UPPER HUTT SETBACKS
Upper Hutt has been on an upward spiral over the last several years not seen to the same extent in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Porirua, Kapiti, Horowhenu and Wairarapa.
But further progress and stretching out the bump in population has come to a stop - albeit temporary.
The bold planning of multi storied apartments on a part of the Trentham Racecourse site accommodating a few thousand people and ensuring the conrinuation of top level racing has been placed on hold. This comes after a glitch of the Silverstream Spur housing development which could draw in several thousand residents. The SS is also likely to evenrually go ahead but not right now.
The one thing publicly announced in the last day is the increase of prison accommodation due to start in the ever growing mini city that is Rimutaka Prison.
This Upper Hutt facility is the largest prison in NZ and harbours thousands of prisoners and over a thousand staff.
Not the kind of progress Upper Hutt really wants though there are good benefits from employment opportunities, ancillary services needed for the prison and demand for local rental properties.
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 EVβs 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: Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? ππ²π
Between the headlines about the Strait of Hormuz and the creeping costs at our local stations, the "fuel crisis" has moved from the news to our wallets.
A recent opinion piece in The Post suggested that Wellington Councils should be shifting our public facilities to renewable energy ASAP to keep our rates from being vulnerable to these global fuel hikes. Itβs a big conversation for the city, but what about your daily commute?
We want to know: With fuel prices staying high for the foreseeable future, are you changing how you get around the capital?
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19.6% Yes β Iβm a bus/train user
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5.8% Dusting off the bike
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6.3% Working from home
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61.4% Nope, same as always
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6.9% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
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