By Frank Neill
Lahraine Sagaga is the 2025 winner of Netball New Zealand’s Community Champion of the Year Award. A volunteer with the Ulalei Netball Club and Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport, Lahraine is also a newly elected member of the Wainuiomata Community Board. Continued on page 2.
Lahraine Sagaga with her Community Champion Award. Photo: Supplied.
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Continued from page 1
Lahraine’s “energy and relationships have increased access, grown young talent and strengthened wellbeing across Wainuiomata,”
Netball New Zealand said when announcing the award.
“Lahraine treats volunteering like a second job, leading fundraising, prizegivings and community events while coaching club and school teams and running free UlaFit sessions three mornings a week.
“She secures facilities so cost is not a barrier, manages logistics for multiple squads and delivers free Sunday clinics for Year 5 and 6 players.”
She was “definitely speechless” when told she had received the award, Lahraine says.
“Although I received this award, it is an award that I feel belongs to many.
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“There is a whole group of people that are behind the scenes who have helped the growth and running [of Ulalei] in the last few years.
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“The award belongs to them as well – to everyone else who has been involved since its inception back in 2004,” she says, adding that “I am just grateful to be recognised at such a level.”
“Lahraine’s dedication to Ulalei Wainuiomata netball club is beyond amazing,” her nomination says.
“Despite working full time she treats her volunteer role like a second job, consistently going over and above the call of duty.
“As one of the younger committee members, she leads the fundraising, prizegiving and community engagement events, including ANZAC Parades, Relay for Life and Matariki celebrations.
“She also helps manage the club’s social media platform.
“She regularly uses her annual leave to plan and run major club events.
“Thanks to her strong community relationships, the club benefits from free access to local
“Notably, she secured the Wainuiomata High School gym for seven adult teams’ training, in exchange for coaching support.
“Lahraine personally coached the school’s Premier team to the finals this year – a remarkable achievement.
“She also coached the young guns Ulalei Fuesina team to a Championship.
“Lahraine runs free CrossFit sessions three mornings a week, originally for netballers and now open to the wider community.
“On Sundays, she runs netball clinics for Year 5 and 6 players from Wainuiomata who attend schools outside Wainuiomata. She has taken them to tournaments in Palmerston North and Wellington.
“She was approached to be the manager for the Wellington Mens Representative Team
which involves travel to Wellington on Sundays afternoons.
For Ulalei Club teams, Lahraine is the go-to person – whether it’s equipment, uniforms, gym bookings, or fitness sessions, she’s always there to help. “Her hard mahi and passion make her an invaluable asset to the netball community,” her nomination says.
“From grassroots development to highlevel coaching and community engagement, Lahraine’s impact is felt in every corner of the club and beyond. “The number of voluntary hours she commits, while balancing full-time work, is a testament to her passion, maturity and dedication. “Her leadership and service set a powerful example for others and have created opportunities, connections and lasting benefits that will continue to shape the netball community for years to come.”
By Frank Neill
Lower Hutt’s new Mayor Fauono Ken Laban, Deputy Mayor Keri Brown, City Councillors and Wainuiomata Community Board members were sworn in at the Lower Hutt Town Hall on 29 October.
The town hall was packed with more than 400 people, which Hutt City Council thinks is the best attended inauguration in the city’s history.
The new Council is one of New Zealand’s most diverse local bodies, and the new Community Board is also notable for its diversity.
This diversity was underlined by Mayor Laban in his inaugural speech.
“Tonight marks the start of a new chapter for our city that is changing, growing and embracing the strength of its diversity,” he said.
“This council reflects the community it serves – Chinese, Indian, Tongan, Samoan, Māori and Pākehā, woven into the rich tapestry of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai.
“Different languages and cultures, different stories, different journeys, yet all united by one purpose: to serve.
“Diversity is something to celebrate.
“It brings new voices, fresh ideas and new ways of seeing the world.
“It makes our decisions richer, our debates broader and our understanding of community deeper.
“When everyone has a seat at the table, our city is stronger for it.
“I also want to acknowledge the strong message our community sent (including Year 12 students Fanua Rimoni
and Riana Leafa Paki from Sacred Heart) about Māori representation.
“When other councils chose to remove Māori wards, the people of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai voted to keep them.
“Our decision speaks to who we are as a city. It shows our commitment to partnership, respect, and honours mana whenua enduring guardianship of the land.
“Every ward in Lower Hutt voted to keep Māori Wards.
“Today belongs to our parents and grandparents, many who came here seeking a better life.
“It belongs to the young people growing up in our communities today, who can now see themselves reflected in this leadership.
“And it belongs to every person who believes that service, unity and hard work will bring real change.
“Leadership is always about bringing people together, working in service of others, because real results come from teamwork.
“I le ala Manula I le tuatua –The road to leadership is paved in service,” Mayor Laban said.
“Our residents have made their choice.
“They’ve chosen a council that represents their community, a council that listens, a council that delivers and a council that can get the basics right.
“As Mayor and Council we aim to serve all people of Lower Hutt by listening, consulting and establishing governance and leadership that unites the council and the city.
Continued on page 4.
Pioneer Church is hosting a Wedding Expo on Sunday 9 November from 11am to 4pm.
The 29 October issue of the “Wainuiomata News” ran an article saying that the Wedding Expo would be held on 7 November, instead of stating Sunday 9 November.
The “Wainuiomata News” apologises for this error.
The Wedding Expo is being held in conjunction with Heritage Month when all heritage buildings in New Zealand open their doors to the public.
The Pioneer Church committee is providing its renowned Devonshire afternoon tea.
Entry to the Wedding Expo is free and everyone is welcome. There is a small charge for the afternoon tea.
Send your tips to wainui@wsn.co.nz
Continued from page 3
“We will develop partnerships with citizens, mana whenua, community organisations, government and the private sector to assess priorities and develop cost effective policies and plans.”
There will be “an emphasis on a budget that leads to the social, economical and cultural development of our city.
“Rates reduction and cost of living was a constant for all of us in the campaign for election.”
The new Council will also have “strategies and advocacy that builds and maintains the city’s infrastructure, ensuring life’s basic needs are met.
“So tonight we stand here deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us, and for the opportunity to serve.
“Together, we will build a city
that’s proud, united and full of opportunity – a city that delivers on the basics, looks after its people and never forgets who it’s here to serve,” the Mayor said.
During the inauguration, Mayor Laban was presented with a korowai once owned by the late Bubby Turner – aunt of Te Atiawa Rangatira Kura Moeahu and grandmother of former All Black Piri Weepu – a gesture recognising cultural heritage and community connection. He was also presented the Mayoral Chain of Office by the outgoing Mayor, Campbell Barry.
Special performances were given by Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi, based in Alicetown, and Taumata Whitireia, a local Māori and Pasifika performing arts group, to mark the occasion.
Please contact my Wainuiomata office, my staff and I are here to help.
Phone 04 564 8707 or email me at Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz
By Frank Neill
A major new play “Out the Gate” is coming to the Wainuiomata Marae this Friday 7 November, starting at 7pm.
Four of the actors in the play live in Wainuiomata, and “Out the Gate” director Jim Moriarty has very stong links to the valley, having worked here for 10 years doing up houses.
Ace Godd, Saul Kolio, Jimole Crown and Piripi Kaa are the Wainuiomata actors in the cast.
“Out the Gate” is a play that delivers a conversation about imprisonment in Aotearoa.
The play “is designed to help stop our people going to jail,” Jim Moriatory says.
“Out the Gate” is a layered, em-
bodied and communal response to the stories that follow people in the prison pipeline as they transition back to whānau and hapori.
It features an ensemble of more than 16 performers, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system
In 2024 Te Rākau secured Health Research Council funding to present a play based on the TIAKI project – kaupapa Māori led research that asks: “what happens to Māori following their release from prison and what do they need to thrive?”
“Out the Gate” is the communityfacing distillation of that research.
The creative team has translated key themes from participants’ lived experience into dramatic form so communities, service providers,
policymakers and wh ā nau can engage with the findings in an immediate, embodied way.
A companion podcast, drawing on rehearsal conversations, interviews and material from TIAKI, will be released in 2026.
The core message is practical and humane: with appropriate support, people can change their lives and reconnect with whānau.
The play interrogates how institutions, policies and colonial legacy shape disproportionate outcomes for Māori.
It calls out racial bias and intersectional disadvantage and insists that artistic practice can generate greater public understanding and pressure for systemic change.
The statistics around that are hor-
rible. A lot of those people then end up going to jail.
Who helps them, how do they make their way through that quagmire of early institutionalisation?
“Out the Gate”, which is written by
November is Diabetes Action Month when Diabetes New Zealand aims to unite communities across Aotearoa to take action against one of the country’s most urgent health issues.
In 2025 Diabetes New Zealand is focusing on tamariki and rangatahi because young people do get diagnosed with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and the numbers are rising at an alarming rate.
By raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes, with a particular focus on young people, Diabetes New Zealand aims to empower tamariki, rangatahi, their whānau, schools, communities and health professionals, to recognise the signs and take action.
The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the better the chances of managing it well and living a full, healthy life.
Mate huka (diabetes) is a condition where the level of glucose in the blood is too high.
Glucose is the main source of energy in our bodies. It is mostly made when our bodies break down the carbohydrates that we eat or drink.
The glucose is then absorbed from our gut into the blood system.
Insulin is a hormone produced by special cells (called beta cells) in the pancreas. Insulin transports glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it can be used as fuel for energy.
Mate huka occurs when the insulin-making cells in the pancreas are unable to make enough insulin or when the body becomes resistant to insulin.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, 45 people develop diabetes each day.
In the last year 16,330 people were newly diagnosed with diabetes.
“So, this November, join us and take action,” Diabetes New Zealand says.
“Learn the signs. Share the message. Get tested. Join One Million Minutes (see www. diabetesactionmonth.org.nz).
“Together, we can support the rising number of young New Zealanders living with diabetes and help them thrive.”
Awareness is the first step to prevention. This World Diabetes Day, let’s unite for healthier futures—one step, one choice, one life at a time.
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.
Grey Power Wainuiomata continues to be a voice for seniors in the valley.
Grey Power meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning with a shared lunch in January then enjoying excellent guest speakers at each monthly meeting through until November.
Call into our office, phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifieds@wsn.co.nz
Speakers during 2025 have included Fire Chief Peter Thompson, PJ Brambley from WREMO, Clive Cannon the local chemist and more recently Driving Miss Daisy, and Belinda Weepu who is working with Masonic Care to develop a care facility in Wainuiomata.
29 February, 10.30 –11.30am Waiora Sports and Community Hub, Johnsonville
All guest speakers have been requested by Grey Power members because they have relevant and important information for all seniors in the community.
Heart Foundation FREE session for people living with an ICD. Talk by Lin Coleman, Clinical Nurse Specialist. Contact Annette 04 4722780
The Grey Power Federation has managed to secure discounts from the following businesses: Atopsis Skincare, Carters Tyres, Bluebridge and Interislander ferries, HRV heating and ventilation, plus many more that are available to view on the Grey Power New Zealand website.
Wainuiomata Grey Power will be finishing this year with a catered lunch for all members at the Wainuiomata Bowling Club.
Anyone interested in joining can email wainuiomatagreypower@gmail.com or phone Helen on 022 109 6722. “Join us before you need us”.
Hutt City Council’s What’s On guide has been given a major upgrade, making it easier for people to share and discover events happening across Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
The digital platform was originally used for Council hub and library events.
However teams across the Council have worked together to expand it into a one-stop guide for everything happening in the city.
It now features community events alongside listings from Council’s libraries, hubs, arts and community programmes.
Finding an event is simple with options to browse by age group, location, event type or date, bookmark events of interest, and add them directly to your calendar.
People can access the new guide on the Council’s website, www.huttcity. govt.nz or through the new Hutt City Libraries app.
Since its launch in August the platform has flourished with more than 1,600 listings through to the end of the year.
Numbers are expected to grow as more people take part in sharing what’s happening locally.
Email:
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Tennis Club held a very successful mini reunion recently.
Many former and current members got together to renew old friendships at the event, the “glad to be alive luncheon”.
“At our age it is a long time
between 75 and 100 year reunions,” one of the organisers says.
The club celebrated its 75th Diamond Jubilee in 2023. Established in 1948, the Wainuiomata Tennis Club is located at 143 Main Road, Wainuiomata. Its facilities feature five flood-
lit astro-turf courts, sheltered with native bush and with a river backdrop.
The club offers a range of coaching and playing opportunities for juniors, seniors and families.
People can contact the club by emailing admin@wainuiomatatennis.org.nz.
By Frank Neill
Cheryl and Renee Davies will be the guest speakers at the next Wainui Connections breakfast, to be held at the Wainuiomata Marae on Tuesday 18 November from 6:30am to 8am.
They will present on the topic “Whenua, Whānau, Future: Sustainable Living at Wainuiomata Marae”.
They will be sharing updates on upcoming projects at the Wainuiomata Marae, including papakāinga housing, the indigenous playscape and the ngahere korowai (urban forest).
Research Trust over the past 33 years.
She has worked alongside the University of Otago on a number of key research studies involving Māori communities over the past 23 years.
She has supported the Wainuiomata Marae’s papakāinga project over the past 15 years and more recently the indigenous playscape and ngahere korowai projects.
well being.
electrician with
of over fifty years of giving locals the
cost “around-the-clock” service, just phone 977-8787 or 021-0717-674 or email jack.powell@outlook.com
The team encourages young budding leaders of tomorrow to connect with like minds, build independence while nurturing their values and inspiring them to dream.
TiHei Rangatahi is sponsoring the complimentary breakfast.
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Design and Build Women’s Cricket team will play its first match of the 2025-26 season on Saturday 8 November.
They then bowled Wainuiomata out for 68 runs.
Liam McGee was the best of the Wainuiomata batsmen, scoring 25 runs.
Cheryl has managed the Tu Kotahi Mā ori Asthma and
Renee is the Manager of the Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services TiHei Rangatahi Services in Wainuiomata and across the Hutt Valley.
Wainuiomata wh ā nau, community groups and local businesses are invited to the community breakfast, which is organised by Love Wainuiomata.
Required in Area 1: Momona, Mohaka, Kawatiri - Kaponga.
TiHei Rangatahi is a youth initiative that provides quality programmes for Rangatahi (youth) to enhance their overall
“This is a chance to connect, hear what’s happening at the Marae, be inspired and enjoy kai together,” Love Wainuiomata’s Co-ordinator Chastity Card says.
ACROSS
Wainuiomata will play Landmark Taita Queens in a T20 match at Heretaunga Park, starting at 2pm.
The Wainuiomata Life Direct Premier Men’s team did not have such a good day in their latest match on 2 November.
North City batted first in the T20 encounter and scored 177 for the loss of two wickets on their home ground of Linden Park.
Craig Foster, with 14 runs, and Jordan Rangikautata, with 11 runs, were the only other batsmen to make double figures.
Gurpreet Singh took one of the North City wickets at a cost of 25 runs and James Riley took the other wicket at a cost of 38 runs.
Wainuiomata’s next match is against Wellington Collegians Cricket Express at Anderson Park on 15 November, starting at 10:30am.
By Russell McQuarters
By Russell McQuarters
By Russell McQuarters
By Russell McQuarters
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By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade is informing people about some simple things to remember this Guy Fawkes to keep whānau, property, animals and community safe.
“Before lighting fireworks check it is safe to do so by visiting www.checkitsalright.nz,” the brigade says.
“If it is windy do not light fireworks.
“If it is safe to light, here are a few simple precautions you can take to keep your whānau, animals and community safe:
• Be a good neighbour – let people around you know you are setting off fireworks especially if they have pets or livestock.
• Light them in a wide open space away from anything that could catch fire.
• Ensure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and won’t end up in anything that can catch fire including buildings or vegetation.
• Have a large bucket of water or hose at hand.
• Dispose of your fireworks safely – soak them in water before you throw them out.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is also urging people to take greater care with fireworks this year.
National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Adrian Nacey says crews responded to 166 calls last year, making it the worst year for fires caused by fireworks since 2019.
“Nine of those callouts were structure fires caused by fireworks.
“All these incidents put communities and our firefighters at risk and create an additional workload for our crews,” he says.
Adrian says people should be vigilant when lighting fireworks, particularly with the
recent high winds in many parts of the country.
“While there has been a fair bit of rain around across parts of the country, things do dry out quickly at this time of year and as we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, the current conditions will certainly enable fires to spread and get out of control very fast.”
He says Fire and Emergency encourages people to attend public fireworks displays instead of lighting their own.
“Our preference is always that fireworks are best left in the hands of the professionals.”
Adrian also notes that many public spaces have fireworks bans in place and this includes most council-managed parks and beaches.
By Frank Neill
Daran Ponter has been re-elected Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Cr Ponter was re-elected during the new Council’s swearing in ceremony and inaugural meeting on 30 October.
He was first elected to the regional council in 2010. After serving until 2013, Cr Ponter was not re-elected.
However he was appointed to the Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the fomer Chair Fran Wilde in April 2016.
He was then re-elected for four more terms in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025.
Following the 2019 election Cr Ponter was elected the Chair and has served in that role since.
In his inauguration speech Cr Ponter looked back on what the Council had achieved over the last three years.
“This was a period where we cemented relations with mana whenua, made significant strides in resetting our region’s natural resources plan, started a journey with Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitane in relation to Wairarapa Moana, commenced works on RiverLink, championed government co-investment into flood control, completed major capital investments in our bulk water supply assets in the Hutt Valley, purchased additional land for the East Harbour Regional Park, commenced a more aggressive programme of revegetation of our regional parks, identified land for a new Wairarapa Regional Park, and tackled issues related to rescue capability in the Cook Strait,” he said.
“We also signed off a new hybrid train fleet, the total refurbishment of the Wairarapa line and Remutaka Tunnel, investment in the Wellington ‘throat’ and the replacement of all wooden traction poles on the rail network.
“Plus, investment in three new publicly
owned bus depots, further electrification of our bus fleet, the introduction of new routes and capacity, and big strides in bus reliability,” Cr Ponter said.
Looking ahead, Cr Ponter said that this triennium would be great but warned that a lot will be asked of Councillors as they navigate fiscally challenging times, significant reforms and the need to plan for the future.
“Our biggest challenge is to sink a lid on rates increases, while navigating the trade-offs around service cuts this will inevitably bring,” he said.
“ As we did in this financial year, we will get to a lower rates number than set out in or Long-Term Plan, but with that will come questions around quality and levels of service.
“As part of what has become the tikanga of our Council table we will strive for consensus.
“It’s not always possible, but when achieved, decisions are more robust and stand the test of time.
“It can make for some long discussions but the results are worth it,” Cr Ponter said.
Wairarapa resident Adrienne Staples was re-elected the Council’s Deputy Chair.
Find out if you and your whānau have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. Check your Plunket / Well Child books, or call your GP.
Not vaccinated or don’t know? Get your MMR vaccine. It’s FREE.
If you’re not sure, no worries. Contact your doctor to check. It’s safe to get the vaccine again if you have no record of receiving it.
Stay home if you’re unwell
If you have cold or flu symptoms and a rash, stay at home and call your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
Kokiri are able to check to see whether you have had the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination as well – this saves you a call to your GP. If there is no documentation as having received the MMR vaccine, then it is safe to have.
