Hydrants, Hatches, and Hushed Silence: MEGA Sounds the Fire Alarm!
Hydrants, Hatches, and Hushed Silence: MEGA Sounds the Fire Alarm!
Eastbourne isn’t going to make itself safe again.
MEGA has been quietly (well, not that quietly) approached by members of the Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade with a very real concern: a worrying number of fire hydrants in Eastbourne and across Lower Hutt are faulty, poorly maintained—or not working at all.
And no, this isn’t some obscure bureaucratic backlog. It’s an emergency waiting to happen.
While the responsible authorities (that’s Wellington Water and Hutt City Council) have recently taken the time to slap on a fresh coat of paint over the hatches—how lovely—not one of them, it seems, has bothered to check if the valves underneath actually work. Because who needs water during a house fire, right?
Here’s the kicker: Mayor Campbell Barry was Chair of Wellington Water during this period of neglect, and surprise—he’s still ultimately responsible as Mayor today. As for Deputy Mayor Tui Lewis, our local representative? Crickets. It seems she’s in the dark as some of those rusty valves.
Let’s be crystal clear: this isn’t about politics. It’s about people’s homes, lives, and the volunteer firefighters who put themselves on the line. Fires escalate in minutes. If there’s no water at the hydrant when they arrive, what then?
MEGA is calling for immediate inspection and servicing of all hydrants in Eastbourne and across the Hutt Valley. A coat of paint doesn’t stop a blaze. Action does.
Stay safe. Stay MEGA. www.mega.kiwi.nz...
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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?
Poll: Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠
Between the headlines about the Strait of Hormuz and the creeping costs at our local stations, the "fuel crisis" has moved from the news to our wallets.
A recent opinion piece in The Post suggested that Wellington Councils should be shifting our public facilities to renewable energy ASAP to keep our rates from being vulnerable to these global fuel hikes. It’s a big conversation for the city, but what about your daily commute?
We want to know: With fuel prices staying high for the foreseeable future, are you changing how you get around the capital?
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18.7% Yes – I’m a bus/train user
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6.1% Dusting off the bike
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6.1% Working from home
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62.6% Nope, same as always
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6.6% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
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