Totara Park, Upper Hutt

391 days ago

PHOENIX NOW HAS CLAWS

Michael from Trentham

Both men's and women's senior Phoenix professional football teams from Wellington whose training base is at the Heretaunga sports institute, won their matches today at Auckland's Mt Smart. And both defeated teams at or near the top of their A-League competitions prior to today.

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Both men's and women's senior Phoenix professional football teams from Wellington whose training base is at the Heretaunga sports institute, won their matches today at Auckland's Mt Smart. And both defeated teams at or near the top of their A-League competitions prior to today.

This would have been unheard of in the last two seasons when our women's team was formed and the men had been struggling prior to that of the 2022-23 season.

It is as if the imminent formation of Auckland-based teams to rival the Phoenix club as NZ's representatives in the Australian leagues, is a spur to go so much better this season than ever before. I think the women Phoenix had not won as many games in the league in both past seasons combined as this season which is only in its sixth round.
Meanwhile Phoenix men have never done as well as early as in this season's comp since it was formed 15 years or so ago.

No longer are these teams regarded as walk-overs and they have gained the respect of the Australians including their referees who largely though not completely now treat Phoenix evenhandedly.

The coaching has a lot to do with the new found success of both Phoenix teams - as well as the world class facilities in Upper Hutt. Something by the way that the Auckland Black Knights football teams will lack.

I was at the Tuki Cafe at the sports institute last Friday and this little gem of a cafe is just another reason for the plaudits given to this amenity.

Funny enough, a few weeks ago I had a brief conversation with former economist whizz Gareth Morgan. One of the owners of the Phoenix club, Morgan has some excellent ideas about cats in restricting their opportunities to kill birds. Morgan also wanted Phoenix to loosen its defensive shackles and play an entertaining, attacking style all those years ago. Happy to say that Morgan's ambitions for Phoenix and its supporters came to fruition and these days they play crowd pleasing, goal scoring football.

390 days ago

Poll: Are you confident in the new government coalition?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've finally got news of the government for the next three years. Are you feeling confident that this coalition can improve Aotearoa?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Are you confident in the new government coalition?
  • 40.6% Yes, give them time
    40.6% Complete
  • 49.9% No, I'm worried
    49.9% Complete
  • 9.5% I'm not sure
    9.5% Complete
4102 votes
389 days ago

Santa Paws is back for 2023!

Southern Cross Pet Insurance

Hundreds of Christmas-ready pets were shared last year - and we're keen to see them again!

Whether it's your cat tangled in tinsel or your pooch by a pile of pressies, share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card.

All pets are welcome … View more
Hundreds of Christmas-ready pets were shared last year - and we're keen to see them again!

Whether it's your cat tangled in tinsel or your pooch by a pile of pressies, share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card.

All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see festive snaps from around your neighbourhood too.

This is one of Neighbourly member's favourite campaigns so get involved and show your neighbours how adorable your Christmas pet is! Enter now.

Competition closes 21 December 2023 - winners announced early 2024!
Enter your pet now

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389 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Shona McFarlane Retirement Village

From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.

Ryman’s respite care is offered at resthome-level and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia … View more
From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.

Ryman’s respite care is offered at resthome-level and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care. We also offer respite care in the comfort of an assisted-living apartment.

We’ve been providing industry-leading care for over 35 years, it's what we do best.

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390 days ago

Roadworks ahead

NZ Transport Agency

Want high visibility of Wellington Region State Highway Roadworks?

We carry out regular maintenance of the state highway network to connect the Wellington region.

To stay up to date on what’s happening in your area and plan ahead, sign up for email alerts
sign up now

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413 days ago

CAFES GROWTH EAST OF UH RAIL

Michael from Trentham

Almost suddenly there will be six cafes east of the railway tracks in Upper Hutt. So no need for discerning UH residents to cross the lines in search of a great coffee and a bite to eat.

Here they are:

Silverspoon Cafe, Silverstream

Cafe Tuki,, Sports Institute, Heretaunga (8am-2.30pm … View more
Almost suddenly there will be six cafes east of the railway tracks in Upper Hutt. So no need for discerning UH residents to cross the lines in search of a great coffee and a bite to eat.

Here they are:

Silverspoon Cafe, Silverstream

Cafe Tuki,, Sports Institute, Heretaunga (8am-2.30pm Mon-Fri)

Racecourse Road Cafe & Bar, Trentham (8.30am-4pm daily)

Classic Cars Cafe, George Daniels Drive, Trentham (opening December 16 or thereabouts)

Grounds Cafe & Eatery, Blue Mountains Campus, Wallaceville 7.30am-3pm Mon-Fri (opening Nov 6)

Get Fixed Cafe, Brewtown

392 days ago

COST OF A HAM SANDWICH

Michael from Trentham

It's a media beat-up - publicity given to someone in Aussie who went to a supermarket to get a ham sandwich and $A22.80 later came out with a loaf of bread, a packet of ham and a small block of cheese.

So in Australia if you believe in a good Aussie yarn through the media, it cost $A22.80… View more
It's a media beat-up - publicity given to someone in Aussie who went to a supermarket to get a ham sandwich and $A22.80 later came out with a loaf of bread, a packet of ham and a small block of cheese.

So in Australia if you believe in a good Aussie yarn through the media, it cost $A22.80 for a fairly plain old hammie sammy. Such is the rise in the cost of food and living world-wide.

Ok, so I live in Upper Hutt - three hours to the Wellington Airport and three hours from there to Sydney. But for $NZ1.85 per sandwich I can buy a unmade-up ham and cheese sandwich from a local supermarket if I spend $NZ7.40. A loaf of white bread cost $2, 100g of ham from the deli dept cost $2 and a packet of pre-sliced cheese cost $3.40. So four sandwiches later and most of a loaf of white sandwich bread still intact: just $1.85 each which I might add is considerably cheaper than buying a sandwich from a cafe or eatery.

Think I'll stay here a bit longer yet.

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392 days ago

Lions' Mini Market

Brian from Maoribank

On tomorrow (Saturday) at The King Lion Hall 12 King Street, from 8am our Christmas market. Lots of good ideas for Christmas presents, decorations, and paraphanalia as well as the usual favourites like homemade Jams and Sauces and Plants. Get there early for bargains and good parking before town … View moreOn tomorrow (Saturday) at The King Lion Hall 12 King Street, from 8am our Christmas market. Lots of good ideas for Christmas presents, decorations, and paraphanalia as well as the usual favourites like homemade Jams and Sauces and Plants. Get there early for bargains and good parking before town gets busy.

392 days ago

Happy Black Friday!

The Team from NZ Compare

Black Friday Special: Uncover great deals & a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy Card!

Here's the #1 must-buy recommended by YOU: Home & Garden. Uncover the top 10 anticipated must-have products for Black Friday 2023 HERE: www.priceme.co.nz...

And don't forget to enter our … View more
Black Friday Special: Uncover great deals & a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy Card!

Here's the #1 must-buy recommended by YOU: Home & Garden. Uncover the top 10 anticipated must-have products for Black Friday 2023 HERE: www.priceme.co.nz...

And don't forget to enter our giveaway for a shot at a $200 Prezzy Card: www.nzcompare.com...
Act fast, it all wraps up on 29/11/2023!

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392 days ago

Lofty thoughts

The Team from Resene ColorShop Upper Hutt

Transform a bland attic or rumpty garage space into a rustic studio or spare room with Resene paints. Find out how to make the more of your spaces with these easy instructions.

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393 days ago

Level up your vege patch with NZ Gardener

NZ Gardener

As the sunny days get longer and more frequent, it’s the perfect time to get stuck into the garden. Grab a subscription to NZ Gardener and get a Free Vege Patch from Scratch book written by NZ Gardener’s editor Jo McCarroll worth $44.99.

Make your garden one of the best in the neighbourhood … View more
As the sunny days get longer and more frequent, it’s the perfect time to get stuck into the garden. Grab a subscription to NZ Gardener and get a Free Vege Patch from Scratch book written by NZ Gardener’s editor Jo McCarroll worth $44.99.

Make your garden one of the best in the neighbourhood this summer with the help of a monthly NZ Gardener subscription and Vege Patch from Scratch. Purchase a subscription today at Mags4Gifts.co.nz to receive your free book. T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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400 days ago

Biggest Employers in UH

Michael from Trentham

Together the Corrections Department and the Department of Defence in Upper Hutt directly engage over 4500 people. Big number for a city of less than 50,000.

Corrections has the ever-growing Rimutaka Prison tucked away in Heretaunga whilst just nearby is the Defence's Trentham Military Camp… View more
Together the Corrections Department and the Department of Defence in Upper Hutt directly engage over 4500 people. Big number for a city of less than 50,000.

Corrections has the ever-growing Rimutaka Prison tucked away in Heretaunga whilst just nearby is the Defence's Trentham Military Camp and a short walk to the main Defence's occupied multi-storied building where pre-Covid, the huge car park use to be full every working day.

Many of the "engaged" are prisoners in NZ's biggest prison and pleased to say not all are from Upper Hutt. But with these large numbers, whether prisoners or uniformed military men and women or staff associated with either, comes the servicing of their needs - associated services, goods and food - and this is where Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt companies and organisations reap the rewards in catering for Corrections and Defence.

With the prison, families of prisoners have moved to Upper Hutt to be close by for visiting and this has help create housing demands in the area.

These two entities and the employees they draw above all else in Upper Hutt are keeping retailing and hospitality outlets in Upper Hutt afloat. Not so many empty shops in Main Street and other CBD streets anymore. And there is also the growth of commercial buildings and operations east of Alexander Road and no doubt some are exceedingly handy for Upper Hutt's leading establishments.

394 days ago

Garden”s and section clearing

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Upper Hutt

After a yard clean up for Christmas ?
House inspection ?
Putting your house on the market ?
Give me a call today 0272430951

Natures choice Gardening

396 days ago

Veg-up Macaroni and Cheese

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Being heart-healthy isn't just for grown-ups. Kiwis of all ages will benefit from eating a diet rich in fruit and veggies. However, getting veggies into children can sometimes be a small challenge, but who says you need to tell them? Our kid-friendly recipes helpfully hide the good stuff with … View moreBeing heart-healthy isn't just for grown-ups. Kiwis of all ages will benefit from eating a diet rich in fruit and veggies. However, getting veggies into children can sometimes be a small challenge, but who says you need to tell them? Our kid-friendly recipes helpfully hide the good stuff with a healthy spin on a classic dish. Click the link to check out our version of Mac n' Cheese!

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397 days ago

Poll: Should fruit cake lose its Christmas reign?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This hardy dessert has stood the test of time but is it time for a new dessert to step into the (Christmas) light? Share your vote, and tell us what kiwi classic you'd put in its place.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of … View more
This hardy dessert has stood the test of time but is it time for a new dessert to step into the (Christmas) light? Share your vote, and tell us what kiwi classic you'd put in its place.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Should fruit cake lose its Christmas reign?
  • 14.4% Yes, goodbye fruit cake
    14.4% Complete
  • 32.8% No, it's tradition
    32.8% Complete
  • 52.8% No way, it's delicious
    52.8% Complete
2204 votes
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