Tirohanga, Lower Hutt

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56 days ago

Volunteer in the Hutt Valley

Volunteer Wellington

Are you a friendly, mature and non-judgmental person with life and home management skills? Do you have 1-3 hours per week spare that you could use to volunteer for SuperGrans?

This organisation is looking for Community Mentors to be part of their two amazing programmes, Skills2live (for … View more
Are you a friendly, mature and non-judgmental person with life and home management skills? Do you have 1-3 hours per week spare that you could use to volunteer for SuperGrans?

This organisation is looking for Community Mentors to be part of their two amazing programmes, Skills2live (for families with children) and Whānau Connect (babies and toddlers). These programmes support those who are wanting to embark on a journey of change. Kaitiaki - mentoring will provide opportunities for people to share their life skills, experience and knowledge with individuals/whānau/families who ask for support to develop skills in the area of home management, cooking and positive parenting practices.

For more information, and to register your interest, please visit our website at:
tinyurl.com...

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58 days ago

An Open Letter to Nicola Willis - from a WFH Public Servant

Mike from Alicetown

Credit to u/nyk-maverick on Reddit.👍🏼👍
Worth a read as plenty in our neighbourhood are impacted by this.
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Dear Nicola,

I hope this letter finds you well, preferably while sipping a coffee in your Beehive office (or your comfy home office—no judgment either … View more
Credit to u/nyk-maverick on Reddit.👍🏼👍
Worth a read as plenty in our neighbourhood are impacted by this.
_________________




Dear Nicola,

I hope this letter finds you well, preferably while sipping a coffee in your Beehive office (or your comfy home office—no judgment either way). I recently read your comments about the need for stricter guidelines on public servants working from home, and it really got me thinking—well, that and rolling my eyes so hard they almost fell out.

So, we've got a situation where the government has cut thousands of jobs, shrunk office spaces, and now they're scratching their heads wondering why Cuba Street isn't bustling. It's like setting fire to your deck chairs and then complaining that no one wants to sit outside. Maybe instead of forcing the remaining public servants to commute, we should be asking why so many are packing their bags faster than you can say "trans-Tasman bubble."

Now, I get it, you’re worried about the empty cafes, the deserted streets, and the lonely photocopiers missing their daily button-pressing action in the CBD. But making everyone march back to the office feels a bit like forcing us all to trade in our smartphones for rotary dial phones just because the phone repair shops are struggling. Sure, we might all need to know how to dial on one in case of an apocalypse, but is it really the best use of our time?

You’re right—our local businesses have taken a hit. As a nation, we’re powered by long blacks and cheese scones that are nothing short of legendary. But let's be real, blaming WFH for their struggles is like blaming Wellington’s wind for bad hair days—it’s a factor, sure, but hardly the root cause. The real villains here? sky-high rents, council policies that seem to hate cars more than Aucklanders hate traffic, and let's not forget the economic rollercoaster we've all been riding. The world’s changed, and businesses need to evolve too. Just because I don’t buy a flat white from the corner café doesn’t mean I’m not contributing to the economy—my Uber Eats driver would back me up on that one.

As for the argument about team development, Office benefits etc, I don’t know if you’ve tried it, but Zoom and Microsoft Teams has more breakout rooms than my old high school did. Community building doesn’t require a desk in a central Auckland office—it requires good communication and a supportive work culture. Many of us have managed to be more productive, more collaborative, and less stressed when we cut out that 90-minute commute on the Southern Motorway. Forcing people back just feels like trying to solve a problem that no longer exists.

There’s also this idea that young employees need to learn by "seeing and hearing" others in the office. What is this, Hogwarts? Last I checked, we’re not picking up skills via osmosis. In reality, mentoring can happen virtually, and sometimes it's even better when you're not distracted by Bob from accounting microwaving his fish lunch. And the flexibility WFH offers has helped parents, carers, and anyone with a life outside of work to maintain balance and focus on performance, rather than presenteeism.

At the core of all this, WFH isn’t just about working from our kitchens in trackies. It’s about flexibility, trust, and letting people manage their own time effectively. If we’ve learned anything from COVID, it’s that Kiwis are adaptable. We’ve been showing up, delivering results, and still finding time to pop out to the dairy. If someone’s productivity slips, that’s a conversation about performance, not about location.

And let's not forget the environmental impact. Fewer commutes mean fewer emissions. It's like we're saving the planet and our sanity at the same time. Two kiwis with one stone!

So, Nicola, before you go full "back-to-school" on our public servants, remember: happy workers are productive workers, whether they're in a cubicle or their kitchen. And if you're really worried about Wellington's cafes, maybe consider giving us all a tax-free coffee allowance instead. Instead of this one-size-fits-all approach, how about we trust our public servants (and all workers for that matter) to find what works best for them and their teams? Maybe then we can focus on real issues, like why our pavlovas keep sinking in the middle. At the end of the day, public servants—like all workers—should be trusted to deliver results, regardless of whether they’re doing it from their kitchen table or a cubicle. And if they’re still delivering, does it really matter where they do it? Nicola, the thing is, forcing everyone back to office full-time is about as popular as swapping out Marmite for Vegemite.

So, how about we make a deal? You focus on making our cities more liveable? Affordable housing, reliable public transport, vibrant community spaces – you know, the stuff that actually makes people want to be in a city. And we'll keep doing our jobs – whether that's from a city office, a suburban spare room, or a beach in the Coromandel (don't worry, we'll have our laptops).

In all seriousness, Ms. Willis, the world has changed. Work from Home is not an entitlement, but it's become a fundamental part of how many people work effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Instead of clinging to outdated notions of productivity, why not embrace the future?

I’d love to hear your thoughts (ideally delivered via Zoom, so I don’t have to sit in traffic for an hour).

Sincerely,

A Public Servant Who Promises Not to Work from Their (Imaginary) Beach House

P.S. If you're ever feeling lonely in those big government buildings, may we suggest a cardboard cutout of John Key? We hear he's great at waving.

56 days ago

Double-duty seed tray

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lower Hutt

Make a handy seed tray that can also double as a mini propagator. Finish in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Silvered Grey for a sleek look. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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56 days ago

Free Digital Photo Printer

Steve from Tirohanga

I have an "unused" Sanyo Digital Photo Printer to give away
Model is a DVP-P1EX
Does 4"x6" photo size
Ring 021733001 for more details
Steve

Free

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56 days ago

Free Cross Trainer

Steve from Tirohanga

I have a used cross trainer to give away.
It is a "ProForm" model
Although the trainer works well, the electronics don't work and need attention
Feel free to text me for more details 021733001

Free

56 days ago

DIY cornhole set

Resene

Cornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.

Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step … View more
Cornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.

Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.

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

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57 days ago

Gardening section clearing

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Lower Hutt

Revitalise your outdoor space this spring with our expert gardening services!

At Natures choice Gardening we specialise in transforming gardens into blooming paradises. Whether you need landscape design, planting, or maintenance, our dedicated team is here to help your garden flourish.

? … View more
Revitalise your outdoor space this spring with our expert gardening services!

At Natures choice Gardening we specialise in transforming gardens into blooming paradises. Whether you need landscape design, planting, or maintenance, our dedicated team is here to help your garden flourish.

? What We Offer:
Customized garden designs
Seasonal planting and maintenance
Flower bed installations
Organic gardening solutions
? Get 10% Off Your First Service!
Embrace the beauty of spring with a stunning garden. Contact us today for a free consultation!
? 0272430951
? www.natureschioce.co.nz...
? Wellington wide

Rubbish removal
Weed spraying
Gorse!
Planting new Gardens
Quick the house is forsale and the Gardens a mess!

57 days ago

Mental Health Awareness Week - Tūhono Thursday

Volunteer Wellington

It's Tūhono Thursday! Building relationships with people who live in your community can create a supportive network, right at your doorstep. Volunteering creates these new connections and boosts your mental health. These quotes show the impact of volunteering, if you’re interested in … View moreIt's Tūhono Thursday! Building relationships with people who live in your community can create a supportive network, right at your doorstep. Volunteering creates these new connections and boosts your mental health. These quotes show the impact of volunteering, if you’re interested in volunteering you can find out more on our website at: www.volunteerwellington.nz...

58 days ago

Volunteer role - Maungaraki

Volunteer Wellington

Have you always wanted to work in a library? Now is your chance! Hutt City Council is looking for a volunteer to join their Community Library team in Maungaraki between the hours of 3pm and 6pm on Tuesday afternoons. Duties include shelving, tidying, interacting with library customers, particularly… View moreHave you always wanted to work in a library? Now is your chance! Hutt City Council is looking for a volunteer to join their Community Library team in Maungaraki between the hours of 3pm and 6pm on Tuesday afternoons. Duties include shelving, tidying, interacting with library customers, particularly children, and other library-based duties as required. To register your interest, please visit our website at:
tinyurl.com...

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58 days ago

Support Pots for Tots with Resene!

Resene

Get painting and help Kiwi kids. Buy any Resene 60 mL testpot colour starting with the letter P, O or T and Resene will donate $1 to Plunket NZ.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop to find all the colour you need to bring out the best in your home.
Find out more

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59 days ago

Lower Hutt art trail..

Mike from Alicetown

www.lowerhuttarttrail.co.nz

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th of October 2024.

59 days ago

Mental Health Awareness Week - support a community organisation

Volunteer Wellington

Today, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand encourages you to tautoko a community organisation. It’s no secret that the pandemic, rising costs and extreme weather events have made things tough for our organisations over the past few years. We have hundreds of volunteer roles on our website… View moreToday, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand encourages you to tautoko a community organisation. It’s no secret that the pandemic, rising costs and extreme weather events have made things tough for our organisations over the past few years. We have hundreds of volunteer roles on our website which will help you do to do this! Check out this small selection and head to our website to find more and to register your interest:
www.volunteerwellington.nz...

60 days ago

Good News item

Sandra from Normandale

Many moons ago....the jewellery was worth $8k plus....
We no longer get GOOD NEWS stories.
Click on the photo to see a clearer view.

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67 days ago

Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?

Vote in the poll and share… View more
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?

Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱

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Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
  • 48.3% Yes
    48.3% Complete
  • 49.9% No
    49.9% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
3809 votes
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