Water restrictions eased across the region
Wellington’s sprinkler ban has been lifted– but with sporadic rain forecast for winter residents still need to avoid wasting water.
The restrictions were put in place for the Hutt Valley, South Wairarapa, Wellington city and Porirua in mid-February as water usage soared during the summer months.
From Tuesday, residents in Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington city can again use sprinklers and irrigation systems, Wellington Water said. In Upper Hutt and South Wairarapa people can do so every second day, as is usual.
Most of the Wellington region’s drinking water comes from rivers and the Waiwhetu aquifer under the Hutt Valley. River levels fell to 90 per cent before the sprinkler ban.
Meanwhile, people in the Wairarapa town of Carterton still have to boil their water after E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply on March 12.
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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0% I avoid spending money on coffee
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0% I still indulge at my local cafe
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0% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
🧩😏 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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