4 February Wainuiomata News

Wednesday February 4, 2026

Rescuing cats

By Frank Neill

Wainui Whiskers, run by Sonya Chambers, rescues a great many feral, stray and lost cats every year.

Sonya then provides the rescued cats with human contact through handling, so that they get friendly and cuddly, and then they get adopted out to people.

Continued on page 2.

Sonya Chambers with Ringer, one of the cats in her care. Photo: Frank Neill.

How to reach us

Phone (04) 587 1660

Wainui Whiskers urgently needs help

Continued from page 1

The enterprise began when Sonya was asked to help people who had stray cats turn up at their place.

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“I thought I would get them and pick them up and take them to the rescues because they will be able to help them,” she says.

“But the rescues were all full and not a lot would take adult cats.

“I found after researching it that there was not a lot of help for adult cats and they were getting put down.

“I wanted to help them have a space where they could be safe.

“Every life matters. If it has got a heart beat it matters.

“And they all have feelings,” Sonya says.

“That’s where I thought I could help, because I have an affinity with cats.”

So she started up Wainui Whiskers in December 2019.

Wth the subtitle “For the Love of Animals”, that reflects Sonya’s great love for both cats and kittens.

Wainui Whiskers specialises in saving feral cats, picking them up from the greater Wellington region.

It will also look to rehoming lost or stray cats and kittens.

She then works with the cats, providing socialisation with people and having handling introduced, so they can be adopted.

“There’s no cat that can’t be turned around ... that can’t be hand held and find a home of it’s own,” Sonya notes.

“I’m passionate about helping the feral or timid or unhandlable cats.

“For me it’s about helping the ones that don’t really get a lot of help from others.”

As well as looking after and feeding the cats, Sonya also gets them any medical care that is required.

“If they need surgeries I will get that all arranged.

“If they need medication I will get it.”

That can be expensive.

An example of that was medication for Feline Immune Deficiency (FID), an illness that came about following the Corovirus outbreak, and which is 100% fatal, unless treated quickly.

At first that cost $22,000 per cat, but has since come down to $8,000.

Vet bills are a big expense for Wainui Whiskers.

Medical care for one cat alone was $6,400.

“At the moment I have a $6,500 bill with one vet and I have $2,200 with another vet, and I have $5,200 to catch up on desexing,” she says.

As a result Wainui Whiskers is in real need of community help towards paying the bills.

“Saving cats costs a lot,” Sonya says.

“I am going to sell as much as I can to raise funds and get these all paid off asap.

“I must get this down quickly so I can continue to care for sick, injured, old and young kitties that are currently at my colonies and feeding stations.

“The amount of money I have spent on vets in the last few years I could set up my own vet business,” she says.

Sonya has more than 100 cats and kittens

Wainui

in her care.

People can help by donating directly into the “kitties account”, 02 0544 0034444 006.

The account signatory is Sonya Chambers, and people are asked to enter “VETBILLS” into the reference panel.

Wainui Whiskers is a registered charity, so people who make donations can claim a tax rebate at the end of the tax year.

Wainui Whiskers is also wanting people to volunteer to help with the operation.

It is looking for people to help vacuum, do a wash, clean or help feed the kitties.

“This is the lifeline and backbone of rescue shelters,” Sonya says.

She is looking for volunteers who can make a commitment each week for one hour or five hours.

Volunteer training is held on Saturday mornings from 10am to noon.

People wanting more information or who want to volunteer can text 027 490 5395.

Wainui Whiskers is also running a cat food drive this month.

She is particularly looking for jelly meat and cat litter.

She works from Monday to Thursday at D & R Auto Electrical at 9 Parkway and is asking people to leave food and litter donations by the garage at her work.

Library a winner

The Wainuiomata Library was one of the two round one winners in Hutt City Libraries’ Big Read entry form box competition.

The other winner was Naenae Library.

The two winners were decided when they received the most votes cast at libraries in Hutt City.

Two rounds were held in the competition, with four libraries going head to head in each round, with Naenae winning round one and Wainuiomata winning round two.

The two libraries then went head to head in the final.

The competition was held in conjunction with Hutt City Libraries Big Read event.

Big Read was a summer reading challenge to encourage tamariki to get excited about reading this summer, have fun playing and being in to win cool prizes.

There were four challenges: one for under 5s (The Little Read), one for primary-aged tamariki aged 5-12 (The Big Read), one for teens aged 12-18 (The Even Bigger Read), and one for adults 18+ (The Biggest Read).

The Little, Big, Even Bigger, and Biggest Readran from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.

Top place for Wainui Manu star

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata Manu star Zerenity Mill-Simpson performed outstandingly at this year’s Z Manu Wellington Qualifier, held at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre on 31 January.

Zerenity finished second in the event to qualify for the Grand Final of the World Z Manu Championship, to be held in Auckland on 14 March.

This year saw a continuation of the battle between Zerenity and Ella Mohi-Henare, a battle which has played out over the last three championships.

Last year it was Zerenity who prevailed in the Wellington Qualifier and she went on to defeat Ella in the Auckland Grand Final with a splash height of 7.99 metres to become the world champion.

The year before it was Ella who won ahead of Zerenity.

It was very much a family affair at the Wellington qualifier.

Zerenity’s uncle is the former All Black and Z Manu World Championship ambassador Piri Weepu, who grew up in Wainuiomata.

He also attended the event.

Zerenity’s brother Jahzaiah Mill-Simpson also competed, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the Grand Final, although he still has the opportunity to qualify, either at another regional competition or as a wild card entry.

As well as attending the Wellington qualifier, Piri Weepu also used it as an opportunity to highlight the importance of water safety for children throughout New Zealand.

Piri says that while Manus are fun, safety must always come first.

He continues to advocate for children learning core water safety and survival skills, particularly in a country where families spend so much time in pools, rivers and the ocean.

For Piri, the art of the Manu is a wh nau affair.

“We have competitions when we get together and there’s a swimming hole or something, all of the kids are trying to compete against each other and then some of the uncles get in there and pretty much show them ‘This is what a real bomb or Manu looks like’,” he says.

Event Director Scott Rice says the Wellington qualifier captured the essence of what the Z Manu World Champs is all about.

“The heats were sold out, the crowd was huge, and the atmosphere was unreal.

“This event is about bringing people and wh nau together.

“You’ve got world champions, former professional athletes, kids, parents and grandparents all competing side by side. That’s what makes it so special,” Scott says.

Love Wainuiomata is hosting a free Pool Party at the Wainuiomata Swimming Pool on Saturday 28 February.

The first free pool party of the year, it will run from 6pm until 8pm.

As well as free entry to the pool the evening will also include free hydroslide passes and entertainment. A series of awesome prizes will be won by people attending.

Love Wainuiomata will also be serving free barbecued sausages.

“It’s the perfect way to spend your afternoon with family and friends,”

Love Wainuiomata says. “Don’t miss out on the fun.”

Correction

In last week’s issue of the “Wainuiomata News” the incorrect date was printed in the page 2 article “Parked bus catches fire”.

The article said the bus caught fire on 22 February. It actually caught fire on 22 January.

The “Wainuiomata News” apologises for this error.

Changes to your prescription

From 1st February, some people with stable, longterm health conditions will be able to get prescriptions that last up to 12 months. However, this is not for all medicines and only applies to some people with stable longterm health conditions. Your doctor will work with you to decide if a 12-month prescription is right for you and your health needs. Even if your prescription is for 12-months, you will receive your medicine at the same interval as now, up to a maximum of three months of medication at one time. Any further supply will be dispensed as repeats. You cannot transfer repeats to another pharmacy. The Government will continue to require people who pay a prescription co-payment (e.g. $5) to pay this fee when they collect the first supply of each of their prescription medicines. There are no repeat prescription fees for the same prescription. If you have any questions about 12-month prescriptions any of the team at Clive’s Chemist are happy to help.

MILO Fantails returning soon

MILO Fantails, a programme designed to attract new female players aged from 4 to 12 years old toFootball, is about to kick off its term one programme.

The first Fantails day will take place from 9am to 10am at Richard Prouse Park on 8 February and bookings are now open.

The term one programme will then continue until 29 March.

MILO Fantails is free to enter, and it encourages young females to Football and Futsal through sessions focused on helping girls make friends, havefun, improvetheir skills and become active through football.

It came to Wainuiomata for the first time last year.

There will be six sessions, starting on 8 February and running until 29 March from 9am to 10am at Richard Prouse Park.

People can book online at www. nzfootball.co.nz/milo-fantails-programme.

People who have questions about the programme can contact Caroline Bray, phone 021 804 398, emailjuniorswainuiafc@gmail.com.

Special clothing and gear is not needed. People can just wear comfortable clothing and they do not need boots.

All sessions are delivered by New Zealand Football qualified coaches.

The welfare of people’s daughters is key, so the programme ensures that all MILO Fantails coaches are fully trained in health and safety, safeguarding and more.

Chance to help shape city services

Hutt City Council has launched its annual Resident Satisfaction Survey, giving residents the chance to share what they like and what could be better across the city.

The survey is one of the main ways Council understands how people experience local services and facilities.

It helps track how Council is performing, measures changes over time and guides decisions about future priorities and investment.

Each year, the survey asks residents aged 16 and over about everyday services such as parks, libraries, pools, roads, kerbside collections, safety, communication and trust in Council decision-making.

This feedback helps Council see what is working well and where improvements are needed.

Chief Executive Jo Miller says the survey plays a key role in how Council plans and delivers services for the community.

“This feedback gives us a clear picture of what matters most to residents,” Jo says.

“It helps us make informed decisions, improve the way we work and make sure our plans reflect the real experiences of people who live here.

“The survey ensures Council hears from everyone who lives, studies and works in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.

“This includes M ori, rangatahi, ethnic communities, renters, homeowners and people from all neighbourhoods.”

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete the survey.

Residents can take part online or pick up a paper copy from neighbourhood hubs, libraries or the main Council building at Laings Road.

The survey is open from Saturday 31 January to Friday 6 March.

Everyone who completes it can choose to enter a prize draw to win one of five 12-month pool and gym memberships.

People can access the survey online at www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/about-ourcity/resident-satisfaction-survey.

Community | Culture | Valley Pride

A community that stands tall

Wainuiomata has always been more than a place on the map.

It’s a community built on heart, resilience and a deep sense of belonging.

Tucked between bush-lined hills and powered by generations of hardworking locals, the valley carries a pride that can’t be manufactured.

It’s lived, shared, and passed on.

Being Proudly Wainuiomata isn’t about perfection. It’s about people.

It’s about the families who’ve been here for decades and the newcomers who instantly feel at home.

It’s the volunteers who show up before sunrise, the small businesses that keep the town humming, and the young people who carry the future with confidence and creativity.

It’s the way locals rally around each other — whether it’s supporting a fundraiser, cheering on our sports teams or celebrating the achievements of our tamariki.

It’s the way we honour our cultural roots, embrace our diversity, and uplift the stories that make this valley unique.

Wainuiomata pride shows up in everyday moments: a wave from a neighbour, a shared laugh at the shops, a community event that brings everyone together.

It’s in the determination to keep improving, keep growing and keep looking out for one another.

In a world that often moves too fast, Wainuiomata remains grounded in what matters most — connection, care and community spirit.

That’s what makes us Proudly Wainuiomata. And that’s something worth

LOCAL TRADES TRUST A

on 2

month

Oriental Rongotai on 9

the

Axemen at home on 16 May, Hutt Old Boys Marist on 23 May and Tawa at home on 30 May.

In the final month of the round robin section of the competition they will play

United on 6 June, the

Hutt Rams on 13 June, Johnsonville on 20 June and Paremata-Plimmerton at

on 27 June.

The Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club will celebrate Old Timers Day on 2 May. The club’s 80th jubilee celebrations will kick off on King’s Birthday weekend. Senior preseason training has already started, and takes place at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at William Jones Park.

Wainuiomata just miss out on historic win

By Frank Neill

After qualifying for the Hazlett Cup final for the first time in their history, Wainuiomata’s premier Cricketers narrowly missed out on winning the trophy on 1 February.

In a very closely contested high scoring match, North City edged ahead of Wainuiomata in the second to last over of the match.

Batting first at Linden Park, Wainuiomata reached the very high total of 318 for the loss of six wickets in their 50 overs.

Callum Mackanness made a huge contribution to the Wainuiomata total, scoring 90 not out. He did this despite facing only 47 deliveries.

This gave Callum the very high strike rate of 191.48, easily the highest in the match.

He was one of three Wainuioma-

ta players to score half centuries.

Craig Foster scored 76 and Ryan Jackson scored 62.

Craig and Ryan then went on to feature in each of the two runs outs in North City’s innings, notching up one run out each.

Ryan also bowled outstandingly, taking two wickets for 44, while Abishek Singh took two wickets for 51 runs.

Loyis Edwin was Wainuiomata’s other wicket taker and he finished with figures of one for 15.

Wainuiomata had already qualified for the Hazlett Cup final even before last weekend’s matches were played.

The last round robin match was played on Saturday 31 January and once again it was Wainuiomata against North City.

Norths ended up with a comfortable 72 run win.

Batting first on Linden Park,

Norths scored 283 for seven wickets in their 50 overs.

They then bowled Wainuiomata out for 211.

Ryan Jackson once again starred with the ball, taking three wickets for 66 runs.

Gurpreet Singh took two wickets for 34 runs, Craig Foster one wicket for 42 runs and Abhishek Singh one wicket for 48 runs.

Ryan then followed up his good bowling with a half century, before he was out for 51.

Loyis Edwin scored 44 runs, Tyson Thomas 32 runs and Callum Mackaness 29 runs.

Wainuiomata will begin the 2026 two day Cricket competition next Saturday.

They will play the Sri Lankan Sports Club at Grenada Sorth Park on 7 and 14 February, with both days starting at 10:30am.

Former Wainui teacher leading NZ’s first sports school

Ryan Clark, who has taught at both Wainuiomata Intermediate School and Wainuiomata High School, where he was Deputy Principal, is the Tumuaki/ Principal of New Zealand’s first dedicated sports school.

The New Zealand Performance AcademyAotearoa (NZPAA), opened on Monday, 2 February and offers free specialist education.

The new charter school is based at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation andSport in Upper Hutt and caters for Year 11 to 13 students.

Students come from a wide range of sporting backgrounds, includingvolleyball, cricket, basketball, rugby, touch, rugby league, football, softball, lawn bowls, athletics and floorball.

NZPAA offers a world-class high-performance sporting environment alongside a rigorous academic programme, with individualised plans tailored to each student..

“It’s a new model for Aotearoa,” CEO Karen van Gemerden says.

“While some schools have sports academies, selection processes are competitivewhereas NZPAA is open to anyone.”

“We aim to produce top athletes who’ll represent New Zealand around the world and that’s a hugely exciting prospect,” Mr Clark says.

“We follow the curriculum, with NCEA and have our professional development forteachers, everything you see at other schools.

“The only difference is we offer flexibility.

“It’s exciting to be able to provide that flexibility to allow students to achieve at a high level in both sport and academics.”

Many students are also from outside the Wellington region and will board at thefacility.

Ms van Gemerden says that NZPAA “is first and foremost a school.

“This is all about choice. For many the only option to attend a school like thiscurrently would be in a private school setting and a lot of families simply can’t afford that.

“NZPAA gives parents the free specialist education they are seeking for their children ina state system. “We have individualised plans for each student that balances their academic and sporting goals.”

There are three pillars to the school – academia, sport and personal development.

“Developing discipline, leadership, resilience, and teamwork skills helps ensurewell being and mental strength and for anyone that’s wanting to excel in a sport in a professional capacity, those are all vitally important,” Ms van Gemerden says.

Students will have four hours of academic classes a day and two hours for training oradditional study.

1. Unnecessary (11) 7. Of fat (7) 11. Wrinkle (5) 12. Chinas’ longest river (7)

13. Flat bread (5)

14. Associates (9)

15. Devious (9)

16. Small mound (6)

18. Moderately slow tempo (music) (7)

21. Small Island (4)

23. Formerly Ceylon; ... Lanka (3)

25. Finale (3)

27. Formal (4)

28. Charm (7)

30. Lasso (6)

32. Ex NZ wicketkeeper; ... Smith (3)

33. Faint (3)

34. Benefit (6)

35. Aims (7)

36. Quarrel (4)

37. Large deer (3)

39. Estimated time of arrival (intls) (3) 41. Run swiftly (4) 43. Conpetitor (7)

Scanty (6)

48. Of plants (9)

49. Sperm whales (9)

51. Not tied (5)

52. Brochure (7)

53. Avoid (5)

54. Soaks up (7)

55. Allure (11)

DOWN

1. Monetary unit of Ecuador (5)

2. Perspective (5,2,4)

3. Bursts (8)

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5. Weight measurement (5)

6. Small orange (7)

7. Short story (8)

8. Disclose (6)

9. Bandits (7)

10. Antelope (5)

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17. Foot lever (7)

19. Deadens (5)

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22. Qualify (7)

24. Hotel (3)

26.Female parent(animals) (3)

29. Alliance (5)

31. Ape (11)

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33. River in Scotland (3)

38. Finger joints (7)

40. Obvious (8)

42. Conserves (7)

44. Free (7)

46. Captivate (6)

47.Canadian province; Nova (6)

48. Light wood (5)

49. Inflammation of the colon (5)

50. Cloying (5)

Solution

Last Week: 28 January 2025

Greater Wellington’s strong credit rating

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Greater Wellington Regional Council’s AA long -term and A -1+ short -term credit ratings, noting the region’s strong economic fundamentals and robust financial management. The international credit rating agency has maintained a negative outlook, reflecting uncertainty around upcoming central government policy changes and their potential impact on local government finances.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter says that the strong rating during a time of major government reforms and uncertainty is a valuable indicator of Greater Wellington’s fiscal responsibility.

“This rating makes it clear that while Greater Wellington is doing everything it can to deliver value for money services to our ratepayers, the proposed rate caps and other pressures from central government are putting a huge strain on our ability to do so,” Cr Ponter says.

Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, Yadana Saw, says reforms are likely to erode existing core services while also threatening the viability of longer-term strategic projects.

“Changes to the Resource Management Act, rate capping and a review of the role of regional councils could negatively affect our future financial landscape, which makes it harder for us deliver on a cleaner environment, a more flood resilient region and critical public transport improvements.”

Greater Wellington’s Finance and Risk group manager Alison Trustrum-Rainey says that the report’s acknowledgement of the Council’s financial management track record is encouraging.

“Our previous performance and ratings have stood us in good stead and the report’s prediction that Greater Wellington is positioned for a return to operating surpluses from 2027 takes into account a number of contributing factors,” she says.

“These include the transfer of water services management to the new multi-council-controlled water organization, Tiaki Wai in July this year which is expected to reduce pressure on our infrastructure programme, contribute to a decline in debt, and allow us to focus more closely on our core activities.”

People can read the full report summary at www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/regulatory/ article/-/view/type/HTML/id/3503994.

GARDENING THIS WEEK

I had the good fortune of introducing Neem Tree Products to the home garden market many, many years ago through the weekly columns that I write for gardeners and newspapers.

First it was a brand of Neem Tree Oil and later Neem Tree Pellets which were like sheep manure pellets and are used for purposes that we use Wallys Neem Tree Granules and Powder today.

It was interesting that gardeners which were high uses of chemical insecticides and fungicides such as ‘Shield for roses’ the action of which is a poisoning of insect pests with a quick time kill factor; which meant, spray the aphids on the roses one day and mostly clear of them within another day.

Not so with Neem Oil as it is not a poison; it is an anti-feedent, which means that once the insect consumes a little Neem Oil they stop eating and slowly starve to death.

Thus gardeners would phone me up and tell me they sprayed their roses for aphids and the pests were still on the plant a couple of days later. It never happened when Shield was used so the Neem does not work?

I would tell them to grab a magnifying glass and go out and look at the aphids on the plant and watch them to see if they are feeding or not.

If after a long watch you do not see any evidence of feeding then the Neem Oil has worked and they have stopped eating and waiting to die from starvation.

Meaning that within a few days they will have fallen off the perch and the plants will be clean of them.

My company imports three Neem Products from India, Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil which is what is used in India for pest control being pure cold pressed Neem Oil from the Kernels/seeds of the Neem Tree

the oil will mix with water.

It is the only Brand of Real Neem Oil (with all the fatty acids that makes it work so well) all the others are different and one or maybe two are not even Neem Oil?

They are the active ingredients of real Neem Oil added to seed oil such as Canola or soya oil!

Even worse some are in clear plastic containers which means the active ingredients which are very light sensitive, quickly lose their insecticide value and do not control pest insects!

So the gullible buy a very expensive cooking oil and spray their plants with it and wonder why the insects pests are not affected.

(Likely the insects use the oil to give each other massages) Neem Oil like Pyrethrum are both quickly broken down of sunlight, UV with its Blue light spectrum. (Just a is also harmful to our eyesight and in particular the light off computer screens and gadgets due to close proximity, weakens your vision.)

I read a study a few years back that proved this harmful aspect to vision.

Myself I place a special snap on

Stronger community engagement plan launched

Hutt City Council is shining a light on its growing commitment to stronger, more meaningful community engagement with the launch of its new TeWhiringaengagement framework on World Engagement Day, 28 January.

Adopted in December, TeWhiringareflects a clear shift in how communities want to be involved in decisions that affect them.

People want to have their say earlier, in ways that matter, and to see how their voices shape outcomes, Hutt City Council says.

The framework responds directly to that expectation. It focuses on building trust, increasing inclusion and being clearer and more transparent about how the Council works alongside its community.

Over the past five years the Council has made steady progress in lifting the quality of its engagement.

More people are taking part, engagement methods have improved and results are showing.

In 2024,Council’sHave Your Say platform reached a 23.6% engagement rate.That’swell above the typical 5 to 10% seen by councils using the same platform.

While this is encouraging, the Council is clear there is still room to improve.

Reaching people whose voices are often missing and continuing to build trust over

timeremainsa priority.

TeWhiringahas been shaped by strong community input, including feedback from a Community Reference Group made up of 49 residents from across the city. Their lived experience helped ground the framework in real expectations, notjust goodintentions. Community Reference Group member HilaryChasteauneufsays the process helped bring in voices that are not always heard.

“This group has allowed input from the elderly, so that their opinions still matter,” Hilary says. Director Strategy and Engagement Jarred GriffithssaysWorld Engagement Day is the right moment to reflect on progress while staying focused on what comes next.

“Trust is built through actions, not words.

“TeWhiringareflects years of learning and listening, andwe’reproud of the progresswe’vemade. “More importantly, it sets a clear direction for how we continue to work alongside our community and do better together.” Council’s engagement journey is far from finished, with more steps ahead to deepen relationships and improve how decisions are shaped with the community. The Te Whiringa Engagement framework can be downloaded from the Council’s website, under “Council policies, plans and strategies” and “Policies”.

THE ADVANTAGES OF NEEM TREE POWDER: By Wally Richards

shield over my glasses when I am out the blue light and protect my eye sight.

Wallys Neem Tree Powder is the same as Wallys Neem Tree Granules except the powder has been screened to obtain a nice particle sizes and lumps that are in the Granules.

This make the powder nice to work with and the advantages of using it for jobs that the granules with their larger size would not be so suitable.

The big advantage of the granules is they take longer to break down so they give you a much longer time advantage under trees and shrubs. When you buy or make up your potting mix or compost you can add 100 grams of Neem Powder to 50 litres of mix.

This gives great soil insect control and in particular against root mealy bugs, root nematodes and grass grub larva.

Also the powder can be sprinkled on top of the growing medium on container plants in the area where you water.

On indoor plants it can be used bearing in mind that Neem has a distinct smell which you may like or not but it will help eradicate those nasty root mealy bugs that love living in container plants roots, sucking the vitality out of your house plants, palms and cacti/ succulents.

In the garden placing a little Neem Tree Powder in the planting hole of seedlings not only gives

the plant some natural food but protection as well in the soil.

Earth worms and microbes in the soil are not affected by the Neem only insect pests.

curse of being able to grow clean carrots and in some cases parsnips also.

Thus when you sow your carrot seed in the traditional way (a long row) you sprinkle the Neem Powder along with the seeds and then spray with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) before covering with soil.

When the carrots germinate and the tops are a centimeter or so above the soil you side dress the row with more Neem Powder.

the grubs get some Neem in their gut when they start to feed and then starve to death. Very little noticeable damage to the carrot occurs.

If you grow carrots like I do which is not in rows but over a bed or raise garden then simply broadcast the Neem Powder with the seeds, spray with MBL and then cover and keep moist.

Later on with the tops up you dust Neem Powder over the carrots and

lightly water down with the hose. Grass Grub control. One needs to understand the cycle of the pest and know when to treat and how.

There is one main cycle of the pest and sometimes other much smaller cycles.

and what the weather is like means that most of the grass grub beetles will have emerged and been actively eating the foliage of your plants, mating and laying their eggs in the lawn where they have emerged as beetles or have been attracted else where by light at night.

The beetles burrow down deep into the soil and lay their eggs.

Later on the grubs hatch out when the soil has moisten with autumn rains and start eating the roots of the grasses working their way up over several weeks to the base of the grass.

This leaves the grass with virtually no roots but as it is heading into the cold wet of winter, it survives till the spring when it perishes as it tries to make spring growth with

Sometimes when mowing or other activities on the lawn rootless grass will be lifted.