Papakowhai, Porirua

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1238 days ago

Consent for the Porirua Treatment Plant to discharge sewage into the sea

Michelle from Titahi Bay

Submissions close on the 30th June. The Resource Consent is supposed to protect our environment instead - this application is:
A license to pollute.
Proposes a higher flow with higher contamination allowance.
Poorly written and lacks specific accountability to measure, record, report and mitigate.… View more
Submissions close on the 30th June. The Resource Consent is supposed to protect our environment instead - this application is:
A license to pollute.
Proposes a higher flow with higher contamination allowance.
Poorly written and lacks specific accountability to measure, record, report and mitigate.
Mis-leading when major upgrades to treat increasing flows to the plant continue to be deferred.

If you would like to make a submission online: here is the link:
haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz...

Please send your online submission to Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) Notifications@gw.govt.nz (on form) and also email a copy to: Richard.peterson@stantec.com who is acting agent for Wellington Water, on behalf of Porirua City Council (permit holder/applicant).

We will still get extreme rain (more events with global warming), the system will overflow in Porirua and the network remediation will take years. There will be leaks, the faecal count will still fluctuate to high on the beach, and the signs will still say "not safe to swim'. There will be Council and Wellington Water excuses, and the fines for discharges will be paid by ratepayers.

Reasons for decline of consent based on Application WGN200229: Discharge to Coastal Marine Area:
1. OLD PLANT: Porirua Treatment plant has a lengthy history of non-compliance for poor quality discharge, often noticeable, with a visible slick or plume that floats into Titahi Bay.

2. POOR DATA: Upgrades to improve quality of discharge and accommodate population growth in the catchment continue to be deferred, and population forecast significantly under-estimated, approx. 140,000 in 2043 not approx. 121,000.

3. POOR REPORTS. Jacob Engineer’s and eCoast Marine Consulting and Research independent reviews say application and proposed conditions in some areas are ambiguous and lacks sufficient data and policies to validate some statements and assumptions.

4. NO REAL MONITORING: There are no GPS locations given for any sampling and monitoring sites.

5. POOR ANALYSIS: Using annualised calculations, dilutes the data.

6. POOR CONTROL: Continuously monitoring flow to the plant when flow meters are often broken is not accurate monitoring.

7. MORE POO: Porirua has 4 times less the flow of Moa point Plant and wants 5 times more contamination.

8. POOR DATA RECORDING: The ambiguity of wording makes it possible that Porirua treatment plant will begin sampling 24 hours after the discharge. That is two tidal flows and a diluted reading.

9. POOR PROCESS: The proposed Ecological, Monitoring and Technical reviews do not recognise the Resource Management Act requirement for cultural assessment.

10. THEY CAN CHANGE IT ANYHOW: Section 128 allows the Council and Wellington Water to amend or delete any condition possibly 12 months of start of permit and then every 5 years thereafter.

So please have your say!

1238 days ago

NZTA licence renewal scam circulating

Neighbourly.co.nz

A new email scam impersonating the NZTA is being sent around telling vehicle owners their licences are due.

The email directs the recipient to renew the funds through clicking a 'Renew Now' button at the bottom corner of the email. It then takes the individual to fake website that gets… View more
A new email scam impersonating the NZTA is being sent around telling vehicle owners their licences are due.

The email directs the recipient to renew the funds through clicking a 'Renew Now' button at the bottom corner of the email. It then takes the individual to fake website that gets them to fill in personal details.

CERT NZ, the government authority responsible for cyber security said in a tweet, that anyone who receives this email should report it directly to Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

How to spot a phishing scam:
- NZTA will only send an email through if an individual has contacted them first.
- Email addresses will always end in @nzta.govt.nz, @enews.nzta.govt.nz or @reply.nzta.govt.nz.
- The email may be missing specific details that the NZTA will have on file: such as your plate number, the date your vehicle license is due and vehicle make and model.
- Hover over buttons and links to see if the pop-up will take you to a genuine government (.govt.nz) website

Neighbourly will update this message as further information comes to hand.

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1238 days ago

TJ Perenara, J.H Whittaker among new inductees into Hall of Fame

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

All Black TJ Perenara and the founder of Whittaker's chocolate, the late James Henry Whittaker, are among four new inductees into the Porirua Hall of Fame.
Chosen for making a lasting impact on the city, Perenara and Whittaker will be joined by the founder of the Tītahi Bay Little Theatre, … View more
All Black TJ Perenara and the founder of Whittaker's chocolate, the late James Henry Whittaker, are among four new inductees into the Porirua Hall of Fame.
Chosen for making a lasting impact on the city, Perenara and Whittaker will be joined by the founder of the Tītahi Bay Little Theatre, Ellinore Ginn and Neil Ieremia, founder and artistic director of renowned male dance company Black Grace.

1238 days ago

We Say/You Say: Policing social media

Reporter Kapi-Mana News

Hi neighbours,

Three tools have been trialled or used by Police to search publicly available information during investigations, but they will not reveal which ones.

Some of these have sparked controversy overseas, including one tool that was used to track Black Lives Matter protesters or … View more
Hi neighbours,

Three tools have been trialled or used by Police to search publicly available information during investigations, but they will not reveal which ones.

Some of these have sparked controversy overseas, including one tool that was used to track Black Lives Matter protesters or monitor electronic chatter.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has defended using these digital tools, and faced criticism for it, with digital rights groups worried online surveillance is escalating.

Auckland technologist Andrew Chen has argued police need to more transparent when deploying a tool and its justification.

Police said the 2020 stocktake was a "snapshot" only and was only revealing what it could to build public confidence.

What do you think about this approach? Find out more by clicking the 'Read More' button. You can share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used in your local community paper.

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1239 days ago

Time to upskill or reskill?

Competenz

Since the start of the year, we've had more than 1,500 people sign-up to become apprentices. Some of them are re-skilling from one profession into a career they love. With skills shortages in key industries, employers are hiring and offering training through the fees-free apprenticeships … View moreSince the start of the year, we've had more than 1,500 people sign-up to become apprentices. Some of them are re-skilling from one profession into a career they love. With skills shortages in key industries, employers are hiring and offering training through the fees-free apprenticeships programme.

Sign-up with Competenz to find your apprenticeship.
Find out more

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1239 days ago

Investors sought to help make Porirua Adventure Park's gondola a reality

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Would you invest in the Porirua Adventure Park?
The long-awaited Porirua Adventure Park project is overcoming the Covid-19-inflicted jitters plaguing the tourism sector, and is back on track after attracting fresh capital.
But with $16 million needed to fully finance the $32m project, ‘mum and … View more
Would you invest in the Porirua Adventure Park?
The long-awaited Porirua Adventure Park project is overcoming the Covid-19-inflicted jitters plaguing the tourism sector, and is back on track after attracting fresh capital.
But with $16 million needed to fully finance the $32m project, ‘mum and dad' investors could be used to help make the park – which was expected to create 200 jobs and pump $40m into the local economy in its first five years of operation – a reality, Stuff can reveal.

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1240 days ago

New Dentist in your neighbourhood

Paremata Dental

Hello Neighbours!

Paremata Dental has just opened at 98 Mana Esplanade. We are now taking bookings and looking forward to welcoming new patients.

To celebrate the arrival of our new Hygienist, we are offering 45 minute hygiene appointments for $135 for the month of July. Don’t forget to … View more
Hello Neighbours!

Paremata Dental has just opened at 98 Mana Esplanade. We are now taking bookings and looking forward to welcoming new patients.

To celebrate the arrival of our new Hygienist, we are offering 45 minute hygiene appointments for $135 for the month of July. Don’t forget to mention Neighbourly when you book!

You can book online, via email, or call us. Just mention neighbourly when you book.

Now open late nights. Email us or book online today https://parematadental.co.nz/bookings/ or call us at 04 237 4414.
Find out more

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1240 days ago

Looking for an apprentice?

Competenz

Hi Neighbours, make use of our free recruitment service and advertise your entry-level and apprentice roles with Competenz. We have pre-qualified and motivated jobseekers ready to match with your business.
Enquire through our online job board and our team will be in touch, easy!

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1240 days ago

Queen Mattress

Debbie from Whitby

Queen medium firm mattress in excellent condition. Always covered, was in storage 4 years, and then had sporadic use the last 2 years and now surplus to requirements. Comes with a free box base which has a damaged corner.

Price: $270

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1240 days ago

Poll: Good In The Hood

The Team from Graeme Dingle Foundation Wellington

Have you voted in this years Good In The Hood?
You can vote for the Graeme Dingle Foundation in one of 48 participating Z Stations. Head to your nearest station today 🧡💚

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Good In The Hood
  • 15.4% Yes
    15.4% Complete
  • 84.6% No
    84.6% Complete
13 votes
1243 days ago

Pet of the Day: Our Millie

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Ricard Gray is the proud owner of Mille the cat. Please note our pic is not upside down!
"Pet of the Day: Our Millie loves to hang out and have fun with owners Richard and Sally from Tītahi Bay."

Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nzView more
Ricard Gray is the proud owner of Mille the cat. Please note our pic is not upside down!
"Pet of the Day: Our Millie loves to hang out and have fun with owners Richard and Sally from Tītahi Bay."

Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say what suburb you live in.

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1244 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

This week we feature a picture from Rosa Marie.
Has anybody got any ideas for a caption?

"Thanks to a wonderful husband who took me there and a low tide, Pāuatahanui was a bird photographer's dream this afternoon! Masses of kingfishers who were either sitting on bits of driftwood or … View more
This week we feature a picture from Rosa Marie.
Has anybody got any ideas for a caption?

"Thanks to a wonderful husband who took me there and a low tide, Pāuatahanui was a bird photographer's dream this afternoon! Masses of kingfishers who were either sitting on bits of driftwood or logs, in between catching little crabs, a pile of shags who were in a very flappy mood and were constantly splashing about in the water, a pair of Caspian terns who didn't seem to be getting on too well, a blue heron who was getting annoyed by a seagull who was swooping over him. So much to see and photograph! It helped wearing some wellies so I could wade in to get some closer shots."

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1241 days ago

RMHC® New Zealand Annual Appeal

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Help us house families with hospitalised children. Join the fight to fund a night. Find out more

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1241 days ago

Celebrating Robbie Burns

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Marian Horsburg piped in the Haggis, Jim Tulloch addressed it, and whisky, donated by Philip Whearty, was passed around. It was all executed magnificently. Dinner, with accompanying haggis, over, Graham Wallace spoke eloquently about some of Robbie Burns' history and proposed a toast to his … View moreMarian Horsburg piped in the Haggis, Jim Tulloch addressed it, and whisky, donated by Philip Whearty, was passed around. It was all executed magnificently. Dinner, with accompanying haggis, over, Graham Wallace spoke eloquently about some of Robbie Burns' history and proposed a toast to his memory, Graeme Blick proposed a toast to the lassies, and Kay Phillips to the laddies. Bryan Waddle added his voice to the celebrations and Philip Whearty proposed the thanks. The speakers were magnificent and very entertaining and their offerings will appear in a future Update, as will the many photos that were taken on the night.
But wait, there's more ... Speeches over, Marion took up her bagpipes again and played some Scottish tunes while members danced the Waltz and the Gay Gordons. The evening finished with a rousing rendering of Auld Lang Syne. For those who need a translation - and there were very many occasions during the evening when many members did! - the phrase translates literally to 'old long since' in English and means something akin to 'times gone by'.

1243 days ago

What we don't want to see on The Block NZ

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

The Block NZ is back on our screens on Monday, but let's hope there are no more silly decor challenges and over-the-top reserves.

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