Petone, Lower Hutt

Fair play

Fair play

Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor in Resene Clockwork Orange will elevate it from meh to wow.

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835 days ago

democracy seems not a reality in lower hutt cc - continued

Byron from Naenae

so it seems local gvt and especially those with central ties such as campbell barry - they dont want people who may not agree - and these are the people that are meant to run OUR CITY with OUR MONEY

Dear Byron,
I can't believe I'm writing this – we’ve been banned from the Local … View more
so it seems local gvt and especially those with central ties such as campbell barry - they dont want people who may not agree - and these are the people that are meant to run OUR CITY with OUR MONEY

Dear Byron,
I can't believe I'm writing this – we’ve been banned from the Local Government New Zealand conference on "the future of local government" that opened this afternoon in Palmerston North. And LGNZ has even banned you!
Late yesterday, the Taxpayers’ Union was notified by LGNZ that our registration for the conference had been revoked and we were no longer welcome.
That’s 180,000 registered supporters like you, our staff, and board members – LGNZ has said that no one from or representing the Taxpayers' Union is permitted to attend.
We asked whether Chris Milne, a sitting City Councillor who is on our Board could go – LGNZ doubled down and said, "not if he's representing the Taxpayers' Union".
Byron, I've never been banned from anything!
I called Stuart Crosby, LGNZ's President, to ask what his concern was. While I'm all for humorous stunts outside an event, or holding politicians to account, the idea that we'd storm the stage, or disrupt the event is ridiculous. We wanted to listen to the Minster of Local Government and all of the other speakers about their 'vision' for local government, Three Waters, and the other agenda items.
To our astonishment, the justification for the banning was that "the Taxpayers' Union has previously criticised LGNZ". The President of LGNZ said that we are not welcome because "we don't trust what you might say" about the event.
In short, without any appreciation of the irony, LGNZ is gathering together 400 stakeholders to discuss 'the future of local government', democracy, diversity, and Three Waters – but won't allow groups who disagree with them or the Government!
The ban applies to the Taxpayers' Union, our supporters, and even our Ratepayers' Alliance off-shoots in Auckland and Tauranga. That means no ratepayer groups will be at the event.
Remember, LGNZ is 100% funded by ratepayer and taxpayer money! They are the same group who were in the media just this morning calling for more diversity in local government.
Yes, we have criticised LGNZ in the past – we've criticised them for being politically biased, and un-transparent! Talk about proving the point...
Apparently, the 'future of local democracy' won't include you!
Byron, the context of all this is that Stuart Crosby and LGNZ have taken money from the Government to promote Nanaia Mahuta's Three Waters regime. He signed the infamous Heads of Agreement / Three Waters Partnership behind the backs of his own members. So the obvious question is, did the Beehive lean on LGNZ to ensure we couldn't be there?
Democracy's future is worth fighting for
Byron, the events of the last 24 hours illustrate why we must not let local government become the vehicle of an unelected ivory tower elite. If LGNZ – tasked with promoting local democracy – is banning ratepayer voices from discussions on proposed changes to local government, what trust do you have that ratepayers will be a part of the results?
So I am emailing to ask you to speak up for democratic control and accountability.
If you agree that democracy should include those who disagree with the government and their sock puppet groups like LGNZ, please take a moment to send an email to those who made this outrageous decision.
Tell the LGNZ President, Council, and the mayors that ratepayers like you should be at the table of these discussions. Local democracy shouldn't be limited to a special club of people and organisations that the elite happen to agree with.
The team worked overnight and most of today to create an email tool to make contacting the LGNZ leadership easy. They are relying on you to deliver the message at www.BannedByLGNZ.nz...
In my eight years working for the Taxpayers' Union I've seen plenty of underhanded tactics from politicians. But this one certainly takes the cake.
On Three Waters the Government has attempted to buy council support (there's another "b" word for that...), engaged in a disinformation advertising campaign, and tried to smear those opposing the expensive and anti-democratic water reforms as 'racist'.
But LGNZ's silencing of the dissenting voice of ratepayers shows that despite what LGNZ says, they don't care for democracy at all. They only care for democracy if you're on their side!
This certainly seems to contradict the LGNZ website that says: "Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to be the most active and inclusive local democracy in the world."
New Zealanders should not have to worry that if they criticise the policies and actions of the Government and affiliated organisations they will be banned from Government-sponsored events.
The future of local democracy relies on robust debate and the accountability of elected officials and public servants to ratepayers.
Thank you for your support.
Jordan Williams
Executive Director
New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

829 days ago

Old Lower Hutt plus

Sandra from Normandale

Days Bay.

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830 days ago

Poll: VOTE for the Resene Upcycling Finalists!

Resene

It’s that time again neighbours - we need your help! Look at all this creativity hiding behind front doors. We now need YOU to vote for your favourite Upcycling Award finalist. The four designs with the most votes will each receive a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!

View more
It’s that time again neighbours - we need your help! Look at all this creativity hiding behind front doors. We now need YOU to vote for your favourite Upcycling Award finalist. The four designs with the most votes will each receive a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!

Find out a little more about each entry here. Voting closes 5pm Thursday 4 August.

Thanks for voting; your clever neighbours thank you!

VOTE for the Resene Upcycling Finalists!
  • 8.4% 1) Storage cabinet (Christine Olson, Carterton District)
    8.4% Complete
  • 19.1% 2) Bench Seat (Mary McRae, Hauraki)
    19.1% Complete
  • 4.4% 3) Modern Tech Desk (Julie Cronin, Havelock North)
    4.4% Complete
  • 9.7% 4) Alice in Wonderland table (Lynda Cree, Halswell)
    9.7% Complete
  • 17.3% 5) Terracotta Steps (Angie Farrow, Hokowhitu)
    17.3% Complete
  • 7.1% 6) Drinks cabinet / piano bar (Maurice van Liempd, Whakatane District)
    7.1% Complete
  • 4.8% 7) Garden feature (Marjanna Jones, Henderson)
    4.8% Complete
  • 2.2% 8) Spacerocket lamp (Jen Asquith, Nelson South)
    2.2% Complete
  • 25.1% 9) Paintbrush art (Bonnie Stretton, Motueka)
    25.1% Complete
  • 2% 10) Writing Desk (Steve Nicholson, Brookfield)
    2% Complete
1951 votes
830 days ago

Hutt Homed - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Hutt Homed

Our House of the Week this week is a brand-new three bedroom, standalone townhouse in Petone, featuring an internal access garage. For sale through Shane Brockelbank from Professionals. Check it out on page 3!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Hutt Homed to find agents who are … View more
Our House of the Week this week is a brand-new three bedroom, standalone townhouse in Petone, featuring an internal access garage. For sale through Shane Brockelbank from Professionals. Check it out on page 3!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Hutt Homed to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in Hutt Homed.

Distribution & Delivery:
Hutt Homed gets inserted into The Hutt News every Thursday, and is delivered to 42,423 homes in the Hutt area.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie on 021 973 105 or cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez on 021 501 913 or niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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L
831 days ago

Commode and Walking Stroller wanted

Lile from Naenae

Looking for a commode chair and walking stroller at the affordable price.
Contact phone: 0210354158
Thanks in Advance.

830 days ago

How To Maintain and Care for Your Wallcoverings

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

So, you’ve finally chosen that fabulous wallpaper to showcase your interior style but how do you best look after it to keep it looking fresh and clean?

Many a foreign object can flick onto the surface of the wallpapers in your home, ranging from food to crayon to fly spray, and like any … View more
So, you’ve finally chosen that fabulous wallpaper to showcase your interior style but how do you best look after it to keep it looking fresh and clean?

Many a foreign object can flick onto the surface of the wallpapers in your home, ranging from food to crayon to fly spray, and like any textile, wallpapers need a little bit of love every now and then. A regular wipe down with a clean cloth should keep dust and marks at bay, however, there are times when there may be the need for a deeper clean.

To better understand how to care for your wallcoverings we need to first discuss the different types of wallpapers on the market and their cleaning durability. The main three classifications are:

1. Scrubbable
Generally heavy vinyl’s, these types of wallcoverings are suited to higher trafficc areas as they can withstand scrubbing to remove stains and dirt more effectively.

2. Washable
Coated papers (light weight vinyl) would fall into this category, a mild detergent and water can be used to occasionally wipe surface of wallcovering. They are unsuitable for high traffic areas due to light cleaning and inability to remove stains or contaminants without damage.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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831 days ago

Have your say on the detailed design of the Golden Mile

Let’s Get Wellington Moving

Kia ora Wellingtonians

Have your say on the detailed design of the Golden Mile, which stretches from the Parliament end of Lambton Quay through to the bottom of Courtenay Place. Revitalising the Golden Mile will make it a more attractive, vibrant and welcoming space to live, work and play, and … View more
Kia ora Wellingtonians

Have your say on the detailed design of the Golden Mile, which stretches from the Parliament end of Lambton Quay through to the bottom of Courtenay Place. Revitalising the Golden Mile will make it a more attractive, vibrant and welcoming space to live, work and play, and make it easier and safer to get around.

Have your say by 14 August:
Pop into a drop-in session
- Thursday 28 July, 4.30-7pm Public Trust Hall, 131 Lambton Quay
- Wednesday 3 August, 10am-2pm Courtenay Creative, 49 Courtenay Place

Comment online: lgwm.nz/goldenmile
Email: goldenmile@lgwm.nz
Call: 0800 110 130

Veronica Byrne
Project Manager
Find out more

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838 days ago

Lower Hutt and Beyond

Sandra from Normandale

Naenae Lower Hutt NZ

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831 days ago

Homed Dominion Post - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Dominion Post

Our House of the Week this week is an updated character home in the heart of wine country - Martinborough. For sale through Jaime Slater from Tremains. Read more about this gorgeous home on page 3!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are … View more
Our House of the Week this week is an updated character home in the heart of wine country - Martinborough. For sale through Jaime Slater from Tremains. Read more about this gorgeous home on page 3!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Dominion Post.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Dominion Post gets inserted into The Dominion Post, and is delivered to subscribers every Saturday. It is also available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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834 days ago

Do you support spending $300m on new link to Wellington?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

The cost of a new shared path linking Lower Hutt and Wellington has risen by $130 million to more than $300m – its third budget increase – thanks to the rising cost of materials.
The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency board has approved a total of $311.9m in funding for Te Ara Tupua, a 4.5km … View more
The cost of a new shared path linking Lower Hutt and Wellington has risen by $130 million to more than $300m – its third budget increase – thanks to the rising cost of materials.
The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency board has approved a total of $311.9m in funding for Te Ara Tupua, a 4.5km section of 5-metre-wide pathway for walking and biking from Ngāūranga to Petone, along the coast next to the Hutt Valley railway line and the highway.
Tell us what you think and remember that if you do not want your comments used by Stuff, please put NFP.

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832 days ago

Zip Masterton Massive annual Sale.

ZIP Plumbing

Don’t miss Zip Masterton MASSIVE Annual Sale, this Friday 29 Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July.

Get leading bathroom brands and HUGE Annual Sale savings!

Baths, showers, tapware, toilets, and accessories with up to 60% off, including complete bathroom packages from $1599

Zip it up in style … View more
Don’t miss Zip Masterton MASSIVE Annual Sale, this Friday 29 Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July.

Get leading bathroom brands and HUGE Annual Sale savings!

Baths, showers, tapware, toilets, and accessories with up to 60% off, including complete bathroom packages from $1599

Zip it up in style with leading bathroom brands, at Zip Masterton

MASSIVE Annual Sale, this Friday 29 Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July

Cnr Dixon & Church St Masterton
Know more

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832 days ago

Reading Tip #5

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

Make a calm, comfortable place for your family to relax and read independently - or together ?‍?‍?‍??

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832 days ago

Time to escape your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View more
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Find out more

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834 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington photographer Simon Woolf took this lovely photo of a kārearea near Te Anau.

"Before I had a chance to photograph it, it took off to a nearby clump of grass, and then after a few minutes actually in the grass flew back to the pole with a waxeye. What followed was straight out of … View more
Wellington photographer Simon Woolf took this lovely photo of a kārearea near Te Anau.

"Before I had a chance to photograph it, it took off to a nearby clump of grass, and then after a few minutes actually in the grass flew back to the pole with a waxeye. What followed was straight out of National Geographic."

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832 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Nelly

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

"Hey there, I'm Nelly. I am a very beautiful girl, and I know it. I can be a bit shy in new situations and when meeting new people, but it doesn't take long for me to warm up to my humans. I love getting love and affection from my humans, it makes me feel really happy. I would like … View more"Hey there, I'm Nelly. I am a very beautiful girl, and I know it. I can be a bit shy in new situations and when meeting new people, but it doesn't take long for me to warm up to my humans. I love getting love and affection from my humans, it makes me feel really happy. I would like to go to a quiet home where there may be a comfy couch for me to sleep on, and maybe even a lap that I can curl up on and keep you warm on a cold night. Due to my shyness, I won't be much fun in a home with young children as I like to live a peaceful life, older children may be okay, as long as they know when to give me some time and space to myself if I need it. I don't enjoy being in a room with other cats....I do have a medical waiver my new family will need to be made aware of."

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