Wellington Mayor calls for insurance forum

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is calling for a forum with the Government’s Earthquake Commission Minister, insurance companies, and affected stakeholders to discuss rising insurance premiums.

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

The Mayor was responding to an announcement by Insurance Australia Group (IAG) – New Zealand's largest general insurer – that it will start to charge higher home and contents premiums for customers who live in areas prone to natural disasters and severe weather.

“IAG has between 40 and 50 percent of the Wellington market, so this could potentially affect a lot of our residents,” he says.

“This will be a daunting prospect for those facing increasing premiums on the homes they already own, and also make it even more difficult for first home buyers.”

The Mayor says he had raised the issue with Megan Woods, the Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, and he will be convening an insurance forum and inviting the Insurance Council, IAG, body corporate and home owner representatives who are significantly affected by premium increases.

“I want to canvas issues in the Wellington market and look at the immediate and long-term future for people needing insurance.

“It may be that the Government needs to consider what insurance companies are required to offer in a market, and they may have to offer an affordable option where they operate.

“Residents, businesses and property owners are now facing the prospect of higher premiums. Some may not be able to afford it.

“Insurance is crucial for a city. It has to be available and affordable for banks to lend, for businesses to operate efficiently, and for people to have peace of mind.”

-WCC

Hurricanes trio return to face the Chiefs

Record Hurricanes points scorer Beauden Barrett is among a trio of front line players who will return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Investec Super Rugby derby match against the Chiefs in Wellington.

Barrett, along with younger brother Jordie and in-form loose forward Ardie Savea, missed last week's 29-23 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo but have all been named to start against their New Zealand rivals.

The trio are part of five changes Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has made to the run-on side.

The others are up front where Asafo Aumua starts at hooker while lock Kane La'aupepe returns after he missed the Sunwolves match due to illness.

Jordie Barrett will start at fullback with Chase Tiatia moving to the wing in place of Ben Lam who suffered a minor leg injury in Japan.

Lam's absence has also seen a change on the bench with specialist wing Salesi Rayasi named in the reserves.

Plumtree said the onus was on the squad to improve on some aspects of their play as they faced another tough New Zealand derby.

"We know the character the side is showing us each week and we know we can get better and we will need to be against the Chiefs," he said.

"The squad is really excited about getting back to Our House at Westpac Stadium after a few weeks away and we want to put a performance together that we and our fans are proud of."


Kick-off at Westpac Stdium on Saturday is 7.35pm.

The Hurricanes squad to face the Chiefs is: 

15 Jordie Barrett 
14 Wes Goosen
13 Matt Proctor
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Chase Tiatia
10 Beauden Barrett
9 TJ Perenara (c)
8 Reed Prinsep
7 Ardie Savea
6 Vaea Fifita
5 Kane Leaupepe
4 James Blackwell
3 Ben May
2 Asafo Aumua
1 Fraser Armstrong

Reserves

16 Ricky Riccitelli
17 Xavier Numia
18 Jeff To'omaga-Allen
19 Isaia Walker-Leawere
20 Sam Henwood
21 Richard Judd
22 James Marshall
23 Salesi Rayasi

-Hurricanes Rugby

Young trio signed by Hurricanes until 2021

The Hurricanes continue to position their squad well for the future by adding three more promising players to their roster for at least the next two seasons.

Lock Liam Mitchell (23), fullback Chase Tiatia (23) and utility back Danny Toala (20) are the latest group to have signed with the club until 2021.

Their decision follows closely on from promising prop Xavier Numia (20), openside flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi (22), and lock James Blackwell (23) also committing to the Hurricanes for the same period with Vince Aso (24) and Alex Fidow (21) signing on until at least the 2022 Investec Super Rugby season.

Tiatia has quickly become an established selection since he was given an opportunity as injury cover following a long period of training with the Hurricanes while Mitchell has also impressed in his rookie season and has appeared in every match to date along with Blackwell.

Toala, meanwhile, has been a real stand-out for the Hurricanes Hunters and Under-20 sides. He was on the cusp of making his Hurricanes debut against the Stormers in March when named on the reserves bench without making it on to the field.

Hurricanes general manager of rugby Ben Castle said it was great news for the Hurricanes to have a real commitment from these talented young men.

"It is really pleasing for the club to announce further signings. These players have great futures ahead and we are delighted they will be part of the Hurricanes family over the next few seasons." he said.

Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree felt the latest group of players would add significantly to the stability of the squad moving ahead.

"We know a lot of players move on during a Rugby World Cup cycle so it is really important to have a group of players who want to establish themselves in the Hurricanes jersey and play a big part in our plans moving forward," he said.

-Hurricanes Rugby

Unbeaten Hurricanes Hunters to face Japan A

The Hurricanes Hunters will have a chance to end their season unbeaten when they meet Japan A in Tokyo on Saturday.

The match is the second time the two sides will meet after the Hunters won their first encounter 52-31 in Porirua last month.

Hunters coach Darren Larsen has made nine changes to his starting XV from the last match.

Hurricanes Super Rugby squad member Peter Umaga-Jensen returns to the run on side after he scored a try off the bench at Jerry Collins Stadium.

He is joined by fellow squad members Alex Fidow, Geoff Cridge, Salesi Rayasi and Heiden Bedwell-Curtis who will captain the side.

Rayasi and No 8 Teariki Ben-Nicholas were two of the stand-out players against the Jamie Joseph coached Japan A side in their first meeting with both men scoring a brace of tries.

The Hunters bench features a number of promising players who have been involved in the Hurricanes development programme at age-group level, including former Wairarapa Bush halfback Isaac Bracewell who started in the Hurricanes Heartland Under-20 side.

"This is a massive opportunity for a large number of players who get the chance to play an international side," Larsen said.

"It also allows them to experience preparing and playing overseas alongside fully fledged professionals."

The Hurricanes Hunters squad to face Japan A is:

15 Ben Werthmuller
14 Mark Telea
13 Pepesana Patafilo
12 Peter Umaga-Jensen
11 Salesi Rayasi
10 Piri Paraone
9 Kemara Hauiti-Parapara
8 Teariki Ben-Nicholas
7 Mateaki Kafatolu
6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (c)
5 Geoff Cridge
4 Tom Parsons
3 Alex Fidow
2 James O'Reilly
1 Sitiveni Paongo

Reserves

16 Tyrone Thompson
17 Tim Farrell
18 Tietie Tuimauga
19 Veikoso Poloniati
20 Caleb Delaney
21 Shamus Hurley-Langton
22 Isaac Bracewell
23 Kienan Higgins
24 Ollie Sapsford
25 Aki Makita

Working together for te reo Māori in the capital

Wellington City Council and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori have signed a mahi tahi agreement with the goal to work together on revitalising te reo Māori in the capital city.

Mayor Justin Lester and Te Taura Whiri CEO Ngahiwi Apanui signed the agreement at a small ceremony on Monday, April 15.

“This whakaetanga kia mahi tahi is a great opportunity for Wellington on our journey to become a bilingual te reo Māori and English city,” Mayor Justin Lester says.

“We have already partnered with Te Taura Whiri on projects such as the haka pedestrian lanterns and te reo Māori street flags, so formalising the relationship is important.

“I am excited to work together on many other initiatives in the years to come.”

The mahi tahi (work together) agreement commits the two organisations to combining resources to increase the use, status and modern-day relevance of te reo Māori.

This could include advice, research and planning support, collaboration on projects in the city, the sharing of language resources, partner on events of city, regional and national significance.

Wellington City Council also agrees to use licensed translators for publications and promotional material, and interpreters at public events when required.

“We need partnerships like this to help us put the building blocks in place for a New Zealand that embraces and proudly speaks te reo Māori,” Te Taura Whiri CEO Ngahiwi Apanui says.

The agreement was an item in the action plan of Wellington City Council’s Te Tauihu policy. 

E mahi tahi ana mō te reo i te tāone matua

I waitohua e te Kaunihera o Pōneke rāua tahi ko Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori te whakaaetanga e mahi tahi ai rāua kia rauora ai te reo Māori i te tāone matua.

I haina te Koromatua a Justin Lester me te Tumuaki o Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori a Ngahiwi Apanui i te whakaaetanga i te Rāhina 15 o Paengawhāwha.

“He huarahi whakahirahira tēnei whakaaetanga mahi tahi e tere ai a Pōneke i tana haere kia reo rua ai tō tātou tāone,” hei tā te Koromatua a Justin Lester.

“Kua mahi tahi kē mātou ki Te Taura Whiri ki te hanga i ngā rama whakawhiti kapa haka me te waihanga haki reo Māori, nā reira i nui ai te whakaōkawa i te hononga i waenganui i ngā whakahaere e rua.” 

“Ihihi ana ahau ki te mahi tahi i ētahi kaupapa anō ā ngā tau e haere ake nei.”

Ka here te whakaaetanga mahi tahi nei i ngā whakahaere e rua ki te whakatōpū rawa e nui ake ai te whakamahinga, te mana me te hāngai o te reo ki te ao o muri nei.

Ka tae atu tēnei ki te tuku whakamāherehere, te rangahau, te tautoko i te whakamahere reo Māori, te tohatoha rauemi me te mahi tahi i ngā kaupapa reo mō te tāone, te rohe me Aotearoa whānui tonu.

E whakaae ana hoki te Kaunihera o Pōneke ki te whakamahi i ngā kaiwhakamāori kua raihanatia ki te whakamāori i ngā tānga me ngā rauemi whakatairanga, ki te whakamāori ā-waha anō hoki ki ngā kaupapa tūmatanui a te Kaunihera. 

“Mā ēnei momo rangapū e ita ai te tūāpapa mō te Aotearoa matapopore, whakahīhī anō hoki i tana kōrero i te reo Māori,” hei tā Ngahiwi Apanui te Tumuaki o Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. 

He kaupapa tēnei whakaaetanga i te mahere hohenga o te kaupapa here reo Māori a te Kaunihera arā Te Tauihu. 

-WCC

Hurricanes partner with Ricoh Black Rams

The Hurricanes are excited to announce a three-year partnership with leading Japanese club Ricoh Black Rams.

A long-time supporter and partner of the Hurricanes, Ricoh have extended that partnership in an agreement that is set to benefit both clubs.

The partnership, which has recently commenced, will see players, coaches and high performance staff from Ricoh Black Rams spend time in the Hurricanes environment throughout the term, including while the Investec Super Rugby tournament is being played.

On certain occasions, high performance staff from the Hurricanes will also travel to Tokyo to work with the Black Rams as they prepare and play in the Japan Top League.

The partnership has already been put into practice this week with the Hurricanes training at Ricoh as they prepare to face the Sunwolves in Good Friday's Super Rugby match at Chichibunomiya Stadium.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee, who is in Japan, believed the partnership was an exciting step forward for the two clubs.

"We have had a strong commercial partnership with Ricoh New Zealand and we are delighted to formalise this agreement which will benefit the Hurricanes and the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan," he said.

"It's a massive year ahead for rugby in Japan with the Rugby World Cup and we look forward to supporting the Black Rams and growing our presence here."

As well as the Hurricanes playing the Sunwolves, the Hurricanes Hunters will face Japan A in the return leg of their home and away fixtures on Saturday.

The Hunters, who defeated Japan A in Porirua in March, have named Black Rams midfielder Aki Makita in their squad after he spent several weeks training in Wellington with the Hurricanes.

-Hurricanes Rugby

Expressions of Interest open for Waitohi café

Wellington City Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the café at Waitohi, Johnsonville’s new community hub.

Waitohi brings together a new, larger library, with on-site café; Keith Spry Pool; Johnsonville Community Centre; and Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten; with access through to Memorial Park via a new outdoor landscaped area.

The Council is looking to partner with a café operator to help achieve its vision for Waitohi – Te Manawa o te raki: the vibrant heart of the north.

Waitohi is currently under construction and is due to open next summer. The Council expects more than half a million people will visit Waitohi each year.

Café operators have until 5pm, 9 May 2019 to respond to the EOI.

More information and EOI documentation is available on the Council website. 

-WCC

Significant increase in residents support for Predator Free Wellington

Wellington residents are right behind the Predator Free Wellington project, and more people are rolling up their sleeves to get involved.

Photo: Bob Kattenberg

A massive 92% of Wellingtonians said they support the project, this is significantly more than 84% when we last surveyed in 2017. Over one thousand people completed the survey (1008) from a demographically representative panel, as well as Wellington residents who opted-in to the survey.

Predator Free Wellington Portfolio leader Councillor Andy Foster says “Wellingtonians are increasingly involved in hands on restoration work and  70% of survey respondents are currently actively involved in controlling predators in their backyards or in reserves, or have done some predator control in the past”

“Checking a trap, and enjoying tui or kākā in your backyard are now a regular part of life in Wellington” Councillor Foster said.

Survey respondents' reasons for being involved in controlling predators varied, however most people wanted to protect native species and also people just don’t like having predators on their land due to the damage they cause to property and the diseases they can carry.

Predator Free Wellington Project Director James Willcocks says "This is fantastic feedback from Wellingtonians and reinforces what we are hearing from people and their desire to live in a city where our amazing native species can flourish without rats, possums, stoats and weasels.

“It is incredible to see so many Wellingtonians stepping up to define the type of city they want to live in by getting involved in all sorts of ways and it’s really encouraging to hear that even more people are wanting to contribute." 

Predator Free Wellington is an ambitious project which aims to increase native wildlife by making Wellington City free of rats, possums, stoats and weasels.

The first phase of the project is to eradicate rats, stoats and weasels from Miramar Peninsula before extending throughout the city. The Miramar Peninsula was chosen as the initial area of focus as it has been possum free since 2006. As a peninsula it is more defendable from predator reinvasion. While work proceeds in Miramar, Predator Free Wellington will continue to support backyard trapping across the city and the other ways people can get involved. Wellington City Council is supporting a large number community groups trapping predators across its reserve network.

The project is a partnership between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Counci, mana whenua and the NEXT Foundation. It is also supported by central government’s Predator Free 2050 initiative.

-WCC

State of the arts gets a boost in the capital

A low budget film making challenge, a Samoan arts workshop, a glow in the dark puppet show, and queer and trans drawing classes are just a sample of the diverse recipients of this year’s Creative Communities Scheme (CCS).

The biannual funding scheme, a partnership between Wellington City Council and Creative New Zealand, supports projects that reflect the diversity of the capital’s culture and traditions, gets young people participating, have broad appeal and community involvement, and encourages engagement in the arts.

The CCS panel allocated $73,138 in this round, which was awarded to 23 recipients that met the grant criteria (see list below).

The CCS panel is made up of 12 members (including one high school student) with expertise on everything from dance to kapa-haka, zines to youth theatre, visual arts and other art forms – and chaired by Arts Portfolio Lead, Mayor Justin Lester.

The range and diversity of the recipients demonstrates how Wellington is a hot house for talent and creativity, says Mayor Lester.

“Our partnership with Creative New Zealand, and their commitment to support grassroots activity and emerging artists, compliments our investment in arts and culture as one of our top priorities – both recognising the creative sector as the beating heart of the capital.

“This is evident in some of the accolades the city has received including coolest little capital, world’s most liveable city, and retaining our crown in the Infometrics Creativity Index.

“The talent and creativity we support and invest in now will go towards maintaining the appeal and attractiveness of the capital to innovators, investors, visitors, businesses, students, and residents alike.”

Team Leader Funding Mark Farrar says there are numerous ways the creative community can receive funding for their projects.

“The next CCS funding will close at the end of August, in the meantime there are a lot of Council funding opportunities available for all sorts of projects, organisations, and initiatives that add to the cultural fabric of Wellington.

“We encourage anyone who may not have applied before to visit our wcc.govt.nz/funding section and see what’s available and whether they fit the criteria for a grant.”

-WCC

Local street art promotes moped rider safety

Wellington City Council is using street art from around the CBD to help promote safe riding to people on mopeds (small scooters up to 50cc), and encourage them to be aware of their surroundings.

The Council’s Transport Safety Education Coordinator, Anna Blomquist, says the campaign features some of the fantastic urban art in Wellington’s central city and targets the behaviour of moped riders with three simple messages to improve their safety.

“We’re focusing on riding situations where there’s an increased risk of crashes: looking out for hazards on the road such as slippery surfaces, making sure that other road users can see them, and riding in a predictable manner.”

The most recent figures from the New Zealand Transport Agency show that in 2018 there were 33 crashes involving moped riders in Wellington City. Fifty percent of those involved in crashes were under the age of 30.

Wellington District Road Policing Prevention Co-ordinator Laurence Vautier says recent joint Council and Police motorcycle checkpoints have shown some worrying examples of under-inflated and bald tyres. 

“While a moped does not require a Warrant of Fitness it does need to meet the Warrant of Fitness standard, and the Police will enforce this. Maintaining a safe vehicle will reduce your risk of a crash.”

Councillor Chris Calvi-Freeman, the Portfolio Leader for Transport Strategy, says moped riders tend to be younger and need to take extra care to stay safe. 

“We also encourage riders to invest in good quality riding gear, especially gloves and a full face helmet, and consider taking a riding skills course.”

The campaign is jointly funded by the Council and New Zealand Transport Agency, and is live until the end of April.

Council staff worked with moped riders, rider instructors, retailers and the NZ Police to come up with the safety messages, and the featured artists are acknowledged as part of the designs. We’d also like to acknowledge the on-going support of Scooterazi.

-WCC

First pop-up library service for CBD in Manners St

Wellington Mayor, Justin Lester, today announced the return of library services to the CBD with a new pop-up space set to open in Manners Street.

“Manners Street is an ideal location to provide convenient services right in the heart of our city. I am thrilled we have been able to quickly secure this site for the first in what will be a network of library services across the CBD.

The new library services pop-up will share 12 Manners Street with the Council service centre that was already planned for the site. It will be great for people to have access to a range of services under the one roof. Both services will open in late May,” said Mr Lester.

At the pop-up, customers will be able to browse and borrow a range of popular and new items, pick up reserves, and return books and other library resources. Self-service options will be available and Library staff will be on hand to answer questions, process payments, register new customers, and provide support and advice on the wide range of online content available through our eLibrary.

It is anticipated the pop-up service hours will include late nights and weekends.
 
A small range of seats for reading, study and work, along with free wifi and some printing, photocopying and internet access facilities will also be available.

“Work to set up the pop up service is already underway. There are lots of moving parts to manage - first we need to complete a fit out, set up our IT infrastructure, select which parts of our collection will be available, and work with our staff.  

“We know Wellingtonians want more access to library services in the CBD and this will take some time. Since the closure of the Central Library, in addition to locating suitable pop up spaces, we’re also working to find innovative ways we can partner with other providers to quickly offer other services like internet access, printing, WiFi, and research services at CBD locations,” said Mr Lester.

Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, who holds the community facilities portfolio, says Council has also increased capacity in our branch network of 11 community libraries. 

“Central Library staff are being relocated throughout our branches, to provide additional hands on deck as well as increased opening hours at some libraries,” she said.

The Manners Street pop-up is just the first in what will be a network of library services residents can access across a range of CBD locations. Details of other pop up locations and services will be announced in the coming weeks.

-WCC

Two changes to Hurricanes side to face Highlanders

Just two changes have been made to the Hurricanes starting XV to face the Highlanders in the round eight Investec Super Rugby match in Dunedin on Friday night.

Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has named Kane Le'aupepe to start at lock after the 26-year-old impressed off the bench in his first appearance for the club in last week's loss to the Crusaders.

Le'aupepe, who came into the Hurricanes squad as injury cover, replaces Liam Mitchell who moves to the reserves bench following a heavy workload in his first season of Super Rugby.

The other change to the starting side is at centre where Jordie Barrett moves in from the wing with Matt Proctor moving to the bench.

The change means a start on the right wing for Wes Goosen who will make his 30th appearance for the Hurricanes.

The bench stays largely the same with the exception being the reserve halfback's spot with Finlay Christie replacing Richard Judd.

TJ Perenara retains the captaincy with Dane Coles ruled out for a second week with a minor calf injury.

"While we were disappointed with the result against the Crusaders the coaching group still found some positives in how we played, especially the way we performed up front," Plumtree said.

"The challenge for us now is to get the rest of our game to where it needs to be against what will be a really motivated Highlanders team who will be desperate to play well in front of their home fans."
 
Kick-off at Forsyth Barr Stadium is 7.35pm .

The Hurricanes squad to face the Highlanders is: 

15 Chase Tiatia
14 Wes Goosen
13 Jordie Barrett
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Ben Lam
10 Beauden Barrett 
9 TJ Perenara (c)
8 Reed Prinsep
7 Ardie Savea
6 Vaea Fifita
5 Kane Le'aupepe
4 James Blackwell
3 Ben May
2 Ricky Riccitelli
1 Fraser Armstrong

Reserves

16 Asafo Aumua
17 Chris Eves
18 Jeff To'omaga-Allen
19 Isaia Walker-Leawere
20 Liam Mitchell
21 Du'Plessis Kirifi
22 Finlay Christie
23 Matt Proctor

-Hurricanes Rugby