Hydrants, Hatches, and Hushed Silence: MEGA Sounds the Fire Alarm!
Hydrants, Hatches, and Hushed Silence: MEGA Sounds the Fire Alarm!
Eastbourne isn’t going to make itself safe again.
MEGA has been quietly (well, not that quietly) approached by members of the Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade with a very real concern: a worrying number of fire hydrants in Eastbourne and across Lower Hutt are faulty, poorly maintained—or not working at all.
And no, this isn’t some obscure bureaucratic backlog. It’s an emergency waiting to happen.
While the responsible authorities (that’s Wellington Water and Hutt City Council) have recently taken the time to slap on a fresh coat of paint over the hatches—how lovely—not one of them, it seems, has bothered to check if the valves underneath actually work. Because who needs water during a house fire, right?
Here’s the kicker: Mayor Campbell Barry was Chair of Wellington Water during this period of neglect, and surprise—he’s still ultimately responsible as Mayor today. As for Deputy Mayor Tui Lewis, our local representative? Crickets. It seems she’s in the dark as some of those rusty valves.
Let’s be crystal clear: this isn’t about politics. It’s about people’s homes, lives, and the volunteer firefighters who put themselves on the line. Fires escalate in minutes. If there’s no water at the hydrant when they arrive, what then?
MEGA is calling for immediate inspection and servicing of all hydrants in Eastbourne and across the Hutt Valley. A coat of paint doesn’t stop a blaze. Action does.
Stay safe. Stay MEGA. www.mega.kiwi.nz...
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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