1588 days ago

Wellington's electric cross-harbour ferry just around the corner

Reporter Community News

Wellington’s cross-harbour ferry operator hopes to have its electric catamaran carrying passengers across Te Whanganui-a-Tara by Christmas.
East by West Ferries’ managing director Jeremy Ward says the Ika Rere (flying fish) is closing in on final sign-off following sea trials which began in August. It is on track to become the first commercial electric passenger craft operating in the Southern Hemisphere.
“It’s exceeded all our expectations in terms of speed and battery capacity – the design team are ecstatic,” said Ward, who is also a director of the Wellington Electric Boat Building Company which produced the ferry in Seaview, Lower Hutt.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    39.7% Complete
  • 58.5% No, I enjoy it
    58.5% Complete
  • 1.8% Other - I'll share below
    1.8% Complete
939 votes
44 minutes ago

Everybody Dance!!

Grant Ellen from Miramar & Maupuia Community Centre

Everybody Dance warmly welcomes Valerie to lead our fun Sunday sessions from 29th March to 31st May at 4.30pm!
Come and enjoy exercise through vibrant Pacific-style music and dance - a joyful way to move your body, lift your mood, and connect with others.

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2 hours ago

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Rita Angus Retirement Village

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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