Brown Owl, Upper Hutt

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1518 days ago

Vegepod $50,000 Giveaway

Jo McCarroll Reporter from NZ Gardener

We're giving away 100 Vegepods. To enter purchase the September issue of NZ Gardener, find the code and enter it online at Stuff.co.nz/vegepod Find out more

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1520 days ago

Poll: Should we ditch Labour Day for Matariki?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

We can thank Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell for the the eight hour day and our annual Labour Day holiday.
It has been held on the fourth Monday of every October since 1910. National Leader Judith Collins, however, has suggested that if we want Matarki as a public holiday, we should get rid of … View more
We can thank Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell for the the eight hour day and our annual Labour Day holiday.
It has been held on the fourth Monday of every October since 1910. National Leader Judith Collins, however, has suggested that if we want Matarki as a public holiday, we should get rid of an existing holiday like Labour Day.
That is something the Labour Party is unlikely to agree with but what do you think?

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Should we ditch Labour Day for Matariki?
  • 18% Yes
    18% Complete
  • 82% No
    82% Complete
735 votes
1518 days ago

Son comes to rescue of pensioner about to lose his home

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A pensioner about to lose his home for unpaid rates is resting easy after his son made an arrangement with the council that wanted him out.

Stuff reported on Thursday that 75-year-old retired engineer Justin Gregory was facing the loss of his house due to unpaid rates.

His home was one of two … View more
A pensioner about to lose his home for unpaid rates is resting easy after his son made an arrangement with the council that wanted him out.

Stuff reported on Thursday that 75-year-old retired engineer Justin Gregory was facing the loss of his house due to unpaid rates.

His home was one of two advertised as up for sale after Napier City Council gained High Court orders under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

Another homeowner, Sharon McCleary, was also facing the loss of her home.

By mid afternoon, relatives of McCleary and Gregory, had contacted the council.

A council spokeswoman said “we are pleased that family members of both Mr Gregory and Ms McCleary have been in contact with council, and we are hopeful that a good outcome can be reached for everyone involved.”

1519 days ago

Was Bill Sutch a spy?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

It has taken nearly 50 years but a new book on Bill Sutch is sure to spark debate in to an old controversy.

In September 1974, Bill Sutch was arrested and charged under the Official Secrets Act 1951, after a series of clandestine meetings with KGB agent Dimitri Rasgovorov, an official at the … View more
It has taken nearly 50 years but a new book on Bill Sutch is sure to spark debate in to an old controversy.

In September 1974, Bill Sutch was arrested and charged under the Official Secrets Act 1951, after a series of clandestine meetings with KGB agent Dimitri Rasgovorov, an official at the Soviet Union's embassy, in Wellington.

He was subsequently acquitted but documents later found in the KGB archive suggested he was a Soviet agent.

His son-in-law, Keith Ovenden, has now written a book, Bill & Shirley: A Memoir, looking at the life of Sutch and his wife Shirley Smith. Smith was a prominent lawyer and the first woman in New Zealand to be a full member of a university law faculty.

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1518 days ago

University meeting abandoned after online hack

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Victoria University students’ association (VUWSA) has had their online annual general meeting hacked, with an unknown intruder sharing “racist, homophobic, and graphic content”.

The AGM was abandoned after the screens were hacked and distressing images and messages were streamed.

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1518 days ago

Love daffodils? Find your favourite variety here

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

There are literally thousands of daffodils here, where Ian Riddell has spent over 25 years in the business, from preparing the soil and planting bulbs to harvesting flowers and selling them.

1519 days ago

Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

One in three people are affected by cancer in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death, and although survival rates have improved with better treatment options, many people miss out on rehabilitation.

Often those diagnosed are not aware of resources available to manage pain and improve their … View more
One in three people are affected by cancer in New Zealand. It is the leading cause of death, and although survival rates have improved with better treatment options, many people miss out on rehabilitation.

Often those diagnosed are not aware of resources available to manage pain and improve their overall quality of life. Kiely Pepper was seeing the Petone physiotherapist after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had chemotherapy-induced pain and weakness in her hands and feet, pins and needles and reduced joint awareness, and crippling fatigue. For five years Kiely participated in regular rehabilitation, and two years ago, Kiely and her friends competed in a water sports event, and the same year her dragon boating team, Can Survive, finished second in Florence.

The following year, Kiely took part in wheelchair basketball and indoor rowing at the Invictus Games in Australia, even fitting in a chat with Prince Harry between cycling events.

This week, September 7 -13, is Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week, where people are encouraged to spread the word about the resources available to help recovery.

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1519 days ago

Corruption alleged at Upper Hutt prison

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A major police investigation is looking into suspected staff corruption at Rimutaka Prison.

It’s alleged numerous staff smuggled contraband, including drugs, to inmates, laundered money through their bank accounts and forged official documents.

Much of the suspected illicit activity is thought … View more
A major police investigation is looking into suspected staff corruption at Rimutaka Prison.

It’s alleged numerous staff smuggled contraband, including drugs, to inmates, laundered money through their bank accounts and forged official documents.

Much of the suspected illicit activity is thought to have been for Mongrel Mob gang members, but there may also be links to organised crime groups offshore. The staff involved were allegedly given money as payment.

National Organised Crime Group manager, Detective Inspector Stuart Mills, confirmed the inquiry had been going since July.

”A large number of interviews have been completed with staff from Rimutaka Prison and the vast majority of these staff members have been co-operative," he said.

“The investigation remains ongoing and no charges have been laid at this stage.” He said an earlier police investigation prompted the inquiry, which also involved Wellington police and Corrections were involved.

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said he was aware of the investigation, which related to “alleged offending that began some years ago".

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1519 days ago

Poll: Should we ban gangs?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Stuff movie reviewer Greame Tuckett loved Savage and suggested it is a film all New Zealanders should see.

"Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging. Very recommended."

Directed by Sam Kelly, it takes a look at the life of … View more
Stuff movie reviewer Greame Tuckett loved Savage and suggested it is a film all New Zealanders should see.

"Savage is, in its best moments, a stunning achievement. And it is never less than heartfelt and engaging. Very recommended."

Directed by Sam Kelly, it takes a look at the life of gang leader Moses. Set in Wellington in the 1980s, Kelly suggests that we can trace the emergence of gangs in New Zealand to institutions like the Epuni Boys Home in Lower Hutt, where physical and sexual abuse was rife.

Tuckett was particularly impressed by the way Savage gets "behind the masks of gang life and talked to the lost boys and mutilated men" in gangs throughout New Zealand.

One of the highlights was the performance of James Matamua, who was discovered in a Upper Hutt boxing gym.

The movie will inevitably raises questions about attitudes to gangs and whether politicians should take a tougher approach. Tell us what you think?

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Should we ban gangs?
  • 83.6% Yes
    83.6% Complete
  • 16.4% No
    16.4% Complete
286 votes
1519 days ago

Activation’s G.O.L.D. is back for 2020!

The team from Upper Hutt City Council

G.O.L.D. Growing Old Living Dangerously, is the perfect way to unlock your backyard for a Summer adventure.

For our spritely 50+ age group, join the Activation team at Upper Hutt City Council for a series of days out and about in the Wellington region from October 2020 to March 2021.

View more
G.O.L.D. Growing Old Living Dangerously, is the perfect way to unlock your backyard for a Summer adventure.

For our spritely 50+ age group, join the Activation team at Upper Hutt City Council for a series of days out and about in the Wellington region from October 2020 to March 2021.

Breweries to coastal walks, there is something for everyone and plenty of friends to make along the way. Pick up a brochure from H2O Xream, Upper Hutt Libraries or Expressions and let the adventure begin!
Find out more

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1519 days ago

Spring has sprung and we're loving all of the flowers blooming! 🌷

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

As we start tending to our gardens and planning what to grow for the warmer months ahead, perhaps consider if there's something else you should be growing in your community such as stronger connections to your neighbours.

Research shows that loneliness is strongly associated with low mental … View more
As we start tending to our gardens and planning what to grow for the warmer months ahead, perhaps consider if there's something else you should be growing in your community such as stronger connections to your neighbours.

Research shows that loneliness is strongly associated with low mental health + well-being. Whether you have a wide social network or prefer to only have a few close friends, joining Neighbourhood Support is a great way to feel supported and connected to those nearby. You never know when you might need a little help from a local friend!

Join or setup a group for FREE by getting in touch with us here...

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1522 days ago

Driveways driven away by new rule

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new … View more
Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new housing or business developments, under newly released housing guidelines.

The change comes as the Government looks to encourage development, in part by freeing up land held up by car parks, under its new National Policy Statement for urban development.

Property developer Phil Robinson said scrapping car park rules was a “big change”, but he was unsure if it was a “big win”.

What do you think of having more new builds in your area with fewer driveways and garages?

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1520 days ago

Is Brewtown Upper Hutt's best kept secret?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Upper Hutt brewery complex Brewtown has become more than a place to eat and drink.
On Saturday, Mayor Wayne Guppy opened the Daytona Raceway and ice rink.

Owner Malcolm Gillies hopes it will become a major weekend destination with its combination of craft beer, go-karts and an ice rink. The … View more
Upper Hutt brewery complex Brewtown has become more than a place to eat and drink.
On Saturday, Mayor Wayne Guppy opened the Daytona Raceway and ice rink.

Owner Malcolm Gillies hopes it will become a major weekend destination with its combination of craft beer, go-karts and an ice rink. The 4500sqm facility also features five lanes of tenpin bowling, a trampoline park, and a large indoor paintball field.

1520 days ago

Avalon hooker loves his pies

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Asafo Aumua once ate 16 pies for breakfast but it has not stopped him from becoming an All Black.

Aumua achieved that particular feat, one pie for every year of his age, when in the first XV at St Pat’s Silverstream in Upper Hutt.

The 23-year-old played well for the for the Hurricanes in 2020 … View more
Asafo Aumua once ate 16 pies for breakfast but it has not stopped him from becoming an All Black.

Aumua achieved that particular feat, one pie for every year of his age, when in the first XV at St Pat’s Silverstream in Upper Hutt.

The 23-year-old played well for the for the Hurricanes in 2020 and on Sunday was chosen in Ian Foster's All Black squad.

Aumua grew up in Naenae and plays for Avalon

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1522 days ago

Poll: Is a predator-free Wellington achievable"

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington’s predator-free vision is a step closer to reality, thanks to a major funding boost announced today.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced a further $7.6m in investment over the next five years at Otari-Wilton’s Bush in Wellington on Monday. The investment was expected to … View more
Wellington’s predator-free vision is a step closer to reality, thanks to a major funding boost announced today.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced a further $7.6m in investment over the next five years at Otari-Wilton’s Bush in Wellington on Monday. The investment was expected to create 42 new jobs.

The money would come from the Government’s company, Predator Free 2050, and matches similar investment from Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

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Is a predator-free Wellington achievable"
  • 62% Yes
    62% Complete
  • 38% No
    38% Complete
342 votes
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