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: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
75.8% Yes
-
22.8% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
Loading…
