Silverstream, Upper Hutt

1412 days ago

First home buyer burned by sunset clause finally secures dream house in Lower Hutt

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View more
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.

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1407 days ago

Icy challenge for Heart Kids

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A group of friends with heart conditions have done something cool for the charity that has helped them their whole lives.
On Sunday, family and friends gathered in Upper Hutt to watch 14-year-old Ciara Griffin and her team members take an icy plunge to raise funds for Heart Kids.
The event, now … View more
A group of friends with heart conditions have done something cool for the charity that has helped them their whole lives.
On Sunday, family and friends gathered in Upper Hutt to watch 14-year-old Ciara Griffin and her team members take an icy plunge to raise funds for Heart Kids.
The event, now marking its 20th anniversary, is called the 360 Heart Stopper Challenge. For 360 seconds, participants sit in a tub of cold water and ice, or a paddling pool, or stand in a cold shower to represent how surgeons have to pack the chest cavity with an icy slush when performing open-heart surgery.
“It feels really good to be giving back to the charity that has helped us our whole lives," Ciara said.

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1410 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Our Friday Feathered Friend this week is a Royal Spoonbill beautifully photographed by Louise Thomas in the Hutt River estuary.

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1407 days ago

Watch Stuff Circuit’s new documentary, Emma

The Team Reporter from Stuff

At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.

Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
Watch now

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1409 days ago

Neighbourly Pet of the Day: Freddy and Daisy

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Meet Freddy the golden retriever and Daisy the poodle/shih-tzu cross who live with proud mum Sophia Jensen.  They all live with CousCous the tabby cat.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday. If you want your… View more
Meet Freddy the golden retriever and Daisy the poodle/shih-tzu cross who live with proud mum Sophia Jensen.  They all live with CousCous the tabby cat.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday. If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz

Please put NFP if you do not want your comment used by Stuff.

1409 days ago

Happy Diwali to New Zealand!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel … View moreDiwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel free to share your photos and best wishes to your community below.

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1410 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.

Please put NFP if you do not want your comment used by Stuff.

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1408 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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1408 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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1410 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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1409 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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1409 days ago

Come and see Roses and more this weekend

Allison from Silverstream

The Early Summer featuring Roses, Cactus and Succulents is on this weekend at Walter Nash Stadium, Taita, Entrance is $3 with accompanying children free. Show is hosted by the Hutt Valley Rose Society, Hutt Valley and Wellington Branch of the Cactus and Succulent Society of NZ and Hutt Valley … View moreThe Early Summer featuring Roses, Cactus and Succulents is on this weekend at Walter Nash Stadium, Taita, Entrance is $3 with accompanying children free. Show is hosted by the Hutt Valley Rose Society, Hutt Valley and Wellington Branch of the Cactus and Succulent Society of NZ and Hutt Valley Horticultural Society.

1410 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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1410 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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1414 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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