Get that old sewing machine repaired
The second Upper Hutt Repair Cafe, the seed of which was planted on Neighbourly last October, is on this Saturday at the Wesley Centre.
The idea has grown from a discussion on Neighbourly to become a fully registered charity with more than 60 volunteers.
The aim is to encourage people to repair items, rather than replacing them.
“Our focus is to educate, popularise repair over replace and divert usable goods from landfill by teaching repair skills in the community through our events," says organiser Lisa Crawford.
On Saturday you will be able to get a coffee from a barista, as well as getting items fixed.
“This Saturday we are planning on the Repair Cafe being twice as big as the first and we are featuring Sewing Machine and Jewellery Repair in addition to our usual repairs.
What you will find at the Upper Hutt Repair Cafe.
- Featuring Sewing Machine and Jewellery Repair (in addition to electrical, mechanical, sewing, bike repair).
- Learn a skill- make a boomerang bag, upcycled cushion cover, kids pyjamas, bunting- using repurposed fabric samples and waste fabrics from our community. Everything provided, all free, no prior experience needed.
- Recycle unfixable goods on-site with Earthlink.
- Earthlink Kids will feature and sell their sustainable kids clothing collection (made from ex-corporate uniforms).
- In partnership with Food 4 Thought, will be collecting donations of small hand/garden tools for upcoming Upper Hutt Tool Library.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
-
39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
-
58.7% No, I enjoy it
-
2% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Loading…
