Upper Hutt Is A Military City
When one looks at the changing nature of the Wellington Region, Upper Hutt sticks out most for all the recent and ongoing additions to the fabric of this city.
But it is really the rise and rise of the military presence that sets Upper Hutt apart from other cities and towns in NZ.
Trentham Military encampment is large and from its bowels every evening at 5pm sharp, a sole bugle rings out for all within its range to know the time of day.
The military and the Department of Defence occupy a lot of Upper Hutt's land, a number of buildings including a great share of the attractive former General Motors building and one right in the centre of the CBD, as well as a lot of residential properties with a number in the process of being constructed near the camp's Davis Park.
And the full force of the military presence is felt every ANZAC Day at 6am at the UH civic centre as a witness to the prominent dawn service that Upper Hutt stages.
The officers of the military usually turn up at the impressive UH Cossie Club after the ANZAC public service for a hearty breakfast along with hundreds of locals.
Just a five minutes walk from the Military Camp is NZ's largest prison. It is these two entities that create a lot of the wealth and commercial activities that is Upper Hutt.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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: Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠
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. It’s 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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18.7% Yes – I’m a bus/train user
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6.1% Dusting off the bike
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6.1% Working from home
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62.6% Nope, same as always
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6.6% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
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