Independent Herald 19-05-15

Death trap streetwww.wsn.co.nz Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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FAMILY AREA: Fraser Ave resident Linda Sheldon, with her neighbour’s children Sidney and Layce McQueen, and Randall Way resident Matt Leckie with his children Hannah and Thomas.

By Emily Elliott

Residents of Johnsonville’s Fraser Ave have dubbed the street a death trap and want something done – before someone else is killed.

Linda Sheldon is a long standing resident of the street, and says most other inhabitants have lived in Fraser Ave for a decade or more. Continued on page 2

Today 12-15 Thursday 8-16 Friday 7-15 Saturday 9-12

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By Emily Elliott

Torrential rain left many Wellingtonians stuck last week, with f loods closing state highways, schools, train stations, and cancelling most commuter services on Thurs-day, as well as killing one man.

Karori-resident Dr Paul Hill died near Sladdon Park in Petone in Bracken Street’s fl oodwaters.

Dr Hill’s car was submerged in the park area with keys still in the ignition, Police say.

Registration details were checked and Dr Hill’s fam-ily was then contacted. They advised Police that he had not arrived for a family event as expected.

Dr Hill’s body was located a short distance from his vehicle once the high fl ood levels had subsided in the late afternoon.

His family released a state-ment last week: “He was a climber, a traveller, had an active and enquiring mind and a life-long love of learning new things.

“He took great delight in walking the hills of Wel-lington with his beloved dog, enjoyed his membership of the Alpine Club, and shortly after his eightieth birthday completed a solo tramp of the Kepler Track.

“He was a very loving and much loved husband, father and grandfather, brother and uncle, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

The worst hit areas were Ka-piti, Porirua, Petone, and the Hutt, where water drenched homes and created torrents through streets.

Greater Wellington Regional Council say the rain in some places was the heaviest seen in the region for more than 50 years.

Northern and Western sub-urbs suffered from surface fl ooding, and many residents who work in surrounding areas could not get home.

A Johnsonville resident says her children go to school in the Hutt Valley and she could not reach them as the water levels rose.

“I was very scared being cut off from my children during the fl oods."

The resident collected her children the following morn-ing as they had to stay in the area overnight.

“I was a bit panicky when couldn't get to them that's for sure! We were blessed to have been able to call on some wonderful people to help out.

“Their school had slips, one damaged classroom area, and large pine trees loosened that now need to be taken out.”

She says her children’s school was closed the following day.

A Facebook page was also created where Wellingtonians offered their couches and spare beds to anyone who could not get home, and driv-ers offered their spare seats to those who needed to travel in the same direction.

“In the last few years there has been a huge increase in traffi c. It appears to me that the Council has made this a main road without any consultation to residents.”

Linda says there are now yellow lines preventing parking along the road, but this “turns the street into a racetrack”.

“This road has become a thoroughfare. You can’t get in and out of your driveway, and kids can’t cross the road,” says Linda, adding that drivers use the street as a short-cut to the motorway.

Linda says Fraser Ave was never intended to be a main road, and its narrow width makes it extremely dangerous.

“We had one fatality a few years ago, and continually have damage to cars. You’re taking your life into your hands every time you cross the road.

“It’s not just those of us living in the dips and bends that are affected, it’s the entire street.”

Linda says she worries about the children who walk to and from Raroa Intermediate and West Mount School using the road.

Her neighbour, Mel Bool, says she won’t let her two children go out the front of the house without her.

“It’s like a racetrack. People are going so fast. When I slow down to pull in and out of

my driveway people honk at me,” says Mel.Fraser Ave residents have created a

network to see action made on making the road safe, but Linda says the message they have received is “if you don’t like the traffi c you shouldn’t have bought a house here.”

“One lady has lived here since 1964, when this was a small back road. She found it very offensive.”

Linda says Fraser Ave residents want to see physical traffi c calming areas up and down the whole street.

“The Council has said they’ll put speed bumps at the bottom of Fraser Ave, but that’s not enough. We want them the whole way through the street to discourage people from using it.”

Linda suggested the use of chicanes, instead of slow signs at each end of Fraser Ave.

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester says the Council will be talking to the residents about traffi c proposals, which include chil-dren signs and speed supplement signs on power poles, as well as red retro-refl ective raised pavement markings.

“We want to reduce speed and make it safer for residents and kids. These proposed initiatives will help to limit traffic and minimise harm,” says Cr Lester.

What do you think? Do you use Fraser Ave as a main route? Send your thoughts to [email protected] as a Letter to the Editor.

RESIDENT: Linda Sheldon lives on Fraser Ave and wants to see physical traffi c measures installed.

Residents want Fraser Ave made safe

Floods hit region, one dead

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By Emily Elliott

Though Miria Chin has a love for physics, she did not expect to be one of six New Zealand college students se-lected for an international science programme.

The Samuel Marsden Col-legiate School student has been chosen by The Royal Society of New Zealand to at-tend Professor Harry Messel’s International Science School in Sydney, which will run for two weeks in July.

The Karori-resident will be joining over 145 other students from around the world.

Miria says she applied to at-tend a similar camp, however her acceptance letter told she would be better suited at the International Science School’s camp where the focus will be on physics.

“I was very excited, and quite surprised,” says Miria. “I’ve never been to Sydney.”

The 16-year-old says she wants to study mechanical engineering and robotics, in which physics will play an

important role. The camp will be held at the

University of Sydney, and stu-dents will participate in activi-ties and lectures by renowned scientists, and well as partake in hands-on workshops.

“I really want to hear from the lecturers. I’ve never been in a university setting before so it will be very interesting,” says Miria.

Miria studies three science subjects at school, and says she spends around 20 hours each week bettering her science skills.

“I’ve always been interested in how things work and why they work – science has always been a big thing for me.”

A travel fund from the Phys-ics Foundation at the Uni-versity of Sydney pays for accommodation, meals and activities.

Miria’s travel is funded by the Talented School Students Travel Award administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand and funded by the Ministry of Business, Innova-tion and Employment.

PHYSICS ATTRACTION: Samuel Marsden’s Miria Chin has been selected to attend an international science camp in Sydney.

Science star heads to Sydney ...“science has always been

a big thing for me.”

By Emily Elliott

A Thorndon street sign was unveiled recently as part of the Council’s project to commemo-rate and recognise streets with names associated with World War One.

Councillor Andy Foster under-took the early research and says many Wellington streets were named after local WWI heroes.

Four signs will be installed around Wellington streets from this year.

A total of 17 street signs will

be installed by 2016, and Cr Foster says the Council’s team leader of Strategic Planning for City Networks has played a hands-on role in the project, from design of the sign to their installation.

Each sign states the offi cer’s title, position, and where they fought.

Frandi St in Thorndon was commemorated by residents and locals when a ceremony was held to announce the Captain’s service.

“Captain Ateo Giusto Leale

Frandi was born in Pisa, Italy on May 4, 1873.

“Captain Frandi had spent 24 years in the volunteers and ter-ritorials in Wellington, and for many years commanded the 31 Company (Wellington) Senior Cadets,” Cr Foster told those at the ceremony.

Cr Foster says the Italian Ambassador and the head of the Italian Chamber of Com-merce were also present at the ceremony.

“Captain Frandi was very well known. I think it is really

appropriate that we recognise his efforts,” says Cr Foster.

The Frandi extended family were in touch with Cr Foster, and sent a letter to be read at the ceremony thanking the Wel-lington City Council for their research and acknowledgement of the captain’s service.

Have you seen any Anzac street signs around your neigh-bourhood? What do you think? Send your thoughts as a Letter to the Editor to [email protected].

Street in Thorndon tribute to Anzac captain

Residents have been saying that the amount of dog poo left around Chur-ton Park is a problem and they want more litter bins around the suburb.

The Churton Park Community Asso-ciation picked up on this comment and approached the Council to see what could be done. The Council has limited resources, but will consider providing bins on the basis of demonstrated need.

The Council says it will consider suggestions for particular locations where bins would be benefi cial. Resi-dents can have their say by emailing details such as street name, number, or landmark to [email protected].

New Council app for community damage

Residents who have spotted graf-fiti or damage around the neigh-bourhood, or perhaps a burst water main that needs to be fi xed can now let the Council know through their smartphone.

The Wellington City Council released the app FIXiT recently, which allows residents to notify the Council quickly and simply of any issues in their suburb.

The app can be downloaded on Ap-ples and Androids, and can be found on iTunes and Google Play.

Dog poo in Churton Park a problem

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A Visually Impaired People’s group (VIP group) is aiming to help partially and fully blind people manage their daily lives more easily.

A session where VIP group members can learn and try a range of diff erent equipment and aids from the New Zealand Blind Foundation will be held each month at the Newlands Com-munity Centre.

The monthly meeting is open to all visually impaired people and their families.

By Emily Elliott

When students at Karori West Normal School learned of pollution in the stream that runs through the school grounds recently, they were not happy.

The students completed a water topic before the summer break where they tested the stream’s water quality and learned how to determine whether a stream is healthy, says teacher Hannah Newell.

As part of the project they had to design a stencil that could be painted around the drains at school to encourage people to care for the stream and the local waterways, says Hannah.

Then, late last month, diesel fumes could be smelt drifting across from the stream into the staffroom.

Greater Wellington Regional Council and City Care investigated the issue and a fuel spill was evident near the school. They found the stream was discoloured in two more areas.

Later that afternoon, the council’s Pollution Hotline received more notifi cations about sediment-laden water coming into the stream.

The school’s Board of Trustees chair Suz Bassett, a conservationist and scientist, says there are native and endangered eels in the stream that the school students love to watch,

observe, and learn about. “Sometimes we can have up to 10 or 12 eels

in the stream,” she says, adding the children get really excited when they see them.

“We periodically do rubbish cleaning around the stream,” says Suz, explaining an aim to continually enhance the quality around the stream.

Davina Hunt is a parent at the school and also co-chair of the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education.

Davina says that eels in the stream are hardy creatures.

“It’s the invertebrates that will be killed by pollution. They are the bugs that fi sh eat, and then the eels eat the fi sh. The whole food chain falls apart,” she says.

Davina says learning about the health of a stream is a manageable activity for children.

“All they have to do is pick up a rock and see what bugs they can fi nd,” she explains.

Davina says that life ultimately depends on water: “We have to keep our rivers clean so that land is clean and therefore food is clean.”

“It’s important to consider how we look after our urban streams. When you pollute a steam it doesn’t just pollute that area.”

“I’d encourage other schools to research their nearby stream, where it goes, and what they can do to keep it clean.”

By Emily Elliott

A bittersweet day is ahead for Churton Park Kinder-garten when it will blow up the balloons for its 40th birthday, while also saying goodbye to its head teacher next month.

Nina Goff became the head teacher of Churton Park Kindergarten over 18 years ago.

“I was there for the 21st celebrations, then the 30th, and now the 40th. I’ve seen many families come through the kindergarten,” says Nina.

Leaving because her hus-band has been relocated to Australia’s capital city, Canberra, Nina says she feels the Kindergarten is in good hands.

The Churton Park resident says she sees a lot of her past pupils and their parents around the area.

“They serve me at the supermarket or at the café. It’s lovely to be able to see them.

“It will be something I miss, but it’s nice to do something different in our lives,” says Nina.

Nina says the relocation will give her time to do Mo-tor Neuron volunteer work at a hospice in Canberra.

“I’m taking this as a per-sonal break. I will miss working and living in this community and of course, the children,” she says.

Nina fell into kindergarten teaching when her three children went through a kin-

dergarten in Johnsonville, she says.

“What they learned en-couraged me to get my diploma in early childhood teaching.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked with wonderful teachers in the past, as well as the high caliber of men and women on the Churton Park Kindergarten Com-mittee.”

Nina says she will return often, and the relocation is expected to be for a few years.

“My elderly mother lives here, and I’m becoming a nana, and there are always weddings to come back for!” The 40th birthday cel-ebrations are planned for Friday, June12.

Moving forward, moving on

Streams of pollution must stop

Aro Valley Community Centre will be hosting a free acoustic potluck this Saturday from 7-11.30pm. Flix and Ida Lune will be performing at the event, in addition to two other artists possibly joining.

A gold coin can buy a plate of food to go along with the music. For more information, check out the Facebook page titled Autumn Fiesta.

New class at Victoria University open to the public

Next Monday, Victoria University will be holding the second install-ment of its Revolutions in Science class. The class will analyse who started the scientifi c revolution, what their discoveries were, and how their findings changed the way people think about the world. This class may be interest those with a passion for science, history discovery.

Acoustic potluck

FAREWELL: Churton Park Kindergarten’s head teacher will say goodbye after 18 years.PHOTO: Emily Elliott

YOUNG CONSERVATIONISTS: Mia Emeny, Jude Savage, and Charlotte Dickson learnt about the stream’s water quality last year with teacher Hannah Newell. PHOTO: Emily Elliott

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By Emily Elliott

When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal recently, it hit close to the hearts of Queen Margaret College students Sophie Stewart and Lauren Hansen.

After another four major after-shocks, the girls decided something must be done to help the crushed communities.

They planned, organised, and ran a coin trail in which every girl in the school had the opportunity to donate what they had – for some it was cents, for others it was hundreds.

The two 17-year-old girls had returned from a trip in Nepal just one week prior to the fi rst devastat-ing quake.

“People there were amazing. They were so poor yet they gave us so much,” says Sophie.

“We really wanted to do some-thing to help.”

The girls say the idea of a coin trail is simple, because anyone can make an effort. The event is also a house competition where each dollar equates to one house point for the school’s houses.

“I think it’s important to get the whole school involved so they hear about it,” says Sophie.

Lauren says all the girls are in a position to help, and that even if some only give a few dollars, they can still raise a lot of money.

“Two dollars in Nepal is dinner and lunch,” says Lauren. “Even though what we give may not be much in New Zealand, it’s amplifi ed in Nepal.”

Sophie and Lauren say that when

CLOSE TO THE HEART: Sophie Stewart and Lauren Hansen were in Nepal one week before the fi rst earthquake struck. PHOTO: Emily Elliott

Coins gathered for Nepal

the quake struck, they felt devas-tated for the people they had met and the places they had seen.

“It was surreal,” says Sophie. “Seeing places we had been to just the week before completely crushed was so sad.”

Lauren agrees, and adds that the tents they used to camp in for two nights are now being used as hous-ing for the locals.

Ten-year-old student Lilly Taulelei says she helped at her mother’s city

market stall a few weeks ago where she raised $293 to give to the coin trail.

“I think it’s important because they don’t have the money we do, and they’ve had four aftershocks.”

Serphine Benn, who is also 10, came up with the idea to bake 124 cupcakes to sell at the school coin trail.

At the time of print the amount of money raised was unconfi rmed. All money will go to the Red Cross.

Those looking for free and confidential support can now fi nd it at Newlands Community Centre.

Vinnies in the Village is providing a community social worker for any and all who want to stop by.

The social worker will be at the community centre from 9am-1pm every other Friday.

To make an appoint-ment, just phone 04 389 7122 or 022 130 2259.

Free social work now offered at Newlands Community Centre


By Rosel Labone

This weekend, fi refi ghter Stu Bailey, along with 750 other competitors, will be feeling the burn.

The Johnsonville resident and member of the Wellington Rural Fire Force has signed up for the Sky Tower Stair Challenge for the fourth time, and will compete in a race against the clock to reach the summit of the Sky Tower for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ.

The event sees fi refi ghters battle it out in an attempt to be the fi rst to climb to the top of 51 fl ights of stairs.

Stu will be joined by fi rst time competitor and fellow teammate Kerry McSaveney, who signed up this year after shaving her head two years ago for charity.

“I’d just come out of hospital from having my appendix out. I couldn’t stand, but I could shave my head.”

Bailey likens the stair climb to “going for a run in a winter sleeping bag during summer”, while Kerry predicts that the event will be “a half-hour gut-busting endurance test.”

She does not feel at all disadvantaged by being the sole female in her team, saying she’s easily as competitive as her male counterparts.

“Any challenges I’ve faced as a female fi re-

fi ghter have been physical, not social. Yes, I am smaller, and may not be able to carry something simply because it is too heavy.”

During the climb, competitors must carry 25kg of equipment, including a breathing apparatus.

Kerry and Stu both have fulltime jobs and train outside of work hours.

While their schedule is demanding, Stu feels it’s a small sacrifi ce: “I know people who have gone through cancer, and doing the training and fundraising is the easy part.”

Kerry says the event has such wide appeal because everyone’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way.

“Last November our deputy principal rural fi re offi cer was diagnosed with blood cancer. He told us just before the sign up. It was a big push for us to support the cause.

“It was when he passed away in December that we realised we really had to do this.”

While Stu promised his wife and two boys that he would only enter the stair challenge three times, he says they are getting behind him again this year, and will be there when he reaches the summit “satisfi ed, relieved, hot, tired, and wondering what I can do better next year.” To support Stu, Kerry, and their team, donate at www.firefightersclimb.org.nz and search for Wellington Rural Fire Force.

Johnsonville fi refi ghters take to Sky Tower

By Joshua RiddifordMassey Journalism Student

Otari Wilton’s bush is gearing up to celebrate the Maori new year of Matariki with a weekend of traditional weaving of Harakeke, New Zealand fl ax.

Otari centre manager, Rewi Elliot says a weaving day will help educate people about traditional and contemporary use of plants.

The centre is a celebration of New Zealand plants, he says.

Harakeke is regarded as iconic because of its versatility as a weaving plant for Maori with the inner fi bre, the preferred fi bre for cloak weaving.

Curator Finn Michalak says the fl ax also provides good food for Tui and notes Otari has the highest Tui and Bellbird count in Wellington.

The weaving day is aimed at helping to “make people think about how plants affect their lives,” he says.

The centre decided to team up with local weavers and artists to hold the day after regular visitors began harvesting the fl ax for weaving.

Rewi says organising the weaving day was made a lot easier because the local weavers are so passionate about what they do,.

He hopes people will have a good time and leave at the end of the day with “an increased appreciation of working with

plants”.He would like the weaving weekend

to become an annual event. The event is scheduled to run on

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June from 10am-4pm both days.

A weekend of weaving for Otari

By Alex WilfJournalism Student

Pages will turn and covers will be perused at an annual book fair for charity on Saturday.

The book fair fundraiser has been organised by Churton Park Book Club, and aims to fund a portion of what Kiwi Community Assistance does.

KCA collects goods that can help people in need and distribute them to the appropriate charity, which then distributes the goods to those in need.

KCA delivers fresh produce, non per-ishable foods, clothing, books, toys and household goods to foodbanks, local schools, soup kitchens, night shelters, women’s refuges and others.

Tracy Wellington and her husband,

Phil Davies, started the charity to help reverse the effects of inequality in the economy.

“Someone getting made redundant or getting sick could fi nd themself in a really tough spot,” she says. “They just need a hand up.”

Tracy says they have two warehouses where volunteers sort through donations received from the local community and organize it to send out to charities in the area.

The funds raised by the book sale will go primarily toward the rent on the warehouse.

Tracy says when she founded the charity with her husband, the majority of their donations came from friends and family.

“And boom! Now we’re here,” she

says.Volunteer Alex Munro says a lot of

people are trying to find work, but before they do, concern about maintain-ing the bare necessities can be a burden on their success in getting out of that tough spot.

Alex, who has been working for KCA part time for three years says she loves the work.

“It’s really fulfilling knowing that you’re helping other people,” she says.

Tracy and her team of volunteers say they would like everyone to come take a look at their selection of books, and help them continue helping the community.

The book fair will be at the Tawa Community Centre Hall from 9am-4.30pm on Saturday May 23.

BOOKS: Cofounder of Kiwi Community Assistance Tracy Wellington gears up for her fundraising book sale this Saturday. PHOTO: Alex Wilf

Stacks of good for charity

TOWERING INFERNO: Wellington Rural Fire Service has taken on the Sky Tower Stair Challenge. PHOTO: Oliver Labone

Contestants at a number of schools in Karori will be taking their fi rst step towards becoming an internationally recognised artist.

The Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest is sponsored locally by the Karori Lions Club, and attracts young people between 11-13 years old.

The contestants will advance through several judging levels - lo-cal, district, and international.

At the international level, eminent judges from the art world select a grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners.

The grand prize winner will receive a trip to a special award ceremony, an engraved plaque, and a cash prize of US$5000.

Twenty-three merit award win-ners will receive cash awards of US$500 and certificates of achievement.

About 400,000 contestants world-wide are expected to participate in this year's contest adding to the more than four million young people from nearly 100 countries who have participated over the past 20 years.

The theme of this year's contest is

‘Share Peace’.Last year, 46 posters were re-

ceived from three local schools - Kelburn Normal School, Karori Normal School, and Samuel Mars-den Collegiate School.

All of the contestants' posters were displayed in the Karori Public Library for eight weeks.

Karori Library's head librarian is a keen supporter of the display and has promised space for it again this year.

Last year, 12-year-old Liam An-derson from Kelburn Normal School was the local winner.

International poster competition comes to Karori


170 Coutts Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington P: 939 3050 • E: [email protected] • W: www.rongotai.school.nz • www.facebook.com/RongotaiCollegeE: [email protected] • W: www.rongotai.school.nz •

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RONGOTAI EXPERIENCEFriday 5 June


Johnsonville’s Carol Bradhook has resigned as manager of the SPCA Opportunity Shop Johnsonville this week.

Carol says that since opening the shop two and a half years ago, she has built a strong rapport with the people of Johnsonville, and will be regretfully leaving.

“I didn’t take the decision lightly,” she says.

Carol’s son has been in hospital since February, and his condition is critical, hence her decision to put him fi rst and leave the SPCA Shop.

“Leaving the SPCA Shop was not an easy decision, but I have to be with my son,” says Carol, adding that the SPCA head offi ce has been incredibly supportive of her decision.

“This is my dream job. I love the public here. They are the best people. But my son has to come fi rst,” Carol says.

Carol says she is very grateful

to Starlight for her support in becoming the 'Jury Lady', as well for Darlene from Johnsonville's ANZ Bank for taking over food runs.

"I'm also so thankful for my wonderful volunteers for making this job so enjoyable."

Carol has given control of the shop to Karyn Hall, former manager of Kilbirnie’s SPCA Opportunity Shop.

Karyn, a resident of Newtown, says she is confident nothing signifi cant will change because of the switch in manager.

"The public has been the reason it was so successful and I want public to keep supporting Karen and the shop,” says Carol.

"That is my parting wish - they she would be supported as much as I was."

Both women agree that they love managing these shops be-cause of the cause it promotes.

“By running shops we’re earn-ing money for the animals, and we really do it for the love of the animals,” Karyn says.

MANAGERS: Carol Bradhook had to say a reluctant goodbye to the SPCA Opportunity Shop. PHOTO: Alex Wilf

Reluctant farewell as tragedy hits

Sat 23 May 7.30pmMichael Fowler Centre

$20–$70 book at Ticketek (BOOKING FEE WILL APPLY)

Brent Stewart conductorMartin Snell bass

Lisa Harper-Brown sopranoFrances Moore stagingOrchestra Wellington

Orpheus Choir of Wellington presents

Felix Mendelssohn’s Epic Oratorio

Elijahwww.orpheuschoir.org.nz

Reluctant farewell as tragedy hits


Years of fi ghting for the preserva-tion of Wellington were acknowl-edged last week when Pauline Swann received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Award.

Pauline grew up in Wellington and has lived in Wadestown for over fi fty years.

She says she’s a Wellingtonian through and through, and that is what drives her to fi ght to preserve the city.

Pauline has been part of the Wa-terfront Watch organization since it was founded in 1996. Waterfront Watch aims to maintain and protect the waterfront as a place for public use and enjoyment.

In 2004, Pauline became presi-dent, stepping down to become treasurer last year.

Pauline has also been integrally involved with the Save the Chil-dren New Zealand organisation.

After joining in 1967, Pauline served as Joint Group Convenor, Convenor and Brandon Street Shop manager in succession until 2011.

In her time watching over Wellington’s parks and heritage sites, Pauline has had a hand in preserving public areas all over Wellington.

One notable success she had was putting a stop to the “Variation 17” plan in 1999 that would have al-lowed apartments to be built where Waitangi park is now located.

AWARD: Wadestown’s Pauline Swann has been given an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Award.

Regarding her protest over Vari-ation 17, Pauline says she believes green spaces like Waitangi and Frank Kitts parks are essential to giving Wellingtonians a place to relax- a place to congregate.

“They love it!” she says.Pauline explains that in addition

to the waterfront, Wellington’s her-itage sites are important to preserve because they act as links between generations of Wellingtonians.

“They’re a part of my childhood, girlhood and adulthood. They’re special places,” she says.

The Council, in its commenda-tion of Pauline, stated that “vigor-ous criticism and debate have

been essential in achieving…an outstanding place for everyone to enjoy.”

“You keep us honest Pauline,” says one Councillor.

Today, Pauline is fi ghting to pre-serve Frank Kitts Park, which she says is under threat of demolition in favor of Chinese gardens.

As she walked through the park Monday morning, she came upon a man playing with his daughter in the children’s play area in Frank Kitts Park.

“Excuse me sir, do you want this park torn down?” Pauline asked.

“Absolutely not. Leave it as it is,” he answered.

Civic Award for Wadestown’s Pauline

Wednesday May 20, 20158

Q: Do you think New Zealand is doing enough to aid other countries after natural disasters?

readers have their say... Find out the WORD on the Street.

Kyrah Samuel, Johnsonville

No, because John Key is too stubborn. He won’t give any money away, he thinks we don’t have enough for ourselves.

Margaret Elizabeth,Johnsonville

No, but I think it’s understandable. The Nepalese government has restrictions that have limited communication and the ability of the world to help. They’ve sort of put the kaibosh on it.

Christian Noack, Johnsonville

Yes, the world helped during the Christchurch earthquake, so New Zealand has helped back.

Kathy Daine, Tawa

No, we’re spending too much on the fl ag. It’s silly. Forget about the it, send the money over to the Nepalese.

Kathy Daine, Kathy Daine, Kyrah Samuel, Kyrah Samuel, Christian Noack, Christian Noack, Margaret Elizabeth,Margaret Elizabeth,Jordan McCrystall, Johnsonville

I think we are. Since they helped us with Christchurch I think we have more understanding of what they’re going through. We’ve been there.

Jordan McCrystall, Jordan McCrystall,

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even if a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold unsuitable letters from publication. Send or fax them to the address on page two, or email them to [email protected]. Please note that your name and street address must also be provided in e mails.

LETTERS to the editor

Dear Ed, The Peter Dunne/Angela Brockwell duo continue their co-ordinated attack on me making false allegations because I expressed support for the Petone to Grenada link and the connection to Transmission Gully via Takapu Road.

I have now discovered that the Member for Ohariu has used Twitter to complain to NZTA about my letter to the Independent Herald of the 25th March stating I am "a NZTA Wellington engineer, the man behind the Takapu Valley link road mad-ness writing to the local paper supporting the plan with no disclosure of his role or interest. Does NZTA Wellington condone this disceitfull conduct!"

I was also staggered to fi nd on the www.takapuvalley.org.nz website that they had laid a complaint on the 26th March to the State Services Commission about my letter. Unbelievable! I last worked for the public service nearly 30 years ago. Who is this group who uses these kind of tactics to try and suppress views that are opposed to their own agenda.

This group has signifi cant infl uence over a number of Councillors and the Member for Ohariu and seem determined to turn Takapu Valley into some kind of gated community by opposing any developments in their area regardless of any strategic and regional benefi ts to the Wellington Region. Do they also oppose the Greater Wellington Regional Council proposal to build emergency water storage in Takapu Valley?

Their campaign appears to be based on a paper written by me that appeared in Appendix A of the Project Scoping Report 2014. It is quoted by both Peter Dunne and Angela Brockwell but it is a pity they didn't take the time to read it!

Since my retirement in March 2012 I have undertaken a number of small specifi c projects using my transportation and road safety experience. The last was in January 2013 when I was contracted by Opus to re-view the earlier SKM Ngauranga Triangle Project Feasibility Report dated 2010 and

to recommend an appropriate design speed for the Petone to Grenada link road taking into account accident risk.

The SKM report did not include the Takapu Valley link or detail of the con-nections at Grenada or Tawa and the align-ment differs from the current proposal. My paper was written prior to the current design work and Scoping Report. I had no further involvement in the project and the fi rst I knew of the Takapu Valley link was a year later from an article in the Dompost on the 13th February 2014 which was 2 weeks prior to the Open Day at Linden.

According to this article the Takapu Valley residents were aware of this link in January, which was before the gen-eral public knew, including me. I had no knowledge that my paper was included as part of the Scoping Report until I attended the Open Day on the 26th February 2014.

How Peter Dunne, Angela Brockwell and the people behind the Takapu Valley website can then jump to the conclusion that I am a NZTA engineer, the man behind the Takapu Valley link road, and make a number of other serious allegations defi es logic.

Can we have some open and rational debate on the Takapu Valley Link road. A quick look at a map shows the obvious stra-tegic advantages of this two lane Takapu Valley road (not a 4 lane motorway as some critics have claimed) as it reportedly saves 7km in distance and 10 minutes in travel time for users between the Lower Hutt Valley and SH 1 to the north.

It also avoids the steep grades between Grenada and Tawa interchange and the connection between SH 1 and Trans-miision Gully skirting Porirua. The link offers an alternative route if accidents or a civil emergency block the the Tawa to Porirua section of SH 1. It will also reduce any congestion on the proposed modifi ed Tawa Interchange, which will assist Tawa traffi c joining SH 1.

RegardsMurray Carpenter

Call for rational Takapu Valley debateDear Ed, Posties need motorcycle

training. This may well be the case but I have a concern that those mentoring less experienced riders may simply be handing down bad habits!

There are several approved training facilities in the wellington region and many of those are members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Membership of this national group is restricted to those who have undergone

months of training supervised by qualifi ed observers and have been cross checked and have undergone a fi nal test by a chief examiner.

Motorcycle safety is an important area and training should not be left to anyone without the right knowledge and experi-ence.

Peter Hookham, Chair Wellington Region Institute of Advanced Motorists

Motorcycle safety is important for Posties

Willie Thompson, Newlands

From what I’ve read, we give enough. We always do our bit.

Willie Thompson, Willie Thompson,


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By Emily Elliott

Creative juices were running on high last week when Year 10 students had a taste of New Zealand’s fi rst Imaginarium workshop.

Held at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School for both the Karori and Whitby campus students, the programme intertwined science, mathematics, technology, and the arts.

The Imaginarium initiative is a New Zealand fi rst and is mentored by ex-Karori resident, Google researcher and software engineer Josh Bailey.

Using sound making devices, robotics, the physics of tesla coils and kinetic art students spent two days creating a musical contraption.

“Engineering has a preconception, but really it’s being creative on a deadline,” says Josh.

“We need more people who are going to ignore those who say ‘It’s impossible’, and decide to do it anyway.”

The school’s Head of Department for visual

arts, John Denton, says the purpose of the workshop was to break learning silos that occur in schools.

“This is two days where we’ve broken the standard learning cycle to bring mathematics, science, arts, and technology together,” he says.

The 70 students started in small groups of three, and then collaborated into slightly bigger groups, says John.

They had four levels of challenges to com-plete, starting with building a musical work, then creating something that changes sound in some capacity.

Year 10 student Bella O’Meeghan says their group created a device to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

“We have a light sensor so when you stand close enough to it, it plays music.”

The workshop was a collaboration of Josh Bailey with the New Zealand School of Music, as well as Victoria and Massey Universities.

YOUNG INNOVATORS: Bella O’Meeghan, Holly Milne, Ellie Vinaccia, Megan Fitness, Olivia Fox, and Courtney King work on their Imaginarium creation.

Engineering meets art at Marsden



Applause will be given at the St James Theatre this Friday when a ballet commemorating WWI premieres.

The show’s managing direc-tor is Kelburn’s own Amanda Skoog, who has now been involved with nearly 40 pro-ductions.

The mother of two says the ballet, Salute, will be incred-ibly personal for New Zealand-ers.

“It’s got real resonance for new Zealanders,” she says.

The ballet is split up into four pieces, and each piece represents a different aspect of responding to war.

Amanda says each piece

brings to life unique perspec-tives of the war, and effectively commemorates the service of those who fought in WWI.

The fi rst piece is an abstract portrayal of how the service-men could have felt departing for the war.

Paul Matthews, one of the dancers performing in the production, describes it as the chaos soldiers feel when leav-ing home and going off to war.

“It’s a masterpiece,” says Paul Matthews about the show.

The second piece is focused on the theme of camaraderie of the cadets.

“It’s about men working to-gether and trust,” Amanda says.

The third piece is meant to embody the theme of young

cadets having fun with their girlfriends and the light, care-free but pointed responsibility that comes with that.

“It’s an incredible, powerful piece of dance,” Amanda says.

The fourth piece is the musi-cal depiction of the events of the Battle of Passchendaele.

Two of the four musical pieces were made by New Zealand composers and choreogra-phers, says Amanda.

The Royal New Zealand Army Band will also perform the score to two of the pieces.

“It’s a tribute to our soldiers as part of the WWI commemora-tion,” says Amanda. Salute will be showing from May 22-24 at St James Theatre in Wellington. Tickets are available online.

Salute takes the stage DANCE: Managing

director of Salute, Kelburn’s

Amanda Skoog, says the show

is very personal for New

Zealanders. PHOTO:

Supplied

By Joshua RiddifordMassey Journalism Student

Wellington Botanic Garden’s popular annual glow worm walks are kicking off this week.

Among a range of guided walks highlighting some of Wellington’s iconic slice of nature just 20 minutes from the city centre, visitors will be able to view a remarkable insect unique to New Zealand.

Visitor services offi cer Char-maine Scott, who has been on the walks several times, says the glow worm walks are “magic”.

The glow worms emit a blue-

green light produced by a chemical reaction within an organism.

The glow worms glow most brightly when they are hungry, though the females also glow very brightly to attract mates.

If you look closely it is pos-sible to see the insect itself with good eyesight, Charmaine says.

“Their lifecycle is unusual [and] the glow is just one part of it”.

The walks are very popular with children and usually go down well because “the glow worms aren’t bothered by kids going ‘wow look at that’ ” Charmaine says.

The New Zealand glow worm or Arachnocampa luminosa is in fact the larvae of a small fl y rather than a worm.

The glow worm walks usually attract a range of ages but aren’t suitable for children under fi ve years of age.

Glow worm walks will take place throughout the winter season until September with the fi rst taking place next Friday, May 15.

The walks are run by volun-teer guides from the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden. Bookings are essential because the walks are popular.

Glow worm walks return

Queen Margaret College had another successful year at the re-gional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival with two student led per-formances receiving accolades.

The Taming of the Shrew was awarded Best Comedy, while the excerpt from King Lear was selected to compete at the upcoming National Festival. Both teams were delighted with their respective awards.

“It was wonderful to have all our hard work recognised – a very proud moment,” co-director and actor Madeleine Knowles comments.

“It was defi nitely a surprise. I was elated,” director Lily Dalton says.

The students had just a month to rehearse lines, practice scenes and organise costuming and props before the regional Wellington Festival was held at Wellington East Girls College.

Director of King Lear, Lily Dalton enjoyed exploring the fam-ily dynamics between father and daughter in her fi ve minute piece. Instead of a courtroom situation, she set the scene up with the father and daughters as a private family discussion.

“The actors were very respon-sive to feedback, which made them really good to work with,” Lily says.

For co-directors of The Taming of the Shrew, Sarah Ross and Ma-

Bringing Shakespeare to lifedeleine Knowles, this was their fi rst time in the director’s chair.

“You learn how to articulate what you want with actors and how important that communica-tion is,” Madeleine says.

The student directors wanted to do a comedy and say The Tam-ing of the Shrew was the perfect choice.

“We had a fi ght between the two sisters Kate and Bianca which was a great way to explore more physical theatre,” Sarah comments.

Nerves were running high be-fore the performance but Sarah and Madeleine were extremely pleased to see the crowd laughing at every joke.

All three directors enjoyed working with Shakespearean texts and say his work is well received for a reason.

“The themes are timeless and carry through even to today,” Lily says.

With the success of former Queen Margaret College student Clara van Wel at last year’s National Shakespeare Festival, Lily is hoping for a repeat per-formance this year.

The National Competition will be held at the St James Theatre in Wellington over Queens Birthday Weekend.


Wellington Free Ambulance is making an effort to connect with local people around the region, including Paparangi’s own Jenny Hinton-Cooper.

Over a decade ago, the health service created Freedom Medi-cal Alarm to bring closer sup-port to those who need it by the push of a button.

Last year, Jenny says she was so short of breath that she could not speak.

“I pushed the pendant around my neck, and someone started talking to me through the receiv-er in my living room. Because I couldn’t respond, they sent an ambulance immediately,” Jenny says.

Jenny says fi ve minutes can be a long time to wait when a person is anxious, but she says Wellington Free Ambulance never kept her waiting long.

The retired nurse adds that she was very impressed with the

level of care they provided her.“That’s why I have such con-

fidence in them,” she says, adding that the care of service they offered her was worthy of a grade of 150 per cent.

“All my worries are over when they’re with me,” Jenny says.

Linda Sheldon, service con-sultant with Freedom Medical Alarm, says the goal of the organisation is to keep people independent at home-to keep them out of the hospital.

One feature of the system Linda describes is a keybox built into the back door of the house.

The function of the keybox is to allow the paramedics entry to the house in case the occupant is immobilised.

“It’s the greatest ease of mind. I can lock myself in and know all I’ve got to do is find my pendant,” Jenny says.

Jenny says as people get older, having some type of problem is a virtual certainty.

It’s my lifeline, it really is, says Jenny.

Paparangi elder speaks out about alarm

SAFETY: Freedom Medical Alarm representative Linda Shelton and client Jenny Hinton-Cooper with the alarm’s speaker.


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Wellington’s Community Awards are now open for resi-dents in the Western and North-ern suburbs to cast a nomination.

The focus of the awards is to reward the valuable contribution made by community groups in the Wellington region.

Residents have fi ve categories they can submit nominations un-

der: Arts and Culture, Education and Child/Youth Development, Health and Wellbeing, Heritage and Environment, and Sport and Leisure.

Rising Star is a new award that has been introduced this year and is designed to recognise and encourage new or smaller groups.

The awards are run by Wel-lington Airport in partnership with the Wellington Community Trust and the fi ve Wellington region councils.

Nominations can be made online at the Wellington Airport website, and close on Tuesday, June 30.

Community Awards launch for another year

The Baby Show is coming to Wellington for the fi rst time this weekend, and Independent Her-ald readers can get their hands on one of two double passes.

Held in the TSB Bank Arena, The Baby Show will showcase what is needed for pregnancy, the early days of having a baby, and beyond.

Products and services such as pregnancy care, maternity

clothes and skincare, to nappies, cots, wipes, and toys will help befuddled parents-to-be.

The Baby Show Seminar Theatre will house talks from parenting experts such as Doro-thy Waide (the baby whisperer), Kate “The Nappy Lady” Meads, Jason Shon Bennett, baby sleep consultant Sarah Antunovic and duo Jacqui and Nat – sharing vi-tal tips and tricks for new parents

and old hands alike. The Baby Show also offers a

Kids Zone with face painting, a Springfree trampoline 'Jump Zone', plus craft activites.

To be in to win a double pass, email your name, contact phone number, and suburb to [email protected], with the subject headline: Baby Show Giveaway.

Baby Show comes to Wellington

HUGS: Kasper (6) and Orlena (3) Bissinger

TASTY SAUSAGE: Tobias Nischalke with his son, Magnus (5)

FAMILY TIME: Laura Ha� ert and her son, Ole Crutchley (2 and a half)

THE COOKS: Anna Kaiser, Arne Rottpeter, Maria Parry, Mauricio Lopez

WIDE EYED: Jula and Elliot (7 months) Goebel

Belle Tankersley (5) in her new costume.

Photos by Bella Photography

Khandallah residents enjoyed a selection of books, clothes, toys, and food at the tenth annual Ger-man Fair last weekend.

The fair was a fundrasiser held by the German Playgroup Wel-lington, with the aim of raising money for new books and day trips to aid children's learning.

“I see it as quite a nice day

to meet up with other German speaking people and also to meet new people,” says Katrin Ellison, one of the organisers of the event.

The fair, put on by parents of the Playgroup, featured German items for sale, as well as a crafts sale and a raffl e.

Katrin says homemade German food such as sausages, potato

salad and German cake was en-joyed by those in attendance.

The cake has earned parents a great reputation over the years, handmade by parents of the Play-group.

“It’s always nice to get the Ger-man food side and to show new Zealanders our food,” Katrin says.

German Fair celebrates tenth year

View the Independent Herald online www.wsn.co.nz


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Well designed landscapes complement the home's architecture and design, giving the home a story that can be read inside and out.

Rocky Front: The theme of using stone can be carried from the home to the landscaping.

Use large boulders, shrubs, a stone pathway and perhaps even river stones as garden edging.

The simple, earthy look is peaceful and low maintenance.

Traditional Charm: Simple yard decor, such as an antique iron gate and perfectly placed vegetation, gives the house a country estate quality.

A circular driveway amidst the landscaping makes a great entrance for when entertaining.

Potted Up: Incorporate a range of sized pots in your front yard landscape so you can easily change your plants as the seasons progress.

Buy seasonal plants when the time comes and enjoy them without having to plant months in advance.

This is a great way to show your personality through the design, colour and placement of the pots.

Elevated Appeal: Cascading layers of bright fl owers and deep-green shrubbery fl ow from the front porch to give a lush and inviting entrance to guests as they stroll up the stairs to the front of your home.

Aquatic Appeal: A decorative water feature can make for a pleasing focal point for a front garden. Surrounded by fl owers and foliage, water features provides a strong visual accent as well as a pleasing sound.

Landscaping is just as important as the design of your home. This example of an “elevated” landscaping entrance is one of many visually appealing designs.

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• Digger & Truck Hire • Foundation Pile Driving • Retaining Walls • Site Excavations • Post Driving • Earthworks...and more. Scaife & Sons Ltd is a long standing busi-

nesss that are specialists in their fi eld.Wherever you are, they can deliver your job

to a high standard, to the agreed budget.So contact Scaife & Sons Ltd now and the

earth will move for you!Contact Robin Scaife with your pile driv-

ing, earthworks, excavator or retaining wall requirements on 0275 410429.

Scaife & Sons Ltd service the greater Wel-lington area, along with the Palmerston North and the Masterton regions.

They are located at 218 Mazengarb Rd, Paraparaumu.

For more information, phone. 04 902 8585.

Make excavation jobs easier

Want to advertise?

on 587 1660Sam Barnes

[email protected]

Contact

SOLID RIMU FURNITUREWhy not have the best?

www.handcarvedfurniture.co.nzVisit our NEW Showroom:

47 M Kenepuru Drive Porirua (Opposite ESR)Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon - 10am to 4pm

or by appointment - Ph: 237 2182

We will make to measure, any wood, any colour.

From Wellington’s specialist outlet, supplying beautiful furniture for over 30 years including Dining Suites, Buffets, Entertainment

Cabinets, Bookcases, Bedroom Suites and more

- FREE DELIVERY greater Wellington area -

We can have your existing wooden furniture resurfaced, repaired, repolished.

Phone us with your requirements.


PuzzlesW O R D

ACROSS, arc, arco, arcs, ass, car, cars, cor, cos, crass, cross, oar, oars, oca, ocas, orc, orca, orcas, orcs, oscar, OSCARS, roc, rocs, sac, sacs, scar, scars, soar, soars, sos.

Across: 1 Yacht, 4 Woodwind, 9 Agenda, 14 Shake, 15 Go under the hammer, 17 Thigh, 18 Era, 19 Isthmus, 20 Amsterdam, 21 Yearns, 24 Eccentric, 25 Vulgar, 26 Eloped, 29 Escalation, 31 Lot, 32 Runway, 33 Solo, 35 Eye, 37 Owes, 39 Inheritor, 40 Surrogate, 41 Steps, 42 Condense, 47 Etcetera, 51 Rates, 55 Sacrifi ce, 56 Professor, 58 Inns, 59 Air, 60 Shed, 61 Radius, 62 Apt, 63 Fellowship, 66 System, 67 Vessel, 69 Centenary, 72 Flinch, 73 Trafalgar, 75 Biology, 77 Tar, 80 Extol, 81 Picture to oneself, 82 Oozed, 83 Marked, 84 Sweetens, 85 Users. Down: 2 Acoustics, 3 Hunch, 5 Oath, 6 Dreamer, 7 Inarticulate, 8 Demur, 9 Airmail, 10 Eats, 11 Driver, 12 Gates, 13 Delayed, 14 Shortly, 16 Enunciation, 22 Enrich, 23 Sadness, 24 Elapsed, 25 Voters, 27 Propane, 28 Parrot, 30 Norm, 32 Rebel, 34 Opera, 36 Hone, 38 Woo, 42 Casks, 43 Nucleus, 44 Exit, 45 Spiral, 46 Atlas, 48 Corporation, 49 Thirsty, 50 Ran, 51 Revised, 52 Sprawl, 53 Horticulture, 54 Beef, 57 Silver, 64 Irregular, 65 Decided, 66 Station, 68 Striped, 70 Nearest, 71 Scotia, 72 Froze, 74 Faces, 76 Lasts, 78 Flak, 79 Join.

Death Notices

Decorators

Public Notice

Professional Service

Trades and Services

Trades and Services

Public Notice

INTERIOR PAINTINGWINTER SPECIAL

ADDITIONAL 5% OFF FOR GOLD CARD HOLDERS

With winter on its way its an ideal time to freshen up the

interior of your house

PH WN 801 7753Mobile 021 446 802

[email protected]

BUILDERQualified for:Alterations, AdditionsRefurbishment, RepairsPh Alan Johnstone: 973 1239027 450 3239

WellingtonPlumbing

476 9995 027 476 9995

Your friendly, reliable plumbers.

BUIST PLUMBING

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24 hour servicefor all your

plumbing needs

PHONE 477 3940or 021 540 700

Spiritual RebirthTransforming your LifeA public talk at Wellington City Gallery

12:15, Friday 22 May 2015,www.citygallery.org.nz

John Q Adams is a public speaker based in New York

www.johnqadamscsb.com

This talk is free. Everyone is welcome

For event information search Facebook:

John Q Adams City Gallery

CRAFTSMANPLUMBER

REG DRAINLAYERGraham Plumbing &

Drainage Ltd

Call John970 2409

or 027 457 499944236

GRAHAM’S PAINTERS

~ Pensioner Discounts [email protected]

Ph 934 0842 or 021 183 9492

All Painting Services @

Exterior/InteriorExperienced Tradesmen

Exterior of housespainted in winter.Interior ceilings, walls a specialty.

Johnsonville and Tawa

Guardian Funeral HomeJohnsonville: 4 Moorefield Road

Ph: 477 4025

Tawa: 157 Main RoadPh: 232 1588www.gfh.co.nz

Johnsonville’s only locally owned Funeral DirectorsJohnsonville’s only locally owned Funeral Directors

Ph 027 478 2584

FREE PICK UP Automotive Marine Furniture Delivery Service 25 Years Experience

JOHNSONVILLE UPHOLSTERY

7 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville. Wellington

TEL: (04) 477 6855 FAX: (04) 801 7203

Monday 7.30pm to 9pmAlternative Mondays

Churton Park Community Centre$15 waged & $10 unwaged per evening

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Contact Yvonne SegetinPh 04 280 7831 Mob 021 0848 7200E: [email protected]

Allow me to share with you how you can achieve a life with infi nitepossibilities and be inspired to be

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NEW ROOFINGNeed a new roof?

Repairs? Or Spouting?We have been servicing the

Wellington area for the past 25 years.Give us a call for a

no obligation quote.

Ph 478 9106or 0274 457 145

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021 2232168

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Specialist

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PAINTING TEAMExc. Refs. Comp.Rates. All work

guaranteed.FREE QUOTES

Marcus Ph: 973-4343or Mb 021 764-831

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3

For all your residential electrical needs, from repairs to design to installation.

Free quotes, no job too big or small.

Contact the team at Stewart and Rogers on

0800 800 949 or book a job online at

www.stewartrogers.co.nzCall us now!

PLANSFor Resource or

Building Consent • Houses • Additions • Alterations • Decks

Also Design & Consent advice

Ph: Warwick478 0800 021 129 4715

AAA+ $50.00 + GST per hour. Special Offer - Qualifi ed and Registered Electricians 24/7. Call Now 0800110226

BUILDING/PAINTING prompt service, reasonable rates. Free quotes. Phone 04 970-0271 or 027-451-5005.

Clairvoyant Readings. Bringing communica-tion and clarity through from those passed over. Ph 021 848 7200.

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BOWATER, Raoul Atholston (Buddy): May, 2015.RAVJI, Bhanumati Govind Sukha: May 15, 2015.NORLING John WilliamJohn passed away peacefully at home sur-rounded by family at 1.15pm on the 15.5.15, aged 70 years.He lead a full life of love, fun and laughter until cancer took him away from us. Cherished Hus-band to Marilyn. Beloved dad to Leanne, the late Martin and son in-law Richie Hoare. Wonderful loving Grandad to Danielle, Liv and Elliot.A tear is made up of 1% water and 99% feelings.Let the tears fl ow as they are the words that the heart can’t speak.We would like to thank Helen, Lily, Vikoria and the staff at the Mary Potter Hospice for their support during his illness. We would like any donations to go The Mary Potter Hospice as a thank you from the family. A funeral has been held. Lychgate FuneralsFDANZ Tel. 385 0745www.lychgate.co.nz

Visit us online:www.independentherald.co.nz

Advertise yourservices here.

04 587 1660

A dash of Wellington fl air is now a permanent part of journeys in and out of Wellington City.

A new motorway safety barrier showcasing some of Wellington’s ar-chitectural icons has been installed as part of the Ngauranga to Aotea Quay upgrade.

The NZ Transport Agency says work began last week engraving the new concrete median safety barrier.

Neil Walker, NZTA's acting Wel-lington highway manager, says the design aims to make the concrete barrier more visually appealing, while also capturing the unique spirit of the Capital.

Neil says times have moved on from when concrete structures were only seen as functional designs.

“These barriers presented a blank canvas that would be seen by tens of thousands of motorists per day, and this is a great opportunity to inject a bit of Wellington’s character and fl air into their journeys,” said Mr Walker.

“The new concrete barrier is extruded in place, so the design is etched onto

the dry barrier using a leading-edge sand blasting technique which removes just a thin layer of the surface concrete. The design is then covered with an epoxy resin so it stands out against the rest of the barrier and to protect the exposed concrete from the elements.”

The concrete barriers have been developed in partnership with the Wellington City Council,

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says, “The section of motorway is a gateway to the Capital so it’s brilliant that some of Wellington’s most iconic buildings and structures will feature on the new barrier, including the Carillion, wind turbine, Beehive and St Gerard’s Church and Monastery."

The artwork will be installed at 50m intervals along the barrier's length, which is approximately three kilometres.

For construction updates and more information about the smart motorway, visit nzta.govt.nz/smart-motorway. It is due to be operational from April 2016.

Motorway showcase Wellington icons on concrete barriers


PuzzlesW O R DWRITING SPACE

ACROSS 1 Sailboat (5) 4 Orchestra section (8) 9 Programme (6) 14 Tremble (5) 15 Be sold by auction (2,5,3,6) 17 Upper leg (5) 18 Age (3) 19 Narrow connecting land (7) 20 Dutch city (9) 21 Pines for (6) 24 Odd person (9) 25 Obscene (6) 26 Ran off to marry (6) 29 War step-up (10) 31 Fate (3) 32 Airstrip (6) 33 Lone performance (4) 35 Watch (3) 37 Has debts (4) 39 Heir (9) 40 Rogue rats (anag)(9) 41 Stairway (5) 42 Shorten (8)

47 And so forth (8) 51 Appraises (5) 55 Ritual killing (9) 56 Faculty member (9) 58 Hostelries (4) 59 Atmosphere (3) 60 Cast off (4) 61 Bone in forearm (6) 62 Fitting (3) 63 Camaraderie (10) 66 Organised method (6) 67 Ship (6) 69 100th anniversary (9) 72 Wince (6) 73 London square (9) 75 Study of living things (7) 77 Black sealant (3) 80 Laud (5) 81 Imagine (7,2,7) 82 Seeped out (5) 83 Stained (6) 84 Sugars (8) 85 Consumers (5)

DOWN 2 Science of sound (9)

3 Intuitive feeling (5) 5 Swearword (4) 6 Fantasiser (7) 7 Unable to express oneself clearly (12) 8 Object to (5) 9 Flying post (7) 10 Gobbles up (4) 11 Vehicle operator (6) 12 Swung barriers (5) 13 Held up (7) 14 Soon (7) 16 Diction (11) 22 Increase the wealth of (6) 23 Melancholy (7) 24 Pleased (anag)(7) 25 Election participants (6) 27 Fuel gas (7) 28 Repeat mindlessly (6) 30 Standard (4) 32 Insurgent (5) 34 Sung drama (5) 36 Sharpen (4) 38 Court (3)

42 Barrels (5) 43 Core (7) 44 Door out (4) 45 Helix (6) 46 Map book (5) 48 Business organisation (11) 49 Dry (7) 50 Fled (3) 51 Swotted for exams (7) 52 Lie spread out (6) 53 Science of gardening (12) 54 Ox meat (4) 57 Precious metal (6) 64 Without uniformity (9) 65 Reached a decision (7) 66 Train stop (7) 68 Marked with bands (7) 70 Most handy (7) 71 Concave moulding (6) 72 Stood completely still (5) 74 Confronts (5) 76 Endures (5) 78 Anti-aircraft fire (4) 79 Fasten together (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

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1056

S C OR S A

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the six letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There's at least one six-letter word.

Solution 355: ABSURD, ads, bad, bar, bard, bards, bars, baud, bauds, bra, brad, brads, bras, bud, buds, bur, burs, bursa, bus, dab, dabs, daub, daubs, drab, drabs, drub, drubs, dub, rad, rads, rub, rubs, sad, sard, sub, surd.

WordBuilder356 6

TODAYGood 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 27

ON...WHATS

The Community Noticeboard is for non-profi t organisations. For $15.00 you can publish up to 25 words. No AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. Community

Notices must be pre-paid.Call into our offi ce, phone (04) 587 1660 or email classifi [email protected]

In Johnsonville a house in Bould Street was broken into when offender smashed the glass in the front door and reached through to unlock it. Two cell phones, a DVD recorder, some jewellery items, food from the freezer and clothing were stolen. A car parked on the street in Tarawera Road was entered via a smashed window and bags containing personal items were stolen. In Fraser Avenue a silver Toyota hatchback parked on the road had its rear windscreen smashed and the rear tail lights and the wing mir-rors damaged.

In Newlands a house in Helston Road was entered via a jemmied rear bedroom window. An Ipad and a handycam video recorder were stolen. A Flat in Batchelor Street had its bathroom window smashed and shower rail and curtain pulled down. Nothing appears to have been stolen. In Ruskin Road an unsuccessful at-tempt was made to force an entry into

a house. A rock was thrown through a ranch slider door and jemmy marks left on the door frame. A white Hyun-dai parked overnight on the street in Stewart Drive had a ladder stolen from its roof rack.

In Ngaio offenders cut the padlock off the roller door of a garage in Ngaio Gorge Road and stole a signifi cant quantity of tradesman’s power tools and associated equipment. In Armit-age Street the window of a rear bathroom was jemmied open to gain access. A camera with bag and accessories, some jewellery items, bathroom scales and a toaster were stolen. A silver Nissan Primera was stolen from Colway Street. It was later found in Porirua minus the registration plates. A red Toyota Corolla hatchback parked at the Ngaio railway station carpark was damaged following an attempt to start the vehicle. The right rear quarterlight window had been smashed and the ignition damaged.

EYE ON CRIMEJohnsonville Neighbourhood Watch

Toastmasters Churton Park

Next meeting 21 May, Churton Park Community Centre, 75 Lakewood Drive. Leadership, confi dence, fun and friends! Everyone welcome! For more information contact Maya, 478 9466, [email protected]

Assisted Dying talks

“Euthanasia and Sedation” (Wednesday 20 May). “Why Legal Assisted Suicide Reduces Individual Freedom and Privacy” (Tuesday 26 May). Both talks will be from 12:15pm to 1:30pm at Elim, 22 Tennyson St, Te Aro, Wellington. International speakers. FREE! For more in-formation visit: www.euthanasiadebate.org.nz/events/

By Dave Crampton

More than 150 young swimmers have been descending on the regions swimming pools as part of a Junior Metro League among swimming clubs.

Last weekend was a double–header at the Coastlands Aquatic Centre, and the Karori Pirates club was looking to move up the fi eld after the fi rst round in March– however the most important aspects of the competition are participation and fun.

But they did move up the rankings, coming fourth out of the regions clubs in the second round of the double header.

“I think they had fun and I think that was the most important thing,” Karori Pirates coach Olivia Mel-bourne says.

Organised by Swimming Wel-lington, the league – restricted to those under 13 - aims to create an opportunity for children to compete,

with emphasis on fun and involve-ment. Events consist of sprints and relays in four age groups. Each swim-mer swam two relays and individual events.

Swimming Wellington Operations Manager Henrietta Latham says the Junior Metro League aims to increase participation in the sport of swimming.

“It will continue to develop the swimmers with an emphasis on fun and team involvement. It is high tempo and exciting,” she says.

The fi nal will be held at Coastlands Aquatic Cenre on May 31, with teams seeded according to scores from the fi rst two rounds.

This is the third year Swimming Wellington has organised a junior league, and a decision will be made as to whether to continue next year after feedback.

Last Year’s winner was Porirua City Aquatics, the previous year Tawa was the champion club.

Karori Pirates take fourth place


By Allison HessMassey Journalism Student

When two Sacred Heart Cathedral School primary students were called into the principal’s office they thought they were in trouble.

Instead Alice Pennell, 8, and Ryan Scott Rodriguez, 10, received the surprise of their lives when Principal Bill Turley told them they had been selected to be player escorts for the upcom-ing Under-20 FIFA World Cup.

“I was surprised…but I’m excited and happy,” Ryan says.

Alice is similarly chuffed, smiling from ear to ear, nod-ding in agreement.

She was especially sur-prised to be chosen, as her mother had secretly entered her into the competition.

Both students are football enthusiasts, mutually con-

fi rming it as their favourite sport. Holding the hand of a team captain and leading the way onto the pitch at Westpac Stadium is any football fan’s dream and they are delighted to have had their names “picked out of a hat by Mr Turley.”

They look forward to rub-bing shoulders with players who could be the next big stars in the football world, like superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

As a midfielder for his school team Ryan is no stranger to cheering specta-tors, especially when he scores a goal or two. Like-wise for football all-rounder Alice, who also plays for her age-group school team.

However, this time the pressure will be on, as thou-sands of eyes will be trained on them.

“I’m not nervous,” Alice says bravely.

But Ryan admits the op-posite, “I am a little bit. I’m nervous I’ll do something wrong.”

Ryan and Alice laugh anxiously at images of trip-ping up in front of everyone or having embarrassingly sweaty hands.

After leading the team onto the pitch the students will be treated to fi rst-rate seats to watch the game unfold.

The Sacred Heart students are two out of about 2000 primary school-aged chil-dren around New Zealand who were selected to be part of the world cup action as player escorts or fl ag bearers.

Students were given this unique opportunity as part of the World Cup school edu-cation programme, which sees primary schoolchildren learn about the world of football and the diversity of the 24 nations participating in the tournament.

Dreams come true for football fans

Childhood dreams come true for Sacred Heart Cathedral School students Ryan Scott Rodriguez, 10, and Alice Pennell, 8. PHOTO: Allison Hess

Queen Margaret College student Madeline Stewart has proved herself on KartSports national stage with two top 10 fi nishes at the KartSport New Zealand National Championships recently.

The champs were held over Easter weekend at the Manawatu Toyota Raceway and saw the 14-year-old place fifth in the Junior Yamaha class and fi fth again in the Junior Rotax class.

KartSport’s premier event attracted 177 entries across 10 classes, with Madeline’s classes attracting fi elds of 14 and 24 respectively strong with girls and boys competing in the same races.

Madeline’s two top ten placings were a nice reward for a lot of hard work.

It positioned her as the top perform-ing female at the meeting and backed up her sixth place in the National Schools Championships raced last July.

“We have raced or practiced most weekends over the past 18 months

both in Australian and in New Zealand,” says Madeline.

“The racing is extremely com-petitive with differences measured in tenths and hundredths of seconds so it was nice to come away with some good results at the National Champs even though it wasn’t the number one spot.”

Madeline's race programme contin-ues over the coming weeks with the Bayley’s Goldstar series in Hawkes Bay.

She is also set to attend the New Zealand Rotax Challenge at Tokoroa and the Australian Rotax Pro-Tour at Warwick in Queensland.

“The objective is to ultimately achieve a fi rst place. In the mean time we’ll keep putting in the miles and working to improve.”

The teenager started racing at Kart-Sport Wellington based at Kaitoke in Upper Hutt six years ago.

Madeline is racing thanks to Inter-gen, Praga Karts and IP Karting.

“Without their support we wouldn’t be able to race as often as I do."

Two top 10 fi nishes for teenagerBy Emily Elliott

Gliding through the water comes naturally for Karori resident Maggie Burns, who celebrated a gold medal at the National Age Grade Swimming Champs last weekend.

The 17-year-old competed against other swimmers in the country, and took out a national title in the 17/18-years 100m butterfl y.

“I have won one gold every year, but this is the fi rst race of its kind that I’ve won gold in,” says the Samuel Marsden Collegiate School student.

“It was an amazing feeling, I really wasn’t expecting it.”

Maggie says she couldn’t stop smiling when she found out she won the title with a personal best time of 01:04:45.

She also performed well in the 17/18-years 100m and 200m freestyle, picking up a silver medal for each race, both in personal best times.

Maggie was training be-tween nine and 10 times a week leading up to nation-als – before school and after school, she says.

“I was aiming for gold but I’m still really happy as the other competitors were 18-years-old,” says Maggie.

“My parents are very proud. I’ve been getting texts from my family all week!”

The National Age Grade Swimming Champs marked the end of the long course season, and Maggie says she is now looking to compet-

ing in the upcoming short course season.

Maggie swims for Wel-lington’s Capital Swim Club out of Fryberg Pool. Capital was ranked fourth nation-wide on club points at the champs, out of 71 clubs.

At the conclusion of the

champs, Swimming New Zealand named swimmers selected to attend a Swim-ming New Zealand Outward Bound course with Karori Pirates’ swimmer Devlin Forsythe the sole Welling-tonian selected onto the course.

National title for Maggie

GOLD: Karori's Maggie Burns won a national tite for her 200m butter� y. PHOTO: Emily Elliott

TOP FINISHES:Madeline Stewart had two top 10 � nishes at the Kartsport New Zealand National Championships.


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Independent Herald 19-05-15