Thank you
Wellington Police would like to thank Akatarawa residents for your patience over the weekend as we conducted our annual Search and Rescue exercise.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the 4WD movements and noise from the helicopter activity. While neighbours near the helicopter landing zone were advised of the exercise, residents further afield were also affected.
The exercise involved Police Search and Rescue personnel, Wellington LandSAR volunteers, New Zealand Airforce, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Amateur Radio and the Cross-Country Vehicle Club.
Training exercises provide and important opportunity for SAR personnel to learn new skills and test themselves in the environment and conditions likely to be encountered in a real search. As it happened, teams were deployed into the Tararua Ranges on Friday evening for a seriously injured tramper and again on Sunday for two people swept out to sea on the south coast of Wellington. Both rescues were successful.
We would like to thank local landowners that allowed the use of their properties and acknowledge the support of the Upper Hutt City Council who kindly made Karapoti Park available.
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% Other - I'll share below
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
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