Blue Mountains Campus Dilemma
The KiwiRail control centre at the Blue Mountains Campus, Wallaceville is now operating in its new building and a part of the refurbished and restored Buddle Building is completed and part or all its ground floor of the four storey section of the building iis now occupied.
But it wiil be a few months before the remainder of Buddle Building is ready for occupancy including the cafe which will service both staff people in the campus and the public in general.
Next on the list of refurbisment etc are the two historical multi-storied buildings and the timber construction of two -four large single storied buildings.
But the developers are considering making some of the historical buildings residential instead of all commercial or doing a mix of residential and commercial elsewhere in the complex.
So far only KiwiRail and Ministry of Business Development etc have taken up tenancy. I believe TransDec are considering shifting part of their operation to BMC partially in favouring linking its connection with KiwiRail. Transdec operates the suburban railways in the Wellington and Wairarapa regions.
Buddle Building was proposed to have been available last December and according to a senior construction person on site, its delay is not due to material shortages nor staffing shortages.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.6% Yes
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22.1% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
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