21 January Wainuiomata News s

Papakainga started

By Frank Neill

Work on the new eco-papak inga at the Wainuiomata Marae began yesterday, 20 January. The first stage of the project is excavation and groundworks. Continued on page 2.

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Continued from page 1

Following that the contractors will develop the infrastructure – the roads, foundations, plumbing work, electrical, telecommunications, all the work that goes in the ground. Once that stage is complete, the vertical build of the eco-papak inga will take place.

Because of the project, a path through the Wainuiomata Marae grounds, used by many as a shortcut, is currently closed.

The area has been fenced off temporarily so the Marae works can take place safely.

Marae – construction of a new laundromat.

“Two people in the community wanted to start up their own business,” Star says. They approached the Marae, which approved their request to develop a laundromat at the Marae, and they are using the same architects and the same contractors that are involved in the other three projects.

“Once the papak inga is complete a new pathway will be established, allowing the community to walk through the papak inga area, past the playspace and tiny forest, and through to the Parkway extension,” the Wainuiomata Marae Chair Star Olsen says.

“We’re really looking forward to reopening this space in a way that is safe and welcoming for everyone.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and thank you for your understanding and patience.

“Over the coming weeks we will also be holding a community hui to share more about the exciting projects starting soon at the Marae.

“We would love for you to join us and be part of this k rero,” Star says.

Work on all three Marae projects is now taking place.

As well as the eco-papak inga, consisting of 12 affordable rental houses of between one and four bedrooms, work is under way on the Ngahere Korowai (urban forest), which will see plantings take place on the swamp area between the marae and the hill, and an indigenous play space.

The area for the Ngahere Korowai has now been dug out.

The next stage will be preparation of the soil for the small forest.

The excavated soil is being mixed with organic compost, pea straw, mulch and leaf litter from nearby bush and the whole area will have green manure added.

Planting the forest will start after the soil has been prepared.

Excavation on the third project, the indigenous play space, also began yesterday.

Fencing for the space, made from Manuka wood, has already been put in place

A fourth project is also taking place at the

Groundwork for the new laundromat also began yesterday.

The papak inga will be based on the vision and values of the Marae which are contained in the Marae’s Development Plan created in 2021.

The papak inga’s houses will be connected to the Marae through design features, pathways, tohu and services for residents.

In addition the Marae has a very strong environmental approach – above the building code and other requirements – which it will apply to the papak inga design and operation.

The 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.

Tu Kotahi Asthma Trust and WMCT received funding from the Lego Corporation (Denmark) via the Spirit Project (John Hopkins University, USA) to develop the indigenous playspace.

The outcomes of the playspace include: relationships with land and the environment are (re)established to improve the health and wellbeing of families;

playspaces 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 with playspaces through indigenous and other evaluation methods.

Wainuiomata firefighters finish third

By Frank Neill

The team of four from the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade secured a top placing in the North Island Waterway competition, held in Havelcok North on 17 January.

The team of Donald Underdown, Alex Cade, Jarrod Higgins and Ngarue Ratapu took out third place in the event.

“It’s a good outcome for our North Island Waterway Competition team,” the team’s manager Roger Whioke says.

“The boys certainly trained very hard.

“They should be proud of their third place.

“Hopefully it gives them the drive for the national competition.”

The next national Waterway contest will be held in 2027.

A week earlier Wainuiomata finished first in the Wellington Provincial Waterway Challenge, with a slightly different team.

Coached by Mati Soi, the team comprised Donald Underdown, Alex Cade, Trent Holden and the Captain, Ngarue Ratapu.

The victory was the first for the brigade since its last win, back in 1978.

(Right) The Wainuiomata Waterway Challenge team with the certificate and trophy they won for placing third in the North Island competition (from left): Donald Underdown, Jarod Higgins, Alex Cade and Ngarue Ratapu.

Enchanting adventure coming up

Free fairy fun is coming to the forest at the Gums Loop Meadow, in the Wainuiomata Regional Park, on 14 February.

Run by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), the event is called “Enchanted Park” and will run from 10am to 2pm.

This special summer event invites tamariki to explore nature, get creative and learn about the native wildlife that calls this forest home.

“Help us build a fairy garden in the forest where North Island Brown Kiwi live,” GWRC says.

“Kids can paint rocks or create their own fairy doors.”

Facepainting and outdoor games will also take place.

“You’re encouraged to bring fairy costumes and picnic lunches to enjoy in the meadow.

“Our knowledgeable park ranger will be there (with fairy wings on) to answer questions and share stories about the park’s natural heritage.

“The Remutaka Conservation Trust and Forest and Bird will be on hand to teach tamariki about the kiwi who live in this park and the conservation work happening in the area,” GWRC says.

The New Zealand Brown Kiwi were extinct in the forests of the Remutaka Range until around 20 years ago.

Since being reintroduced by the Remutaka Forest Park Trust, the Brown Kiwi population has spread into Wainuiomata Regional Park.

Ongoing predator control efforts from the trust, the pest animals’ teams, park rangers and volunteers have helped kiwi to thrive in their new home.

Enchanted Park is aimed at children aged between 4 and 10 years.

The Gums Loop Track area is located at 10 Whitcher Grove. Tracks in the area are suitable for prams, and dogs will be allowed if they are on a lead.

Wainuiomata River open day

The Wainuiomata River Community Open Day will take place from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 15 February.

The open day will be held at the Poole Crescent Reserve, and the back-up day if the weather is inclement is 22 February.

People will be able to get to know their local awa at this drop in day with Mountains to Sea Wellington’s Wai Connection team.

“Take part in water quality and species identification activities from the Wainuiomata River, learn about ways you can take part in conservation mahi going on in Wainuiomata,” the event organisers say.

“We’ll be running water quality monitoring (including SHMAK test demonstrations) and identifying fish and macro invertebrates living in the awa. “Our catchment co-ordinators will be on site to chat about other ways you can get involved in conservation in your area too.”

This event is for the whole wh nau, and people can drop in any time between 10am and 2pm.

The event’s Facebook page is athttps:// www.facebook.com/share/16DimjZfgZ/.

Chris Bishop

MP for Hutt South

Please contact my Wainuiomata

New pou at Parangarahu Lakes

Four intricately carved pou can now be seen at different locations around Parangarahu Lakes.

Designed by Te ti Awa artist Pokau Kato Te Ahuru (Te ti Awa, Ng ti TŪwharetoa, Ng ruahinerangi), the four pou tell stories of whakapapa, connection and protecting the environment for future generations.

Pokau says the pou display two patterns, one where repetition is used to symbolise stories and histories passed down through time.

The other, land and water intertwine to form a korowai (cloak) that was gifted to the people of Te Awa Kairangi.

“Toi M ori is a way of illustrating whakapapa and oral histories that are passed down to us,” Pokau says.

“Here I honour the tipua Ngake who had the strength to break through the walls of the land-locked lake to create Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and wove a korowai to bring the people on either side of Te Awa

LETTERS to the editor

Kairangi/Hutt River together.

“Te ti Awa families continue to live and frequent the area, and these designs recognise the connection of tangata whenua to the land through whakapapa and ahi k (continuous occupation).

“These pou form connections between people, land and water, connections to each other, and connections to our past, present and future,” Pokau says.

"There's something special about getting up at 3:30am and watching the light grow and birds herald the new day,” Hutt-based Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie says.

"It's even more special when watching this unfold across our treasured Parangarahu lakes with a small crowd of people who toil hand-in-hand to protect and restore the lakes and their catchment.

"Perhaps one day soon Wainuiomata residents will be able to walk from home to the lakes via Gollans Valley – a journey from source to sea.”

Expensive groceries

It is getting very disconcerting regarding our one and only large supermarket in Wainuiomata.

Those who can drive and get out of the valley to shop are very privileged in that they can shop in supermarkets that have full shelves and a very good variety of good quality foods.

Wainuiomata people, however, have to contend with constant shortages of various items week after week not to mention the very average and very overpriced food and cleaning products.

Mince and sausages that are staples and yet still so expensive deter shoppers from buying any other meat products because of their ridiculously high prices.

No competition in the valley has created this situation.

It is quite appalling. We have thousands

of people who are to be catered for by one huge overpriced industry that knows they have the upper hand in selling usour food items etc.

If the Wainuiomata public only have this shop to contend with then the least Woolworths could do is ensure the food is top of the range qualityand pricing is realistic. The staff of Woolworths are hard working and caring and put up with alot of abuse regarding their high prices and shortages which is no fault of their own. This letter is not aimed at any of them just the actual supermarket.

Come on Woolworths, keep your shelves full, buy better quality fruit and vegetables and cut your pricing.

I’m sure you could afford it and still make a huge profit from this community.

J Salisbury

Response from Woolworths

We know New Zealanders are facing cost of living pressures.

We serve millions of Kiwis each week in our stores across New Zealand and our absolute focus is on giving our customers good prices, a range of products, convenience and a fantastic shopping experience. We work with our supplier partners to keep the cost of goods as low as we can.

Pricing in our Wainuiomata store is consistent with other North Island stores (including those over the hill in the Hutt Valley) and we don’t have different pricing in towns or places, like Wainuiomata,

where we are the only supermarket. Our store doesn’t have the range of much larger stores in the Hutt Valley and we acknowledge there have been recent shortages, particularly in our fresh offering, and we apologise for that.

These were largely due to weather conditions and ferry cancellations, and beyond our control.

We are working hard to ensure the best experience we can for our loyal Wainuiomata customers.

The team at Woolworths Wainuiomata

Fireworks

Yeswe still have idiots letting fireworksoffall hoursof the night. Don’t they realise they are pressing theirarrogancetoo far.

Onedaythey mightgeta fewangry neighbours knocking on their doors.

People have had enoughof this stupidityandtheGovernmentdoesn’tdo anythingbuttalka load oflies.

As longasthis governmentgetsrevenue theydon’t care. Theytalkemptywordsthat don’t meana thing.

Oh well,be it on your own headsif a disasterhappens onyouallfor buy-

ingfireworks.

Peter Wells LETTERS to the editor continued:

This is my lastarticleon thisissue. I won’t waste my timetypingany moretothose peoplewithoutanythoughtfor others.

As fortheseMPs,theyhave no ears tohearcomplaints.

Certain MPs likethe one in the ACT party could, byletting them off,aggravatea certainmember in NZ First who wantstostop the sale. I am notmentioning names.

Butthosewho let off fireworkshave nothoughtfor animals in distress.

Lance the Locksmith

“Lance the Locksmith” is a family-owned business serving the Wellington regions of Wainuiomata, Eastbourne, Petone as well as Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Lance is a licensed, bonded, insured locksmith with over 40 years of experience. He provides experienced and dependable locksmith and security services for residential or business customers.

We offer a comprehensive range of mobile locksmith services at Lance the Locksmith. Our competitive pricing and outstanding service separate us from the pack.

LOCAL TRADES

TRUST A LOCAL

Bonus for motorcycling enthusiasts

Wainuiomata motorcycle enthusiasts have the opportunity to see international action with the 63rd BSA International Rally being held in the Hutt Valley from 13 to 20 February 2026. Motorcycle riders from around the world have already registered for the event.

BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) was once the world’s biggest name in motorcycles before

production ceased in 1973 before restarting again in 2021.

New Zealand BSA International Rally spokesperson and NZBSAOC President, Graeme Reilly, says around 130 people and 100 bikes are expected to attend the event.

“We already have bookings from BSA riders in the Netherlands, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Canada and Germany.

“They are revving their engines and can’t wait to get here.”

The bikes, with gloriously named models such as Empire Star, A65, Rocket 3, Bantam and the immortal Gold Star, will be on display at Lower Hutt’s Dowse Square on Saturday 14 February between 2pm and 3:30pm.

“This is only the third time the BSA International Rally has been held in New Zealand and presents a rare opportunity for classic bike lovers, and those who enjoy fine machinery, to see what all the fuss is about.”

Graeme says the 2026 Rally will be based at Upper Hutt’s Silverstream Retreat.

Huge victory for Wainuiomata Cricketers

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata men’s premier Cricket team scored a huge victory over the Sri Lankan Sports Club on 17 January. After bowling out the Sri Lankans for 168 on Sladden Park, Wainuiomata lost just one wicket in reaching 169 runs for the win.

Both Craig Foster and Ryan Jackson scored half centuries and both were not out at the completion of the Wainuiomata innings.

Craig finished on 68 not out and Ryan on 59 not out.

Jordan Rangikauhata also batted well, scoring a fast 35 runs from just 26 deliveries.

Before his excellent knock with the bat, Ryan also featured with the ball.

He took three wickets and conceded just 15 runs from the eight overs he bowled.

Three Wainuiomata bowlers took two wickets each.

Gurpreet Singh took two for 26, Craig Foster two for 37 and Roshan Sugathan two for 38.

The other Sri Lankan wicket came via a run out, with both Roshan and Ryan figuring in the dismissal.

Wainuiomata has a home game against Johnsonville next Saturday, 24 January, at Bryan Heath Park. The match will start at 10:30am.

The two Wainuiomata women’s teams in Cricket Wellington’s division three will begin their 2026 year on 24 January.

The only unbeaten team in the competition, Wainuiomata Design and Build will play Petone Riverside at the Petone Recreation Ground and Wainuiomata Life Direct will play Upper Hutt United at Trentham Memorial Park. Both matches will start at 2pm.

Wainuiomata Croquet Club – 33 Years Strong and inviting new members

For more than 33 years the Wainuiomata Croquet Club has been a vibrant part of the local community offering competition, camaraderie and a welcoming environment for players of all ages and abilities.

Club Patron Ray Wallace says the club has grown from humble beginnings into a proud sporting organisation whose members have gone on to compete at both national

and international tournaments.

Despite its long and proud history, the club needs to be future-focused and is now actively encouraging new members to discover the enjoyment of croquet.

Club days are held at 1pm every Wednesday and Saturday at the club grounds inHeath Street, providing the perfect opportunity for newcomers to come along, watch,

learn and take part.

“Croquet can be as competitive or as relaxed as you want it to be,”

Ray says.

“What makes our club special is the great spirit and friendliness of our members.

“It truly is a welcoming place, and once people give it a try, they are often surprised at just how much fun croquet can be.”

The Wainuiomata Croquet Club supplies all the equipment needed for beginners, making it easy for first-time visitors to simply arrive, have a go, and see what the sport is all about.

Members span a wide range of ages and backgrounds, united by their enjoyment of staying active, socialising and learning new skills.

“With more than three decades

behind us, we are proud of our history however we are planning for and excited about the future,” Ray says.

“We encourage anyone curious about croquet to come along, meet the members and experience this wonderful game firsthand.”

For more information, or to arrange a visit, contact Ray Wallace – 027 226 4046.

Local defending her Manu title

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s Zerenity Mill Simpson will be defending her Wellington Z Manu World Championship Super Qualifier title in 10 days time.

The Super Qualifier will be held at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre on 31 January.

Zerenity won the youth female Super Qualifier last year and then went on to become a Manu world champion when she won the youth female division at the 2025 World Manu Championship, held at the Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

In doing so, she defeated her arch rival and the reigning world youth female champion, Ella Mohi-Henare.

This was a repeat of the Wellington Super Qualifier result, when Zerenity defeated Ella with a splash of 8.7 metres.

Said to be a Kiwi invention, the Manu is all about making a big splash.

The bomb technique sees competitors’ bodies form a distinct V-shape so their bottoms and lower backs hit the water first, while the arms and legs are extended to create both a loud clap and a large splash.

The Wellington Super Qualifier will determine finalists across the Manu and Freestyle

divisions, who will go head-to-head in the Z Manu World Championships at the Karanga Plaza, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, on 14 March.

Coming up to its third year, the 2026 world event will be international for the first time.

“It’s always been our intention to go international, so we’re really excited to be expanding to Australia this year, then bringing the finals back to Moana Auckland,” the event’s organiser Scott Rice says.

The Gold Coast event, held over Waitangi weekend in partnership with Queensland Diving, marks the competition’s first official international qualifier.

Beyond competition, the Z Manu World Champs is committed to impact.

Through Sport NZ’s Push Play programme, it inspires Kiwis to get active and embrace the outdoors, with Water Safety New Zealand as a foundation partner.

“At its core, the Z Manu World Champs is about celebrating New Zealanders’ connection to water and encouraging people to stay active,” Scott says.

“It’s about having fun over summer – safely.

“We’re proud to partner with Water Safety New Zealand and Push Play, because participation and safety are at the heart of what we do.”

RiverLink bringing new local jobs

Local job seekers, students and businesses are set to benefit from new career pathways created through Lower Hutt’s largest-ever infrastructure investment with the design and build of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink) under way, Hutt City Council says.

The multi-agency programme – a $1.5 billion partnership between NZTA, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council and Mana Whenua Taranaki Wh nui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ng ti Toa Rangatira – will reshape the heart of the city through to 2031.

It forms part of the wider $2.8 billion decade-long investment across Lower Hutt’s infrastructure, including water, transport and resilience.

As construction ramps up the project is unlocking long-term careers, building skills and providing opportunities for local businesses. More than 100 procurement packages are expected, creating opportunities across civil construction, engineering, trades, environmental restoration and professional services. Key education and training partners Whitireia and WelTec are central to this work.

From a new level 2 experiential programme to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, creating graduates are key for the workforce required.

Whitireia and WelTec and the Te Runanganui o Te Ati Awa are delivering mentoring and training, alongside the successful WelTec Tamaiti Wh ngaiprogramme in Petone, which Mayor Ken Laban helped establish more than 20 years ago.

A range of other programmes are also helping people into training, including Te Runanganui o Te Ati Awa and Whitireia

and WelTec designed and delivered Try a Tradeand Try a Tech, Work and Income’s Skills for Industryand Limited Service Volunteer course , and a refocused Ministry of Social Development (MSD)Jobs and Skills Hubdedicated to the project.

This focus matters. MSD has identified 18- to 24-year-olds as the largest group of job seekers in the Hutt Valley.

Te Awa Kairangi gives us the scale and certainty to turn a major project into a pipeline of careers, Hutt City Council says.

More than 100 procurement packages are planned, creating opportunities for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and professional services.

The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is also linking young people with job opportunities through its work with local businesses.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ken Laban says the city must seize this moment.

“This is our chance to back local people.

“When our young ones get the training and support they need, they build futures here.

“It means a skilled workforce ready for the big projects ahead and it means Hutt City is safer, easier to move around and proud of what we are creating together,” the Mayor says.

Council Chief Executive Jo Miller says while the Te Awa Kairangi project is about delivering new bridges, transport links and flood protection, it’s also about creating a better work future for people.

“Te Wai Takamori will reshape our city but part of its legacy will be the people it lifts along the way.

“This is our chance to create pathways for local youth, support iwi and M ori businesses, and ensure the project delivers community outcomes as well as world-class infrastructure.”

The Council ran a forum with construction companies last week where having the

An artist’s impression of part of the RiverLink project.

creation of career pathways as a central component of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi was highlighted.

This programme consists of crucial flood protection and river restoration work, transport improvements at Melling, as well as upgrades to city infrastructure and urban revitalisation. It’s the largest multi-agency infrastructure project in the city’s history. Hutt City Council will contribute $174 million for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, riverside park and car park, and local road and streetscape improvements.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has committed $295 million to deliver the flood protection benefits of the programme. About $1 billion has been provided by the Government/NZTA. This will cover the construction cost for the new interchange and bridge, as well as property, consenting, design, investigations, demolition and other NZTA-managed costs.