Update from the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office
Mōrena Kāpiti
– Keep updated by checking www.metservice.com...
– We'll be updating any impacts to our services at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz...
– Report any damage through our Antenno app (www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/antenno) or online service request (www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/service-request)
Update from WREMO:
Ata mārie Wellington region,
We have woken up this morning seeing the majority of Cyclone Gabrielle’s impacts further north – thinking of those affected, arohanui kia koutou! (Much love to you all).
While it is wet and windy in the Wellington Region, we have not received any reports of significant impacts to the region overnight. Here is what we know:
Weather
- There are currently Strong Wind Warnings in place for the whole region, and Heavy Rain Warnings and Heavy Swell Warnings in place for some parts of the region. MetService New Zealand
- There have been minor changes to these warnings overnight. Check www.metservice.com... for the latest.
Transport
- No reports of weather-related state highway closures, or council road closures.
- Please check Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Wellington and with your local council website/Facebook page if you must travel.
- Metlink is reporting that trains will not be stopping at Ngauranga Station due to weather. Plan your journey and check cancellations before you go.
- East to West ferry services have been cancelled today.
- Cook Strait ferries (both Interislander and Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries) have ceased all crossings today.
- Wellington International Airport is open, but there have been several flight cancellations around the country.
Power
- We are not aware of any unplanned power outages affecting the region.
Water
- There are no unplanned water outages affecting the region.
We will continue to provide updates as we get them. Stay warm and dry out there whānau!
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77% Yes
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22.3% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
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.