Plimmerton, Porirua

1295 days ago

Teenager bringing high-speed internet to Upper Hutt

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A company run by a 16-year-old which has brought high-speed internet access to hundreds of households in the Hutt Valley that have been “forgotten" by the big telcos is expanding its services to other parts of the country in a bid to help more residents in isolated areas get connected.
Alex … View more
A company run by a 16-year-old which has brought high-speed internet access to hundreds of households in the Hutt Valley that have been “forgotten" by the big telcos is expanding its services to other parts of the country in a bid to help more residents in isolated areas get connected.
Alex Stewart came up with the idea for his business, WombatNET, when he was 13 and staying at the remote settlement of Turakina Beach, near Whanganui. Older people would often ask the tech-savvy teenager for help with their digital devices, and he soon realised how many people in the area were grappling with the same problem – unreliable and slow internet access.
After doing some research, he discovered that while it was relatively straightforward to connect properties to the fixed wireless broadband network using radio waves transmitted by towers, large internet providers often seemed reluctant to do so because it could be more expensive than using cables. So Stewart decided to meet the need himself.
In early 2020, WombatNET put up its first tower on private land just outside Upper Hutt. Since then, the company has built another 10 around Mangaroa and Whitemans Valley.
With demand for the service growing quickly through online and social media marketing and word of mouth, and as more people began to work from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Stewart was struggling to juggle running a start-up with his school work.

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1293 days ago

“Things I Know to be True” at Circa Theatre.

Circa Theatre

From August: Osage County to Joyful and Triumphant, Circa Theatre has a rich history of celebrating family. With rich insight, brilliant humour and a whole lot of heart, Andrew Bovell - the writer of When the Rain Stops Falling and Lantana - paints a vivid portrait of home: the expectations that … View moreFrom August: Osage County to Joyful and Triumphant, Circa Theatre has a rich history of celebrating family. With rich insight, brilliant humour and a whole lot of heart, Andrew Bovell - the writer of When the Rain Stops Falling and Lantana - paints a vivid portrait of home: the expectations that trap us and the love that keeps us coming back.

Co-produced with The Court Theatre, Things I Know to be True has just finished a record-breaking sold-out season in Christchurch receiving standing ovations and Circa Theatre is proud to present this “intricate, inventive study of family life” as part of its 45th anniversary celebrations. Tickets selling fast!

‘A thing of beauty, exquisitely observed. An absolute gem.’★★★★★ — The Daily Telegraph
Book now

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1295 days ago

Burglary not enough to stop Gear Homestead re-opening

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

An experienced Wellington restaurateur's efforts to breathe new life into a historic Porirua homestead have been dealt a cruel blow, burgled less than a fortnight out from its re-opening.
Michael Hollings, who co-owns Wellington institutions Chow, The Library bar, The Little Waffle Shop and Le… View more
An experienced Wellington restaurateur's efforts to breathe new life into a historic Porirua homestead have been dealt a cruel blow, burgled less than a fortnight out from its re-opening.
Michael Hollings, who co-owns Wellington institutions Chow, The Library bar, The Little Waffle Shop and Le Samourai, recently took on the challenge of transforming Gear Homestead into Gear Eatery and Bar.
On Saturday, about $7000 worth of tools.
Hollings, however, is determined not to let the theft stop him and is still planning to re-open May 7.

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1295 days ago

Projects underway in busy Kenepuru

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Work is underway on a number of key projects in Kenepuru, to prepare for increased traffic flows from Transmission Gully and the city’s growth.
One of these projects is a shared pathway connecting Kenepuru Station with Bluff Road, designed to enhance the area for cyclists and pedestrians with a … View more
Work is underway on a number of key projects in Kenepuru, to prepare for increased traffic flows from Transmission Gully and the city’s growth.
One of these projects is a shared pathway connecting Kenepuru Station with Bluff Road, designed to enhance the area for cyclists and pedestrians with a focus on improving safety and accessing public transport.
There is significant growth in this part of the city, with the new Kenepuru Landing development and the Summerset retirement village. The shared pathway - running in front of ESR to the bottom of Bluff Road - will have a crossing point across Kenepuru Drive to connect pedestrians and cyclists to the railway station.
Access to the station was enhanced last year, with improved lighting, resurfacing and a mural.
Work on the pathway should be complete by the middle of the year, weather-depending.
Upgrades are also underway in four other areas to make sure there’s continued safe access for all businesses and road users following the increased Transmission Gully traffic volumes:
- Raiha Street/Broken Hill Road: reducing the wide conflict area and the risk for all road users
- Raiha Street/Prosser Street: construction of a mountable roundabout to reduce speeds and near misses between vehicles
- Main Road/Wall Place: widening the intersection to reduce the delays for exiting traffic
- Kenepuru Drive Cycle Crossing Point: installing a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Kenepuru Drive to provide a safe crossing point for northbound cyclists near Stream Bank walk/cycleway.

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1295 days ago

Local Service you can trust

Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors

We're qualified local people who we have been serving Wellington families since 1946.

Gee & Hickton has a reputation for professional and caring service from our funeral directors and support staff who are passionate about going the extra mile to ensure families can have peace of mind … View more
We're qualified local people who we have been serving Wellington families since 1946.

Gee & Hickton has a reputation for professional and caring service from our funeral directors and support staff who are passionate about going the extra mile to ensure families can have peace of mind at what can be a very stressful time.

Our commitment is to listen, guide you through the options and then take care of the details to make the funeral service meaningful.

Visit us at 6 Norrie Street, Porirua or contact us at (04) 237 5332
Find out more

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1296 days ago

Projects underway in busy Kenepuru

Porirua City Council

Work is underway on a number of key projects in Kenepuru, to prepare for increased traffic flows from Transmission Gully and the city’s growth.

One of these projects is a shared pathway connecting Kenepuru Station with Bluff Road, designed to enhance the area for cyclists and pedestrians with… View more
Work is underway on a number of key projects in Kenepuru, to prepare for increased traffic flows from Transmission Gully and the city’s growth.

One of these projects is a shared pathway connecting Kenepuru Station with Bluff Road, designed to enhance the area for cyclists and pedestrians with a focus on improving safety and accessing public transport.

There is significant growth in this part of the city, with the new Kenepuru Landing development and the Summerset retirement village. The shared pathway – running in front of ESR to the bottom of Bluff Road – will have a crossing point across Kenepuru Drive to connect pedestrians and cyclists to the railway station.

Access to the station was enhanced last year, with improved lighting, resurfacing and a mural.

Work on the pathway should be complete by the middle of the year, weather-depending.

Upgrades are also underway in four other areas to make sure there’s continued safe access for all businesses and road users following the increased Transmission Gully traffic volumes:
• Raiha Street/Broken Hill Road: reducing the wide conflict area and the risk for all road users
• Raiha Street/Prosser Street: construction of a mountable roundabout to reduce speeds and near misses between vehicles
• Main Road/Wall Place: widening the intersection to reduce the delays for exiting traffic
• Kenepuru Drive Cycle Crossing Point: installing a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Kenepuru Drive to provide a safe crossing point for northbound cyclists near Stream Bank walk/cycleway.

All projects have been designed with the input of local businesses and residents.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says all these key projects will enhance what is becoming a very busy part of the city. “This is all about equipping Porirua for growth,” she says, “and with Transmission Gully inching closer by the day, we’re getting ahead of it with these works. “We thank road users for their patience while we get this important work done.”

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

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1299 days ago

Pet of the Day: Meet Marinela and Dragos

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Florica Vasiliu, from Miramar, is the proud owner of brother and sister Marinela and Dragos.

"Here is a picture of Marinela and Dragos chilling out. Behind them is a picture of their distant relative that died in 2019."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on … View more
Florica Vasiliu, from Miramar, is the proud owner of brother and sister Marinela and Dragos.

"Here is a picture of Marinela and Dragos chilling out. Behind them is a picture of their distant relative that died in 2019."
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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1298 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Ruthie

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

This week we have a lovely adoption update on Ruthie, who was recently adopted from Wellington SPCA.

"To say that adopting Ruthie has been an adjustment would be an understatement, to say the least.
We adopted her not long after our previous cat T passed away. So we went from having a big, … View more
This week we have a lovely adoption update on Ruthie, who was recently adopted from Wellington SPCA.

"To say that adopting Ruthie has been an adjustment would be an understatement, to say the least.
We adopted her not long after our previous cat T passed away. So we went from having a big, old man cat who didn't really do much to having Ruthie, who is much younger and much livelier to contend with.
When I adopted her, I was told that she was quite shy and timid, that was true for the first week or so she was at home with us, but now she is loud and 'in your face' and takes great joy in running up and down the hallway and playing with toys.
She also loves to yell for attention in the middle of the night, but we are hoping that now she is spending more time outside, she will sleep a bit more at night and stop waking us up so early in the morning. She is very talkative, makes lovely prrp noises when she doesn't feel like meowing at us.
While she is very different from our last cat, she is very loved and has settled in well to her new home. She's come out of her shell a lot in the last few weeks and is making us all very happy to have her around. Thank you so much for helping me find her. Grace (Ruthie's forever person)."

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1298 days ago

Wellington Children’s Hospital

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

'It’s all about our children and grandchildren' and supporting the new Children’s Hospital, says Mike Doig in his report on last night's speakers.

Wellington’s third-generation children’s hospital is well underway and should open in November this year.

It follows the King … View more
'It’s all about our children and grandchildren' and supporting the new Children’s Hospital, says Mike Doig in his report on last night's speakers.

Wellington’s third-generation children’s hospital is well underway and should open in November this year.

It follows the King Edward VIIth Memorial Hospital, built in 1912, and its successor, opened in 1988, both of which were familiar to local Rotarians.

New Zealand will have three regional children’s hospitals: Starship in Auckland, our new one, and Christchurch. Each will specialise to some degree. The Wellington hospital will serve about one million citizens from Taranaki southwards to the top of the south island.

Last evening Bill Day, chair of the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, and Adrienne Murray, a former President of our club and now chair of the Rotary Children’s Health Trust, came to talk about the progress of the new hospital and Rotary’s part in it.

Bill is a former banker and has chaired the Life Flight Trust, Outward Bound, Wellington Free Ambulance, and has been a director of numerous other community organisations.

The new Children’s Hospital was made possible by a gift of $50 million from Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood, after whom the new building will be named.

Bill explained the design of the building with the aid of photos and plans. It will be innovative and state-of-the-art when completed.

Adrienne explained the fundraising aspects of the project. Our Rotary District has committed to raising $400,000 by March 2022 which will be used to provide two whanau rooms in the hospital. We are close to $170,000 so far, with our own club donating $2500.

The Rotary Children’s Health Trust was formed to support the building of the new hospital but will carry on afterwards to underwrite other child-centred health services in our region.

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1298 days ago

Subscribe and receive a free gift

Sunday Star Times

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the … View more
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.

T&C's apply.
Subscribe Now

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1300 days ago

Poll: Do you support council amalgamation?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta is carrying out a widespread review of local government. One of the issues that will inevitably be looked at is amalgamation.
Do you support amalgamating council's in the region.
Should Porirua, for instance, amalgamate with Wellington.
If you do not … View more
Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta is carrying out a widespread review of local government. One of the issues that will inevitably be looked at is amalgamation.
Do you support amalgamating council's in the region.
Should Porirua, for instance, amalgamate with Wellington.
If you do not want your comments used by Stuff, please put NFP.

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Do you support council amalgamation?
  • 47.1% Yes
    47.1% Complete
  • 41.2% No
    41.2% Complete
  • 11.8% Not sure
    11.8% Complete
34 votes
1300 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

This week we are using an Andrew Gorrie pick.

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1303 days ago

Police seek witnesses to serious assault in Porirua

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Police are seeking witnesses to a serious assault that occurred outside the Metro Sports Bat, Porirua, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A man was attempting to break up a fight between a group of people outside the bar at 12.30am and was struck on the back of the head by another man.
He was … View more
Police are seeking witnesses to a serious assault that occurred outside the Metro Sports Bat, Porirua, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A man was attempting to break up a fight between a group of people outside the bar at 12.30am and was struck on the back of the head by another man.
He was transported to Wellington Regional Hospital with critical injuries and remained in hospital in a serious condition.

*Information regarding the assault is asked to contact police on 105 quoting file number 210418/4368. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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1302 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

What are your thoughts on the great flag debate that gripped the country in 2015?

1301 days ago

Metlink industrial action tomorrow

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

Metlink has now received formal notification from the Tramways Union, that there will be industrial action tomorrow on Metlink routes run by NZ Bus.

Affected routes are shown in the image below.

The industrial action will last from 4am tomorrow Friday 23 April until 4am Saturday 24 April, when … View more
Metlink has now received formal notification from the Tramways Union, that there will be industrial action tomorrow on Metlink routes run by NZ Bus.

Affected routes are shown in the image below.

The industrial action will last from 4am tomorrow Friday 23 April until 4am Saturday 24 April, when normal services will resume.

Metlink is asking customers to know before they go and plan alternative journeys if needed and to ensure you have signed up to MyMetlink and turned on notifications to stay up to date.

Metlink services run by our other bus operators, which make up the majority of our services, are scheduled to run as normal.

They will keep the Metlink website updated with the latest information.

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