Stokes Vegas
PROUD TO BE DIFFERENT
Known affectionately as Snake Gully or Stokes Vegas, it is easy to miss Stokes Valley. Situated at the southern end of the Taita Gorge, its Ma¯ ori name, Koraunui, means ‘‘big fern’’ but, sadly, much of the bush that once carpeted the valley between Upper and Lower Hutt was removed by settlers.
In recent years, it has tended to be in the news for all the wrong reasons, due to a stubborn gang problem that has generated national media attention.
Locals will tell you that there is more to the suburb of 10,000 people.
A distinctive sculpture by Guy Ngan hints that there is more to discover.
As well as an indoor pool, it has a thriving marae, retained its supermarket and recently the council opened a $5 million community hub.
The hub provides a range of social services and has quickly become the heart of the community. Much of its focus is on trying to channel the area’s sometimes troubled youth into positive pursuits.
Simon Samoa works at the hub and describes it as a ‘‘beacon, a safe place’’ where the community can gather.
‘‘There is a ‘‘strong sense of equality’’ that he has not encountered in other communities and he says it comes from having such a diverse range of cultures.
Koraunui marae manager Henrietta Gemmell came to Stokes Valley in the 1960s. She grew up in a house with 18 children and has nothing but happy memories of her childhood in such a closeknit community.
The marae is now an important part of the community, providing everything from alternative education to emergency housing and iwi-based social services.
Much of the marae was funded by Housie nights and Gemmell says that is what she likes about Stokes Valley.
The community saw a need for a marae and then found a way to get it built.
At the top of the valley, the Bodhinyanarama Buddhist Monastery provides a sanctuary for the faithful and training for monks.
One of its founding principles is ‘‘refraining from beautification’’ which includes entertainment and adornment.
Luckily, one person who did not follow that principle was Ngan, who Lower Hutt’s Dowse Art Museum describes as ‘‘passionate about making art that could connect us more with our surroundings and each other’’.
He lived in Stokes Valley for over 50 years and, with the wood carvings, sculptures and murals he created, became known as one of its most original and prolific artists.
But it is the sporting heroes that locals brag about the most. Former Hurricane Brad Shields was a Stokes Valley lad and, at the rugby club, people such as Steve Winmill will point out that All Black Cory Jane played there as well.
New Zealand netball great Irene Van Dyk called Stokes Valley home at one point and Black Sox coach Daryl Marino is also a proud resident.
Walk around the shopping centre with Gwen McDonald and you get a sense of how strong the community spirit is. The former city councillor knows everyone, or at least their parents, and she says that, after more than 40 years, she would not live anywhere else.
The local Facebook page, she says, shows how close the community is. ‘‘Someone posts they have lost their cat and half the community is out looking for it.’’
She is particularly proud of the monastery, which most Wellingtonians do not know even exists.
‘‘I always take my visitors from overseas up there – it is just beautiful.’’