Pat Van Berkel - Whaitua Te Whanganui-a-Tara Committee
Kia ora koutou, I’m Pat, a member of the Whaitua Te Whanganui-a-Tara Committee tasked with making recommendations to Greater Wellington Regional Council on the future of our coastal and freshwater quality, and how our water is used. Our waterways and all the fish and species that live in them are precious taonga, so we have set out to understand how they are valued and what should be done to provide the future we want for our water.
I have had the opportunity to work with some of you through my involvement with Forest & Bird Upper Hutt. I also chair the local group – Friends of the Hutt River. I am passionate about the health of our waterways that should be safe for people to enjoy and would like to see a thriving natural ecology in our waterways.
This job isn’t easy. We need to find solutions to fix our waste and stormwater networks. These are big changes, and needs to reflect our communities’ views informed by good evidence and information.
Connect with us to talk about what we can do together. You can reach us at whaitua@gw.govt.nz. To see what we have been doing visit our Facebook page, and to share what you value about our water and your solutions have your say by following the link below.
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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59.2% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.6% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15.2% ... It is complicated
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.
Thanku
Arrived home from my holiday to all tha Donations from our giving Neighbours.Thanku all so much.Families who will receive will be truly thankful.
Also neighbours,our Line Dancing starts back tomorrow at Nae nae Bowling club,11-.12:15pm with our beautiful Kathy Farrell.Once again thanku Neighbours for all your generosity.Still.open to taking what uou dont want to pass.on.
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