Pencarrow Head, Lower Hutt

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Whether it's a market, garage sale or free event, share it with your neighbours here

1519 days ago

University meeting abandoned after online hack

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Victoria University students’ association (VUWSA) has had their online annual general meeting hacked, with an unknown intruder sharing “racist, homophobic, and graphic content”.

The AGM was abandoned after the screens were hacked and distressing images and messages were streamed.

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1528 days ago

How do you want to see Hutt City develop?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Lower Hutt residents are to have a say on what the city will look like in the years ahead.

Hutt City is in the initial stage of reviewing it's District Plan – the rule book for managing land use and development in the city. The plan covers everything from the height of neighboring … View more
Lower Hutt residents are to have a say on what the city will look like in the years ahead.

Hutt City is in the initial stage of reviewing it's District Plan – the rule book for managing land use and development in the city. The plan covers everything from the height of neighboring properties to how to minimise the impact of climate change.

The plan also sets the rules for developers looking to build infill housing and mutli-storey buildings.

Hutt City Council Chief Executive Jo Miller says the new District Plan will affect every person and every business in the city.

"Tell us how you would you like to see the city develop over the next 20 years."

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1519 days ago

Love daffodils? Find your favourite variety here

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

There are literally thousands of daffodils here, where Ian Riddell has spent over 25 years in the business, from preparing the soil and planting bulbs to harvesting flowers and selling them.

1519 days ago

Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

One in three people are affected by cancer in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death, and although survival rates have improved with better treatment options, many people miss out on rehabilitation.

Often those diagnosed are not aware of resources available to manage pain and improve their … View more
One in three people are affected by cancer in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death, and although survival rates have improved with better treatment options, many people miss out on rehabilitation.

Often those diagnosed are not aware of resources available to manage pain and improve their overall quality of life. Kiely Pepper was seeing the Petone physiotherapist after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had chemotherapy-induced pain and weakness in her hands and feet, pins and needles and reduced joint awareness, and crippling fatigue. For five years Kiely participated in regular rehabilitation, and two years ago, Kiely and her friends competed in a water sports event, and the same year her dragon boating team, Can Survive, finished second in Florence.

The following year, Kiely took part in wheelchair basketball and indoor rowing at the Invictus Games in Australia, even fitting in a chat with Prince Harry between cycling events.

This week, September 7 -13, is Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week, where people are encouraged to spread the word about the resources available to help recovery.

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1520 days ago

Hutt voters could ditch FFP

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Lower Hutt voters will decide whether to ditch the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system at the next local body election.

Councillors resolved to hold a referendum between the status quo and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.

Hutt City Council electoral officer Bruce Hodgins said … View more
Lower Hutt voters will decide whether to ditch the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system at the next local body election.

Councillors resolved to hold a referendum between the status quo and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.

Hutt City Council electoral officer Bruce Hodgins said councils had the option to review their voting systems two years before an election. The council’s last electoral reform poll was in 2003, he said.

Holding the referendum at the same time as the elections would spread the cost of the exercise and reduce expenditure from $175,000 to $30,000.

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1520 days ago

Poll: Should we ban gangs?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Stuff movie reviewer Greame Tuckett loved Savage and suggested it is a film all New Zealanders should see.

"Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging. Very recommended."

Directed by Sam Kelly, it takes a look at the life of … View more
Stuff movie reviewer Greame Tuckett loved Savage and suggested it is a film all New Zealanders should see.

"Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging. Very recommended."

Directed by Sam Kelly, it takes a look at the life of gang leader Moses. Set in Wellington in the 1980s, Kelly suggests that we can trace the emergence of gangs in New Zealand to institutions like the Epuni Boys Home in Lower Hutt, where physical and sexual abuse was rife.

Tuckett was particularly impressed by the way Savage gets "behind the masks of gang life and talked to the lost boys and mutilated men" in gangs throughout New Zealand.

One of the highlights was the performance of James Matamua, who was discovered in a Upper Hutt boxing gym.

The movie will inevitably raises questions about attitudes to gangs and whether politicians should take a tougher approach. Tell us what you think?

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Should we ban gangs?
  • 83.6% Yes
    83.6% Complete
  • 16.4% No
    16.4% Complete
286 votes
1520 days ago

Spring has sprung and we're loving all of the flowers blooming! 🌷

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

As we start tending to our gardens and planning what to grow for the warmer months ahead, perhaps consider if there's something else you should be growing in your community such as stronger connections to your neighbours.

Research shows that loneliness is strongly associated with low mental … View more
As we start tending to our gardens and planning what to grow for the warmer months ahead, perhaps consider if there's something else you should be growing in your community such as stronger connections to your neighbours.

Research shows that loneliness is strongly associated with low mental health + well-being. Whether you have a wide social network or prefer to only have a few close friends, joining Neighbourhood Support is a great way to feel supported and connected to those nearby. You never know when you might need a little help from a local friend!

Join or setup a group for FREE by getting in touch with us here...

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1523 days ago

Driveways driven away by new rule

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new … View more
Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new housing or business developments, under newly released housing guidelines.

The change comes as the Government looks to encourage development, in part by freeing up land held up by car parks, under its new National Policy Statement for urban development.

Property developer Phil Robinson said scrapping car park rules was a “big change”, but he was unsure if it was a “big win”.

What do you think of having more new builds in your area with fewer driveways and garages?

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1521 days ago

Avalon hooker loves his pies

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Asafo Aumua once ate 16 pies for breakfast but it has not stopped him from becoming an All Black.

Aumua achieved that particular feat, one pie for every year of his age, when in the first XV at St Pat’s Silverstream in Upper Hutt.

The 23-year-old played well for the for the Hurricanes in 2020 … View more
Asafo Aumua once ate 16 pies for breakfast but it has not stopped him from becoming an All Black.

Aumua achieved that particular feat, one pie for every year of his age, when in the first XV at St Pat’s Silverstream in Upper Hutt.

The 23-year-old played well for the for the Hurricanes in 2020 and on Sunday was chosen in Ian Foster's All Black squad.

Aumua grew up in Naenae and plays for Avalon

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1522 days ago

Poll: Is a predator-free Wellington achievable"

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington’s predator-free vision is a step closer to reality, thanks to a major funding boost announced today.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced a further $7.6m in investment over the next five years at Otari-Wilton’s Bush in Wellington on Monday. The investment was expected to … View more
Wellington’s predator-free vision is a step closer to reality, thanks to a major funding boost announced today.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced a further $7.6m in investment over the next five years at Otari-Wilton’s Bush in Wellington on Monday. The investment was expected to create 42 new jobs.

The money would come from the Government’s company, Predator Free 2050, and matches similar investment from Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

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Is a predator-free Wellington achievable"
  • 62% Yes
    62% Complete
  • 38% No
    38% Complete
342 votes
1521 days ago

See how our Houseplant Hero runnerup Hollie Procter fits all her plants into her tiny home!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

“So I would say it’s possible I might have the most plants per square metre,” she quips.

1522 days ago

Your thoughts on making Matariki a public holiday

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Labour will make Matariki New Zealand's 12th public holiday from 2022 if re-elected, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.… View more
Hi neighbours,

Labour will make Matariki New Zealand's 12th public holiday from 2022 if re-elected, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.

The policy announcement follows a series of public campaigns for Matariki, which acts as the Māori New Year, to be recognised.

We want to hear your thoughts about Matariki becoming a public holiday. Do you support the idea, or are you against it? Perhaps you have a counter proposal.

Share your thoughts here.

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1521 days ago

The original big bathroom sale

Zip Plumbing Hutt Valley

- Bathroom Packages from $1599.
- Up to 70% OFF on End of line and clearance products

Next weekend, 18th September 2020 to 20th September 2020. Only in Hutt Valley.

66 Hutt Road, Petone, Lower Hutt 5012
(04) 568 3353
zipplumb@xtra.co.nz
Find out more

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1523 days ago

Poll: Would you buy an apartment in Wellington City?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

The Wellington City Council estimates that over the next 30 years, the capital will need up to 80,000 new homes. With little land available for development, apartments are likely to be the future for growth in the city.

For Wellington’s inner city, a six-storey minimum building height will … View more
The Wellington City Council estimates that over the next 30 years, the capital will need up to 80,000 new homes. With little land available for development, apartments are likely to be the future for growth in the city.

For Wellington’s inner city, a six-storey minimum building height will likely be introduced with developments up to 10 storeys in Te Aro and on some central city boundaries. In the inner-city suburbs, up to 5400 extra homes will be created.

But inner-city apartment owner Carol Brown​ says people should think very carefully before buying an apartment in Wellington. She is warning that although new apartments will be built to code, the code can change over time.

That is what happened to her and she warned the financial implications can be huge.

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Would you buy an apartment in Wellington City?
  • 17.8% Yes
    17.8% Complete
  • 82.2% No
    82.2% Complete
494 votes
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