before Braydon Gelderblom narrowed the gap to just one goal.
Early in the second half and the score was 3-3 as Lachlan Harris got his second of the game.
Upper Hutt took the lead back but less than a minute later, Lachlan got his hat-trick to level the game at 4-4.
Just as it seemed the game would be decided by a penalty shootout, Cameron Gelderblom scored the
winning goal in the last minute of the game.
The Women’s side wrapped up the weekend and their incredible season against Tawa in the final of the Executive Plate competition.
Unlike the Reserves game, this game required a penalty shootout to decide the winner after the game finished goalless.
Sadly for Wainui, Tawa etched the game to take home the plate.
Regional water plan delivered
Five councils – Hutt City, Greater Wellington, Porirua City, Upper Hutt City and Wellington City – submitted a joint water services delivery plan to the Government on 29 August.
The Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) is based on establishing a new multi-council-owned water organisation in partnership with Mana whenua iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
The new organisation, with the interim name Metro Water, is due to take over from Wellington Water Ltd on 1 July 2026.
The plan says that Metro Water will have the resources, independence and region-
wide perspective to effectively manage and improve drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services for current and future communities, rather than being limited by council funding, electoral and decisionmaking cycles.
The plan meets the requirements of the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
The next steps in establishing Metro Water are under way, including finalising key documents such as the councils’ Statement of Expectations for Metro Water and principles for a Customer Charter, and recruiting Establishment Board directors and an interim Chief Executive.
The WSDP is available on council websites.
Helping people to All Blacks game
Metlink is making it easy for fans to travel to and from the upcoming All Blacks versus South Africa game on Saturday 13 September, with increased capacity on Metlink train and bus services.
The game will kick off at 7.05pm, with an estimated 8:45pm end time.
Buses and trains will operate on the standard Saturday timetables with increased capacity before the game and extra services after the game.
Fans using public transport to the game have their fare included in the price of their game ticket for Metlink bus, train and harbour ferry trips (excluding Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility taxis and the Airport Express).
Metlink advises people to plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website (www.metlink.org.nz) or by calling 0800 801 700.
Cameron Gelderblom celebrates scoring the winning goal for the Wainuiomata Reserves. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
The Wainuiomata Under 17s just after they lifted the league trophy. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Netball royalty surprises
Ulalei’s prizegiving
It was standing room only at the Wainuiomata Intermediate Hall as the who’s who of the Wainuiomata and Netball Community gathered to celebrate the club’s remarkable achievements in 2025, most notably the five championship titles.
The club patron Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, Councillor Keri Brown, Peter Cowan Sports Director from Wainuiomata High School (a founding member of the club) were all there to revel in the celebrations and present trophies to the winners.
The atmosphere was lifted by surprise appearances from New Zealand Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Renee Savai’inaea, a proud representative of Samoa’s Tifa Moana team.
All five championship teams Aute, Mālili, Puālulu , Moso’oi and Fuesina proudly sported their Championship tops as they crossed the stage to receive their winning medals.
The newly appointed President of the Club Sina Tamaali’i addressed the massive audience and said “I am so proud of our club and our achievements, I am grateful for the support from our family, friends and our community.
“We always remember those that went before us that helped build this club and get us to where we are today.”
The event was hosted by the charismatic MC Tautatalaleleia Sa’u, well
regarded in the community and former head boy of Wainuiomata High School who kept the audience entertained with his humour and vibrant personality.
The event was a celebration of success on the court, and a chance for the players to see the many supporters who have stood by them throughout the season.
It was equally special for the audience who had the opportunity to see all the teams showcased in one day and share in their success.
It was a true reflection of collective strength, unity, and shared achievement.
The club is grateful to local caterer Fine Touch Catering for the delicious kai, to Wainuiomata Intermediate School for the venue and Ulalei Wainuiomata Sports for the professional signage.
The club has received tremendous support from local businesses and members of the community and the club.
Ulalei is grateful to Pacific Health Services, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, ANZ Bank & Haven Falls Funeral Home for their generous funding this year.
The full list of winners is:
LAGA’ALI RESERVE 3 – Most Improved Nadia Ritchie, Players' Player Award Monica Passi, Most Valuable
Hill run 10 days away
By Frank Neill
The 2025 Mitre 10 Mega Wainuiomata Hill Run will take place on Saturday 13 September.
Proceeds from the run will be used to support the Kokiri Marae Pātaka Kai.
Starting in central Wainuiomata, the 6.5km run goes up the hill to the lookout and back, and the 10km option goes all the way over the hill and back.
There are six events in the hill run.
As well as the full hill run of 10km there is a 6.5km half hill run, a 10km full hill walk, a 6.5km half hill walk, a flat 1km dash for children aged 5 to 10 and a 6.5km half hill “buggy” hikoi.
The runs start with the 10km event at 7:30am, followed by the other events and closing with the prizegiving at 11am. Registrations close on 6 September and can be made at https://wainuiomatahillrun. co.nz.
The inaugural Wainuiomata Hill Run on 14 September last year proved a big success, attracting 250 entries and raising more than $4,000 for the Lower Hutt Food Bank.
“We had an incredible day at the first Wainuiomata Hill Run,” Alex Harty-Morris of Inspired Events Co, which organised the run, said following the inaugural event.
“The sense of community was really special.
“There was so much warmth between all the athletes, volunteers and locals popping by to see what was going on,” Alex said.
“Our premium sponsor at Mitre 10 made the event possible and entered nearly 50 athletes as well.”
Cooper Bewley won the men’s 10km run last year and Michelle Van Looy was the
Player Armia Morris and Supporter of the year Piripi Gillies.
FUESINA RESERVE 1 – Most Improved Player Rautipu Renata, Fair Player Award Mahinarangi Gillies, Most Valuable Player Jacqui McCarthy and Supporter of the year Kate Ody.
MOSO’OI SENIOR 4 – Most Improved Player Jayde Samuelu, Players' Choice Summer Murray, Most Valuable Player Te Araroa Sopoaga and Supporter of the year Journey Samuelu.
PUĀ LULU SENIOR 3 – Most Improved Player Katie Muaiava, Team Choice Ake McCarthy, Most Valuable Player Moriah Sopoaga and Supporter of the year Kyla Savage.
MĀLILI PREMIER 3 – Attacker of the Year Siobhan Sa’u, Defender of the Year Nat McDonald, Most Valuable Player Bailee Potangaroa and Supporter of the year Awhina Moananu.
PUATAUNOFO PREMIER 2 –Players' Choice Jimmy Kydd, Most Consistent Hannah Smith, Most Valuable Player Darnaka Barry and Supporters of the Year Gardie and Mike Aurupa.
AUTE PREMIER 1 – Players' Player Award Tahlia Samuelu, Most Improved Player Ellery Risdon, Most Promising Player Oakley Baldwin and Supporter of the year Tamati Milner.
Rookie of the Year was awarded to Lanna Melesala
winner of the women’s 10km run.
Toby Ireland, a visually impaired athlete who ran guided by his Dad Saul, won the men’s 6km run and Gwen McGrath won the women’s 6km run.
Tony Leota was the victor in the 10km men’s walk and Donna Strachan in the 10km women’s walk, while Michael and Helene Walton won the men’s and women’s 6km walk.
Cover the Wainuiomata pool
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Swimming Pool should be covered so it can be used all year round. This suggestion has been made on the “Wainuiomata News” Facebook page.
The suggestion was made by “Paca Sad” and when the “Wainuiomata News” contacted him he said he did not want to add anything to his suggestion.
The Wainuiomata pool features four outdoor heated pools situated among rose gardens and shrubs and surrounded by native bush.
It also features an 80 metre open air slide running down through bush to the pool. Another feature is the poolside spa.
The Wainuiomata pool is open during the summer months. The pool will open for the 2025-26 season on 11 November and the season will run until 8 March 2026.
Samoa's Tifa Moana representative Renee Savai'inaea with the Ulalei Fuesina young guns, proudly sporting their Championship tops, just after she presented the winning medals to the team. Photo: Supplied.
Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio and daughter Luna present Tahlia Samuelu with the Players' Player Award for Ulalei Aute, back to back Premier 1 Champions. Photo: Supplied.
One of the four pools at the Wainuiomata Summer Pool. Photo: Supplied.
Cooper Bewley , winner of the first 10km Wainuiomata hill run, nears the finish of the race. Photo: Chontelle King.