Makara, Wellington

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

1674 days ago

Our response to COVID-19.

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Kia ora
,

At the Greater Wellington Regional Council, we have been working to ensure we support our communities throughout the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown.

This is an update to let you know what we have been doing during Level 4, including keeping public transport going, securing water … View more
Kia ora
,

At the Greater Wellington Regional Council, we have been working to ensure we support our communities throughout the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown.

This is an update to let you know what we have been doing during Level 4, including keeping public transport going, securing water supplies, closing our parks to vehicles and campers, supplying information through the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office and looking to the future.

Fogging of buses and trains

Public transport

Our trains and buses have changed to weekend timetables with additional services and travel fares remaining free until the end of June to ensure all essential workers can get where they need, and to enable members of the public under 70 to access essential services such as supermarkets, veterinarians, pharmacies and other health facilities. Those over 70 are requested to stay home but may use public transport to visit a doctor or pharmacy. We’ve also implemented free Total Mobility journeys for customers, up to $80 per trip.

To make public transport even safer, we introduced a raft of additional cleaning measures across the network including germ shield fogging on all Metlink trains and buses, and at stations. This antibacterial spray coating is effective in destroying germs that come into contact with surfaces and has been used for MRSA, Norovirus and H1N1 type viruses.

For the extra protection of our drivers and passengers we introduced back door boarding on our buses to limit the interaction between people. To help passengers keep a two metre distance on our trains, we put markers on floors and seats, as well as stickers on the back of seats and on windows to show where passengers should sit.

Environmental management

Though many of our environmental management operations have reduced during Alert Level 4, we still have essential services operating. Our harbour communication station is still working to ensure safe and efficient maritime management for commercial users of our region’s waters. Our Flood Protection staff have been responding to the various flood events across the region and we’ve also had teams out applying fertiliser to the grazed areas at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park and the western side of Belmont Regional Park. As an environmental protection agency it is important to us that these essential tasks continue.

Water

Wellington Water Ltd is operating as an essential service during the Lockdown and is continuing to provide clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment to our communities. Some staff members have been redeployed to bolster the frontline numbers for additional resilience and they are securing supply chains for all critical equipment, chemicals and other materials that keep water services running.

Regional parks

We know it is important for people to get out and exercise once a day, while staying local, so our regional parks are still open to walkers and cyclists who live nearby. However, we have closed our gates to vehicles and all park facilities such as toilets have been locked. We encourage people to get out for some fresh air and exercise while keeping a 2 metre distance between themselves and others, and continuing to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines.

Predator free

As trapping is not an essential service, our professional predator hunters are also locked down, so we’ve been urging backyard trappers to use this time to keep the heat on rats, stoats and other predators. Although a few of our allies in the battle against pests, such as Predator Free Wellington and Wellington City Council, have put pest control operations on hold as well, good work is still underway – and we have been calling on residents to take up the challenge to do their part in their backyards.

Greater Wellington staff can offer support in some circumstances to conduct small operations that are deemed a matter of health and safety. These include responding to residents’ concerns about triggered traps in Wellington City, and wasp nest removal. To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and the community, a small team who are operating independently has been approved to respond.

WREMO

You might not know this but the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) comes under the umbrella of the regional council, and many of our people are trained up and willingly working seven days a week to assist the emergency effort during this pandemic.

WREMO continues to operate seven days a week in order to combat the effects of COVID-19 and share information with the public on how to stay safe, ways communities can look after each other and how to get help for those who need it.

The WREMO helpline is also operating daily from 7am to 7pm and people can reach out for help by calling 0800-141-967.

Moving forward

As a regional council we want to contribute to a smooth transition from Level 4 to Level 3 – whatever that may look like. This means cleaning measures and free fares on public transport will remain in place until the end of June no matter what.

We have a COVID-19 response team in place that meets regularly to ensure we are up to date with the latest information and will be able to move to the next level as seamlessly as possible for our staff and for our communities.

I want to congratulate and thank all those living in the Wellington region for their diligence over the last couple of weeks and for continuing to stay home in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Daran Ponter, Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair

1674 days ago

⚠WATER OUTAGE – PAPARANGI⚠

The Team from Wellington Water

Our crews are responding to a burst water main in Paparangi that is affecting water supply to the streets pictured.

Crews are working to repair this and get water back on as soon as possible. At this stage, water is expected to be back on at 2pm.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this … View more
Our crews are responding to a burst water main in Paparangi that is affecting water supply to the streets pictured.

Crews are working to repair this and get water back on as soon as possible. At this stage, water is expected to be back on at 2pm.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this outage.

Image
1677 days ago

SuperSeniors COVID-19 special edition Newsletter

Office for Seniors

Hi Neighbours!

The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket … View more
Hi Neighbours!

The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket essentials.

It also includes details on COVID-19 related scams and what to look out for to stay safe.

Read the newsletter here: bit.ly...

Image
1674 days ago

Sign a new gardener up for our free weekly sow and grow advice!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week's issue we say Asian greens are quick and easy for impatient gardeners. Plus check out shrubs to grow from hardwood cuttings, go on an autumn pest patrol, tidy up the vege patch, save nuts from rats and get ready for bad weather.

Read about growing herbs from cuttings and seeds. … View more
In this week's issue we say Asian greens are quick and easy for impatient gardeners. Plus check out shrubs to grow from hardwood cuttings, go on an autumn pest patrol, tidy up the vege patch, save nuts from rats and get ready for bad weather.

Read about growing herbs from cuttings and seeds. We also have some great prizes up for grabs, including Thrive Citrus Plant Food from Yates and Green Feed seed packs from Burnet’s.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

Image
1674 days ago

Transform a wooden mail tray.

The Team from Resene ColorShop Basin Reserve

Refresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.

Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.

Make the most … View more
Refresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.

Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

Find out how to create your own Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

Image
1675 days ago

Don’t flush wipes, keep workers safe.

Ministry For The Environment

You might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.

They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their … View more
You might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.

They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their bubble at risk as well.

Do your bit for workers and their whānau, and put your wet wipes in the bin.
Find out more

Image
1675 days ago

Ian Athfield house on the market

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Loving this upmarket Ian Athfield house from the 70s - the native timber stairs are amazing.

Image
1675 days ago

NumberWorks'nWords are Online

NumberWorks'nWords Karori

We are now online!

With most of us staying home at the moment, we have adapted our tutoring to be online! Our lessons are taken over zoom with our awesome tutors and are already a great success!

We are taking enrolments for Term 2 now. To find out more about our lessons please call.

Image
1675 days ago

Coronavirus champions

The Team from Wellington Water

So great to see essential workers, or coronavirus champions, being celebrated!

Our crews have had to make some adjustments to the way they work, but they are still out in the community making sure water is delivered to your home and that your waste is taken away.

So what exactly does essential … View more
So great to see essential workers, or coronavirus champions, being celebrated!

Our crews have had to make some adjustments to the way they work, but they are still out in the community making sure water is delivered to your home and that your waste is taken away.

So what exactly does essential work look like for us? Stuff attended a leak repair that water service person Mafutaga Laufiso and service delivery manager Steve Watt were working on to see what it’s like carrying out this essential work.

Image
1676 days ago

South Coast swell

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

A big swell on the South Coast is causing large waves to crash onto the road between Breaker Bay and Owhiro Bay.
The section of Breaker Bay Road and Moa Point Road between Mantell St (Seatoun) and Cochrane St (Lyall Bay) and the Esplanade between Owhiro Bay, Island Bay and Houghton Bay is now … View more
A big swell on the South Coast is causing large waves to crash onto the road between Breaker Bay and Owhiro Bay.
The section of Breaker Bay Road and Moa Point Road between Mantell St (Seatoun) and Cochrane St (Lyall Bay) and the Esplanade between Owhiro Bay, Island Bay and Houghton Bay is now closed.
Please avoid the entire South Coast and stay safe at home in your bubble.
Police and contractor are working to keep the area safe and a clean-up crew will remove the debris when the tide recedes.

Image
1677 days ago

Tune In To Your Neighbourhood

Neighbourly.co.nz

Hi there Neighbours!

With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as … View more
Hi there Neighbours!

With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as well as tunes you think your Neighbours will enjoy. Chuck in some taste-breakers, one-hit wonders or some good old Kiwi classics - it really doesn’t matter. So if you’re running out of ideas on things to do, why not a dance party?

Just remember: keep it PG, refrain from putting any songs in the mix that may cause offence to your Neighbours. You can find the playlist here.

Happy raving NZ!
Reach out

Image
1676 days ago

Marsden Yr6-13 Scholarships open, entry 2021

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

Your daughter is invited to join the Marsden learning environment, where her wellbeing and happiness are considered foremost, so that she is in the best position for learning.

Apply now for a Marsden Scholarship for entry in 2021. Academic, sport, cultural and general scholarships are available.… View more
Your daughter is invited to join the Marsden learning environment, where her wellbeing and happiness are considered foremost, so that she is in the best position for learning.

Apply now for a Marsden Scholarship for entry in 2021. Academic, sport, cultural and general scholarships are available.

Applications for Year 6, 7 and 9 Scholarships close on 14 May. Our campus is currently closed, but our learning continues and enrolments are open.

Click here for a virtual tour and to learn more.
Find out more

Image
F
1676 days ago

New Zealand’s Squashed Curve, has the Penny Dropped Yet?

Ferdinand from Ngaio

Some humorous reading in current context, from a historic perspective.

www.sympa4u.com...

1676 days ago

We wanted to share a friendly reminder that if you see our crews in your neighbourhood, make sure you keep a clear distance from them, so they can carry-out their essential work safely.

The Team from Wellington Water

A wave or a thumbs up is always appreciated, but if you have any questions about what they’re doing, give us a call on 04 912 4470 or send us a message on Facebook 👍👋

Thanks everyone for your support – it means a lot to our crews 👏👏

Top