Mayor's safety funding flip-flop
After promising to support increased funding for a Courtenay Place safety initiative, Wellington Mayor Andy Foster did a U-turn when costs went up by $15,000.
The funding was for Take 10, a group that helps drunk people stay out of trouble.
On Sunday, Foster told Stuff he supported providing funding. On Wednesday, however, he voted against it.
He said the proposed cost had risen by $15,000 to $95,000 and he was no longer prepared to support it.
His no vote was not enough to stop the funding, which the majority of councillors supported.
Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, who chaired the grants committee, voted in favour of the increased funding.
“The extension of Take 10 to Friday nights is one step towards reducing alcohol-related harm and violence on Courtenay Place,” she said.
Age Concern Christmas Social Hubs for the Hutt Valley
Meri Kirihimete - Merry Christmas
Come and join our fun Christmas Hubs:
Upper Hutt - Te Kupenga o Rongomai - Maidstone Sports Centre, Wednesday 11th Dec at 12pm featuring the Hutt Ukulele Orchestra.
Lower Hutt - Walter Nash Centre, Thursday 12 December 1:30pm
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Moe mai rā, Nicholas.
We're sad to announce the passing of Nicholas Boyack, our Hutt Valley reporter who has long written for The Dominion Post, The Hutt News and Upper Hutt Leader.