Tall Poppy Launches BombBomb in New Zealand

Sam McIntyre

Tall Poppy Real Estate is the first real estate company outside of the United States and Canada to launch BombBomb, a new technology aimed at humanising digital communication, in an increasingly online world.

BombBomb is a US-based video software service which enables people to record, send and track short videos for instant face to face communication. Working through Gmail, Outlook and on the iOS and Android networks, it has more than 40,000 users globally.

Sam McIntyre, Co-Owner of Tall Poppy says studies show the words someone chooses to use in an email or in a conversation only account for 7% of total communication, the rest depends on how you say the words, and your body language.

“To be successful in the real estate market, we believe in the importance of building personal connections. Using video messaging like BombBomb enables everyone involved in buying or selling a house to communicate sincerely and immediately, easing what can be a stressful situation.”

Mike DelPrete, Global Real Estate Strategist and Tall Poppy Director, predicts personal interactive experiences will become more important in real estate.

“A salesperson empowered by technology, using it because it makes the experience better for buyers and sellers (and not just for technology’s sake), will enable a faster more transparent process, something I think people will want more of.”

Shane Ryan, of BombBomb says they’re excited to enter the New Zealand market.

“As companies look to innovate, and even automate, by taking advantage of all of today’s technology, it’s so important to keep a human touch. We’re honoured that a team like Tall Poppy, a company that has done just that, has chosen to stay face to face with the people who matter most in their business through video email.”

Sam McIntyre says the launch of BombBomb throughout its national network of salespeople, is the first of a range of technology announcements the company plans to make over the next 12 months.

“We believe being open to adopting new technologies is the only way forward for the real estate market. We are working on a number of projects to improve the experience for our clients and salespeople. Leveraging technology is at the heart of the Tall Poppy way of doing business, so I am excited to see how BombBomb will make buying or selling a home easier and more transparent.”

Tall Poppy is a New Zealand Real Estate Agency, headquartered on the Kāpiti Coast, north of Wellington. Founded in 2012, it operates throughout New Zealand and has saved New Zealanders $33 million in fees. It is working to create a fairer real estate industry for all Kiwis and prides itself in being an active member of the communities in which it operates. It plans to be available in all regions of New Zealand by the end of 2020.

-Tall Poppy

Seatoun Tunnel traffic signals to be tested before going live

Seatoun Tunnel’s new traffic signals will be tested next week (9-12 July) to check they work correctly. The new signals are at each end of the tunnel and will be used to control traffic during maintenance and improvement works and in the event of a major incident.

There’s a lot we have to check before the lights go operational,” says Wellington City Council Signals Project Manager Tim Kirby. “We’ll be doing the testing between 9am and 2.30pm to minimise any disruption. Once we’re happy that everything is working as it should, the signals will be turned off until such time as they are needed to help manage traffic during the installation of new interior lighting in the tunnel and earthquake strengthening work due to start in August.”

The new signals are a permanent fixture at both ends of the tunnel. When there are no works taking place in or near the tunnel, the signals will be turned off.

There is a traffic camera located at the Seatoun entrance to the tunnel and within the tunnel so we can monitor traffic flows and alter the phasing to deal with the busy morning and evening peaks,” says Tim. “The cameras are also there to ensure that people observe the road rules and stop when the lights are red.”

Once the signals are operational work can start on the installation of state-of-the-art LED interior lighting and emergency lighting. The quake-strengthening work will also start.

Work starts in earnest in August and is expected to be complete by mid-2020. “This is a major project and will make the tunnel safer and more resilient in an earthquake,” says Faiz Tawfeek, the Council’s Structures Team Leader. “We’ll be able to do most of the work between 9am and 3.30pm when traffic levels are lower and we’ll try to limit weekend work.”  The project includes strengthening the tunnel portals and retaining walls and repointing, cleaning and painting the brick tunnel interior.

While crews are working the tunnel will be down to one lane and all traffic (including cyclists) controlled by the traffic signals. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the tunnel throughout the project but at times they will have to wait and be guided through. 

“We’ll have electronic signage at both tunnel entrances to let people know what’s happening,” says Faiz. “We’ll also communicate directly with nearby residents and businesses, particularly when we have noisy work such as drilling to do.”

Installing the new interior lights will require the tunnel to be closed and traffic detoured. “We’ll do this work at night when the number of people needing to travel through the tunnel is significantly less than during the day,” says Faiz. “Rest assured we will let everyone know when we have to detour traffic.”

-WCC

Parking fee increase following adoption of Annual Plan

Wellington City Council has adopted its Annual Plan/Mahere ā-Tau for 2019/20, with changes to fees and user charges coming into effect 1 July 2019.

Wellington City Council provides parking to facilitate convenient access to the city by vehicle for residents, local businesses and customers.

A growing population and subsequent competing demands on the city’s street space (new cycleways, pedestrian-focused developments, priority bus lanes and construction sites) means that parking spots in the city are at a premium, while demand and the costs of maintaining the service continue to increase.

We need to make the best use of our limited street space and want to encourage more people to walk, cycle or ride public transport, instead of using private vehicle transport and parking.  

• Feedback from residents, retailers and businesses was that there is a lack of parking availability in the high-occupancy areas of the CBD. To maintain a healthy retail and commercial sector in the central city we have to be smarter and more effective in how we make the maximum use of limited parking spaces. Increasing fees in the central city will help us do that by quicker turnover and higher occupancy in the available parks.

• The fee increase proposal was part of the Council’s Annual Plan consultation. Residents were invited to provide feedback on the Annual Plan throughout May, which we do every year to give residents a say on the future of our city and the reasons changes are proposed. We also held a live question and answer forum where people could ask councillors and officers questions about the Annual Plan.

• The changes to the parking fees that were adopted by Council as part of the Annual Plan are as follows:

  • Limit free parking for Freyberg Pool and gym members to two hours per day, but with an additional two hours available at the hourly rate of $2.50 (increase $2.50 per hour).

  • Increase coupon parking, including suburban trade coupons (Monday to Friday) from $8.50 to $12, per day (increase $3.50 per day). The monthly rate would move from $135 to $200 (increase $65 per month).

  • Change the 60-minute free parking zone in upper Cuba St to 120 minutes metered parking.

  • Change the cost of metered parking on the city fringe from $1.50 to $2.50 per hour, seven days a week (increase $1 per hour).

  • Increase the cost of metered parking (Monday to Friday) from $3 to $3.50 per hour in the green zone and $4 to $4.50 per hour in the yellow zone (increase $0.50 per hour). See maps and zone descriptions here https://letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/parking

  • Change the annual cost of a resident’s parking permit from $126.50 to $195 (increase $68.50 per year).

  • Change the coupon exemption permit from $71.50 to $120 per annum (increase $48.50 per year).

  • These changes will make sure those who use our parking services pay for it. They will also support our city’s goals to encourage greater use of public transport and active modes of transport. Revenue from parking helps fund roading infrastructure work that would otherwise be funded from rates.

  • In addition to these fee increases we will be trialling the use of fixed cameras to improve enforcement of bus lanes, bus stops, clearways and broken yellow lines. This approach to enforcement is already in operation in Auckland and Christchurch and is expected to improve efficiency of enforcement as well as reducing health and safety risks for our parking officers in these areas.

  • The Annual Plan will be available on the Wellington City Council website from 26 July. In the meantime you can find the proposal here and the Council adoption of the plan here.

  • We are also reviewing the Parking Policy and the Mobility Parking Policy. You can have your say on the issues we need to think about and what principles could inform how we manage the limited parking here. Your feedback will help to inform the new draft policy that we will formal consult you on later this year.

Background info

• Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) is a joint initiative between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the NZ Transport Agency that will ensure our transport system supports how the people of Wellington want our city to look, feel and function. Supporting LGWM are a number of significant projects such as Planning for Growth and First to Zero, that will help define how our city changes to meet the significant challenges that we will be facing in the next 30 years.

• We are facing some challenges in the coming 30 years that will have a big impact on how we live in Wellington:

  • accommodating population growth

  • increasing economic activity

  • moving more people with fewer vehicles

  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions

  • improving air and water quality

  • protecting and enhancing the qualities of our city that make people want to live, work, play and invest in Wellington.

-wcc

A new jobs and opportunities service for Wellington Region

Wellington Today is a community project supported by local businesses. The project has been running for two years and has built a substantial following across the greater Wellington region. It is linked into ‘sister’ projects which include Mana Today (Porirua Region), Hutt Valley Today, and Kapiti Now a very popular project based on the Kapiti Coast.

Today Wellington Today launches a service to help promote local jobs and local business opportunities to people across the Wellington Region. The cost to have your job or business opportunity/franchise opportunity promoted through Wellington Today is just $100+GST and the adverts can be promoted through a digital marketing network which includes the Wellington Today website and multiple social media accounts as well as a weekly digital magazine in total with over 40,000+ followers across the greater Wellington region. Each of these followers has on average 338 connections - meaning if everyone liked and share your advert your potential reach is greater than the population of the region*

*This only happens if your content is extraordinary and appeals to that wider audience.

“This is not a job board it is a full service digital marketing solution which will get great results and possibly just as important great local results”

Most organisations will find their advert will reach thousands of Wellington people who may chose to forward the opportunity to someone they know maybe interested . Dependant on the advert clients may find they need to run it a couple of times (like most advertising campaigns) but for some once will be enough. The Wellington Today service is backed by JobCafe and for those who want to reach beyond Wellington there are options to achieve this via this solution.

To view the jobs and opportunities service visit https://wellingtontoday.online/jobs-opportunities

To register to have your vacancy or business opportunity listed visit https://wellingtontoday.online/advertise

Love Wellington? ‘Like Wellington Today’
https://www.facebook.com/wellingtontoday/

Team @ Wellington Today

Wellingtonians step up for their communities

The character shown by Wellington’s Muslim community in response to the Christchurch mosque massacres has played a large part in this year’s Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian (APW) awards.

Four members of the Muslim community have been acknowledged in the awards, three of them - Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi - in a joint award for their leadership.

“They went out of their way to promote understanding at a difficult time,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester. “The Kilbirnie mosque’s open day was brought forward several months to enable the Muslim community to show its appreciation to Wellingtonians.

“The Muslim community’s reaction to the Christchurch shootings, as epitomised by its leadership, provided an example of understanding and harmony that was noted throughout the world.”

Ibrahim Omer, the chair of ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, also became an APW winner.

“Following the Christchurch shootings, Ibrahim represented his community on the world stage,” the Mayor says. “He organised vigils, connected with Muslim refugee communities across the country, gave media interviews to international media and much more.”

Ibrahim, came to New Zealand from Sudan in 2010 after escaping an oppressive regime in Eritrea and started work in Wellington as a cleaner. He has also been a campaigner for the Living Wage movement, is a union organiser, and is a community representative on Newtown Union Health Service Board.

The other winners’ contributions to the community took many forms, including years of service to their communities, mental health causes, special projects and excelling in their chosen field.

“A city is set apart by its people. We wouldn’t be the special place we are today without the generosity and open hearts of many in their communities,” the Mayor says. “These awards are about acknowledging those who selflessly give so much – people who volunteer their time and effort, and go above and beyond to make our city a better place.”

2019 APW winners:

Barbara Mulligan

In November 2016, Barbara Mulligan instigated a project to mark the impact on Wellington of the 1918 influenza pandemic and some of those who died in November and December  that year.  She organised the cleaning of the gravesites in Karori Cemetery of some of the 740 who died between October and December 1918. At least 50 volunteers were involved in the clean-up, which took place from 2016 to 2018. 

Bruce and Dawn Patterson

Bruce and Dawn Patterson have been champions of Grenada Village since moving there in 1988.  Bruce has served on the Grenada Village Community Association Committee for 27 years, nearly all that time as chairman. Dawn has been on the committee for 28 years.

Greg Hyland

Greg Hyland has been an active volunteer and advocate for the Wadestown and Highland Park community.  Since 2011 he has been a Highland Park Progressive Association (HPPA) Committee member, and its president from 2013 to 2018.   He represents the HPPA and works closely with city officials on a project to conserve the local historical site - Fort Buckley. 

Jason Te Patu

Jason Te Patu is a tireless advocate for mental health and well-being, using his skills as a yoga teacher, mindfulness and meditation instructor. Originally from Whanganui, Jason is of Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent. He has represented New Zealand in springboard diving, aerobics and gymnastics, as well as pursuing a career in performance.

Melanie Heaphy

Melanie Heaphy is an icon in Island Bay where she lives with her husband Devon and their three children. Melanie has a long history of community work.  As a teenager, through Girls’ Brigade, she did her Duke of Edinburgh and Girls’ Brigade Queen’s Award, which included community service at Kilmarnock Rest home in Island Bay, and running groups of Girls’ Brigade kids.

Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi

Wellington was fortunate that its Muslim community showed strong and level-headed leadership in the wake of the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people died. Emotions were raw after the events in Christchurch, but throughout the country the reaction of the Muslim community leadership provided a shining example of unity and understanding, rather than finger pointing.

Ngarangi Pritchard

Ask any Wellington Māori māmā who’s had a baby in the past four decades who their midwife was, and chances are they’ll say Ngarangi Pritchard. Ngarangi, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngati Porou and Rongowhakaata descent, is one of Wellington’s most experienced, trusted and loved midwives. Her nursing and midwifery career has spanned more than 40 years and she has been instrumental in supporting Māori and Pasifika families to be confident as new parents.

Ray Henwood

Multi-talented actor Ray Henwood has been a mainstay of Wellington’s theatrical scene since the mid-1960s.  Originally from Wales, Ray moved to Wellington in 1962, aged 24. However it was not to work an actor, but to teach maths and science at Mana College. He then worked as a forensic toxicologist at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. While there he was partly responsible for the introduction of the breathalyser to New Zealand.

Susan Price

Susan Price made headlines this year when she gave away a landmark property that she and her parents had lovingly restored. Chevening, an apartment block at 90 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, was designed in 1929 by Llewellyn Williams, who also planned the Embassy Theatre. The neglected building, desperately in need of care, was bought by the Price family in 1979.

Warren Dion Smith

Hair, makeup and special effects artist Warren Dion Smith exudes talent and flair. Warren emerged from Waikato, where he was recognised early on by the Māori King Tūheitia Paki as a talented artist. He has really established himself in Wellington, where he has dominated as the pre-eminent hairstyle artist over the past 10 years, winning a succession of national and major regional titles.

-WCC

Onzo bikes will continue to roll in Wellington

Wellington City Council has extended the licence for Onzo to continue operating their ‘dockless’ bike hire system in the capital until the end of 2020.

Councillor Sarah Free, Portfolio Leader for Walking and Cycling, says the popularity of the Onzo bikes for short trips around town shows there is a demand for more transport options. 

“Over 110,000 trips were recorded during the six-month trial and the feedback shows that most people use the bikes because they are fast and convenient. The Onzo bikes have increased the access to cycling for many people who might not choose to own a bike.

“We’ve extended the Onzo bike licence to align with the e-scooter trial so we can look at these micro-mobility options together. It’s great to see the large uptake of these bikes as part of changing transport patterns – and that some people are choosing to use an Onzo instead of their car.”

The Council surveyed residents as well as Onzo users to find out what people think about the dockless bike share. While there were some concerns about pedestrian safety, most of the residents surveyed thought people using Onzo bikes were generally safe and responsible riders, and that the scheme should continue.

In the coming weeks, bike numbers will be back to what they were at the start of the trial (200) with another 100 bikes likely to be added later in the year.

The Council will be working closely with Onzo to discourage people from riding on footpaths and improve the availability of cycle helmets as part of the ongoing licence conditions.

“Footpaths remain an area where pedestrians have priority. We are continuing to plan for more separated bike paths and will be looking at whether e-scooters will be able to use these.”

Data from Onzo shows that the areas of constant high use on weekdays and weekends are Wellington train station and Victoria University’s Pipitea campus, where many people start and end their trips. From Monday to Friday, people are starting and ending trips along Featherston Street and the Golden Mile to Kent Terrace. The waterfront is reasonably busy during the week, however more trips are finished along the waterfront and Oriental Parade at weekends.

Onzo’s Wellington Fleet Manager Max Kempthorne says it’s great to see Wellingtonians embracing the bikes so quickly. “We look forward to continuing to offer an easy transport alternative in the capital.”

Council officers are likely to report back on the e-scooter trial in early 2020, and consultation and engagement on a micro-mobility transport policy for shared schemes including bikes would happen in the following 12 months. 

-WCC

Plastic is rubbish

Wellington City Council is supporting numerous events, organisations and initiatives this Plastic Free July to help change plastic habits for good.

For Plastic Free July 2019, Council will be trialling going single-use plastic bottle free in its five swimming pools, two gyms, four recreational centres, and the ASB sports centre.

Currently New Zealanders send 828,189,600 single-use plastic bottles to landfill per year, the equivalent of 165 Olympic swimming pools. Wellington City alone uses enough bottles annually to fill seven Olympic sized pools.*

Wellington City Council wants to reduce this number by encouraging pool, gym and recreation centre goers to consider alternatives to single-use plastic bottles through a creative campaign for Plastic Free July.

Meanwhile, from 1 July, Council-managed Harbourside Market will be providing shopping baskets at every stall, and mesh produce bags will be available as single-use handled plastic bags will no longer be allowed to be supplied by vendors.

We’re also proud supporters of the Great Kiwi Bottle Drive event, which will kick-off Plastic Free July early on Saturday 29 June with a chance for everyone to drop-off their empty bottles and cans in return for cash.

In 2017, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester led a campaign calling on the government to impose a levy on single-use plastic bags in an attempt to reduce their use – and is pleased to see this being implemented now.
“We got the ball rolling on getting rid of plastic straws around the waterfront, pushed hard for the abolition of single-use plastic bags, and we support and fund numerous organisations and initiatives committed to waste minimisation and single-use plastic reduction.

“These projects fit our vision of developing the capital as an Eco City by addressing the environmental challenges we have, and reducing the impact they have on our natural assets, to enable a more sustainable and resilient future for Wellington.” 

Councillor Iona Pannett who chairs the Wellington Regional Governance Group says that the Council is trying to reduce waste to landfill by 1/3 over the next 7 years.

“Plastic Free July is a great chance for Wellingtonians to look at alternatives to single-use plastics. Getting a reusable coffee cup or drink bottle for example is an easy way to save money and help the environment,” she says.

Other initiatives Council is supporting throughout Plastic Free July include:

• Southern Landfill will be running ‘Bags in the Wild’ landfill tours again to show first-hand the effects of discarded plastics on the environment. Tour bookings can be made by calling 04 383 4442 or email waste.education@wcc.govt.nz.

• There will be weekly competitions on Council’s Facebook page with prize packs for plastic free related challenges

• On-going support and funding for waste minimisation and environmental groups and initiatives like Boomerang Bags, Again Again, RefillNZ, The Formary, Bubble Busters, Ghost Fishing, and Sustainable Coastlines

• There is also a Plastic Free July page on the Council website with tips on how to reduce plastic and where to go for more information: wellington.govt.nz/plasticfreejuly

* Estimate based on https://www.bottledwater.org/economics/industry-statistics. On page 20 it lists consumption per capita and though New Zealand is not listed the lowest consumption is 24 gallons per year which is approximately 180 bottles (500 ml each).

-WCC

WAINUIOMATA AND WELLINGTON ON TOP AFTER WINTER SOLSTICE ROUND

Johnsonville v Wellington at Helston Park, with the Axemen winning 53-15. Photo: Wellington Football Club - Axemen

Wainuiomata (Jubilee Cup) and Wellington (Hardham Cup) are the competition leaders after fourth round Premier club rugby matches played on the shortest day of the year on Saturday.

Despite, losing their first match in seven weeks to neighbours Petone on Saturday, Wainuiomata (15 points) sit top of the Jubilee Cup.

On a fine afternoon, Petone (6) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 33-22 win at home at the Petone Recreation Ground.

The other two Jubilee Cup matches saw Oriental-Rongotai (6) also stay in contention by beating Tawa (10) 32-27 at Lyndhurst Park and first round winners Hutt Old Boys Marist (11) toppling Poneke (6) 44-26 at the Hutt Rec.

Northern United (10) had the Jubilee Cup bye.

In the Hardham Cup, the Wellington Axemen (15) won their third straight bonus point win to start this year’s competition by defeating Johnsonville (2) 53-15.

Elsewhere, Marist St Pats (10) beat the Upper Hutt Rams (9) 59-22 and Paremata-Plimmerton (3) and the Avalon Wolves (8) drew 25-25, as Old Boys University (14) had the bye.

There are three weeks remaining before this year’s semi-finals, with several teams in both grades having much to play for over the coming rounds.

In the Jubilee Cup, Petone centre Willie Fine (2 tries) and second five-eighth and captain Jarrod Adams scored three of their five tries as they burst to life against Wainuiomata from the opening exchanges.

Wainuiomata withstood an early storm and instead it was them that scored the game’s first two tries to move to a 12-0 lead. Fullback Josh Robertson-Weepu scored one and helped set the other to lock Bevan Clark.

Petone hit straight back with tries to wing Sam Blackburn and No. 8 Tupou Sopoaga, who has now scored 12 tries this season. Fine then ran on to a kick and chase by first five-eighth Carne to put Petone in the lead.

With skipper Adams in the sin-bin, Wainuiomata scored again to close it up, but he returned to score the next try, with Fine bagging his brace with a few minutes to play to seal victory for the Villagers.

At Tawa, visiting left wing Reuben Va’a scored a hat-trick and right wing Tuga Mativa scored another as Ories established a 22-8 lead early in the second half, only for Tawa to come back to level to 22-22 and then for Ories to pull away again.

Tawa scored the game’s first try, after a 60 second attacking foray from the opening kick-off, sending fullback PJ Iosefo in for a 5-0 lead.

In an absorbing forwards battle, Ories went into halftime holding a 17-8 lead, before Mativa scored a long-range try from a scrum and break by first five-eighth Trent Renata. Tawa responded with consecutive tries, a similar try scored by Best & Fairest leader and halfback Kemara Hauiti-Parapara from a scrum and burst by centre Pepesana Patafilo and a clinical strike from a lineout drive to prop Sitiveni Paongo which was converted from the sideline by flyhalf Sam Clarke.

Ories got back in front with a Renata penalty and then Va’a crossed for the match-winner after halfback Hinckley Siaosi collected a high kick and took off up the shortside. Tawa scored once more, through prop James Coburn.

In a similar start at the Hutt Rec, where Poneke No. 8 Greg Foe ran 40 metres to score the opening try of the match. But the home side HOBM hit back quickly, with fullback Brandyn Laursen scoring and converting to put them up 7-5.

Loosehead prop Brett Manaia crossed later in the first half to double their lead and Laursen kicked a penalty to see the Eagles turn with a 17-5 lead.

HOBM then pulled ahead 24-5 just after halftime with their third try, and then scored again on 50 minutes to make it 31-5. Another try made it 38-5, before Poneke broke out from deep inside their own territory to score twice on the trot. One more try made it 38-19, but HOBM sealed their win with two late penalties.

The closest of the six Premier matches was at at Ngati Toa Domain, where Paremata-Plimmerton drew 25-25 with the Avalon Wolves on their Old Timers’ Day and 60th anniversary celebration afternoon.

Paremata-Plmmerton fought back from 3-17 down to score two converted tries on either side of halftime to draw level 17-17. Avalon kicked a penalty to move ahead 20-17, and then scored another try to go ahead 25-17. Paremata-Plimmerton came back with a penalty and a try but neither side was able to break the deadlock before fulltime.

The other two Hardham Cup games were largely one-sided.

The Axemen out-scored Johnsonville seven tries to two at Helston Park, with seven different try-scorers crossing the whitewash. Wing Ollie Marshall continued his strong form, scoring 23 points, made up of a try, six conversions and two penalties. He has now scored 71 points in the Hardham Cup. 

At Maoribank Park, the Upper Hutt Rams opened the scoring with a penalty, but from there it was Marist St Pats took control. MSP steadily moved ahead and eventually won the match nine tries to three. Wing Faresa Tasale scored four tries and second five-eighth Isaia Petelo scored two tries. Right wing Todd Svenson (2) and flanker Josh Dewar scored the Rams’ tries.

The four Women’s matches saw Ories beat Old Boys University 45-5 and Norths beat Petone 58-12 in the top flight Tia Paasi Memorial Trophy, while Wainuiomata beat Poneke 22-5 and Paremata-Plimmerton defeated HOBM 36-7. MSP had the bye.

In the match at Nairnville Park, Ories led OBU 21-5 at halftime and pulled clear from there. At Jerry Collins Stadium, Petone halfback Milley Mackey scored both her team’s tries and kicked a conversion.

The Tawa Colts beat Ories 44-31 in a free-flowing Colts Division 1 match at Redwood Park, Tawa score two early tries and also lost a player to the sinbin early, with Ories coming back to draw level with two tries of their own. Tawa crossed twice more before the break to see them leading 26-14. They kept their noses in front in the second spell.

Tawa are joined at the top of the Colts John E Kelly Cup Memorial table on 15 points by HOBM Green who defeated Marist St Pats 40-17. Norths are third after beating Paremata-Plimmerton 59-18, with OBU Green back in fourth after beating Petone 69-12.

The Upper Hutt Rams Colts and Poneke are both on 15 points at the top of the Division 2 Colts table after securing maximum points yesterday. The Rams edged Wainuiomata 17-10, while Poneke beat OBU Black by default. Wellington beat Johnsonville 36-12.

In the Ed Chaney Cup Premier Reserve Division 1, Petone maintained their lead, beating Wainuiomata 62-5. Tawa beat Ories 44-22 in the early fixture on Lyndhurst Park and Poneke also reversed their Premier’s result by overcoming HOBM 37-22.

In Division 2 Premier Reserve, MSP maintained their unbeaten record by easing past the Upper Hutt Rams 58-17, Johnsonville beat Wellington 28-17 in a reversal of the main game that followed and Paremata-Plimmerton and Avalon met at Ngati Toa Domain.

The leading two teams from the first round opened their second round of the compeition for the U85kg Paul Potiki Shield, with Avalon beating the HOBM Howlers 16-9 and the Upper Hutt Rams overcoming Paraparaumu 33-17.

First round winners the Poneke Ruffnuts opened their Reserve Grade Division 1 John Davies Cup campaign with a 36-17 win over the Petone Brotherhood. In a close match, the Johnsonville Cripples beat the Upper Hutt Rams Pirates 28-26.

-WRFU

Matariki Sky Show set to go off – whale permitting

Last year we had a whale of a time as a tohorā/southern right whale visited the harbour, causing the inaugural Matariki ki Poneke Sky Show to be postponed for a week – but the coast looks clear for this year.

Matariki is all about celebrating the Māori New Year and giving respect to the land, sea and sky – so it’s fitting that the Matariki festival closes with a fireworks display in the sky above the harbour for all on land and sea to enjoy.

An estimated 200,000 people watched the Sky Show fireworks on their Matariki debut in July 2018 – and Mayor Justin Lester expects the same this year.

“Feedback from attendees last year was hugely positive about the capital’s main fireworks event being held around Matariki, and with an earlier start time of 6.30pm.

“Families with young children, and older citizens, were particularly pleased with the earlier timing of the event as it was more accessible for everyone to take part. There was also a general consensus that it being Matariki added to the enthusiasm of the crowd as they came together to celebrate a uniquely New Zealand event.”

Events Portfolio Lead Councillor Simon Marsh is hoping there won’t be a repeat of last year’s whale appearance until after the show.

“We wouldn’t blame Matariki the tohorā for coming back to enjoy the beautiful harbour and scenery of the city, but hope it’s not in the next couple of weeks. So much time and effort goes into organising these large-scale events, with teams of experts being coordinated to make sure everything runs smoothly and successfully – and we don’t want to put a whale in the works!” jokes Councillor Marsh. 

One of the expert teams involved in the running of the Sky Show is world renowned Artistic Pyrotechnic Designer of PyroStar International, Robert McDermott, who is organising the fireworks display for the 25th consecutive year – with 2 tonnes of firework materials and effects.

“Yes, I was a very young man when it started, but it’s been great to see the growth in a whole new generation enjoying the show. I’m always blown away by how many people turn up, but it’s a feel good thing – no matter what sort of day you’ve had you’ll go away happy.

“Now that we’re doing it for Matariki makes it even more special too, as it’s got more meaning and connects more with our identity as New Zealanders.”

Sky Show 2019

Saturday 29 June 2019, 6.30–6.40pm

Postponement date: Sunday 30 June, 6.30pm.

• Tune into The Breeze (94.1FM and 98.5FM) or More FM (99.7FM and 95.3FM) to listen to the soundtrack as you watch the show. To get the best synchronisation of sound and fireworks, listen on a terrestrial radio tuner to avoid streaming delays.

• The Sky Show 2019 soundtrack includes music from local artists Toni Huata, Rob Thorne, David Downes and WAI.

• For event updates check Facebook.

While on the waterfront, check out the exciting Pop-up Village by Kumutoto. Designer container stalls packed with homewares, art, gifts, clothing and accessories.

The Winter Underground Market Pop-up Village runs throughout June and July (19th June - 23rd July 2019).

-WCC

Groovy Places in Wellington - Guy Armstrong

So what are you into? Cinema, Food? Pies? Beers? Rugby, Theatre? food, pies, beers, great Cafes with real Kiwi Coffee and more? Well, my friend, we have got a city for you.

Want to see a movie? Check out the Penthouse in Brooklyn, only a short bus trip out of the CBD. Or the Roxy in Miramar, not so far from the airport (they sometimes show a cult classic The Room – one of my favourite awful movies).

Have a wander around the town belt and see some of our native bush. This can be incredibly cool at night, but take a friend so you’re safe of course.

Fancy exotic food? There’s a lovely Ethiopian place called Blue Nile on Allen Street off Courtenay Place, and another in Newtown called Mother of Coffee. Some of my favourite places are The Hop Garden at the bottom of Mount Victoria, the Yakitori sushi bar on Courtenay Place, and McDonald’s on Manners Street. Down the road you have the eclectic shopping and food in Cuba Street. 

If you like a touch of kiwi, there’s always Karaka Café. The coffee here is always great and there’s a wonderful historical Maori feel to the place. It’s a chilled out mix of technology and back-to-the-roots nature.  Go have a look when you’re down by the Waterfront, hey you may as well peek inside Te Papa (museum) while you’re there. 

You have not been to Wellington until you have ventured up Cuba Street.  Near the top you will find a taste of Cuba a place called Fidel’s Café. The clientele are a mix of diversity which really shows off what Wellington is all about. 

Until next time

Guy

Hurricanes welcome Tyrel Lomax on four-year deal

Rising young All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax has signed a four-year deal with the Hurricanes through until at least 2023.

Lomax, who has strong ties to Wellington with extended family living in Wainuiomata, will join the Hurricanes ahead of the 2020 Investec Super Rugby competition.

The son of former Kiwis international John Lomax, who played 15 tests for the Kiwis and had a long professional league career with the Canberra Raiders, North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm, Lomax has made a significant impression since he shifted back to New Zealand to pursue a long held ambition to be an All Black.

After making his Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels in 2017, the 23-year-old joined Tasman in the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup and quickly established himself as first choice tighthead which earned selection in the Highlanders Super Rugby squad in 2018.

He was selected in the All Blacks last November where he made his All Black debut against Japan after a number of strong performances in Super Rugby

Lomax also impressed for the Maori All Blacks when he represented the side on its end of year tour of Canada and France in 2017.

Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree was naturally delighted to have secured Lomax on a long-term deal.

"His potential is obvious for everyone to see. He's a very impressive young man who is developing his game at a rapid rate.  He is a powerful player, has a strong skill set and we are really excited about working with him," he said.

"It's great to be able to bring Tyrel back to the Wellington region where we know he will receive a lot of support and quickly establish himself in the Hurricanes club."

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee paid tribute to the amount of work the club's high performance team had put into negotiations with Lomax about a possible move to Wellington.

"Having talked to Tyrel we know that he will make a big contribution to the Hurricanes moving forward. Tyrel is a significant signing for us," he said.

"It is an area we want to strengthen and we believe we have the perfect person to help us do that."

-Hurricanes Rugby

Ahi Kā reaches for the stars in Matariki celebrations

The Wellington Waterfront will be set alight Friday 21 June with ahi (fire), kai (food), and entertainment from over 30 musical groups, artists and performers for Ahi Kā – a celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Rob Thorne

Students from nine schools around the capital will form a stream of light around the waterfront that will launch Ahi Kā. They will parade around Whairepo Lagoon with lanterns they’ve created, acknowledging the life-giving streams that travel under our city and converge in the harbour, and are reflected by the seven to nine sisters above that form the Matariki star cluster.

There’ll also be music performers, kapa haka, dance, and poi demonstrations, as well as food trucks, toasted marshmallows, an outdoor cinematic event, art installations and light shows, plus street entertainers.

Mayor Justin Lester says making sure Matariki and Ahi Kā are major events in the capital’s diary is important as it reflects how the country is embracing tangata whenua and our combined history.

“We want Wellingtonians to come together at Ahi Kā, to celebrate the Māori New Year by reflecting on the past and what’s ahead, learning about what Matariki means, and experiencing some of the amazing local talent on show.”

One of the performing groups on the Matariki Stage is Taita Clubhouse – a place for at-risk young people, coordinated by former Upper Hutt Posse band member Bennett Pomana.

Bennett says taking part in Ahi Kā is a great experience for all involved – and is even more significant as they are part of the Matariki celebrations.

“The Taita Clubhouse is a creative space for young people to come to when life can be tough, it’s somewhere to be creative, escape, and be themselves. Having this as something to aim for has been a real motivator, and they’ve been practising really hard.”

Bennett says their music varies from pop to hip hop, and some is a bit of a mishmash – but it comes from the heart.

“They’re really excited about Ahi Kā and performing in public as they’re very passionate about what they do, and keen to achieve their goals – and this is one of them.”

Councillor Nicola Young, Associate Arts and Culture portfolio holder, says this is the perfect time for the event.

“This is a great celebration, and at this time of the year everyone can take part and enjoy the lights, entertainment, and festivities.”

For more information about the location, schedule and performers, visit wellington.govt.nz/matariki or https://wellington.govt.nz/events/annual-events/matariki/ahi-ka

-WCC