What To Do With Upper Hutt's CBD
The CBD mainly in Main Street is a mess and a disgrace to a town that is called a city.
But not all is lost.
For years I have been saying make the CBD a mix of retail and apartmental. In other words compact the shopping and bring people right into the precinct by accommodating them. Make it living instead of lifeless.
It seems this might yet happen.
The owners of the mall had plans to increase the size of the mall considerably. Thank goodness they have not as now the current mall is virtually filled at long last and any increase in size will remove what little is left of the outside and the CBD would become disfunctional.
I have pitched for a Jackson Street (Petone)- like operation for Main Street with the council chipping in to help (rates holidays) and encourage in improvements and converting buildings to accommodate apartments and soliciting free paint for building exterior upgrade and "group" benefits for renovations.
Tracy Bull is quoted in The Leader as saying she loves the CBD the way it is. Whew. I wouldn't be supporting her opinion.
Councillor, Paul Lambert didn't see the CBD being required much above "ordinary" when I last spoke to him about it but I think that included in the mix should be boutique type of shops that along with the other major retail players will help to attract the public from the southern Wairarapa to come and shop in Upper Hutt instead of travelling further south to Lower Hutt or further north to Masterton.
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?
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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40.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.8% 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.
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