1 October Wainuiomata News

Wednesday October 1, 2025

Today 5-14Thursday 9-15 Friday 10-16Saturday 10-16

By Frank Neill

Work to develop a tiny urban forest next to the Wainuiomata Marae is due to begin soon – possibly as early as this month.

A date for the start of the earthworks for three projects – the urban forest, an indigenous play space and an ecopapakainga consisting of 12 affordable rental houses – had yet to be set, but it could be possibly as early as this month, the Wainuiomata Marae’s Chair Star Olsen says.

Continued on page 2.

Planting taking place at a tiny for-

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A beautiful cloak of forest

Continued from page 1

Named Ngahere Korowai (signifying a beautiful cloak of forest), the first stage of the project will be earthworks to prepare the land. It has taken a lot longer than originally envisaged for work on the project to begin.

In fact Guy Penny, the Project Manager for the new developments at the Marae, told the “Wainuiomata News” in June that “we are looking at starting planting in August or September this year”.

However given the swampy nature of the land and the risk of excavated soil being washed away by rainfall, the project organisers were advised that earthworks couldn’t start before October.

Because the project has been so long getting under way “people may have thought that it’s gone by the board, but it hasn’t,” says project co-ordinator Pam Crisp.

“We’re still here and there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

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“That includes regular weeding sessions at Forest & Bird’s Wainuiomata Nursery with Gary James and his team, and being hands on with the plants that Forest & Bird are gifting us for the ngahere.”

The other big push has been fundraising.

Last year a fund-raising initiative Pam and Molly Melhuish set up at Pledge Me raised $10,000.

“We thought that would cover

New retail crime taskforce

everything, but we’ve had to more than double it,” Pam says.

Thanks to grants from Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hutt City Council and most recently, a $13,000 sponsorship from Petone Rotary who we gave a presentation to earlier in the year, we’ve covered the bases now.

“We are super, super pleased about this.”

As well as helping with the cost of contractors, “the sponsorship from Rotary will cover the cost of a bilingual interpretation panel and plant ID labels to help tamariki learn about some of the special trees and shrubs in the ngahere.”

Following the earthworks two more events will need to take place before planting starts.

The first will be erecting a deer fence around the urban forest land.

The second will be preparation of the soil.

“The excavated soil will be mixed with organic compost, pea straw, mulch and leaf litter from nearby bush and then we will plant the whole area out in what you might call green manure,” Pam says.

“That’s plants that will benefit the soil, bringing nitrogen into the soil and attracting microorganisms to create a very rich soil.

“Then we will plant.

“There’s lots of work to do to make a rich soil and plant the trees. We’d love local families to come along with their kids, get their hands in the soil and stay on

The Police have established a new Retail Crime Taskforce for the Hutt Valley.

“The team of five, led by Sergeant Cameron Cross, are part of a taskforce we’re trialling for six months in the Hutt Valley,” Inspector Shaun Lingard, Area Prevention Manager for Hutt Valley, says.

“We’ve seen other teams and taskforces set up around the country having great results, and this area is a priority for Police.

“So we thought, what can we do here locally to have a dedicated focus on retail crime.

“We want our retailers to feel safer and our community to know that we won’t tolerate this behaviour.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the results over the next six months and seeing what impact we can make for retailers and our community in this space,” Inspector Lingard says.

“If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact Police.

“If it is happening now, or you have immediate concerns for you or someone else’s safety, call 111.

“Information after the fact or in nonemergencies can be reported online at 105. police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.

“Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

for a cuppa,” Pam says.

The Ngahere Korowai project has a dedicated website, www. ngaherekorowai.co.nz, which includes a lot of information about the project and where people can contact the project organisers if they would like to help.

Planting is scheduled to start next autumn.

Ngahere Korowai will cover an area of around 80 square metres.

The new forest will use species native to the area, densely planted following the Miyawaki method to help drain and stablise the nearby area, which is prone to flooding.

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.

One of the native plants the

organisers are looking to plant in the new forest is Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire).

This endangered plant is a distinctive native tree with smooth, light-colored bark and dark green, leathery leaves that thrives in damp conditions

It will be one of “a few special trees” that will be planted, Pam says.

“The tiny forest is right next to and very much an integral part of the children’s cultural play space.”

This indigenous cultural play space has received funding from the Lego Corporation (Denmark) via the Spirit Project (John Hopkins University, USA).

“The children and teens will have different groups catered for in that play space.

“It looks pretty impressive,” Pam says.

Be prepared when going bush

The Police are advising people to be prepared before heading into the bush this spring.

They are reminding people to take the right equipment when going tramping and hunting.

“We’re lucky to have great access to the outdoors, across the country,” says Detective Sergeant Alex Simister.

“But we need people to make sure when they’re heading into the bush they’re doing it safely.

“Take the right gear, let someone know your return time and please take a beacon or communication device.

“Beacons are an essential piece of gear and can be rented for as little as ten dollars.”

Some new smart phones also have the capability to connect with satellites, giving them service in remote locations.

This feature does need to be set up beforehand.

“With the weather improving we’re expecting to see an increase in trampers and hunters. We don’t want anyone’s trip ending in tragedy.

“Even experienced people can end up in situations where they need help.”

If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code, the Police say.

1. Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone's fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.

2. Understand the weather. New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into

the outdoors.

3. Pack warm clothes and extra food. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, needs preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.

4. Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned, but sometimes they don't. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help?

5. Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

Those who have purchased a beacon need to make sure they register it at www.beacons. org.nz.

For more information on outdoor safety, helpful free resources and videos, head to Know Before You Go - AdventureSmart - NZ Search & Rescue Council | AdventureSmart. More information on trip planning can be found at: Trip Planning – NZMSC.

Candidates commit to pool funding

By Frank Neill

The petition asking Hutt City Council to “keep and refurbish the Wainuiomata Summer Pool” has attracted more than 700 signatures, the petition organiser

Anaru Ryall told the “Wainuiomata News” early this week.

“I’m really hoping we can pump it up to 1,000 by the election,” he says.

The petition has also resulted in all four Lower Hutt Mayoral candidates committing to keeping the $36 million

in the Long Term Plan for the pool refurbishment.

Anaru contacted all four candidates last week and asked them if they would commit to keep the funding in the Long Term Plan.

Ken Laban, Karen Morgan and Prabha Ravi replied quite quickly saying “yes”.

Brady Dyer did reply after some time, and when he did he said: “Yes I commit to the funding in the Long Term Plan (LTP), and when we next change the LTP will commit to it staying in there.”

“This is huge,” Anaru says.

“It’s a massive win for Wainuiomata.

“Together we’ve already shown the power of our community’s voice.

“But let’s be clear, making promises before an election is one thing, delivering on them after is another.

“That’s why we’ll be presenting this petition to the new Mayor and Council after the election to hold them to it,” Anaru says.

People can sign the petition by visiting https://www.jotform.com/ form/252517962243863.

Free riding

Free school holiday bike fun is coming to Te Tōpūnga Hapori i Daly Street. A play day will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday 2 October.

The event organisers will have bikes, colouring, bubbles and crafts. Hannah will be on hand to give out any tips on bikes and riding. Any cancellations will be posted on the Free Ride Facebook page.

Pink Ribbon

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is calling on people to step up and volunteer for the charity’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, taking place on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October.

The Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is the Foundation’s longest-running fundraiser, and it couldn’t happen without the thousands of volunteers around the country who donate their time to collect donations for life-saving breast cancer research, education and patient support.

Sign up to collect for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal at pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz. Registrations close at 12pm on 16 October.

Please contact my staff and I are here to

Phone

564 8707 or email me at Chris.bishopMP@parliament.govt.nz

Local rider leading national series

By Andy McGechan

Wainuiomata’s Jake Whitaker continues to lead this year’s New Zealand Hard Enduro National Championship following the latest two races on 27 and 28 September.

Held in the Akatarawa Forest near Pauatahanui, Jake retained his lead (on his KTM 300EXC) despite a fifth place finish in race one on the Saturday.

It was significant that his nearest rival after the previous rounds, Auckland’s Mitchell Gallagher (Beta RR300), was a no-show and therefore handed a welcome points advantage to Jake.

Day two on Sunday was something of a mystery, with an operating problem forcing the organisers to award identical (maximum) points to all finishers, meaning the results from Saturday also became the overall rankings for the weekend.

“My fifth placing on Saturday was possibly as good as I could have expected on the fast and not-so-technical course, but I at least retain the series lead, which is really all that matters,” Jake says.

“The conditions were dry on Saturday, but still quite slippery over the clay and rocks, and it was quite fast.

“Sunday was deeper in the forest and tricky after it had rained overnight. There were plenty of deep mud bogs and it was pretty challenging.

“I’m looking forward to the two remaining rounds and hopefully I can achieve a couple of decent results to finish off.

“Wellington (the final round) is home turf for me, so that should suit me well,” says Jake, a three-time former winner of this arduous competition.

Now it’s “game on” for the remaining rounds of New Zealand’s ultimate off-road motorcycling competition, in Canterbury on 15 and 16 November and Wellington on 30 November.

There have been four different winners in the series so far and Jake is the only rider to win outright more than once this season, making it two victories in a row after winning round three in Canterbury back in May and then round four in Northland in July.

Jake leads both Whitecliff’s Luke DoernerCorson and Tokoroa’s Jake Wightman, who share the number two position, by a meagre eight points at the top of the Gold Grade standings as the riders look ahead to resuming racing.

Ensuring Wainui gets what it needs

Prabha Ravi is standing to be the next Mayor of Lower Hutt.

“As an independent candidate, my only loyalty is to the people of our city, and I believe for too long, communities like yours have felt disconnected from the Council,” Prabha says.

“I have spent a great deal of time in Wainuiomata during this campaign, from visiting the shops and community groups to attending the Grey Power forum.

“I’ve listened to your concerns, and I understand the unique challenges you face.

“You’ve told me about the pressure of rising rates on your household budgets, your frustration with our failing infrastructure, and the constant worry about the safety and reliability of the hill road, your vital connection to the rest of the city.”

Her plan, she says, “is not about flashy projects; it’s a return to the basics.

Application for Coast Road clean fill

Hutt City Council has notified nine property owners that a resource consent application has been lodged to create a clean fill at 1044 Coast Road.

The Council has decided that only immediately affected parties need to comment on the application.

Kakariki Estate Limitedhas lodged the resource consent application.

The clean fill would only be used by or on behalf of contractors working for Friday Homes.

The clean fill would be separated into eight stages with progressive filling and rehabilitation occurring with each stage being returned to pasture once complete.

Only one stage will be in operation at a time.

The total area would be 9.37 hectares across

eight stages with a total maximum volume of 196,500 cubic metresand a maximum height of 3.5 metres.

To control dust the maximum area of unstabilised fill will be 2,500 square metresat any one time. Mitigation planting is proposed around parts of the site.

Only single unit trucks would visit the site with no more than 18 trucks per day.

A new site entrance will be formed along with warning signage.

The nine property owners notified have been given a deadline of 5pm on Thursday 16 October to make a submission.

People who consider they should be allowed to submit on the resource consent application should contact the Hutt City Council.

“Second is focusing on the basics. That means prioritising the essential infrastructure that makes your lives easier and safer. We will fix our pipes and local roads, and I will be a fierce advocate for improving the resilience and safety of the Wainuiomata hill road.

“And third is supporting your community. I will champion your local hubs, sports clubs and youth programmes.

“A strong community is a safe community and I will work to ensure Wainuiomata gets the investment and support it needs to thrive,” Prabha says.

“I’m not a career politician. I’m a resident of nearly 30 years with a track record of getting things done.” Her aim is “to bring a commonsense, community-focused approach back to our Council,” she says.

“My first priority is value for money. I will bring real financial discipline to our Council to stop wasteful spending and keep your rates under control.

Greater water security

Local residents are heading into summer with greater water security as investment in leak repairs and treatment upgrades begin to pay off.

Two summers ago there was a 33% chance of Level 4 restrictions being triggered. This summer that risk is now below 1%.

Lower Hutt Mayor and Wellington Water Committee Chair Campbell Barry says the shift is thanks to a concerted effort over the past two years.

“We’ve made real progress,” he says.

“Thanks to major investment from Councils, Wellington Water has exceeded its annual savings target, cutting losses by 11 million litres a day. That’s a big win for the region.”

Open leaks are down 30% from this time last year, and 79% lower than they were at the

height of summer in January 2024.

The fully upgraded Te M rua Water Treatment Plant is now adding 20 million litres a day of treatment capacity to help meet peak demand.

From 28 September, Level 1 restrictions returned across the Wellington region. These are light-touch rules like limiting sprinkler use to certain times of the day.

“Our water use is still high – about 25% more than in Auckland. But small changes at home still make a difference. We all have a part to play in protecting our water supply,” Mayor Barry says.

Wellington Water’s long-term work continues, with a goal to cut water loss by another two million litres a day each year through to 2035.

Ulalei steps up for the environment

By Vatau Sagaga

As Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport prepares for another busy summer of events, its commitment to the environment remains front and centre, thanks to a few simple initiatives.

Inspired by the popular Movin’ March programme in all of Wellington’s primary schools run by Greater Wellington Regional Council, Get Wainui Movin’! encourages wh nau to travel to Ulalei events at Wise Park by bike, scooter, or on foot – reducing car use and promoting healthy, active transport options in the community.

“We have already made an impact on the carbon footprint by holding our events in Wainuiomata meaning there is no more travel over the hill,” says Ulalei’s Scott McLeod.

“Get Wainui Movin’! takes it one step further and we did notice more bikes at the park last summer.”

In another environmentally-friendly move, the club has secured a grant from One Foundation to purchase a van to transport its gear from its storage container to Wise Park twice a week during the summer terms. Importantly, the van is fully electric.

“Previously we had three petrol vehicles doing several trips to transport all of our equipment. With this grant, an e-vehicle

was the natural way to go to support our environmental kaupapa,” Scott says.

At its upcoming Soccer Fun Day, Ulalei will also introduce other green initiatives, including recycling bins which have been hired for free from Wellington City Council.

“At the Fun Day we have always provided free fruit and lunch and also water via hundreds of water bottles,” says Ulalei’s Katrina Barclay.

“So we thought offering proper recycling was another small but meaningful step we could take.”

Another initiative will be its boot swap, which will run throughout the summer.

“As parents, we know how fast kids grow out of their shoes – and often the shoes are still in very good condition,” Katrina says.

“The boot swap helps families who need gear, while also reducing waste.”

Ulalei recognises that protecting the environment is a big challenge, but it's one they’re committed to.

“We're doing our little bit for the planet,” Katrina says, “and we’re always looking for new ways to do better.”

Ulalei acknowledges the fantastic support from One Foundation, the team at Movin’ March and Wellington City Council with these initiatives which are having an impact on Wainuiomata’s carbon footprint.

Two local teams in NZ

tournament

Two Wainuiomata teams were among the 120 teams of under 10, 11 and 12 year old grades that descended on Rotorua for the annual Aotearoa NZ M ori Rugby League Tamariki Tournament on 27 and 28 September. The two local teams were representing their respectivemarae, Te Aroha M ori o Waiwhetū Marae and Ng Hau e Wh o Wainuiomata Marae. Given that each team had around15 to 20 players, along with managers, coaches and parents who made the trip to support their tamaiti, in some cases more than one, that was a lot of people flooding into Rotorua along with the tourist trade generating huge amounts of income for local business.

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Battery recycling comes to the Hutt

New high-tech battery recycling units with heat sensor monitoring and fire suppression systems are now available at three Hutt City Council locations.

They are part of a new trial to help people recycle household batteries safely and easily.

The battery units will be clearly marked and located at the War Memorial Library, the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub and the Naenae Neighbourhood Hub.

The initiative started after Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub started collecting used batteries in a bucket. While well-intentioned, it wasn’t the safest way to handle this waste.

The new units are designed to “keep people and buildings safe while giving the community a convenient way to recycle batteries,” the Council’s Head of Climate, Waste and Resource Recovery Jörn Scherzer says. Batteries, he says, can be recycled during normal hub opening hours.

“You can drop off most household batteries, like AA, AAA, lithium, and even rechargeable tool and phone batteries. Just make sure each

Photo: Supplied.

battery is under 5kg.”

Mr Scherzer warns that batteries should never go in kerbside rubbish or recycling bins. They can leak harmful chemicals or start fires in trucks and landfills.

“Even small batteries can cause big problems if they’re thrown out the wrong way. This service makes it easier to do the right thing,” says Scherzer. Phoenix Recycling Group manage the high tech units which have wireless heat sensors which are monitored 24/7 as well as a built in fire suppression system. Similar units are already in use at local DIY stores and provided by other Councils in their respective facilities.

The collected batteries are sorted and exported under Environmental Protection Authority permits to certified recycling facilities in Japan and South Korea. The initiative supports Hutt City Council’s wider efforts to reduce waste and avoid valuable resources going to landfill. If it goes well, more battery recycling units may be added at other Council facilities.

Footballers celebrate successful season

By Ryan Imray

Around 100 club members gathered at Richard Prouse Park on Saturday 27 September to celebrate one of the most successful seasons in the Wainuiomata Football Club’s recent history.

Pasifika Originals were promoted to the Masters 3 division after winning the Masters 4 division.

The Women’s team earned promotion from division 4 to division 3.

The Reserves had double success, earning promotion to the Capital 2 division and winning the Capital 3 and 4 Cup.

The Men’s Capital Premier team earned promotion to the Central League after their unforgettableplay off against Whanganui Athletic.

All eight senior teams celebrated by presenting four team awards – Most Improved, Most Consisted, Top Goalscorer and Players Player of the Year.

There was also 10 club awards presented to various members of the club.

Ben Taylor swept up the Players Player of the

Year award for the Capital Premier side and two of the club awards – Best and Fairest Player of the Year and Wainuiomata AFC Player of the Year.

The Mother and Daughter duo of Vicky Johansen and Arnika Lahood both left with trophies to add to the household.

Vicky was awarded the Women’s Most Consistent Player of the Year while Arnika won the Women’s top goalscorer with her 12 goals for the season.

The Reserves and First Team were equally voted as Team of the Year, Craig Rickett was voted as club Committee Member of the Year, Kurt Butterfield won Club Supporter of the Year, Lachlan Harris walked away as the club’s Top Goalscorer with 30 goals and David Prendergast won Club Sportsperson of the Year.

Scott Travis won the Thirds team Players Player of the Year and walked away with the Club Member of the Year Award as well.

Jared Nicol won the Young Player of the Year award for the second year in a row and Pedro Garcias won the Coach of the Year award, also for the second year in a row.

John Bertrand Collectables Are Buying in Wellington & Hutt Valley Next Week

Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting Wellington and Hutt Valley next week. Mr Kevin George from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr George. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr George. “Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in Wellington and Hutt Valley next week. (see details below). As Kevin George points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.” Mr Kevin George

John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd

Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices

During these uncertain times

we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Kevin George says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

EInteresting Small Collectables Wanted

The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Wellington and Hutt Valley next week are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Kevin George, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

arly New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Kevin George, Senior Buyer. Mr George is in Wellington and Hutt Valley next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound banknote from a New Zealand

trading bank dated 1932 or before. Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr George. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Kevin George, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Kevin George from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 20 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr George.