Papakowhai, Porirua

1355 days ago

Plimmerton Rotary goes Bowling

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

And the bowling ...
Bryan Waddle took over from President Bill as emcee for the evening and did a great job of entertaining the troops and generally causing mayhem. The bowling culminated in a competition, with everyone bowling their balls from one corner to the other across all the lawns. There … View more
And the bowling ...
Bryan Waddle took over from President Bill as emcee for the evening and did a great job of entertaining the troops and generally causing mayhem. The bowling culminated in a competition, with everyone bowling their balls from one corner to the other across all the lawns. There were some interesting results! Booby prizes were awarded for the worst bowl (Marg), clearing the corner and landing in the ditch (John), worst performance of the night (Philip). Second prize went to Nigel Brown, and the winner was our newest member, Dallas, who managed to get within a metre of the corner with inveterate skill (although she claimed it was a complete fluke). Bryan is in the photo, not because he won a prize but because he made it such fun for everyone. And, as he said, he couldn't have done it without the background help which always comes from Les who was watching the dramas unfold from a strategic position on the side-line.

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1355 days ago

St Patrick's Day fun at Plimmerton Rotary

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Members and friends celebrated with a hilarious evening of fun and laughter. President-Elect Kay with her helpers had created a splendid social evening with an Irish joke from Mike, singing from everybody, very ably accompanied by Graeme on the keyboard, and a very difficult Irish quiz created by … View moreMembers and friends celebrated with a hilarious evening of fun and laughter. President-Elect Kay with her helpers had created a splendid social evening with an Irish joke from Mike, singing from everybody, very ably accompanied by Graeme on the keyboard, and a very difficult Irish quiz created by Kay. Out of a possible score of 28, two tables came close with 16 and 15.5 respectively - so close that both tables received prizes. The table that scored 6 received the booby prize! There were also prizes for the best and worst dressed, judged thoughtfully and creatively by Peter, nefariously 'aided' by Jim. They decided that the worst dressed was John O'Connell (because they'd never seen an Irishman in a suit) and prizes for the best-dressed men went to John Barber with Graeme Tongs runner up, and to the best dressed women to Donna Reed with Linda Sinke coming in a close second. Kay writes, 'Irish Night! Thanks - Wow! What a wonderful group of Rotarians you are. Many thanks to everyone for entering into the spirit of our Irish night. The touches of green and the more elaborate costumes set the relaxed mood. I particularly loved the hats and wigs. Thanks to the hooters. To Graeme Tongs, Philip Whearty, Peter Sinké, Phillip Reidy, Bryan Waddle, and Mike Doig – thanks for your grand efforts in helping make the evening a success.

1356 days ago

We Say/You Say: Bottomless Brunches

Reporter Kapi-Mana News

Hi neighbours,

What do you think about the Wellington City Council's move to ban "bottomless brunches?"

All-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages over a restaurant brunch could be in jeopardy after councillors indicated a ban on such deals.

Several establishments across the city… View more
Hi neighbours,

What do you think about the Wellington City Council's move to ban "bottomless brunches?"

All-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages over a restaurant brunch could be in jeopardy after councillors indicated a ban on such deals.

Several establishments across the city offer unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed price and this has led to complaints of excessive drinking.

Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean mentioned that several complaints were being followed up by council and police regarding these "all you can drink" deals.

“The ‘bottomless brunch' arrangements are a clear breach of liquor-licensing laws - which are designed to rule out irresponsible consumption of alcohol and intoxication,” MacLean said.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in your local community newspaper.

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1356 days ago

Upcycling Awards is back for 2021!

Resene

Do you have old things lying around that you've been meaning to spruce up or recreate? It's time to unleash your DIY skills and bring out your inner artistic spirit. Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.

Give us … View more
Do you have old things lying around that you've been meaning to spruce up or recreate? It's time to unleash your DIY skills and bring out your inner artistic spirit. Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.

Give us your all, we want to see your creations! Check out some of last years' entires here.

Take part in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Learn more

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1356 days ago

Game Programming Using Python - April Holiday Programme

Whitby Collegiate

Keen to develop your own game? Join Whitby Collegiate’s three day holiday programme where you’ll learn to programme using Python, build in advanced concepts and complete your own arcade style game. Bring along your own laptop or use the school’s desktop computers.

Dates: 28-30 April 2021, … View more
Keen to develop your own game? Join Whitby Collegiate’s three day holiday programme where you’ll learn to programme using Python, build in advanced concepts and complete your own arcade style game. Bring along your own laptop or use the school’s desktop computers.

Dates: 28-30 April 2021, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Venue: Whitby Collegiate Tech Room
Ages: 10-16
Cost: $250

For further information and to register, visit www.whitbycollegiate.school.nz...

Limited spaces available so get in quick!

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1357 days ago

Pride flag flying at Porirua war memorial attracts online vitriol

Reporter Community News

Moderators of the Tītahi Bay Returned Services Association’s (RSA) Facebook page have had to delete several unsavoury comments on a post showing a pride flag flying at a Porirua war memorial.
The flag was hoisted up the flag pole on the Tītahi Bay shoreline to show the local RSA’s support for… View more
Moderators of the Tītahi Bay Returned Services Association’s (RSA) Facebook page have had to delete several unsavoury comments on a post showing a pride flag flying at a Porirua war memorial.
The flag was hoisted up the flag pole on the Tītahi Bay shoreline to show the local RSA’s support for the Wellington Pride Festival – which opened on Saturday, March 13 – and members of the LGBTIQA+ community who “have served, or continue to serve our great country”, the post read.
It was thought to be the first time a pride flag had flown at a war memorial in New Zealand.

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1357 days ago

Whitby Collegiate OPEN MORNING - Tuesday 13 April, 9am-12pm

Whitby Collegiate

Come along and see Whitby Collegiate at our next Open Morning on Tuesday 13 April from 9am to 12pm.
Whitby Collegiate is the first progressive, independent, co-educational school in the Wellington region for Years 7 to 13.
- Excellent teacher to student ratios.
- Strong academic results.
- A … View more
Come along and see Whitby Collegiate at our next Open Morning on Tuesday 13 April from 9am to 12pm.
Whitby Collegiate is the first progressive, independent, co-educational school in the Wellington region for Years 7 to 13.
- Excellent teacher to student ratios.
- Strong academic results.
- A supportive learning environment.
- Buses running to and from the Kāpiti Coast, Porirua, Johnsonville and the Hutt Valley.
Register for Open Morning at www.whitbycollegiate.school.nz...

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1357 days ago

The Porirua Grand Traverse

Porirua Grand Traverse

The Porirua Grand Traverse is a vibrant festival of fitness showcasing Porirua's amazing outdoors with a challenge for all age and ability.

When: Saturday 28th March.

Where: Race Weekend HQ at Whitireia Polytech, Wineera Dve, Porirua. Click for HQ Map.

All ages, all abilities, all … View more
The Porirua Grand Traverse is a vibrant festival of fitness showcasing Porirua's amazing outdoors with a challenge for all age and ability.

When: Saturday 28th March.

Where: Race Weekend HQ at Whitireia Polytech, Wineera Dve, Porirua. Click for HQ Map.

All ages, all abilities, all amazing. Challenge yourself now!

From the Arena 9k Fun Run/Walk, through to the full 56k Multisport and 42k Duathlon events, and the 10k Paddle, 28k Mountain Bike and 18k Mountain Run, there's something for you on the start line.

To find out more or to enter
Find out more

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1357 days ago

All Trades Tradie Expo 2021

Trans Tasman Media

Change of date for your diary!!

13-14 August 2021, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.

Bringing Tradies, Suppliers & Manufacturers together for a 2-day event offering:

• Tools, services & product demonstrations
• Local developments, future projects & industry updates
• Tradie … View more
Change of date for your diary!!

13-14 August 2021, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.

Bringing Tradies, Suppliers & Manufacturers together for a 2-day event offering:

• Tools, services & product demonstrations
• Local developments, future projects & industry updates
• Tradie recruitment, apprenticeships & training
• Entertainment, prizes and giveaways

Suitable for apprentices, all trades business owners and Tradies of all trades.
Find out more

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1358 days ago

Local heroes, two women remove tonnes of rubbish

Reporter Community News

What can we do to reduce the amount of rubbish that goes into the sea? That is the question two women are asking after spending a year cleaning up a coastal seal colony near Wellington.
Fishhooks, hundreds of shoes, 160 coffee sacks of rubbish, 48 tyres and 15 crayfish pots.
That is just some of … View more
What can we do to reduce the amount of rubbish that goes into the sea? That is the question two women are asking after spending a year cleaning up a coastal seal colony near Wellington.
Fishhooks, hundreds of shoes, 160 coffee sacks of rubbish, 48 tyres and 15 crayfish pots.
That is just some of the rubbish Lorraine Shaab​ and Noeline Angus​ have removed from a seal colony on the Wainuiomata Coast, near Wellington, over the past year.

1359 days ago

My Wellington: Swee Tan

Reporter Community News

Dr Swee Tan is a world-renowned researcher and plastic surgeon who has lived in Khandallah for 26 years. Born in Malaysia, Tan travelled the world before settling in the capital, where he heads up the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute. Here’s his take on life in the capital.

How long have you … View more
Dr Swee Tan is a world-renowned researcher and plastic surgeon who has lived in Khandallah for 26 years. Born in Malaysia, Tan travelled the world before settling in the capital, where he heads up the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute. Here’s his take on life in the capital.

How long have you been a Wellingtonian?
I was here in 1992 when I was doing my training in plastic surgery. We lived here for one year and then went overseas to London, then Oxford and Boston, and then came back in 1995. I was born in Malaysia, and left in 1980. I went to Melbourne, where I studied, and then I went to Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington. I resisted coming to Wellington because I went through Wellington in 1987 – it was a dead place, there was no restaurant open after 7pm.

Where is your favourite place to eat out?
We are very lucky to have good eating places. Yum cha at Dragons, for example, is one of our favourites. There are so many choices. Noble Rot is a very good place for dinner. If you are after brunch, Cafe Thyme next to the Twigland Garden Centre, which is my favourite garden centre. It’s between Johnsonville and Churton Park.

Where is the best coffee in Wellington?
You put me in a difficult position because in Wellington we have so many great places for coffee. Prefab is great, or Neo Cafe, and Revive in Petone. You can get good coffee anywhere really, but those are really great spot.

What’s an underrated attraction near you?
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is the only public botanical garden dedicated to native plants, and they are really nice: about 11 kilometres, with many bushes and gardens. We used to take our children there when they were younger. There is a stream there with eels, beautiful eels, an 800-year-old rimu tree and a nice canopy of trees. It is only five minutes away [from the city], it is right here on our doorstep.

What, in Wellington, can’t be beaten on a good day?
Walking along the waterfront with Maestro [Tan’s dog] along the path that takes you to Oriental Pde. It is such a beautiful place.

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1359 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Spike

Reporter Community News

This week's Wellington SPCA Pet of the Day is a cat called Spike, who was adopted from the SPCA.

"Spike is going really well and has fully grown into his name. He’s a complete goon! He now spends his time running about the house, playing and snuggling with gusto. His favourite toy is … View more
This week's Wellington SPCA Pet of the Day is a cat called Spike, who was adopted from the SPCA.

"Spike is going really well and has fully grown into his name. He’s a complete goon! He now spends his time running about the house, playing and snuggling with gusto. His favourite toy is his mouse from the SPCA. He charges around the house with it in his mouth so it’s always near. The best thing we’ve enjoyed though is how the relationship between our dog Sadie and him has developed. Spike loves being near her, and always snuggles up next to her when he’s tired out from playing (as you can see from the photos!) Sadie is pretty smitten with him too. We all are. Thanks again for everything, Julia, Dave, Sadie and Spike."

1358 days ago

Get your hands dirty for a good cause

Porirua City Council

Porirua City Council and Conservation Volunteers Wellington are collaborating on several community conservation projects in Porirua to help restore and clean up litter in our local parks and reserves.

“We want to encourage our residents to get involved in these community conservation projectsView more
Porirua City Council and Conservation Volunteers Wellington are collaborating on several community conservation projects in Porirua to help restore and clean up litter in our local parks and reserves.

“We want to encourage our residents to get involved in these community conservation projects, it is a fantastic way to give back and you don’t need any training or special gear – Conservation Volunteers will provide everything that you may need,” says Julian Emeny, the Council’s Parks Manager.

Conservation Volunteers has all bases covered – they provide a fully trained team leader overseeing the event, gloves, tools, health and safety management, and training.

“We ask volunteers to wear good sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants. Bringahat, a weatherproof jacket and a packed lunch, snacks and water to keep you going while saving the planet!” says Emeny.

He says that it is also a fun day out for families and a great way to get young and old involved in local conservation projects. “Bring the whole whānau along and makeaday of it. We’d love to see a great turnout of people supporting their local parks and reserves.”

Upcoming events

20 March, 9am Bothamley Park Restoration, 14 Fiordland Place, Aotea. We’ll attend to previously planted trees and do a litter cleanup. Afterwards there will be a short, guided hikoi through the bush.

24 March, 9am Porirua wetland restoration, Bowlers Wharf, Papakōwhai. We’ll be cleaning up rubbish and removing invasive weeds from around estuary areas and streambanks.

8 April, 9am Sievers Grove Nursery day. We’ll help with the propagation processes to nurture and raise native plants which will be used to restore ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

17 April, 9am Cannons Creek Lakes clean up. Come and help us to restore and protect the creek for all the critters and native plants that live there.

You can find more information on volunteering opportunities at conservationvolunteers.co.nz
Find out more

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1359 days ago

Cat survives being shot in face

Reporter Community News

A cherished family cat has survived being shot in the face, but sustained serious damage from the attack.
Ginger cat Jamie​ took a bullet to the cheek – millimetres from his left eye and narrowly missing his brain – fragmenting his skull.
He was lucky to survive the recent shooting in … View more
A cherished family cat has survived being shot in the face, but sustained serious damage from the attack.
Ginger cat Jamie​ took a bullet to the cheek – millimetres from his left eye and narrowly missing his brain – fragmenting his skull.
He was lucky to survive the recent shooting in Wellington.
But the incident has left him deaf in one ear and the pupil in his left eye unable to contract.
Meanwhile, the SPCA is appealing to the public for help with its investigation into the shooting.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 0800 467 732 in confidence and quote reference 323422.

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1359 days ago

Calling all painters

Mikaela Wilkes Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours,
are you using the long weekend to tackle that long-over due reno? Or do you have a project you'd love to do in your home or garden but don't know where to start?

The experts at Resene are offering to help answer all your painting and decorating questions. Whether … View more
Hey neighbours,
are you using the long weekend to tackle that long-over due reno? Or do you have a project you'd love to do in your home or garden but don't know where to start?

The experts at Resene are offering to help answer all your painting and decorating questions. Whether it's how to choose the right type of paint to cover a stain, how to go about planning a mural, or how long you really need to spend on sanding down that woodwork, they're happy to help.

Send us your question at homed@stuff.co.nz or leave it in the comments and we'll put the best questions to the Resene team (please note: we may not be able to answer every single question). The answers will be published in an article on Stuff ahead of the long weekend.

If you don't want us to use your comment or name on Stuff, please mention that in your post.

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