Akatarawa, Upper Hutt

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Love hearing about people in our communities?

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

2330 days ago

Get Real Skills in Demand

Rebecca Davidson from WelTec

Enrolments for Trimester 2 are now open at WelTec. We offer fees free on a wide range of programmes starting in July, including; automotive, beauty therapy, business, construction, creative, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, information technology, makeup artistry, social services, tourism … View moreEnrolments for Trimester 2 are now open at WelTec. We offer fees free on a wide range of programmes starting in July, including; automotive, beauty therapy, business, construction, creative, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, information technology, makeup artistry, social services, tourism and more.

Get in touch to find out more about your options. Our advisors are available on 0800 935 832 or info@weltec.ac.nz.
Find out more

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2330 days ago

Make a Difference Market, Saturday June 30

Sustainability Trust

Fancy a unique day out? Get along to Sustainability Trust’s Make a Difference Market, showcasing local businesses, all with a Fairtrade, ethical, natural, recycled, reusable or community twist!

Food, homeware, books, skincare, clothing, reusable bags, fabric, warm, energy-efficient homes, and … View more
Fancy a unique day out? Get along to Sustainability Trust’s Make a Difference Market, showcasing local businesses, all with a Fairtrade, ethical, natural, recycled, reusable or community twist!

Food, homeware, books, skincare, clothing, reusable bags, fabric, warm, energy-efficient homes, and much more.

Come and get set for winter, plastic-free July and Fairtrade fortnight. This event is plastic bag free so come prepared!

Where: Sustainability Trust’s EcoCentre, 2 Forresters Lane, Wellington
When: 10 am – 2pm, Saturday June 30

Full details: www.facebook.com/events/2077426902523899/
Find out more!

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2331 days ago

Congratulations to the PM

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford have welcomed a baby girl. To read more, click here.

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2331 days ago

Poll: Would you give your teenager a double bed?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Does it make sense to buy teenagers bigger beds so they have more room to grow? Or, like writer and mum Jayne D'Arcy, do you think a double could equal trouble later on?

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Would you give your teenager a double bed?
  • 42.8% Yes, single beds aren't big enough
    42.8% Complete
  • 38.2% It depends on the size of the room
    38.2% Complete
  • 19% No, a single bed is all they need
    19% Complete
2292 votes
2331 days ago

Poll: Should public holidays be scrapped in NZ?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

After debate around whether Matariki should become a public holiday, ACT leader David Seymour said he was "open" to public holidays being scrapped in New Zealand - well, all but Anzac and Waitangi.

He says people should be able to make their own holiday arrangements, rather than the … View more
After debate around whether Matariki should become a public holiday, ACT leader David Seymour said he was "open" to public holidays being scrapped in New Zealand - well, all but Anzac and Waitangi.

He says people should be able to make their own holiday arrangements, rather than the Government telling us when to take the day off.

We want to know your thoughts. Should people be able to make their own holiday arrangements? Or should we leave our holidays as is?

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Should public holidays be scrapped in NZ?
  • 4% Yes, let's scrap them
    4% Complete
  • 90.8% No, leave them as is
    90.8% Complete
  • 5.2% Let's just keep Anzac and Waitangi Day
    5.2% Complete
2405 votes
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2331 days ago

Trucks on Akatarawa Rd

George from Akatarawa

There is a lot of activity in the valley at the moment with large trucks.  The school bus is on Akatarawa in the morning and late afternoon and has come face-to-face with large trucks several times in the last few weeks.  There is a ban on trucks on Moonshine Rd before 8:30, to allow the school … View moreThere is a lot of activity in the valley at the moment with large trucks.  The school bus is on Akatarawa in the morning and late afternoon and has come face-to-face with large trucks several times in the last few weeks.  There is a ban on trucks on Moonshine Rd before 8:30, to allow the school bus to get off the road.  I would like to canvas the community to see if we can get the same courtesy on Akatarawa Rd.

2334 days ago

What doesn't belong in the wastewater network

The Team from Wellington Water

You know what doesn't belong in the wastewater network? A giant orange cone! And yet...

This cone was found blocking one of the wastewater pump stations in Porirua's CBD last week.

Not too sure how it got there... But our team managed to clear it from the pump station before any … View more
You know what doesn't belong in the wastewater network? A giant orange cone! And yet...

This cone was found blocking one of the wastewater pump stations in Porirua's CBD last week.

Not too sure how it got there... But our team managed to clear it from the pump station before any major damage was done. ?

In the past we've also found a pair of jeans, shampoo bottles, kids (and adults) toys, money, cellphones, pagers, and A LOT of wetwipes!

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2331 days ago

Health advice for safe travel.

Raewyn Richardson from

Heading overseas and escaping winter! Here's how to stay safe and healthy while traveling. You can stock up on essential travel supplies at Lagans Pharmacy.

2331 days ago

Is your emergency kit all sorted?

Nikau Foundation

We’re all about making Wellington one of the most resilient cities in the world. You can play your part too - from getting to know your neighbours and making sure your emergency tool kit is up to date, to getting stocked up on Wellington Chocolate Factory’s special-edition Stevey Templar … View moreWe’re all about making Wellington one of the most resilient cities in the world. You can play your part too - from getting to know your neighbours and making sure your emergency tool kit is up to date, to getting stocked up on Wellington Chocolate Factory’s special-edition Stevey Templar designed salted caramel chocolate bars…
Wait, what?!
Yes, you did read that right!
Head over to discover how Nikau Foundation is making resilience even sweeter and get involved! #GiveWhereYouLive
Find out more

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2331 days ago

Say thanks to our volunteers

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Our dedicated Fire and Emergency volunteers help keep our communities safe.

So this National Volunteer Week, why not say a big thank you? Here’s how: head to our #LetsHearIt page on Neighbourly and let them know why you’re thankful for what they do.

Our Fire and Emergency New Zealand … View more
Our dedicated Fire and Emergency volunteers help keep our communities safe.

So this National Volunteer Week, why not say a big thank you? Here’s how: head to our #LetsHearIt page on Neighbourly and let them know why you’re thankful for what they do.

Our Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers are always standing by to help out when they’re needed. Thank you for letting them know how grateful you are for everything they do to keep us all safe.
Share your message now

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2332 days ago

Seven Essential Things You Should Know If You Want To Flip Houses

Garry Tranter from Price My House for Free Limited

1. BUY SMART
As they say, you make your money when you buy. It doesn’t matter how amazing your renovation is, if you have overpaid for the property, it is already eating into any potential profit. Leave your emotions at the door and use your head, not your heart, when purchasing.

2. RESEARCH
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1. BUY SMART
As they say, you make your money when you buy. It doesn’t matter how amazing your renovation is, if you have overpaid for the property, it is already eating into any potential profit. Leave your emotions at the door and use your head, not your heart, when purchasing.

2. RESEARCH
Research the suburb’s sales history so you know the house is at the right price and learn what you could potentially sell the property for when the renovation is complete. Once you are interested in a property, do all the due diligence required – have your lawyer go over the LIM, get a building inspection and talk to the neighbours about the area.

3. KNOW THE TAX RULES
Employ a trusted lawyer and accountant and find out what your legal and tax obligations are. The current law states if you buy a property with the intention of reselling it, or buy a home as part of your property or building business, you will have to pay tax on any profit from the sale. If you buy and sell a property within two years (this is currently under review), you’ll pay tax on any profit (with some exclusions, eg your main home is excluded). You may also have to pay tax on profit if you have a history of buying and selling properties, or if you’re associated with the property industry. For details, see ird.govt.nz/property

4. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
You can download budget planners which detail all the costs involved in buying, renovating and selling a house. These cover purchasing costs (building inspection, lawyer, accountant), holding costs (mortgage payments, rates, insurance), renovation costs (council consents, builders, tradies, fixtures and fittings) and selling costs (agent’s fees, lawyer and accountant).

5. COUNT ON QUOTES
Get several quotes for work required and clarify the scope of work you are paying for, eg will you project manage or will the builder? Will you source each tradie or will your builder give one fixed price for the entire job? This process is time-consuming but important.

6. MAKE IT QUICK
Aim to complete the renovation and get the house back on the market as quickly as possible, so you are selling in the same market you bought in. This will protect you from any potential market downturn and ensure holding costs like mortgage repayments, rates and insurance are as low as possible. Although this renovation took longer than anticipated due to an unprecedented building boom in the area, house values were increasing at such a rapid rate that the extra costs incurred were outweighed by the increase in the property’s value.

7. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Our budget ran over by about 10 percent, which is common when renovating. Other than a new joist needed in the bathroom floor, everything else was in mint condition. However, the renovation wasn’t without its lows. There was one awful moment a few days before the Readylawn was to be laid, when we found out that a large, deep trench had to be dug through the newly laid driveway and across the entire front yard. Incredibly, it was fixed within 24 hours and the drainage boys then levelled out the ground, meaning one less job for us before the lawn was laid.

The other bad experience involved a tradie who was booked to do the driveway but took my money and skipped town. That’s an extra tip – never pay before work is complete.

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2332 days ago

Special Limited Time Bonus Offer!

Frances from Silverstream

Help the Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society raise funds by buying a 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership and for a limited time, you’ll receive 2x BONUS EVENT Cinemas eVouchers in time for the school holidays! Hurry, stocks are sure to run out.

www.entertainmentbook.co.nz...

Enter promotional … View more
Help the Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society raise funds by buying a 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership and for a limited time, you’ll receive 2x BONUS EVENT Cinemas eVouchers in time for the school holidays! Hurry, stocks are sure to run out.

www.entertainmentbook.co.nz...

Enter promotional code ‘EVENTGIFT’ at checkout and you will receive your eVouchers via your email inbox within 48 business hours.

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2332 days ago

WIN a central heating package!

The Gas Hub

Can your home connect natural gas for FREE?
Head to The Gas Hub to find out and be in to WIN a central heating package.

This could be the start of a whole new level of comfort for your home.
Find out more!

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2332 days ago

Want a power free sewage treatment system?

NaturalFlow

Nature is one huge recycling mechanism, and the ‘NaturalFlow System’ works with ‘Nature’ by harnessing these forces, that have been quietly working together for thousands of years to break down and decompose waste all around us.

Positioning them in an enclosed eco-system that simulates … View more
Nature is one huge recycling mechanism, and the ‘NaturalFlow System’ works with ‘Nature’ by harnessing these forces, that have been quietly working together for thousands of years to break down and decompose waste all around us.

Positioning them in an enclosed eco-system that simulates the forest floor, to treat and break down your wastewater until it is perfectly safe to be re-introduced into the environment, via the soil, and of course – ‘Nature’ does all this, for you, for FREE!

Waterflow NZ Ltd has professional Installers that cover every region of New Zealand, contact us to find out the closest one to you.
Find out more!

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2358 days ago

Entertainment fundraiser

Citizens Advice Bureau from Citizens Advice Bureau Upper Hutt

Citizens Advice Bureau Upper Hutt is fundraising with the Entertainment fundraiser this year, and we’d appreciate your continued support.
Your 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership is expiring on 1 June 2018. Please continue supporting our fundraising by purchasing the 2018 | 2019 Entertainment … View more
Citizens Advice Bureau Upper Hutt is fundraising with the Entertainment fundraiser this year, and we’d appreciate your continued support.
Your 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership is expiring on 1 June 2018. Please continue supporting our fundraising by purchasing the 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership from us today. Hundreds of great value offers are ready for your enjoyment, while also helping our fundraising!
www.entertainmentbook.co.nz...

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