
Upper Hutt Is A Military City
When one looks at the changing nature of the Wellington Region, Upper Hutt sticks out most for all the recent and ongoing additions to the fabric of this city.
But it is really the rise and rise of the military presence that sets Upper Hutt apart from other cities and towns in NZ.
Trentham Military encampment is large and from its bowels every evening at 5pm sharp, a sole bugle rings out for all within its range to know the time of day.
The military and the Department of Defence occupy a lot of Upper Hutt's land, a number of buildings including a great share of the attractive former General Motors building and one right in the centre of the CBD, as well as a lot of residential properties with a number in the process of being constructed near the camp's Davis Park.
And the full force of the military presence is felt every ANZAC Day at 6am at the UH civic centre as a witness to the prominent dawn service that Upper Hutt stages.
The officers of the military usually turn up at the impressive UH Cossie Club after the ANZAC public service for a hearty breakfast along with hundreds of locals.
Just a five minutes walk from the Military Camp is NZ's largest prison. It is these two entities that create a lot of the wealth and commercial activities that is Upper Hutt.

Poll: Has your Kiwisaver taken a dip?
With the US tariffs ramping up and the stock market taking a hit, many are noticing a change in their Kiwisaver amounts.
If you've had a peek at your Kiwisaver balance since, have you seen it decrease?

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84.9% Yes, it's decreased
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11.8% Nope
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3.3% Other - I'll share below

Micro-Volunteering Day
Happy Micro-Volunteering Day!
Today is about acknowledging the power of small, meaningful mahi that create a big impact. Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, there's always something you can do to support your community, spread kindness or make a difference.
You don't need to commit to anything long-term - just a little time, effort and aroha.
Here are just a few examples of micro-volunteering!

Waikanae Arts and Crafts Society
SPINNING, KNITTING AND CROCHET (SKC) EVENING GROUP
For those who cannot come during the day, we have a spinning, knitting and crochet group on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 and 9.00pm, 27a Elizabeth Street, Waikanae (across the railway line). The group are more than happy to help you get started. We also have an extensive library of patterns to get you on your way. Everyone welcome! Contact Judy Davis 027 453 5232.
For those who enjoy crocheting, look at these photos of a magnificent Wharenui Hatikoa (Māori meeting house) currently at the Canterbury Museum - all in crochet!
Something to aspire to?