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Police are monitoring gang movements through the Wellington region for a funeral today.
Motorists can expect to see a large number of gang members add associates travelling around the wider Wellington region. Police will have a visible presence as vehicles travel from Moera towards Foxton at … View morePolice are monitoring gang movements through the Wellington region for a funeral today.
Motorists can expect to see a large number of gang members add associates travelling around the wider Wellington region. Police will have a visible presence as vehicles travel from Moera towards Foxton at around 11am.
We remind those travelling on our roads to not act in a way that puts anybody’s safety at risk. Any unlawful behaviour where Police cannot take action at the time will be investigated and followed up with enforcement action.
If you have concerns for your safety, or witness illegal behaviour happening now, please call 111 immediately.
To report or send in any video footage of anyone causing concern, we encourage you to make a 105 report, either online or over the phone.
Information can also be anonymously provided via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
We hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
Maybe you have done some Easter baking, created an Easter egg hunt or decorated the house Easter themed - whatever your plans, share a photo of your Easter weekend moments below.
You'll be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card which you can spend on … View moreWe hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
Maybe you have done some Easter baking, created an Easter egg hunt or decorated the house Easter themed - whatever your plans, share a photo of your Easter weekend moments below.
You'll be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card which you can spend on chocolate, or whatever else your heart desires!
Behind every great community are small businesses with big hearts.
The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards celebrate the unsung heroes who do more than just business by bringing kindness, support, and joy to our neighbourhoods. Do you know a local business owner - or a member of the team - who … View moreBehind every great community are small businesses with big hearts.
The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards celebrate the unsung heroes who do more than just business by bringing kindness, support, and joy to our neighbourhoods. Do you know a local business owner - or a member of the team - who always goes the extra mile? Nominate them today and show your appreciation.
They could become New Zealand’s next Local Business Hero and earn a well-deserved reward for their incredible community spirit - plus you could win great prizes too!
Get the jump on winter with our Easter Price Busters.
Terms and conditions apply.
‘Fernhill’ and her families
Last month, when we went hunting for the stables in Hanover Street, we unearthed the story of the ‘Fernhill’ stables that housed Winnie, the beautiful black horse that a former pupil remembers being ridden by Euphemia Maxwell, who owned and was school mistress… View more‘Fernhill’ and her families
Last month, when we went hunting for the stables in Hanover Street, we unearthed the story of the ‘Fernhill’ stables that housed Winnie, the beautiful black horse that a former pupil remembers being ridden by Euphemia Maxwell, who owned and was school mistress at ‘Fernhill’ …
Farm cottage to family home
‘Fernhill’ is one of the earliest houses in Wellington, “a rare example of early Colonial architecture”. The oldest part was a humble cottage on five acres of farmland bought by Charles Pharazyn in 1845, after the 1841 subdivision of Wadestown by James Watt and John Wade. It was built from matai and totara cut on the site. Additions in 1860 made it the family home that a young widow, Euphemia Maxwell, bought in early 1866 for her four children, her mother and her 8’6” grand piano! Before they moved in, a conservatory and lean-to were added. There is a delightful description of the bullock cart journey of her piano over the steep hill from Wellington to ‘Fernhill’, in Julie Green’s book “Family Connections - Fernhill, Crofton and The Elms”.
Wadestown’s earliest school
From 1874 until 1881, when Wadestown School was established, Euphemia’s home served as a school and Sunday school for local children. In 1878, she added a large room to better accommodate her grand piano and her school and church activities.
Fernhill subdivision
In 1888, after the Maxwell family moved to Tauranga, the property was subdivided, making 26 sections in Fernhill Terrace as it now is, and 12 sections on the west side of Pitt Street. The building sites were in “the most picturesque and healthy suburb of Wellington ...[with] a charming view of bush scenery... well sheltered from the southerly winds.” It sold as 39 lots over the next decade. The large section between Fernhill Terrace, Pitt St and Wadestown Rd was later sold by Euphemia to St Luke’s Church. ‘Fernhill’ itself was on a larger section, and its stable on one of the new Pitt St sections. ‘Fernhill’ was not sold until 1894, after seven years of deterioration as a tenanted property.
Later ‘Fernhill’ families
‘Fernhill’ continued as a family home throughout the rest of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, to date. From 1903, it has been home for a combined 115 years, to just two families.
Edward and Ellen Mayhew lived here with their four children for 47 years, until Ed’s death in 1950. There are some lovely anecdotes in Julie Green’s book, like Ed grazing his horses in the gully between Fernhill Terrace and Weld St!
In 1956, on the 75th anniversary of Wadestown School, Keith and Jackie Matthews acquired ‘Fernhill’ where Jackie was still living, in 2024, after 68 years. They raised their four children in ‘Fernhill’ and made sympathetic additions in 1960 and the late 1970s. Keith and Jackie retained the ‘street scape’, footprint and quirkiness of the house Euphemia left behind, but created better visual and physical access to the pleasant garden at the rear, changes that Jackie hoped will be recognized, like Euphemia’s, as part of ‘Fernhill’s history.
Heritage covenant – a lasting tribute to Jackie Matthews 1926-2024
In June 2012, Jackie Matthews signed a heritage covenant with the NZ Historic Places Trust “to protect, maintain and preserve Fernhill as an historic place”.
ϗ With thanks to the Matthews family, and to Julie Green ϗ
Footnote: the ‘Fernhill’, ‘Crofton’ and Hanover Street farmhouse connections
There are some fascinating connections between ‘Fernhill’, ‘Crofton’ and the Hanover Street farmhouses.
An “H. Ashworth” and his wife and children were tenants at ‘Fernhill’ in 1893 and probably longer, while the Fernhill subdivision was in progress (‘Fernhill’ was tenanted from 1887 until sold in 1894). If this was Nettie (Henrietta) Ashworth (daughter of John Holmes of Kaiwharawhara) and her husband Henry, it seems likely that they rented ‘Fernhill’ before they moved to 27 Hanover Street when her father purchased it in 1896.
As a footnote to our February post on 27 Hanover Street, we note that the same John Holmes bought the historic Crofton homestead in Ngaio in 1895, which his family owned until 1931. Shortly after, a “Mr and Mrs John Holmes” bought sections 37 and 38 of the Fernhill subdivision in January 1898, with frontage to Fernhill Terrace and Elizabeth Street (now lower Weld Street, which backs onto Hanover Street) [“Family Connections Fernhill, Crofton and The Elms” pages 47 and 31]. Was this the same John Holmes, and did he build on his sections in Fernhill Terrace if he was living in ‘Crofton’? Yet another piece of the heritage jigsaw for someone to explore and fit into place!
Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
… View moreLooking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.
This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!
Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!
From the team at Mags4Gifts
Add colour and a splash of Resene gold to transform and accentuate an old cabinet’s understated Art Deco style. Find out how you can bring out the best in your furniture with these easy step by step instructions.
Thinking about starting a business — maybe a side gig, a passion project, or a community service? Locking in a name is a great first step. With JumpStarter, you can search and secure your domain in just a few clicks. It’s safe, simple, and made for everyday Kiwis ready to bring their ideas to … View moreThinking about starting a business — maybe a side gig, a passion project, or a community service? Locking in a name is a great first step. With JumpStarter, you can search and secure your domain in just a few clicks. It’s safe, simple, and made for everyday Kiwis ready to bring their ideas to life.
Changemakers Resettlement Forum has a few volunteer roles open across the Wellington region, including support for their driving programmes that help former refugees gain confidence and independence.
They’re also looking for someone with event or project management experience to help plan … View moreChangemakers Resettlement Forum has a few volunteer roles open across the Wellington region, including support for their driving programmes that help former refugees gain confidence and independence.
They’re also looking for someone with event or project management experience to help plan their annual fundraising event. If you’re keen to make a difference, get in touch!
You can register your interest by searching the role ID number on our website by clicking the link.
Happy Micro-Volunteering Day!
Today is about acknowledging the power of small, meaningful mahi that create a big impact. Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, there's always something you can do to support your community, spread kindness or make a difference.
You don't need to … View moreHappy Micro-Volunteering Day!
Today is about acknowledging the power of small, meaningful mahi that create a big impact. Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, there's always something you can do to support your community, spread kindness or make a difference.
You don't need to commit to anything long-term - just a little time, effort and aroha.
Here are just a few examples of micro-volunteering!
Relax, we’ve got it covered, enjoy a year of free fees*
At Ryman you won’t pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, … View moreRelax, we’ve got it covered, enjoy a year of free fees*
At Ryman you won’t pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great financial certainty.
*Participating villages only, Ts and Cs apply
ASB bank have shared a message to make people aware that messages from scammers claiming they are from our ASB Securities team are doing the rounds.
If you receive one of these messages don’t act on it, don’t click on any links on suspicious emails and text messages, or provide any personal… View moreASB bank have shared a message to make people aware that messages from scammers claiming they are from our ASB Securities team are doing the rounds.
If you receive one of these messages don’t act on it, don’t click on any links on suspicious emails and text messages, or provide any personal or banking information.
If you think you’ve provided your details to a suspicious person or company, please call your bank immediately.
ASB are available 24/7 on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or +64 9 303 0332 if you're overseas.
For ASB users, if you want some more info on staying safe online visit asb.co.nz/asbscamhub
Don’t wait until summer to get painting. Simply add Resene Wintergrade Additive to selected waterborne Resene paints to waterborne Resene paints to winterise them to help you keep decorating through winter.
Winterised paints can dry down to a super cool 3’C!
Available from … View moreDon’t wait until summer to get painting. Simply add Resene Wintergrade Additive to selected waterborne Resene paints to waterborne Resene paints to winterise them to help you keep decorating through winter.
Winterised paints can dry down to a super cool 3’C!
Available from Resene ColorShops.
Warm, fragrant hot cross buns are always a firm favourite in Ryman villages over the Easter holidays. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family – and what better way to create a festive atmosphere than by baking some delicious hot cross buns with your grandkids?
Nothing beats … View moreWarm, fragrant hot cross buns are always a firm favourite in Ryman villages over the Easter holidays. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family – and what better way to create a festive atmosphere than by baking some delicious hot cross buns with your grandkids?
Nothing beats home-made, and this recipe, shared by Ryman chef Matt Orr, will make a perfect Easter treat. As they bake, your home will be filled with the sweet aromas of Easter, and you’ll have a wonderful snack to enjoy together. So, let’s get baking!
Click read more for the full recipe.
The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back and we’re searching for the standout local businesses that have made a real impact over the past year!
It’s time to celebrate the incredible businesses that help make our communities such special places to live. Nominations are now open – … View moreThe Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back and we’re searching for the standout local businesses that have made a real impact over the past year!
It’s time to celebrate the incredible businesses that help make our communities such special places to live. Nominations are now open – click the link below to nominate your Local Business Hero and help them get the recognition they deserve.
If you haven't nominated your favourite local business yet, make sure you do it today.
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