Roadworks

Roadworks are scheduled to take place on Elizabeth Street from January 2026 to May 2026.

Details

The works are part of the Kāpiti Coast District Council's Speed Management Plan and are co-funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). The project is focused on safety improvements and creating a more accessible environment for all road users, with an estimated value of approximately NZ $1.5 million.

Key improvements include:

• Reconstruction of four existing zebra crossings into raised safety platforms.
• Conversion of one existing Kea crossing to a flush pedestrian zebra crossing.
• Construction of one new pedestrian crossing
• Footpath extensions and other safety improvements along Elizabeth Street.

There may be traffic delays on your way to and from the Club while this work is undertaken.

Notice of AGM and Nominations for 2026 Committee

As we close for the year, the last task for the Committee is to notify all members that the next Annual General Meeting will be held at 4.30pm on Monday 23rd February 2026 at the Club rooms.

Our Constitution requires the four longest serving members of the Committee to retire at the AGM and - if they so wish - to seek re-election. Those Committee members are Graham Cheater, Chris Farrow, Rae Lutman (Secretary) and Margaret Gordon (Treasurer). I'm sorry to report that Chris had decided that the time has come for him to stand down, but I'm pleased to say that Graham, Rae and Margaret have all agreed to seek re-election. 

Additionally, I regret to report that Helen Walker has resigned from the Committee.

Although replacements for both Chris and Helen have already been identified, the Constitution still requires the Committee to call for nominations to fill the positions which will technically become vacant. These nominations must be received by the Secretary by 19th January 2026. You may nominate yourself or (with their agreement) another member. No special form is required: an email to Rae at waikanaebridge@gmail.com is sufficient.

That's all from me for 2025, except to wish you a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2026.

I look forward to seeing you all back at the Club in the New Year.

Paraparaumu

I received the following message - which I've edited slightly - from Bob Jennings (President, Paraparaumu Bridge Club) on Sunday 14th December:

Hi Hugh,

All going well yesterday will have been our club's last use of your facilities to play Bridge and socialise. We had a very enjoyable afternoon.

We can't thank you enough for allowing us to carry on our session play very seamlessly and successfully.

Attached is a simple thank you notice on behalf of our club which I pinned under your "Club News".

Progress on our building continues to go well. Painters are working on the inside and once that is completed will move on to the outside. All going well we hope to re-carpet the floor early in the New Year following which we will hold an "grand" opening for members to attend.

We will present our trophies to this year's competition winners and also distribute the 2026 programme books.

Seasons Greetings and kind regards 

Bob

"In Brief"

Congratulations to Helen and Kevin Walker, who finished in 6th place (in a field of 45 pairs) in the Wellington Region Christmas Cheer event held at the Wellington Bridge Club on Saturday 13th December.  Murray Lobb and Craig Jackson were in 14th place.

2025 Prizes

 Congratulations to all our trophy and cup winners:

Thursday
                                                                                               
Mary Fairey Trophy - Sue Legat
Ilca Evans Trophy - Jo Anson & Maureen Pratchett 
Glory Wilson Trophy - Vicky Young & John Donbavand
Ferrier Trophy - Murray Lobb & John Donbavand

Friday

Agnes Richards Cup - Jeanne Wardill & Isobel Ross
Bob Reid Cup - John Donbavand & Kevin Walker
John Mautner Trophy - Angela Gattsche & Pryor Rowland

Monday

Norma Bridges Trophy - Di Andrews
Joan Welsh Cup - Ann Verboeket & Liesbet Gavey
Kay Wallis Trophy - Di Andrews & Nina Netherclift
Beverley Ferrier Trophy - Ernie Davis (not shown)

Tuesday

Harry Fairey Trophy - Graham Cheater & Derek Snelling
B L Jones Trophy - Graham Cheater
Algie Trophy - Lorraine Gaffaney & Eileen Queree
Ord Trophy - Eileen Queree

2025 Christmas Function

Our very well-attended and enjoyable Christmas function took place on Thursday 11th December.

An online album of selected photos from the evening is available here (with thanks to Rae Lutman and Fiona McDonald-Bates).

For a list of the Premium Trophy winners please see separate post here.

Certificates were also presented to Murray Lobb and Craig Jackson, marking their success in the 2025 Wellington Region Junior League  - see separate post here.

Very many thanks to -

• Margaret Gordon for her overall organisation of the evening
• Roz King and the kitchen team (Vicky Young, Jo Anson, Steph Cheeseman, Anne Ricketts, Evita McGuire) for the delicious nibbles with pre-dinner drinks and a splendid meal
• Graham Cheater and Derek Snelling for running the bar
• Marg Gott for the cake/dessert
  
• Everyone who helped setting up the room and clearing up afterwards

Farewells

We say farewell and "haere rā" to the following long-term members:

• Michael Gaffaney

• Jennifer Hall

• Keith Naisbitt

• John Plimmer

• Adrienne Mandel

• Alice Stevenson

• Angela Gattsche

On your behalf, I would like to thank them all for everything they have done for the club and wish them well in the future.