Eastbourne, Lower Hutt

Happy new year, neighbours!

Happy new year, neighbours!

From us at Neighbourly, we're wishing you the best for 2026!

3282 days ago

Toxic Algae

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.

There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has … View more
Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.

There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has changed. Most of the algae is a species of diatom – slimy but harmless. The close-up below shows a rock that is mostly covered by the diatom species – it’s yellowy/green and bumpy in appearance. You can also see a couple of patches of Phormidium or toxic algae. In the other picture you can clearly see small patches of toxic algae (the dark brown/black patches) amongst large patches of diatom growth.

It’s safe to use the river, but please remain cautious if you are taking your dog down there and make sure they don’t eat anything suspicious (even a small amount of toxic algae can be lethal if they eat it).

On the western side of the region, there is a water quality warning in place for Porirua Harbour at the Rowing Club. The latest sample recorded high bacterial counts which means the site is currently unsafe for swimming. This may have been due to recent rain in the area – rainfall flushes contaminants from land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for at least two days after rainfall, even if a site generally has good water quality.

Don't forget to keep up-to-date with the latest water quality warnings by visiting our interactive water quality map at bit.ly...

3282 days ago

Toxic Algae

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.

There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has … View more
Ongoing monitoring of toxic algae in the Waipoua River at Colombo Road has confirmed that toxic algae cover is currently low, meaning the warning that has been place since before Christmas has been removed.

There is still a lot of algae in the river at this site, but the composition has changed. Most of the algae is a species of diatom – slimy but harmless. The close-up below shows a rock that is mostly covered by the diatom species – it’s yellowy/green and bumpy in appearance. You can also see a couple of patches of Phormidium or toxic algae. In the other picture you can clearly see small patches of toxic algae (the dark brown/black patches) amongst large patches of diatom growth.

It’s safe to use the river, but please remain cautious if you are taking your dog down there and make sure they don’t eat anything suspicious (even a small amount of toxic algae can be lethal if they eat it).

On the western side of the region, there is a water quality warning in place for Porirua Harbour at the Rowing Club. The latest sample recorded high bacterial counts which means the site is currently unsafe for swimming. This may have been due to recent rain in the area – rainfall flushes contaminants from land into waterways and we advise you not to swim for at least two days after rainfall, even if a site generally has good water quality.

Don't forget to keep up-to-date with the latest water quality warnings by visiting our interactive water quality map at bit.ly...

3282 days ago

Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Scott Base

Kylie from Hutt City Libraries

Join us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Scott Base.

Hear from Veronika Meduna about the fascinating frozen world of Antarctica, Nancy Bertler on some of the exciting scientific discoveries from the past 6 decades, check out an Antarctic tent set up in the library, give stop motion animation… View more
Join us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Scott Base.

Hear from Veronika Meduna about the fascinating frozen world of Antarctica, Nancy Bertler on some of the exciting scientific discoveries from the past 6 decades, check out an Antarctic tent set up in the library, give stop motion animation or 3D printing a go, and watch TEDxScottBase from the comfort of the library!

To find out more about our events celebrating 60 years of Scott Base, see library.huttcity.govt.nz/whatson

3283 days ago

Wainuiomata River clean and green

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from The Hutt News

Afternoon everyone,
Wainuiomata River was recently named the most improved river in the Wellington region at the NZ River Awards. Have you been to the river lately? What do you think?

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3284 days ago

Fancy a nice walk?

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from The Hutt News

Happy New Year Hutt folk!
Recovering from the holidays and all that good food? Why not check out some of the Lower Hutt's walking tracks, like the Te Whiti Riser?

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3311 days ago

Connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people… View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

Age Concern New Zealand will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

1. Invite your older neighbour to share a meal or a cup of tea
Christmas can be a tough time for older people, especially those who live alone. Invite your older neighbour over for a meal this holiday season. This will give you a chance to build a relationship with them.

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3304 days ago

Gold star for healthy habits

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from The Hutt News

Afternoon everyone,
The children at Barnardos Early Learning Centre in Petone have been hard at work, learning all about how to live a healthy lifestyle. They've been growing veges and dancing around to some great tunes to keep fit. What do you think? How much do your kids know about staying … View more
Afternoon everyone,
The children at Barnardos Early Learning Centre in Petone have been hard at work, learning all about how to live a healthy lifestyle. They've been growing veges and dancing around to some great tunes to keep fit. What do you think? How much do your kids know about staying healthy?

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3290 days ago

Setting sail

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from The Hutt News

Hi Hutt folks!
Two Lower Hutt residents are gearing up to head to Japan as part of the Ship for World Youth programme. A team of Kiwis will be representing us and meeting other youth leaders from all over the world. What do you think they'll learn? They're in the middle of fundraising, … View more
Hi Hutt folks!
Two Lower Hutt residents are gearing up to head to Japan as part of the Ship for World Youth programme. A team of Kiwis will be representing us and meeting other youth leaders from all over the world. What do you think they'll learn? They're in the middle of fundraising, so any donations to their givealittle page would be appreciated: givealittle.co.nz...

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3291 days ago

Don't miss your chance to win!

Roadshow Films

Looking for something to do in the holidays? Why not check out RED DOG: True Blue!

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, … View more
Looking for something to do in the holidays? Why not check out RED DOG: True Blue!

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. RED DOG: True Blue is a story of friendship, loyalty and acceptance and is perfect for families and dog lovers of all ages. Want to win a double pass?

Simply like or thank this post before 9 January for your chance to WIN one of ten double passes to RED DOG: True Blue.
Watch the trailer

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3297 days ago

The Pomare-Wingate Overbridge will be closed for seismic strengthening from Monday 26 December to Sunday 8 January

Hutt City Council

The Pomare-Wingate Overbridge will be closed for seismic strengthening from Monday 26 December to Sunday 8 January. During this time a diversion along Cambridge Terrace, down Daysh Street and along High Street will be in place.
A few years ago we started a progressive strengthening programme to … View more
The Pomare-Wingate Overbridge will be closed for seismic strengthening from Monday 26 December to Sunday 8 January. During this time a diversion along Cambridge Terrace, down Daysh Street and along High Street will be in place.
A few years ago we started a progressive strengthening programme to bridges in the city. We are currently completing this strengthening on three bridges:
•Pomare-Wingate Overbridge
•Wainui Road Bridge
•Seaview Road Bridge
The works happening on these bridges is to improve the earthquake resistance of the Seaview and Wainui Road Bridges by adding new linkage systems at deck joint locations. This work is part of our regular strengthening programme and is not related to the recent Kaikoura earthquake.
We have agreed with our contractor late December/early January is the best time to do the work on the Pomare-Wingate Overbridge because it is considered a quiet period for traffic volumes, particularly commercial vehicles. Less traffic also means a safer working environment for our contractor.
It is important the bridge is closed, as just putting traffic management in place would mean the work would take much longer to complete.
When the work is complete the bridge will be open to traffic as normal.

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3298 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

5. Look out for them
Look out for your neighbours this holiday season. Be mindful that Christmas can be a tough time for some older people, especially those who live alone. Small gestures of kindness can make this time much easier for older people who may be lonely.

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3299 days ago

Lower Hutt New World reopens!

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from The Hutt News

Hi everyone,
As of 1 o'clock this afternoon Lower Hutt New World is back open for business! After being shut for 26 days Hutt City Council cleared the supermarket to open just in time for the Christmas rush. Will you be heading down to do some last minute Christmas shopping?

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3299 days ago

Get decorating and $ave the GST!

Resene

Hi neighbours! Summer is here and it’s a great time to get decorating. Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop or participating reseller. Plus if you have a Resene … View moreHi neighbours! Summer is here and it’s a great time to get decorating. Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop or participating reseller. Plus if you have a Resene ColorShop Card or Resene DIY Card, you can enjoy extra savings on a range of products. It's our Christmas gift to you! Offer runs until 31 January 2017. Learn more

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3300 days ago

Win one of 10 double passes to the ultimate family movie!

Roadshow Films

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. … View moreWhen eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. RED DOG: True Blue is a story of friendship, loyalty and acceptance and is perfect for families and dog lovers of all ages. Want to win a double pass?

Simply like or thank this post before 9 January for your chance to WIN one of ten double passes to RED DOG: True Blue.
Watch the trailer

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3300 days ago

Poll: What's the best thing to do to protect your house at Christmas?

Sarah Moore from Neighbourly.co.nz

If you're planning on heading away over the Christmas period, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're protecting your home. Which step do you think is the most important?

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What's the best thing to do to protect your house at Christmas?
  • 8.3% Tell a neighbour you're heading away
    8.3% Complete
  • 0.1% Set up security lights
    0.1% Complete
  • 1.7% Ask someone to collect your mail
    1.7% Complete
  • 5.4% Make sure all doors / windows are locked (including the garage!)
    5.4% Complete
  • 0.3% Unplug electronics
    0.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Create the illusion of someone being home
    4.9% Complete
  • 1% Alert your alarm company and set your alarms
    1% Complete
  • 76.8% All of the above
    76.8% Complete
  • 1.5% Something else
    1.5% Complete
1624 votes
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