Papakowhai, Porirua

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Love hearing about people in our communities?

Read posts from interesting Kiwis on our Know Thy Neighbour page.

1813 days ago

Consumer NZ says nine out of 20 sunscreens don't provide protection they claim

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Does the sunscreen you use offer the protection it claims on the label?

Consumer NZ has found nine out of 20 sunscreens they tested do not.

To read more, click here.

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1813 days ago

Kadima Bed Couch

Jenny from Titahi Bay

Get ready for those extra Christmas visitors.
The couch has had very little use, so the inner springs are in very good condition. It is a light maroon in colour.
The couch is: 2 metres long by 1400cm wide, height 70cm
Mattress is: 1700cm x 800 cm

Extended length is: 1900cmCan be viewed by … View more
Get ready for those extra Christmas visitors.
The couch has had very little use, so the inner springs are in very good condition. It is a light maroon in colour.
The couch is: 2 metres long by 1400cm wide, height 70cm
Mattress is: 1700cm x 800 cm

Extended length is: 1900cmCan be viewed by locals before bidding.
Transport can be arranged if needed.

Price: $420

1814 days ago

Chris Theobald, Principal, Bishop Viard College

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Chris Theobald is a visionary school principal, currently of Bishop Viard College but recently, and for several years, principal of Holy Family Primary School in Porirua East. (Our club has connections with Holy Family: Michael Parker is a friend of the school and they have had several grants under… View moreChris Theobald is a visionary school principal, currently of Bishop Viard College but recently, and for several years, principal of Holy Family Primary School in Porirua East. (Our club has connections with Holy Family: Michael Parker is a friend of the school and they have had several grants under our Grant-a-wish programme.)

Last evening Chris spoke to the Club about his experiences as a teacher and principal in low decile schools, using striking examples from his time here. He comes from a pakeha family in Lower Hutt and attended St Bernard’s College, and had to adjust his thinking when he was appointed in Porirua.

Holy Family School has done well under Chris’ leadership, increasing its roll and winning awards. He told his students they were attending ‘the best school in New Zealand’.

He noted that over 40% of local year 9 students avoid transferring to secondary schools in Porirua; this is a result of negative perceptions and expectations. Almost all young people have hope and ambition which must be fostered. At the same time, the way in which success or excellence are defined varies among the different groups in society, and this must be respected.

Chris is now at Bishop Viard College, which has been through tough times of late. He is the sixth principal in eight years and the college is under statutory management. It has capacity for 700 students but the roll is only 230, so Chris has the job of turning things around. He has started by inviting successful alumni back to the school to instil hope and ambition in the current students.

There are numerous examples of inspirational principals rescuing failing schools. Chris Theobald is clearly one of these, and we wish him well.

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1814 days ago

Help give Kāpiti a Cancer Support Centre

Ione Slater from Cancer Society NZ - Kāpiti

Everyone deserves easy and equal access to cancer support, no matter who they are or where they live.

This much needed Kāpiti Support Centre will be there for those you know affected by cancer today and in the future.

The Cancer Society is 100% community funded, so we need your help to … View more
Everyone deserves easy and equal access to cancer support, no matter who they are or where they live.

This much needed Kāpiti Support Centre will be there for those you know affected by cancer today and in the future.

The Cancer Society is 100% community funded, so we need your help to make it happen. Please donate today.
Donate now

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1814 days ago

Have you ever fought a parking ticket?

Mandy Te Reporter from Kapi-Mana News

Hi neighbours, a man has won a battle over a parking ticket using his persistence and photos he took on his mobile. Dave Finlay was ticketed for staying past the time limit in a free 24-hour zone beside the airport. Finlay says he's not hi-tech but he takes several photos to protect himself. … View moreHi neighbours, a man has won a battle over a parking ticket using his persistence and photos he took on his mobile. Dave Finlay was ticketed for staying past the time limit in a free 24-hour zone beside the airport. Finlay says he's not hi-tech but he takes several photos to protect himself. Read the story and share your experiences with us below.

1814 days ago

UPDATE: Dixon Street/Willis Street sewer leak

The Team from Wellington Water

We have narrowed down the location of the issue to a 10m long concrete chamber at the Northern/Western corner of the Dixon Street/Willis Street intersection and will continue carrying out investigations to understand the extent of the issue. From this investigation we will form a construction plan … View moreWe have narrowed down the location of the issue to a 10m long concrete chamber at the Northern/Western corner of the Dixon Street/Willis Street intersection and will continue carrying out investigations to understand the extent of the issue. From this investigation we will form a construction plan to repair the concrete chamber.

We expect these works to continue throughout the day from 9am-4pm, for at least the next week. We will continue with the current traffic management, however any changes to the works area may alter traffic management. This will be advised if the case.

The leak is still affecting the inner Wellington Harbour, so we continue to warn people to stay out of the inner harbour specifically in the Whairepo Lagoon. We are continuing to update affected residents and businesses on the situation, and will update our website and social channels as more information comes to light.

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1814 days ago

Neighbours save children from house fire

Mandy Te Reporter from Kapi-Mana News

Hi neighbours, three children were rescued from a house fire on Tuesday. The house was well alight on Caster Crescent. A nearby labourer saw smoke coming from the roof of the house and rushed to find neighbours helping the children out of the burning home. No one was injured. Click on the link … View moreHi neighbours, three children were rescued from a house fire on Tuesday. The house was well alight on Caster Crescent. A nearby labourer saw smoke coming from the roof of the house and rushed to find neighbours helping the children out of the burning home. No one was injured. Click on the link below to read the story and watch the video.

1814 days ago

The NZ House & Garden House Tours are selling fast!

NZ House & Garden Tours

NZ House & Garden House Tours are hitting the regions for 2020! Book your next summer weekend away now for a chance to step inside the pages of one of New Zealand’s favourite magazines! Join us for a day of indulgence visiting exquisite homes and gardens, all in support of Breast Cancer … View moreNZ House & Garden House Tours are hitting the regions for 2020! Book your next summer weekend away now for a chance to step inside the pages of one of New Zealand’s favourite magazines! Join us for a day of indulgence visiting exquisite homes and gardens, all in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. For the last eleven years, the magazine has handpicked five fabulous locations around the country and this time we are delighted to be heading to the Bay of Islands, Taupō, New Plymouth, Blenheim and Dunedin. For more information and to secure your tickets for an inspiring day out exploring, please visit our website.

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1814 days ago

Are you seeing green?

The Team from Wellington Water

You may notice Wellington Harbour looking a little bright in patches along Oriental Parade. Don't be alarmed!

We were with Clyde Quay School this morning at Freyberg Beach, showing them how we use dye testing and explaining how the stormwater network flows to waterways. We placed dye in a … View more
You may notice Wellington Harbour looking a little bright in patches along Oriental Parade. Don't be alarmed!

We were with Clyde Quay School this morning at Freyberg Beach, showing them how we use dye testing and explaining how the stormwater network flows to waterways. We placed dye in a stormwater sump, and watched it flow out into the harbour through the stormwater system. As it was high tide, not all of the dye came out so we expect to see more green dye flowing into the harbour throughout the day.

We use dye testing as a way to investigate broken pipes, cross connections and other issues within the network. It was great to be able to share this with the students and help them learn more about where water comes from and where it goes.

The dye is completely safe for the environment, and will dissipate as the tides change.

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1814 days ago

Looking for help to get your home holiday ready?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours, with summer and the festive season just around the corner, it's a great time to spruce up your home or give it a seasonal makeover. And if you're stuck for ideas, we can help!

Resene's colour and technical experts will be joining us on Homed from 7pm tonight (Weds … View more
Hey neighbours, with summer and the festive season just around the corner, it's a great time to spruce up your home or give it a seasonal makeover. And if you're stuck for ideas, we can help!

Resene's colour and technical experts will be joining us on Homed from 7pm tonight (Weds 20 Nov) to answer any questions you have about colour trends, decorating ideas, and the best way to get a perfect finish. Click here to submit your question now, then join us on Homed from 7pm to get some answers. See you then :)

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1814 days ago

Poll: What do you think is the common reason Kiwis fail their driving test?

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

There is one common reason that is accounting for one-quarter of all immediate failures of driving tests - out of the options below, what do you think is the common reason Kiwis don't pass the test? Vote in our poll.

Find out the answer here.

What do you think is the common reason Kiwis fail their driving test?
  • 24.3% Failing to giveway
    24.3% Complete
  • 15.2% Travelling above the speed limit
    15.2% Complete
  • 21.2% Not stopping at stop sign
    21.2% Complete
  • 39.4% Not checking blind spots/mirrors
    39.4% Complete
1186 votes
1814 days ago

How to be more Neighbourly...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Being Neighbourly is a lot more than just signing up to the website. It’s about taking the next step and being helpful and friendly to those around you. There are loads of different ways to be Neighbourly - here are a few suggestions from us.

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1815 days ago

Willis St and Dixon St - sewer leak

The Team from Wellington Water

We currently have stop go traffic management in place on the intersection of Willis St and Dixon St, due to a leak in a pressurised sewer. We are looking at the best way to excavate and repair this leak safely, and will keep you updated on any traffic management changes.

As a precaution we have … View more
We currently have stop go traffic management in place on the intersection of Willis St and Dixon St, due to a leak in a pressurised sewer. We are looking at the best way to excavate and repair this leak safely, and will keep you updated on any traffic management changes.

As a precaution we have put up signs at Wellington Harbour advising people not to swim due to possible contamination. We are carrying out testing in the Harbour and will advise of the results.

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