Matiu/Somes Island, Lower Hutt

1216 days ago

What are you growing now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

We're looking for lockdown gardening ideas! With New Zealanders stuck at home everyone is keen to get into their gardens, but they can't get to the shops to buy plants and seeds. So we want to hear from you some suggestions for crops you can start or sow from what you … View more
Dear neighbours,

We're looking for lockdown gardening ideas! With New Zealanders stuck at home everyone is keen to get into their gardens, but they can't get to the shops to buy plants and seeds. So we want to hear from you some suggestions for crops you can start or sow from what you have on hand or useful gardening hacks using just what you have at home already without going to the shops.

It doesn't have to be a big idea - just something like growing spring onions from the base or sprouting avocado seeds to make a houseplant. Send your tips and ideas to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz and we'll publish the best ideas in NZ Gardener.

Make sure you include your full name and address - only your name and the region you live in will be published but if we use your tip we will send you a free copy of the magazine.

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1217 days ago

Planning what to grow? Put these new varieties on your to-plant list!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Here's our list of the best new-release varieties of edible plants to grow this season.

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1220 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend: Bush robin/toutouwai

Reporter Community News

Photographer Louise Thomas made a visit to Bushy Park, prior to lockdown. Now that we are all at home, please feel free to post a picture of the birds you have in your garden.

"Bush robins/toutouwai (Petroica longipes) have an open heart, they roam tramping tracks without fear because it … View more
Photographer Louise Thomas made a visit to Bushy Park, prior to lockdown. Now that we are all at home, please feel free to post a picture of the birds you have in your garden.

"Bush robins/toutouwai (Petroica longipes) have an open heart, they roam tramping tracks without fear because it doesn’t occur to them to be afraid. They have no armour on their personalities. If they were humans they would help you change your tyre and laugh about the experience.
They will stand on your shoes if you sit too long. And rummage inquiringly while you unpack your pack. I read once that the open-hearted will inherit the Earth. I hope it’s true – that it is better to be possibly hurt than hardened. But the open-hearted are often preyed upon by the ambitious. It might be why the robin is at risk and declining – he’s just a little too trusting of those that would eat him. Bushy Park, July 2021."

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1219 days ago

Movies to beat lockdown blues

Reporter Community News

Have you got a favourite movie to watch during lockdown?
A streaming site from Wellington video rental survivor Aro Video is the perfect antidote for the seen-it-all-before blues with over 850 titles curated from more than 30 years of experience renting out films people actually want to watch.
Tell… View more
Have you got a favourite movie to watch during lockdown?
A streaming site from Wellington video rental survivor Aro Video is the perfect antidote for the seen-it-all-before blues with over 850 titles curated from more than 30 years of experience renting out films people actually want to watch.
Tell us what you have been watching?

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1222 days ago

Are you supporting your local dairy?

Reporter Community News

Hullo Neighbourly folk.
It is the second week of lockdown and no doubt some of you will have needed to pop out for milk or bread, or some other essential. Many of you will have shopped in that much loved institution, the dairy. We would love to hear you story about your local dairy and the people … View more
Hullo Neighbourly folk.
It is the second week of lockdown and no doubt some of you will have needed to pop out for milk or bread, or some other essential. Many of you will have shopped in that much loved institution, the dairy. We would love to hear you story about your local dairy and the people who run it. If possible, please post a picture.
Click on Read More to read a Stuff story from earlier this year on the importance of the local dairy.

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1220 days ago

10 Days Bay townhouses snapped up in 48 hours

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Listed Friday - gone by Sunday. These two- and three-bedroom townhouses in Days Bay were all sold off the plan within two days.

1220 days ago

Lower Hutt at Alert Level 4

Hutt City Council

Most of Hutt City Council’s facilities are closed, services are continuing where possible. Check www.huttcity.govt.nz/covid19 for the latest info.

To get ahead of Delta we need to stay in our bubbles and stay home. If you’ve been at a location of interest, or if you have cold or flu symptoms… View more
Most of Hutt City Council’s facilities are closed, services are continuing where possible. Check www.huttcity.govt.nz/covid19 for the latest info.

To get ahead of Delta we need to stay in our bubbles and stay home. If you’ve been at a location of interest, or if you have cold or flu symptoms call Healthline on 0800 358 5453, or contact your GP or iwi health provider.

Rubbish and recycling is being collected as normal.

If you're having trouble paying your rates please contact us on 04 570 6666 or visit www.huttcity.govt.nz/rateshelp to set up a payment plan or postponement.

Look after yourself, your friends, your family and whānau, and please be kind. Kia kaha.
Find out more

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1220 days ago

Gardening live chat on now!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hello neighbours,

It’s coming up to spring, and with everyone stuck at home in Covid lockdown, what better time to get the garden in order? NZ Gardener editor Jo McCarroll and Jack Hobbs, manager of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, are live on Stuff now to answer all your gardening questions.

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1223 days ago

Random acts of kindness

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, it can be frustrating being locked up at home. All around the country, however, people are looking after each other and trying to do their best in lockdown.
On Friday a Stuff photographer took this picture in Melrose (Wellington) of a nice message to a rubbish collector. … View more
Hi Neighbourly folk, it can be frustrating being locked up at home. All around the country, however, people are looking after each other and trying to do their best in lockdown.
On Friday a Stuff photographer took this picture in Melrose (Wellington) of a nice message to a rubbish collector. Please tell us about any acts of kindness you have observed in your neighbourhood.

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1221 days ago

Cancer doesn't stop, we won't either.

Cancer Society

COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services … View more
COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services to support New Zealanders going through cancer.
Learn more

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1221 days ago

Last week to nominate!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

We're in the last week of nominations for the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. So come on, Wellington – who’s your New Zealander of the Year?

Tell us with a nomination! Nominations close 31 August.

Get in quick – www.nzawards.org.nz...

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1221 days ago

Frontline hero: Sergeant Cameron Cross

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk.
It is easy to take the police for granted but under Level Four they have a tough job.
Sergeant Cameron Cross is one of those frontline staff keeping us safe.
If you see the police in your neighbourhood dont forget to give them a wave.

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1223 days ago

Celebrating your birthday in lockdown

Reporter Community News

Lockdown and birthdays are two words that do not go well together.
Children love celebrating their birthday but with social distancing and bubbles birthday parties are no go under lockdown.
When Emery Maclean​ set out on her morning lockdown walk with mum Abby Vogel​ and big sister Avah​ she… View more
Lockdown and birthdays are two words that do not go well together.
Children love celebrating their birthday but with social distancing and bubbles birthday parties are no go under lockdown.
When Emery Maclean​ set out on her morning lockdown walk with mum Abby Vogel​ and big sister Avah​ she quickly realised this one was extra special.
Within minutes the 4-year-old spotted a collection of balloons tied to a gate – and the shocked girl was told by her mum they were for her birthday.
It is lovely to see neighbours pitching in to help the youngster. If you have a birthday or a especial anniversary (wedding, 21st etc), have you thought about how you are going to celebrate it?

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1222 days ago

Lower Hutt – your river city

Hutt City Council

It’s big, it’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s coming!

Know what it’s about?
Know more

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1222 days ago

Help your local small business - and get $10!

David Downs from SOS Business

If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
View more
If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
SOS Business - A not-for-profit helping NZ small businesses during a tough time. All the money (less credit card fees) gets paid to the businesses.

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