Wainuiomata Coast, Lower Hutt

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1479 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Jorge Sandoval

Reporter Community News

This weeks, I am using a story I wrote about cycling promoter Jorge Sandoval in 2017. I hope you enjoy it.

Cyclist Jorge Sandoval has a story that deserves to be widely known.
Recently, he was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award by Cycling New Zealand.
In the nearly quarter of a century I have … View more
This weeks, I am using a story I wrote about cycling promoter Jorge Sandoval in 2017. I hope you enjoy it.

Cyclist Jorge Sandoval has a story that deserves to be widely known.
Recently, he was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award by Cycling New Zealand.
In the nearly quarter of a century I have been a journalist, I have been lucky to meet many interesting people.
But one person who will always stand out is Jorge.
I first met him when he came to the Hutt News looking for publicity for the Tour of Wellington.
Over time, I got to know him well and understand his fascinating story, including his time in a Chilean concentration camp.
Initially, he did not want to talk about when he was thrown into the camp by the Pinochet regime aged 19. He was tortured and saw many fellow prisoners die.
One of the few prisoners to survive the camp, he began a remarkable journey that would ultimately lead to Lower Hutt.
He fled to Argentina and in 1976 came to New Zealand as a refugee.
His first job was working in a Petone factory where the workers treated him as if he was "dumb" because he could not speak English.
Trying to blend in, he picked up some of the words his fellow workers used, including the F...word.
Much to his embarrassment, the Chilean ambassador had to explain its meaning.
Jorge found refuge in cycling and once he joined a club, he soon flourished and was good enough to represent New Zealand.
The lack of local events to ride in eventually annoyed him so much, he set up the Tour of Wellington. It would become an international event.
Jorge lived for cycling and what he regarded as Kiwis' indifference to the sport infuriated him.
When retailers in Lower Hutt and Petone complained about streets being closed for the Tour, he was blunt in his assessment that they were small-minded and lacked vision.
As I got to know him he opened up about his time in the concentration camp.
He was never bitter and his ability to move on was commendable.
Jorge deserves his recent recognition but at a time when some people oppose New Zealand taking refugees, he serves as a reminder as to why we should be generous as a country.
Forty-one years after starting work in a Petone factory, Jorge is a highly successful promoter. He has helped family members settle here, runs his own business and has organised more than 30 international cycling tours.
That is pretty good for a bloke who arrived in our country with nothing but a good attitude.

1478 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, this is an easy one.
Who are these gentlemen and what is the significance of the picture?

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1478 days ago

Air Port Flyer stopping at Wellington

Reporter Community News

Tranzit will be running a new Airport Flyer service starting in early 2021.
The bad news for Hutt residents is that it does not include the Hutt Valley.
Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry said he was also disappointed by the decision, which he called “short-sighted”.
“I will be writing to … View more
Tranzit will be running a new Airport Flyer service starting in early 2021.
The bad news for Hutt residents is that it does not include the Hutt Valley.
Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry said he was also disappointed by the decision, which he called “short-sighted”.
“I will be writing to Wellington Airport and their new operator to challenge this decision, and ask them to reconsider their commitment to Lower Hutt,” he said.

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1478 days ago

Have your say

The Team from Wellington Water

Now is the time to have your say on the impact of wastewater overflows on the rivers and streams in the Hutt Valley ?
We want to know what’s important to you. ?


Your input will help our work in planning for future improvements to our network.

Click below to have your say today ?

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1479 days ago

Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Despite the bad early morning weather last Saturday we had a fantastic time meeting with members of the community at the Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day.

We had conversations with over 300 people about sediment in our streams, riparian planting, wetlands, pest plants, pest animals and native … View more
Despite the bad early morning weather last Saturday we had a fantastic time meeting with members of the community at the Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day.

We had conversations with over 300 people about sediment in our streams, riparian planting, wetlands, pest plants, pest animals and native planting.

Kids got to play with our catchment model to learn about sediment, streams, gullies and wetlands. We did trapping demonstrations and swapped weeds from gardens with gorgeous native plants! 🌱

1479 days ago

A reminder to help keep us all safe

The team from Hutt City Council

🏠 Stay home if you're feeling unwell.
🤳🏽 Scan the QR codes when you're out and about.
😷 Masks are recommended on public transport.
👐 Wash your hands thoroughly.

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1479 days ago

Kiwis thriving near Wellington

Reporter Community News

If you are heading to the Remutaka Forest Park this summer, please remember there is a population of wild kiwi.
Dogs are biggest threat to kiwi so please keep your dog on a lead.
There are about 200 kiwi in the park, some of them near Sunny Grove (Wainuiomata) and the population is growing thanks … View more
If you are heading to the Remutaka Forest Park this summer, please remember there is a population of wild kiwi.
Dogs are biggest threat to kiwi so please keep your dog on a lead.
There are about 200 kiwi in the park, some of them near Sunny Grove (Wainuiomata) and the population is growing thanks to the hard work of the Remutaka Conservation Trust.
The kiwi is our national bird and it needs your help to survive.

1482 days ago

Neighbourly Pet of the Day: Sydney

Reporter Community News

Meet Sydney from Napier. His owner, Lisa Brownlee, says he enjoys the warmer weather.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday. If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz

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1479 days ago

Taita College Senior Prizegiving

Taita College

Taita College celebrated their Senior Prizegiving on Thursday 29 October and wish to
congratulate all the students on their wonderful success!

Our Head students for 2021 are Nikita Old, Teila Leuila and Junior Misa.

Scholarships to the value of $130,000 were awarded this year to the … View more
Taita College celebrated their Senior Prizegiving on Thursday 29 October and wish to
congratulate all the students on their wonderful success!

Our Head students for 2021 are Nikita Old, Teila Leuila and Junior Misa.

Scholarships to the value of $130,000 were awarded this year to the following students, we are very grateful to our benefactors and scholarship providers.

These scholarships are life changing and make a significant difference to our rangatahi and families.
Kayla Faitele was named Dux for 2020 and received the $1,000 Mexican Supplies
Scholarship. She was also awarded the Te Herenga Waka Scholarship worth $50,000 from Victoria University in Wellington.

Nikita Old and Mia Welsh-Duffin were both recipients of First Foundation Scholarships to the value of $22,000 each.

Deborah Yu received a $13,000 scholarship from Otago University.

Penina Sitagata was the recipient of the Victoria Tongarewa Scholarship worth $5,000.

William Bower was the recipient of the Titiro Whakarunga Scholarship, funded by the
Winton and Margaret Bear Charitable Trust worth $4,000. He also received a scholarship from KPMG where he received a laptop.

Marshall Kennedy-Newton was the recipient of the Joyce & John Kellett Scholarship worth $4,000.

Shontelle Schuster received the Prime Ministers’ Vocational Excellence Award worth $2,000.

Dianna Revell received the Susan Taylor Scholarship valued at $2,000 and a laptop.

Arwen van der Raaij received the Kia Kaha Scholarship valued at $2,000 and a laptop.

Margaret Hopoi and William Judge both received a scholarship worth $1,000 from Uniplas.

Arleen Edmonds and William Judge both received a laptop to the value of $1,000 each for the Ka Maro Te Kaki o te Kotuku Scholarship.

Dallas Naik was the recipient of the New Zealand School of Tourism Scholarship.

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.

Aim high for what is truly valuable, be persistent and don’t let obstacles stop you from reaching your goal.
Learn more.

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1479 days ago

Family Concert: Only Ten Dollars

Orchestra Wellington

Hi Neighbours - looking for a fun-filled afternoon for the family? For just $10 for a child ticket and $15 for an adult, please join us at our Christmas concert.

With all your Christmas favourites, featuring a beautiful Samoan choir and other special guests, this promises to be a delightful day… View more
Hi Neighbours - looking for a fun-filled afternoon for the family? For just $10 for a child ticket and $15 for an adult, please join us at our Christmas concert.

With all your Christmas favourites, featuring a beautiful Samoan choir and other special guests, this promises to be a delightful day out. We’ll also have bouncy castles and face paints before the show for the little ones.

If you would like tickets, please do act quickly, as this will sell out fast.

Sunday 13 December 2.30pm at the Michael Fowler Centre. Pre-concert entertainment from 1.30pm in the Renouf Foyer.
Buy tickets now

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1479 days ago

Tātou Rohe - Our Region

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Want the latest on what we’ve been up to, and what’s coming up? Check out this week’s Tātou Rohe: bit.ly...

Subscribe online to receive these directly to your inbox: gw.govt.nz/tatou-rohe

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1484 days ago

What do you think of Quinovic letter?

Reporter Community News

A property management company that got in trouble for a email to renters at the beginning of the lockdown is under fire again after a letter drop “inviting neighbours to snitch” on tenants.
The letter from Quinovic advised neighbours new tenants had moved into their area and encouraged them to … View more
A property management company that got in trouble for a email to renters at the beginning of the lockdown is under fire again after a letter drop “inviting neighbours to snitch” on tenants.
The letter from Quinovic advised neighbours new tenants had moved into their area and encouraged them to contact the company with “any concerns about the property and its management”.
It was delivered to residents of a Hutt Valley street and was signed by Quinovic Hutt Valley manager Maritza McCrae and sales manager Helen Vance.
What do you think of Quinovic asking neigbours to monitor tenants?

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1480 days ago

Building all-round character at Scots College

Scots College

At Scots College students from Year 1 to 13 are guided in building all-round character with many opportunities available academically, culturally, in sports, leadership and service. Through high-quality teaching, strong pastoral care programmes and small class sizes, each student is known and … View moreAt Scots College students from Year 1 to 13 are guided in building all-round character with many opportunities available academically, culturally, in sports, leadership and service. Through high-quality teaching, strong pastoral care programmes and small class sizes, each student is known and encouraged to realise their potential.

Co-educational Prep School (Years 1-6), Middle School (Years 7&9), Senior School (Years 11-13).

We are excited to introduce co-education in the Middle School from 2021 and the availability of Year 9 Girls Sports and Cultural Scholarships for 2021. Apply online before Monday 23 November.
Learn more.

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1483 days ago

Feathered Friday Friend

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, this week I am featuring a new photographer Rosa Marie from Stokes Valley.
Check out what she had to say about a photo she took of a tui.
"On my way home to lunch I came across this tui sitting on my neighbour's kowhai tree just singing away...I got as close as I … View more
Hi Neighbourly folk, this week I am featuring a new photographer Rosa Marie from Stokes Valley.
Check out what she had to say about a photo she took of a tui.
"On my way home to lunch I came across this tui sitting on my neighbour's kowhai tree just singing away...I got as close as I could thinking he would fly away but he just kept singing....just singing in the rain."

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1481 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Champ

Reporter Community News

Hello, Neighbourly friends! My name is Champ. I am a sweet boy that loves to play and enjoys cuddles. I have made friends with everyone here at the SPCA and would love to settle into my forever home.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT ME
I listen well. I know my name and have an understanding of basic … View more
Hello, Neighbourly friends! My name is Champ. I am a sweet boy that loves to play and enjoys cuddles. I have made friends with everyone here at the SPCA and would love to settle into my forever home.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT ME
I listen well. I know my name and have an understanding of basic training, I feel I can be trained further with the right owner. I am very eager to please.

I love cuddles and the presence of people and dogs. Although, I can feel insecure in new situations and in unfamiliar places. Once I experience more of the world, I will become more confident. I wouldn't mind having another dog to play with and don't seem to be bothered by cats, I mostly want to say hi and try and play! Because I can be unsure in certain situations, it is best that I live with older children, teens or adults that are experienced with handling and playing with dogs.

Of course, I am one of a kind! I have a slightly abnormal hindlimb conformation which is likely due to genetics. This doesn't cause me any issues, however is something a new owner needs to be aware of as it may mean I don't live as long as most other dogs.

Any serious adopter is encouraged to discuss this with one of the vet team to fully understand my medical history. Any new home would be lucky to have me, I do hope people don't overlook me because of this. If you think that you're the right home for me, contact the canine team!

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