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Opposition mounts to land swap that could create 1000 homes
A proposed land swap between a council and developers could come down to a decision between houses or birds.
Forest & Bird are calling on the Upper Hutt City Council to keep a 35-hectare block on Silverstream Spur as a wildlife corridor and reserve.
The council is due to consult this year on the proposed exchange of the spur for 134 ha block of nearby land in Pinehaven with the Guildford Timber Company. Guildford wants to build about 1000 new homes on the spur.
Forest & Bird Upper Hutt branch chairman Graham Bellamy said the spur and the opposite land at Keith George Memorial Park are the narrowest part of the Hutt Valley, and would be an ideal ecological corridor if it were replanted in native flora. Currently mostly planted out in pines, a replanted spur could also be used as a recreational reserve.
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Last call for entries to our Resene Shed of the Year 2025!
Take a look at Paul Bates' "surprisingly roomy" Tardis-inspired shed which took out our 2023 title, and if you reckon your shed is right up there, well, you could be in the running to win a robot lawnmower, Resene vouchers and a subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to 5 high-quality photos to Resene Shed of the Year 2025, NZ Gardener PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. Or email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2025.
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Assault in Miramar
Police are asking for the public's help after a man was assaulted and seriously injured in Miramar on Saturday.
Emergency services were called about 4.55pm to Miramar Ave, after the man had been approached by a group of young people.
He has then reportedly been assaulted and has fallen, striking his head on the concrete.
The man was transported to hospital in a serious condition and continues to receive treatment.
Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of the incident, and locate those believed to be responsible.
We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident or the group, or who might have CCTV footage of the incident or the surrounding time period.
If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote reference number 250215/6620.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Poll: Do you have a pet at home?
Neighbourly members LOVE their pets, whether it's a smoochy cat, a trusty pup or even a feathered friend.
We'd like to know how many of you who see this post actually have a pet at home. Let us know in the poll below!
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73.7% Yes - I have a pet / multiple pets
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7.7% Not currently, but one day!
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18.6% Nope, I live in a pet-free home