Colonial Knob, Porirua

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

1412 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Here is one for book lovers. Can anybody remember where this is?

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1413 days ago

Yellow pohutakawa

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hi Neighjbourly folk, I am doing a story on the various colours pohutukawa and rata come in.
If you have any pics or know where any yellow, orange or white variants are, I would love to hear from you.
nicholas.boyack@stuff.co.nz or 027 6420086

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1417 days ago

SPCA Happy Christmas Yarn

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Meet Ralph! This sweet boy spent months in SPCA care waiting for a forever family, and just ahead of Christmas, his dream came true.
His new dad Roger shares how Ralph is settling in.

"On day one of our adoption trial, we drove home together and Ralph held my hand the whole trip home (how … View more
Meet Ralph! This sweet boy spent months in SPCA care waiting for a forever family, and just ahead of Christmas, his dream came true.
His new dad Roger shares how Ralph is settling in.

"On day one of our adoption trial, we drove home together and Ralph held my hand the whole trip home (how cute!).
That evening as we were heading to bed after sniffing everything in the house, he leapt onto our bed, burrowed under our blankets and dozed off. We hadn’t even turned off the lights! From that moment, we knew this was meant to be.
He is a sweetheart, he has opinions, he loves to cuddle on the couch, he likes rides, he likes walks, he likes our other dog, Bandos. Ralph may be deaf but that does not stop him from living his best life. We love Ralph and we wouldn’t change him for the world. He’s also well-loved by his new aunties, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents!
We are sorry that Ralph took a bit longer to find his new forever home but are happy that he found it with us."

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1418 days ago

What is the best thing that happened to you in 2020.

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

It has been a trying year with the Covid-19 outbreak, the resulting job losses, financial fallout and our closed borders.

What is the best thing that happened to you in an otherwise gloomy year? It could be getting to know your neighbours, learning how to make bread or pizza dough, or just staying… View more
It has been a trying year with the Covid-19 outbreak, the resulting job losses, financial fallout and our closed borders.

What is the best thing that happened to you in an otherwise gloomy year? It could be getting to know your neighbours, learning how to make bread or pizza dough, or just staying healthy.

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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1416 days ago

Pet of the Day: Boston

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

This is Boston aka Boss Dog. He is a Schnauzer-Westie-Cairns Terrier mix. Keily Neilson from Whitby says Boston came to her via a chance visit to a pet shop.
"One look at that little face and we were in love. His favorite thing to do is play with his four human siblings and annoy the family … View more
This is Boston aka Boss Dog. He is a Schnauzer-Westie-Cairns Terrier mix. Keily Neilson from Whitby says Boston came to her via a chance visit to a pet shop.
"One look at that little face and we were in love. His favorite thing to do is play with his four human siblings and annoy the family cat Bonnie."
If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo.

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1419 days ago

Poll Result

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Here is the result of our poll on the America's Cup.
Thanks to everyone that replied.

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1415 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Xena

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

The SPCA Pet of the Day is Xena, a 17 year-old thoroughbred, who has a had a tough life.

"She entered SPCA care after being seized from a property due to a cruelty complaint and was subsequently surrendered. After weeks of rehabilitation, she is ready for her new home. Xena is a very sweet … View more
The SPCA Pet of the Day is Xena, a 17 year-old thoroughbred, who has a had a tough life.

"She entered SPCA care after being seized from a property due to a cruelty complaint and was subsequently surrendered. After weeks of rehabilitation, she is ready for her new home. Xena is a very sweet mare, who loves attention and meeting new horses and people. She is good to graze with others but doesn't stress if her paddock mate heads out for a ride without her.
She is good for farrier, vet, covering (even in Wellington winds!), leading and feeding. She has been floated, but is still a little anxious loading so would benefit from some additional work in this area. We understand Xena was ridden for most of her life but hasn't been for the past three years. Xena would make an excellent addition to a family wanted an older, kind horse to keep their youngsters' company. Xena has grazed with sheep with no problems.
She is a good doer and put on weight easily once put on grazing. Xena has had a dental, been vaccinated (Strangles and Tetanus), drenched and vet checked."

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1418 days ago

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, I really enjoyed this post from Simon Woolf with its beautiful image and lovely words. I hope you all enjoy Christmas.

"Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.
This image is of possibly the Southern most Pohutakawa in the North Island. It is the third year since I noticed it, … View more
Hi Neighbourly folk, I really enjoyed this post from Simon Woolf with its beautiful image and lovely words. I hope you all enjoy Christmas.

"Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.
This image is of possibly the Southern most Pohutakawa in the North Island. It is the third year since I noticed it, shortly after we lost our great friend Eva McGauley. It didn't flower last year!
It is located in one of the most exposed places, anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand! Wellington's South Coast can be one of the most rugged, extreme environments anywhere in the world, and especially when an Antarctic blast hits Cook Strait. Winds exceeding 200kph, eight to 10 metre swells, and a sub zero wind chill factor are regular occurrences in this area.
Evie's Tree, for that's what we have called it, symbolises resilience, hope, strength and beauty, everthing Evie was.
After the past year, where we all have come through some adversity, Evie's Tree, proves that with adversity there is opportunity. If this stunning little pohutakawa can flower in the conditions it faces, we too can overcome most of which is thrown at us, and flourish too."
- Simon Woolf

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1419 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

This one could be a bit tricky. Many Wellingtonians see this on a daily basis but it has changed greatly in appearance over the years.

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1419 days ago

From Tawa College to Harvard

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Porirua teenager Jess Jenkins, 17, has become one of 747 students from across the world admitted to Harvard University under an early admission scheme.
Jess Jenkins​ (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua), has just finished her final year at Tawa College.
She is unsure exactly what she will … View more
Porirua teenager Jess Jenkins, 17, has become one of 747 students from across the world admitted to Harvard University under an early admission scheme.
Jess Jenkins​ (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua), has just finished her final year at Tawa College.
She is unsure exactly what she will study once she gets to Cambridge, Massachusetts, although she said it would be down an arts, humanities or business path.

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1419 days ago

Meri Kirihimete and happy holidays Porirua!

Porirua City Council

Season’s greetings from (left to right) Cr Geoff Hayward, Cr Nathan Waddle, Cr Josh Trlin, Mayor Anita Baker, Cr Ross Leggett, Cr Mike Duncan, Cr Euon Murrell and Cr Faafoi Seiuli. Not pictured are Cr Izzy Ford, Cr Kylie Wihapi and Cr Moze Galo

From Mayor Anita Baker
2020 is finally … View more
Season’s greetings from (left to right) Cr Geoff Hayward, Cr Nathan Waddle, Cr Josh Trlin, Mayor Anita Baker, Cr Ross Leggett, Cr Mike Duncan, Cr Euon Murrell and Cr Faafoi Seiuli. Not pictured are Cr Izzy Ford, Cr Kylie Wihapi and Cr Moze Galo

From Mayor Anita Baker
2020 is finally coming to an end and January can’t come soon enough.

What a year it was! It’s as if they managed to squeeze a decade’s worth of drama into just 12 unsettling months – a global pandemic, unprecedented lockdowns, economic turmoil, flooding and a postponed General Election.

While many parts of the world had an even tougher time, that doesn’t diminish the stress and uncertainty that made 2020 such a tough slog for all of us.

Despite everything, though, I’m feeling quite upbeat as we move into 2021.

The main reason for my optimism (apart from the vaccine)?

The resilience and generosity of our community here in Porirua, which was on such vivid display in 2020. I saw many families doing it way tougher than they should have to – which is why I’ve been so outspoken about poverty and housing this year. But I’ve also witnessed Porirua people from all backgrounds rally to support one another – whether it’s donating or volunteering at food banks, or stepping in to help family and neighbours with childcare.

During the lockdown, I saw firsthand the dedication of Council staff who showed up without complaint to keep the city going. Alongside nurses, police and emergency services, bus and train drivers, home care workers and teachers, they formed part of the “essential workforce”.

One positive legacy from Covid-19 could be in the way we value their work – and not just with “thank you’s”. When the crisis hit, the occupations we turned to the most are almost all among those we pay the least. That’s something we need to talk about as a country.

School prizegivings also helped me end the year on a hopeful note. Call me biased, but nowhere in New Zealand is home to a more talented and energetic bunch of youngsters than Porirua. Their values, the effortless diversity, the respect for one another, just shines through. So does their love for our community – and our planet. If elected officials like me don’t get serious about climate change, there’s a coming generation of activists and leaders in no mood to wait their turn. They get the urgency and demand action over words.

I’m also grateful for collegiality at the Council table. This is a tough time for local bodies everywhere, and some are cracking under the pressure. Here in Porirua, though, we work well as a team. We don’t agree on everything of course, but we never let policy or personality differences get in the way of our bigger purpose – to help make Porirua an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Similarly, my elected colleagues and I owe a debt of gratitude to Council staff and contractors. From the chief executive, right through the organisation, they put in a huge effort this year. I truly hope they get some well-deserved rest over summer because we’ve got a big agenda next year too.

Lastly, allow me to convey my best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and New Year. Here’s to a successful and comparatively uneventful 2021!

Follow: Facebook / Twitter Visit: poriruacity.govt.nz Call: (04) 237 5089
Find out more

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1422 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Dimple

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Meet Dimple.

"Hi my name is Dimple and I have been in foster care while the canine team got to know me. I have come from a very difficult background, so I am looking for a very special home, without children, other dogs or small animals. I can be very wary of people and take time to bond with… View more
Meet Dimple.

"Hi my name is Dimple and I have been in foster care while the canine team got to know me. I have come from a very difficult background, so I am looking for a very special home, without children, other dogs or small animals. I can be very wary of people and take time to bond with them, but once bonded I can be very smoochy. I can be very reactive while on a walk so will need a home that has experience with reactive dogs and will teach me through positive reinforcement that not everything is scary.
My foster mum has done a lot of work in socialising me with other dogs but I still have a long way to go. I am not keen on visiting dog parks or similar environments. I can be very affectionate, fun and quite the character once I'm comfortable in my space. I am toilet trained, and I do come with a medical waiver that my new home would be made aware of. If you are keen for a dog who you can put in the extra work with training then contact the canine team to learn more about me and set up a meeting if you seem like a good match!"

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1424 days ago

Poll: Do you follow the America's Cup?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Now that America's Cup racing has finally started.,are you following it?
Tell us what you think.

Please put NFP if you do not want your comment used by Stuff.

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Do you follow the America's Cup?
  • 39.6% Yes, I love it
    39.6% Complete
  • 49.9% No, it is boring
    49.9% Complete
  • 10.5% I don't have an opinion
    10.5% Complete
897 votes
1423 days ago

Pet of the Day: Paschal Moses

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

We have a bonus Pet of the Day this week - Paschal Moses.
He belonged to Margaret Stevenson-Wright and his picture arrived with the following message.

"Given that my boy cat of 16.5 years will not see another Christmas – we decided to feature him on our Christmas greetings this year."

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1420 days ago

Happy Holidays! 🎅💚

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Our National Office will be closed from today (Tuesday, 22 December) onward into the new year with the first of staff set to return on Monday, 11 January. No emails or calls will be returned during the closure and our social media will not be monitored.

From all of us at Neighbourhood Support New … View more
Our National Office will be closed from today (Tuesday, 22 December) onward into the new year with the first of staff set to return on Monday, 11 January. No emails or calls will be returned during the closure and our social media will not be monitored.

From all of us at Neighbourhood Support New Zealand - thank you for your mahi and support over the past year! Wishing you a safe and joy-filled holiday season ahead.

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