Most Sought After City To Rent A House
That little (in population) modest city called Upper Hutt is now been awarded whatever for being the most expensive city or town in NZ to rent a house/rental domestic accommodation.
Unbelievable yes but there you are.
What has gone on to create this monster of unaffordability called Upper Hutt that not many years ago, people wanted a name change because of a reputation of criminality?
Not much as far as I can see. Maybe a whole lot of factors that somehow add up.
Has climate change made UH less icy cold. Has new and improved amenities (Brewtown etc) given UH a breath of fresh air. Has working from home made travel to Wellington and Lower Hutt and over the Haywards less having to frequent. Has more job opportunities locally given a boost. Has new housing raised the bar for renting ( a brand new tightly sized two storied 2 or 3 bedroom apartment style house in the Wallaceville Estate is going for $700 a week rent, $36,000 per annum). Has the many open spaces of UH getting recognition. Has UH as a dog ownership haven, being recognised. Has retailing in UH turning a corner, gaining recognition. Has our close proximity to the Wairarapa - Marinborough in particular - being a factor.
Goodbye Auckland, hello Upper Hutt - for the time being.
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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