Water restrictions
Currently Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Porirua are under level one water restrictions. Wellington residents are now being urged to store an emergency water supply over the holiday period as the capital could face the possibility of severe water restrictions.
What you need to know:
- Sprinklers can only be used every second day at this stage in level one restrictions.
- Wremo recommends households have an emergency supply of at least 20L of water per person, per day for seven days (140L per person). Wellington residents can buy 200L water tanks from their local councils for a discounted rate.
- Wellington Water is preparing with emergency agencies for level four restrictions, which would ban all outdoor water use and reduce indoor water use by up to 50%.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (Wremo) regional manager Jeremy Holmes said storing water should be a priority over the Christmas and New Year period.
"You can store water by cleaning and re-using plastic bottles, using larger water containers from hardware stores or installing a 200 litre household emergency water tank available through your local council."
He understood finding space in apartments could be a challenge, so he encouraged people to get creative and take measures such as storing containers behind the couch, under beds or in the back of cupboards.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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27.6% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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41.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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27.6% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.4% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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46% I avoid spending money on coffee
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39.6% I still indulge at my local cafe
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14.4% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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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