One Step Either Way
Upper Hutt is growing but are the services provided within Upper Hutt keeping up?
Recently needed a computer printing machine cartridge checked. But the only shop in Upper Hutt who was doing this for years has closed up completely so one now has to go to Lower Hutt or Wellington to find out if new cartridges re-filled cartridges are needed or if the printer is misreading it/ not functioning correctly.
There is still the Newbolds used goods store in Upper Hutt that will provide new cartridges or at least order one in but doesn't have the equipment to check things out nor sell or discuss printers etc.
This is a bit like shoe etc repairs. The only experienced shoe etc repairer in the Upper Hutt CBD retail strip moved to the Wairarapa a couple of years ago leaving a controversial shoe repair operation in The Mall as the sole service in that realm. That repairer wanted $40 from me to glue the front piece of a clean shoe stating he had to clean the shoe first whereas a shoe repairer in Lower Hutt charged me an acceptable $10.
But a step up is the new upmarket butchery-deli shop in Upper Hutt's CBD which has replaced a former cheap butchery that was in the same locality. Wow, beautiful cuts and quality of meat (eg lamb chops that are all but devoid of fat and bone) , marvellous flavours and types of sausages, family size pies out of this world but actually made in Waterloo, variety of cheeses from all over the universe etc etc
This deli flies in the face of an UH City Councillor who advised me that Upper Hutt CBD wasn't for expensive or boutique.
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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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
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.
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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