Matiu/Somes Island, Lower Hutt

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1358 days ago

Rare duck spotted in Lower Hutt

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Lower Hutt photographer Louise Thomas had the perfect Valentine's Day gift, spotting an extremely rare pāteke (brown teal).
Once widespread throughout New Zealand, pāteke are our rarest native waterfowl.
Thomas spotted the bird in a Lower Hutt park on Valentine's Day.
According to DOC … View more
Lower Hutt photographer Louise Thomas had the perfect Valentine's Day gift, spotting an extremely rare pāteke (brown teal).
Once widespread throughout New Zealand, pāteke are our rarest native waterfowl.
Thomas spotted the bird in a Lower Hutt park on Valentine's Day.
According to DOC there are between 2000 and 2500 pāteke with the main populations on Great Barrier Island (700), Northland (600), and Coromandel (400).
The rest of the population is on offshore Islands, including Kāpiti and Mana, and sanctuaries like Zealandia.
They are considered at risk of extinction because they only survive in areas that are actively trapped.

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1362 days ago

Auckland to move to Alert Level 2, rest of New Zealand to move to Alert Level 1

Neighbourly.co.nz

UPDATE
17 February
4.53pm

The rest of New Zealand will return at Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight. Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- New Zealand will return to Alert … View more
UPDATE
17 February
4.53pm

The rest of New Zealand will return at Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight. Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- New Zealand will return to Alert Level 1 with Auckland moving to Alert Level 2.
- These restrictions will be reviewed February 22.
- There has been an additional 1 case confirmed, with the positive case a member of the same household bubble.
- New locations of interest have been loaded on the Ministry of Health website.
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UPDATE
16 February
1.09pm

There are no new community cases Ashley Bloomfield confirmed in a 1pm update today. There are no new cases in MIQ facilities.
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UPDATE
15 February
4.20pm

Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- The Prime Minister says there's a variety of scenarios on how the virus got into the community. To date, health officials are still attempting to establish the source of the outbreak.
- 42 people have been identified as close contacts.
- The first batch of Pfizer vaccines - 60,000 doses - arrived this morning on a Singapore Airlines flight.
- Vaccines will be offered to border and MIQ workers from this Saturday.
- This will be the largest vaccine programme in New Zealand's history, Jacinda Ardern says.
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UPDATE
February 15
1.36pm

The Ministry of Health has confirmed five new cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation. There are no new community cases.
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UPDATE
February 15
8.18am

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the first two February cases are the highly infectious UK strain. There is no link to any MIQ infections.
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All regions outside Auckland have moved to Alert Level 2.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation at 7.00pm Sunday, announcing all regions excluding Auckland, will move to Alert Level 2 from 11.59pm tonight.

Here's what you need to know:
- Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.
- Mask use is encouraged when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
- From 11.59pm tonight, travel to Auckland will no longer be possible with the heightened alert level - unless you are returning home.
- The full list of rules under Alert Level 2 can be found here.
- Here's the full list of locations of interest where the cases visited.

Neighbourly will update this message as further information comes to hand.

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1359 days ago

Register for Open Day

Whitby Collegiate

Come along and see Whitby Collegiate at our next Open Day on Sunday 14 March from 11am to 1pm.

Whitby Collegiate is the first progressive, independent, co-educational school in the Wellington region for Years 7 to 13. 

• Excellent teacher to student ratios.
• Strong academic results.
View more
Come along and see Whitby Collegiate at our next Open Day on Sunday 14 March from 11am to 1pm.

Whitby Collegiate is the first progressive, independent, co-educational school in the Wellington region for Years 7 to 13. 

• Excellent teacher to student ratios.
• Strong academic results.
• A supportive learning environment.
• Buses running to and from the Kāpiti Coast, Porirua, Johnsonville and the
Hutt Valley.

Register for the Sunday 14 March Open Day here.
Find out more

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1359 days ago

Free AgriSkills Training with UCOL @Taratahi

UCOL

UCOL at Taratahi have short residential courses starting now, providing candidates with a jump start to a career on the land.

These are fully-funded courses delivered in partnership with MPI and provide skills and training to meet needs across the primary industries.

Starting from March there… View more
UCOL at Taratahi have short residential courses starting now, providing candidates with a jump start to a career on the land.

These are fully-funded courses delivered in partnership with MPI and provide skills and training to meet needs across the primary industries.

Starting from March there are courses in Apiculture, Dairy, Shearing, Fencing, general Ag-contracting and specialist vehicle training.

All courses are residential at Taratahi, both the cost of board and training is covered*.

Following training at Taratahi, UCOL has fee-free agriculture certificates and diplomas or job opportunities that await.

Get in touch with UCOL today (0800 GO UCOL), secure your place and get the skills to start your career on the land.

*Candidates must be over 18 for residential stay, self-catering at weekends.
Find out more

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1361 days ago

Sprinkler ban for Wellington region

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Due to low water supply in Wellington region and not enough rain, there is now a BAN on residential sprinklers and irrigation systems in Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Wellington City council areas.

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1363 days ago

Pet of the Day: Pip

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Remember if you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say what suburb you are from.
This week we feature Pip a ten month old border terrier, who belongs to Suzie Beverley from Hataitai.

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1361 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Sophie and Kanan

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Sophie and Kanan come in a pair from the Wellington SPCA.

"Since I have been here, I have found a new best friend so will need to be adopted Kanan. He is quite shy, and will need an experienced family. This is what my foster family said about me. "Sophie was shy and hid a lot when she … View more
Sophie and Kanan come in a pair from the Wellington SPCA.

"Since I have been here, I have found a new best friend so will need to be adopted Kanan. He is quite shy, and will need an experienced family. This is what my foster family said about me. "Sophie was shy and hid a lot when she first came home with me. I put some food by her hiding spot and a little trail towards me and she came out and was affectionate. Until she feels safe she will hide. Sophie still - 3 months later - hides when other people come to the house, but is brave and affectionate with me. Sophie isn't really interested in toys and prefers to sleep in the sun or hang out with me. She will either snuggle into my leg on the sofa or on my lap. When she wants attention she will pat me with her paw. In the evening I would cradle her like a baby and sing to her and rub her belly, she loved it." I would do best with someone around for parts of the day, and will need to be indoors for some time until I feel safe."

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1361 days ago

Sprinkler ban for Wellington region

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Due to low water supply in Wellington region and not enough rain, there is now a BAN on residential sprinklers and irrigation systems in Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Wellington City council areas.

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1361 days ago

COVID-19 Update

Community Engagement Advisor from

Following today’s Government announcement, as of 11.59pm Sunday 14 February the Wellington region will move to Alert Level 2 until 12 midnight, Wednesday 17 February.

What does this mean for travelling with Metlink?

Face coverings are once again mandatory for travel on all Metlink bus, train … View more
Following today’s Government announcement, as of 11.59pm Sunday 14 February the Wellington region will move to Alert Level 2 until 12 midnight, Wednesday 17 February.

What does this mean for travelling with Metlink?

Face coverings are once again mandatory for travel on all Metlink bus, train and ferry services. We will be continuing to run our full timetable from midnight tonight (Sunday 14 February).

Passengers should continue to follow the Government’s level 2 advice which includes tracking their locations, practicing good personal hygiene by washing and sanitising their hands before and after travelling, sneezing and coughing into their elbows and avoiding public transport completely if they are sick.

Passengers can keep up to date with the Government’s latest alert level 2 measures on public transport through Metlink's social media, website and app. #Staysafe #BeKind #Metlink

1361 days ago

COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL UPDATE

The Team from New Zealand Police

From 11:59pm tonight, Auckland moves to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The measures will remain in place for three days until midnight Wednesday.

More information on the Alert Levels here: covid19.govt.nz...

For everything you need to know visit … View more
From 11:59pm tonight, Auckland moves to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The measures will remain in place for three days until midnight Wednesday.

More information on the Alert Levels here: covid19.govt.nz...

For everything you need to know visit www.covid19.govt.nz....

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1373 days ago

Brain Health Workshop for Seniors

Lorna Harvey from

You are invited to join a workshop focusing on how to keep your brain healthy and active. You will learn about things you can for brain health in older age, such as good nutrition and sleep, and social support.
After a talk from a nutritionist, we will prepare a meal together, eat, and discuss … View more
You are invited to join a workshop focusing on how to keep your brain healthy and active. You will learn about things you can for brain health in older age, such as good nutrition and sleep, and social support.
After a talk from a nutritionist, we will prepare a meal together, eat, and discuss social support.

This innovative four-part workshop is part of a research project aimed at designing social activities and keeping our brains healthy in older age.

Dana Fridman is a design researcher and lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington with a background in psychology and user experience design. Her research focus is design for brain health through social support and connection.

When:
• 4th February 2021 (full)
• 4th March 2021
• 1st April 2021

Where: Willis Street, Wellington

This research has been approved by the Victoria University of Wellington Human Ethics Committee #0000027422. Spaces are limited, so please register by emailing ea@acwellington.org.nz or by phoning 04 499 6648

1362 days ago

Tell us about a local business that makes your day?

Prospa

We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’. Well, it’s … View moreWe all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’. Well, it’s payback time!

Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2021 Prospa Local Business Hero awards – and they could be up for some fantastic prizes (T&C’s apply).

Every nominated business receives a free 3-month premium listing on Neighbourly. The 11 Regional finalists get a $100 Prezzy® gift card for the business (and one for the nominator too) and a 12-month Premium Business listing on Neighbourly (valued at $399). The National winner receives $2,500 cash prize from Prospa, a $5,000 Stuff advertising package and a $2,500 Neighbourly package.

Nominate a business today and spread the word about your Prospa Local Business Hero.
Learn more

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1367 days ago

Ngauranga to Petone shared pathway

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

The first project in Lower Hutt to be consented under the fast track legislation is Te Ara Tupua – the Ngāūranga to Petone shared pathway. 330 jobs will be created over the life of the project which will see a walking and cycling pathway built around our harbour and enhance the entrance to our … View moreThe first project in Lower Hutt to be consented under the fast track legislation is Te Ara Tupua – the Ngāūranga to Petone shared pathway. 330 jobs will be created over the life of the project which will see a walking and cycling pathway built around our harbour and enhance the entrance to our city.
Nearly a year to the day after cyclist Brent Norriss was hit and killed by a car on State Highway 2 as he travelled home from Wellington to the Hutt Valley, the long-awaited $130 million shared pathway linking Petone with Ngauranga has been fast-tracked.

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1363 days ago

Pioneering a new way of living

There’s a new generation pioneering what it means to be living in retirement. They’re making the most of every moment, trying new things and rediscovering passions that were lost when responsibilities took over.

They’re busy enjoying newfound independence and relaxing into creativity.
We … View more
There’s a new generation pioneering what it means to be living in retirement. They’re making the most of every moment, trying new things and rediscovering passions that were lost when responsibilities took over.

They’re busy enjoying newfound independence and relaxing into creativity.
We want to help them do it. That’s why we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Find out more

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1365 days ago

Poll: Should Naenae Pool be rebuilt?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

The $68 million budget to rebuild Lower Hutt's earthquake-prone Naenae pool is a “limit” not a “target”, according to the council.
The pool was closed in April 2019 after engineering reports gave it an overall rating of less than 34 per cent of the New Building Standard.
At the time, … View more
The $68 million budget to rebuild Lower Hutt's earthquake-prone Naenae pool is a “limit” not a “target”, according to the council.
The pool was closed in April 2019 after engineering reports gave it an overall rating of less than 34 per cent of the New Building Standard.
At the time, the council estimated the construction of a new pool would cost about $40m. In 2020, that figure was increased to $54m. Then, last week, the council released the latest projections, which put the cost of the project at up to $68m.
Counciilors this week agreed to rebuild it but have set a limit of $68m.
Cr Brady Dyer​ questioned whether the council should ask the public for their views on demolishing the pool and turning the site into a reserve.

If you do not want your comment used in a Stuff publication please put NFP.

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Should Naenae Pool be rebuilt?
  • 68.4% Yes, rebuild it
    68.4% Complete
  • 31.6% No, $68m is too much
    31.6% Complete
114 votes
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