The Green Party has selected Waikanae resident Asher Wilson-Goldman as their candidate for the new Kāpiti electorate at this year’s general election.

“I can’t wait to share the Greens’ positive vision for Aotearoa with Kāpiti residents,” says Asher Wilson-Goldman.

“For too many people in our electorate, it’s harder now than it was three years ago to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads.”

Wilson-Goldman says the Greens have a plan to see nature thrive, and for everyone to have what they need to live a good life.

“I’ve helped lead some of the public sector’s largest pieces of work, so I understand the power of the public sector to improve lives, when we have a Government that supports them to do it.

“Locally I’ve volunteered my time helping to set up Predator Free Kāpiti Coast, sorting through donations to the Kāpiti Foodbank, and advising Council on improving walking, cycling and horse riding access for recreation and transport.

“I’m a relentless advocate for Kāpiti every chance I get, and I’d love to take my voice to Parliament to fight for better healthcare, better housing and real action on climate change.”

Wilson-Goldman says by giving your party vote to the Greens this November, you’ll be part of our movement for stronger communities and a healthy planet.

Other announced candidates for the new Kāpiti Electorate are Tim Costley (National) and Sophie Handford (Labour).

Event Manager Tania Carr said the sold-out show exceeded all expectations. “The performances were phenomenal; it was really hard for the judges because of the exceptional talent on show.”

The annual community showcase highlighted the depth of local talent across age groups and disciplines. Malakai Asiata lit up the stage with a powerful Samoan war dance, earning top honours in the 5-12 year dance category and electrifying the audience.

“It was awesome to see these new acts along with some of the favourites from last year perform,” said Carr. “Special mention goes to Kōtuku as Supreme Winner with their reggae band. Their stage presence was amazing – they worked the crowd, and as well as their obvious talent, they impressed with their charisma and confidence.”

Returning judges Ainslie Allen, Aroha Davidson and Fredwyn Kisona faced the tough task of picking winners from an impressive field of finalists. Carr emphasised the importance of community support in making the event possible.

“Like any community event, Porirua Has Talent relies heavily on sponsorship and community support,” she said. “We feel so much aroha for everyone who helped us bring this to fruition for the second year running. It takes a village to create a top-class talent show and we are so grateful to everyone who backed us.”

Winners of Porirua Has Talent 2025

• Supreme Winner: Kōtuku (Reggae band, 13–25 Group category) – Sponsored by Black Grace
• Vocals/Musician 5–12 years: Willow Hunkin, Hexyle Cram Rivera, Caleb Jackson
  • Runners-up: Alina Babko, Tania Tipuna
• Vocals/Musician 13–25 years: Cortearz Howell, Carmelle Cohen-Ronen, Sophie Taylor-Edwards
  • Runners-up: Helmy Esera, Zung Lahtaw
• Dance 5–12 years: Malakai Asiata, Danielle Gracie, Celeste Richards
• Dance 13–25 years: Sage Ngātai Skipper, Emily Love, Olivia Murphy
• Group 5–12 years: SWIS, The Blue Roses
• Group 13–25 years: Kōtuku, Riot Boyz, Chelsea & Sophie
  • Runners-up: White Widow, Pandora & Arahia

Many young people from Porirua have registered for this year’s Open Day, giving local students and their families the opportunity to discover everything Victoria University offers right here in Wellington.

The event offers the prospective students a chance to attend sample lectures, explore the University’s campuses, and get a feel for life as a student in the capital.

Local retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses are also getting involved, offering discounts and giveaways to visitors. Iconic Wellington landmarks will be lit up green to mark the occasion, contributing to what is shaping up to be a city-wide celebration.

Director of Marketing and Communications David Lewis says that while attracting prospective students to Open Day is a key focus, this year’s event is about showcasing the full Wellington experience.

“With local businesses getting involved, and major events like Beervana, the New Zealand International Film Festival, and Wellington On A Plate taking place the same weekend, this year’s Open Day is as much a celebration of the city as it is of the University.

“Victoria University is one of Wellington’s largest employers, and our students contribute significantly to the city’s economy and vibrancy. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the young people here for Open Day, exploring their future options and experiencing Wellington.”

In partnership with Accord Group Hotels and Grabaseat, the University has also provided fantastic travel and accommodation discounts to help bring visitors to the capital.

The event is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to attract and engage prospective students while supporting the Wellington scene. Open Day 2025 is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of future students in recent years. Registrations remain open for those wishing to attend.

Language Week, which ran from 2–9 August, began in Porirua with the Central Pacific Collective raising the Cook Islands flag. Flag bearers Carmella John-Tauira and Mama Kitiona Tauira led the ceremony, with Pastor Teremona Tauira opening the morning with a devotion. This year’s theme, ‘Ātui’tui’ia au ki te raurau a tōku mātakeinanga (Connect me to the offerings of my people), celebrated the role of language in sustaining cultural identity and community bonds.

On Saturday 2 August, the Cook Islands NZ Society in Newtown hosted a special event to mark 60 years since the adoption of the Cook Islands Constitution. The celebration at the Cook Islands Society Hall brought together families and friends for a vibrant day of music, dance, and traditional food, honouring both heritage and the journey of self-governance since 1965.

Organisers from both events thanked the community for their strong turnout, ongoing pride, and commitment to passing on language and traditions to future generations.

The new one-hour sessions, held Mondays from 11am to 12pm, are designed for tamariki aged 1 to 4 years old. The classes aim to build children’s confidence, coordination, and social connection through fun and inclusive activities in a calm environment.

“We aim to give attendees a safe and fun environment to learn, try new challenges and bond with their parents, caregivers and others in their own space and time,” said Arena Events and Programmes Administrator Lynda McAndrew. “This allows them to learn and grow through play.”

Children will have the chance to develop fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking, striking, and balancing, all guided by experienced instructors in a supportive setting.

The new Adapted Kindy Gym complements the regular Kindy Gym programme, which runs Monday to Friday during term time from 9.30am to 10.30am.

For more information or to register, visit the Kindy Gym page on Te Rauparaha Arena’s website.

Auditions: Sun 13 July at Niblick Hall, Titahi Bay. Ready to join the pack? Audition now! Cast: 6 Female 2 Male.

Synopsis

Pam is fed up with life – her husband Tom barely notices her or the kids, and is always off playing rugby or down at the clubrooms. Is this really all there is to life? A friend mentions that she’s started playing rugby and suddenly Pam decides if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! She has friends who want to give it a crack as it turns out, maybe beat the local men’s rugby team. Go the Hurridames!

David Geary’s Pack of Girls is a funny, insightful play about a group of rural women who decide to give the blokes a run for their money. There are also blokes in this show, and women who double as blokes! Unlike Foreskin’s Lament, rugby is played onstage.

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The play will be onstage at Niblick Hall

More from Porirua Little Theatre: www.porirualittletheatre.co.nz/

The contract, covering the supply of free lunches to schools across New Zealand, was granted in late 2024 to the School Lunch Collective—a group including Libelle Group, Compass Group, and Gilmours. Internal memos show that officials urged the Ministry’s operations leader, Sean Teddy, to exclude the group from consideration due to “serious concerns” over past performance, including food safety issues and poor-quality meals.

Despite these warnings, the Ministry proceeded with the contract. Associate Minister of Education David Seymour defended the decision, saying that problems identified with Libelle Group had been addressed and that the programme was now running successfully at a reduced cost.

One principal who raised the alarm, Andy Ashworth of Murchison Area School, previously described the meals as “appalling,” reporting incidents where children ate melted plastic that had fused with the food. His school is among those that terminated their lunch contracts after repeated safety and quality issues.

Documents show that by the end of 2023, Libelle Group faced 163 complaints, including food safety breaches that left dozens of children and staff ill. Compass Group also faced criticism, with 79 incidents reported. Officials flagged financial instability within Libelle months before it went into liquidation in March 2025, owing $14 million. Compass later acquired its assets to ensure continuity.

Despite assurances of improvements, 31 schools opted out of the programme in early 2024. A recent survey at Murchison Area School revealed that 78% of students and whānau did not want to continue with the scheme, citing poor food quality and safety fears.

Principals like Ashworth and Peggy Burrows from Haeata Community Campus say the concerns raised in official memos mirror their own experiences on the ground. Burrows noted that ministerial claims of success do not align with daily realities in schools.

The Auditor-General has launched an investigation into the planning and procurement of the school lunch programme, as questions grow over how concerns were handled and the decision-making behind the $170 million contract.

Digital Discovery
Wednesday 9 July | 10.30am–12.30pm | City Centre Library
Digital Discovery: Use AI to create a video face filter. Then create your own stop-motion movies! For children aged 8+. RSVP to noha.ibrahim@poriruacity.govt.nz to secure your spot!

Library Movie Magic: Moana!
Thursday 10 July | 10.30am–12.30pm | City Centre Library
It’s Movie Day! Let’s set sail across the Pacific on a Moana movie adventure! You’re welcome to pull up a seat, get cosy and if you know the lyrics don’t forget to sing along! Dress code: cozy pyjamas!

The event, which aims to uplift local youth and showcase community spirit, invites performers aged 5 to 25 to compete in three main categories: Vocals, Dance, and Groups. Participants are split into two age brackets: 5 to 12 and 13 to 25, and must reside in Porirua, with an area code beginning with 502.

Organisers emphasise the event’s positive impact, giving young people something “cool to look forward to,” while also supporting their mental wellbeing. Last year’s show was a resounding success, with a wide array of performances reflecting the city’s rich talent and cultural diversity.

Registration closes Friday 4 July. Those unable to attend auditions in person can submit a video performance instead.

Finalists will compete for a share of over $3,500 in prizes, including $2,000 in gold awards. Performers will be judged across all categories and age groups, with the final event welcoming community spectators. Entry is free for those under 25, while adult tickets are $15.

For full details or to register, visit Porirua Has Talent or contact info@poriruahastalent.nz.

Jeff Chapman — June 29, 2025

Kia ora koutou,

Introduction
Wow!  Half way through the year already.  It’s been a busy six months of change, celebration and preparation for future success.  We have new leadership at many levels of the school who are strategically creating positive change across academic, cultural, artistic, sporting and well being realms – all geared for student achievement and success.  We have had much to celebrate like the opening of our new block Te Urukahika, the achievements of our amazing Mana College Kapa Haka group- “Te Mana o Kupe”, and a very positive ERO visit.  

Te Urukahika
As you’ll be aware our brand new Te Urukahika block was formally blessed and opened on Friday 23rd May.  This was a momentous and historic occasion celebrated through a dawn ceremony and blessing of two important carvings, followed by a whole school and dignitary opening at 10am.  The block will be operational as of the first day back in term 3.  Our students and staff will deservedly be working and learning in a modern, warm and fully functional educational environment for many years to come.  Very exciting times for Mana.

Education Review Office (ERO) Visit
Our ERO visit took place over three days Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th May.  During this time the ERO team reviewed all aspects of the school including key drivers to student success and wellbeing like the school’s Leadership, Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Governance, and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  ERO also reviewed compliance requirements like Board Administration, Curriculum, Management of Health, Safety & Welfare, and Personnel Management.  The visit was very positive and affirming.  The formal & public report will be published soon. Watch this space. 

Open Evening
On Tuesday 10th June we held one of the most successful open evenings we have had in recent years with an attendance of about 150 people.  Our guests were shown many of the opportunities our school has to offer by our year 9-13 student leaders, who either acted as guides or presented at the various stations around the campus.  Please note that any Year 9 Out of Zone enrolments are due to our office by Monday 23rd July.

Te Whakataetae Kapa Haka Tuarua o te Whanganui-a-Tara ki Ōtaki
As a result of the performances on Monday 16th June Te Mana o Kupe received the following awards…

• Highly prestigious 1st – Te Reo Māori 
• 1st – Kaitātaki tāne (male lead). Special congratulations to Raiaatea Reweti (12KD)
• 2nd – Whakaeke (entrance Item)
• 3rd – Mōteatea (expression of grief/sorrow)

To all of our Te Mana o Kupe whānau- we are so proud of you and are deeply honoured to be connected to what you have achieved.  You have brought much joy and pride to the Mana College & Porirua community.  Long may you cherish the learnings, connections and growth that being part of this special group would have brought you.  Mana with Mana!

Pipi Learning Cove
Mana College has teamed up with Pipi Learning Cove (PLC) to provide short online courses for kiwi whānau. PLC have created the top 17 modules as suggested by you as our school community, so hopefully there will be something there for everyone, which will grow over time.

All modules have been reviewed and updated with feedback from Subject Matter Experts, who are mentioned at the beginning and the end of each module. 

This initiative is designed to not only provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities for our community but in turn help raise funds for our school.  Take a look at the website as below.

Triennial Board of Trustee elections – Wednesday 10th September
School communities elect parent and staff representatives for their school board every three years.  School board members play an important role in shaping the education experience and achievements of our students.  We always need people with a range of experiences, different skill sets and interests to be involved and represent our community on our school board.  

If you would like to commit time and become a dedicated member of the Mana College board for the next three year period 2026-2028 please review the link below and feel free to make contact with me at any time.
https://www.schoolboardelections.org.nz

Literacy and Numeracy Co Requisites
The results for these exams will be coming out soon.These exams are very important in that it qualifies students to receive their NCEA certificates from Level 1-3.  Without the literacy and numeracy endorsements students do not receive their NCEA certificate qualification.

There is an after school homework club available on Thursday afternoons to help with any extra study or homework, but in particular literacy and numeracy support.  

Please make contact with any of your child’s teachers to find out more about the club or to get any other literacy or numeracy support.

Attendance
Attendance is linked to both student wellbeing and achievement/attainment.  There is no “safe” level of non-attendance which has no impact on student and ākonga wellbeing and achievement/attainment.  Or in other words for your child to do well and flourish at school they need to be at school everyday.

Therefore we encourage all whānau to place major importance on getting our rangatahi to school every day.  Please reach out to your child’s Toka teacher, Dean and/or our Hauora department if you need any support with this.  

Source-https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/attendance

Conclusion
As we move through Matariki, reflect on the past, acknowledge those important to us who have passed we look to the future. I’m excited about what the remainder of this year and the next three to five years will bring.

I wish you and your whānau an enjoyable two weeks together in these upcoming holidays and am very much looking forward to term 3.

My office is always open for korero and I’m always keen to hear how you or your whānau can support our college for the betterment of our students and community.