Pencarrow Head, Lower Hutt

1461 days ago

Rhonda Hira making a return to competitive softball

Reporter Community News

One of New Zealand's greatest ever players is returning to the softball diamond at 55.
Rhonda Hira will lace up her cleats and play in this weekend's Fastball 45 tournament in Christchurch, as a pick-up player for the Kaiapoi Queens.
Hira, who is studying to become a personal trainer, … View more
One of New Zealand's greatest ever players is returning to the softball diamond at 55.
Rhonda Hira will lace up her cleats and play in this weekend's Fastball 45 tournament in Christchurch, as a pick-up player for the Kaiapoi Queens.
Hira, who is studying to become a personal trainer, said she was "actually quite motivated'' to help the younger Kaiapoi players and, after training with her teammates, is confident she won't let them, or herself, down.
Hira played for Hutt Valley and at five world championships. She is not the only veteran on a softball roster.
Current White Sox assistant-coach Melisa Tupuivao (nee Upu), another Sydney Olympian, will mark her 46th birthday as player-coach of the Hutt Valley Kotuku Raiders at the central qualifying tournament on December 4-6.

Image
1462 days ago

Good Sorts: Claire Turner and Gabrielle Ralph (Nourish)

Reporter Community News

Every year at about this time, Claire Turner and Gabrielle Ralph start preparing to fill hundreds of families’ cupboards at a time when they need it most.
Working with local primary schools, the pair put together hundreds of $150 food hampers for families across Hutt Valley, Porirua and Tawa in … View more
Every year at about this time, Claire Turner and Gabrielle Ralph start preparing to fill hundreds of families’ cupboards at a time when they need it most.
Working with local primary schools, the pair put together hundreds of $150 food hampers for families across Hutt Valley, Porirua and Tawa in the lead-up to Christmas.
But this year, their efforts – through their charity, Nourish – are needed more than ever.
This year the charity has demand for 1000 hampers, at a cost of $135,000. It is double last year’s output, a reflection of the increased pressure families are under as a result of Covid-19, the pair explain.

Image
1462 days ago

Historic Lower Hutt mansion Anson House up for sale

Reporter Community News

One of Lower Hutt's most historic houses is for sale.
Anson House, built in 1899, is listed in the Hutt City Council's district plan as a building of regional significance, being one of the last original bay villas left in the city.
The 400 square metre home was built for W.G. Foster, the… View more
One of Lower Hutt's most historic houses is for sale.
Anson House, built in 1899, is listed in the Hutt City Council's district plan as a building of regional significance, being one of the last original bay villas left in the city.
The 400 square metre home was built for W.G. Foster, the second mayor of Lower Hutt, but is named after Dr George Edward Anson, chief New Zealand physician of the Australian Mutual Provident Society (now AMP) and later a chairman of directors for The Dominion newspaper.
He took ownership of the home in 1906.

1462 days ago

Anyone can be Nymbl

The Team from ACC New Zealand

Now you can get better balance, in the comfort and safety of your own home, with Nymbl - the easy-to-use smartphone app.

Nymbl gives you simple body movements, combined with brain challenges like trivia, to really improve your balance. It’s fun and only takes only 10 minutes a day.

Get … View more
Now you can get better balance, in the comfort and safety of your own home, with Nymbl - the easy-to-use smartphone app.

Nymbl gives you simple body movements, combined with brain challenges like trivia, to really improve your balance. It’s fun and only takes only 10 minutes a day.

Get Nymbl now, for free. Just go to fallsfree.co.nz and follow the easy instructions.
Learn more

Image
1463 days ago

Join the Great Kiwi Summer

Matahiwi Estate

Our Great Kiwi Summer campaign is all about coming together and enjoying the wonderful things New Zealand has to offer.

Take part in the Summer Survey and be in to win one of 10 Matahiwi prize packs (RRP$300).

And the ME Time Summer Scrapbook has some of our favourite recipes, cocktails and … View more
Our Great Kiwi Summer campaign is all about coming together and enjoying the wonderful things New Zealand has to offer.

Take part in the Summer Survey and be in to win one of 10 Matahiwi prize packs (RRP$300).

And the ME Time Summer Scrapbook has some of our favourite recipes, cocktails and activities – have a browse or take part by sharing one of your summer treats.
Read more

Image
1463 days ago

Changes to Rubbish and Recycling

Hutt City Council

If you live in Lower Hutt, be sure to check your November Hutt City Council rates bill to find out how to choose your bins ahead of next year’s upgrade to rubbish and recycling. Find out more

Image
1463 days ago

Help for story on interesting plaques

Reporter Community News

Journalist Mandy Te is working on a series looking at the story behind plaques. If you have an example (especially if you know the story behind it) please contact Mandy, with the details and address.
Her contact details are mandy.te@stuff.co.nz
If you can send a photo with your email that would … View more
Journalist Mandy Te is working on a series looking at the story behind plaques. If you have an example (especially if you know the story behind it) please contact Mandy, with the details and address.
Her contact details are mandy.te@stuff.co.nz
If you can send a photo with your email that would be great.

1463 days ago

Watering Restrictions

The Team from Wellington Water

We are still in watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering.
There is enough water available for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after our precious wai so we have enough to last all summer.
Hot, dry weather + increased demand = levels changing quickly. … View more
We are still in watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering.
There is enough water available for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after our precious wai so we have enough to last all summer.
Hot, dry weather + increased demand = levels changing quickly.

Remember to:
- add mulch to the garden ✅
- water on the odd/even days within the specified times 💧

Know the garden watering restrictions in your area 🌺🌻

Image
1467 days ago

Summerset gets approval for Boulcott village

Reporter Community News

Summerset is set to begin construction of a $150 million village in Lower Hutt after receiving the green light from the Environment Court.
The design includes one four-level apartment building and one with five levels,with the rest one to three levels, which will house about 300 residents.
The … View more
Summerset is set to begin construction of a $150 million village in Lower Hutt after receiving the green light from the Environment Court.
The design includes one four-level apartment building and one with five levels,with the rest one to three levels, which will house about 300 residents.
The development has proved controversial. The council initially encouraged Summerset to come to Lower Hutt but later was less enthusiastic as teh scale of the development became clear.
What do you think?
Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used.

Image
1463 days ago

Our Strategy Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034

Office for Seniors

Last November, we launched our new strategy, Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034. This strategy will help ensure we create opportunities for all of us to participate, contribute and be valued as we age. Many of the key areas for action in the strategy have become even more … View moreLast November, we launched our new strategy, Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034. This strategy will help ensure we create opportunities for all of us to participate, contribute and be valued as we age. Many of the key areas for action in the strategy have become even more relevant in the wake of COVID-19.

Click here to read our strategy and find out more about what we want to achieve and what needs to happen bit.ly...

Image
1463 days ago

Get the inside scoop on Stuff's great travel finds

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

Here at Stuff Travel, our team of journalists have been furiously ferreting out Aotearoa’s best hidden gems. We've come across so many activities and places we never knew existed.

Typically, as soon as we report a great place on Stuff, the floodgates open. But … View more
Hey neighbours,

Here at Stuff Travel, our team of journalists have been furiously ferreting out Aotearoa’s best hidden gems. We've come across so many activities and places we never knew existed.

Typically, as soon as we report a great place on Stuff, the floodgates open. But subscribe to our newsletter here for a free ticket to ride with our travel team each week as we explore the best of New Zealand.

We’ll tell you about our great finds, before we tell anyone else. And we’ll throw in some great deals, giveaways and advice each week too.

Bon voyage!

Image
1463 days ago

Louie the Lion visits Hutt Hospital

Reporter Community News

Louie the Lion put smiles on many faces during a recent visit to Hutt Hospital as part of a Queensgate Shopping Centre initiative to provide some pre-Christmas cheer to children.
Louie handed out soft toys, puzzles and his new story book called Louie’s Big Adventure, which chronicles his travels … View more
Louie the Lion put smiles on many faces during a recent visit to Hutt Hospital as part of a Queensgate Shopping Centre initiative to provide some pre-Christmas cheer to children.
Louie handed out soft toys, puzzles and his new story book called Louie’s Big Adventure, which chronicles his travels throughout the region.
Queensgate engaged with the local community who voted on which locations Louie should visit while on his big adventure.
One of the lucky patients to get a book was nine-year-old Corbin Kelly.

Image
1463 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Neroli Knight

Reporter Community News

Known as "Bart" Neroli Knight was a pioneer of women's rugby.
These days she is a primary school teacher and coaches juniors at the Waihi Athletic Rugby club.
In August, 1990 she set a record that will probably never be broken, when she became Black Fern no 28 at aged just 15 against… View more
Known as "Bart" Neroli Knight was a pioneer of women's rugby.
These days she is a primary school teacher and coaches juniors at the Waihi Athletic Rugby club.
In August, 1990 she set a record that will probably never be broken, when she became Black Fern no 28 at aged just 15 against the Netherlands at the RugbyFest in Christchurch.
Neroli attended the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff in 1991, appearing the play-off for third against France. She next played for New Zealand in 1999, playing a test against against Canada in Palmerston North. She played her last test in 2001 but continued playing club rugby with success and for Wellington at rep level.
Clubs she was associated with include Stokes Valley, Petone and Hutt Old Boys Marist. It was not only her youthful international debut that makes Neroli unique.
She began playing in a boys team in Blenheim in 1982 when she was eight years old. She continued playing in boys teams and did so again at Hutt Valley High School.
In 2009, she married Waihi church pastor Benhur Matautia.
And how did she get that nickname? She made her international debut in 1990, the same year that Bart Simpson first appeared and with her spiky hair, she had a passing resemblance to the famous cartoon character.

1463 days ago

Neighbourly Good Sort: Nicholas Sandle

Reporter Community News

Nicholas Sandle has achieve a remarkable milestone with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The principal double bassist celebrated 50 years with the orchestra earlier this year and on Saturday night he retired.
Since starting as a trainee with the orchestra in February 1970, Sandle has played in … View more
Nicholas Sandle has achieve a remarkable milestone with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The principal double bassist celebrated 50 years with the orchestra earlier this year and on Saturday night he retired.
Since starting as a trainee with the orchestra in February 1970, Sandle has played in just about every corner of the country, recorded with Split Enz and given more than 2500 performances.
He is retiring to tend his Stokes Valley garden and to spend more time with his wife, and fellow musician, June Byng.

Image
1469 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, where is this photo and what year do you think it could be?

Image
Top