Wednesday June 4, 2025
World premier
By Frank Neill
The world premier of a powerful new documentary, Tupeka Kore, took place at the Wainuiomata Marae on 30 May.
Tupeka Kore provides deep coverage of the whakapapa of Maori tobacco control in Aotearoa New Zealand. Continued on page 2.
Shane Bradbrook giving his speech to introduce the world premier screening of Tupeka Kore.
Photo: Frank Neill.
Teresea Olsen QSM speaking at the world premier of Tupeka Kore. Photo: Frank Neill.
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It all began in Wainuiomata
Continued from page 1
It features some of Wainuiomata’s contribution to Maori tobacco control initiatives.
This results in some well known Wainuiomata people appearing in the documentary, including Teresea Olsen, the HashTags and Shane Bradbrook.
“It is fitting that we come to this Marae [for the world premier],” Shane Bradbrook said in his speech to introduce the documentary’s first screening.
“Every time we have had a major shift in tobacco control we have come here.
“This is the place and the space that we have come and shared moving forward,” Shane said.
“It’s good to have our rangatahi here too.
“They have been in the forefront of the fight,” Shane said, referring in particular to the mahi of the HashTags.
Based in Wainuiomata, the HashTags is a group of young people which was formed in 2010 in Wainuiomata. Since its inception, numbers have grown and it now includes rangatahi from “over the hill”.
They successfully lobbied Parliament to have smoking and vaping banned in cars carrying people under the age of 18 years.
In doing so they became the first youth group to successfully lobby for a law change.
“The enormity of what we have done in the last 25 years is massive,” Shane said.
“We have changed legislation. We have changed United Nations legislation.
“We have changed how people view smoking and vaping.
“It all started here. It all started here in Wainuiomata,” he said.
“Don’t underestimate the power we have had in the field of tobacco control.
“It’s massive.”
That has included the Smoke Free 2025 goal set by the government, which had come from a Maori initiative.
“For Maori we should be aware we have had that impact globally.
“We did it first. We are global leaders,” Shane said.
“I am the youngest HastTag member,” year 11 Wainuiomata High School student Potatau Clark said in his speech.
“I acknowledge the 60 plus HashTag members who have been voices of change from 2011 to now.”
Over the years the HashTags had been involved in a series of initiatives, including making written submissions and oral submissions at Parliamentary select committees.
That included pushing for the government to make it illegal to smoke or vape in cars carrying people aged under 18 years.
That push was successful and “we celebrated on November the 11th 2021,” Potatau said.
“We now need to urgently rise above the [vape] tsunami.”
Tupeka Kore’s Director and
Editor Paul Dodge told the gathering that he knew there was a 2025 smokefree goal, but until he became involved in the documentary “I didn’t know it was Maori who made it happen”.
Speaking about the documentary Paul said: “I think its a pretty amazing product we have here.
“It’s been a huge privilege for me to be part of this kaupapa.”
“Tobacco continued to harm our community,” Teresea Olsen said in her speech.
Because of that “we stood up, we spoke out and we fought for the rights of our people.
“This documentary captures the voices of our people.
“This documentary honours their mahi.”
In his speech Shane Bradbrook also condemned the government Smokefree Amendment Bill. This bill repeals three parts of the last government’s Smokefree legislation: the retail reduction scheme, denicotinisation and the smokefree generation measures.
Referring to the revenue this bill would bring into the coffers of the tobacco industry: “It’s all about wealth. It’s not about health,” Shane said.
“We will maintain the fight going forward.
“We will keep fighting. We will keep moving.”
Tupeka Kore’s producers are Catherine Manning, Te Araroa Sopoaga and Sue Taylor, and Paul Dodge is the documentary’s producer and editor.
WAINUIOMATA COMMUNITY BOARD
The remaining meetings of the Board for 2025 will be held on:
Wednesday 11 June
Wednesday 20 August
Meetings are held in the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub, Queen St, Wainuiomata at 6.30pm.
Prior to the 11 June meeting at 5.30pm, the Board will host its annual Community Spirit Awards. This is an opportunity to recognise those who contribute to the spirit of Wainuiomata through their voluntary work.
You are very welcome to attend.
Meeting agendas are available on Council’s website: huttcity.govt.nz/council/council-meetings/meeting-agendas-and-minutes
Potatau Clark, the youngest HashTag, speaking at the world premier of Tupeka Kore. Photo: Frank Neill.
Have your say on park revitalisation
The revitalisation of Wainuiomata’s town centre is nearing its final chapter, with the release of theHugh Sinclair Park Draft Masterplan– a key milestone in a journey of transformation.
Hutt City Council’s call for public submissions closes on Monday 9 June and local Councillors are encouraging residents to provide feedback on the plan that will shape the future of this central green space.
Hugh Sinclair Park is pivotal to the town centre’s redevelopment, Wainuiomata Ward CouncillorKeri Brownsays.
“Hugh Sinclair Park is a key component of the Town Centre upgrade,” she says.
“Wise Park is getting new changing rooms and toilets that are going in beside the car park area where the recycling station was.
"Now we need your views on the playground. Please look at the draft plan and submit your views and recommendations.”
The draft masterplan proposes a renewed and modernised community space with improvedaccessibility, landscaping and play equipment, offering an inclusive design guided by local voices.
“The draft masterplan outlines a new vision for this central Wainuiomata space: more accessible, more inclusive and designed with local voices in mind,” Cr Brown says.
The initiative is the final piece in a wider effort to uplift the community, asCity-Wide Councillor and local resident Gabriel Tupou reflects on Wainuiomata’s growth journey.
“We are a ‘15-minute city.’
"All of our essential services are within reach,” Cr Tupou says.
“Around 10 years ago Wainuiomata faced some real challenges with low housing supply and crime, which affected business and investor confidence.
"This was reflected in the old Mall and the dilapidated town centre assets and infrastructure.
“The population growth forecast prompted our community to be proactive with a vision and foresight to not only beautify our town centre, but to build up our resilience and sense of community pride while we made impactful investment decisions that has led to the ever-increasing confidence we can see today.”
The upgrades are attracting
families and supporting older residents, noting key developments like theMasonic Retirement VillageandMitre 10as signs of success, Cr Tupou says.
But the park remains an essential focus.
“Hugh Sinclair Park needs proper drainage, landscaping and upgrading.
"This will complete the Town Centre’s connectivity and much-needed amenities for our
tamariki, skate park users and nearby residents,” he adds.
Submissions on the Draft Masterplan are open now and close on Monday 9 June.
To view the plan and have your say through the survey, visithaveyoursay.huttcity.govt. nz/hugh-sinclair-park-draftmasterplan.
"Let your voice shape the future of Wainuiomata," Cr Tupou says.
Gold medal
Maddie Butterfield won gold in the Global Cheer and Dance Games in Hawaii on the weekend of 24 and 25 May. The Wainuiomata High School year 11 student was a member of the Glamorous team from Bigair Cheerleading Tawa that placed first in their division. The team has worked hard for the last six months getting their routine ready for the competition and the hard work paid off.
Omata Idol
Wainuiomata singers have the chance to become the next Omata Idol.
The competition to find the idol will take place at the Matariki Night Market at the Wainuiomata Marae on 20 June.
The 2025 Omata Idol will win $500 plus recording time plus their own video.
The second prize is $350 and the third prize is $150.
“Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage pro, this is your time to shine,” says Omata FM who are running the competition.
To register for Omata Idol visit https://forms.gle/H3xEdwdMZyY4Pbt67.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
Are you ready for Winter?
One of the safest and most inexpensive ways to ward off any possible winter ailment is by increasing your daily intake of Vitamin C. It can reduce the severity of colds and promote enhance health and well being for adults and children alike.
Colds and flu can have a significant impact on our entire community, so it’s important to boost your immune system to help prevent winter ills and chills.
There are many ways to build and strengthen your immune system, such as: Get a flu vaccine. Keep a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. Exercise for at least 30-minutes a day.
Reduce your stress in healthy ways. Relax. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. Take regular Vitamin C. Supplement your diet with a multivitamin. Try to get 20-minutes of sunlight per day. Drink at least 2 l of water per day.
An artist’s impression of the Hugh Sinclair Park upgrade. Image Supplied.
Cr Keri Brown, Wainuiomata Community Board Deputy Chair Lesa Bingley and Cr Gabriel Tupou at the recent Ulalei Sports Fundraiser. Photo: Supplied.
Chris Bishop MP for Hutt South
Please contact my staff and I are here to help.
Phone 04 564 8707 or email me at Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz
Local poetry in award winning book
Mila’s Books won the 2025 ASLA DANZ Award for its book “Pasifika Navigators: Pasifika Student Poetry Collection”.
The award was presented in Melbourne on 30 May.
The victorious poetry collection has a very strong Wainuiomata input.
One of the contributors, Rebecca Sa'u, is a Wainuiomata resident.
The following were also living in Wainuiomata at the time of the book's release in 2023: Amira Va’a, Logan Woolley, Brian Woolley, Maria Kauri Seulu, Siobhan Sa’u and Wainuiomata High School students Maia Fergusson andJoseph Koloa.
The Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Awards recognises children’s
books that celebrate cultural richness and inclusion.
“For our young Pasifika authors to be recognised on an international stage is a powerful reminder that our stories, our voices and our tamaiti deserve to be seen, heard and valued everywhere,” Mila’s Books says.
“We are deeply grateful to the ASLA DANZ judges and organisers for this honour, and to the teachers, families, schools and the Ministry of Education who supported our project in 2022 and made this milestone possible.
“We were also blessed to be able to send Rebecca Sa’u, one of our very own “Pasifika Navigators” contributing authors and now a student at Victoria University of Wellington.
The award and the “Pasifika Navigators” book at the awards presentation. Photo: Supplied.
“It felt incredibly fitting to have a contributing author receive the award on all our behalf as a proud representative of the power of our stories as Pasifika and why we do what we do at Mila’s Books.” Dahlia Malaeulu, who lives in Wainuiomata, is the owner of Mila’s Books Ltd.
Wainui firefighters awarded
By Frank Neill
A series of trophies and awards were presented at the 29 May annual general meeting of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade by the Wellington District Group Manager Brett Lockyer.
Annie Marneweck was presented the Jim McPhee Tropy for attending the most musters. Annie had a 100% attendance.
Ashana Narayan was presented the Dawn Moffat Tropy for the most improved fire fighter. Roger Whioke was presented the Roger Calder Trophy for the best overall contribution to the brigade.
Clinton Packer was presented the New Zealand Fire Brigades’ Long Service and Good Conduct Medal ( for 14 years’ service).
The New Zealand Fire Brigades’ Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is a meritorious and long service award for operational members of recognised fire services in New Zealand who have completed 14 years of service.
Nathalie Pettigrew was presented with a values award certificate.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand makes this award to firefighters who have made a special effort, especially those who have gone over and above FENZ’s normal expectations.
The following brigade members were promoted: Toby Cust – OS to QFF; Naomi Gray – OS to QFF; Angie Lorenz – OS to QFF and Matt Dyson – OS to FF.
It has been another busy year supporting our community, Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson said in his report to the annual general meeting.
The year’s action had included training, responding to incidents and engaging with the
community.
“I recognise it is getting harder to maintain a balance between family, work and brigade life but your time and commitment is very appreciated,” Peter said.
“Recognition must also be given to our life members for the many years you served in the brigade.
“Your contribution has led us to what is the brigade today.”
The brigade’s next focus will be to build strong partnerships with the community and key stakeholders, Peter said.
“We already have strong relationships with the valley schools, kindergartens and playcentre communities but this year we have connected with other stakeholders, by:
Meetings with other community leaders; staff;
meeting to become a combined Wainuiomata Leadership Team consisting of our Brigade Officers and Wainuiomata Bush Volunteer Fire Brigade’s leadership team; Hutt City Council on community activities; and
10 owners on supporting the brigade with daytime response.
“During the next year we will look at enhancing these partnerships with other community organisations,” Peter said.
“Key stakeholders in our brigade are our employers of volunteers who allow our people to respond to day calls and assist with our community education.
“We will be acknowledging these employers
at our Honours Night later in the year.
“Another focus is the brigade will engage with the community at every opportunity to deliver fire safety messages that align with the district community risk plan.
“The last focus is that the brigade will ensure that recruitment and succession planning is a priority for all ranks and members from executive officer through to recruit firefighters.
“A succession plan is crucial for the survival and sustained effectiveness of our brigade,” Peter said. As part of succession the brigade welcomed seven new members this year.
Unfortunately eight members left the brigade for various reasons including family and work life balance and moving away from the valley.
In his report Peter also congratulated the
Wainuiomata waterway challenge team of Trent Holden, Ngarue Ratapu, Alex Cade, Donald Underdown and coach Mati Soi for coming second in the North Island Waterway Challenge, and to Ahron Eastall, Eva Ruscoe, Ngarue Ratapu and Sean Bates for the “huge effort” competing in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge and raising a significant amount of money for Leukaemia and Blood NZ.
“I wish to reiterate my gratitude to you all for your dedication and commitment to the brigade and Wainuiomata community,” Peter said.
“Your time here couldn’t happen without the support of your families. Therefore, please pass on my sincere thanks for allowing you the time to train and respond to incidents for our community.”
Nathalie Pettigrew being presented her values award certificate by the Wellington District Group Manager Brett Lockyer. Photo: Supplied.
Roger Whioke with the Roger Calder Trophy just after it was presented by the Wellington District Group Manager Brett Lockyer. Photo: Supplied.
Annie Marneweck with the Jim McPhee Trophy for attending the most musters just after it was presented by the Wellington District Group Manager Brett Lockyer. Photo: Supplied.
BBBS hosts decision makers
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Wellington hosted the Minister for Children, Karen Chhour, on 22 May and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop on 23 May for a morning tea and community visit.
These visits provided an opportunity to showcase the life-changing work BBBS Wellington does in the Hutt Valley and across the region.
BBBS matches young people (mentees) with positive adult role models (mentors) to help them thrive.
This includes tamariki from Wainuiomata, who are actively involved in BBBS’s youth mentoring programme.
As a grassroots mentoring organisation working at the frontline of child and youth well-being, BBBS Wellington was proud to share its impact and vision with two of Aotearoa’s decisionmakers.
The visits also highlighted the importance
of investing in preventative, relational support services that create long-term, positive change in our communities.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters has been transforming young lives for a long time,” says Ashleigh Stallard, Programme Manager at BBBS Wellington.
“These visits were about demonstrating the real and lasting impact of mentoring – how it helps tamariki feel seen, supported and empowered.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Minister Chhour and MP Bishop for taking the time to hear directly from our mentors and mentees.”
Both visits included stories from current matches and a meaningful korero about the future of youth mentoring in New Zealand.
People wanting to know more about the youth mentoring programme can get in touch at Wellington@bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz.
Council amalgamation proposed
Hutt City Council is considering adding a non-binding referendum question to this year’s local election ballot, asking whether the community supports exploring regional amalgamation.
If approved at a full council meeting this month, the following question will be included in voting papers:
“Should Hutt City Council work with councils in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Porirua and the Wellington Regional Council to explore
the possibility of creating one single council, that combines relevant services and functions regionally, while keeping appropriate local services and decision making local?”
Mayor Campbell Barry said debate about reorganisation has existed for some time.
“This question simply asks our residents and ratepayers if they want us to explore things further.
“I will be putting this forward for council’s consideration in June, and encourage other
councils in the Wellington region to do the same.”
The move comes after Porirua City Council agreed yesterday to include in voting papers the question of whether to explore council amalgamation. The referendum is non-binding and it will be up to the future Council to consider the results after the election. Voting in the upcoming local elections opens on 9 September and closes at midday on Saturday 11 October .
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MP Chris Bishop during his visit to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Photo: Supplied.
Footballers win cup matches
By Ryan Imray
It was cup weekend across Wellington so the Capital Premier side had a week off while the Reserves and Women’s side participated in their respective cup competitions.
The Reserves travelled to Johnsonville to face North Wellington in the Capital 3 and 4 Cup.
Cameron Gelderblom got Wainui off to the perfect start scoring in the opening 10 minutes and the score remained 1-0 to the visitors going into the break.
Wainui came out in the second half and scored five more goals, including three goals in three minutes.
Jahkaya Atkinson, Adam Ross, Braydon Gelderblom and another two to Cameron helped Wainui to a 6-0 win and advance in the cup.
The women’s side welcomed Island Bay to Richard Prouse as they looked to advance in the Women’s Executive Plate competition.
Shaelyn Kilburn gave the home side the lead.
Vicky Johansen and a first goal of the season for Rachel Rowe extended the lead before Island Bay provided a nervy finish for Wainui.
Scoring two goals, they searched for an equaliser to take the game to a penalty shootout but a solid defensive effort, including several saves from Wainui keeper Beth Jackson-Jupp, managed to help Wainui hold on to win 3-2 and advance to the next round. In other games across the club, the Third team went down 4-1 to Victoria University while Halfbaked Roundballs played some mouth watering football but were unable to find the back of the net as they lost to Island Bay.
Pasifika defeated Tawa 4-1 and Pasifika Originals went down narrowly 1-0 to Brooklyn United.
The OCs debuted their brand new kit as they faced Brooklyn away and it appeared to be a lucky charm as an extremely rare goal from Rowan Campbell helped them win 2-1 and remain top of the table.
Braydon Gelderblom backed up his goal scoring form for the Reserves on Saturday to help the Under 17s on Sunday, scoring his sixth goal in two weeks.
The Under 17s beat Petone 3-1 to go six points clear at the top of the table and maintain their 100% record to start the season.
Huge victory by Wainuiomata Lioness team
By Frank Neill
The Wainiomata Lioness League team scored a huge 50-8 victory over the Upper Hutt Tigers at Te Whiti Park in the opening game of their season on 1 June.
The women’s premier team ran in 10 tries during their dominant performance.
The first half was all one-way traffic and saw the Lioness team lead 32-0 at the break.
Three players –Acacia Claridge-Te-Iwimate (who also kicked a conversion), Nataahia Pasene and Manaia Maxwell- Puahotaua –scored two tries each.
Two points scorers with the boot also scored a try each. Teina Puketapu added three conversions to her try and Mary-Anne Collins one conversion to her try.
The other try scorers were Kelly LaumaliliTuiatua and Anyis Droussaerts Lake.
The Wainuiomata Lions did not have such a good day in their match against Toa on 31 May.
Playing on their home ground of Porirua Park, the top of the table Toa team defeated the Lions 22-4.
It is a very tight competition this year, however, with five teams within four points.
Toa and the Randwick Kingfishers lead the competition on 14 points. The St George Dragons and Whiti Te Ra are on 12 points and the Lions are on 10 points.
John Wharepapa-Rawiri scored his team’s only points with a try.
This was John’s twelfth try of the season to date after he scored three tries on 10 May, two tries on 24 May, 17 May and 26 April and one try on 5 and 12 April.
The Lions will be looking for a better result when they play Whiti Te Ra in their next match on 7 June.
Currently Whiti Te Ra is just one place ahead of the Lions on the competition table.
The match will be on the neutral ground of Ngati Toa Domain, with the kick off at 2:30pm.
Great response for Spirit Awards
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Community Board has received 18 nominations for this year’s Spirit Awards.
“This was a great result,” the board’s Chair, Te Awa Puketapu says.
Nominations were received “for a range of different ways that community members are giving back and showing an amazing community spirit for Wainuiomata.”
The 18 nominations is a major turnaround
Good win by women’s Rugby team
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata women’s premier team scored a convincing 39-20 victory over Paremata-Plimmerton at Ngati Toa Domain on 31 May.
The win puts them in a great position to hit the top of Wellington Rugby’s Izzy Ford competition.
Wainuiomata began the game with a rush and totally dominated the first half to secure a 34-5 half time lead.
Their second half try was the seventh the team chalked up.
Hoana Hori-Hohepa, Mia Ualesi, Tyra Samuela, Mac Collins, Lei Sipaia, Maddy Pili and Canon Hakaraia each scored a try for Wainuiomata.
Acacia Te Iwimate and Mia Ualesi kicked one conversion each.
The Wainuiomata women’s next match sees them play Avalon at William Jones Park on 7 June.
Kick off is at 11:30am.
Wainuiomata’s Peter Umaga-Jensen was the star in the Hurricane’s bonus point 64-12 victory over Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium on 31 May.
Playing at second five eight, Peter scored two tries in the Wellington team’s Super Rugby competition win.
from last year when no awards were presented because no nominations were made.
Four spirit awards will be presented this year, one for each of the categories: Kaitiakitanga Award, Maramatanga Award, Whanaungatanga Award and the Matauranga Award.
The Spirit Awards will be presented to the winners on Wednesday 11 June at 5:30pm at the Wainuiomata Community Hub. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
One of his touch downs was an incredible 50 metre solo effort, where he evaded player after opposing player.
Peter began his Rugby career when he was just five years old, playing for Wainuiomata.
The Wainuiomata premier men’s team was pipped 28-26 by the defending Jubilee Cup champions Old Boys University on 31 May.
OBU had to stage a major fight back to take out the match, however.
With 10 minutes to play they trailed 14-28 and it took two late tries to see them sneak in front of Wainuiomata at Ian Galloway Park.
Wainuiomata dominated much of the match, but the odd mistake proved costly for them.
They led 16-7 at half time, after first five
eight Andrew Wells kicked three penalties and full back Campbell Cowie scored a try. Campbell scored Wainuiomata’s second try and also featured in Wainuiomata’s third try.
After fielding a kick, Campbell ran it back and then passed to Andrew, who sprinted in to dot down in the corner.
Wainuiomata’s captain and flanker Greg Lealofi has notched up a milestone when he took to the field for his 200thpremier game for the green and blacks.
Greg joined Wainuiomata straight out of school in 2009, after captaining the St Pat’s Silverstream’s First XV.
Wainuiomata’s next match is against the Upper Hutt Rams at William Jones Park on 7 June. Kick off is at 2:45pm.
Braydon Gelderblom celebrates scoring for the Under 17s. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Greg Lealofi, who played his 200th premier game for Wainuiomata on 31 May.
Photo: Supplied.
Major projects happening at the Marae
By Frank Neill
Work on two of the four major projects at the Wainuiomata Marae are scheduled to start this year, while the third is due to begin early next year.
One project is building an eco-papakainga consisting of 12 affordable rental houses of between one and four bedrooms on the marae’s whenua.
“We have received the resource consent for that now,” says Guy Penny, the Project Manager at the Marae.
“That is a huge milestone for us.
“That triggers another piece of work, the building consent, and then we have to onboard a builder and all the trades.”
There are two parts to the work. The first is developing the infrastructure – the roads, foundations, plumbing work, electrical, telecommunications, all the work that goes in the ground.
“That is due to start around about mid October.
“There is a bit of movement around that possibly,” Guy says.
The second part of the project is the vertical build.
“That is due to start early in the new year.” It is scheduled to begin on 6 January in the latest plan.
“I’m very excited about that,” Guy says. The second project scheduled to start this year is developing an urban forest next to the marae.
Named Ngahere Korowai (signifying a beautiful cloak of forest), this will see plantings take place on the swamp area between the marae and the hill.
“We are looking at starting planting in August or September this year,” Guy says. Before the planting starts, fencing work
would have been completed.
The fences are needed as deer come down to the area where Ngahere Korowai will be, and they need to be kept away from the planting.
A third project, developing an indigenous play space, is earmarked to start early in the new year, probably in January.
The project has received funding from the Lego Corporation (Denmark) via the Spirit Project (John Hopkins University, USA).
The Marae also has a fourth project in its future plans – a 150 to 200m2 building that will be located on the Wainuiomata Marae for the Tihei Rangatahi Programme.
“The Marae is looking for funding for this crucial part of the whole vision for the Marae,” Guy says.
The papakainga project is called He Tipu Manahau: Kia Mau Te R (To grow resilience; To keep hold of the sun).
It is based on the vision and values of the marae which are contained in the Marae’s Development Plan created in 2021.
The papakainga’s houses will be connected to the Marae through design features, pathways, tohu and services for residents.
The Marae will also be developing a series of initiatives where people living in the papkainga can become involved, such as workshops.
In addition the Marae has a very strong environmental approach – above the building code and other requirements – which it will apply to the papakainga design and operation.
Ngahere korowai will provide a playspace-storytelling while supporting nature, education and natural ecosystem services.
The wetland forest will use native species, densely planted under the Miyawaki method to help drain and stablise the nearby area which is prone to flooding
GARDENING THIS WEEK
Many of my weekly readers will know that I do gardening programs on Reality Check Radio with Rodney Hide and from what I understand many readers visit the web site and register to see me live or look at the recorded sessions.
The latest one you can listen to is at https://rcr.media/episodes/ gardening-with-wally-nz-gardening-expert-secrets-for-strawberries-and-soil
The programer invite people to ask me gardening questions and problems that they may have and for this week’s article I thought I would share with you some of these questions and provide my reply to them... So here we go....
Q. What is the value of crushed egg shells or baking soda for the soil?
A. Makes the soil sweeter which is then more alkaline thats is ideal for most vegetable plants.
Q. How do I get microbes back into the soil?
A. using products that already such as BioPhos, Terracin and Wallys Fish Fertiliser. After which do not use chlorinated water or harmful chemicals including man made fertilisers and sprays like of Roundup.
Q. How can I garden without worms?
A. Though worms and healthy soil life will aid plants to grow better and healthier; plants will still grow ok without worms. If you stop using harmful chemicals and chlorinated water then worms will naturally return over time.
Q. Is it too late to grow Snow Peas in Auckland?
A. No as long are the pea seeds germinate (spray with Magic Botanic Liquid) they will grow ok and they are frost hardy.
Q. Can I grow Ginger in NZ? If so when and how?
A. yes no problem sunny sheltered spot, best started in spring when soil warms up and just plant a bit of ginger root that shows a green sprout. Can be grown as a container plant also.
Q. What do bumble bees do for the garden?
they do as they forage for nectar. They appear to be less effected by tooth radiation than many other insects.
Q. Should I cut the leaves off tomato plants to help make the fruit grow faster?
A. No the leaves collect energy from the sun which makes the fruit grow. However it is good practice to progressively remove lower leaves as the plants grow taller to reduce insect pests and open the plant up to more light to ripen fruit. You can also spray plants regularly with liquid molasses which will help fruit growth.
Q. How do I store potatoes once they are out of the ground?
A. It is the change of temperature that causes them to shoot. If kept in a cool situation they take longer to shoot. If you leave them in the ground that will slow down shooting.
Q. When is the best time to plant
Japanese botanist, Akira Miyawaki, recognised that Japan’s shrine forests were extremely resilient to storm damage, flooding and even tsunami.
His “tiny forests” built in urban land proved just as resilient.
Molly Melhuish and Pam Crisp, who are the Ngahere korowai organisers, set up a Pledge Me page to raise money towards the project.
That raised more than $10,000 to help pay for materials and labour so the vision of an urban forest can become a reality.
The indigenous playspace is being established to provide the following outcomes: relationships with land and the environment are (re)established to improve the health and wellbeing of families;spaces designed by and for indigenous communities with a focus on early childhood,
particulary (but not only) 0-6 year olds;ferent indigenous nations are shared between projects, especially ways that overcome systemic barriers to improve the health and wellbeing of children and their families; and of/with playspaces through indigenous and other evaluation methods.
The Wainuiomata Marae Charitable Trust has been working with builders TRENZ Create A Home to design a 150 to 200m2 building that will be located on the Wainuiomata Marae for the Tihei Rangatahi Programme.
The building will also act a reception and first point of contact for manuhiri to the marae.
Having the Tihei Rangatahi Programme based at the marae will be a win-win with rangatahi having a place to call their own and will support the Marae’s succession planning.
QUESTIONS: By Wally Richards
Celery?
A. Best in spring when soil warms up. They are a hungry plant and love water, so feed and water well.. Harvest outside stalks rather than whole plant and they will keep producing till they go to seed.
Q. How do I deal with snails on my cabbages?
A. two ways I know of.. Soak onion peelings in water and add a little salt and spray over foliage. Otherwise spray cabbages with Wallys Liquid copper, snails and slugs cant stand copper.
Q. How can I stop possums eating my apples and pears?
A. Try spraying the fruit with Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil, it tastes horrible and they relate then to the smell/taste. After they have had a taste, scatter Wally Neem Tree Granules around or hang little gauge bags of them in tree to create smell with out having to spray all the time. Also lanolin from sheep’s wool apparently they don’t like also.
Q. What is the best way to use molasses in the garden?
A. Dissolve a tablespoon in hot water and spray over the foliage of plants you want to grow bigger and faster, repeat as often as you like. You can also add Magic Botanic Liquid to the spray for even better results.
Q. Can I use apple cider as a spray for plants?
A. Yes 250 mils apple cider to 5 litres of non chlorinated water.
Q. Why was this years fruit tree harvest so poor?
A. That may depend where you are but generally speaking the
direct sunlight caused by pollution in atmosphere due to weather control and also now reduced levels of CO2 which plants need lots of to do well.
Q. Why are my passion fruit dropping off before ripening?
A. The plant is in stress likely due to the insect pest called, passion vine hoppers. Spray a combination of Wallys super Pyrethrum and Super Neem Tree Oil just before sunset under and over foliage. Repeat a few days later until problem stops.
yellow and mushy?
can indicate a few issues, including watering, or over-maturity. If the leaves are yellowing, it could be while mushiness can be due to bacterial rot or over watering.
Q. Why do my apricot trees not produce fruit, even though they are
big and healthy?
A. Likely the wrong variety for your climate. Most varieties do best in Canterbury where a cold hard winter followed by nice warm spring and summer. There are other apricot types that will do ok in other climates.
Q. My Lime fruit is smaller and has rough skin? Could it be due to aerial spraying?
A. Aluminum from aerial spraying is having an departmental affect on soil and plants, but in your case most likely lack of potash. Use Wallys Fruit and Flower power once a month and that should help a lot.
Q. How do I get rid of black mould on citrus trees?
A. Spray the foliage that has the sooty mould on, with Karbyon and two days later wash off with a jet of water. The black mould is caused by insects feeding on the tree so sprinkle Wallys Neem Tree Granules under the tree which will
An aerial view of the Wainuiomata Marae. Photo: Supplied.