WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY DAY ON MONDAY
Wellington Anniversary Day, January 23 next, commemorates the first group of European settlers sponsored by the NZ Company to arrive in NZ, who alighted on Petone Beach from the sailing shop “Aurora”, in January 1840.
The historic Christ Church Taita, built 12 years later by those first settlers, is the oldest church in the Wellington region, and was opened on New Year’s Day in 1854. Those responsible did so in gratitude for a relatively safe passage. They struck up a very positive relationship with the local people of Te Atiawa, who occupied a Pa at Horokiwi, and who fed and sheltered the several hundred new arrivals. That positive relationship continues down to this day. The church’s graveyard is the last resting place Chief of Manihera Matangi, whose father signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and who was a great friend of the settlers. His whanau continue to reside in the Hutt Valley to this day. Current chair of the fundraising committee is Rev. John Daysh, great grandson of one John Daysh, one of the first settlers, who gave the timber for the building
The church has survived flood and fire, and is favoured for weddings, While once on farmland, is now almost surrounded by industrial buildings in Wingate.
It will shortly have a Visitor Centre to expedite visits by members of the Public. This will enable enable visitors, and students of NZ History, to take tours of the building and adjoining graveyard.
Fundraising for the Centre has been under way for several years and Donors include The Lotteries Heritage Fund and Hutt City Council as well as numerous private individuals. Current funds will be sufficient ($250, 000) to make a start, while the Trust responsible is about to sign a formal contract with Yus Homes, builders, of Petone, which will allow for the work to start soon and to be completed progressively as further funds allow.
There is a GiveALittle page for those who may be interested in supporting this important Heritage undertaking.
Contact JOHN TERRIS, VISITOR CENTRE FUNDRAISER, 55 QUEENS GROVE LOWER HUTT TEL 0274440081.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?
When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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