This is a great way to replenish your home library and support this classic Kāpiti event that has generated many hundreds of thousands in funds for local charitable causes.Where

Where: Waikanae Memorial Hall

When: Saturday: 8am-5pm; Sunday: 9am-2pm

Come along and stock up on books, puzzles, music & more — perfect for your summer reading.

All proceeds go to the Golf for Good Project, supporting a fantastic local cause. 

Don’t miss out — grab a bargain, bring your friends, and help make a difference

A few dollars dropped into a pink bucket in the region this Friday or Saturday will help Breast Cancer Foundation NZ support people affected by breast cancer and work towards a future with zero deaths from the disease.

More than 1,100 local volunteers will be collecting donations across the region for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October.

Every year, around 390 people in the Wellington region are diagnosed with breast cancer. The money raised locally will contribute to breast health education, research and clinical trials, specialist nursing support and advocacy for faster and fairer access to early diagnosis and treatment.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Vanessa Sorenson says every donation helps turn community support into practical action.

“Behind every pink bucket is a volunteer giving their time, and behind every donation is someone choosing to stand with New Zealanders affected by breast cancer.

“We know household budgets are under pressure, so we’re asking people to give what they can. When thousands of small donations come together, they help our nurses provide trusted information and support, take breast health education into communities, fund important research and push for changes to make earlier diagnosis and better treatments available.

“More than 3,700 New Zealanders will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 650 will lose their lives to it. Behind these numbers are people who matter deeply to their whānau, friends and community – and we know more of those lives can be saved.”

As an independent charity, the Foundation’s work is only made possible by donations and fundraising from generous New Zealanders.

Vanessa says the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is a simple way for people to contribute to a future where more people with breast cancer can live, and live well.

“If you see one of our wonderful volunteers on the streets, please stop and make a donation. Even a small gift can make a difference – together, they all add up and help us continue our vital work.”

Donations can be made to volunteer collectors across the region on 16 and 17 October, online at www.pinkribbonappeal.co.nz or by texting ‘PINK’ to 2447 to donate $3.

Organiser Ross Jordan says this year’s Trailer Raffle includes a $6000 TV, a huge lot of groceries and the winner even gets to keep the trailer.

“It is a great fundraiser for us and all proceeds go to supporting youth in Kāpiti,” says Mr Jordan.

“We are able to send Kāpiti youth on science courses, Outward Bound, Spirit of Adventure, and many other youth development opportunities,” says Mr Jordan.

He says Kāpiti Rotary is grateful to all who support this annual fundraiser, with net proceeds to help support our youth programmes in Kāpiti. Rotary are grateful to all those who buy tickets. “We really appreciate you helping to do good in your community.”

The Rotary Club of Kāpiti members started selling tickets on the first weekend in September in Coastlands. You will see the Raffle and Rotary volunteers throughout Kāpiti.

The raffle will be drawn on November 27.

Spokesperson Darren Grant says this event advances a long-standing aspiration for Kāpiti’s Tourism sector, to build on the profile and visitation generated by WOW while creating a distinctive experience here on the Coast. He says it is also an important step in building relationships with nationally recognised events and creative organisations.

Behind the scenes of wearable art

Hosted by WOW’s Sarah Nathan, the evening will take audiences behind the scenes with local award-winning designers Kayla Christensen and Rebecca Bond, and renowned Wellington designer Fifi Coulston. They will share insights into their inspiration, creative processes and technical challenges. This is especially exciting as Waikanae-based designer Kayla Christensen was named the 2026 Supreme WOW Award winner for Sacred Nightfall. Kayla is a 10-time finalist and recipient of six previous WOW awards.

A creative experience with a wider Kāpiti story

Intentionally scheduled for the Friday before the second weekend of the Kāpiti Art Trail, the event provides a natural platform to encourage visitors already travelling for the Art Trail to extend their stay, while giving those travelling for this WOW event, additional opportunities to explore Kāpiti’s creative and tourism sector. This is a really effective way to leverage existing, and attract new, visitors coming to the district for both events.

Supporting Kāpiti’s creative sector

While this is a unique event experience for WOW enthusiasts and visitors, it is also being deliberately positioned as a professional development and networking opportunity for the local creative industry. Designers, artists, makers, students and creative professionals will have a unique opportunity to gain insight into established creative practice, build networks and connect with pathways into larger-scale creative opportunities. A local performer will also be featured as part of the VIP experience and foyer programme, providing another opportunity to spotlight Kāpiti’s music and creative scene.

Capacity is limited to 313 seats. VIP and general admission tickets are now available. Buy Tickets / Find Out More

From 1 October 2026, motorists will be required to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when overtaking a pedestrian, cyclist, horse rider or other vulnerable road user on the road.

The new law replaces the previous recommended guidance around passing cyclists and, importantly, is the first time horse riders have been included in a road safety measure aimed at preventing death and serious injury among our most vulnerable road users.
NZVRU Trust Chair Julia McLean said the change recognises a long-standing road safety concern and sends a clear message that vulnerable road users deserve greater protection.

“This is a landmark moment for road safety in New Zealand. For years, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders have been calling for stronger measures to reduce the risk of serious injury and death caused by unsafe overtaking.

“A passing-distance law is only effective if it is supported by education, awareness and enforcement. Drivers need to understand both their legal responsibilities and the potentially devastating consequences of passing too closely.”

The Trust said the law aligns strongly with its national Pass Wide & Slow campaign, which promotes safer behaviour around vulnerable road users and encourages motorists to leave plenty of space and reduce speed when passing.

While welcoming the new minimum standard, the Trust is continuing to advocate for drivers to give horses even more room.
International best-practice guidance recommends motorists allow at least two metres of space and reduce their speed to approximately 20 km/h when passing a horse. A horse can weigh more than 500 kilograms and may react suddenly to unexpected
movement, noise or proximity.

“Drivers often underestimate how vulnerable horse riders are. Giving a horse extra space and slowing down costs very little time but can prevent a life-changing incident.”

The Trust says the law is an important response to the ongoing toll of death and serious injury involving vulnerable road users.
Last year, McLean presented never-before-seen horse-rider fatality statistics at Parliament, helping to highlight the scale of the issue and the need for meaningful change.

The new law will be supported by a $300 infringement penalty, reinforcing the importance of safe overtaking behaviour.
“Our message remains simple: safe choices save lives,” said Julia McLean.

“Whether you’re passing a person walking, cycling or riding a horse, slow down, give them space and remember they are someone’s loved one. Everyone deserves to get home safely.”

Video When you See a Vulnerable Road User – Pass Wide and Slow

More traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

More traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

More news from the trust see: https://nzvulnerableroadusertrust.rocketspark.co.nz

Join Coach Angelo Robinson and his Team in celebrating an amazing 30 years of Hoop Club Kāpiti.

There have been many challenges along the way, but Coach Angelo has held true to his strong belief of bringing grass roots basketball to Kāpiti and supporting youth in his local community. 

The club says “We would love to know how Hoop Club Kāpiti has helped you? Better still send a video of you answering them.” 

Send your responses to this survey to contact@hoopclubkapiti.nz

Hoop Club Kāpiti is a local Basketball Club serving the Kāpiti Coast.

“Our primary aim is to provide opportunities for Basketball players and supporters of all ages and levels to participate in the sport.

“We promote a positive atmosphere which emphasises and fosters sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, self improvement, life skills and respect for others. “

For more see: https://www.hoopclubkapiti.nz/

Christensen took the award for Sacred Nightfall, an intricately hand-painted and stitched tapestry which summons an ethereal night goddess from the deep native forests of Aotearoa.

With a strong global field of creatives from 18 countries, New Zealand designers had a standout showing at the 2026 WOW Awards; taking home 15 of the 25 prizes, including the competition’s top two honours.

Kiwi husband-and-wife team Erna Van Der Wat and Karl Van Der Wat received the Runner-Up Award for Armour of Pain, inspired by Erna’s journey with chronic pain, and its transformation from tormentor to mentor – which judges described as a “fearless portrayal of pain and power”.

A 10-time WOW finalist, Waikanae-based Kayla Christensen has received six prior awards, including placing first in the Aotearoa Section in 2024 and receiving the Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award in 2019. WOW Head of Competition Sarah Nathan says judges described Sacred Nightfall as mesmerising and multilayered, rich with kaitiakitanga and wairua.

“Sacred Nightfall asks us to listen to what remains in the darkness and protect what still lives. The extinct whēkau and ruru hinapō are painted back into existence, restoring their memory and honouring the fragile natural world that still surrounds us,” she says.

This year’s winners were selected from 108 finalist entries created by 134 designers from 18 countries; with a prize pool of over $200,000.

Alongside the leading performance of New Zealand designers, multiple artists from Taiwan also enjoyed notable success this year – including student, Cheng-Hung Lin, who took the 2026 Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award; while internationally acclaimed avant-garde designers Bethany Cordwell of Australia and Cecilio Castrillo of Spain took out the Avant-garde Section and Absolutely Positively Wellington International Design Merit Award respectively.

The 2026 WOW Competition judging panel was comprised of WOW Founder, Ambassador, and Resident Judge Dame Suzie Moncrieff; NZ surrealist and expressionist painter Kate MacKenzie and Creative Director of Taylor and The Shelter, Vicki Taylor.

The 2026 World of WearableArt Show: GLO! runs 17 September – 4 October at TSB Arena in Wellington. Tickets are on sale now at worldofwearableart.com

2026 WORLD OF WEARABLEART AWARD WINNERS

Supreme WOW Award: Sacred Nightfall, Kayla Christensen, New Zealand
Supreme WOW Award Runner-up: Armour of Pain, Erna Van Der Wat & Karl Van Der Wat, New Zealand Section winners
Open Section
Winner: More, Katherine Bertram, New Zealand
Runner-up: Spectrum of a Wallflower, Louise MacKay & Allison MacKay, New Zealand
Avant-garde Section
Winner: Hard Exterior, Alter Ego, Bethany Cordwell, Australia
Runner-up: Marginal Gravity, Chao Po-Chien, Shih Chien University, Taiwan
Aotearoa Section
Winner: Sacred Nightfall, Kayla Christensen, New Zealand
Runner-up: MOTHER VAKA, Vasemaca Tavola & Czarina Wilson, New Zealand
Metallic Section
Winner: Armour of Pain, Erna Van Der Wat & Karl Van Der Wat, New Zealand
Runner-up: The Golden Illusion, Shantanu Singh, India
Kinetic Section
Winner: Thoughts, Tracey Murphy & Isabel Costley, New Zealand
Runner-up: Lophii, Joe Blanck, Australia
Bizarre Bra Section
Winner: Bust a Move, Lyndal Linton, New Zealand
Runner-up: Busted!, Katherine Bertram, New Zealand

Over 150 people attended the 2026 Work Ready Kāpiti Annual Awards at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti last Thursday (10 September), celebrating the outstanding achievements of the local rangatahi, employers, schools, organisations and supporters involved in Work Ready Kāpiti’s programmes. 

Kāpiti Coast Districtwide Councillor Liz Koh was in attendance, presenting awards to some of the 76 graduates of the Work Ready Kāpiti Passport programme. These youth from Kāpiti College, Ōtaki College and Paraparaumu College successfully completed this workbook-based programme that supports them to develop the skills that local employers are seeking. 

The evening was then followed by a celebration of all the award winners in 2026. This year’s award winners are: 

• Best Work Ready Kāpiti Passport, Sponsored by Pzazz Building – Zak Edmonds, for excellence in completing the Work Ready Kāpiti Passport programme.
• #EmployerMeet Star, Sponsored by Fervor – Evelyn Williamson and Jasmine-Lee Follows, for showcasing outstanding engagement, initiative and professionalism to local employers at a Work Ready Kāpiti #EmployerMeet.
• Engaged and Invested, Sponsored by EcoShifter – Kāpiti College, for outstanding commitment as a college or organisation to the Work Ready Kāpiti kaupapa.
• Most Committed Employer of Youth, Sponsored by Bryan Gundersen – Coastlands, for exceptional commitment to supporting youth. Runner-Up: CyberTeam.
• Top WEX Placement, Sponsored by Kāpiti Business Chamber – Luka Meyer, for exceptional performance in her work experience placement.
• Rise to the Challenge, Sponsored by Leith Consulting – Zak Edmonds, for resilience and determination in becoming work ready.
• Youth of the Year, Sponsored by Coastlands – Merika Beach, for embodying the spirit of Work Ready Kāpiti through initiative, leadership, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Runner-up: Lachie McBride.

On the night, John Scutter, Chair of the Work Ready Kāpiti Board, said: “Over the past year, hundreds of young people across Kāpiti have taken opportunities to build their confidence, develop their skills, meet employers and start thinking constructively about their futures.

“While tonight we will recognise some individual achievements, I think it is really important that we recognise everyone who has taken part. Whether that is a young person who completed their first interview, an employer who offered a work experience placement, a teacher who encouraged a student to get involved, a volunteer who gave up their time, or one of our funding and business partners who helped make the programmes possible. You have all played a part.

“Work Ready Kāpiti exists because we believe young people deserve the opportunity to understand the world of work, to meet employers and to see what is possible for their future. And importantly, we believe that this works best when the whole community gets behind them,” says Mr Scutter.

The evening also benefited from the talent of local youth, with Year 12 student Sebastian Knighton keeping the crowd engaged as event MC. Fellow Kāpiti College students also wowed the audience with incredible performances from hit musicals, with Louis Okey singing ‘All I Care About’ from Chicago and Carys Ferguson singing ‘When He Sees Me’ from the musical Waitress. 

This event comes at a difficult period for youth employment in New Zealand. According to figures from Stats NZ, 13.8% of 15-24 year olds in New Zealand are unemployed, not in education, or training*. In note of this, Work Ready Kāpiti would like to especially thank all sponsors, funders, partners, colleges and the wider community for their continued support. Their investment helps young people gain confidence, real-world skills, and meaningful connections, opening more opportunities for their future and the growth of the local workforce. 

Follow Work Ready Kāpiti on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok or visit workreadykapiti.com, for up-to-date information about the Work Ready Kāpiti Programmes.

“Our skilled teachers are passionate about their role and it shows.”

Encouraging and celebrating achievements in the water is the Custard Pie swimmer of the week. A recent winner of this was Ailee. Swim teacher Jasmine says Ailee has been so determined and dedicated to swimming ever since she first came.

“She is very amazing in the water and does an excellent job at swimming. I’m very proud of how far she’s come in the last few months from penguin, to where she is now.

“Ailee struggled a bit on her back but has been trying super hard to get it, and it’s finally paid off with her doing her first length of back kick last Saturday.”

“Ailee I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see you improve even more during the holiday block,” says Jasmine.

Kāpiti Learn to Swim says “Special thanks to the team at Custard Pie for sponsoring Kāpiti learn to swimmer of the week every week. Thank you. We love working with our community. X”

For more see: https://www.swimminglessons.co.nz/

Wingham joins the Hurricanes following three seasons with the Highlanders and is set to add competition and versatility to the club’s well-stocked front row contingent.

“I’m excited to be joining the Hurricanes in 2027. It’s a great opportunity to rub shoulders with some quality players and coaches, be part of a new environment, and to experience a new place,” Wingham said.

A powerful prop who can play on both sides of the scrum, Wingham came through the ranks in Dunedin, where he attended King’s High School. He was the school’s first New Zealand Schools representative in 23 years when he made the team in 2020 alongside fellow Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo, Harry Godfrey, and Siale Lauaki.

The 23-year-old continued his development with the Highlanders U20 side in 2021 and represented North Otago in the Heartland Championship the following year.

Wingham made his NPC debut with Otago in 2023 and has since played 38 times for the province. He started in last year’s historic Ranfurly Shield win over Canterbury and featured regularly in Otago’s run to the 2025 NPC final.

In 2024, Wingham made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes and made a total of eight appearances for the club.

Regarded as a promising youngster with plenty of potential, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is eager to add Wingham to a cohort of props that also features All Blacks quartet Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, and Siale Lauaki.

“Rohan’s a young prop, plays both sides of the scrum, and already has Super Rugby experience,” Laidlaw said.

“With our strong track record of producing quality props, we really feel like we can help develop him through our props who he can learn from and compete against, as well as through Jamie Mackintosh and his coaching.

“He’s a great addition to a strong area of the team. We look forward to him coming here and competing with those boys and putting his best foot forward during pre-season.”

Rohan Wingham

Date of Birth: 4 December 2002 (23-years-old)
Place of Birth: Dunedin
Position: Prop
Height: 1.89m
Weight: 120kg
Club: Dunedin Rugby Football Club
School: King’s High School
Playing Career: North Otago (2022), Otago (2023-present), Highlanders (2024-2026)
Honours: Ranfurly Shield (2025-2026)