Proposed new by-law by Hutt City Council
Let us know what you think about proposed new chipping and snipping rules for domestic cats.
Hutt City Council is seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Control of Animals Bylaw to include a section on the Keeping of Cats. The key proposals are:
Mandatory microchipping of cats
Mandatory registration of microchipped cats on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR)
Mandatory desexing of cats
These changes would help to reduce feral cat populations and make it easier to reunite lost cats with their people.
We want to ensure our beloved moggies aren’t causing harm to wildlife, and managing numbers by desexing will reduce the number of domestic and feral cats in Lower Hutt. Desexing also has welfare benefits for the desexed animal such as being less aggressive and less prone to urine and scent marking behaviour.
Submissions on these proposals are open until 5pm on 6 November 2023.
It takes about five minutes to give your feedback. Submissions can be made anonymously but if you wish to make a verbal submission at a hearing, your name and contact details are required.I feel that this is wrong. Many people have a cat for company and it would be an extra cost 1. in running the programme and implementing it
2. cost to the cat owners.
I feel that the Hutt City Council needs to focus on the sewage and waste not getting more money from people who have a loving cat.
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?
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39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% 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?
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