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Hot chicken and fresh salad 4 the easy dinner? Apples and a loaf of bread 4 the lunchbox panic? Bacon and eggs 4 breakfast in bed?
Whether it’s easy munches, school lunches or Sunday brunches, your Four Square has everything you need to keep life nice, easy and local.
Four Square. Just … View moreHot chicken and fresh salad 4 the easy dinner? Apples and a loaf of bread 4 the lunchbox panic? Bacon and eggs 4 breakfast in bed?
Whether it’s easy munches, school lunches or Sunday brunches, your Four Square has everything you need to keep life nice, easy and local.
Four Square. Just what you need, right nearby.
This week we had a ZOOM talk from Scott Scouller. He is a Whitby resident who is CFO and deputy CEO of Summerset, the retirement village operator. His address was detailed, frank, and fascinating.
Scott gave us an insight into how Summerset began, and its extraordinary growth over the last 20 … View moreThis week we had a ZOOM talk from Scott Scouller. He is a Whitby resident who is CFO and deputy CEO of Summerset, the retirement village operator. His address was detailed, frank, and fascinating.
Scott gave us an insight into how Summerset began, and its extraordinary growth over the last 20 years. It is a $2 billion business owning 30 villages, and opening two new villages every year, at a cost of $150 million each.
Summerset employs 150 staff at head office, about 50 staff in each village, and contracts another 1,000 or so in construction work.
Scott explained at length how the company searches for, and acquires, new sites and the criteria they use. This seems to be its core skill and focus.
The retirement village business has become very competitive, dominated by Summerset, Ryman, and Metlifecare. Each player pitches to the market in different ways.
Summerset offers a homely environment, ‘peace of mind’, and a continuum of service from independent living through to full hospital and dementia care. Scott claims their residents have a greater degree of freedom, e.g. to choose colour schemes and garden design.
Residents are typically in the 70-80 age group, stay for life in nearly all cases, and have an average stay of seven to eight years.
Scott told us that residents pay in three ways: a weekly maintenance fee, payment for care, if needed, and a management fee which is 25% of the in-going capital cost and only recovered on the residents departure.
The retirement villages' sector has tapped into a burgeoning and wealthy market: asset-rich baby boomers looking for a comfortable and worry- free lifestyle in later years. It is a brilliant business model.
But boiled down, it is a property development business which depends for its stellar profitability on building more and more villages. The companies involved won’t run out of developable land, but they may in the end run out of retirees who are sitting on assets generated by house price inflation.
Hey Vet Services Wairarapa and Merton Street Fish and Chips Shop! Your neighbours really LIKE you! Check out these awesome shoutouts from your Wellington community. Thanks for being such a special part of your community.
With so many of us spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people’s energy bills are skyrocketing. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Here are 5 simple, easy to implement ideas and tips for cutting down your domestic power bills to save yourself some cash.
Business owners consistently show initiative, hard work and resilience - and more than ever over the past few weeks.
Prosper has launched a small business survey to gauge the scale of Covid-19's impact.
It'll only take a few minutes to complete - and will help us, help small … View moreBusiness owners consistently show initiative, hard work and resilience - and more than ever over the past few weeks.
Prosper has launched a small business survey to gauge the scale of Covid-19's impact.
It'll only take a few minutes to complete - and will help us, help small businesses like yours, in weeks and months to come.
In late January 2020, following the burst in the two wastewater sludge pipelines buried in a tunnel deep under Mt Albert, Wellington Water engaged engineering firm Stantec to identify repair options and manage the project.
Brian Perry Civil were then engaged as the lead contractor to undertake the… View moreIn late January 2020, following the burst in the two wastewater sludge pipelines buried in a tunnel deep under Mt Albert, Wellington Water engaged engineering firm Stantec to identify repair options and manage the project.
Brian Perry Civil were then engaged as the lead contractor to undertake the enabling works and to manage the other contractors working on site.
A long list of options was quickly whittled down to a shortlist of two options for relining the existing pipes.
From the shortlist SaniTube, from German Company, Amex Sanivar, was selected because it offered the best value for money, could be installed quickly and highly experienced New Zealand agent and installer Hadlee and Brunton was able to undertake the work.
Despite the additional challenge of the global pandemic both pipes were successfully relined by the end of May 2020, thanks to the multi-disciplinary team brought together to deliver this innovative repair.
Talofa lava
It’s Samoa Language Week, a chance for us to celebrate the rich culture, identity and language of our Samoan community. This year’s theme is ‘Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga', which in English means ‘Prepare yourself a gift for your travels’, urging us to prepare for the … View moreTalofa lava
It’s Samoa Language Week, a chance for us to celebrate the rich culture, identity and language of our Samoan community. This year’s theme is ‘Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga', which in English means ‘Prepare yourself a gift for your travels’, urging us to prepare for the road ahead.
I can’t think of a more fitting theme for our region at this time. Our diversity is a strength that will continue to guide us in our path to post-COVID recovery.
GW’s role in parks and environmental management is returning to pre-COVID capacity, with a few changes to keep our people and community safe.
One council function that continues to look quite different is public transport. This week, we released two videos describing how to travel safely on public transport and Metlink school buses. I encourage you to watch them, and share them with your own networks. If we all stick to the guidelines, we can keep Wellington moving smoothly and safely.
Manuia le vaiaso (have a good week) and kia kaha
Daran Ponter
Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Travel on public transport and Metlink school buses under Alert Level 2
If you’ve been keeping an eye our Metlink Facebook page, you might have seen two new videos launched this week outlining how to keep safe on public transport and Metlink school services.
All Metlink passengers
If you’re using the bus, train or ferry during COVID-19 Alert Level 2, this video tells you what you need to know.
Please remember:
• Follow the physical distancing guidelines
• Enter buses through the front door
• Tag on and tag off with Snapper as normal
• If you can avoid traveling at peak times due to reduced capacity
• Keep a record of your travel at Alert Level 2
• Wash your hands before and after
• Don’t travel if you feel sick
Parents, caregivers and students
Now that we’ve moved to Alert Level 2, schools have reopened and Metlink’s School Bus Service is resuming. Things aren’t quite back to normal though, so if you or your child travel on a Metlink school bus, this video outlines what’s different.
Here’s a recap of what parents, caregivers and students should know:
• Children can sit next to each other as normal but standing isn’t permitted
• Because of this capacity will be reduced, so prepare a Plan B in case the bus is already full
• Make sure the students understand hygiene and physical distancing requirements to keep everyone safe
• Let them know they need to keep their distance from the driver
• There’s hand santiser to use on the buses
• Schools are prepared, too:
o Schools will have a register of students on each bus to help with contact tracing if it’s needed
o Schools understand physical distancing and hygiene requirements and can assist
You’ll find more information on the Metlink website or you can call 0800 801 700.
Thank you for being kind, considerate, and understanding as we work within the guidelines set out to keep everyone safe.
More details to come on Jumbotron at Wellington Railway Station
Keen commuters passing through the Wellington Railway Station may have noticed a new jumbotron (giant LED screen) in the centre of the station.
Currently, this screen is showing COVID-19 messaging, but look out for more info from us next week, when we officially launch the jumbotron along with a range of audio and visual improvements around the station which will better inform passengers about their journeys and safety.
Restrictions on park gatherings amended in-line with new guidelines
Last week, we announced that regional parks are reopening most of their amenities, including toilets, BBQs and camping facilities, with appropriate cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.
There are also no longer restrictions on recreational activities such as camping, motorised recreation, hunting, or horse riding.
As of Friday 29 May, gatherings within our parks can be expanded beyond 10 people. This is in-line with new Level 2 guidelines announced by the central government on Monday.
Please continue to keep Alert Level 2 principles in mind though:
• Everyone needs to be able to maintain a safe distance from people outside of their group - please be considerate and keep your gatherings to a sensible size, so there’s room for everyone
• You still need to keep a record of where you’ve been, and with whom, for contract tracing purposes
• Wash or sanitise your hands before and after touching gates, locks and other high-touch surfaces
• Stay home if you’re unwell
Our volunteer groups are also back in action this week! Thanks to our Park Rangers for helping transition these essential groups back into the parks.
Park Ranger offices are still officially closed, but if you see a Ranger or volunteer around, keep your conversations short and at a 2-metre distance. Remember that you can call 0800 496 734 for any park related inquiries.
University of Auckland’s COVID-19 stress and health study
The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences is conducting a nation-wide COVID-19 Stress and Health study to explore how the pandemic is affecting the physical and mental wellbeing of New Zealanders. The study has been approved by the AHREC (ethics committee).
Professors Elizabeth Broadbent and Norina Gasteiger are recruiting participants over the age of 18 and living in NZ.
If you’d like to participate in the study, or find out more, visit: www.covidstressstudy.com...
Good progress has been made to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
The pipe is being excavated and the point of the burst has been found. It is a 300mm, cast iron pipe, that records show was installed in 1961. We are currently planning to… View moreGood progress has been made to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
The pipe is being excavated and the point of the burst has been found. It is a 300mm, cast iron pipe, that records show was installed in 1961. We are currently planning to replace two six-metre sections of pipe with new, concrete-lined steel, which is a more resilient material. All going well we hope to complete the repair today, with full reinstatement completed tomorrow (Saturday).
Traffic is down to a single lane for a small part of Victoria Street near Harris Street and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if they can, or to expect minor delays.
Normal wastewater flows have been managed by the use of sucker trucks transferring wastewater from the nearby pumping station to a point further along the wastewater network, and by diverting flow into another wastewater pipe in Wakefield Street.
More visual inspections were carried out along the waterfront this morning, with no visible signs of a discharge. Water quality testing will continue, and warning signs remain in place until given the all clear by regional public health.
Work is under way to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
Traffic is down to a single lane for a small part of Victoria St and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if they can, or to expect minor delays.
The burst caused a minor … View moreWork is under way to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
Traffic is down to a single lane for a small part of Victoria St and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if they can, or to expect minor delays.
The burst caused a minor overflow. Signs warning of the risk have been placed on the waterfront and a visual inspection showed no sign of any discharge. Water quality testing will be undertaken from today.
The pipe will be excavated today to assess the extent of the burst, then repairs carried out. All going well work may be completed today, but it could take longer to complete reinstatement of the area.
We’ll provide a further update on repair progress around midday.
Hey neighbours, thanks to everyone who nominated an essential worker to win one of three Resene prize packs, each including a Resene colour consultation, a $350 Resene voucher and the latest Resene fan decks.
The lucky winners are: Lee-Ann Hodgson, in Hunterville, Susannah Aho, in Auckland, and … View moreHey neighbours, thanks to everyone who nominated an essential worker to win one of three Resene prize packs, each including a Resene colour consultation, a $350 Resene voucher and the latest Resene fan decks.
The lucky winners are: Lee-Ann Hodgson, in Hunterville, Susannah Aho, in Auckland, and Chad Birt, in Titahi Bay. Congratulations!
Hey neighbours, how do you feel about the changes to building consent rules for low-risk home projects?
The government says the change will save homeowners time and money, but pro builder and The Block NZ foreman Peter Wolfkamp, is advising caution if you're planning a DIY sleep-out or … View moreHey neighbours, how do you feel about the changes to building consent rules for low-risk home projects?
The government says the change will save homeowners time and money, but pro builder and The Block NZ foreman Peter Wolfkamp, is advising caution if you're planning a DIY sleep-out or office. Find out why, here.
I am trying to acquire up to 10 used 60 litre steel oil drums. If anyone can connect me to someone wanting to get rid of some drums I would be grateful.
Sometimes a low-tech tool is the answer.
A blocked stormwater pipe in Titahi Bay led to a CCTV investigation, which identified a blockage about 7 meters from the manhole cover. A water jetter was winched through the pipe and cleared out cans, bottles, Lego blocks and other bits of plastic, but a … View moreSometimes a low-tech tool is the answer.
A blocked stormwater pipe in Titahi Bay led to a CCTV investigation, which identified a blockage about 7 meters from the manhole cover. A water jetter was winched through the pipe and cleared out cans, bottles, Lego blocks and other bits of plastic, but a tangle of roots seen on the screen wouldn’t budge.
Here we have Servicepersons Grayson (at the back holding the handle) and Tito using a corkscrew extended to 7 meters to clear roots out of the pipe.
I'm writing a story about CCTV security cameras on homes, what's the best system, how to install them, and whether or not they're a useful deterrent.
I wondered what you thought about private security cameras. Are they good for the neighbourhood? Or a sign troubled communities?
If … View moreI'm writing a story about CCTV security cameras on homes, what's the best system, how to install them, and whether or not they're a useful deterrent.
I wondered what you thought about private security cameras. Are they good for the neighbourhood? Or a sign troubled communities?
If you've got a strong opinion about them, drop me a line and let me know what you think.
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