Camborne, Porirua

Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

Ask a Crewcut Lawn & Garden expert (and an ex-Black Caps coach!) now. Head here.

1519 days ago

Professor Justin Hodgkiss

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

This week’s guest speaker was Prof Justin Hodgkiss, of Victoria University and the McDiarmid Institute.

Justin has had a stellar career in research, graduating from Otago University initially, and then a doctorate at MIT followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at Cambridge.

The McDiarmid … View more
This week’s guest speaker was Prof Justin Hodgkiss, of Victoria University and the McDiarmid Institute.

Justin has had a stellar career in research, graduating from Otago University initially, and then a doctorate at MIT followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at Cambridge.

The McDiarmid Institute is a research collaboration of seven NZ universities and Crown Research Institutes, named after Alan McDiarmid, a New Zealander who won a Nobel Prize for his work on conducting polymers. Its focus is on the properties of materials and the development of new ones.

Justin gave us an overview of several of the projects under way at the McDiarmid.

Maize and biowaste can be used to make new useful biodegradable products. Cheaper printable photovoltaic arrays can be made in the lab, and work is ongoing to make them more efficient.

Storage batteries are critical to a low-carbon future, and aluminium looks promising as a replacement for lithium.

Using hydrogen as an energy source is a major effort worldwide because it releases no carbon at all.

Computing and data storage are now so universal that they create more carbon emissions than air travel- mostly in the energy needs of air-conditioning. Materials that can think like a brain may make computers more efficient.

The McDiarmid Institute is thriving and has an international reputation with many global collaborations in place.

Justin’s talk was fascinating and optimistic in the face of the monumental challenges of sustainability and climate change.

Image
1520 days ago

Sports gear wanted for Porirua youngsters

Reporter Community News

The hunt is on for sports gear to help Porirua youngsters play sport.
The community sports bank at Te Rauparaha Arena is approaching its first birthday, and the call has gone out for summer sports gear.
Sports equipment for the sports bank is donated by clubs, sports organisations, the public and … View more
The hunt is on for sports gear to help Porirua youngsters play sport.
The community sports bank at Te Rauparaha Arena is approaching its first birthday, and the call has gone out for summer sports gear.
Sports equipment for the sports bank is donated by clubs, sports organisations, the public and from lost and found at council recreation centres and swimming pools. It’s then given to tamariki to remove some of the cost barriers of playing sport - which has significant social and physical benefits.

Schools, police, coaches, clubs and other agencies identify those in need, who can then access the equipment for free, using a printed card they are issued.

Anyone with items to donate can contact Keith Tahere at Te Rauparaha Arena - Keith.tahere@poriruacity.govt.nz

Image
1520 days ago

SAYGO classes opening in Khandallah and Lower Hutt

Corinne Morris from

We are happy to announce new SAYGO classes will be opening in Khandallah and Lower Hutt:
When: Tuesdays at 11am (starting from 20th October)
Where: St Barnabas Church, 35 Box Hill, Khandallah

When: Wednesdays at 11am (starting from 21st October)
Where: Knox Church, 574 High Street, Boulcott, … View more
We are happy to announce new SAYGO classes will be opening in Khandallah and Lower Hutt:
When: Tuesdays at 11am (starting from 20th October)
Where: St Barnabas Church, 35 Box Hill, Khandallah

When: Wednesdays at 11am (starting from 21st October)
Where: Knox Church, 574 High Street, Boulcott, Lower Hutt 

Our Hataitai classes are still open:
When: Wednesdays at 12pm
Where: All Saints Church, Hataitai
Email: acwellington.org.nz or Call: Ann on 04 499 6646 to find out more.

1520 days ago

ASB Bank Senior Priority Direct Phone Line

Corinne Morris from

One of our wonderful newsletter readers have emailed in to let us know that ASB bank has set up a Senior Priority Direct Phone Line.

Call on 0800 272 119 for your banking questions and needs.

1520 days ago

Porirua council's Covid-19 wage subsidy under investigation

Reporter Community News

The Ministry of Social Development has requested more information from Porirua City Council about $2.6 million worth of Covid-19 wage subsidies it claimed.

The council’s chief executive, Wendy Walker, said the council applied for the subsidy based on revenue for the month of April, which showed … View more
The Ministry of Social Development has requested more information from Porirua City Council about $2.6 million worth of Covid-19 wage subsidies it claimed.

The council’s chief executive, Wendy Walker, said the council applied for the subsidy based on revenue for the month of April, which showed a greater than 40 per cent decline compared to April 2019.

Mayor Anita Baker, last week distanced herself from Facebook citing comments and allegations that the council accessed the wage subsidy illegally.

Image
1520 days ago

School Holiday Fun and October events in Porirua

Porirua City Council

School Holiday Fun events:

Pātaka School Holiday Programme, Tue 6, Wed 7, Thu 8 October, 10.30-12pm. For children aged 6-12 years. Free, but places are limited and booking essential phone 04 237 1511.

Kindy Gym at Te Rauparaha Arena for Age 1–4years. Thursday 1 October 9.30–11am, … View more
School Holiday Fun events:

Pātaka School Holiday Programme, Tue 6, Wed 7, Thu 8 October, 10.30-12pm. For children aged 6-12 years. Free, but places are limited and booking essential phone 04 237 1511.

Kindy Gym at Te Rauparaha Arena for Age 1–4years. Thursday 1 October 9.30–11am, Wednesday 7 October 9.30am–11.00am. To book phone 04 237 1521.

Dash Swim School Holiday Programme, 28 September–9 October, at Cannons Creek Pool. For info and to book email dash@poriruacity.govt.nz

Arena Aquatics, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua. For a splashing good time head to Porirua where the wave pool, hydroslide, spa & sauna is all included with your entry! For hours call 04 237 1521 or visit Arena Aquatics

New Zealand Police Museum, Papakowhai Rd, Papakowhai, Porirua. Lots of school holiday fun, 7 days 10am-5pm. For information about special events visit NZ Police Museum

October events:

Porirua Grand Traverse, Whitireia Polytechnic, Wineera Drive, Porirua, Sunday 4 October 8am-3pm. Something for everyone from the 9km Fun Run / Walk through to 55km Multisport event.

Love Local Expo – Porirua, Saturday 17 October 2020 10am-4pm. Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua. A huge range of local businesses, market stalls, food and fun for the whole family.

Pātaka Art + Museum, Cnr Parumoana and Norrie St Porirua, for current exhibitions visit Pātaka Art + Museum

Papercrafting Expo, Saturday 10 October, 9.30am-4pm, Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua. Loads of mix media, stamping the show is great for scrapbookers, card makers, art journals and anyone looking for a new hobby.
Discover Porirua

Image
1521 days ago

Civil servants could move to Porirua

Reporter Community News

State Services Minister Chris Hipkins would like to see some civil servants move to Porirua.

Hipkins says hubs outside Wellington would take pressure off existing offices in Wellington. Wellington’s public sector employs about 27,000, while there are about 37,000 in the private sector. A Cabinet… View more
State Services Minister Chris Hipkins would like to see some civil servants move to Porirua.

Hipkins says hubs outside Wellington would take pressure off existing offices in Wellington. Wellington’s public sector employs about 27,000, while there are about 37,000 in the private sector. A Cabinet paper tabled last year revealed the State Services Commission wanted to “reduce the footprint” of government workers in the Wellington and Auckland regions, and move agencies elsewhere when possible.

What do you think of moving some state servants to Porirua?

1521 days ago

If your garden can grow weeds it can grow anything !

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Aotea

Nature's Choice
Gardening services
in the Wellington region
Call Now! 0272430951

If your garden can grow weeds, it can grow anything

Does your garden resemble the Amazon jungle? Are you looking to clear it out? Then you have come to the right place! Nature's Choice has been … View more
Nature's Choice
Gardening services
in the Wellington region
Call Now! 0272430951

If your garden can grow weeds, it can grow anything

Does your garden resemble the Amazon jungle? Are you looking to clear it out? Then you have come to the right place! Nature's Choice has been turning jungles into respectable gardens for 20 years. We are the local horticulture landscaping experts in the Wellington region. From one-off section clean ups to regular maintenance, we can do it all.

1523 days ago

Don't forget to change your clocks

Reporter Community News

New Zealand springs forward this weekend as Daylight Saving time begins.
Clocks will go forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday 27 September. Daylight saving time will continue until Sunday 4 April 2020, when clocks will go back by one hour to NZ Standard Time.

Most New Zealanders should experience a… View more
New Zealand springs forward this weekend as Daylight Saving time begins.
Clocks will go forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday 27 September. Daylight saving time will continue until Sunday 4 April 2020, when clocks will go back by one hour to NZ Standard Time.

Most New Zealanders should experience a seamless transition, with modern electronic devices adjusting automatically. However, older devices may need to be adjusted manually.
Do not forget it is also a good time to check emergency plans, survival kits and smoke alarms.

Image
J
1523 days ago

Angels Among Us

Jenny from Titahi Bay

Lovely shaped jigsaw with one very small piece missing.
550 pieces.

Price: $8

1525 days ago

Why 2021 will be the year of the long weekend

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.

Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.

In fact, once … View more
Hey neighbours,

Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.

Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.

In fact, once you’ve tacked on the weekends, you’ll end up getting a whopping 25 days off out of those 10 stat days, plus your region’s anniversary day.

To find out how to get the most out of your annual leave next year, click here.

Image
1527 days ago

Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

If you’re not on the Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list, check out their latest newsletter update here: bit.ly...

They recently wrapped up a survey on water quality, and now they’re looking for your input on water security and allocation.

Please email whaitua@gw.govt.nz if you’d like… View more
If you’re not on the Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list, check out their latest newsletter update here: bit.ly...

They recently wrapped up a survey on water quality, and now they’re looking for your input on water security and allocation.

Please email whaitua@gw.govt.nz if you’d like to be kept up to date on the latest news coming from the committee.

Image
1526 days ago

What do you think of Facebook?

Reporter Community News

Porirua mayor Anita Baker has decided to no longer use Facebook.
She says the level of abuse has given her no other choice.
What is your experience of Facebook?

If you do not want your comments used in a story, please put NFP (Not for Publication).

Image
1524 days ago

Do you get our free gardening ezine?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.

We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a … View more
In this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.

We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a year-round food supply. Plus go in the draw for fertiliser and soil enhancer from Fodda and there’s another chance to win Mr Fothergill’s ultimate garden pack.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

Image
Top