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253 days ago

TAITA VISITOR CENTRE PROGRESS

John from Hutt Central

We are pleased to report that the Building is up and has been closed in.(see pics)
It has been a long hard road but after 7 years, Stage 1 of the project is at last a reality. It’s fair to say that there have been a few people who declared that it couldn’t be done and that has been a spur to our efforts. Our entire Stage 1 budget has now been spent .
Stage 2, the interior of the building has still to be started. We have exhausted all available funds and are looking for volunteers to continue the inside work

We remain hopeful, however that now the exterior is a visible reality, that potential donors will be to assist with Stage 2 will be found. . We have of course been working hard to this end for some months now. Please give if you are able *
We are particularly keen to reach out to those who would be willing and able to help with interior finishing semi-skilled activities like painting, and plastering, as well as trades work such as plumbing and electrical.**
THE STORY OF THE CHRIST CHURCH TAITA AND ITS TREATY LINKS.
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.
*If you would care to give, please visit Givealittle.co.nz/the christ church taita visitor centre
**If you are able to help with manual tasks, please contact JOHN DAYSH jddaysh@gmail.com

(ENQUIRIES JOHN TERRIS jterris55@gmail.com)

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.4% Yes
    84.4% Complete
  • 14.1% No
    14.1% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
1360 votes
2 days ago

scumbags

Sandra from Waiwhetu

There are some really awful people around at the moment. This is what happened on Sunday.
We live in Hinemoa Street opposite the Waiwhetu Stream. At around 3.40 in the afternoon I was looking out my window and saw a car pull up and start to feed the geese and ducks out the window. Then The passenger an asian man jumped out and threw himself onto a goose. he picked it up and put it the boot of the car.
I immediately ran over and stood in front of his car to stop him moving I also called my husband to help. A lovely man was riding his bike and saw it and stopped to help me. The driver tried to drive into me but I didnt move. He tried telling us it was his pet. These are wild geese.

They had a cage in the boot and some wire all ready to catch the poor bird like they have done it before. My husband took the bird from the car and released it. I then moved out of the way and after lots of abuse from the driver they drove off threatening to come back and get more.
No one should be allowed to take these beautiful birds and certainly not like this. they are all starting to have wee babies at the moment the whole thing was so upsetting to me. Another neighbour further down the road also saw it all happen.
Please keep a look out for this car and if you see them by the stream go over and watch them lets all stop this happening.

1 day ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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