Changes to State Highway 2 at Belmont
Anyone else narked by the NZ Transport Agency's plans for SH2 between the Pomare/Wairere Rds intersection and Belmont lights (advert on pg 44 of yesterday's Hutt News)? From May 19, the intention is to close off to all traffic except cyclists the inside lane northbound into Belmont, except for a 40m stretch for vehicles entering SH2 from Pomare/Wairere, and 80m before the turnoff into Grounsell Cres at the Belmont lights.
The two main SH2 lanes at this point are already clogged with traffic in the evening rush hour. Now the many hundreds of drivers who intend turning off at Belmont, and those who use the Belmont lights/Grounsell to turn back south, will have to queue with SH2 through traffic, and add to the general congestion. The given reason is because some drivers queue jump heading north by taking the Grounsell on and off-ramps.
Hot on the heels of dropping the bombshell news that a Melling interchange is off the books until at least 2028, never mind all the congestion that's coming our way with Transmission Gully and SH58 with the Petone-Grenada route kicked to touch, NZTA seems to want to add to the northbound congestion in the afternoons and evenings. So we're all held to ransom by a few rat-runners who abuse the Grounsell Cres turn-offs, who are described as posing a safety risk. Yet when another daft idea was proposed more than a year ago to close off Grounsell's northern highway off ramp (thankfully dropped), investigations showed Grounsell actually had quite a reasonable safety record.
I'd like to know what others think?
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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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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44% I avoid spending money on coffee
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47.2% I still indulge at my local cafe
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8.8% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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