WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY DAY
Wellington Anniversary Day, 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”, on 22nd 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. Current chair of the fundraising committee is Rev. John Daysh, great grandson of another 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, it is now almost surrounded by industrial buildings in Wingate. Blink as you drive past and you’ll miss it.
It will shortly have a Visitor Centre to expedite visits by members of the Public. This will 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.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Storm damage and garden clean ups
Strorm
Damage if you need a tree removed
Call us on 0272430951
And we can help
Documenting the RiverLink Project around Melling, Pharazyn St and Marsden St
Kia Ora, Neighbours. For the last couple of years I've been documenting with my camera the changes in my area around the extensive work going on with the RiverLink project (Melling Interchange/New Melling Bridge/New Melling Railway Station/ Melling Station walk bridge / Clearance of Pharazyn St and Marsden St and Stop bank work).
I pass no judgements on the work. My photos simply record what's happening.
Early blog posts are photo essays of the the demolition of Pharazyn St and Marsden St residential and industrial properties. Later photos are the more up to date records happening right now.
I'd welcome your feedback, especially with better information about what's happening, as there seems to be a number of sites specialising in their own work but not a comprehensive coordinated site with details and links.
Here's the link. Enjoy. www.riverlinkphotos.blogspot.com...
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