28 January Wainuiomata News

World record

By

Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s Prashanth family has set a new world record for the number of blooms on a lily. The Stargazer lily in their garden produced “at least” 125 blooms, says Prashanth Krishnamurthy. Continued on page 2.

the world record lily plant (from left) Yesh Prashanth, Prashanth Krishnamurthy, and Vasantha Prashanth. Photo: Supplied.

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A sight to behold

Continued from page 1

This is well over the current Guiness world record for the most blooms on a lily.

The current record is held by a Stargazer lily in front of Terri Kroon’s home in Wolfsville, Maryland, which had 70 blossoms.

The new world record head of flowers is “a sight to behold,” Prashanth says.

The big number of blooms on the one stem are the result of a relatively rare phenomenon known as fasciation.

Fasciation is a relatively rare condition of abnormal growth invascular plants. It can occur in thestem,root,fruit orflower head.

Prashanth lives with his wife Vasantha Prashanth, their son Yesh Preshanth and daughter Aishu Prashanth at 14 Grande Place.

Despite setting a new world record, Prashanth says they are unlikely to apply to Guiness World Records to have it listed by them.

That, he says, is because “it’s a very expensive affair.

“They need a verification agency to assess the evidence.

“It may be a desktop assessment, it may be a visit.

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“A desktop assessment costs will result in $1,000 for the evidence documentation and it will be a little over 1,500 Euros for the actual record to be conferred.”

Instead, the family has shared it on the New Zealand Gardeners Facebook page and they plan to preserve it so that “it will remain in our family, with or without the record books.”

They discovered how to preserve the blooms on a specialist website.

The website recommended cutting the stalk and placing it in a dark dry place.

“We have done that and once it dries up we will preserve it,” Prashanth says.

“Then we will put it in resin, make a block out

of that and present it to the Governor General so it will be availabe for people to view.

“That’s the plan at this stage,” Prashanth says.

Paper deliverers needed

By Frank Neill

The “Wainuiomata News” is urgently looking for people to deliver papers.

Doing a paper run is great for fitness.

In fact this is the main reason some people do the run, as it means they are getting paid while they are doing exercise they would be doing anyway.

Another interesting aspect of paper deliveries is the increase in the number of people aged 65 and over who are doing paper runs as a way to keep fit while earning money.

The “Wainuiomata News” is delivered weekly on a Wednesday.

People wanting to apply to become a deliverer, or people wanting more infomation can contact Sandra, email accounts@wsn.co.nz.

The “Wainuiomata News” is looking for deliverers for the following areas:

Wellington Road and Kendal Grove; 220 papers. of Wellington Road; 385 papers. Mackay Street; 260 papers. Crescent; 230 papers.

Mataura Grove; 300 papers. Wainuiomata Road; 310 papers. Fraser Street; 255 papers. Stanley Street; 380 papers. and part of Main Road; 280 papers. of Wood Street; 270 papers.

Parked bus catches fire

Wainuiomata volunteer firefighters rapidy extinguished a burning bus on 22 February.

The brigade was called to the fire in the early hours of the morning, at 3:47am and the bus was fully involved in flames when they arrived.

Firefighters had the fire out in a “relatively quick time,” Wainuiomata’s Chief Fire Officer Ahron Eastall told the “Wainuiomata News”.

The bus, which belongs to one of the local coach service providers, had been parked in Norfolk Street at the time of the blaze and nobody was on board the bus at the time.

“There is no indication of the cause of the fire,” CFO Eastall told the “Wainuiomata News”.

Later that day, the brigade held its first training session for 2026, and at that training they practised co-ordinated water protection.

Wainui the one day Cricket champions

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata’s second Cricket XI are the 2025-26 Cricket Wellington one day champions.

Wainuiomata won the title when they overwhelmed Petone Riverside in the final, played at Sladden Park on 18 January. They needed fortune on their side just to make the final, however.

They were lying in third place on the table when the final round robin match was played on 17 January.

Wainuiomata scored a comfortable victory over Victoria University and they then needed the second placed team, Naenae, to lose and Naenae did just that.

This saw Wainuiomata finish the round robin matches with 11 wins to Naenae’s 10 wins and gave them the berth in the final. Having won both its round robin matches against Wainuiomata, Petone would have gone into the final as favourites.

However it was Wainuiomata who emerged the victors, taking out a comfortable five wicket win.

Wainuiomata won the toss and chose to bowl first.

That proved a great call as the bowlers

dominated the batters, bowling Petone out for just 91 runs.

Tyson Thomas was in outstanding form with the ball, securing a five wicket bag and finishing with five wickets at a cost of just 18 runs in his 10 overs, four of which were maidens.

Tyson’s haul included taking three wickets in one over.

Tanuj Ahuja and Jordan Carr, with two wickets each, and Scott Babot with one wicket also bowled well.

Following his good bowling spell, Ahuja set up the chase with a brilliant 39 runs, scored from just 33 balls.

Wainuiomata then lost three wickets in quick succession.

The calmness and experience of Dan Hewitt steadied the Wainuiomata innings.

Dan and Dijo Thottappally then steered Wainuiomata to victory and the trophy.

Dan finished on 24 not out and Dijo on 9 not out.

In the match Wainuiomata needed to win on 17 January, Wainuiomata bowled first and restricted Victoria University to 220 for nine wickets.

They then took just 39 overs to reach the winning total, finishing on 223 for just two

wickets.

This time it was the turn of Abhishek to claim a five wicket bag, and he finished with five wickets for 50 runs.

Philip Raju Mathew took three wickets for 47 and Jordan Carr one wicket for 42.

Elvis Peter batted outstandingly for Wainuiomata, scoring 83 not out and Jake Robertson also claimed a half century when he finished on 50 not out.

The Wainuiomata men’s premier team were scheduled to play Johnsonville on 24 January.

However rain saw all Wellington Cricket matches cancelled.

The two Wainuiomata women’s teams in Cricket Wellington’s division three also saw their matches cancelled.

They were scheduled to play their first games of 2026.

The only unbeaten team in the competition, Wainuiomata Design and Build was scheduled to play Petone Riverside and Wainuiomata Life Direct was due to play Upper Hutt United.

80th Rugby year

The Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club kicked off its 80th season with preseason events and training on 20 January.

The club was founded in 1946 during the time of significant settlement of the valley during the post war era.

During its 79 years to date the club has achieved many successes, including winning the Hardham Cup in 2024 when they defeated Paremata-Plimmerton 24-19 in the final.

Among the many fine players the club has produced are All

Weepu, Jonah Lomu and Ruben Love.

Community market

The Wainuiomata Community Market returns on Saturday 31 January. The market will take place between 10am and 3pm at 1 Queen Street. It is organised by Wira Te Raa and all the proceeds from the stallholders go directly to Wainuiomata schools. Well over $7,000 has been donated to schools from the market since 2000.

Craft show returns to Pioneer Church

The Wainuiomata Pioneer Church is again hosting the Wainuiomata Craft Show on Sunday 1 March.

Entries will be accepted on the day from 9am to 11am, after which the Church will be closed to allow the judges to assess and award certificates in all categories.

The craft show will open at 1:30 pm and entry is free.

Certificates will be presented for placings at 3pm as will the trophy for the best entry in the show.

Tea, coffee, home baked cakes, scones etc will be on sale throughout the day so they can be enjoyed in the church gardens.

There will also be a plant stall.

There are two sections for entries: an adults section and a children’s section for those aged 14 and under.

Both sections have entries in the following categories: quilting, cross stitch, journals, pouches, soft toys, wooden items, jewellery, mosaics, diamond art, paintings and knitting (which will be divided into sub categories).

Entries must not have been shown at this show before.

All clothing must be clean, the craft show organisers say.

“If you are making from recycled materials please wash the fabric well before making.

“Sustainability is big these days, so using recycled fabrics etc is encouraged.”

Enquiries are welcome, and people can call Colleen on 027 478 5114.

The cost per entry to the Pioneer Church Craft Show is a gold coin for each item.

Chris Bishop seeking Hutt South re-election

Hutt South’s current MP Chris Bishop is once again standing for the seat in the 7 November general election.

Mr Bishop won the seat ahead of the then sitting MP Ginny Andersen in the 2023 election.

“I’m delighted to have been selected to stand again for National in Hutt South,” he says.

“Serving as the local MP for Hutt South, including Wainuiomata, is an enormous privilege and I try and work hard every day for our community.

“In 2026 my office in the village will have been open for 10 years.

“When we first opened it, I remember people saying it wouldn’t last long.

“Well here we are 10 years later, it’s still there and during that time my team and I have helped thousands of locals.

“The best part of being a local MP is getting out and about in the local community and assisting people,” he says

“I’ll be running on my track record of getting things done and working hard for the Hutt.

“I’m very proud that the Melling Interchange and RiverLink projects are now under way.

Ulalei promotes mental health and wellbeing

Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s primary school competitions are proving to have a positive impact not only on tamariki, but also on the mental health and wellbeing of parents and wh nau.

“This is a common thread in the feedback we receive, and it really surprised us as we did not realise our competitions would also have that impact,” Ulalei’s Vatau Sagaga says.

A few simple changes have made a big difference.

Parents no longer face the stressful 3pm Friday dash over the hill to Hutt Park to make a 3:30pm kick off, or have the long four-hour stints waiting for children that have early and late games.

By hosting competitions at Wise Park, Ulalei has created a more relaxed, accessible experience for Wainuiomata families.

Game times have also been deliberately designed with wh nau in mind.

“Most households have two working parents now, so we set the games to start at 5pm to make it easier for more wh nau to attend and support their children,” Ulalei’s Katrina Barclay explains .

Free entry has also been warmly received, especially by families with several children at school.

“That removes a significant burden on our families which can impact on their mental health. We have always wanted to ensure that any child who wanted to play, could play,” Vatau says.

Parents frequently comment on the positive wairua at Wise Park.

Many describe it as the perfect weekly meeting place to reconnect with friends, colleagues, workmates and teachers.

The music, bike mechanics from Free Ride, visits from Phoenix FC mascot Nixie and free sausage sizzle from Bunnings community activity group help create a vibrant, welcoming wh nau atmosphere.

“One mother of three children under eight told us the atmosphere at Wise Park is exactly what she needs as it does wonders for her wellbeing,” Vatau says.

The new season kicks off on Monday 16 February at Wise Park.

Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport acknowledges the continued and generous support of Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, Healthy Families Hutt Valley, McDonald’s Hutt Valley, One Foundation, Bunnings Warehouse and the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust.

“This is a $1.5 billion investment into the future of the Hutt Valley. It’ll improve resilience to flooding, reduce congestion, improve safety and help revitalise the Hutt CBD.

“Both the Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link roading projects have been identified as ‘Roads of National Significance’ and we’re making good progress on advancing these important projects for the Hutt. We’re also investing heavily into our bus and train network.

“Locally in Wainuiomata it’s been brilliant to see the rebuild of the High School completed and opened and new housing going in at the Marae,” Mr Bishop says.

As well as being the MP for Hutt South, Mr Bishop is Leader of the House, Minister of Housing. Minister of Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Associate Minister of Finance and Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation.

The National Party is yet to select its list MPs.

However Mr Bishop has told the “Wainuiomata News” that he will be standing on the National list.

WORLD CANCER DAY

World Cancer Day coming up

WorldCancerDay will take place on 4 February and the theme for this year is “United by Unique”.

The theme aims to emphasise apeoplecenteredapproachtocancercare.

Thisacknowledgesthateverycancerjourneyispersonalwithuniquemedical,socialandemotionalneeds.

Thecampaignencouragesindividualsandcommunitiestocometogethertosupportthoseaffectedbycancerandtoadvocateforbettercareandresources.

World Cancer Day is observed on 4 February every year.

It is held to raise awareness about cancer and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.

WorldCancerDayisaglobalinitiativeledbytheUnionforInternationalCancerControl(UICC).

Thedayaimstounitepeopleworldwideinraisingawarenessaboutcancer’simpactandtheurgentneedforprevention,earlydetection,andequitableaccesstolife-savingtreatments.

Itservesasaplatformtoeducatethepublicaboutcancer,reducestigma,andpromotecollectiveactiontowardsimprovingcancercareandoutcomesforall.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000 during the first World Summit Against Cancer in Paris.

FEBRUARY 4

www.plimmerstepsmedical.co.nz

www.huttcityhealth.co.nz

LOCAL TRADES TRUST A LOCAL

Pay rises for Councillors

By Frank Neill

Hutt City Council increased the salaries it pays its councillors by one of the lowest rates in New Zealand between 2025 and 2026, figures released by the Taxpayers’ Union show.

Hutt City Council increased Councillor remuneration by 1.66% from $77,913 to $79,204.

It increased the remuneration for the Mayor by 6.78% from $170,116 to $181,652.

Throughout New Zealand Councillors had their pay packets increased on average by 9.81% between 2025 and 2026, while Mayors saw an 8.53% boost to their pay, the Taxpayers’ Union says.

That compared with inflation of 2.7% during the period.

Two councils – Thames-Coromandel District Council and p tiki District Council – decreased their Councillor remuneration.

At the other end of the scale, Queenstown-Lakes District Council saw a 33.13% rise in Councillor pay.

The figures listed, the Taxpayers’ Union says, do not include the extra allowances Mayors and Councillors get as top-ups: phones, laptops, printers, mileage (literally they get reimbursed

for driving to work), and even childcare allowances – which allows councillors and local board members to claim up to $6,000 per year from ratepayers for childcare.

“While local council decision makers sit pretty, local ratepayers are still being hammered. Remember the average rates bill is up 34% over the last three years,” the Taxpayers’ Union says.

“The real issue here isn’t actually the councils, it’s the fault of the Government for screwing the scum against ratepayers.

“Successive Governments have appointed professional bureaucrats and career politicians onto the ‘independent’ Remuneration Authority.

“The system is broken.

“The whole regime is designed to prevent pay being tied to performance or outcomes.

“Ratepayers (and taxpayers) aren’t just denied representation, the Remuneration Authority is one of the few public agencies that is not even subject to freedom of information law – so they never have to show their working.”

The Taxpayers’ Union is making two suggestions.

“First, councillor and mayoral remuneration should be set once a three year term, not hiked every year.

“Second, councils should be given the option to turn down these annual pay increases.

“That way ratepayers would know whether councils are serious about easing the pressure on households.”

Girls’ Football on the rise in Wainui

Girls aged 10 years and over are invited to lace up their boots and give Football a go at the Wainuiomata Football Club

Girls Muster, taking place on Sunday 1 February at 10am , at Wainuiomata High School (behind the gymnasium).

The muster is a fun, welcoming opportunity for girls who are curious about Football or already love the game.

Whether you’ve played before or are completely new, the focus of the morning is on meeting other girls keen on football, learning new skills, having fun, and making new friends.

The Wainuiomata Football Club is passionate about growing girls’ Football in the community, and there are a number of path-

ways available for players of all ages and experience levels.

These include:

Sunday mornings from 9am; U9, U11, U13 and U15 (competition season runs May to August);

10 to 12 (competition season runs May to August); and 13 and over (competition season runs May–August).

Last season was a strong one for girls’ Football at the club, with three girls-only teams taking the field: one U10 team and two U12 teams.

This season the club is keen to build on that success and continue growing participation.

The club is particularly keen to see more girls turning 14/15 years old this year so that we can form an 11 aside U15 team.

The club also offered Fantails Football in Term 4, held on Sunday mornings from 9am to 10am.

Fantails is a relaxed and social option, allowing girls to enjoy football with friends without the commitment of joining a club or playing weekly matches against other teams.

Girls are encouraged to bring sports shoes or football boots, suitable clothing and a water bottle when they attend the muster on 1 February.

For more information contact juniorswainuiafc@gmail.com.

Ulalei kicks off season seven

Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport has kicked off its seventh season of tag football, entering five teams in the Nga Hau e Wh Wainuiomata Marae module played at Wise Park, which started in November 2025.

Now in its sixth year, this unique module was created to bring the whole wh nau onto the field together.

Each team must have a player aged 40 or over, a player under 12, and at least two females on the field at all times.

The 16-team module includes multiple teams from Tamaiti o le mauga, Tihei Rangatahi and Jittabugz.

“This is a special competition because it’s all about families playing

together,” one of Ulalei’s captains, Galu Fatialofa, says.

“We have been especially proud to have two grandfathers – Ken Laban and Masunu Tuisila – taking the field alongside their moko in the past five seasons,”

Ulalei’s five teams this season are made up from 22 families with a range of backgrounds, including Samoan, Fijian, Cook Islands, Tongan, M ori and Scottish.

The module will wrap up with a one day tournament in February.

Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport acknowledges the generous support of new uniform sponsor GJ Gardner Homes Hutt Valley and again from Nuku Ora this season.

51. Real name,Archibald Leach; actor Cary (5)

52. Pacify (7)

53. Fool (5)

54. Irregularity (7)

55. Gothic church, Abbey (11)

DOWN

1. Happen again (5) 2. Myopic (4-7) 3. Small planet (8)

Smeared (6)

Dormant (5)

Vow (4)

Dais (7)

Pass(of time) (6)

Isle Of (Brit) (3)

Japanese sash (3)

Kidnap (6)

Personal belongings(sl) (7)

36. Monetary unit of Italy (4)

37. AUST/NZ intergovernment pact (intls) (3)

39. Fabled bird (3) 41. Musical instrument (4) 43. Witchcraft (7) 45. Magician (6) 48. Lacking (9)

49. Designer (9)

Typical example (7)

Sticky (8) 8. Reserved (6) 9. Curt (7) 10. Slope (5) 16. Floatable (7) 17. Revolves (7) 19. Glorify (5)

20. Facial feature (7) 22. Precious stone (7) 24. Era (3)

26. Samuel’s teacher(O.T.) (3)

29. Dark brown pigment (5) 31. Stamp collector (11)

32.English cricket club(intls) (3) 33. Over(poetic) (3)

38. Herb (8)

40. Non military person (8)

42. Bison (7)

44. Dupe (4-3)

46. Canadian province; Nova (6)

47. Yell (6)

48. Principle (5)

49. Accumulate (5)

50. Instruct (5) Solution Last Week: 21 January 2025

Ginny Andersen standing for Hutt South

Labour list MP Ginny Andersen will stand in the Hutt South electorate in the 7 November general election.

Labour has selected Ms Andersen to stand for the seat, which she held from 2020 to 2023.

However she lost the seat to Chris Bishop in the last election in 2023.

Her aim in standing is to both regain the Hutt South seat and to help make National a one-term government.

Speaking after the Labour Party confirmed she was their candidate for Hutt South, Ms Andersen described the confirmation as both an honour and a reminder of why she entered

politics.

The Hutt is not just the electorate she represents, but her home – where she lives, raises her family and works closely with people who have been directly affected by government cuts and job losses, she says.

“This community is why I do this job.

“It’s about standing up for the people who make Wainuiomata such a great place to live, especially those who are being hurt right now.

“National promised to make things better for our community and they have made it worse.

“People continue to struggle every day with the cost of living,” Ms Andersen says.

Looking ahead to the 2026 election, Andersen says there is much at stake for families across the Hutt Valley and New Zealand.

She has outlined a vision of a Labour Government focused on giving people jobs, health and homes.

“A thriving community depends on people having jobs, access to health care and secure, affordable homes,” she says.

Ms Andersen says she is looking forward to an active campaign, with plans to be out across the electorate meeting voters at markets, on doorsteps and in local streets to hear their concerns, frustrations and ideas.

Ulalei Lupe shine at Kirikiti Tournament

Ulalei Kirikiti delivered a strong performance at the inaugural Malaeola Women’s Kirikiti Tournament on Wellington Anniversary Day, finishing third overall and securing the Lui Lemana Shield title after a close playoff against The Katos.

The Malaeola tournament was a significant event – the first women’s only kirikiti competition organised by Matagi mai le Laumua dedicated to reviving and strengthening women’s kirikiti in the Wellington region.

The Ulalei Lupe women’s side impressed throughout pool play with competitive matches against

the newly formed Tokelau teams Teine 690 Blue and Teine 690 Yellow, before falling to the undefeated Porirua United, who have dominated the season across multiple competitions.

A standout moment for the club came with Isabella Peniata being awarded the Rising Star Under25 Award, recognising her skill, consistency and flair on the day.

“It was special to be part of a historic day for women’s kirikiti,”

Ulalei player Emele Mata’utia says.

“The competition on the day was tough, but we’re proud of how we played and we’re excited

to carry this momentum into the Kirikiti Premier League.”

The tournament served as valuable preparation as Ulalei head into the final week of the Kirikiti Premier League this Friday at Fraser Park, where they aim to close out the season strongly, currently sitting in second place on the points table.

Ulalei recognises the generous support of One Foundation, GJ Gardner Hutt Valley, Nuku Ora, and NZ Community Trust (NZCT), whose commitment has been instrumental in maintaining and developing kirikiti in the community.

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.