Waenga, created by brother and sister Tamati and Hariata Moriarty, will be staged at Aotea College from July 7 to 9 as part of a lower North Island tour by Te Rākau and Hurō Productions.

The play follows Connie, a young Māori woman caught in the consequences of police “move-on” orders, as she navigates questions about freedom, identity and survival. Through her experiences, audiences are challenged to consider how power operates in society and what it means to participate in civic life.

Director Jim Moriarty said the production encourages people to think about their own role in shaping New Zealand’s future.

“In today’s volatile climate this play is a chance to ask, how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?” Moriarty said.

Waenga premiered at the Kia Mau Festival and has already been performed for hundreds of secondary school students around the country. The latest version expands on the original production with additional music, action and discussion inspired by Te Rākau’s Theatre Marae approach.

The production was developed with input from high school students, helping to ensure the characters and issues reflected the realities facing many young people today.

Hariata and Tamati Moriarty said the work was created to give rangatahi Māori an opportunity to see themselves represented on stage.

“The show Waenga was created so that rangatahi Māori could see their voices and their experiences told on the stage,” they said.

The cast includes Hariata Moriarty, Tamati Moriarty, Mycah Keall, Regan Taylor, Brooke Wharehinga, Matiu Rata, Rylee Herewini and Ryan Holtham, with music by Rameka Tamaki.

While centred on the experiences of young Māori, the production tackles issues that affect communities across New Zealand, including inequality, racism, civic engagement and social responsibility.

Following the Porirua performances, the tour will continue through Wellington, Upper Hutt, Wainuiomata, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Horowhenua and other centres.

Tickets for the Porirua performances are available through Eventfinda.

For school group bookings and further information, contact Te Rākau at terakau@terakau.org.

Tiaki Wai has revealed average residential water charges across the region will rise from about $2,100 to $2,377 in 2026/27, an increase of $277 a year, or about $5 a week for the average household.

The increase comes despite the organisation issuing a media release on Friday highlighting that projected charges had been “whittled back” from earlier forecasts.

For residents, however, the bottom line remains the same: water charges are still going up.

Tiaki Wai Board Chair Will Peet said the increase was necessary to address decades of underinvestment in pipes, treatment plants and other water infrastructure across the Wellington region.

“I know many are doing it tough and this increase will still be challenging for people facing cost-of-living pressures on all sides,” Peet said.

The organisation says the lower-than-forecast increase has been achieved partly by stretching out its infrastructure investment programme.

That means it could take longer to reduce water leaks, pipe failures, flooding and wastewater overflows.

The new charges come as Tiaki Wai faces scrutiny over executive and board remuneration.

Chief executive Michael Brewster is paid $645,000 a year, while the board chair receives $110,000 and directors receive $60,000 each, figures that are significantly higher than those paid by predecessor organisation Wellington Water. According to previous reporting,

– Wellington Mayor Andrew Little described the salaries as “generous by any measure”.

Tiaki Wai has defended the remuneration, saying it is responsible for managing approximately $9 billion of water assets, overseeing major infrastructure investment and operating under a new regulatory regime.

The entity also says shareholder councils have agreed to provide an equity backstop in the event of a major unexpected incident. Tiaki Wai says that support reduces the need to rapidly build financial reserves and has helped limit the size of future increases.

Final charges are expected to be confirmed on June 16.

The exact amount paid by Porirua households will vary depending on property type and location.

For many residents, however, the immediate question is not whether the increase is lower than first forecast, but whether the additional cost will translate into fewer leaks, fewer wastewater overflows and a more reliable water network in the years ahead.

Standard registration fees will remain at $160 for neutered dogs, $221 for non-neutered dogs, $239 for dangerous dogs, and $98 for working dogs.

Council officers had considered a 5 percent increase, in line with the Long-term Plan 2024-34, but recommended holding fees at current levels for another year.

The freeze is expected to reduce projected fee revenue by about $50,000.

The council report said Porirua’s dog registration fees were already at the higher end compared with neighbouring councils.

Onepoto Ward councillor Geoff Hayward supported the freeze, saying dog owners should pay their fair share, but animal control also benefited the wider community.

“Animal Control is not only there for dog owners. It exists for people who do not own dogs, for children walking to school, for kaumātua out maybe stretching their legs, and for visitors to Porirua,” Hayward said.

He said the current funding balance should be reviewed, particularly if about 40 percent of costs were being met by general ratepayers.

Hayward also raised concerns about roaming dogs and repeat offending.

“In my view, there is a difference between a one-off incident and repeated irresponsibility,” he said.

He said future reviews should consider stronger incentives for responsible dog owners and clearer consequences for repeated negligence.

Council officers said the decision would allow time for a comprehensive review of fees, charges, and how animal control costs are shared between dog owners and ratepayers.

The funding will help the Ascot Park-based club keep fees low, support player safety and make sure teams have reliable access to essential gear.

Club treasurer and team manager Nicki Starkey said the grant would ease pressure on local families.

“We applied for funding so we wouldn’t need to ask our members for financial support, especially with many families already facing high financial pressure,” Starkey said.

The club said the grant would support participation across all age groups and help coaches deliver consistent training and game-day support.

Porirua Vikings has a strong focus on wellbeing and connection, using rugby league to support physical and mental health, bring families together and build community pride.

Porirua Vikings U11s Maroons coach Kegz Hunter said the funding gave coaches confidence.

“This grant provides that additional reassurance for us coaches, especially knowing that we have the right equipment available to successfully teach our boys the necessary skills to achieve their rugby league goals,” Hunter said.

Porirua Valkyries U6s manager Manauea “Muns” Metuariki said the funding had helped the club’s youngest girls take the field.

“It’s been special watching the confidence, teamwork and love for the game grow each week in our girls,” Metuariki said.

“It’s the first time our club has had an all-girls team in the U6 grade, and the support and funding from NZCT has made this possible for our girls.”

Young players said the new gear was also helping build pride in the club.

“I love wearing my Vikings top every week. Me and my team look really cool,” Porirua Valkyries U6s player KhanLee Davis said.

U11s Maroons captain Carter Hunter said leading his team out each week was a highlight.

“Getting to play for the best rugby league club in Wellington is a flex,” Carter said.

“Putting on my jersey every Sunday and leading all my bros out onto the field makes me really proud.”

NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the grant was designed to help remove barriers to sport.

“Support like this helps remove that financial pressure and makes it easier for more young people to get involved and stay involved,” Hodges said.

Porirua Vikings Rugby League Club was established in 1978 and is based at Ascot Park. It provides junior and senior rugby league opportunities, with a focus on inclusion, wellbeing and community connection.

The event is being presented by Pushingweightfitness and 04_Calisthenics, with registration opening at noon.

Organisers say the day is designed to bring people together through sport, movement, positive energy and connection.

The basketball tournament will be open to the first eight teams to sign up. Teams will have three players, with rolling substitutions allowed.

Games will run for eight minutes, or until the first team reaches 11 points.

Alongside the tournament, participants can take part in push-up and pull-up challenges, basketball tricks, calisthenics and freestyle skills competitions.

Spot prizes will be awarded throughout the day, including for the winning team, push-up champion, pull-up champion, best trick, positive attitude and community spirit.

Extra activities include face painting from noon to 2pm and haircuts from noon to 2pm.

A free sausage sizzle, food and drinks will also be available.

The event values listed by organisers include community, respect, positivity, health and fitness, connection, empowerment, fun and inclusion.

The day will begin with set-up from 11am to 11.45am, before registrations and welcome messages from noon. Basketball games are scheduled from 12.20pm, with the grand final and prize-giving expected about 2.15pm.

People are encouraged to bring their whānau, friends, energy and a positive attitude. Registration is at the court from noon.

The funding was announced on May 14 by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello. It will be provided over 12 months through the Proceeds of Crime Fund, which reinvests money seized from criminals into initiatives targeting methamphetamine harm, gang recruitment and community recovery.

Porirua Whānau Centre delivers Ko Wai Au, a school-based programme that works with young Porirua students on resilience, wellbeing and positive decision-making.

The centre has incorporated its ROCC-funded work into Ko Wai Au, adding content about the harms of drugs and organised crime.

Through the programme, tamariki learn about the real impacts of substances such as methamphetamine on their hauora, whānau and futures.

The programme also encourages young people to recognise their strengths, make positive choices and aim high.

Porirua Whānau Centre Chief Executive Liz Kelly said the funding showed trust in local communities.

“What works about this kind of funding is that it trusts communities to know what their people need,” Kelly said.

“We’re not being told what to deliver, we’re being backed to do the work we know makes a difference. And that’s how it should be.”

The Government says ROCC operates across seven regions and brings together government agencies, community organisations, service providers and local leaders to reduce organised crime and drug-related harm.

Porirua is one of the communities involved in the ROCC work programme, which supports locally led responses to harm and recognises that enforcement alone is not enough.

Pre- and post-programme evaluations of Ko Wai Au, grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā, show increased understanding of drug harm and greater confidence among participants in making positive choices, the centre said.

Kelly said the continued support would help the centre maintain its work with young people in Porirua.

“We’re grateful for the continued support. It allows us to keep showing up for rangatahi in Porirua and doing the things that actually work,” she said.

“Community-led solutions get results, and this funding recognises that.”

The $11.9 million ROCC investment will cover seven regions across New Zealand. Porirua Whānau Centre is among community organisations delivering ROCC-funded work in the Wellington region.

Residents seeking more information about Porirua Whānau Centre programmes can contact the centre directly or follow its local updates, at: https://www.poriruawhanau.org.nz/

Taulalo began in the new role this week.

The position is funded by the Ministry of Social Development through to December 2027 and is designed to improve coordination between agencies working in the family harm space across Porirua.

Porirua Whānau Centre Chief Executive Liz Kelly said the appointment responded to a clear need in the community.

“Whānau dealing with family harm need agencies that talk to each other and work together,” Kelly said.

“For too long, that coordination has been missing in Porirua. This role fills a real gap, and we’re proud to be hosting it.

“Nu’ulelei brings exactly the right values and the right commitment to the work, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this means for whānau across the region.”

The Kaituitui Hapori role will focus on strengthening communication and coordinated responses between services supporting whānau affected by family harm.

While the contract sits with Porirua Whānau Centre, the role is governed through the Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke governance board, a cross-agency body overseeing family harm coordination in the region.

Taulalo said stepping into the role was an honour and an exciting opportunity.

“I am deeply motivated by the chance to support whānau impacted by harm and to walk alongside them on their journey toward healing and wellbeing,” Taulalo said.

“I aspire to encourage our people to seek support with confidence and dignity, while fostering strong relationships not only with whānau, but also agencies and community partners, to ensure a collaborative and culturally grounded approach that uplifts and strengthens our whānau.”

Family harm can affect some of the region’s most vulnerable whānau, and agencies say better collaboration between services is key to reducing harm and improving outcomes.

Anyone in immediate danger should call 111. People seeking family harm support can contact local support services, Porirua Whānau Centre, or visit the Ministry of Social Development’s family violence help pages for further information.

The volunteer unit operates Te Awarua Rescue, a 12.5-metre Rayglass Protector used to respond to incidents around Porirua, Cook Strait, the Mana boating area and the top of the Marlborough Sounds.

The funding will go towards improvements to the vessel’s fuel systems, electrical infrastructure and onboard components.

Coastguard Mana says the work is needed to improve safety, reliability and performance in challenging marine conditions.

Crew member Simon Piper said reliable equipment was essential for volunteers responding to emergencies.

“Having a well-maintained and dependable boat ensures our volunteer unit can operate safely, efficiently, and with confidence while serving the local boating community,” Piper said.

Te Awarua Rescue was originally built as an America’s Cup utility boat and has since been adapted for search and rescue work.

Coastguard Mana says the upgrades were identified when the vessel was repurposed, and will also help improve steering, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs.

The work is expected to extend the vessel’s operational life while the unit plans for a future replacement.

Coastguard Mana president Mark Presling said the vessel was central to the unit’s ability to train and respond.

“Without a reliable rescue vessel, it becomes much harder for our volunteers to train and respond when people need help on the water,” Presling said.

“We are extremely grateful for NZCT’s support in helping us keep Te Awarua Rescue in shipshape condition, so we can continue doing what our community relies on us to do.”

Skipper Jason Hall said reliability was vital when crews were called out.

“With the support of NZCT, we are able to get our vessel consistently performing at its optimum level,” Hall said.

NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the trust was pleased to support the upgrade.

“Coastguard Mana do amazing work,” Hodges said.

The grant was made possible through NZCT’s fundraising partnerships with Legends Bar, The Mariner and Sandbar Mana.

Coastguard Mana was established in 1996 by members of the Mana Cruising Club and is part of Coastguard New Zealand.

The unit operates from Mana Marina and covers waters known for changing conditions and limited shelter.

Boaties can help reduce risk by checking the marine forecast, carrying two waterproof ways to call for help, wearing lifejackets and logging a trip report before heading out.

Private Gemma Board joined the Reserve Force in November and completed her infantry corps training in January.

She has recently returned from Exercise Italy, a field training exercise near Whanganui that simulated a mid-intensity South West Pacific conflict scenario.

The exercise involved platoons carrying out quick attacks in open country.

Board, a case manager for Veterans’ Affairs, said the veterans she supports had been “super proud” of her decision to join the reserves.

“Before coming on the Reserve Force course, I told a few of my veterans I was doing this and they were super proud,” Board said.

“Several of them emailed me back, wished me luck and gave me little tips of what to do and what not to do around the training.

“They’ve backed me 100 percent. It’s good to have their support behind me.”

Veterans’ Affairs helps eligible veterans and their families access support and services in everyday life.

Board said her work with veterans helped her through the tougher parts of training, including weapons systems, first aid, leadership, patrolling, navigation, radio communication and living under a hoochie in Waiouru’s changeable weather.

“The vets told me ‘Waiouru is different’ and they were right about that,” she said.

“There were moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

“But I would think about the conversations I had with my veterans, and it gave me the resilience to go on.

“You’ve got to turn up, push through and lean on your comrades for support.”

Board is now serving with Wellington Company, 5/7 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

She is required to complete 21 days of service each year, but said her unit was active, with something happening most months.

The unit is building towards Exercise Tauwharenīkau in July, the New Zealand Army Reserve’s largest annual exercise.

The exercise will include all Army Reserve Force units, along with reservists from the Australian Defence Force.

Board said her path into the reserves began after playing hockey for the New Zealand Army as a civilian, where reservists in the team gave her an insight into service life.

“The moment I committed to the idea, I knew I wanted to do it. It felt completely like me,” she said.

A former Tawa College student, Board completed a sports and recreation degree and worked at Work and Income in Porirua before becoming a Veterans’ Affairs case manager three years ago.

She said she valued the relationships she built with veterans through her work.

“No day is ever the same, and you get to know them very well and have some really good conversations,” she said.

“When they call, they are sometimes in a vulnerable spot, and I help them through that and get them the support they need.”

Board said joining the Reserve Force had changed the way she understood the veterans she worked with.

“I know what the veterans mean now when they talk about two families, the family you have and your services family,” she said.

“Your comrades go through the hard stuff with you, they know what you’re talking about.”

She said the experience had strengthened her work as a case manager.

“I feel like I can relate to my veterans in a more genuine way.

“Not because I’ve been through exactly what they have, but because I’ve stepped into a small part of that world, and that’s something I’ll carry with me every day in my work.

“Also, it helps now knowing all the Army lingo.”

The show will run from 7.30pm to 9pm from July 9 to 11 at Linden Community Centre in Tawa.

The cabaret combines the band’s brass sound with Wellington theatre performers, singers and dancers in a high-energy production led by creative director Letitia Garrett.

Actor Mike Bryant, recently seen in Once Upon a Time in Homowood and Farrago Bazaar, will play Jack Potts, the owner of a once-thriving casino trying to survive after the pandemic, bad luck and a string of poor decisions.

The production follows Potts and the cast as they look back on the glamour of casino life, with music spanning from the 1920s to the present day.

Garrett said the cast was ready to deliver a lively night for audiences.

“We have such a great cast of awesome performers who know how to put on a show and absolutely love it,” she said.

The cabaret will include drinks, casino-themed activities and interactive elements, with audience members encouraged to dress for the occasion.

Garrett is working alongside Porirua City Brass musical director Nick Garrett, who is also her husband.

The show is part of the band’s fundraising efforts ahead of its trip to the Australian National Brass Band Championships next year. It will be the first time Porirua City Brass has travelled overseas since 1975.

Band chair Edrick Child said the collaboration with local theatre performers would bring something new to the band’s stage work.

“It’s not often that we combine with local theatre,” Child said.

“These actors will bring vibrancy, stage presence and pizzazz, making it unlike any other show we’ve done before.”

The show is recommended for people aged 12 and over, although there is no formal age restriction. Organisers said there was no age-concerning content beyond the general casino theme.

Casino Royale runs from 7.30pm to 9pm, July 9 to 11, at Linden Community Centre, Tawa. Tickets are available through Humanitix at https://events.humanitix.com/poriruabrass-casino-royale/