Brown Owl, Upper Hutt

1454 days ago

Tell us what you think about no fines at Upper Hutt libraries

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Upper Hutt is the fourth library in New Zealand to remove overdue fees, meaning that customers will no longer be fined for overdue items they have borrowed.
Overdue fines are charges incurred for the late return of borrowed library items. Both nationally and internationally research has shown that … View more
Upper Hutt is the fourth library in New Zealand to remove overdue fees, meaning that customers will no longer be fined for overdue items they have borrowed.
Overdue fines are charges incurred for the late return of borrowed library items. Both nationally and internationally research has shown that fining for overdue items as an incentive to return them does not work, but acts as a deterrent preventing people from making full use of library services.
A recent New Zealand study “Libraries in times of economic downturn” identified barrier free libraries as a key factor in community wellbeing and the important role libraries can play in community recovery.
To launch the new initiative, Upper Hutt Libraries have implemented a ‘Welcome Back’ campaign, targeting people who haven’t used the libraries in recent years. The campaign begins with a full amnesty for all outstanding overdue items that can be returned, and all outstanding overdue fees and charges will be waived. The amnesty will operate from 16 November 2020 to 30 January 2021.

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1453 days ago

Experience NZ like never before

Stuff Travel

Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning … View more
Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning traveller, and creating plenty of memories and stories to share for years to come.

Tours include a private luxury coach, rail tickets, tour guide, some meals and more.

Buy now, book dates later with a NZ based travel concierge.
Find out more

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1453 days ago

Get deck-orating with Resene!

Resene

Get your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of … View moreGet your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of colours, from traditional wood stains to a beachy whitewashed finish. Or go for the natural look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.

If you’re planning on a dark colour, remember to choose a Resene CoolColour version of your colour. This will help to reflect more heat to keep your deck and furniture cooler and more comfortable to walk or sit on.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop and see the huge range of options on their woodcare stand to help you bring out the best in your home.
Find your Resene ColorShop

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1454 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's … View more
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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1454 days ago

Wellington Opera Launch

Wellington Opera

Wellington Opera is thrilled to be taking audiences on a journey of musical and theatrical discovery, launching with Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni at the Wellington Opera House, April 2021.

Wellington audiences are in for a real treat, with a dynamic New Zealand cast featuring many … View more
Wellington Opera is thrilled to be taking audiences on a journey of musical and theatrical discovery, launching with Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni at the Wellington Opera House, April 2021.

Wellington audiences are in for a real treat, with a dynamic New Zealand cast featuring many principals back in New Zealand on pause from their careers around the world.

The production of Don Giovanni is directed by Sara Brodie, with designer Meg Rollandi, and Matthew Ross as Music Director, with the Wellington Opera Chorus and Orchestra Wellington.

This is a bold yet timeless production offering food for thought for our times whilst embracing the theatricality of old.

Don’t miss it… with only four shows in April 2021, buy your tickets now!
Book now

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1454 days ago

Time to celebrate Kiwi Christmas

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Remember you have two days to register to register your Kiwi Christmas float in the 2020 Santa Parade.

* Upper Hutt Santa Parade, Main Street, Upper Hutt , Sunday December 6, 3pm.

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1454 days ago

Upper Hutt set to update rules around brothels

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A “harmful” bylaw that restricts the activities of sex workers is up for review more than a decade after concerns were raised over its legality.
In 2009, Upper Hutt City Council officers reported that the council's Brothels Bylaw was probably unlawful as it effectively stopped sex workers … View more
A “harmful” bylaw that restricts the activities of sex workers is up for review more than a decade after concerns were raised over its legality.
In 2009, Upper Hutt City Council officers reported that the council's Brothels Bylaw was probably unlawful as it effectively stopped sex workers from operating in the city. Prostitution was decriminalised in 2003.
The council is considering a recommendation to revoke the bylaw and instead manage brothels through its District Plan, allowing them to operate under the same requirements as other businesses in the same area.
The bylaw has come under criticism from Prostitutes' Collective national co-ordinator Dame Catherine Healy, who said it most likely forced the city’s sex workers to trade illegally.

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1458 days ago

Reno blogging saved one couple $35k... but it didn't come cheap

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good,… View more
I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good, you might be given a couple of cans of paint from your local hardware store, to help you on the way - but that would be the icing on the tip of the social media cake.
Few of us would have the energy or knowhow to turn their reno into a part time side hustle that's both creatively fulfilling, and engaging.
But that's exactly what Moochstyle's Shayden and Georgia Whipps have done - with some pawsome help from their gorgeous dog Frankie. They've been blogging their Christchurch villa reno since they bought their home and Shayden shared their story with us for the final episode of First Rung, our podcast. A first time homeowner and renovator, Shayden is such an inspiring guy to chat with. He makes you want to jump in and give it go. Check out his story and let us know what you think.

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1455 days ago

Sick of snoring? Sleep better with Snorex

Snorex

Whether it's you or a partner, snoring isn't just an annoying noise. It impacts the health of the snorer, as well as the sleep quality of those around them.

Caused by the tissues of the throat relaxing and narrowing during sleep - snoring is a sign that a reduced amount of air is … View more
Whether it's you or a partner, snoring isn't just an annoying noise. It impacts the health of the snorer, as well as the sleep quality of those around them.

Caused by the tissues of the throat relaxing and narrowing during sleep - snoring is a sign that a reduced amount of air is breathed in during sleep.

Snorex is a custom made device that holds the jaw forward, opening up the airway and stopping snoring. Made in Stokes Valley for 25 years, each Snorex is custom fitted for comfort and efficacy.

For more information, or to book an appointment, check out our website or call 0800 766 739.
Find out more

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1455 days ago

Let's work together to make Aotearoa New Zealand a more compassionate place.

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines
View more
To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines

+ Know the signs. Family violence can affect anyone

+ When you see it, report it to New Zealand Police

+ Support victims: check-in regularly, listen, refer

+ Volunteer / make a donation to a relevant charity

1455 days ago

Free carpet 3100x3400

Dee from Birchville

FREE. Please collect it today. Very good used condition carpet lifted off our bedroom 3100x3400. In good condition. Could have easily left it as is and had a few more years use out of it. We only changed it when we bought the house, because we had the finances to make a colour choice that suited … View moreFREE. Please collect it today. Very good used condition carpet lifted off our bedroom 3100x3400. In good condition. Could have easily left it as is and had a few more years use out of it. We only changed it when we bought the house, because we had the finances to make a colour choice that suited our decor a lot better.

Free

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1456 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one … View more
Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one of the ways we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Learn more

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1456 days ago

A new pair of shoes really can change your life!

Circa Theatre

From the writers of last year’s acclaimed Pantomime Alice in Wonderland, comes a brand-new look at the much loved, magical fairy tale of Cinderella.

Our all-time favourite Dame, Gavin Rutherford plays the Fairy Godmother, Rosie Bubble. Can she make her magic work properly? Will she ever … View more
From the writers of last year’s acclaimed Pantomime Alice in Wonderland, comes a brand-new look at the much loved, magical fairy tale of Cinderella.

Our all-time favourite Dame, Gavin Rutherford plays the Fairy Godmother, Rosie Bubble. Can she make her magic work properly? Will she ever achieve her fairy wings? Could things possibly end happily ever after for Cinderella?

Celebrate the festive season with this fabulous family comedy jam-packed with singing, dancing, up-to-the-minute jokes for the adults and a sizeable dose of magic and slapstick for the kids.

Cinderella The Pantomime at Circa Theatre
14 Nov - 20 Dec & 2 - 16 Jan
Written by Simon Leary & Gavin Rutherford
Directed by Susan Wilson
Music arranged & directed by Michael Nicholas Williams
Find out more

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1457 days ago

Video shows extent of Napier flooding

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Check out this amazing video which shows the extent of the flooding in Napier.

1458 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Jorge Sandoval

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from 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.

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