Wainuiomata news Wednesday, January 25, 2012 CALL US: 587 1660 Your best read local community newspaper TOTAL Plumbing & Gas (2007) Ltd Local and Loving it! Ph 5649626 DRAIN CLEARANCE, PLUMBING & GAS 8524593AA 47/N BRIAN’S PHARMACY GREAT NEW YEAR SALE AND SPECIALS 8 The Strand. Wainuiomata Ph/Fax: 04 564 8488 8530052AA 47/A Citylifenews.co.nz 8522024AA 15 Ben remembered p6 Young golfers hit fairways p9 Nui FM p4 DETERMINED: Parents Steve and Michelle Evans are committed to getting Brock, 10, to the BMX nationals in Rotorua in Easter, with Mr Evans asking for work offers to help raise funds. ■ See story on Page 8. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMbrock BMX champs or bust Park going to waste Continued on 3 DUMP: Tyres dumped near Hugh Sinclair Park along with McDonald’s wrappers and alcohol bottles. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMcreek2 ‘‘Untidy’’ and ‘‘filthy’’ are the words one Wainuiomata resident uses to describe the valley. Eric Salt walks through the Parkway extension walkway which follows Black Creek upstream nearly every morning, and says he is constantly picking up rubbish left by others. ‘‘There are fridges, tyres, trolleys — sometimes the council comes and takes it away, but they have done nothing for months.’’ Mr Salt invited Wainuiomata News last Wednesday through the places he deems untidy, and pointed out three trolleys near and around Hugh Sinclair Park. He says the banks alongside Black Creek were widened just two years ago, and yet the grass on those banks is overgrown to the point that it is worse than what it was before it was widened. ‘‘If we were to go running we would probably fall in because you can’t see the creek.’’ Timber that supported the murals alongside St Claudine’s Thevenet School is still lying further down the creek, despite Mr Salt notifying the council that it was recoverable. He says the growing rubbish and lack of maintenance is concerning. ‘‘I look for it because it stays there and it gets bigger, and bigger, and bigger.’’ He is also upset at the lack of signage for what he says is a sewage pump at the end of Rata Street. A gapping hole covered with grass is dangerous for children and people walking their dogs, he notes. During the walk, a passerby stopped and shared Mr Salt’s concerns. ‘‘They spent all their money on this [upgrading the creek and walkway] and it’s atrocious. It’s really disgusting. It’s just going down ever since the council went to the Hutt,’’ the passerby, who wished to be unnamed, told Wainuiomata News. Across the bridge at the end of Rata St, Mr Salt pointed out piles of clay and shrubbery dumped. Blackberries are now growing over the vegetation. Along with the shrubbery is a pile of household rubbish including traps and whiteware. ‘‘The roots of trees have been dumped here also. So there’s been a huge excavation somewhere.’’ 32 Queen Street, Wainuiomata P: 04 564 0004 F: 04 564 7339 M: 027 307 2999 E: [email protected]W: www.nickycooper.harcourts.co.nz 8538783AA51/A 8526953AA WASP NEST EXTERMINATOR WASP NEST EXTERMINATOR ONLY $70 ONLY $70 (Regular price $80) (Regular price $80) CALL PAUL CHAPMAN 589-2101 www.pestproof.co.nz THEY SHALL NOT PASS® JUST PRESENT YOUR LATEST NEW WORLD WAINUIOMATA RECEIPT OR THIS ADVERT TO QUALIFY
Transcript
Wainuiomatanews
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 CALL US: 587 1660Your best read local community newspaper
T O TA LPlumbing & Gas (2007) Ltd
Local and Loving it!
Ph 5649626
DRAIN CLEARANCE,PLUMBING & GAS
8524593AA 47/N
BRIAN’S PHARMACY
GREATNEW YEARSALE ANDSPECIALS
8 The Strand. WainuiomataPh/Fax: 04 564 8488
8530
052A
A47
/A
Citylifenews.co.nz
8522024AA
15
Ben rememberedp6
Young golfers hitfairways p9
Nui FM
p4
DETERMINED: Parents Steve and Michelle Evans are committed to getting Brock, 10, to the BMX nationals in Rotorua in Easter, with Mr Evansasking for work offers to help raise funds.■ See story on Page 8. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMbrock
BMXchampsor bust
Park going to waste
Continued on 3
DUMP: Tyres dumped near HughSinclair Park along withMcDonald’s wrappers and alcoholbottles.
Photo: Dani McDonald /CCN180112DMcreek2
‘‘Untidy’’ and ‘‘filthy’’ are thewords one Wainuiomataresident uses to describe thevalley.
Eric Salt walks through theParkway extension walkwaywhich follows Black Creekupstream nearly everymorning, and says he isconstantly picking up rubbishleft by others.
‘‘There are fridges, tyres,trolleys — sometimes thecouncil comes and takes itaway, but they have donenothing for months.’’
Mr Salt invitedWainuiomata News lastWednesday through the placeshe deems untidy, and pointedout three trolleys near andaround Hugh Sinclair Park.
He says the banks alongsideBlack Creek were widened justtwo years ago, and yet thegrass on those banks isovergrown to the point that it
is worse than what it wasbefore it was widened.
‘‘If we were to go runningwe would probably fall inbecause you can’t see thecreek.’’
Timber that supported themurals alongside StClaudine’s Thevenet School isstill lying further down thecreek, despite Mr Saltnotifying the council that itwas recoverable.
He says the growingrubbish and lack ofmaintenance is concerning.
‘‘I look for it because itstays there and it gets bigger,and bigger, and bigger.’’
He is also upset at the lack
of signage for what he says is asewage pump at the end ofRata Street.
A gapping hole coveredwith grass is dangerous forchildren and people walkingtheir dogs, he notes.
During the walk, apasserby stopped and sharedMr Salt’s concerns.
‘‘They spent all theirmoney on this [upgrading thecreek and walkway] and it’satrocious. It’s reallydisgusting. It’s just goingdown ever since the councilwent to the Hutt,’’ thepasserby, who wished to beunnamed, told WainuiomataNews.
Across the bridge at theend of Rata St, Mr Salt pointedout piles of clay andshrubbery dumped.Blackberries are now growingover the vegetation.
Along with the shrubbery
is a pile of household rubbishincluding traps andwhiteware.
‘‘The roots of trees havebeen dumped here also. Sothere’s been a hugeexcavation somewhere.’’
All specials run 24/01/12 Till 30/01/12 • WE NOW ACCEPT WINZS CARDS
51/A
TURKEYWINGS
$3.99$3.99KGKG
NOW OPENNOW OPENSUNDAYSUNDAY10am - 3pm
$9.95$9.95KGKG
CRUMBED
SCHNITZELBBQ PACK:
8 Ham Steaks
8 Meat Patties
8 Sausages
$15.00$15.00
WHOLEPIGS
FROM
$160.00$160.00
Buy 1kgRumpSteak
get 6 eggs& 1kg fries
FREE
Healthy Cooking ona BudgetFREE courseFromWednesday 15th February for4weeks10am to 12 noonVenue: FamilyWorks,WainuiCottage, 102MainRoad,WainuiomataBooking essential— call Tanya on04 576 8602 or email:[email protected]
Incredible YearsParentingProgrammeFREE evening courseFromWednesday 22February for14weeks6pm to 8.30pmVenue: FamilyWorks,WainuiCottage, 102MainRoad,WainuiomataTo book a space call Jill on 04 5646710 or email:[email protected]
Fathers GroupFREE education & supportprogrammeFromTuesday 7th February for 10weeks10am— 12 noonVenue: FamilyWorks,WainuiCottage, 102MainRoad,WainuiomataTo book a space contact Leslie on 04528 4164 or email:[email protected]
Kids’ funComealong and enjoy two hours offun and games designed to keep theentire family active. Activities suitablefor all abilities, for children 5 to 12years. From1 to 3pm.Bring a picnic.Pleasewear sunscreen, shoes, a hatand bring awater bottle.ThursdayJanuary 26—KarakaStReserveWainuiomata. Parents andcaregivers are required to staywithchildren throughout the programme.If wet, the event is cancelled.
Kids just wanna have fun
PLAY PUSHERS: Wainuiomata kids enjoyed a day at Poole Crescent Reserve last Wednesday withrecreation co-ordinator of leisure activities Terry Stallworth, who is also chairman of the WainuiomataCommunity Board. The kids participated in Hutt City Council’s Push Play programme — designed togo into neighbourhood parks and have children and their families active and having fun. MrStallworth says 42 children and 18 parents participated on the day. At Mary Crowther Park on January11, 36 children and 10 parents participated.The feedback from each event has been very positive, Mr Stallworth says. ‘‘The parents really loved itand they want council to do more.’’ The next Push Play is held on Thursday, January 26 at KarakaStreet Reserve, from 1 to 3pm. Photo: Daryl New / CCN200112DNholiday
FREE Microsoft Office 2010 StarterEdition with all new PC’s
8534902AA
• Repairs• Upgrades• Virus Removal
• Networking • Accessories• Hardware and Software Sales
Te Ra o Te RaukuraSunday 5February 9am— 4pmEnjoy a day filledwith traditional artsand crafts, kapa haka, kai, stalls,carnival rides and livemusic from topNewZealand and local acts. Featureartists include 1814,MTownandBrownHill, alongwith a host of othertalent. TeWhiti Park,Whites LineEast, LowerHutt. Free. Listen toAtiawaToaFM100.9 &94.9 for thelatest.
Wainuiomata TrailProject — familyopen daySaturday, January 28, 10am to 2pm.Featuring freeBBQ, bouncy castle,demonstrations, guided family rides,free bike hire, treasure hunts andmore.WaiuPark (Wainuiomata TrailProject),WaiuStreet,Wainuiomata.Free.
What a woman wantsTuesdayFebruary 7. Doors open7pm, showstarts 7.30pm.Farmers and fashion stylist LisaO’Neill is bringing kiwi womenall thefashion advice they need to spruce uptheir wardrobe.Covers body shapes,accessories&makeup. $25, includescomplimentary glass of bubbles onarrival and supper. Support Plunketand buy tickets [email protected] callKimberley on 021 241 1692
Medical BridgeJames now is very braveHas problems we can tell.Doctors, nurses, faces graveWill work to make himwell.
New culvert in Fitzherbert RoadIs wide as all can seeWill let the heavy rains that fallRush quickly to the sea.
Cyclists on trail of successThe Port Nicholson Poneke Cycling Club[PNP] is running its annual R&RSportClub Champs/College SportWellingtonMountain Bike event at theWainuiomataTrail Park on Sunday, February 5.PNP is one of New Zealand’s oldest
cycling clubs—established in 1926, andis affiliated to BikeNZ, CyclingNZ andMountain BikeNZ.After a successful format last year,
the cross country race, the super Ddownhill, and a short coursemulti-lapcriteriumwill be the same this year.Defending champion StephenOwens,
ofWainuiomata, will be defending his
Master Two title, which he has held forthe past two years.Owens, who has been racing for 20
years, has trained just about every dayand says he is ‘‘pretty confident’’ he canhold on to his title.The cross country starts from 10am,
the super D downhill from 12pmand theshort course criterium from 1pm.Spectators can enjoy watching the
multi-lap racing up close from theWaiuSt car park base or walk up the trails andwatch the racers descend at speed.PNP Cycling Club spokesmanMarco
Renall says competition will be fierce.
‘‘Defending champion TomBradshaw, who recently came eighth inthe elite field at the Dunedin NZ Cuprace, will be trying to defend his 2011title from 2010winner BenMurphy andother Elite riders. In the women’s field,Elite racers Samara Sheppard will bebattling it out with 2011 winner RaewynMorrison,’’ Renall says.The overall winner will be decided on
points accumulated over each eventwith the cross country getting doublepoints.There are 12 separate classes from
Under-13 toMaster 50+.
First timers are encouraged to give ita go andwill get separate starts oneasier trails.Non PNPmembers are very
welcome, especially College riders whowill be competing for the College SportWellington Champs.Prizegiving will be atWaiu St at
2.30pm.
■ For course details and an entry formvisit www.pnp.org.nz. Entry on the dayis from 8.30am to 9.30am atWainuiomata High School, Parkwayfor $15-$25.
Action urged on dumpingContinued from 1
SHAME: Wainuiomata resident Jim Manu looks around the clay, shrubberyand rubbish dumped in the walkway that comes off the new Parkwayextension. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMcreek1
A Hutt City Council spokespersonsays their contractors will benotified straight away, and saysdumping rubbish in public spacesis something that needs to bestopped.
‘‘Unfortunately the dumping ofrubbish is not an uncommonpractice and is something we wantto discourage. We will be notifyingour contractors about these latestreports,’’ the spokesperson says.
They say it is important thepublic notifies the council.
‘‘We strongly encourage thepublic to inform us of rubbishdumping . . . so we can get it cleanedit up and try and track down who isresponsible for the mess.’’
Colin Lusty lives on KoniniRoad and says he has seen a bag offish heads and bread dumped in thewater to feed the eels.
Mr Lusty says the water in thestream is not clean.
‘‘Looked like an oily waste thismorning. The film on the waterwasn’t there yesterday,’’ he says.
Mr Salt then drove to where theWaiu Stream meets up with BlackCreek off Parkway, and pointed outwhat looked like oily soapsudsrunning from a drain into thecreek. He says he has seen bags ofrubbish dumped, and also pointedout beer bottles and a tyre.
He says neighbouring propertiesdump their cut grass over theirfence — on to the public space.
The Hutt City councilspokesperson says anyone caughtdumping any kind of rubbish willbe issued with infringement noticesand says everyone needs to beresponsible for their actions.
‘‘It’s everyone’s responsibility.The people dumping the rubbish,the community reporting it, and
council working with itscontractors to clean it up.’’
Along the side of the fences thatback on to the public area is grassleft uncut.
‘‘If they don’t want to cut thegrass, spray it and kill it, andconcrete it,’’ Mr Salt says.
Green MP Holly Walker says thedumping of rubbish in public areasis shameful, and suggests aneducation campaign may be neededto inform people on how and whereto safely dispose of householdwaste.
She also suggests creating a localconservation corps that couldemploy young people on clean-upprojects around local waterways.
‘‘This sounds like a goodexample of where a major clean-upis needed,’’ Ms Walker says.
Black Creek runs through
central Wainuiomata into BlackStream, and then into WainuiomataRiver, before entering the CookStrait.
‘‘All the pollution up there [atthe Waiu tip], where does it go? Oryou live down that end [pastHomedale], then all the crap isliving with you.
‘‘The river is just down thereand that’s where all the streams areleading to, and that’s apparently gottrout. They’re probably bringing upSteinlager bottles,’’ Mr Salt says.
Hutt South MP Trevor Mallardsuggests another intense clean-upunder Hutt City Council wouldencourage people to uphold themaintenance of the area.
He says the shopping trolleys area perennial problem, but havesettled ever since Countdowninstalled a lockdown on them.
He suggests police step up andstart noticing if people are takingtrolleys away from the mall, and totell them off.
‘‘I think a really important thingis for people to have pride in theircommunity and right back at thebeginning — if it’s cleaned up it’smore likely to stay clean,’’ MrMallard says.
Wainuiomata River is regularlyused by trout fishers, and accordingto nzfishing.com, has a reputationfor superb dry fly and nymphfishing during the summer months.
It is also a hot spot for eeling.However, Mr Salt says he could
never eat the food out of the riverand the streams.
‘‘The rubbish that’s in them, Iwouldn’t eat them [the eels]. I’veseen some whoppers in there butnot for my part — I don’t want to beeating other people’s crap.’’
A Greater Wellington RegionalCouncil spokesperson urgesresidents to inform them on anypollution incidents, and they candetermine what action is needed orwho needs to be notified.
‘‘We really need to know. If wedon’t know there’s not much we cando about it,’’ the spokesperson says.
■ If you see any rubbish that hasbeen dumped in public areas,report it to Hutt City Council on570 6666.■ For any environmentalpollution, such as water, land orair pollution, contact the GreaterWellington’s Environmentalprotection team on 04 384 5708,or free phone 0800 4WGN REG(0800 496 734). While you’ll needto provide your name, addressand phone number, your detailsare absolutely confidential andwon’t be released to otherparties.
8539763AA
INSERTSAdvertising through inserts; brochures or catalogues,
allows you to reach a range of unique and attractive audiences.
With our range of community newspapers, you can place your
insert into any of our Wednesday publications
For rates or more information contact
Manager Jude Harris 04 587 1698
INSERTSAdvertising through inserts; brochures or catalogues,
allows you to reach a range of unique and attractive audiences.
With our range of community newspapers, you can place your
insert into any of our Wednesday publications
For rates or more information contact
Manager Jude Harris 04 587 1698
INSERTSAdvertising through inserts; brochures or catalogues,
allows you to reach a range of unique and attractive audiences.
With our range of community newspapers, you can place your
insert into any of our Wednesday publications
For rates or more information contact
Manager Jude Harris 04 587 1698
4 Wednesday, January 25, 2012Wainuiomata News
Want to
We can help you...FREE 12 month supported programme.We will come to you or you can come to us.
Quit Smoking?There is also $1000 in CASH up forgrabs from local business. All competitors willreceive a goody bag with lunch & drink.$500 Largest Kingfish, $200 Moki,$100 Snapper, $100 Blue Cod, $100 Kahawai.Note: All divers are required to have a float & attached diveflag for safety reasons.
Charity fish auction from 4pm with all proceeds going to theMary Potter Hospice - tell your friends/family/neighbours
For further information please contact:Pete Jones 027 4180841 or email [email protected]
WaistcoatinvestmentWhat was invented as a malegarment is today a very versatileunisex piece of clothing.
For corporate dressing thewaistcoat, otherwise known as avest, can be a sophisticatedreplacement to the suit jacket.For a smart casual option, thesame waistcoat could be teamedwith a pair of smart jeans.Casually, the waistcoatcombines well with a shirt orT-shirt underneath.
It could be used as anaccessory and worn over asummer dress, or singlet. It canbe used as a layering garmentfor summer and winter styles.
If your wardrobe is void oftexture, consider adding awaistcoat in corduroy, denim,wool, leather or linen.
If your wardrobe is lackingcolour, consider buying one in abright hue. Keep accessories to aminimum and let the waistcoattake centre stage.
Consider using the waistcoatto your advantage, by letting itdisguise a challenging midriff.This is particularly effectivewhen teamed with the samecolour on the lower torso.
The waistcoat is alsofantastic for creating awaistline, or drawing one’s eyeto that area. A vertical pinstripepattern will make you looktaller. Avoid double-breastedstyles if you are broader orcurvier on your top half.
Dress up or down — thisreally is a useful little number toinject life into your wardrobe.
■ Andie Dunne & Anita McGonigleare Wellington-based stylists,offering a range of packages tohelp you look and feel fabulous.www.colourwithstyle.co.nz
FUN FOR FUNDS: Nui FM staff from left, Hiki Campbell, Rayray Turei andHelena Ward are organising Wainuiomata’s very own Battle of theBands — a chance for local talent to promote itself, and for Nui FM tofurther establish its presence in the community and raise money for newequipment to strengthen its frequency. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMnui
■ Dani McDonald
Wainui’sMistyfrequency
Wainui’sMistyfrequency
NUI 87.9FM:Wainuiomata’s own Nui FM on87.9FM.Nui FM is all about the locals,so if you’re craving some ofthose Tina Turner hits— don’tbe afraid to call up, DJ Helenasays.Each DJ has their differenttastes, so don’t be surprised tohear rap, hip hop, reggae, 80sjams and even a talkback hourwith community boardmember Campbell Barry, whoupdates the community andclarifies anything from thecommunity board meetings.Nui FM is also looking formore volunteer DJs, so if youhave the gift of the gab, anddig your sounds, hit up DJHelena or administratorRayray on 564 5999.
Next month brings the chancefor locals to rock whatthey’ve got at Wainuiomata’s
very own Battle of the Bands.The event is not linked with the
Smokefree Battle of the Bands,whichWainuiomata Intermediateband The Noise won late last year.This event, held on Saturday,
February 18 and presented by theWainuiomata Community Centreand Nui FM, is a chance for localartists to show the community theirtalents and, in particular, win cashprizes.Wainuiomata’s Battle of the
Bands will be held on Saturday,February 18 from 10am to 6pm at theWainuiomata Community Reserveon Queen Street.Nui FM hopes to have 15 bands or
solo artists performing original orcovered tracks— as long as there isa live voice and a live instrument.The competition is based on
public vote. Each vote costs $1, sothe more support turns out, themore likely they are to win.Local band Horifyed Selection
have opted out of playing at theevent, as drummer Teez Stevens is aDJ at Nui FM.The day will include food stalls
and four heats in which bands withthe lowest votes are eliminated.Nui FM has chosen The Noise as
the wild card for the competition.Battle of the Bands is also a
chance for local radio station NuiFM to raise money for newequipment, and to promote itselfin the community.Nui FM DJ Helena Ward says it
is a chance for the radio station tosay, ‘‘hey, we’re here— use us’’.‘‘I guess more or less what
we’re trying to achieve is to bringthe radio station out in thecommunity because there’s somany events that people don’tknow about,’’ she says.The two-year-old radio station
is made up entirely of volunteers,beginning as The Rage, and thentransforming into Nui FM.It began with a focus on youth
due to the high suicide rates at thetime.When youth weren’t utilising it,
Nui FM opened it up to the widercommunity; however, Nui FM
administrator Rayray Tarei saysshe hopes to see local businessesgetting involved withadvertisements, as well as morelocals listening.‘‘There are a few listeners—
our real die-hard listeners,’’ Tareisays.The proceeds raised from Battle
of the Bands will go towards anexternal mobile unit and a higherfrequency box.Tarei says she has received a
lot of positive feedback regardingthe event.‘‘It’s something that Wainui
hasn’t seen before,’’ she says.Ward says the event is an
opportunity for any group or soloartist to promote themselves.‘‘It could be a group of kids that
go in their garage and play everyweekend.’’She says one of the bands
entered only became a group afterseeing the advertisement.The winning group takes away
the amount of votes they receive incash.
AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY
GardenWiz Tools
Gavin ShuteAutos Services
• Domestic & HobbyFarming Power Tools
• Parts & Services• 2 Year Warranty• Chain Saw, or Chain Saw Grinder• Multifunctional Pole tool
• Cultivator, Tree Shaker, Pole Saw• Auger, or ground-drilling tool• Hedge Trimmer• Brush Cutter• Portable Power Sprayer
P : 9 3 9 2 9 7 1 •P : 9 3 9 2 9 7 1 • 1 7 Q u e e n S t , Wa i n u i o m a t a • F r e e P a r k i n g , L o y a l t y C a r d • Specials for the w/e 22.01.12WINZ GREEN PAYMENT CARDS ACCEPTED HERE • OPEN Mon - Wed: 7am-6pm • Thur/Fri: 7am-6pm • Sat: 7am - 5pm
CONGRATULATIONSJohn Haycock
of our Weekly $50 Meat Pack Draw.Spend $30 and be in the draw for a free $50 Meat Pack!
Kids’ artcontest tocelebrateheroesHutt City Libraries andthe Australasian Policeand Emergency ServicesGames (AP&ES) haveteamed up to hold achildren’s artcompetition to celebrateour police and emergencyservices ‘‘heroes’’.
The AP&ES Games arecoming to Lower Huttfrom March 2 to 9, andare expected to attractaround 2000 participantsfrom New Zealand,Australia and the PacificIslands to compete in 41sports.
The theme of thecompetition is ‘‘Heroes —on and off the field’’ andchildren aged 5 to 13 areencouraged to show theirartistic skills to create anartwork that captureswhat this means to them.
This could beanything, for example, apainting of a firefightertackling Sonny BillWilliams, a sculpture of apolice car, or a drawingof an ambulance workerhelping someone in need.
The maximum size ofpaintings/drawings is A3and 60cm high forsculptures.
AP&ES marketingmanager Scott Willsonsays there are greatprizes up for grabs.
‘‘The winner in eachage group — 5-8 and 9-13years — will get to be theflag-bearer for a team inthe games openingceremony and enjoy aride to school in a fireengine.’’
Hutt City Libraries’Susan Hill says she looksforward to seeing lots ofcreative entries.
‘‘All the art will be ondisplay at our libraries,and at the sports venuesduring the week of thegames.’’
Entry forms areavailable from any of thecity’s eight libraries, andartworks should be withthe War MemorialLibrary by Friday,February 17.
Enter the dragon . . .
As the Year of the Dragon begins, Whitireia journalism student Talia Carlisle looks atwhat Wellington will be doing to celebrate what many consider the most important year of the
12-year Chinese cycle of zodiac animals — and what the year may bring us.
VIBRANT: James Roberts leads the Dragon Team from the Wellington ChineseSports and Cultural Centre during a guest performance at Porirua’s Creekfestlast year. Photo: Andrew Bonallack / FILE
C hinese New Year is themost important day in theChinese calendar,
especially for those born in theyear of the dragon, according toDr Xiaohuan Zhao, seniorlecturer of Chinese, Languagesand Cultures at Otago University.
‘‘The dragon is the symbol ofpower and royalty, authority andstrength,’’ he says.
‘‘Lots of people wish for theirbabies to be born in this yearbecause those who are born in theyear of the dragon are expected tobe more powerful [and] morelucky.’’
There are many theories as towhere the significance of thedragon came from originally.
Archaeological excavations innortheast China have foundtotems of pigs and bears, totems ofearly tribes in China.
The totem of China has sinceevolved into a dragon eventhough the pig is still importantas it symbolises wealth.
‘‘A house that has pigs meansthe family are rich enough toafford meat,’’ Dr Zhao says.
Many Chinese people believethemselves to be the ancestors of
dragon, a creature that Chinesebelieved could bring rain indroughts.
‘‘When there is a lack ofrainfall, people make a kind ofsacrificial offering and pray andworship the dragon.’’
Dr Zhao describes the dragonas ‘‘a pig, with a snake’s body andcrocodile claws’’.
He says the history of ChineseNew Year can be traced back over2000 years, starting with aferocious beast that would comeout once a year to scare thevillagers. The monster, calledNian, was finally frightened awayusing fire crackers and reddecorations, which have becometraditions still observed today.The monster’s name, Nian soundsthe same as the word ‘‘year’’, sopeople say ‘‘xin nian kuaile’’,meaning happy new year.
Dr Zhao is a member of theDunedin Chinese PresbyterianChurch, the oldest Chinesechurch in New Zealand.
They will celebrate this newyear with Chinese dancing,Chinese drums and firecrackers,traditions that will be observedall over the world.
What’s On
ON SHOW: Two performers from the New ZealandChinese Operatic Society.Photo: Neil McKenzie (Online Fotos) / CCN180112SPLcnewyear2
■ Saturday, February 11 —The Xiamen Performing ArtsGroup will be performing at TePapa in Soundings Theatrefrom 4 to 5pm.
From 7pm to 8.30pm NewClothes for the New YearFashion & Dance Show will beat the TSB Bank Arena.
At 9pm there will beFireworks in Frank Kitts Park,organised by the Embassy ofthe People’s Republic of China,to celebrate 40 years ofdiplomatic relations.■ Sunday, February 12 —Festival day, with an Asianmarket, street parade andcultural entertainment atFrank Kitts Park.■ Dragon dancing is animportant part of Chinese NewYear festivities and
Wellington’s Chinese Sportsand Cultural Centre (WCSCC)
has two groups, one for adultsand one for children, both ofwhom will feature extensivelyin this year’s Chinese New Yearcelebrations in Wellington.
Vincent Sue leads theWCSCC Dragon dance troupe,and describes the art as ‘‘a 20mskipping rope or a snake thatflies’’.
There are nine people in theadult team, who two years agoattended the InternationalWorld Dragon competition inHong Kong and placed eighth.
The children’s group will bemaking their debutperformance in this year’sfestival and both groups willperform in various shows overthe Chinese New Yearweekend.
For more information onevents, go tochinesenewyear.co.nz.
6 Wednesday, January 25, 2012Wainuiomata News
LETTERS
Thank youKokiri Marae Health and SocialServices want to welcome allservices back to work for 2012 andgive a big thank you to all theservices in Wainuiomata and theHutt Valley for their support. 2011saw Kokiri Marae Health & SocialServices Satellite office in Wainuio-mata work collaboratively withmany non-government organisa-tions and statutory agencies. Welook forward to working witheverybody again in 2012 and especi-ally all the whanau in Wainuio-mata.
Nga Mihi nui kia koutou ngaWhanau o Wainuiomata mo te TauHou.
Naku NoaNA LIZZIE RAUKAWA AND
THE WAINUIOMATA SATELLITEOFFICE TEAM
Kind donationsWainuiomata Community FoodBank would like to thank Hall’sRefrigeration for the donation oftheir services in transporting anddelivering the five pallets of frozensoups from Heinz Watties NZrecently. Without these kinddonations, it would be a lot moredifficult for us to meet the needs ofour community here in Wainuio-mata.
CHRISTINE GILBERTOffice Administrator
Life City Church
IN BRIEF
Night ServicesLife City Church will now be
holding night services. PastorAwhina Vailima says the new nightservices are to serve workingfamilies and those that cannotmake services on Sunday. The firstnight service will begin on Sunday,February 5 at 6.30pm in the mainroom. The service will also involvehealings.
A pavement pal to many■ Agnes Ginestet
TRIBUTES TO A WELLINGTONIAN:The memorial to Blanket Man set upon Courtenay Place became biggerand bigger in the days following hisdeath on January 15. CCN170112AGben1
REMEMBERING: Students from KokiriMarae in Seaview stopped by toleave tribute messages on the walland take pictures of the memorial.
CCN170112AGben4
Many Wellingtonians paidtribute to Ben Hana, akaBlanket Man, by leavingmessages, sleeping bags, a flagand flowers at the impromptumemorial set up on CourtenayPlace following his death onJanuary 15.
More than 100 people alsoattended the public service atWaitangi Park on January 19,which was followed by theburial at Makara Cemetery.
A quirky reminder of MrHana’s habit of sitting outsidethe Fix supermarket on thecorner of Courtenay Place andTory St is still visible.
‘‘He was quite dirty becauseof sitting on the road so therewould be this black shadow onthe wall when he leaned againstit,’’ says employee Ann Watt.
She and other employee AJMoochikkal remember Mr Hanasitting there when the wind wasblowing along Courtenay Place,and coming into the shop threetimes a day to buy morning tea,drinks and batteries for hisWalkman.
His habits included buying a1.5-litre bottle of Fanta when itwas sunny, and leaving anyloose change he got back at thecounter in the charity box.
Ms Watt says she found himto be a nice person and alwayssaw him on her way to work inthe morning.
‘‘He always said ‘goodmorning’ to me . . . He didn’t talka lot, but he acknowledged whenyou spoke to him. He didn’tignore you.’’
She never saw Mr Hana beingaggressive.
He was occasionally moody,and if the passersby were nastytowards him, he would be asnasty back.
8538861AA
All programmes and enrolments are subject to minimum class numbers and programme confirmationEvery effort has been made to ensure that the content of this advert is correct at the time of print.
www.twoa.ac.nz/facebook | 0800355553 I www.twoa.ac.nz S.TTT
020
BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE
Certificate in
Certificate in
FEES
FEES
No fees
No fees
DURATION
DURATION
36 weeks
18 weeks
DATE
DATE
March 2012
March 2012
COMPUTING
COMPUTING
2,3
2/3
EP G8W M<VQ ;<3LS S8:7WXL9N 3JLII3 ;WX 98 P85:<I 6W<ILOS<XL893 <9R H<9X X8N<L9 :85Q 3JLII3 HMLIQ S8:7IQXL9N XMQ :<K85LXG 8P G8W5 3XWRG L9 G8W5 8H9 XL:Q@this programme is for you.
“Use a bit less…” is the theme of waterrestrictions this summer as we approach thelong hot days to come. We as a council workwith other councils in the region, includingthe Greater Wellington Regional Council, topromote awareness of the need to ensurethere is adequate water supply for the region.
A joint effort by all residents to use a bit lesswater will help later in the summer whenconditions are expected to be drier. There willbe ongoing publicity about water restrictionsand all residents will receive a reminder aboutthe use of garden watering systems andsprinklers between 6am-8am and 7pm-9pmon alternate days. Over the next few monthsour city is going to be a busy place with awide range of diverse activities programmedfor young and old alike.
Among the popular events is the Splash andDash in Petone within a fun run and sea swimover four weeks beginning Wednesday 25January. Other key dates include the Te Rao Te Raukura on Sunday 5 February at TeWhiti Park, Petone Rotary Fair on Saturday18 February and Shapeshifter, which turnsthe Civic Gardens into a magnificent outdoorgallery beginning 25 February.
Heading into March, Lower Hutt willhost more than 2000 competitors for theAustralasian police and emergency servicesgames starting on 2 March.
With exploration of the outdoors, biking thetrails, the swimming pools, and the Big Day atDowse late in March, there is a great deal toentertain residents and visitors within LowerHutt.
This year will present further challenges forthe city council as we continue to containcosts and ensure ratepayers get real value fortheir money. We did a good job last year and Iintend to ensure we keep up the good work.
The Lower Hutt development plan will soonbe out for public consultation and will includea number of proposals for the allocation ofspending by council. I urge readers to take aninterest in this important democratic process.
A representation review is also planned thisyear where we will consider, among otherthings, the continuation of community boards.Again this will be an opportunity to have yoursay and be heard.
Make the most of the good weather to comeand all the best for the New Year ahead.
Till next timeRay WallaceMayor of Lower Hutt.
7Wednesday, January 25, 2012
KIDSMAKEASPLASHWainuiomata Outdoor Pools are still hot property this summer. Wainuiomata Newswent along this week for even more splish splashin’ action.
SLIDE: Ariel Hemara, 13, splashes into the water at thehydroslide with friend Kahu Salzmann, 13, behind her.
Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMswim2
CHEESE: From left, Seth Spence, 10, Corey Ewers, 7 and Zane Ewers, 10, had beenat the outdoor pools for four hours already that day.
Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMswim3
BUBBLES: Pania Rolfe, 6, of Eastbourne,spends her holidays travelling around theWellington region pools with her family.
Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMswim9
SWISH: Bonnie McCardle-Cobb, 2, enjoys aswing at the pool side.
Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN180112DMswim8
WAVES: From left, Fergus Hart, 8,with Pania and her brother KahuRolfe, 7, smile for the camera.
Photo: Dani McDonald /CCN180112DMswim6
To receive your FREEcopy of this magazineplease send your name and address to:email: [email protected]
Published inWellington.
Lots of ideas toguide youthroughplanning yourspecial day.
8 Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Wednesday, January 25, 2012 9
Family on hardride to BMX event■ Dani McDonald
‘Basically wedon’t do a lot of
things. To just hopin a car and drive toWellington—wecan’t afford it
because if we do it,it takes his racingaway from him.’STEVE EVANS
■ From Page 1.No matter what, SteveEvans of Wainuiomata isgetting his son, Brock, 10,to the BMX Nationals.That’s despite having nextto no income after hebroke his shoulder —which is not covered byACC — and being on asickness benefit for ayear.But with his son provingto be a natural in BMXriding, he is now trying toraise money to get Brockto the NZ Nationals, inRotorua this Easter.Brock first started ridingat age 6 after his fatherfound a bike for him in arecycling bin.His parents introducedhim to a BMX course ‘‘tohave a go’’ and were toldhe had the natural abilityto do well in the sport.Brock is now in his thirdseason on a BMX.Mr Evans says it is lots oflittle things that make ahuge cost, such ashandlebars, chains,sprockets, getting the bikeserviced and getting spareparts.He says travel to Rotoruaand accommodation willcost the family between$1500 to $1800.‘‘It’s like all other sports.The sports themselves aregreat but there’s nofinancial assistance to getthem to the place they
need,’’ he says.He and his wife Michellehave had to sacrifice a lotto support their son in hissport.‘‘We don’t socialise, wedon’t go out drinking. Wemight have the occasionaldrink — and that’soccasional — that’s ifsomeone’s shouting us,’’he says.Mr Evans is also trying togive up smoking,‘‘because I know thatmoney could go into hispocket’’.‘‘Basically we don’t do alot of things. To just hop ina car and drive toWellington — we can’tafford it because if we doit, it takes his racing awayfrom him.’’Mr Evans has beencontacting businesses andasking for sponsorship —and offering to do work —and any money earnedwill go towards Brock’s
trip to the nationals.So far Mr Evans has foundtwo people interested insponsoring, but theyhaven’t come up withanything just yet, he says.‘‘If you give the lad somesponsorship, that’s yourname out there,’’ he says.Mr Evans says he has donethree sausage sizzlesoutside the mall, andthanks mall managementfor the work it did inorganising that.However, each sausagesizzle only makes around$80 after gas, bread,sauces and sausages arepaid for.‘‘If anyone wants tosponsor him I don’t minddoing work for it. I’ve gottime for it,’’ says MrEvans.Brock says he loveseverything about BMXriding.‘‘He is competitive. If hegets p****d off he’ll gomental, he’ll go so hard,’’Mr Evans says.Brock hopes to make it topro-jumping; however, hisdad points out that heneeds to put in the timeand effort now.BMX is a seasonal sportfrom September to April.In the 2009 BMXnationals, Brock wasplaced 23rd after trainingfor only five months.
■ CAN YOU HELP?Phone Steve Evans on0276196193
Young players rise to challenge
WELCOME: Dongin Kang, and coach Jum Young Choi, of South Korea, enjoy the sights of the Wainuiomata Golf course.Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN190112DMgolf3
SWING: Jade McGregor, 14, of Wainuiomata begins her day at thetournament. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN190112DMgolf1
The Wainuiomata Golf Clubhosted the Bill Purcell MemorialJunior Golf tournament lastweek, with international visitorsimpressing local players.
Local golf players aged 18 andunder were joined by 14 juniorplayers from South Korea, whocome to New Zealand every yearfor a vacation and to play golf.
Some of the Korean playershave handicaps as low as plustwo, manager Paul Brosnan says.
Around 40 players fromWainuiomata and the Wairarapaturned out to the event, where
conditions varied from calm to abrisk northerly which testedplayers’ skills.
This was the first year theJunior open was won by a female.
Jeong Min Yoo scored 73,making best gross-score, whileDongin Kang took out best nett-score at 65.
The best stableford by aWainuiomata player was RyanFahey with his 43 points.
A stableford is a scoringsystem used that scores pointsbased on the number of strokestaken at each hole.
Wainuiomata golfer JadeMcGregor, 14, has played golf fornearly three years. She also playsrugby, but says she has time toherself when playing golf.
‘‘There’s not so muchpressure, you come out here andyou play your own sport,’’ shesays.
Golf coach Jum Young Choi, ofSouth Korea, says the groupusually go to Christchurch, butopted out of that choice due to therecent earthquakes. They arebased at Shandon Park in LowerHutt.
8 Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Wednesday, January 25, 2012 9
Family on hardride to BMX event■ Dani McDonald
‘Basically wedon’t do a lot of
things. To just hopin a car and drive toWellington—wecan’t afford it
because if we do it,it takes his racingaway from him.’STEVE EVANS
■ From Page 1.No matter what, SteveEvans of Wainuiomata isgetting his son, Brock, 10,to the BMX Nationals.That’s despite having nextto no income after hebroke his shoulder —which is not covered byACC — and being on asickness benefit for ayear.But with his son provingto be a natural in BMXriding, he is now trying toraise money to get Brockto the NZ Nationals, inRotorua this Easter.Brock first started ridingat age 6 after his fatherfound a bike for him in arecycling bin.His parents introducedhim to a BMX course ‘‘tohave a go’’ and were toldhe had the natural abilityto do well in the sport.Brock is now in his thirdseason on a BMX.Mr Evans says it is lots oflittle things that make ahuge cost, such ashandlebars, chains,sprockets, getting the bikeserviced and getting spareparts.He says travel to Rotoruaand accommodation willcost the family between$1500 to $1800.‘‘It’s like all other sports.The sports themselves aregreat but there’s nofinancial assistance to getthem to the place they
need,’’ he says.He and his wife Michellehave had to sacrifice a lotto support their son in hissport.‘‘We don’t socialise, wedon’t go out drinking. Wemight have the occasionaldrink — and that’soccasional — that’s ifsomeone’s shouting us,’’he says.Mr Evans is also trying togive up smoking,‘‘because I know thatmoney could go into hispocket’’.‘‘Basically we don’t do alot of things. To just hop ina car and drive toWellington — we can’tafford it because if we doit, it takes his racing awayfrom him.’’Mr Evans has beencontacting businesses andasking for sponsorship —and offering to do work —and any money earnedwill go towards Brock’s
trip to the nationals.So far Mr Evans has foundtwo people interested insponsoring, but theyhaven’t come up withanything just yet, he says.‘‘If you give the lad somesponsorship, that’s yourname out there,’’ he says.Mr Evans says he has donethree sausage sizzlesoutside the mall, andthanks mall managementfor the work it did inorganising that.However, each sausagesizzle only makes around$80 after gas, bread,sauces and sausages arepaid for.‘‘If anyone wants tosponsor him I don’t minddoing work for it. I’ve gottime for it,’’ says MrEvans.Brock says he loveseverything about BMXriding.‘‘He is competitive. If hegets p****d off he’ll gomental, he’ll go so hard,’’Mr Evans says.Brock hopes to make it topro-jumping; however, hisdad points out that heneeds to put in the timeand effort now.BMX is a seasonal sportfrom September to April.In the 2009 BMXnationals, Brock wasplaced 23rd after trainingfor only five months.
■ CAN YOU HELP?Phone Steve Evans on0276196193
Young players rise to challenge
WELCOME: Dongin Kang, and coach Jum Young Choi, of South Korea, enjoy the sights of the Wainuiomata Golf course.Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN190112DMgolf3
SWING: Jade McGregor, 14, of Wainuiomata begins her day at thetournament. Photo: Dani McDonald / CCN190112DMgolf1
The Wainuiomata Golf Clubhosted the Bill Purcell MemorialJunior Golf tournament lastweek, with international visitorsimpressing local players.
Local golf players aged 18 andunder were joined by 14 juniorplayers from South Korea, whocome to New Zealand every yearfor a vacation and to play golf.
Some of the Korean playershave handicaps as low as plustwo, manager Paul Brosnan says.
Around 40 players fromWainuiomata and the Wairarapaturned out to the event, where
conditions varied from calm to abrisk northerly which testedplayers’ skills.
This was the first year theJunior open was won by a female.
Jeong Min Yoo scored 73,making best gross-score, whileDongin Kang took out best nett-score at 65.
The best stableford by aWainuiomata player was RyanFahey with his 43 points.
A stableford is a scoringsystem used that scores pointsbased on the number of strokestaken at each hole.
Wainuiomata golfer JadeMcGregor, 14, has played golf fornearly three years. She also playsrugby, but says she has time toherself when playing golf.
‘‘There’s not so muchpressure, you come out here andyou play your own sport,’’ shesays.
Golf coach Jum Young Choi, ofSouth Korea, says the groupusually go to Christchurch, butopted out of that choice due to therecent earthquakes. They arebased at Shandon Park in LowerHutt.
TOP ASCENT: DanielBonallack pauses atthe top of level six atAdrenalin Forest,the high-wireadventure park inAotea.
Photo: Andrew Bonallack/CCN030112ABhighwire03
HARD CLIMB: Daniel Bonallack negotiates the early vertical climbs in level six,Adrenalin Forest. Photo: Andrew Bonallack / CCN030112ABhighwire04
EASY DOES IT: John Bonallack headsdown a flying fox on level four.
Photo: Andrew Bonallack /CCN030112ABhighwire05
I’m not scared, but I’m seriouslyweighing up whether I want tolaunch myself off this platform,
30 metres above the ground.I’ve come to a halt at the
‘Tarzan swing’ early into level six,the new level at Adrenalin Forest,Porirua’s high-wire adventurepark in the pines near GearHomestead. Behind me my fatherand brother are working their waytowards my platform.
I reviewed levels one to five ayear ago, after owner/operatorJean Caillabet arrived in Poriruato set up his second AdrenalinForest (the first is inChristchurch). Since then thepark has won a Supreme PoriruaBusiness Award and enjoyedplenty of custom. Caillabet iscurrently establishing a thirdpark in Tauranga.
Today, the park is crowded. Farbelow me, staff are givinginstructions to parties of whatlooks like a dozen at a time. Manyappear to be tourists, judging bythe number of campervans parkedat the road. The double-clipharness system of negotiating theobstacles is being strictly taught tothe newcomers. But on level six,it’s peaceful and you’ve got plentyof time to think. Not many are uphere. We’re pretty fresh, havingwarmed up on level four, thelongest level.
Unlike the lower levels, which
ease you into the obstacles, levelsix starts off with a no-nonsenseseries of vertical climbs to quicklyachieve some serious height.
While many of the obstacles arechilling diabolical, sometimes it’sthe simple ones that are the mostdaunting. The standard two-wireobstacle, with hands above andfeet inching along below, can beexhausting if the stretch is longand wobbly. There’s one of thoseon level six, and it needs seriousconfidence.
But now we’re at the Tarzanswing, which appears to be acombination of a swing with someforward motion, like a flying fox.The hanging rope has no knots togrip, so you know you’re going toslip on it a bit — or a lot.
We’ve been given two options:take a leap of faith, hold tight, andswing out to a likely crash into avertical rope net spun like aspider’s web. Or take a moresedate standard flying fox to thenext platform.
Three members of the samefamily; all guys; no contest.
I grip the swing rope and leapout, and I fall — for about a secondand a half. Then the swing propelsme with some force into thespider’s web. My brother calls outfor a verdict. Amazing, I tell him.
We reach the top a fewobstacles on. Thankfully it’s acalm day. Last time strong winds
were swaying the pines like ship’smasts. The reward for level six isthe descent, which includes a 100mlong flying fox. If you’ve hadenough of big hits, it might pay tobrake.
■ Adrenalin Forest, Okowai Rd, Aotea.Turn off at the Whitford Brown turnoff
after passing Porirua City. Park on theroad by the sign.
See adrenalinforest.co.nz
8520089AA
PHONE
0800 352 43217 RAIHA ST, PORIRUA
www.elcheapo.co.nz
8520029AA
12 Wednesday, January 25, 2012Wainuiomata News
13Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Wainuiomata News
A is for . . . a great garden!
X MARKS THE SPOT: Xeronema callistemon, or PoorKnights lily, flower their heads off in Wellington BotanicGardens. Good drainage is essential to keeping theseplants thriving.
Gardenias perfume the evening air with their sweet scent.Throwing the occasional banana skin or dose of coffeegrounds into their root zone doesn’t seem to hurt either.
An alpha guide to the summergarden:A: Azaleas are attacked by
leaf-spoiling thrips in warmerweather. Protect new growth withConfidor.B: Beans are easy-grow summervegies. Climbing beans take upminimal space.C: Cut back long shoots on climbersso they don’t snare passers-by.D: Daisies, which come in all sortsof shapes, colours and sizes,brighten summer gardens.E: Eggplants love the warmweather in late summer.F: Fuchsias can be trimmed back inmidsummer.G: Gardenias look at their best insummer. Feed with Nutricote and,once a year, with iron sulphate.H: Hydrangeas can be prunedstraight after flowering or can beleft to develop autumn colours inthe blooms.I: Indoor plants can be given a spelloutside during summer, but makesure you keep them in the shade.J: Jumping insect pests are alsocalled leafhoppers. Control withpyrethrum or Yates Fruit & VegieGun.K: Keep on top of summer weeds byhand pulling or spraying as soon asthey appear.L: Set the blades on your mowerhigher for the summer months.M: Make plans. A garden is not astatic place — things grow larger,things die, your use of it changes asyou and your family age. Everygarden benefits from an update nowand again.N: Nectarines and peaches arefavourite summer fruit but they’revery susceptible to fungal diseaseslike shot hole. Use a copper spray inlate winter.O: Over-watering kills many plants.Make sure soil drainage is adequateand don’t leave water-filled saucerssitting under plants.P: Pick tomatoes, beans, berries
and other crops regularly. Thispromotes further production.Q: Quercus species (English oak,pinoak, scarlet oak) are popularshade trees for larger gardens.R: Roses can be pruned in mid-summer to promote an autumnflush. Remember to keep themwatered for a good floral repeat.S: Sweet corn tastes best when it’shome grown and picked fresh.T: Tomatoes, too, are home gardenfavourites. If you have a glut make apasta sauce and freeze or get out thepreserving pan and relish, chutneyor green tomato jam for a taste ofsummer in midwinter.U: Update your reading. Summer isthe perfect time to increase yourknowledge or make new gardenplans.V: Vines such as mandevilla,bougainvillea and pandorea addcolour to the summer garden inwarm areas.W: Water at the base of the plant tokeep leaves dryand preventfungal diseases.X: Xeronemacallistemon isthe native PoorKnights lily —they may take15 years toflower fromseed butprovide aspectatculardisplay whenthey do.Y: Young plantsmay needtemporaryshadeprotection untilthey areestablished.Z: Zucchinis arefast growingand productivein the homevege patch.
Come and join the fun!Bring the kids, family and friends. In
fact, everybody is welcome!
When: 11 Feb 2012Time: 11am-6pmWhere: Odlins Plaza
21 Cable St, Wellington(venue used for Rugby world cup FanZone Area)
Major highlights of this festival:
• FREE entry• Meet a monk• Lots of free music, dramas,
traditional Indian dances• FREE face painting• FREE vegetarian food from 1.00pm*• FREE entertainment for all ages• Bouncy castle• Merry go around• Book stalls• Indian food to tickle your taste buds• Exhibitions highlighting the timeless
Public NoticesRIDE required toWellington (Willis St)from Wise St, Mon-Fri tostart work at 7.00am.Prepared to share costs.Please ring me on mywork number 801-3279.
Board And ResidenceMATURE mail, nonsmoker, looking forboard. Phone Peter564-8658.
PetsCATTERY Casa deWootton, home awayfrom home. Ruralsurroundings. 187Moores Valley Rd, PhoneJane 564-4310.
For SaleCARPET overlocking.Turn those off-cuts intolovely mats. Also buyersand sellers of new andused carpet. Big selectionof carpet mats available.Carpet Traders 255Waiwhetu Rd, LowerHutt. Phone 567-9684.Hours 10.00am-4.30pm.
STYLISH: The Ford Focus Sport comes in searing Mustard Olive colour.PHOTOS/ JOHN BORREN
The new generation Ford Focushas been judged New Zealand’s Carof the Year by the country’s leadingmotoring writers andcommentators.
Launched in the third quarter of2011, the new model is the thirdgeneration of the Focus, and thefirst to scoop New Zealand’shighest new car automotivehonour.
Members of the New ZealandMotoring Writers’ Guild assessed anumber of variants in the range,which includes 1.6 and 2.0-litrepetrol variants as well as a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre turbo-dieselversion.
In addition to performance andhandling, the facets underconsideration included suitabilityfor the task for which the Focus isdesigned, safety accoutrements,economy, visual appeal, value formoney, ease of operation, comfortand quality of finish.
‘‘Previous iterations of theFocus have also been highlyregarded, particularly in the areaof driver appeal, but in its latestguise the Focus pushes its segmentforward in crucial areas such aspowertrain efficiency, packaging,quality and equipment — allwithout compromising that funfactor for which it has becomeknown,’’ said Guild presidentDavid Linklater.
‘‘The level of chassissophistication engineered into thenew Focus is remarkable. New-generation direct-injection enginesand Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutchtransmission bring strongperformance and outstandingeconomy. The petrol versionsachieve an excellent 6.4 litres per100km. The diesel is capable of 5.3litres per 100km — incredible fueleconomy for such a spacious,stylish family car.
‘‘A particular appeal of the
latest Focus is its excellence in arange of motoring environments;whether it is urban or highwaymotoring, or covering ground overthe country’s secondary roads, thelatest Focus is always impressive.
‘‘This is a point that the NZ Carof the Year is uniquely able to takeaccount of, because it embodies theopinions of professionals in theirfield from across the country, eachof whom has assessed the car onroads in their own region. The carthat comes out winner must excelfrom many different perspectivesand in a range of Kiwi-specificconditions.
‘‘This year’s win for Focus isalso a tribute to the quality ofFord’s model range,’’ saidLinklater.
‘‘Three out of the last four NewZealand Car of the Year winnershave come from the Ford stable,with victories for the Fiesta andFalcon in 2009 and 2008
respectively.’’The Focus was one of 12 finalists
for this New Zealand Car of theYear award, which is open to newpassenger car models launched inNew Zealand during the 12 monthsprior to 1 November 2011.
The others, in alphabeticalorder, were the Alfa RomeoGiulietta, Audi A7, BMW X3,Hyundai Elantra, Kia Optima, KiaRio, Peugeot 508, Suzuki Swift,Toyota Yaris, Volvo S60 andVolkswagen Passat.
15Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Wainuiomata News
8521809AO
WAR HORSECast: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan,Emily WatsonDirector: Steven SpielbergRunning time: 146 minsRating: M (violence)Reviewed by Francesca Rudkin
An unashamedly old-fashionedromp through World War I on theback of a horse named Joey,Stephen Spielberg’s interpretationof Michael Morpurgo’s novel is partsentimental family film and partbrutal and grisly war epic. It’s acurious mix. Adapted into anaward-winning stage play in 2007,War Horse in the hands of Spielbergis a restrained epic shot in a rich,dense palette, featuring deliberateperformances that struggle tomake an emotional impact. ThoughSpielberg tones down the action incomparison to his Saving PrivateRyan, impressive battle scenesmake the point that war was hellfor horses as well as soldiers. Thefilm follows Joey from his home inDevon where he has been trained towork the land by young Albert(Irvine) who is devastated whenJoey is conscripted into the armyand sent to France. Ridden intobattle by an English officer, Joeyfinds himself in the hands of theGermans, and a French farmer andhis daughter, among others.Screenwriters Lee Hall and RichardCurtis have cleverly weavedtogether different strands of whatis an exhausting story, with Joeythe thread uniting differentperspectives on the war. Thehorse’s performance is aremarkable feat of animal training,but set alongside melodramaticperformances from the rest of thecast and fake-looking sunsets,Joey’s journey simply becomes toohard to believe. Adding to thisfeeling is the stark contrastbetween the story’s far-fetchedfiction and the haunting, very realwar setting. Spielberg gets you inthe end though, knowing when tothrow in a breathtaking shock, atouch of humour, or a heartfeltmoment. At times he really pulls onthe heartstrings and throws themall in at once. War Horse has anunapologetically nostalgic feelwhich will appeal to an olderaudience; young animal lovers areprobably best kept at a safedistance.
★★★
Entertainment ListingsSandwichesJan 27, Teknik (Auck) vsBorderline; Jan 28, Plump DJs.
San FranciscoBath HouseJan 27, Batucada SoundMachine—AlbumRelease.
Mighty MightyJan 26, Meterbreit—Berlin
Noise; Jan 27, Pairs (China)—God Bows to Math & JetsamIsles; Jan 28, TheeOh Sees(USA)—Mr Slackjaw TheSpunks, The GrandChancellors.
Southern CrossJan 25, Giant JengaCompetition; Jan 26, RealGroovyMusic Quiz; Jan 27,Newtown Rocksteady; Jan 28,
Amalgametez; Jan 29, Dine andDance.
City GalleryProspect: New Zealand ArtNow; Ara-i-te-uru; AMobileLibrary.
BatsLonely Heart, to Jan 28.Munted, to Jan 28; The longweekend, Jan 31 to Feb 4.
Crims, Feb 1 to 4.
CircaTheMotorcamp, to Feb 18.
Museum ofWellington City &SeaDeath and Diversity; Manyobjects-Many stories; Feb 6 to20: Host a Broach
WELCOME HOME: Kiwi rock band The Datsuns are in town during their summer tour.
Datsuns cruising home■ Meg Thompson
After a year of internationaltouring, New Zealand band TheDatsuns will return home for asummer tour which willpreview their upcoming albumDeath Rattle Boogie.
Wellington fans will get achance to see the band whenthey play at the San FranciscoBathhouse on Thursday,February 2.
It’s been 10 years since theband, originally fromCambridge, first introducedtheir rock music to the world.
Guitarist Phil Somervell saysDeath Rattle Boogie, the band’sfifth studio album, was recordedin both Stockholm and inAuckland throughout 2011.
‘‘Some of the stuff is moreheavy than what we’ve donebefore.
‘‘We’ve been spending lots oftime working on it becauseeveryone lives in differentcountries.’’
Fans were treated to a tasteof Death Rattle Boogie whenthe band released the firstsingle, Gods are Bored, inAugust last year.
Mr Somervell says thealbum is expected to bereleased at the end of Januaryor early February and theupcoming tour will previewthe new album at five New
Zealand venues.‘‘We’ve got lots of new songs
we’ll be playing,’’ he says.‘‘It’ll be a classic Datsuns
show. We’ll play some old stuff
and some new stuff.’’‘‘We’re playing with Street
Chant and The Transistors.‘‘They’re both awesome, so
it should be a fun night.’’
■ The Datsuns will play at SanFrancisco Bathhouse, 171 Cuba St,on February 2 at 8pm. Tickets are$28. For information or to buytickets, visit undertheradar.co.nz
LinetteBradbrookSales564 5323
Wayne Barton& Tui ReidSales564 5127
LindaTurnerSales564 5317
DonnaTschurtschenthalerSales564 5315
TimBelcherManager564 9172
LouiseWoolstencroftSales974 8194
Marie Paul &Belinda PaulSales564 5318
www.redcoats.co.nz
12.00-12.30pm16 Homedale Road 149 Wainuiomata Road41 Peel Place
12.45-1.15pm13 Wise Street 5 Matthews Road59 Wood Street 75 Petrie Street
1.30-2.00pm59 Karamu Crescent 35 Grimsby Grove40 Wellington Road 8 Frederick Street
2.15-2.45pm14 Best Street 134 Wellington Road6 Coniston Street 60 Nelson Street
3.00-3.30pm75 Hair Street 47 Lees Grove33 Kairanga Crescent
