11 February Wainuiomata News

Wednesday February 11, 2026

13-22Thursday 17-24

Fire guts house

By Frank Neill

A house on Wainuiomata Road was destroyed by fire in the early hours of 5 February, resulting in the occupiers losing everything. The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to the blaze at 12:27am.

Continued on page 2.

The house that was gutted by fire on 5 February. Photo: Frank Neill.

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WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

REPORTER

Frank Neill

wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916

SALES

Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152

Nobody home at time of fire

Continued from page 1

The house was “fully involved” by the fire when the brigade arrived, Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Ahron Eastall says.

In fact before the first responders arrived at the fire “you could see it was going from end to end of the house, so we made a second alarm before we got there,” CFO Eastall says.

Fortunately nobody was in the house at the time of the fire.

However the brigade did not know this when they got the blaze.

“We were not aware of the status, whether the house was occupied or not, so we gained entry to have a look around and make sure it was not occupied,” CFO Eastall says.

Eight Fire Brigade units attended the fire.

There were three from Wainuiomata, one from Seaview, one from Avalon, the Command Unit and the BA Tender.

A second team from the Seaview Volunteer Fire Brigade also attended later and did a final overhaul to check there was no further fire or other issues before leaving at around

SALES

Steve Maggs

steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303

SALES classifieds@wsn.co.nz

5am.

The “Wainuiomata News” left messages for the home owners to contact them if they wished, but received no reply.

However, a person using the name Jen Dyl Owp place the following post on Facebook:

“My cousin lost everything in [the] house fire.

“All she has [are] the clothes on her back.

“The main thing [is] they are all safe thank God.

“Anything and everything would be greatly appreciated – household furniture, size M/L women’s clothing, Size M male clothing.”

The “Wainuiomata News” messaged Jen Dyl Owp, asking for information about making donations, but received no reply.

People who have items they can donate would need to message Jen Dyl Owp on Facebook.

Following the fire, Police made a thorough investigation.

“We can advise that, following a scene exam in consultation with FENZ, that the cause of the fire was determined as not suspicious and that the Police investigation has been closed,” the Police say.

Waka Wars coming to Wainui

By Frank Neill

Waka Wars will return to Wainuiomata on Saturday 28 February.

The event will feature events across three venues.

Four events will feature at the Wainuiomata Marae: Euchre, Tino Reka – Kai Drop Off, M orioke and board games.

Frederick Wise Park will be the venue for four more events: Tag, Tihei Rangatahi Top Town, KĪ O Rahi and Rugby League.

Fast Five Netball will take place at Wainuiomata High School.

There will also be Squash at the Wainuiomata Squash Club.

Competitive Events Winners can nominate $250 to one of these causes:

taka Kai.

Waka Wars will be a day of fun and something to do for all ages. It gives people an opportunity to represent their Waka, Wh nau, Hapu and Iwi.

The Kaupapa of Wainuiomata Waka Wars is to:

ing opportunities for Wh nau, Hapu and Iwi

for Wh nau, Hapu and Iwi from Tamariki to Kaum tua

Waka Wars is brought to the valley by K kiri Marae Health and Social Services, and Ng Hau e Wh o Wainuiomata Marae.

The meeting of the Board will be held on:

Thursday 19 February 2026

Meetings are held in the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub, Queen St, Wainuiomata at 6.30pm.

You are very welcome to attend.

Meeting agendas are available on Council’s website: huttcity.govt.nz/council/council-meetings/meetingagendas-and-minutes

Keep up with what’s happening in your community.

Nominations open for Home Ground Hero

By Frank Neill

Nominations are now open for the Bunnings Home Ground Hero – a major national award currently held by Wainuiomata’s Vatau Sagaga.

This award is presented to people who have made a significant community impact on Touch Rugby and it is presented by Bunnings and Touch NZ.

Vatau was named the 2025 Bunnings Home Ground Hero on 7 April last year.

The award recognised the incredible impact for Wainuiomata tamariki and their parents on the free touch competitions run by Ulalei Wainuiomata at Frederick Wise Park on Friday nights.

“I was surprised and really humbled” to receive the award, Vatau says.

“I was really proud as well.”

The award, though, “is not just about me.

“It’s for the whole team who run the competition, and also the people who fund it – Hutt City Council, Nuku Ora and One Foundation – so we can run it for free.”

The fact that there is no cost to enter the touch event “makes us a very special competition.

“Nobody misses out. Everyone who wants to can join in,” Vatau says.

“The feedback we’ve got is that the atmosphere at the competition is very special.”

Vatau led the iniative to introduce the competition in 2024.

More than 50 teams made up of boys and girls participated in a competition that included all seven Wainuiomata primary schools last year.

The competing teams included Te Ara Wh nui Kura Kaupapa M ori in Alicetown, which has a large number of pupils who live in Wainuiomata.

As one of New Zealand’s most community-driven sports, Touch relies on the tireless commitment of volunteers and supporters who give far beyond the sidelines to help players train, compete and represent their communities.

Bunnings Home Ground Heroes is inviting Touch communities across Aotearoa to recognise the volunteers who make the game possible.

From organisers and coaches to those working tirelessly behind the scenes, the initiative celebrates the unsung individuals whose passion, commitment and mahi keep Touch thriving at a grassroots level.

As well as receiving the award, the Home Ground Hero’s touch community will receive a $5,000 grant from Bunnings.

“The funding made a significant impact on our ability to deliver our junior module,” Vatau says.

“Because our module is free to enter, it removes financial barriers for wh nau.

“Parents have told us how much it has supported their children’s wellbeing and mental health, which has been incredibly rewarding.”

Nominations for this year’s award close on Saturday 14 March with the winners to be announced in mid-April.

For more information on the programme and to make a nomination visit www.bunnings. co.nz/campaign/touch-nz.

Bunnings NZ General Manager, Melissa Haines says that “Touch communities thrive because of everyday New Zealanders who give their time and energy to others.

“Home Ground Heroes lets us support that impact in a meaningful way, helping local volunteers do even more for their players and wh nau.

“With many of our own team part of the Touch community, we’re proud to open nominations for 2026 and continue backing the people who strengthen their communities.”

ROUND

RUGBY PACIFIC 2026

LOCAL TRADES

TRUST A LOCAL

Transport Advisory Group nominations open

Nominations for Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Advisory group are now open.

Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Advisory Group provides insights and advice, from a customer and community perspective, on public transport to inform the business of Metlink and thePublic Transport Committee.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 6 March.

All applicants will be emailed in late March to advise if they have been shortlisted for membership to be decided by Council on 2 April 2026.

“I’ve seen the benefits flow from this advisory group and its diverse perspectives that guide Metlink design improvements,” Hutt-based Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Quenitn Duthie says.

“Wainuiomata residents Linsey Higgins and Tamsyn Harker have been on the group for the past three years, providing valuable insight.

“Thank you for your service, Linsey and Tamsyn.

“I hope to see several nominations from Wainuiomata residents keen to share their

public transport experience and promote the needs of your local community.

“This year, members will help shape Metlink’s review of Hutt Valley bus services to improve and optimise routes, frequency and connections to train stations and key destinations like Weltec and the Hospital, Cr Duthie says.

“We welcome applications to form the new membership of the Public Transport Advisory Group,” Greater Welliongton Regional Council says.

“This is a great opportunity for people from across the Greater Wellington Region who are passionate about public transport.

“Advisory Group members will each have unique perspectives as customers of Metlink, with lived experience of our services.

“They’ll also be able to take a ‘bigger picture’ view of Wellington’s public transport network and broader issues affecting public transport.

“Overall, membership of the Advisory Group will be chosen to provide: a broad range of perspectives that represent customer and community needs, geographic spread and demographic diversity.”

The Public Transport Advisory Group meets up to four times a year with opportunity to schedule more meetings as needed.

Metlink officers host Public Transport Advisory Group members in person on Thursday evenings at Greater Wellington’s office on Cuba Street from 4.00 pm to 6.30pm.

In 2026 Advisory Group meetings will take place on 14 May, 24 September and 5 November.

For more information and to lodge applications visit www.gw.govt.nz/your-region/ news/apply-to-be-a-member-of-the-publictransport-advisory-group.

Cricket match evenly poised

By Frank Neill

The division two Cricket match between the Wainuiomata premiers and the Sri Lankan Sports Club is fairly evenly poised after the first of the two days play on 7 February.

Batting first on Grenada North Park, Wainuiomata scored 214.

The Sri Lankans were 171 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps.

Craig Foster notched up a half century before he was out for 51, scored off just 53 deliveries.

Loyis Edwin, who scored 42, Tyson Thomas, who scored 39 and Ryan Jackson, who scored 37 also batted well.

Craig, Ryan and Tyson followed up their good batting with the ball.

Ryan took three wickets for 49 runs, Craig took two wickets for 34 runs and Tyson took one wicket for 15 runs.

Gurpreet Singh was the other

wicket taker for Wainuimata and he finished the day with one wicket for 27 runs.

Wainuiomata will be looking to take quick wickets and secure first innings points when the match resumes on 14 February.

Tim Wilson scored a century to star for the Wainuiomata’s second XI in their comfortable first innings win over Naenae Old Boys on 7 February.

Batting at number three, Tim finished the day on 113 not out, scored from just 108 deliveries.

Naenae batted first on Bryan Heath Park and were bowled out for 187.

Wainuiomata took just 39 overs and four balls to reach the winning score of 188 for seven wickets.

The victory sees them at the top of the premier reserve 2 table.

Jordan Carr bowled outstandingly for Wainuiomata. Along with Tim’s century, Jordan’s bowling played a big part in Wainuiomata’s win.

Ulalei Netball launches pre-season

Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball has kicked off its 2026 pre-season as the club prepares to defend an impressive five championship titles. The club has set its sights on even more success in the year ahead.

Training is now under way, with sessions open to current players, former members and anyone new wanting to give netball a go. The club welcomes players of all ages and experience levels.

Pre-season trainings are held twice a week:

Park; and

mata High School Gym.

The club also acknowledges that many of its members have had an exceptional summer season, proudly representing their village, Hutt Valley and Aotearoa across a range of sports including Rugby Sevens, Softball, Indoor Netball, Football, Basketball, Cricket, Touch Rugby, Waka Ama and Kirikiti.

Congratulations to all the rangatahi and wh nau for their hard work and achievements on the local, regional, national and international stages.

Ulalei encourages the community to get involved, stay active and be part of a proud and successful wh nau based club.

He took four wickets and conceded only 23 runs in his 11 overs and one ball. Four of the overs he bowled were maidens.

Chris Ingram also bowled very well, taking three wickets for 29 runs.

Two Wainuiomata players have been named to represent New Zealand.

Craig Foster has been selected in the New Zealand over 50s team to play a test and a 50 over series in Australia during the next two weeks.

Carl Adams has been selected in the New Zealand over 60s team.

The table topping Wainuiomata Design and Build women’s team was due to play City Suburbs at Richard Prouse Park on 7 February.

However the game was cancelled.

This saw Wainuiomata three points ahead of the Landmark Taita Queens on the Cricket Wellington division three table at the end of the 7 Febru-

ary round.

Wainuiomata has five wins from their seven matches and the Taita Queens four wins from their seven matches.

The Taita Queen’s fourth win came against Wainuiomata Life Direct on 7 February.

Batting first on Richard Prouse Park, Wainuiomata scored 126 for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs.

The Taita Queens overhauled that total when they reached 130 after 14 overs and two balls.

Two players shared the top score for Wainuiomata, with Sarah Girling and Angela Porter finishing on 24.

Sarah Sanders was not far behind them with a score of 20.

Angela Porter bowled outstandingly for Wainuiomata, taking one wicket for 13 runs.

Next Saturday sees the local derby between the two Wainuiomata

Wainui Enduro on this month

By Frank Neill

The Wainui Enduro mountain bike race will be held at Waiu Park in the hills above Wainuiomata on 22 February.

The course will be open for practice on 21 February.

Run by the Wellington MTB Club the event features races catering to all ages and abilities in what is a world class mountain biking event.

As usual, there will be two courses – a hard course (which will count towards Wellington Enduro Series and NZ Enduro Series points), and an intermediate course (shorter and easier tracks).

The hard course will see five events: 491 into Fade to Black, Gingernuts into Double Happy, Not Even Ow, Spoonhill into McMillans, and Freewheel.

The easier course will see four events: Freewheel, Superplus (to Chur No Bull intersection), Labyrinth Return into Snails and Ng Tuna (via Second Star climb).

Course stages can be completed

in any order.

Those competing will be able to do re-runs on stages, and their fastest time will count. They will have four hours to complete the course and get back to the race village.

People can register for the event by visiting https://www.capitalenduro. co.nz/.

“This is one that we’re really excited about,” the Wellington MTB Club says.

“ It’s the first time that a Welly MTB Club enduro is part of the NZ Enduro Series, and it’s all on at the Wainui Trail Project.

“We’re stoked to share some of the best trails in Wellington with riders from all of NZ.

“The Wainui Trail Project has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, with redevelopment of a classic grade 4 trail (with the best views over the harbour), and an amazing range of new grade 5 trails.

“Hand-built by locals over the past 18 years, Wainui has a mixture of fast, sinuous trails set amongst regenerating native bush, amazing

51. Wanderer (5)

52. Relish served with fish (7)

53. Sequence (5)

54. Unpredictable (7)

55. Distance measuring instrument (5-6)

DOWN

1. Horse’s hindquarters (5)

2. Be in legal custody (5,6)

3. Stubbornness (8)

4. Mend (6)

(3)

Christmas (4)

Without purpose (7) 30. Sign of authenticity (6)

Leather boring tool (3)

Dandy (3)

Incorrect (6)

Swift animal (7)

Holiday house (4)

Range of knowledge (3) 39. Male cat (3)

41. Russian emperor (4) 43. Injures (7) 45. Attorney (6) 48. Kiwi rugby team (3-6) 49. Breed (9)

5. Register (5)

6. Quiver (7)

7. Dark brown (8)

8. Concurs (6)

9. Ecclesiastical cap (7)

10. Governor (5)

16. Feast (7)

17. Marine alga (7)

19. Muslim name for God (5)

20. Intoxicating liquid (7)

22. Meat vendor (7)

24. Zero (3)

26. Bark (3)

29. Soft leather (5)

31. Clumsy (5,6)

32. Seabird (3)

views over the harbour, and just the right mixture of beech roots and speed.

“And over the past five years, a new generation of trail builders have brought their vision to the park, delivering some of the best tech trails in Wellington.

“We’ll have a great selection trails, mixing some of the Wainui classics with some of the newer tech trails.

“There will be flow, beautiful beech forest, views out over the harbour, and a couple of days of fun.” the club says.

33. Obese (3)

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Solution Last Week: 4 February 2026

LETTERS to the editor

Shopping cart dumping

It's disgusting since they've made the new Woolworths in Wainui and removed the magnetic stops from the shopping carts to prevent removal from the carpark.

Carts are ending up in Black Creek under the Best Street/Fullerton Street footbridge.

Now when I report the issue of the illegal dumping to Hutt City Council they advise it's no longer their responsibility but GWRC's responsibility.

I contact GWRC and they say it's HCC's responsibility to remove the carts from Black Creek.

Both Councils don't want to address the issue.

The real culprits are the eejits that use the carts and dump them around Wainui and

Woolworths

We wholeheartedly agree with Fed Up Wainui Resident about people taking trolleys from Woolworths and dumping them.

We do take responsibility for our stolen trolleys, investingsignificant time and money in collecting tens of thousands of them from places like Black Creek all around the country.

We’ll continue to work collaboratively with local councils to keep the community tidy

Hutt City Council

Abandoned supermarket trolleys are the responsibility of the supermarkets. Abandoned supermarket trolleys are the responsibility of the supermarkets that own them.

Woolworths for not taking responsibility for their carts.

It's high time Woolworths were charged a fine by the councils for removal of the carts from Black Creek and the people responsible for removing the carts from the carparks are fined as well. Ultimately we as ratepayers are paying for all this nonsense.

The councils and Woolworths need to find a solution to this issue.

As usual a few clowns in the community are causing an issue which affects us all.

Fed up Wainui Resident

The “Wainuiomata News” forwarded this letter to the Editor to Woolworths, Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council and received the following replies.

and, for safety reasons, we don’t encourage members of the public to retrieve trolleys themselves.

We ask anyone who comes across a stolen or abandoned trolley to contact our Customer Care Team on 0800 40 40 40, talk to our customer service team in-store, or use our chatbot Olive, who can also organise a collection.

Woolworths New Zealand

Regional Council

Dumping rubbish in rivers is illegal and disrespectful to our precious waterways, the wildlife within them and the communities that love them.

It also hits your back pocket through rates because retrieving rubbish from waterways costs in staff time and landfill fees.

And across the lot, GW regulates pollution, damage and water quality under the Resource Management Act.

However, the public shouldn’t have to worry about these distinctions. Both councils are here to serve you and we share a goal of cleaning up waterways.

For other general litter in waterways, Council refers these cases to Wellington Water Ltd for clearance. Council spokesperson

When Council is notified of a dumped trolley, our Environmental Health team contacts the relevant supermarket or asks the complainant to do so.

For clarity, Greater Wellington manages the Wainuiomata River from Reservoir Road to the golf course, with a focus on flood defences like stopbanks, erosion protection and removing obstacles.

Hutt City Council (through Wellington Water) manages Black Creek as part of the urban stormwater network.

I’ll have a chat to my Wainuiomata councillor colleagues and see what we can do about the shopping trollies.

Reports of illegal river dumping or other pollution can be made to the Environmental Hotline: 0800 496 734.

Cr Quentin Duthie, Greater Wellington

KOKIRI MARAE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Measles is here

Check your Plunket / Well Child books, or call your GP. 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. 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.