Wednesday November 26, 2025
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thompson and his wife Rachel were honoured for their service to the brigade at the brigade’s honours evening on 22 November.
Peter and Rachel were made presentations for their service as departing members of the brigade. Continued on page 2.
Chief Fire Officer Peter and his wife Rachel Thompson with their presentations. Photo: Frank Neill.
Phone (04) 587 1660
Continued from page 1
Peter is stepping down as Chief Fire Officer at the end of the year as Rachel has secured a new job in Australia.
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Two other awards were also presented to Peter. He was awarded his two-year gold bar for 39 years service and received the 25 year clasp for long service and good conduct.
Peter was one of two fire fighters who were presented two-year gold bars for 39 years’ service – the longest service recognised during the evening.
Ivan Morrison was also presented this recognition of his 39 years of service.
Peter joined the Wainuiomata brigade on 23 January 1986, and will have served almost 40 years when he steps down.
He became the brigade’s leader when he was presented the CFO helmet by Fire and Emergency’s Group Manager, Gareth Hughes, on 1 August 2024.
During his time with the brigade CFO Thompson has received three major awards.
In 2017 the brigade presented him with a trophy for his “commitment, passion and dedication to the brigade second to none”.
This was the first time the trophy was presented, and it has not been presented since.
In 1998 he was made a life member of the brigade and in 2011 he was presented the Gold Star for 25 years’ service.
“The pleasure of helping people on their worst day made [his service] all worthwhile,” Peter said during the presentation evening.”
He also thanked the brigade members for their service and the families of the members for the support they have provided.
His big “thank you” of the evening was made to the employers of the brigade members.
“The significant input from volunteer firefighters is never provided in isolation and without the support of employers our brigade
Sunday 14 December, 10am - 12pm Les Dalton Dog Park, Wainuiomata
Share the Christmas spirit and come along to one of the greatest events on your dog’s calendar!
Be sure to dress up your dog as we will have a photographer to capture your dog’s very own Christmas portrait.
would not be able to function at the high level it currently does,” Peter said.
“Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade takes this opportunity to thank you, the employers of our volunteers, for allowing your staff the ability to respond to emergency calls in line with the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board’s Vision of ‘Stronger communities protecting what matters’.
“This includes the self-employed whose contribution is no less and at times is indeed greater than others.
“From Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s perspective having employers and business people out there helping, encouraging and supporting our volunteer fire fighters, your employees, is fantastic.
“The contribution you make is helping to build the overall health of the community,
which in turn we know will lead to a better business climate.
“The good corporate citizenship demonstrated by having your employees involved in voluntary activities sends a strong message to our local community that your business is concerned about local issues and is willing to work with it to achieve the greater good for all.”
Peter then listed the employers of brigade members – Alliance Fire and Security, BCITO, Bear Hardware, CJB Decorating Ltd, Clives Chemist, Contemporary Korowai Designs, Crown Forestry, Department of Corrections, Department of Internal Affairs, Parkway Kindergarten, Pukeatua Kindergarten, Rentwell, Silverstripe, Ventia NZ Operations Ltd and Whai Oranga Community Health Hub.
Continued on page 3.
The first meeting of the Board will be held on:
Thursday 4 December
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.
By Frank Neill
the three new projects at the
a dawn blessing of the whenua (land) on 22 November.
Te Ati Awa whenua, the dawn blessing was “awesome,” says
“It was a great day of celebration.”
ground around 12 years ago, ceremony.
Three Wainuiomata rangaand the ceremony finished
Following the dawn blessNovember.
The three projects are an inga consisting of 12 affordable rental houses of between one and four bed(urban forest), which will see
area between the marae and the hill, and an indigenous play space.
for the three projects.
paring the ground for the Ngahere
That will be followed by the space, and then for the eco-papainga.
Continued from page 2
As well as the two gold bars for 39 years’ service, the following service honours presentations were made on 22 November: service. years’ service.
Darren Page received the two year silver bar for 9 years’ service, Riana Nodder received the two year silver bar for 11 years’ service,
area of around 80 square metres.
The new forest will use species native to the area, densely planted
help drain and stablise the nearby area, which is prone to flooding.
Following the completion of prepared and planting is scheduled to start next autumn.
play space will begin following indigenous playspace. inga will be based on
Development Plan created in 2021. inga’s houses will be design features, pathways, tohu and services for residents.
Wainuiomata High School is running its Christmas Gala on Friday 5 December.
The gala will take place at the school’s auditorium and car park from 5pm to 9pm.
It promises to be a “vibrant night out” with arts and crafts stalls, delicious kai and festive community fun for the whole family, the school says.
Stallholders do not have to pay for a stall and limited stalls are available.
For more information contact Matauranga Te Rauna, email tekuramatuaowainuiomata@gmail.com.
The Wainuiomata Croquet Club is holding an open day on Saturday 29 November from 10am to 2pm.
This is an opportunity to give Croquet a go. It will also provide enjoyable fun for the whole family.
There will be a sausage sizzle for a gold coin donation.
The club is located at the Bryan Heath Annex in Heath Street.
bar for 12 years’ service, Dave Logan received the two year silver bar for 13 years’ service, year silver bar for 15 years’ service, Tamati
silver bar for 19 years’ service and Nathalie Pettigrew received the two year silver bar for 21 years’ service. Long service and good conduct medals were
If you are contemplating visiting the Chatham Islands, Pitt Island, just a 25min scenic flight from the main Island, rated as a Top Chatham Islands destination being very different to the main Island and a must see. Flowerpot Bay Lodge offers Adults Only beach front accommodation on Pitt Island for Couples and Groups. Pitt Island is the second main inhabited Island in the Chatham Islands group, arguably one of the most remote holiday destinations in the World. Pitt Island is the first place in the World to see the sun rise each day and has some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, walks, bird life, botany, geology, fishing and hunting experiences. We offer several Spectacular Private Walks, the best on Chathams as part of our package holidays. Come check out the view from our Spa.
As the working year winds down, summer arrives - and Nelson Tasman’s warm climate and stunning scenery are calling. T huna Beach Holiday Park stretches along 1km of coastline, offering 22 hectares as your base to explore from. In this popular biking region, the Park sits beside a tributary of The Great Taste Trail and provides on-site bike hire through Cycle Nelson, secure bike storage and a wash station, plus regular shuttles to trails across the region.
Accommodation includes contemporary motel units, cosy cabins and extensive powered
and non-powered sites. A vibrant holiday programme runs from 20 December to late January with a broad range of activities for guests from yoga and live music to outdoor movies and Housie. On-site facilities include multiple playgrounds, giant bouncy pillow, mini golf, pedal-karts, a mega swing, tandem flying fox and a café. Walking-distance attractions include Pro-Karts, Natureland Zoo, a hydra slide, trampoline park, and of course, the iconic beach. The ideal summer holiday - in Nelson Tasman.
For some, it’s a gentle weave between Tasman vineyards with the joy of good company. For others, it’s the thrill of carving down forested trails in the Nelson hills. For us, it’s about bringing people closer — to each other, and to this place.
Because sometimes the experience is the journey. And around here, the journey is unforgettable. At Cycle Nelson, we make it easy for you to have an immersive and enriching experience in our gorgeous Nelson Tasman region.
Just 35 kilometres north of Napier City, you’ll find the remote but well-equipped Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park - just 150 metres from the beach, and close to great activities including bush walks through the Waipatiki Scenic Reserve, which is across the stream from the campground.
Accommodation includes cabins and powered or non-powered camping sites with facilities that cater for up to 170 people. That makes us a popular choice for a beach wedding venue or for a school camp. For an affordable, family-friendly and truly unforgettable holiday contact us today. Phone 06 836 6075 or visit: www.waipatikibeach.co.nz
Dive headfirst into the 3D Trick Art Gallery, where walls come alive and YOU become part of every crazy, jaw-dropping scene. Snap epic photos that will wow your friends! Then, wander over to the Heritage Farm Tour for
For many Wellingtonians, summer is a chance to slow the pace, and Rotorua offers a natural place to begin that shift. Polynesian Spa has long been known for its dual natural springs, each with its own mineral qualities and a history of soothing visitors for generations. The warmth of the geothermal pools and the quiet lakeside setting create an immediate sense of calm, inviting guests to settle into the restorative qualities that have shaped the spa’s heritage.
Those seeking a deeper sense of wellbeing
hands-on fun with adorable farm animals, feeding, exploring, and discovering the magic of Kiwi country life. Adventure, laughs, and unforgettable memories — all in one amazing day. Are you ready to play?
often choose to add a spa therapy in the Retreat Day Spa, where the experience blends contemporary care with the long-standing tradition of healing waters. The 88Ra Café provides a relaxed spot to enjoy something light, and many visitors take time to explore the Spa Essentials Shop, which offers thoughtful wellness items and gifts, including the signature Rachel Oil collection.
Staying in Rotorua becomes even more rewarding with a gentle, grounding start like this.
Free travel on Christmas Day and special bus and train timetables are part of Metlink’s summer schedule, as improvements are made to the rail network.
Metlink is encouraging passengers using public transport between 25 December and 11 January to plan ahead before travelling, says Metlink group manager Samantha Gain.
“During this period, when many passengers are on holiday, vital upgrades will be made to the rail network,” Samantha says.
“Buses will replace trains using weekend
schedules and passengers should familiarise themselves with the summer schedule while this essential work takes place.”
Christmas Day travel is free again on Metlink services, excluding the Airport Express, Total Mobility taxis and harbour ferries, which do not sail on 25 December.
“Please help us measure patronage by tagging on and off as usual on Christmas Day” Samantha says.
“You will not be charged a fare.”
For more information visit Metlink - summer schedule.
Christchurch.
Nui Hui 7 – the big annual concert held at 14 Waiu Street on 22 November – was a huge success.
“What a night,” says Nui Hui’s founder and organiser, Robert Morgan.
“It was awesome.”
The venue was packed to capacity, with around 150 people attending the concert.
As well as local people, some travelled long distances to attend Nui Hui, including coming from as far afield as Auckland, Taupo and
“It was a good crowd and everyone was happy,” Robert says.
“We’d like to thank all the bands for being part of our kaupapa and sharing the love of music.”
The bands – The Munkiez, The Groundsmen, Tokowha, Burning Embers, Stretch to Mould, Kaletta Band, and The Fabulous Pakehas “were all outstanding.
“To our awesome crew Brady Croft, Barry and Araiyah from BBD Audio for the exceptional pa, Nick Tymar from Tymar Lighting with his bedazzling light show and our mindblowing sound wizard Thomas Te Taite, and Vince Cabrera for the stunning photos, what a massive team we make.
“Also big thanks to the door girls Bee and Chelsey, cooking crew Ngaire Panui and Mark Haines, Hayden Wilby for helping with the stage, and to our gracious hosts Lynda and Keith Lincoln from KO Panel and Paint, and to everyone that came and supported what we do, thank you big time,” Robert says.
The team is already working on next year’s Nui Hui 8 “and would love some local support/ sponsors for the next one and perhaps look at working with the Council for an all age event in the near future.”
future. By appointment only ph 027 2726 893.
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Life Direct premier mens Cricket team scored their second succesive comfortable win, defeating Naenae Old Boys by four wickets on 22 November.
Naenae Old boys won the toss and chose to bat on Bryan Heath Park.
Wainuiomata then bowled them out for just 84 runs, taking 31 overs and one ball to dismiss Naenae.
The home team then scored the winning runs off only 21 overs and one ball, finishing on 87 for the loss of six wickets.
Wainuiomata’s star bowler Ryan Jackson was in great form with the ball, taking four wickets for 29 runs.
Roshan Sugathan also put in a great spell of bowling, taking two wickets and conceding only two runs in his three overs and one ball.
James Riley took two wickets for 21 runs, while both Logan Stoupe and Gurpreet Singh each took one wicket
for 15 runs.
Ryan followed up his great bowling spell by top scoring for the home team with 20 runs.
Craig Foster scored 17 and Jordan Ranikauhata 14, while Roshan Sugathan finished the innings on 10 not out.
Saturday’s victory lifted Wainuiomata to third place on the Wellington division two table.
Wainuiomata’s next match is against the Sri Lankan Sports Club at Bryan Heath Park on 29 November, starting at 10:30am.
The Wainuiomata Design and Build women’s team scored a very comfortable victory in the local derby against Wainuiomata Life Direct on 23 November.
Batting first on Bryan Heath Park, Design and Build scored 171 runs and lost just one wicket in their 20 overs.
Life Direct then replied with 76 for the loss of eight wickets.
To the people of Wainuiomata, if you want action against fireworks, keep the heat on.
Note: This letter arrived after New Zealand First introduced a Member’s Bill that will ban the public sale and use of fireworks across New Zealand.
The Fireworks Prohibition Legislation Bill was introduced on 4 November.
“The taxpayer should not be
Keep the complaints rolling in to Parliament, addressed to New Zealand First. Peter Wells
spending millions on something that drastically impacts pets, causes the inevitable fires and causes havoc for our emergency services,” New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters says.
“The abuse and misuse of fireworks has far outgrown any of the benefits”. Editor
Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/WainuiomataNews
The Design and Build team’s victory saw them remain undefeated in the Wellington division three championship following the first three games of the season.
Marina McCarthy scored a half century for Design and Build before retiring on 52 not out.
Amalia Lipidis also batted well and finished the match on 43 not out, while Luana McCarthy scored 18 not out.
Both Marina and Amalia took two wickets each, Luana took one wicket and Matie Whitman one wicket.
Sarah Girling was the only Life Direct player to reach double figure when she scored 10.
Design and Build’s next match is against Naenae Old Boys at Ian Galloway Park on 29 November, starting at 2pm.
Life Direct were scheduled to play City Suburbs – Brooklyn on 29 November but the match has been cancelled.
By Karen Sagaga
Ulalei Fau, a team made up of enthusiastic Year 3 and 4 players, has entered the Netball Hutt Valley Twilight Competition.
These talented 7 and 8 year olds are learning the foundation skills of the game while enjoying the thrill of the game every Saturday at the Taita Courts.
For many of these young players netball is in their blood.
They have spent many Saturdays on the sidelines watching their mums, aunties and older sisters play during the winter season.
Now, it’s their turn to take centre stage.
The team is absolutely loving the experience. Every game is filled with energy, laughter, determination and sometimes tears.
Each Saturday, Ulalei Fau is
cheered on by a strong crowd of supporters. This is more than just netball; it’s about building confidence, learning teamwork and continuing the Ulalei legacy.
49. Lead(attack)
Effect (11)
Took into consideration (7)
Debate (5)
Chides(7)
Express(opinion) publicly (5)
Relieve from anxiety(3,2,4)
Illicitly distilled whisky(9)
Aircraft shed(6)
Officiate(7)
Irritates(4)
Shelter from wind (3) 25. Wear down(3) 27. Quantity of paper(4) 28. Collapsible paper light. Chinese (7) 30. Quiet(6) 32. Tune(3) 33. Goddess of mischief (Grk myth) (3) 34. Sheep’s wool(6)
35. Attribute(7)
36. Sundry items, and ends(4)
37. Night before(3)
39. Weep(3) 41. Without firmness(4)
43. Precisely(7)
45. Almost(6)
48. Neglect(9)
51. Giraffe-like animal(5)
52. Phoenix is its capital(7)
53. Open(5)
54. Raise(7)
55. Miserly people(11) DOWN
1. Stylish excellence (5)
2. Songbird(11) 3. Ultimate(8) 4. Tumult(6) 5. Lordly(5) 6. Igloo dwellers(7) 7. Steals away(8) 8. Maintain contact with(6) 9. Combatant(7) 10. Evade(5)
Injurious(7)
Soothe(7)
Scolds(5)
Oriental(7)
Meet wishes of(7)
Head of corn(3)
Unrealistic aspiration, in the sky(inf) (3)
33. The alphabet(3)
Annual(8)
Knead(7)
Of the
A view of the Council landfill that is being repaired. Fill will be placed within the area marked by the red line. The dotted yellow lines show the approximate position of the silt
Hutt City Council is carrying out essential repairs to a small area at the closed Wainuiomata landfill on Coast Road by topping it with excess soil from another Council project.
The job is needed because a dip in the surface at the old landfill has formed, the Council says.
Fixing it now will prevent rainwater pooling and soaking into the old waste which can create poisonous water called leachate. The long-term costs addressing that can be significant.
By reusing surplus soil Council will save an estimated $30,000 to $50,000. It also cuts fuel use and emissions because the soil does not need to be hauled further afield.
The Council plans to use soil from its Tupua Horo Nuku (Eastern Bays shared path) project, which has surplus fill.
The work will be carried out on the Stage 3 section of the landfill which was operational from 1979 until 2012.
The work is needed to protect the landfill, Council's Environment and Sustainability Director Alison Geddes says.
“Using this excess soil to repair the old landfill cap makes sense on every level.
“It keeps the site safe, protects the environment from increased leachate, and saves money we would otherwise spend trucking soil long distances.
“We’re taking the opportunity to do essential maintenance in a smart, efficient way that supports our long-term responsibilities to the community.”
Moving soil to the landfill began on 24 November and the work will take about three months to complete.
Truck movements will avoid school drop off and pick up times and most days will see around five trips. On occasions there may be more, depending on material availability.
Engineers will monitor the site throughout the work.
The closed landfill sits well back from homes in a bush-clad valley, so noise and dust will be contained on site.
Once finished, the area will be greener, safer and better protected against weather, helping Council meet its long-term environmental obligations, the Council says.
This work is completely separate from the private cleanfill application currently under consideration on Coast Road.
The old landfill sits well away from that site and the two projects are unrelated.
Wainuiomata High School’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi “is unwavering,” a statement signed on behalf of the Te Kura o Wainuiomata Board of Trustees says.
The statement is signed by Mailena Rawiri,
The statement comes in the wake of the Government’s proposal to remove the requirement for school boards to “give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.
“We affirm that this change does not alter our position,” Wainuiomata High School’s (WHS) statement says.
“Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not optional for us.
“It is a foundational promise to uphold the dignity, identity and rights of all tamariki, and to honour the whakapapa of our place and people.
“Our goal is that every child feels seen, valued and empowered to thrive.
“Our commitment is grounded in respect, partnership and equity.
“When education honours identity, language and culture every learner benefits.
“Te Tiriti o Waitangi guides our governance, curriculum and relationships across our school community.
“We believe removing Te Tiriti protections from legislation weakens the Crown’s commitment to requitable outcomes for konga M ori, and we will not step back from this responsibility.
“At Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata, Te Tiriti shapes who we are and how we teach.
“It informs how we build relationships, design culturally sustaining learning; and nurture wellbeing, identity, language and culture alongside achievement.
“These principles will continue to guide our decisions and actions, regardless of changes to the Education Act.
“We reaffirm our responsibility to uphold the mana of tangata whenua and to ensure our students, staff and community thrive in a bicultural environment that reflects the unique heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We invite our wh nau and community to stand with us as an integral part of our kura, ensuring Te Tiriti continues to guide who we are and what we do for the benefit of all,” the WHS Board of Trustees says.
Wainuiomata Intermediate School has also reaffirmed its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“The legislation may have changed; however,
Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and M ori success as M ori remains steadfast, values-driven, and locally guided,” the school’s Kaihautu/
“At Wainuiomata Intermediate, we continue to recognise the intent and articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, supporting shared decision-making, honouring M ori identity, and ensuring fair and equitable outcomes for all learners.
“Our commitment remains grounded in local relationships, our community-developed values, and our responsibility to uphold the mana of our tamariki, wh nau and community.
“This reflects our unwavering belief that identity, belonging and cultural connectedness are central to good teaching and learning for all students.
“Our school values ensure that we enact the intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi at WIS every day: nity, Family. Building deep connections where every learner knows they belong.
Service. Creating an environment where all are cared for, valued, and supported.
ment, Contribution. Enabling our tamariki and wh nau to influence and lead within our school community.
our people, our environment, and our shared future.
“Our ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti will see us:
commitment statement within our Charter and
ing the dominant and self-fulfilling narrative of M ori underachievement in mainstream education;
with regular monitoring and reporting for all students;
and culturally relevant contexts through our localised curriculum;
engagement, identity, belonging and success; and
ment with wh nau and co-design key school decisions.”
Wainuiomata Intermediate School’s position is unchanged, Mr Sharp says.
The new water organisation for the metropolitan Wellington area is now legally established, with the name Tiaki Wai Metro Water Ltd and a four-person Board of Directors in place.
The new organisation will provide drinking water, wastewater, and piped stormwater services for approximately 432,000 people across the Wellington metropolitan area from 1 July 2026.
Wellington City Council says the name reflects that the organisation is a partnership between shareholding councils and mana whenua iwi Ng ti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Wh nui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
“Tiaki Wai in Te Reo M ori means ‘carers for water’. This name captures the intent to deliver safe, reliable, environmentally and financially sustainable water services in a way that restores te mana o te wai. The name has been gifted by mana whenua,” the Council said in a statement.
“Metro Water remains part of the legal name to capture that the new organisation will work across metropolitan Wellington.”
Tiaki Wai Metro Water will be abbreviated to Tiaki Wai, the Council confirmed.
The Board members are:
independent director and advisor with deep experience in infrastructure, transport, technology, and public sector governance.
Watercare with experience in transport and logistics.
and civil engineer with experience in transport, infrastructure and energy. commercial and infrastructure advisor and public sector governance leader. Advisory Oversight Group member
calibre and experience of the Directors will ensure Tiaki Wai Metro Water has a solid foundation.
“These four people bring a wealth of leadership experience and knowledge of infrastructure and water services. They are the people we need to set the new organisation up for success,” she said.
Incoming councils are expected in the coming weeks to finalise key documents will oversee Tiaki Wai Metro Water.