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364 days ago

CHRIST CHURCH TAITA NEW VISITOR CENTRE

John from Hutt Central

A SMALL BUT DETERMINED group * have just turned the sod on a significant new building site, which will house a Visitor Centre for the Christ Church Taita, a little known heritage taonga, the oldest church in the Wellington region and the oldest building still in use in the area. They have had to be determined because the $350,000 fundraising which has had many setbacks and taken 7 years
The Secondary Schools curriculum has recently been amended to require the study of NZ history. The first group of European settlers brought to NZ under the auspices of the NZ Company arrived on Petone Beach in January 1840. They were made welcome and sheltered and fed by the people of Te Atiawa who had a pa at Horokiwi. The church was built in the early 1850's and a memorial to that event was erected on Petone beach in 1940, this being The Early Settlers Museum, Te Whare Whai Whakaaro O Pito-one)

The story of that generally amicable interaction deserves to be told. The church was nearly destroyed by a major fire in the early 1990's, thought to have been arson, and subsequent necessary security measures have meant it is not accessible to Visitors. The Centre will allow visitors and students of NZ history to undertake guided tours of the Church and Graveyard where lie numerous distinguished individuals, including Chief Manihera Matangi , who was a strong supporter of the settlers and whose father signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and noted NZ Church architect Frederick de Jersey Clere.

The land has been donated by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. Donors and Sponsors include the Lotteries Commission, the Hutt City Council, The T.G.McCarthy Trust, Pub Charity and a variety of local charitable trusts and generous private individuals.

The construction contract has been let to NZ Proud of Porirua.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750β€”a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 88.8% Yes, it's fair
    88.8% Complete
  • 10.3% No, it's unreasonable
    10.3% Complete
  • 0.9% Other - I'll share below
    0.9% Complete
1987 votes
3 hours ago

Just dough it

The Team from Resene ColorShop Petone

With three basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can give old containers new life with Resene testpots.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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5 hours ago

Do you recognise any of these bikes? 🚲

The Team from Wellington District Police

Wellington Police have recently recovered eight bikes and would like to reunite them with their owners.

If you believe one is yours, head to the Wellington Police Station to retrieve your property. Make sure to bring either a proof of purchase or serial number to prove ownership.

To have a proper look, click on any image to enlarge it.