Te Aro, 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.

1351 days ago

Market closure a big financial hit

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Market gardener Tommy Young is down up to $7000 after the Wellington City Council told fruit and vegetable sellers they could not trade at the Sunday Harbourside Market due to COVID-19 restrictions.
While people could buy hot chips in beef tallow at Wellington’s Harbourside Market on Sunday, … View more
Market gardener Tommy Young is down up to $7000 after the Wellington City Council told fruit and vegetable sellers they could not trade at the Sunday Harbourside Market due to COVID-19 restrictions.
While people could buy hot chips in beef tallow at Wellington’s Harbourside Market on Sunday, lettuce and other vegetables were out of the question.
At Ohau, south of Levin, market gardener Tommy Young received the cancellation call about 9.30pm. His truck was already loaded and ready for the early morning drive to Wellington to sell his wares at the popular market.

Image
1349 days ago

Wellington fire ban

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, remember there is a fire ban on.
It includes Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington City and the Hutt Valley. Principal Rural Fire Officer Craig Cottrill says this means anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and follow the conditions listed on … View more
Hey Neighbourly folk, remember there is a fire ban on.
It includes Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington City and the Hutt Valley. Principal Rural Fire Officer Craig Cottrill says this means anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and follow the conditions listed on their permit.
"The ground is getting drier and fire danger has increased,” he says.
“The dry vegetation acts as fuel for a wildfire, meaning if a wildfire did start it could spread very quickly. We’ve seen this with a few vegetation fires in the area recently, including one in Makara last month where firefighters and helicopters worked hard over two days to put it out.”

Image
1354 days ago

Who needs a plant doctor?

Reporter Homed

UPDATE: Thank you for all your questions. We're picking the best to send off to the houseplant doctor from Kings Plant Barn and the answers will be published in an article on Homed soon.

Are your houseplants looking worse for wear? The experts at Kings Plant Barn would love to help. Send us … View more
UPDATE: Thank you for all your questions. We're picking the best to send off to the houseplant doctor from Kings Plant Barn and the answers will be published in an article on Homed soon.

Are your houseplants looking worse for wear? The experts at Kings Plant Barn would love to help. Send us your houseplant questions and problems to homed@stuff.co.nz, or leave them in the comments, for the houseplant doctor to diagnose. Pictures are encouraged.

Image
1350 days ago

Removing cheques as payment option

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

All major banks within New Zealand are removing the use of cheques as a payment option, including Wellington City Councils’ bank, ANZ, which isn’t accepting cheques from 31st May onwards.

From Thursday 1st April onwards, Wellington City Council will no longer accept cheques as a payment … View more
All major banks within New Zealand are removing the use of cheques as a payment option, including Wellington City Councils’ bank, ANZ, which isn’t accepting cheques from 31st May onwards.

From Thursday 1st April onwards, Wellington City Council will no longer accept cheques as a payment option for any of our services. This will give us time to make sure all cheques received are processed ahead of the banks deadline.

Don’t worry, there are still some easy ways you can pay for our services:

💳 Set up a Direct Debit for Rates Payments online or by paper form available at our service centre

💵 Direct Credit into Account 06-0582-0106111-00 for services invoice payments

💻 Online at www.wcc.govt.nz...

💳 Credit card (surcharge will apply)

🖐️ In person at New Zealand Post (cash or EFTPOS)

☎️ Internet or Phone banking with your bank

For help on any of the above, please get in touch with your bank.

G
1352 days ago

Dog crate needed

Guy from Kelburn

Hi, we're getting a new puppy and are looking for a second hand dog crate. Ideally need a XL or approx 105L x 70W x 75H. Please message me if you have one you no longer need. Thanks Guy

1350 days ago

$15 BOYS 0-18YR HAIRCUTS -TODAY & EVERY TUESDAY!

Aaron Graham from Hataitai Family Barbers

Bring the boys in for a haircut today! $15 for boys 0-18 years, all day and every Tuesday. We are open till 6.30pm, no appointment required, 31 Waitoa Road, Hataitai

Image
1350 days ago

Free Ambulance mourning the death of Shirley Martin

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington Free Ambulance has acknowledged the death of Shirley Martin.

"It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shirley Martin, former Patron of Wellington Free Ambulance. From her devotion to fundraising as part of the Ladies Auxiliary since 1955, standing on the streets… View more
Wellington Free Ambulance has acknowledged the death of Shirley Martin.

"It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shirley Martin, former Patron of Wellington Free Ambulance. From her devotion to fundraising as part of the Ladies Auxiliary since 1955, standing on the streets of Wellington rattling a box for the free ambulance, and all the years she cheered us on as our Patron, Shirley has been a fundraising force for us for over six decades. Working hard on getting the whole community behind keeping the ‘free’ in Wellington Free Ambulance, Shirley’s enthusiasm never wavered. Shirley passed away on Wednesday 24 February 2021 and her involvement with Wellington Free Ambulance and shaping who we are today will forever be remembered."

Image
1351 days ago

Escape the city, head to Ruapehu

Visit Ruapehu

Immerse yourself in our wide-open spaces, epic activities, hidden gems, and untamed wilderness in the Ruapehu region. The perfect place to relax, refresh, and have a bit of adventure.

Get inspired and tick these off your bucket list:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Take a ride on the … View more
Immerse yourself in our wide-open spaces, epic activities, hidden gems, and untamed wilderness in the Ruapehu region. The perfect place to relax, refresh, and have a bit of adventure.

Get inspired and tick these off your bucket list:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Take a ride on the Sky Waka, NZ’s most unique gondola experience
- Cycle the Ohakune Old Coach Road
- Paddle down the Whanganui River
- Explore the Bridge to Nowhere
- Take a ride with Forgotten World Adventures ...and much more!

There's still plenty of awesome deals available in Ruapehu, so book now!
Find out more

Image
1351 days ago

Home hacks: Your best tips for cleaning jobs around the house

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

Most of these are free or inexpensive, and we can only assume they are tried and tested user-submitted hacks. It's interesting to note that the same everyday products crop up again and again, so let's hear it for dishwasher tabs. Here's what people to say...

IN THE KITCHEN

* … View more
Most of these are free or inexpensive, and we can only assume they are tried and tested user-submitted hacks. It's interesting to note that the same everyday products crop up again and again, so let's hear it for dishwasher tabs. Here's what people to say...

IN THE KITCHEN

* Dishwasher tabs are good to soak muffin trays and cake tins.
* I use dishwasher powder and a splash of bleach diluted in water to soak stained whites overnight. It will bring even whites that have been turned another colour in the wash back to sparkling white.
* Dishwasher powder works for the silver oven racks. I put them in a bath lined with an old towel, then add dishwasher powder, but the tablet would work and a bit of washing powder. Leave it to soak for four hours and it comes off pretty easily.
* To get tea stains off cups, use 1 tsp dishwasher powder and fill the cup up with hot water. Stir to dissolve the powder and let soak for a couple of hours. Put the cup in the empty sink so any overspill doesn't damage the benchtop.
* I clean my glass oven door with ash from my firebox. I clean my firebox glass door the same. Wet newspaper dipped in ash, rub all over glass, dry with clean newspaper. Brings it back like brand new. Used tea bags are also good with the ash.
* Got a pot which is filthy disgusting? Put a dishwasher tablet in put enough boiling water in to cover the filth, stick a lid on and leave over night. Amazing results.
* Soak your filters from the kitchen rangehood extractor fans in warm water and clothes washing powder. Grease and oil just melts off with no scrubbing at all. Good as new!
* Here are two tips to save your money. Let oven warm up. Once warm, the oil stain on door turns soft, and it just wipes off. Tip 2, if it's been baked on for years you just need a sharp blade. You can use one of those window scrapers, but no liquid. Scrape it (when warm); grab a vacuum and suck up all the dust.
* To clean stainless steel tub. Get a tube of Autosol from Mitre 10 or similar and clean with that. Have done it and it works brilliantly. First used to restore chrome on vintage car (brilliant) so gave it a go and delighted at the outcome.
* Oil of cloves is brilliant on mould. Smells a bit like dentist for an hour but it kills mould spores. The chemist sells it fairly cheaply, or Trade Me.
* We run a motel and polish the stainless steel every day. You need three rags. First rag works Polaris paste into the stainless steel. You end up with a rag caked with the paste. Add a little water and mop it up with a second rag. Then with a third clean rag you buff up the surface. We cut up old worn-out towels into squares to make rags.
Other cleaners such as Jif and Chemco also work, but Polaris gives the best shine.
* I put my oven racks and rangehood filters in the dishwasher and let that do the hard work. As soon as the cycle has finished, I remove the racks one at a time, closing the washer door between each one to keep hot, and just wipe over each rack with a Scotchbrite scourer dipped in hot water. The remaining grease marks come off easily; no hard rubbing needed. For the filters, I just rinse them in hot water and give them a good shake to remove as much water as possible then stand them on one edge outside to dry. I do this every three months and clean-up is easy. Oh, and if my oven door glass has grimy grease-spots, I use a putty scraper. It doesn't scratch the glass and it works a dream.

IN THE BATHROOM
* Try using dishwash liquid to clean your bath and shower, including the glass.
* Dishwasher tabs get brown stains out of your toilet.
* To get those stains off toilet bowls, use a very, very fine wet and dry sandpaper.
* Razor blades/paint scraper blades are awesome for removing water stains from around your taps or tiles.
* For the shower, I use 30 Seconds water spot remover to clean first. Then use Rain-X water repellent (the car windscreen stuff). The water just beads off the glass and makes cleaning easier. Reapply the Rain-X every few months when the beading has reduced.
* Try a piece of pumice – free from the beach. Wet the door and clean it with the pumice. It does a brilliant job and is also good on burnt saucepans.

FIREPLACE
* Dirty logburner glass? Dip a wet cloth in the ashes. Scrub with that.

Image
1352 days ago

Local hero: Mary Potter nurse, Amanda Haye

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

When Amanda Haye finishes work at the end of the day, she knows she has done some good. Amanda works as a Hospice @ Home nurse with Mary Potter Hospice – a team which provides care for patients and their families in their home.
"It is great being able to be a comfort, and provide … View more
When Amanda Haye finishes work at the end of the day, she knows she has done some good. Amanda works as a Hospice @ Home nurse with Mary Potter Hospice – a team which provides care for patients and their families in their home.
"It is great being able to be a comfort, and provide compassionate and quality nursing care in one of the most difficult periods of a person's life. It is an absolute privilege to do it in their own home. To serve patients in the community is phenomenal."
Many people assume the Hospice is a sad place to work. This couldn’t be further from the truth, according to Amanda.
“It is helping people feel like they are truly living. That may mean helping them organise a fishing trip, a family holiday or a meal at their favourite restaurant. We want people to enjoy every part of their life. Even when their life is coming to an end” Working alongside a multidisciplinary team was a huge help, Amanda says.

Image
1351 days ago

Tree pruning or arborist

Weng from Kelburn

Hey there, hope everyone is staying safe from Covid.
Can someone recommend a good tree pruning professionals? I have some overgrown trees that need some work done on. Thanks in advance.

1355 days ago

Nine minutes of fireworks cost cash-strapped council $175,000

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Do you support the council paying for fireworks?
Wellington City Council spent more than $175,000 on a fireworks display that exploded over a city facing a funding crisis, a rates hike, and a range of controversial cuts.
The council is considering a rates rise of up to 17 per cent and is scrambling… View more
Do you support the council paying for fireworks?
Wellington City Council spent more than $175,000 on a fireworks display that exploded over a city facing a funding crisis, a rates hike, and a range of controversial cuts.
The council is considering a rates rise of up to 17 per cent and is scrambling to save money as it deals with a wave of big costs such as ageing pipes, a Central Library refit, and the Let’s Get Wellington Moving transport package.
The council last week ditched an idea, proposed by Mayor Andy Foster, to save $120,000 in the coming year by getting rid of a programme of free pool entry for under-fives. But others remaining in the queue for possible cuts include a new Chinese gardens, cutting of some library funding for books, and some capital replacements.

Image
1351 days ago

Wellington region under restricted fire season

Neighbourly.co.nz

A restricted fire season is in place for Wellington, with people requiring a fire permit if they wish to light an outdoor fire.

The prohibited fire season came into effect at 9am Monday and covers multiple areas in the region. If you are in Wairarapa/Tararua distrcict then a PROHIBITED fire … View more
A restricted fire season is in place for Wellington, with people requiring a fire permit if they wish to light an outdoor fire.

The prohibited fire season came into effect at 9am Monday and covers multiple areas in the region. If you are in Wairarapa/Tararua distrcict then a PROHIBITED fire season still remains.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Craig Cottrill says permit holders should follow the instructions provided carefully.

"The dry vegetation acts as fuel for a wildfire, meaning if a wildfire did start it could spread very quickly... We’ve seen this with a few vegetation fires in the area recently, including one in Makara earlier this month where firefighters and helicopters worked hard over two days to put it out," he says.

What you need to know:
- The restrictions cover the following areas: Kāpiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington City and the Hutt Valley.
- You cannot light an outdoor fire unless you have a permit.
- Gas and charcoal barbecues are permitted.
- Individuals that operate heavy machinery are advised to exercise caution when out in dry terrain. Fire crews advise to undertake work in cooler temperatures and in minimal wind.

To find out more about outdoor fire safety, please go to Fire and Emergency New Zealand's (FENZ) website by clicking the button below.

Image
1351 days ago

Celebrate Community - March 1st to 31st 🎂

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This month is all about bringing your community together and having a great time! We want March to be all about celebrating the connections we have while making new ones along the way. As we all know, what makes a neighbourhood great isn’t the houses and cars, gardens and streets - it’s the … View moreThis month is all about bringing your community together and having a great time! We want March to be all about celebrating the connections we have while making new ones along the way. As we all know, what makes a neighbourhood great isn’t the houses and cars, gardens and streets - it’s the people who share their presence and aroha with each other.

A wonderful way to take part is to participate in Neighbours Day Aotearoa which takes place from 20 - 30th March. This year’s theme is ‘The Great Plant Swap’ - as an easy way for our neighbourhoods to grow stronger together. If you’re hosting an event, make sure to register it on their website: neighboursday.org.nz/join-in

Show us how you’re celebrating community this month by tagging us in your social media posts or emailing us your photos, videos, or experiences to: info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz

Image
1351 days ago

A tribute to three special Wellingtonians

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Simon Woolf has posted a series of photos as a tribute to Shirley Martin, Neil Gray and his mother Inge Woolf.

"I wish to pay tribute today to three remarkable Wellingtonians who passed away in the past few days. Shirley Martin, Neil Gray, and my mother, Inge Woolf were inspirational … View more
Simon Woolf has posted a series of photos as a tribute to Shirley Martin, Neil Gray and his mother Inge Woolf.

"I wish to pay tribute today to three remarkable Wellingtonians who passed away in the past few days. Shirley Martin, Neil Gray, and my mother, Inge Woolf were inspirational wonderful Wellingtonians.
Wellington Free Ambulance, wouldn't be the strong, vibrant paramedic service that it is today, without Shirley. She also supported so many other Wellington causes too.
Neil Gray also had huge strengths within our community, and his contribution to The Arts, The Law and Charities cannot be under estimated.
My mother, Inge Woolf, was also a proud Wellingtonian, who contributed greatly to charities, Photography, Arthritis NZ and The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand.
All three, were wise, warm and wonderful people, who gave of themselves generously, and especially in their care of people, and for our city.
Shirley, Neil and Inge, all knew each other, respected each other, and had similar values and high standards. They will all be so missed.
Today Wellington has turned on a spectacular day to honour them.
These photos were taken at places so special to my mother."

Top