Crofton Downs, Wellington

1475 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.”

1475 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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1475 days ago

Spark Technical Department rang again - first time in ages!

Charlotte from Khandallah

Just had ever such a nice call from a real kind technician at the Spark Technical Department. I haven't had one of those calls in AGES - only the automated recorded messages warning me about whatever. I'm sorry but he got sick of me after a while and hung up.

1475 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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1476 days ago

How do we minimise construction and demolition waste?

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

We are proposing that all large construction projects submit a waste management plan as part of their project planning. The plan must outline how they will manage, minimise and capture waste and litter associated with the project and building work.

Do you agree or disagree? 👍👎

Visit … View more
We are proposing that all large construction projects submit a waste management plan as part of their project planning. The plan must outline how they will manage, minimise and capture waste and litter associated with the project and building work.

Do you agree or disagree? 👍👎

Visit www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz... to have your say on our proposed Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2020.

#OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke

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1475 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.

1475 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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1475 days ago

Māori Wardens looking to reestablish themselves in Wellington

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Māori Wardens look set to play a more active role in helping reduce crime in the city.

There were once 75 wardens in the city but now there are only two, with enforcements coming from Porirua and Hutt Valley when needed. Since their inception in 1860, Maori Wardens hold special legal powers, … View more
Māori Wardens look set to play a more active role in helping reduce crime in the city.

There were once 75 wardens in the city but now there are only two, with enforcements coming from Porirua and Hutt Valley when needed. Since their inception in 1860, Maori Wardens hold special legal powers, working alongside police, to help reduce harm.

This year marks the 160th anniversary of Māori Wardens, which its district commander, Gabriel Tupou, calls “a unique branch of Maori self-autonomy”. Wellington area liaison officer Suzanne Tamaki said the organisation now has a permanent office space in the central city, with the help of Wellington City Council, and is looking to increase patrols and recruit volunteers.

Helping to reestablish Māori Wardens' presence in the central city is one of a range of methods WCC are employing to reduce alcohol harm. An additional $80,000 in funding was also granted last week for Take 10, a volunteer group operating in the bar district, providing an array of services for people, including a time-out zone and phone charging.

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1475 days ago

Exhibition - Jasmine Chalmers, Photographic Artist

Inge Doig from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

We are delighted to invite you to the Exhibition of our 2020 Marsden Artist in Residence, Jasmine Chalmers. On at {Suite Gallery}, 241 Cuba Street, Wellington, 11-25 September, ‘Interior Vision’ is an exploration of memory, nostalgia, longing and state of mind through the still-life genre. … View moreWe are delighted to invite you to the Exhibition of our 2020 Marsden Artist in Residence, Jasmine Chalmers. On at {Suite Gallery}, 241 Cuba Street, Wellington, 11-25 September, ‘Interior Vision’ is an exploration of memory, nostalgia, longing and state of mind through the still-life genre. Photographic artworks are for sale with a percentage returning to the Samuel Marsden Collegiate School Artist in Residence Programme. Jasmine will be at the Gallery 12 & 19 September.
{Suite} Gallery opening hours: Wed-Sat (11am – 5pm, Sat until 4pm).

1475 days ago

Looking After our Waterways

Nicola McFaull from Onslow Residents' Community Association

We are so lucky to have streams running through our beautiful suburbs. They are places where our native species live and our children play. But they are easily polluted. Come to our free community event to learn how about the streams and waterways in Khandallah and how to keep them clean. So … View moreWe are so lucky to have streams running through our beautiful suburbs. They are places where our native species live and our children play. But they are easily polluted. Come to our free community event to learn how about the streams and waterways in Khandallah and how to keep them clean. So that we know how many are coming for supper purposes, we ask that you register for the event www.eventbrite.co.nz...

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1476 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
1476 days ago

Do you have problems accessing your property?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hullo, Wellingtonians,

We are looking for people who are have problems accessing their home safely due to problems with council maintained footpaths, roads or a lack of lighting.
If you can help us with our story contact Brianna Stewart on 021 198 6221 or email brianna.stewart@stuff.co.nz

1476 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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1476 days ago

Don't forget to enrol in the General Election

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

The General Election is going to be held on Saturday 17 October.

To make voting easy, be sure to enrol by Sunday 13 September. You can enrol by visiting vote.nz..., calling 0800 36 76 56 or texting your name and address to 3676.
View more
The General Election is going to be held on Saturday 17 October.

To make voting easy, be sure to enrol by Sunday 13 September. You can enrol by visiting vote.nz..., calling 0800 36 76 56 or texting your name and address to 3676.


#TōTātouPōneke #GeneralElection2020

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1478 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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