Wainuiomata High School’s five Kai rahi/Head Students for 2026 are Keelan Renata, Maddie George, Eli Jellicoe, Thalia Toa and Saveena Ioasa. Each student leads one of the school’s five houses, which are named Turakirae, Remutaka, Remurapa, Pukeatua and Ngahuia.
Continued on page 2.
Four of the five Wainuiomata High School Kaiārahi/Head Students for 2026 with their Tumuaki/Principal (from left) Lea Vellenoweth, Keelan Renata, Saveena Ioasa, Maddie George and Thalia Toa. Eli Jellicoe was away due to sickness when the “Wainuiomata News” visited Wainuiomata High School.
Frank Neill.
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Outstanding group of rangatahi
Continued from page 1
“It is an absolute privilege to work alongside such an outstanding group of rangatahi,” says the school’s Tumuaki/Principal Lea Vellenoweth.
“They bring integrity, purpose and a collective commitment to contributing to a kura where students feel connected, proud and confident in who they are.
“Their leadership is already shaping the culture of our kura in powerful ways.”
The 2026 Kai rahi have already set the tone for the year.
They began 2026 by joining staff at the school’s Noho Marae, grounding themselves in the whakapapa of Wainuiomata High’s kura and strengthening the connections that guide the school’s collective purpose.
Since then, they have played a key role in welcoming new students, supporting staff and bringing other student leaders together to reignite house spirit across the school.
“Their early impact has been unmistakable. Renewed sense of pride, unity and school culture is emerging visibly across the kura,” Ms Vellenoweth says.
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“The Kai rahi have taken on their roles with focus and humility, embodying the very essence of our school vision of Rangatiratanga: students who know who they are, understand their potential and are ready to contribute.”
As Kai rahi, they carry responsibility both within their houses and across the kura.
Their leadership includes supporting house teams, strengthening student voice, engaging with senior leadership, representing Wainuiomata High School at key community events, and building a culture centred on Ako, Manaakitanga, and Tangata Whenuatanga – Wainuiomata High’s Pou/
Values.
Over the coming months, the Kai rahi will continue working with student leaders to run house events, strengthen student voice mechanisms, and champion opportunities for students to step up, contribute and grow.
Keelan Renata
“Ko Keelan Renata ahau, he uri t nei n
TŪhoe me Ng ti Porou.
“I’m incredibly proud to have served as the WHS Board of Trustees Student Representative since 2022 (Year 9) and am now Student Rep and Head Student.
“I’ve been deeply involved in our community because it’s important to me that everyone in our community has a sense of belonging regardless of who they are, and
that they have a strong voice.
“To me that starts with schools because they’re at the heart of our community.
“My hope as Head Student is to make our school a place where every single person from our community has a chance to thrive and be successful in whatever way that looks like for them.”
Thalia Toa
“Kia ora koutou. I’m Thalia Toa, one of your proud Kai rahi for 2026.
“My involvement in sports and leadership has shaped my passion for teamwork and leading by example.
“I value whanaungatanga and am committed to uplifting others, strengthening connections across year levels and ensuring everyone feels supported and heard.”
Eli Jellicoe. Photo: Supplied.
New bus shelter in Parenga Street
By Frank Neill
A new bus stop with a shelter is now in use in Parenga Street, near the intersection with Wood Street.
“It’s great to have that bus shelter finally installed,” Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie says.
Cr Duthie began advocating for the shelter more than two years ago.
His advocacy began after a local resident built a home made bus shelter on Wood Street in August 2023.
Soon after she built the home made shelter, the resident, who asked the “Wainuiomata News” not to name her in the paper, said
she was one of a number of local residents who have been asking Metlink and Greater Wellington Regional Council for a bus shelter at this stop for years.
“I’ve been here [in Wood Street] for 13 years and agitating for a bus shelter all that time to no avail. We got a bit desperate,” she said.
“It’s always nice to see the results of people’s advocacy,” Cr Duthie says.
“It’s good to have a win-win situation, even if it took some time.”
Part of the reason for the delay in providing a new bus shelter in the Wood Street-Parenga Street area was the Government reducing the
funding for transport two years ago.
That meant Greater Wellington Regional Council had to fund the whole project, rather than getting half the cost from the Government.
“Metlink’s budget for new shelters halved when the Government cut our public transport funding by $130m in 2024,” Cr Duthie says.
“Sadly, we can now only afford to install two new shelters per year across the whole region.
“I encourage Wainuiomata residents who want improved local bus services to write to or meet with MPs Chris Bishop and Ginny Andersen, asking that they advocate to restore Government funding to public transport improvements.”
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Monday 30 Tuesday 31 March & Wednesday 1 April 7pm
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The days are getting shorter, there is a chill in the air. It has been a fantastic summer, but soon winter will be here.
A healthy immune system is the best defence against cough, cold and flu. So get yourself and your family prepared before the cold weather hits.
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system and general health and wellbeing. They contain ingredients throughout winter. Get prepared!! Are you ready for winter?
Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie and the home made bus shelter that was erected in Wood Street in 2023. Photo: Supplied.
The brand new bus shelter in Parenga Street. Photo: Frank Neill.
Clive’s Chemist, 20-21 Queen Street, Wainuiomata.
Wainui Connections Breakfast returning
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Connections Breakfast, run by Love Wainuiomata, returns for 2026 on Monday 23 March.
Running from 6:30am to 8pm, the breakfast will be held at Wainuiomata High School.
Two guest speakers will feature at the breakfast – Wainuiomata High School’s Tumuaki/ Principal Lea Vellenoweth and Lance Hotton from Fine Touch Catering.
Ms Vellenoweth “is leading with heart and vision to create a powerful culture of belonging and connectedness for our young people and wider community,” Love Wainuiomata says.
“For the first time ever we’re shining the spotlight on one of our local legends [Lance
Lance will share his journey of “building a successful business from the ground up, right here in Wainuiomata.
“This story is one of courage, commitment and community support.”
The Wainuiomata Connections Breakfast is open to all local business, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
“This is your chance to be part of Wainuiomata’s growing momentum,” Love Wainuiomata says.
“Start the year inspired, connected and proud of what we’re building together right here in our own backyard.
“Come connect, collaborate, share your ideas and help shape what’s next for our community.”
Movin’ March has arrived
Wainuiomata tamariki are among the thousands in the Wellington region currently taking part in the 17th annual M ehe Manawa Ora Movin’March.
Movin’March is a month-long initiative encouraging tamariki in Years 0 to 8 to walk, wheel or bus to and from school throughout this month.
Run by Greater Wellington, Movin’March helps tamariki build healthy travel habits while learning how everyday choices, like how we get to school, can support wellbeing and reduce emissions.
Last year, more than 35,541 students from 134 schools took part in the programme, turning the school run into a fun, social and active part of the day.
Greater Wellington Councillor Yadana Saw says while students are the stars of Movin’March, teachers are its unsung heroes.
“Movin’March is supported by Greater Wellington, but it’s teachers and school staff who really make it happen,” Cr Saw says.
“They’re out early welcoming tamariki and helping them build skills that set them up for healthy, confident and independent travel.
“It’s also a great way for kids to build confidence in their neighbourhoods and how they get around.”
Greater Wellington Travel Choice team leader Hilleke Townsend says the programme’s challenges and classroom activities are designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
“Kura Kete learning resources highlight key benefits of active travel, and use tools like Te Haerenga o Ng Tamariki (located at https://tamariki.gw.govt.nz) to anonymously record travel data and show why
Bus and train fares rising
Metlinkpublictransport fares will increase by 3.1% from15 May, withdiscounts applied tooff-peak faresbeing reduced from 30% to20%.
active travel is a positive choice.
“This year, trips to school can be recorded on a classroom wall chart so the class can work together to win prizes like Micro scooters and MyRide bike gear, or class tripsto Zealandia or Staglands.”
Registered schools receive posters in English, M ori and Pasifika languages, classroom activities and jam-packed prize packs filled with colouring pencils, notebooks, pens and socks. To learn more, visit https://schooltravel. gw.govt.nz/walk-or-wheel-programmes/ movinmarch/.
The decision to adjust fares follows Greater Wellington’s Annual Fare Review, a policy requirement that ensures public transport fares keep pace with inflation and operating costs.
The review helps ensure passengerscontribute abalancedandsustainable share toward running and improving the network alongside ratepayers, and other funding partners,includingtheNewZealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Greater Wellington Public Transport Committee Chair, Cr Ros Connelly, says the decision was carefully considered.
“This was a difficult but necessary callfor the Council to make.
“We have to balance fiscal responsibility and funding constraints with what people can reasonably afford,” CrConnelly says.
“We know the cost of living is challenging for many households, but wemustensure ourfare revenueis sufficientto meet our fundingandrevenuetargetssetbyNZTAas wellasmaintain the services people rely on every day.”
From 15 May,the cost ofa three-zone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing thepeakadult Snapper fare to $4.67for
those travelling to the CBD from Miramar or Karori.
Cr Connelly says councillorsarecommitted to keepingpublic transportaffordable.
Metlink Senior Manager of Strategy and Investments, Tim Shackleton,notedthe needtoaddressa projected revenueshortfallexpected to be$3million for the current financial year.
“Ouroperating costscontinuetogrow, and patronage, particularly on rail, remains a challenge.
“Thismeansthe gapisgrowingbetweenrevenuewe earn fromfaresandthecosttooperatepublic transportservicesacrosstheregion,” Tim says.
“Weneed toaddressatleast some of thesecostswith fare increasesto ensurecouncilcostsremainfinancially sustainable.”
Tim says Metlink is also preparing to introduce new contactless payment options for full-fare-paying adults, ahead of the region’s transition to the national ticketing system Motu Move.
Adults will be able to tap on and off Metlink buses and trains using a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch, through the existing Snapper systemfrom 12 April.
Oncetheseadditional paymentoptions areavailable, Metlink willstart tophase outthe use ofcash on board buses and trains over the next 12 months.
Lance Hotton from Fine Touch Catering. Photo: Supplied.
Wainuiomata High School’s Tumuaki/ Principal Lea Vellenoweth. Photo: Frank Neill.
Hotton].”
A bus serving Wainuiomata travelling along Parkway. Photo: Frank Neill.
A young tamariki taking part in Movin’March. Photo: Greater Wellington.
Ulalei returns to Waka Wars
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport’s Tag Football season came to a close last weekend, with the club returning to the popular Waka Wars games played at a sun-drenched Frederick Wise Park.
The event, where participants celebrate their iwi and marae, turned the park into a celebration of culture, friendly competition, and community.
The Waka Wars programme is one of games and activities designed to honour whakapapa and strengthen connections.
Two Ulalei teams proudly represented the club in its second entry at Waka Wars after missing the 2025 event.
“Waka Wars is a special event and one we are proud to be a part of in representing Te Moana Nui
A Kiva (Pasifika peoples)”, says Ulalei’s Roman Kersten.
“Ulalei will continue to support this kaupapa.”
The wh nau-friendly atmosphere was boosted by strong local involvement, including teams from the Wainuiomata Rugby League Club, Tihei Rangatahi groups from Wainuiomata and Naenae and a sprinkling of wh nau teams.
The tournament title was claimed by Ready Set Go, a talented group of local rangatahi.
Ulalei again acknowledges the generous support of its shirt sponsors – GJ Gardner Homes Hutt Valley and hoody sponsors The Sign Team, Wainui Joinery, Tipene Funeral Homes and New Zealand Community Trust.
Free Messy Play Week
Playcentre’s free Messy Play Week event for wh nau with children from birth to school age is on this week at playcentres. It runs until Friday 6 March.
There are two Playcentres in the valley.
The Wainuiomata Playcentre is at Fernlea School, 25A Lees Grove, and the Wood Hatton Playcentre is at 64 Wood Street.
Each playcentre will offer a variety of activities including paint, playdough, sand, water, clay, gloop and more, giving tamariki rich opportunities to explore and learn through play.
“Messy play is essential for early childhood development,” says Playcentre Aotearoa Chief Executive Nepia Winiata.
“Studies show that the benefits lie in the open-ended nature of play, as children follow their own creative processes, practice new skills, solve problems, and share with others the wonder of exploring with their senses.
“For tamariki, messy play supports physical development and provides opportunities to be creative and develop social skills.
For adults, the event offers the opportu-
nity to connect with other parents in their local community. But most importantly, it is a lot of fun,” Nepia says.
Messy Play Week also offers wh nau an opportunity to discover the unique Playcentre environment.
In 2026, Playcentre celebrates 85 years of wh nau playing, learning and growing together, making it a fitting time for families to experience the magic of our wh nau led early learning community.
Every Playcentre provides three free visits before enrolment, allowing families to explore its approach to early learning.
There are no set fees to attend Playcentre. The organisation is partially funded by the Ministry of Education and, as a registered charity, relies on donations from parents and wh nau to support the rich, hands-on learning experiences offered to tamariki.
Families also gain access to Playcentre’s free adult education programme, which provides practical parenting and early learning support.
Wh nau can book a visit to their local Playcentre at any time by visiting www. playcentre.org.nz.
Police appealing for information on offender
Police are appealing for anyone who may have information on offending by Father Rowan Donoghue to come forward. This comes after all suppressions for Father Donoghue, who worked at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream from 1982 to 1992, were lifted on 28 January.
Father Donoghue pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court on 13 November 2025 in relation to a number of historical offences against former students at St Bede's College in Christchurch, and is set for sentencing later this year.
Following the lifting of all suppression, Police have been made aware that former students at St Patrick's College Silverstream have alleged similar offending by Father
“We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.
“Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.
“If you have any information or would like to report similar offending, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
“We can then contact you to make appropriate arrangements to discuss matters in an appropriate and safe way.”
The Ulalei team that took part in the Waka Wars. Photo: Supplied.
Messy play taking place. Photo: Supplied.
LOCAL TRADES TRUST A
Excellent commitment at Waiu wetland
By Frank Neill
The commitment of the A Rocha Waiu Wetland Group’s volunteers during 2025 was “excellent,” the group’s leader Richard Rhoades writes in the group report for last year.
“Out of 23 people who came to working bees, the average turnout was 10, and the total number of volunteer-hours was 210, the same as [2024].”
All 10 working bees planned for 2025 went ahead.
“Autumn efforts were focused on releasing young plants, and removing blackberry, gorse and in particular, broom, from areas planted in the last three years.
“Further efforts were made to control some of the growth of reeds in the damp course which slopes down towards the stream from the path.
“The boundary area adjacent to the path was cleared and sprayed prior to winter planting.
“In June and July, about 300 new plants went into the ground in the channel and sloping bank, on the southern border next to the path, down as far as the telegraph pole.
“The mix of plants was similar to last year with carex, harakeke, mingimingi, cabbage trees, manuka, wineberry and pittosporum.”
The Waiu Wetland Group is affiliated with A Rocha, an international Christian organisation involved in environmental research, education and local conservation projects in more than 20 countries.
Working bees are held at Waiu Wetland on the third Saturday of each month, from 10am to noon.
The first working bee this year was held on 21 February and the coming ones will be held on 14 March, 11 April, 16 May, 20 June, 18 July, 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, 14 November and 12 December.
Morning tea is provided and new volunteers are always welcome. People who are interested can contact Richard Rhoades at randjrhoades@ gmail.com.
Photo:
Outright victory for premier Cricketers
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata men’s premier Cricket team scored their second premier 2 outright victory when they defeated Naenae Old Boys on 28 February.
Two weeks earlier they kicked off the two-day competition with an outright win over the Sri Lankan Sports Club.
Naenae batted first on Bryan Heath Park and were all out for 224.
Wainuiomata replied with 275 for nine declared and then bowled out Naenae for 124.
The home team scored 77 for three wickets in its second innings to take the outright victory, which was a great addition to the club’s Old Timers Day that was held at the park on 28 February.
Callum Mackanness was in outstanding form with the bat for the home team, scoring 91 runs from just 80 deliveries.
After Naenae had batted really slowly in their first innings, which lasted 75 overs, Wainuiomata needed fast runs, and Callum provided these and his 119-run partnership with Loyis Edwin, who scored 67, was a huge contributor to the victory.
That partnership significantly helped Wainuiomata get a lead of 51 runs on the first innings and they took only 52 overs.
Craig Foster and Ryan Jackson also contributed to Wainuiomata’s total with 27 runs each.
Craig followed up his good batting by taking four wickets for 17 runs.
Ryan was also in the wickets, taking two for 26, while Gurpreet Singh finished with two wickets for 21 and Tanuj Ahuja with two wickets for 38.
Jordan Rangikauhata was Wainuiomata top scorer in the second innings, finishing with 27 not out.
Wainuiomata’s next match is against the Wellington Collegians Cricket Express at Anderson Park on 7 and 14 March, starting at 10:30am.
The Wainuiomata men’s second XI remain at the top of the premier reserve 2 table following their victory over the Sri Lankan Sports Club on 28 February.
Batting first on Bryan Heath Park the Sri Lankans were bowled out for 101.
Wainuiomata had reached 146 for eight wickets at stumps to score a first innings win.
The Wainuiomata Design and Build women’s team continued their unbeaten run in division 3 this season with a comfortable victory over Upper Hutt United on 28 February.
Batting first on Heretaunga Park, Upper Hutt scored 128 for three wickets in their 20 overs.
Wainuiomata took just 14 overs and three balls to win the match with a score of 129 for two wickets.
Both Marina McCarthy and Matie Whitman were outstanding with the bat and the ball.
They both retired on 52, while Marina took one wicket for 8 runs and Matie one wicket for 11 runs.
Their next match is against City Suburbs Wild Lionesses at Karori Park on 8 March, starting at 2pm.
The Wainuiomata Life Direct women’s team, also playing in division 3, did not have such a good day on 28 February.
Naenae Old boys comfortably beat them.
Batting first on Richard Prouse Park, Wainuiomata scored 90 for five in their 20 overs. Naenae did not lose a wicket in reaching 91 for the win.
The team’s next match is against Petone Riverside at the Petone Recreation Ground on 8 March,
Callum Mackaness, who scored a fast 91 runs to help Wainuiomata to outright victory over Naenae on 28 February. Photo: Supplied.
GKR Karate comes to the Hutt
Aside from the confidence gained when learning self defence, karate training can have a positive impact on children’s fitness, concentration and general behaviour.
For adults, it’s also a great way to relieve stress, learn something new, meet new people and stay healthy.
GKR Karate promotes Karate
for everyone, including children from 5 years old through to men, women and families of all ages. They now also have “Yoji” classes for 3 to 4 year olds.
Apart from the obvious development of self defence skills, Karate training builds confidence, self discipline, determination, focus, courtesy, self control and of course fitness.
GKR Karate’s classes are taught by passionate instructors who are committed to teaching and passing on the GKR Karate style and way of life.
Besides their Johnsonville classes they are also now in Lower Hutt at Hutt Waterloo School and Udy Street, Petone. For more information visit www. gkrkarate.com.
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Young Ulalei Netballers in derby game
There were big smiles and even bigger cheers on Saturday 28 February as Ulalei Fau and Ulalei Wainuiomata took the court for their derby game.
With Ulalei Fau featuring players mainly from St Claudine’s and Ulalei Wainuiomata proudly represented by Konini Primary School tamariki, the game was a celebration of friendship, fun, and the joy of learning sport at a young age.
Ulalei Fau finished the game with a 3–0 win, but both sides played with lots of enthusiasm and determination that had families and supporters clapping all morning.
For young player Toli the day was all about enjoying the game and being with her friends.
“I like playing because it’s fun,” she says.
“I play with my friends and I’m learning new skills.”
Like many young netballers, she
dreams of one day playing for the Silver Ferns, a goal that lit up her face as she shared it.
The young players have strong role models to look up to, like former St Claudine’s students Saviour Tui, now a Silver Fern, and Renee Savaiinaea, who represents Samoa.
Both teams are coached by Lahraine Sagaga and she is assisted by Wainuiomata High School students Siobhan Sau and Jacqui McCarthy, and former Wainuiomata High School students Ruby McGregor, now studying at Victoria University, and Shaelyn Kilburn,who attends the NZ Institute of Sport.
It's great to see these young leaders giving back to their community.
Saturday’s game was a proud moment for families and the wider Ulalei community – a reminder that the foundation of sport begins with fun, support and opportunities for the youngest players to grow.
Rates capping risks undermining regional services
The delivery of critical services and infrastructure – like public transport and flood protection – will be compromised in the Wellington Region unless the Government reconsiders its proposed rates capping model, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) says.
In its submission on the proposal, the regional council warns the model does not reflect the cost realities of local government.
Its recommendations include: to reflect council cost drivers and circumstances.
reflect local government inflationary and financing pressures.
asset condition as a core economic indicator.
sight, transparency and flexibility into a sustainable rating model.
expenditure; or allowing rates increases aligned with New Zealand
fund public transport operations, to reflect mandated cost drivers and minimise the need for recurring
variation or exemption processes.
“This model will ultimately harm the very communities it seeks to protect,” GWRC Chair Daran Ponter says.
“While we understand its intent and support the need for lowering the rates burden on our communities, the model does not reflect the environments councils operate in.
“Our region faces unique challenges, from major infrastructure renewals, like the TŪhono trains programme, to building resilience from natural hazards, including RiverLink for which Greater Wellington has committed $295 million so far.
ability to protect our communities and deliver the essential services they need.”
The submission argues that the model’s benchmarks, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), are poorly aligned with council cost drivers, which include construction inflation, insurance premiums and financing costs – factors that routinely rise faster than consumer inflation.
The submission also warns that the proposed 4% maximum cap would constrain the region’s ability to deliver major projects such as Te RiverLink, which alone represents approximately 7% of projected future rates increases.
To increase affordability, local government needs different funding tools and shared funding from Government.
“The benchmarks don’t align with the inputs councils actually use to plan responsibly,” GWRC’s Finance, Chair Yadana Saw says.
“We all know that using the wrong tools can lead to costly or dangerous consequences.
“In this case, ever expanding funding gaps will expose communities to harm from natural hazards like floods and slips, as well as economic decline through the degradation of public transport.
“CPI and GDP may be useful macro-metrics, but they bear little resemblance to the costs we face renewing infrastructure, complying with national standards and delivering services.
“The model proposed by the government needs a lot of refining by experts within local government if it is to succeed,” Cr Saw says.
Rather than a model that sets rigid limits, the submission proposes a transparent and flexible rating system with independent oversight, that recognises asset condition as a core economic indicator. It calls for lessons to be learned
to under investment and administrative burdens, and points to more balanced regulatory models such as the framework overseen by the
GWRC Public Transport Committee Chair Ros Connelly says public transport should be exempt from the model, or affordable rates increases to fund Metlink operations should be allowed.
“Public transport makes up around 63% of our operating expenditure and is largely set by national funding agencies and market forces, meaning we have limited ability to control this cost,” Cr Connelly says. “Public transport is critical infrastructure that allows cities to grow and businesses to thrive.
“It provides a low carbon transport solution, while allowing individuals who cannot or choose not to drive to travel and
rigid cap would leave us choosing between service cuts, pushing more costs onto users and creating more reliance on cars. “None of these are acceptable choices for community wellbeing, economic health, or climate sustainability.”
Players from Ulalei Fau and Ulalei Wainuiomata after their derby game last Saturday. Photo: Supplied.
Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter. Photo: Supplied.
