Changes to State Highway 2 at Belmont
Anyone else narked by the NZ Transport Agency's plans for SH2 between the Pomare/Wairere Rds intersection and Belmont lights (advert on pg 44 of yesterday's Hutt News)? From May 19, the intention is to close off to all traffic except cyclists the inside lane northbound into Belmont, except for a 40m stretch for vehicles entering SH2 from Pomare/Wairere, and 80m before the turnoff into Grounsell Cres at the Belmont lights.
The two main SH2 lanes at this point are already clogged with traffic in the evening rush hour. Now the many hundreds of drivers who intend turning off at Belmont, and those who use the Belmont lights/Grounsell to turn back south, will have to queue with SH2 through traffic, and add to the general congestion. The given reason is because some drivers queue jump heading north by taking the Grounsell on and off-ramps.
Hot on the heels of dropping the bombshell news that a Melling interchange is off the books until at least 2028, never mind all the congestion that's coming our way with Transmission Gully and SH58 with the Petone-Grenada route kicked to touch, NZTA seems to want to add to the northbound congestion in the afternoons and evenings. So we're all held to ransom by a few rat-runners who abuse the Grounsell Cres turn-offs, who are described as posing a safety risk. Yet when another daft idea was proposed more than a year ago to close off Grounsell's northern highway off ramp (thankfully dropped), investigations showed Grounsell actually had quite a reasonable safety record.
I'd like to know what others think?
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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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% 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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