Pencarrow Head, Lower Hutt

Share what you've seen

Share what you've seen

If you know of crime happening locally, let your neighbours know here.

2905 days ago

Time to get into the festive spirit!

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from The Hutt News

Hi everyone,
Ready to get in the Christmas spirit? Ray Newton and his neighbours have put up a festive banner and more than a few lights to raise money for Te Omanga Hospice. Check it out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from now until Christmas at 70 Tawhai Road, Stokes Valley.

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2906 days ago

Neighbours Day Aotearoa Launch

The Team from Neighbours Aotearoa

Dates for Neighbours Day have been set! 25 & ­ 26 March 2017 is the weekend we're all working towards. Leading up to that weekend we'll be letting you know about some of the awesome events and activities happening near you, sharing stories, giving you a little inspiration around how … View moreDates for Neighbours Day have been set! 25 & ­ 26 March 2017 is the weekend we're all working towards. Leading up to that weekend we'll be letting you know about some of the awesome events and activities happening near you, sharing stories, giving you a little inspiration around how to get your neighbourhood revving to go for Neighbours Day, and for those of us who are a little shy, some helpful tips on how to get started.

Earlier this year we put it to the Neighbours Day community to vote on the best way to launch Neighbours Day 2017. The winning idea was is 'Make it a New Years Resolution', and so that is what we're rolling with. Make getting involved in Neighbours Day your New Year's Resolution.
If you or anyone else signs up for Neighbours Day 2017 between today and the 31st of January you go in a draw to win a $100 grocery voucher. We'll be making 3 draws, one in December, one in January and one in February.
We know there are some of you who are real champions of Neighbours Day Aotearoa, so for those that get the most people joining up we have a little incentive for you too. We've added a section in the join up page where people can mention how they heard about Neighbours Day. This is where all those awesome people you get to join up can pop your name. If you, or your organisation, come out on tops and have the most new members joining up then you will win a $100 grocery voucher as well!!! Whaaattt!! Now that will come in handy either for your awesome Neighbours Day event, or your friendly neighbourly bbq, or will pay for the TimTam's you bring when you have a cup of tea with your neighbours.
So make sure you share the love and spread the word.

For more info visit the links or email kiaora@neighboursday.org.nz

2906 days ago

Foot It campaign is getting results nationwide - how about in our neighbourhood?

Jonathan Milne Reporter from Sunday Star Times

It's going to be a beautiful morning pretty much everywhere in the country - so let's get as many kids and their families as possible out of their cars and walking/riding/scooting for this morning's school run. Tell us about it: what are you going to do; how does it work for you? How… View moreIt's going to be a beautiful morning pretty much everywhere in the country - so let's get as many kids and their families as possible out of their cars and walking/riding/scooting for this morning's school run. Tell us about it: what are you going to do; how does it work for you? How does it differ from your memories of footing it to school as a kid?

An important plank of our Foot It campaign this year has been to encourage councils to lower speed limits outside schools. Families and schools have been enthusiastic about our initiatives to make it easier for kids to get out of the car. And when we wrote to all New Zealand's mayors in February, they offered resounding support: many wrote back promising to do their best to lower speeds, but cautioning that their hands were tied by NZ Transport Agency rules that (extraordinarily) stood in the way of lower speed limits.

Now, the Government has stepped up too: Associate transport minister Craig Foss has announced new Speed Management Guidelines that will make it simpler for councils to lower speeds on the roads that are busiest with cyclists and pedestrians. Read more from this weekend's Sunday Star-Times: www.stuff.co.nz...

We welcome this. So last week, we wrote to the mayors again (many of whom are new to the roles after the local body elections) challenging them to commit to putting lower speed limits outside schools on their council agendas in the first half of 2017. The Sunday Star-Times and Stuff will report their responses, whether they be good or gutless.

It's not just about the Government and councils, though: it's about taking responsibility as communities and individuals. So take the initiative: bylaw or no bylaw, if enough of us voluntarily slow down as we drive past schools in our towns and neighbourhoods, that will slow other traffic and make our streets safer for our kids.

TODAY'S WEATHER: We've attached the MetService rain map for this morning. In short, it's a great day to walk, ride or scoot to school with your kids, anywhere in the country. But this afternoon, a pile of rain is going to land, splash, in the middle of the North Island and Hawke's Bay. Don't say you weren't warned ....

THE FOOT IT PLEDGE: We're all busy - but many of us can find ONE day a week when we can scoot or walk with our kids to school. So make the pledge! 
Join one of our Neighbourly Foot It clubs - the Monday Club, Tuesday Club, Wednesday Club, Thursday Club or Friday Club – and you'll go into the draw to win one of 50 Micro scooters, valued at up to $179.95 each. www.neighbourly.co.nz...

THE SUNDAY STAR-TIMES SAYS:
* Families: Choose one day a week when you walk, scoot or ride with your kids to and from school.
* Schools: Set up walking buses, with parents and volunteers helping local kids get to class safely.
* Councils: Create and enforce lower speed zones outside every school.

TELL US YOUR STORIES: What's the most memorable experience you or your kids have had while commuting to school? Share your story at Stuff Nation and go into the draw for 20 more Micro scooters. www.stuff.co.nz...

BE SAFE: Tips for a safe school run. www.microscooters.co.nz...

2906 days ago

Queensgate Mall update #3

Hutt City Council

Demolition of the northeastern area of Queensgate Shopping Centre damaged by the 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake will begin from 7:30am Monday 5 December, weather dependent.

This area is structurally a separate building to the rest of the centre and includes a section of car park and Event Cinemas … View more
Demolition of the northeastern area of Queensgate Shopping Centre damaged by the 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake will begin from 7:30am Monday 5 December, weather dependent.

This area is structurally a separate building to the rest of the centre and includes a section of car park and Event Cinemas Queensgate.

It will take just over two months to complete the demolition using long reach diggers and mobile cranes to bring the building down in stages.

At the end of each stage engineers will assess progress and the remaining risk to neighbouring businesses New World Hutt City supermarket and the restaurant and a conference area of The Angus Inn hotel, both closed on 24 November because of their proximity to the affected Queensgate building.

Demolition is weather dependent but if there are no weather interruptions it is likely New World Hutt City supermarket will reopen before Christmas. The restaurant and conference area of the Angus Inn hotel are likely to reopen in early February.

Council’s Chief Executive Tony Stallinger says the difference in reopening times is because the structure of the building is such that as it comes down the risk reduces more quickly on the Waterloo Road side of the cordon rather than the Bloomfield Terrace side.

“The demolition team will work as quickly as possible without compromising their safety or the safety of others.

“We know there will be dust and noise in the area while this work happens but it is necessary to get the job done as quickly as possible and we ask neighbours to please be patient.”

Hours of demolition will be 7.30am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday with some preparation work, such as warming up machinery, starting at 6.30am, and 9am to 4pm on Sundays. There will be no work on public holidays.

Naylor Love will complete the demolition on behalf of Queensgate Mall. The demolition will include all necessary and related health and safety measures, including traffic management, disconnection of services and removal of material.

The decision to demolish this building, part of the Queensgate Shopping Centre, comes after Hutt City Council issued a warrant on Friday 25 November under section 129 of the Building Act 2004 requiring the demolition.

More than 80 retail outlets in the centre reopened on Friday 25 November as well as 590 car park spaces. This area of the centre was assessed structurally sound by engineers and these outlets will remain open and operating to normal trading hours throughout the demolition.

Not all retail outlets in the centre are open as these are within the cordon around the affected building. These retail outlets have been assessed as structurally sound but will remain closed until after demolition when fire exits can be restored.

2906 days ago

Water tasting a bit funny this weekend?

Hutt City Council

Following a positive indicator from a water sample test result, Wellington Water added chlorine to the Lower Hutt water supply network. Adding chlorine is a precautionary measure only, and no further issue was found when testing the water. The water is completely safe to drink and use, and should … View moreFollowing a positive indicator from a water sample test result, Wellington Water added chlorine to the Lower Hutt water supply network. Adding chlorine is a precautionary measure only, and no further issue was found when testing the water. The water is completely safe to drink and use, and should return to normal taste as the chlorinated water works its way out of the water supply system by Monday morning.

2909 days ago

Something to make Christmas weekend shopping in Lower Hutt easier

Hutt City Council

Greater Wellington Regional Council are providing a free shuttle service to run every 15 minutes, 9am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5.30pm on Sunday between the bus stop at Waterloo Station (Stop C) and a bus layby outside the courthouse on Knight’s Road in the CBD. The shuttle service will begin … View moreGreater Wellington Regional Council are providing a free shuttle service to run every 15 minutes, 9am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5.30pm on Sunday between the bus stop at Waterloo Station (Stop C) and a bus layby outside the courthouse on Knight’s Road in the CBD. The shuttle service will begin this weekend and run until Christmas Eve, if there is demand.

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2910 days ago

Mr Whippy to go

Hutt City Council

A new mini café on wheels has opened at Avalon Park today and it’s the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Mr. Whippy 2 Go is a new venture offering barista-style coffee and an assortment of healthy café-style food and drinks, as well as traditional Mr. Whippy ice cream.

Unlike the … View more
A new mini café on wheels has opened at Avalon Park today and it’s the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Mr. Whippy 2 Go is a new venture offering barista-style coffee and an assortment of healthy café-style food and drinks, as well as traditional Mr. Whippy ice cream.

Unlike the traditional Mr. Whippy van, Mr. Whippy 2 Go is a larger wheeled outlet, shaped like a drink can.

Hot drink choices range from the popular flat white to a chai latte, with the option of decaf or soy, as well as English breakfast and green tea. Cold drinks include milkshakes and water.

Mr. Whippy 2 Go has a no fried food policy. The diverse menu includes salads, fresh gourmet and toasted sandwiches, filled rolls and panini, as well as savouries, pies, cakes and slices. It also has gluten-free options, including brownies, rolls and bread.
The café welcomes feedback on its menu and will consider suggestions. It will also make some food to order, including specific salads.

Some traditional Mr. Whippy outlets now serve coffee as well as ice cream. However, Mr. Whippy 2 Go is the only one of its kind in New Zealand to also offer café-style food.

Mr. Whippy 2 Go will alternate between being based in the car park off Fairway Drive and in Avalon Park just northwest of Avalon Park Playground.

It was picked to operate in the park as it provided, unlike a traditional Mr. Whippy, a comprehensive menu with a healthier range of food choices. Council wants food outlets that provide healthier choices and Mr. Whippy 2 Go, a locally-owned franchise, fits the bill.

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2909 days ago

Free shuttle buses between Waterloo Station and Lower Hutt CBD

Callum from Hutt City Council

Something to make your Christmas shopping a little easier.

Greater Wellington Regional Council are helping us out by providing a free shuttle service to run every 15 minutes, 9am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday between the bus stop at Waterloo Station (Stop C) and a bus layby outside the courthouse … View more
Something to make your Christmas shopping a little easier.

Greater Wellington Regional Council are helping us out by providing a free shuttle service to run every 15 minutes, 9am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday between the bus stop at Waterloo Station (Stop C) and a bus layby outside the courthouse on Knight’s Road in the CBD. The shuttle service will begin this weekend and run until Christmas Eve, if there’s demand.

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2909 days ago

Metlink Christmas and New Year Holiday Services

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Metlink will be running a holiday timetable from Sunday 25 December 2016 until Tuesday 3 January 2017. This means that some bus, train or harbour ferry services will be running to a special or reduced timetable. Normal services will resume on Wednesday 4 January 2017.

We wish all our MetlinkView more
Metlink will be running a holiday timetable from Sunday 25 December 2016 until Tuesday 3 January 2017. This means that some bus, train or harbour ferry services will be running to a special or reduced timetable. Normal services will resume on Wednesday 4 January 2017.

We wish all our Metlink customers a safe and happy Christmas.
Learn more

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2910 days ago

Look after and care for your home

BRANZ

Whether you are designing, planning, building or renovating your home, you'll want to maintain and care for it once building work is complete. Your builder is legally required to provide you with information on the materials used in your home and how often to maintain them.

We have made it … View more
Whether you are designing, planning, building or renovating your home, you'll want to maintain and care for it once building work is complete. Your builder is legally required to provide you with information on the materials used in your home and how often to maintain them.

We have made it easy for you to request your maintenance report from your builder. Best of all, you'll have the contact details of trades should you need ongoing maintenance work, plus all the product guarantees and warranties in one handy place. BRANZ maintenance schedule – Your place, all in one place.
Learn more

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2911 days ago

Proudly supporting junior football - plus giving away great prizes!

McDonald's

We’ve supported junior football in New Zealand for over a decade – helping thousands of kids, their coaches and parents kick-start dreams. We've also been recognising the people who make it happen; over 6000 coaches around the country who give up their time every season to support their … View moreWe’ve supported junior football in New Zealand for over a decade – helping thousands of kids, their coaches and parents kick-start dreams. We've also been recognising the people who make it happen; over 6000 coaches around the country who give up their time every season to support their communities. A special congratulations to our 2016 Junior Football Coaches of the Year! Recognise anyone in your community?

We want to get even more Kiwi kids outdoors this summer and practicing their football skills for next season. That’s why we’ve partnered with Neighbourly to give away 60 football and bottle prize packs! Find out how to win!
Enter now

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2911 days ago

Got an active Kiwi kid? Share a photo and WIN football prize packs.

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kiwi kids thrive on playing outdoors. Whether it's climbing trees, kicking a ball or building a hut, getting outside and exploring our backyards is part of who we are. So we've partnered with our friends at McDonald's to celebrate this New Zealand rite of passage. All you have to do … View moreKiwi kids thrive on playing outdoors. Whether it's climbing trees, kicking a ball or building a hut, getting outside and exploring our backyards is part of who we are. So we've partnered with our friends at McDonald's to celebrate this New Zealand rite of passage. All you have to do is share a photo below of the smallest members of your family outdoors with their football and you could win one of 60 football and bottle prize packs.

Please note: any photos shared below may star on Stuff.co.nz next week! Your football loving Kiwi kid could be famous!

Post your photo below to enter the draw.

T&Cs apply.

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2912 days ago

Basic supplies

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

Do you have your basic supplies ready if you are stuck at home or have to leave in a hurry? Make a plan today to work out what you need, who can help you and who might need your help.
www.happens.nz...

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2915 days ago

QUEENSGATE UPDATE No2

Callum from Hutt City Council

Hutt City Council has issued a warrant today that requires the Event Cinemas and car park building in the northeastern corner of Queensgate Shopping Centre be demolished.

The decision comes after Council issued a warrant late yesterday (24 November) under section 129 of the Building Act 2004. … View more
Hutt City Council has issued a warrant today that requires the Event Cinemas and car park building in the northeastern corner of Queensgate Shopping Centre be demolished.

The decision comes after Council issued a warrant late yesterday (24 November) under section 129 of the Building Act 2004. The warrant required action to be taken to remove the danger posed by the building after it was damaged in the 14 November 7.8 earthquake.

Queensgate had offered two options for the future of the building, which is one of 13 buildings in the shopping centre. The first option is to secure and strengthen the building, but a further investigation would be needed to assess whether it was possible. A preliminary estimate to secure and strengthen the building is that it would take at least four months.

The second option is to demolish the building. The demolition work could start immediately and take about two months.

Council has decided on option two and has today issued a second warrant under Section 129 of the Building Act requiring that the building be demolished.

Queensgate will early next week supply Council with a detailed plan on how it will demolish the building, which will be approved by Council engineers. The plan must set out a time frame for when the demolition work will start and finish.

Hutt City Council Chief Executive Tony Stallinger says Council has obtained independent engineering advice which indicates there is a risk of collapse in another earthquake. “I have received advice that the option of securing and strengthening the building is not appropriate for a range of reasons, including the time and uncertainty of outcome involved in that process.”

Long reach diggers and/or mobile cranes will be used to demolish the building. The demolition must include all necessary and related health and safety measures, including traffic management, disconnection of services and removal of material.

Because of the height of the affected building, there is a safety risk for two neighbouring buildings, the New World Hutt City supermarket and the restaurant, bar and conference area of The Angus Inn hotel. The supermarket and part of The Angus Inn were evacuated last night when Council issued the first warrant, which remains in place.

Once demolition of the building begins, the risk to the two buildings will be reduced and cordon sizes will be reviewed.

More than 80 retail outlets in Queensgate Shopping Centre reopened today, as well as 590 car park spaces. This area of the complex has been assessed by engineers and is structurally sound. Council granted a Certificate of Public Use. Some retail outlets near the Event Cinemas and car park building remain closed.

2915 days ago

Eastbourne Carnival - this Sunday 10am to 3pm

Mike Neighbourly Lead from Eastbourne

Come to Eastbourne for some Carnival fun at the Muritai school grounds this Sunday. There will be rides, stage entertainment, stalls and food. Your support will help out the local school. See you there.

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