Rongotai, Wellington

1544 days ago

Vegepod $50,000 Giveaway

Jo McCarroll Reporter from NZ Gardener

We're giving away 100 Vegepods. To enter purchase the September issue of NZ Gardener, find the code and enter it online at Stuff.co.nz/vegepod Find out more

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1544 days ago

Was Bill Sutch a spy?

Reporter Community News

It has taken nearly 50 years but a new book on Bill Sutch is sure to spark debate in to an old controversy.

In September 1974, Bill Sutch was arrested and charged under the Official Secrets Act 1951, after a series of clandestine meetings with KGB agent Dimitri Rasgovorov, an official at the … View more
It has taken nearly 50 years but a new book on Bill Sutch is sure to spark debate in to an old controversy.

In September 1974, Bill Sutch was arrested and charged under the Official Secrets Act 1951, after a series of clandestine meetings with KGB agent Dimitri Rasgovorov, an official at the Soviet Union's embassy, in Wellington.

He was subsequently acquitted but documents later found in the KGB archive suggested he was a Soviet agent.

His son-in-law, Keith Ovenden, has now written a book, Bill & Shirley: A Memoir, looking at the life of Sutch and his wife Shirley Smith. Smith was a prominent lawyer and the first woman in New Zealand to be a full member of a university law faculty.

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1545 days ago

Poll: Should we ditch Labour Day for Matariki?

Reporter Community News

We can thank Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell for the the eight hour day and our annual Labour Day holiday.
It has been held on the fourth Monday of every October since 1910. National Leader Judith Collins, however, has suggested that if we want Matarki as a public holiday, we should get rid of … View more
We can thank Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell for the the eight hour day and our annual Labour Day holiday.
It has been held on the fourth Monday of every October since 1910. National Leader Judith Collins, however, has suggested that if we want Matarki as a public holiday, we should get rid of an existing holiday like Labour Day.
That is something the Labour Party is unlikely to agree with but what do you think?

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Should we ditch Labour Day for Matariki?
  • 18% Yes
    18% Complete
  • 82% No
    82% Complete
735 votes
1544 days ago

Always wanted to learn to paint, but can't even draw a stick figure?

Silke from Heart for Art

Get step by step guidance to create your masterpiece.
No experience needed to enjoy our fun 3hr painting classes.
At the end of the class you'll have a massive smile, a huge sense of achievement, and your own finished painting to be proud of.
๐ŸŽจ+๐Ÿ–Œ=๐Ÿ˜
Pick your faves from the … View more
Get step by step guidance to create your masterpiece.
No experience needed to enjoy our fun 3hr painting classes.
At the end of the class you'll have a massive smile, a huge sense of achievement, and your own finished painting to be proud of.
๐ŸŽจ+๐Ÿ–Œ=๐Ÿ˜
Pick your faves from the events below and join us in our Wellington studio or online from anywhere. Paint, unwind and find your creativity, and have a tonne of fun doing it.

Donโ€™t spend the rest of your life not knowing how great if feels to create your own work of art! Grab your tickets today ๐Ÿ‘‡

Pencarrow Lighthouse Studio Paint Party
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Tui-tastic Virtual Paint Party
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Painter's Choice Studio Paint Party
You get to choose what you'd like to paint
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Castlepoint Studio Paint Party
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Perky Pukeko Virtual Paint Party
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Wellington Bucket Fountain Studio Paint Party
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See all our upcoming events here
heartforart.co.nz...

1544 days ago

Son comes to rescue of pensioner about to lose his home

Reporter Community News

A pensioner about to lose his home for unpaid rates is resting easy after his son made an arrangement with the council that wanted him out.

Stuff reported on Thursday that 75-year-old retired engineer Justin Gregory was facing the loss of his house due to unpaid rates.

His home was one of two … View more
A pensioner about to lose his home for unpaid rates is resting easy after his son made an arrangement with the council that wanted him out.

Stuff reported on Thursday that 75-year-old retired engineer Justin Gregory was facing the loss of his house due to unpaid rates.

His home was one of two advertised as up for sale after Napier City Council gained High Court orders under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

Another homeowner, Sharon McCleary, was also facing the loss of her home.

By mid afternoon, relatives of McCleary and Gregory, had contacted the council.

A council spokeswoman said โ€œwe are pleased that family members of both Mr Gregory and Ms McCleary have been in contact with council, and we are hopeful that a good outcome can be reached for everyone involved.โ€

1544 days ago

University meeting abandoned after online hack

Reporter Community News

Victoria University studentsโ€™ association (VUWSA) has had their online annual general meeting hacked, with an unknown intruder sharing โ€œracist, homophobic, and graphic contentโ€.

The AGM was abandoned after the screens were hacked and distressing images and messages were streamed.

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1545 days ago

How do we minimise construction and demolition waste?

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

We are proposing that all large construction projects submit a waste management plan as part of their project planning. The plan must outline how they will manage, minimise and capture waste and litter associated with the project and building work.

Do you agree or disagree? ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘Ž

Visit … View more
We are proposing that all large construction projects submit a waste management plan as part of their project planning. The plan must outline how they will manage, minimise and capture waste and litter associated with the project and building work.

Do you agree or disagree? ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘Ž

Visit www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz... to have your say on our proposed Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2020.

#OurWellington #TลTฤtouPลneke

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1544 days ago

Love daffodils? Find your favourite variety here

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

There are literally thousands of daffodils here, where Ian Riddell has spent over 25 years in the business, from preparing the soil and planting bulbs to harvesting flowers and selling them.

1544 days ago

Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Reporter Community News

One in three people are affected by cancer in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death, and although survival rates have improved with better treatment options, many people miss out on rehabilitation.

Often those diagnosed are not aware of resources available to manage pain and improve their … View more
One in three people are affected by cancer in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death, and although survival rates have improved with better treatment options, many people miss out on rehabilitation.

Often those diagnosed are not aware of resources available to manage pain and improve their overall quality of life. Kiely Pepper was seeing the Petone physiotherapist after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had chemotherapy-induced pain and weakness in her hands and feet, pins and needles and reduced joint awareness, and crippling fatigue. For five years Kiely participated in regular rehabilitation, and two years ago, Kiely and her friends competed in a water sports event, and the same year her dragon boating team, Can Survive, finished second in Florence.

The following year, Kiely took part in wheelchair basketball and indoor rowing at the Invictus Games in Australia, even fitting in a chat with Prince Harry between cycling events.

This week, September 7 -13, is Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week, where people are encouraged to spread the word about the resources available to help recovery.

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1544 days ago

Mฤori Wardens looking to reestablish themselves in Wellington

Reporter Community News

Mฤori Wardens look set to play a more active role in helping reduce crime in the city.

There were once 75 wardens in the city but now there are only two, with enforcements coming from Porirua and Hutt Valley when needed. Since their inception in 1860, Maori Wardens hold special legal powers, … View more
Mฤori Wardens look set to play a more active role in helping reduce crime in the city.

There were once 75 wardens in the city but now there are only two, with enforcements coming from Porirua and Hutt Valley when needed. Since their inception in 1860, Maori Wardens hold special legal powers, working alongside police, to help reduce harm.

This year marks the 160th anniversary of Mฤori Wardens, which its district commander, Gabriel Tupou, calls โ€œa unique branch of Maori self-autonomyโ€. Wellington area liaison officer Suzanne Tamaki said the organisation now has a permanent office space in the central city, with the help of Wellington City Council, and is looking to increase patrols and recruit volunteers.

Helping to reestablish Mฤori Wardens' presence in the central city is one of a range of methods WCC are employing to reduce alcohol harm. An additional $80,000 in funding was also granted last week for Take 10, a volunteer group operating in the bar district, providing an array of services for people, including a time-out zone and phone charging.

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1545 days ago

Poll: Should we ban gangs?

Reporter Community News

Stuff movie reviewer Greame Tuckett loved Savage and suggested it is a film all New Zealanders should see.

"Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging. Very recommended."

Directed by Sam Kelly, it takes a look at the life of … View more
Stuff movie reviewer Greame Tuckett loved Savage and suggested it is a film all New Zealanders should see.

"Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging. Very recommended."

Directed by Sam Kelly, it takes a look at the life of gang leader Moses. Set in Wellington in the 1980s, Kelly suggests that we can trace the emergence of gangs in New Zealand to institutions like the Epuni Boys Home in Lower Hutt, where physical and sexual abuse was rife.

Tuckett was particularly impressed by the way Savage gets "behind the masks of gang life and talked to the lost boys and mutilated men" in gangs throughout New Zealand.

One of the highlights was the performance of James Matamua, who was discovered in a Upper Hutt boxing gym.

The movie will inevitably raises questions about attitudes to gangs and whether politicians should take a tougher approach. Tell us what you think?

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Should we ban gangs?
  • 83.6% Yes
    83.6% Complete
  • 16.4% No
    16.4% Complete
286 votes
1545 days ago

Do you have problems accessing your property?

Reporter Community News

Hullo, Wellingtonians,

We are looking for people who are have problems accessing their home safely due to problems with council maintained footpaths, roads or a lack of lighting.
If you can help us with our story contact Brianna Stewart on 021 198 6221 or email brianna.stewart@stuff.co.nz

1545 days ago

Spring has sprung and we're loving all of the flowers blooming! ๐ŸŒท

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

As we start tending to our gardens and planning what to grow for the warmer months ahead, perhaps consider if there's something else you should be growing in your community such as stronger connections to your neighbours.

Research shows that loneliness is strongly associated with low mental … View more
As we start tending to our gardens and planning what to grow for the warmer months ahead, perhaps consider if there's something else you should be growing in your community such as stronger connections to your neighbours.

Research shows that loneliness is strongly associated with low mental health + well-being. Whether you have a wide social network or prefer to only have a few close friends, joining Neighbourhood Support is a great way to feel supported and connected to those nearby. You never know when you might need a little help from a local friend!

Join or setup a group for FREE by getting in touch with us here...

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1545 days ago

Don't forget to enrol in the General Election

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

The General Election is going to be held on Saturday 17 October.

To make voting easy, be sure to enrol by Sunday 13 September. You can enrol by visiting vote.nz..., calling 0800 36 76 56 or texting your name and address to 3676.
View more
The General Election is going to be held on Saturday 17 October.

To make voting easy, be sure to enrol by Sunday 13 September. You can enrol by visiting vote.nz..., calling 0800 36 76 56 or texting your name and address to 3676.


#TลTฤtouPลneke #GeneralElection2020

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1547 days ago

Driveways driven away by new rule

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new … View more
Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new housing or business developments, under newly released housing guidelines.

The change comes as the Government looks to encourage development, in part by freeing up land held up by car parks, under its new National Policy Statement for urban development.

Property developer Phil Robinson said scrapping car park rules was a โ€œbig changeโ€, but he was unsure if it was a โ€œbig winโ€.

What do you think of having more new builds in your area with fewer driveways and garages?

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