ON THE BUTTON
About three years ago I was questioned by Upper Hutt City Council survey staff about what is ideally needed for the two large parks/reserves in the Wallaceville Estate in Wallaceville.
So from the top of my head, I said a large, interesting children's playground and some open and covered bench seating for Grant's Bush Reserve and all weather pedestrian/dog walkers tracks/pathways plus strategic bench seating for The Reserve.
Lo and behold this is exactly what the Council has done now that work has almost been completed in The Reserve.
I take full credit or no credit.
The most remarkable thing is that the playground is an absolute beacon for other recreational activities in the surrounding grassy (and weedy) areas summer and winter.
And I now have seen kids playing football in The Reserve.
My "job" has been to keep hassling the Council regarding Grant's Bush Reserve grass/weeds mowed more often so that the fields can be utilised for all the extraordinary activities that go on. I think I have won on this count.
Prior to the children's playground, GBR was pretty much dead apart from a few people exercising their dogs. Now even this activity has grown enormously.
Children and adults do come from further afield just than those living in the estate.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.8% Critical thinking
-
29.8% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.7% Other - I will share below!
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
