Pacific Language Weeks to begin
The first of 11 Pacific Language Weeks for 2024 is next week, as we look forward to celebrating the many varied cultures and identities of the Pacific communities in Porirua.
For the first time, two new languages have been added to the calendar, as we recognise the language of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. These join Rotuma, Samoa, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji, Niue and Tokelau.
The overarching theme of the language weeks for 2024 is sustainability, aligning with UNESCO’s long-term vision to protect indigenous languages, not just in the Pacific but worldwide. Sustainability can include the physical, but also language – which incorporates heritage and identity – with UNESCO saying at least 40 per cent of the world’s 7000 languages are in danger of being lost.
Pacific Language Week dates for 2024:
Rotuma: 12–18 May
Samoa: 26 May–1 June
Kiribati: 7–13 July
Cook Islands: 4–10 August
Tonga: 18–24 August
Tuvalu: 29 September–5 October
Fiji: 6–12 October
Niue: 13–19 October
Tokelau: 27 October–2 November
Papua New Guinea: 10–16 November
Solomon Islands: 24–30 November
Keep an eye on Council’s social media to find out about the flag-raising events and other activities.
Poll: Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?
Wellington’s Te Awe Library on Brandon St will be closing its doors for good at 5 pm on March 1. It’s been the city’s largest temporary library, and now it’s making way for the exciting return of Te Matapihi Central Library!
We want to know: Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?
Want all the details? The Post has everything you need to know.
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46.3% Yes
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53.7% No
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.6% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Heads up – upcoming gas network works
Copied from the Tawa Business Group Incorporated Facebook page: Powerco Limited, which owns and operates the natural gas network in our area, will be carrying out essential upgrade works along Main Road, Tawa, over the coming weeks as part of their ongoing improvement programme.
🔧 What’s happening? Powerco’s Tier 1 contractor, Downer New Zealand – Energy, will be building a new District Regulator Station (DRS) to replace an older, less efficient station. This will also involve installing new gas mains to connect the new station into the local gas network.
📅 Timing
Exploratory works begin: from 9 February 2026
Main works period: 9 February – 31 March 2026
Road impacts to note:
o From 23–28 February, there will be partial and full road closures (to be confirmed closer to the time).
o During partial closures, there will be no entry into Redwood Ave from Main Road (exit only).
🚦 Traffic & access
Temporary traffic management will be in place at various times. Some areas will be fenced off for safety, and trenches will be bridged with composite vehicle plates. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.
🗺️ Where will work happen? The yellow lines on the map show the areas where trenches will be dug for the new gas mains.
Thanks for your patience while this important infrastructure upgrade is carried out – we’ll share more details as they’re confirmed.
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