Paremata, Porirua

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

2550 days ago

Get your FREE photo with Santa this weekend...

Harvey Norman

Neighbourly members - catch Santa at your local Harvey Norman this weekend. Head in store for your FREE 6”x4” photo with Santa between 11am – 2pm this Saturday and Sunday. Looking for the perfect gift for friends and family? How about a Santa Photo pack! … View moreNeighbourly members - catch Santa at your local Harvey Norman this weekend. Head in store for your FREE 6”x4” photo with Santa between 11am – 2pm this Saturday and Sunday. Looking for the perfect gift for friends and family? How about a Santa Photo pack! Find out more about Santa's visit now.

PS - Don’t forget about our Black Friday Deals available online and in store!

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2550 days ago

Mana Arts Society Exhibition

Carolina from Plimmerton

We are having our last exhibition for 2017, come along and get some great Christmas gifts. Details on the attached poster. All welcome! Support your local community artists!

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2552 days ago

Wendy House/Playhouse

Steph from Titahi Bay

Please read: The price listed is just for attention. Had organized for someone to pick up but under certain conditions and it fell through/no reply. Due to high interest and because it was a shared purchase with someone else and considering the house's quality and value we have decided to put … View morePlease read: The price listed is just for attention. Had organized for someone to pick up but under certain conditions and it fell through/no reply. Due to high interest and because it was a shared purchase with someone else and considering the house's quality and value we have decided to put up for offers. Reasonable offers only for this beautiful Wendy House/ playhouse. It's a pretty solid and heavy house and has been sitting outside but with a good revamp it'll make a great Xmas present. The kids don't really play in it. Quite heavy so needs about 4-5 strong men to get it onto a trailer. Need it gone asap so highest offer made through private message only by this Thursday 23rd Nov. Must pick up in Titahi Bay Friday 24/11/17 between 4pm-8pm.

Price: $1,234

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2550 days ago

Exhibition - Lace Eloquence

Robyn from Plimmerton

Last two days of this Lace Collage Exhibition. We would love you to visit - 10-4pm daily till 30th November. At Robyn Hall Art Gallery, Unit 22 2 Northpoint Street, Plimmerton. Fabric Artist Fiona McLean is displaying 20 works made from lace. Please pop in!

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2554 days ago

Five weeks to go... is it still too soon for the xmas tree?

Reporter Kapi-Mana News

So go on. When does the Christmas tree go up at your place? :)

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2550 days ago

Kenepuru exchange

Sharron Pardoe Reporter from Kapi-Mana News

This animated video shows the Kenepuru interchange where the Transmission Gully motorway route merges.

2550 days ago

Boat Jumble Car Boot Sale

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

CALLING ALL BOATIES: Boat Jumble Car Boot Sale is happening this Saturday 25th November!

Come on down to Seaview Marina and sell, swap or donate any unwanted boating/sailing/fishing gear! Anything boating related; from equipment to safety gear to books!

AND bring your life-jackets for a FREE … View more
CALLING ALL BOATIES: Boat Jumble Car Boot Sale is happening this Saturday 25th November!

Come on down to Seaview Marina and sell, swap or donate any unwanted boating/sailing/fishing gear! Anything boating related; from equipment to safety gear to books!

AND bring your life-jackets for a FREE check! Friendly Wellington Harbour staff will check your life-jackets for free, just look for their trailer!

For more info, email our Harbour Ranger on James.Allen@gw.govt.nz

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2550 days ago

Emergency Mobile Alert nationwide test

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

The nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system is happening this Sunday between 6pm and 7pm.

No need to sign up or download an app. Just check your phone is on them list of capable makes and models and ensure your updates are up to date.

www.civildefence.govt.nz...

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2551 days ago

Messiah

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra‎

Join the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in a Christmas tradition. NZSO will be performing Handel’s masterpiece Messiah on Saturday 9 Dec at the Michael Fowler Centre. It will be a show-stopping experience not to be missed! Magnificent musical forces and a sparkling, festive score will end our … View moreJoin the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in a Christmas tradition. NZSO will be performing Handel’s masterpiece Messiah on Saturday 9 Dec at the Michael Fowler Centre. It will be a show-stopping experience not to be missed! Magnificent musical forces and a sparkling, festive score will end our tremendous 2017 season in unforgettable style.­­­­ Book now

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2551 days ago

New Zealand's worst potholes.

Virginia Fallon Reporter from Kapi-Mana News

We're looking for the worst potholes in New Zealand. Comment on this post with a photo, and the details of where the worst one in your neighbourhood is. If you've reported it to the council, tell us the details so we can check it out. Please note that images and comments may be used as … View moreWe're looking for the worst potholes in New Zealand. Comment on this post with a photo, and the details of where the worst one in your neighbourhood is. If you've reported it to the council, tell us the details so we can check it out. Please note that images and comments may be used as part of a news story.

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2560 days ago

South African Social/Family day

Sanet from Paremata

Where: 25 November - Postgate School

Inviting all South African families to share a traditional family sports day with us. Filled with activities such as Tombola, tug-of-war, sack races and special SA treats such as Koeksisters, Milktart, Boerie rolls, Jaffels and toffee apples etc. Any … View more
Where: 25 November - Postgate School

Inviting all South African families to share a traditional family sports day with us. Filled with activities such as Tombola, tug-of-war, sack races and special SA treats such as Koeksisters, Milktart, Boerie rolls, Jaffels and toffee apples etc. Any questioned welcome. For more information, please PM me.

2551 days ago

Rock of Ages - dont miss this great show, opening tonight

Lea from Ranui

It’s here!!!! A huge “Break a leg” to the cast and crew for opening night tonight!! Tickets from only $28
ROCK OF AGES - the 80s rock musical!!
Wellington: 22 Nov to 01 Dec

www.iticket.co.nz...

Porirua: 6 to 16 Dec

www.iticket.co.nz...

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2551 days ago

It's the cat or the flat: Porirua pensioner's pet must go, Wellington City Council says

David from Cannons Creek

Fyi. Referring to Kapi Mana News item www.neighbourly.co.nz...

I'm glad Robyn Nielsen's problem has been resolved and she is now able to keep her beloved cat and remain in her home as reported in 21/11/17 issue of the Kapi Mana news.

Here is my letter to the Editor (which was … View more
Fyi. Referring to Kapi Mana News item www.neighbourly.co.nz...

I'm glad Robyn Nielsen's problem has been resolved and she is now able to keep her beloved cat and remain in her home as reported in 21/11/17 issue of the Kapi Mana news.

Here is my letter to the Editor (which was significantly abridged due to space constraints) submitted to Kapi Mana news on the 10/11/17(published on the 14/11/17) raising some of the points that the landlord has also noted resulting in an exception being made. I'm glad common sense has prevailed on this occasion -with the right decision being made. Good on ya!

Dear Editor

In reference to last weeks KPMN story 'Pensioners choice: Cat or flat?' regarding Robyn Nielsen.

Firstly, leniency can be applied to any organisation's policy.

Secondly, a 'No pets' policy is usually to prevent potential damage/safety issues of the landlords property.

This case concerns WCC's stance on their 'No pets' policy forcing the tenant to choose between keeping her family pet or losing her flat at Moana Court.

The pensioner lives in block of flats along with other tenants, who themselves have pets and who no doubt provide some form of companionship and wellbeing to their owners, who acquired a cat most likely to aid in the healing process due to the loss of a loved one but, despite this, shouldn't elderly have more need of pets to address isolation & companionship, than the 'not so old'?

What government agency would selectively(?) allow some tenants improved wellbeing and not others?

Part of the landlords responsibility is to ensure the peace, comfort and wellbeing of their tenants - the Residential Tenancy's Act refers to this also.

Is it not in the best interests for any property manager to ensure the wellbeing of all of their tenants?

A happy tenant is good for all- neighbours, landlord & community.

There is no doubt that pets/animals have 'healing powers' for their owners - in some countries they are used to aid in prisoner rehabilitation programs that have produced successful results and they are also commonly used for people with certain anxiety based conditions.

My point is if owning a pet does not incur additional costs to the landlord (obviously the tenant would be liable if it did) then why not allow these elderly tenants to have their pets so that they have companionship, sense of purpose and responsibility - things that diminish when you are elderly and live on your own?

I recall hearing of tenants living in council flats(in this case Wellington) who have become reclusive, withdrawn due to depression who are found days, even weeks (months?) after they had passed away.

Shouldn't the WCC be concerned with that issue rather than taking action that could place further stress on the housing market?

The WCC justify their actions citing they are merely enforcing their policy but that's exactly what it is - THEIR policy one in which they have created, have complete control over, including the level of leniency in which they can administer it.

To force any tenant to give up their beloved pet for a roof over their head will surely result in diminished health, depression and possibly become withdrawn - for both cat and tenant.

What government agency would place such a decision upon any elderly tenant?

This matter is not the same as dealing with parking fines where strict adherence to law is practiced. This is a matter that involves health, wellbeing, companionship & isolation.

Such decisions should be based on the merits of each case especially by a government agency such as WCC and, especially, when dealing with elderly people where their home is at stake.

To place an elderly tenant in such a position, when they generally (may) have fewer things to look forward to in life, have limited mobility, reduced social networking access, isolation - the companionship that a pet offers is invaluable and life improving, even sustaining.

The WCC's decision is poorly made.

There is a housing crisis already why stress it further by unnecessarily forcing another tenant on to the waiting list possibly shunting another further down the list?

It is only because WCC have refused to exercise leniency in this matter that the issue has come to the public fore - giving further reason to hold steadfast in supporting their own policy.

Points:

- By allowing the tenant to keep her pet you maintain tenants wellbeing and happiness - which is good for all - the neighbours, landlord and community.

-There is no dispute that pets provide benefits to their owners ie companionship, addressing loneliness/isolation, possess healing powers for depression, anxiety etc.

- A happy and healthy tenant is good for all ie neighbours, landlord and others.

- The cat poses no additional costs for WCC yet is gives so much to the elderly tenant ie companionship, addresses isolation, gives sense of purpose, and responsibility and improved wellbeing

- Was it explained to Robyn (in writing ) on first moving into the flat that other tenants were allowed to keep their pets as the 'No pets' policy came into affect after they had tenanted the property?

For a city council/government agency to force upon any elderly person such a decision - to choose between their beloved cat and a roof over their head - during a housing crisis/shortage- is ill-advised, poorly handled, insensitive and undermines the worth of their tenants.

It appears that WCC have very graciously (and quickly) offered to work with the tenant to find an alternative home for her pet hoping that we will not notice that they have just as quickly bypassed any opportunity to discuss or consider leniency on the matter.

This decision now causing an elevated problem- removing her right to continue living peacefully and in comfort in her current home.

Is this another case of 'out of towners' making decisions directly (and negatively) impacting on local residents upsetting the equilibrium of peace and common sense in a town that is not their own?

These actions could be considered oppressive on the following points; other surrounding tenants are allowed to keep their pets, it is obstructive to the wellbeing/peace of mind of this tenant, elderly tenants have other concerns that most of us may not be concerned with ie limited mobility, freedom, reduced social networking, isolation, loneliness, companionship, purpose and responsibility.

By allowing her to keep the cat would that not alleviate the above concerns?

What this entire matter comes down to is WCC's refusal to exercise leniency on this issue and they have, in effect, forced upon an elderly person to choose between two of life's most important to necessities - a roof over ones head and their beloved companion.

And so, lastly,  I would like the WCC to confirm that, based on their decision, owning a family pet does NOT directly contribute towards the wellbeing of that person (tenant or resident), and the reasons why, citing factual references.

Yours sincerely

David Dahya

2574 days ago

Minister of civil defence, commerce, immigration Kris Faafoi

Jared Nicoll Reporter from Kapi-Mana News

Mana MP Kris Faafoi has been made minister of Civil Defence, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and associate minister of Immigration.
Do you think he suits these roles?
**Please put NFP if you don't want your response put in next week's Kapi-Mana Newspaper**

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