Wellington Central, Wellington

1536 days ago

Mary Potter Hospice street appeal this weekend

Bulletin Editor from Karori Lions Club

Our Karori Lions Club member, Jennie, was organising a roster of collectors (club members and other good folk) for the Mary Potter Hospice street appeal in Karori Mall this Friday but, unfortunately, the Mall owners have felt unable to allow a collection on their premises because we are still … View moreOur Karori Lions Club member, Jennie, was organising a roster of collectors (club members and other good folk) for the Mary Potter Hospice street appeal in Karori Mall this Friday but, unfortunately, the Mall owners have felt unable to allow a collection on their premises because we are still subject to Covid-19 Level 2 restrictions. This situation also applies to many other sites where this collection was to have taken place on Friday and Saturday and is likely to have a serious impact on the Hospice's fund-raising this year. I understand that collecting on the street will still be allowed, but the uncertainty of the weather, and the “vulnerability” of many collectors, will mean that only one or two people will be out in Karori.
Many of us have personal experience of the value of the palliative care offered by the Hospice at no cost to friends and family, so I am urging my contacts to consider making a donation to MPH though their website donations page (marypotter.org.nz...) if they are unable to track down a collector on the street, and to pass on this appeal to their friends as well. Those who are outside the area served by Mary Potter, or who have their own favourite palliative care provider, please consider making a donation to another of those organisations doing such great work – they are all having to face up to additional problems brought on by Covid-19.

1537 days ago

Poll: Is Hamilton New Zealand's most beautiful city?

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hamilton is up against current title holder Whanganui for this year’s most beautiful city award. The city has been the butt of jokes for years, but now boasts new laneways, public spaces that give access to and face the river, and plans for a theatre by 2022.
So you tell us - is Hamilton New … View more
Hamilton is up against current title holder Whanganui for this year’s most beautiful city award. The city has been the butt of jokes for years, but now boasts new laneways, public spaces that give access to and face the river, and plans for a theatre by 2022.
So you tell us - is Hamilton New Zealand's most beautiful city?
Read the full story here.

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Is Hamilton New Zealand's most beautiful city?
  • 50.3% Yes, Hamilton has really turned itself around.
    50.3% Complete
  • 49.7% No, Whanganui should be voted most beautiful city again this year.
    49.7% Complete
749 votes
1537 days ago

Community Connects grants

Office for Seniors

Hi Neighbours!

Have you heard about our Community Connects grants?

The grants help fund projects that promote the inclusion and contribution of older people in community life, and support communities to prepare for an ageing population.

The fund makes one-off grants of up to $15,000. The grants … View more
Hi Neighbours!

Have you heard about our Community Connects grants?

The grants help fund projects that promote the inclusion and contribution of older people in community life, and support communities to prepare for an ageing population.

The fund makes one-off grants of up to $15,000. The grants are open to any New Zealand council, community organisation, or registered non-profit organisation. Applications for our current funding round close on 9 October.

Our last funding round was a huge success and helped fund a range of different projects across the country, that had focuses like reducing loneliness and social isolation of older people, developing an age-friendly community plan and supporting people with dementia.

With the right planning and support, we can create environments where older people are valued, connected and able to participate in their community.

If you have an age-friendly project you are interested in getting funding for click here bit.ly...
Or if would like to learn more about how your community can become more age-friendly click here bit.ly...

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1536 days ago

Help wanted for story on Early Childhood Education

Reporter Community News

A new study has found kids in Early Childhood Education have fewer emotional and social issues than those who do not attend. But, they also have higher rates of common childhood illnesses, and hospitalisation.

Stuff is looking for a parent who would be happy to talk about their child's … View more
A new study has found kids in Early Childhood Education have fewer emotional and social issues than those who do not attend. But, they also have higher rates of common childhood illnesses, and hospitalisation.

Stuff is looking for a parent who would be happy to talk about their child's experience in ECE. Get in touch by emailing laura.wiltshire@sttuff.co.nz

1536 days ago

Congratulations Josie, Karori Youth Award winner

Inge Doig from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

At Marsden students are encouraged to be aware of their place in their local and global community from a young age. Considerations and giving to others through Service has always been embraced by the girls. Congratulations Josie for the positive difference you are making in the lives of others! … View moreAt Marsden students are encouraged to be aware of their place in their local and global community from a young age. Considerations and giving to others through Service has always been embraced by the girls. Congratulations Josie for the positive difference you are making in the lives of others! Your gold Karori Youth Award is well deserved!

1537 days ago

Two Wgtn students in national piano competition

Reporter Community News

Two Wellington residents have been selected to participate in a nationwide classical piano
competition.
The NZ Junior Piano Competition (NZJPC) is a biennial national competition for pre-tertiary pianists in New Zealand, competing for a total prize pool of over $4,000. NZJPC received over 40 … View more
Two Wellington residents have been selected to participate in a nationwide classical piano
competition.
The NZ Junior Piano Competition (NZJPC) is a biennial national competition for pre-tertiary pianists in New Zealand, competing for a total prize pool of over $4,000. NZJPC received over 40 entries this year from across New Zealand. Only 16 pianists aged between 10 to 18 were selected as semi-finalists, including Wellington College student, Zhe Ning Chin and St Patrick's College student, Otis Prescott-Mason.

The NZ Junior Piano Competition is presented by the Lewis Eady Charitable Trust and will take place on 1-5 October at Lewis Eady in Auckland, the home of Steinway pianos in New Zealand.

1537 days ago

Covid finishes Taylor's Phoenix career

Reporter Community News

Frustration over Covid 19 and the uncertainty swirling around the A-League regarding the competition’s future was behind Steven Taylor's decision to leave the Wellington Phoenix.

Taylor says he was happy in Wellington and would liked to have stayed.

“At 34 I want to know that I can … View more
Frustration over Covid 19 and the uncertainty swirling around the A-League regarding the competition’s future was behind Steven Taylor's decision to leave the Wellington Phoenix.

Taylor says he was happy in Wellington and would liked to have stayed.

“At 34 I want to know that I can continue [playing], that I've got the security, but at the moment no one is giving me answers. I’m asking when is the season going to start?

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1537 days ago

Wellington to host Bledisloe Cup match

Reporter Community News

Wellington is set to host a Bledisloe Cup match on Sunday October 11 at 3.30pm. The second test will be played in Auckland the following week.

It is not yet known when tickets for the two Bledisloe tests will go on sale with the details and crowd numbers dependent on updates on the … View more
Wellington is set to host a Bledisloe Cup match on Sunday October 11 at 3.30pm. The second test will be played in Auckland the following week.

It is not yet known when tickets for the two Bledisloe tests will go on sale with the details and crowd numbers dependent on updates on the Government's Covid-19 Alert Levels.

Are you looking forward to the big match.

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1539 days ago

What are you doing to acknowledge Māori Language Week?

Reporter Community News

The Dominion Post is celebrating Māori Language Week by changing its masthead. Tell us what you or an organisation you are involved with are doing to raise awareness.

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1537 days ago

Tetraplegic disputes $30k motel bill

Reporter Community News

A tetraplegic man is fighting ACC and the Ministry of Social Development over a $30,000 debt, accumulated after he was put up in a motel when there were no suitable homes with wheelchair access.

Both organisations stopped funding the motel even though John Horsfield, 53, had nowhere else to go. He… View more
A tetraplegic man is fighting ACC and the Ministry of Social Development over a $30,000 debt, accumulated after he was put up in a motel when there were no suitable homes with wheelchair access.

Both organisations stopped funding the motel even though John Horsfield, 53, had nowhere else to go. He was thrown from a scooter in February 2015, while travelling at 70 kilometres an hour.

”I landed squarely on my back. If I had rolled I would’ve broken my arms and legs,” he said.

Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner Gagau Annandale-Stone said Horsfield didn’t qualify for emergency housing support, because he had significant cash assets, including a large ACC pay-out. “We advised John that we were no longer able to make the emergency grant non-recoverable, and he would need to pay it back,” he said.

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1539 days ago

Lost jewellery

Jackie from Oriental Bay

On Thursday the 10th September I walked to work around the waterfront and up into Lambton Quay and the Terrace. I dropped a small crimson square box with 2 gold necklaces, and 2 pairs of gold earrings in it. They are very sentimental. Please if you know anything or seen it please be in contact. … View moreOn Thursday the 10th September I walked to work around the waterfront and up into Lambton Quay and the Terrace. I dropped a small crimson square box with 2 gold necklaces, and 2 pairs of gold earrings in it. They are very sentimental. Please if you know anything or seen it please be in contact. Jackie 0274883905

1539 days ago

Poll: Should we be building quarantine facilities instead of using hotels for Covid 19 quarantine

Reporter Community News

Experts are warning that there will be more pandemics in the future.
Rather than put people in hotels, some experts are arguing we should put people in purpose built facilities.

Professor Nick Wilson, of Otago University’s public heath department, said returnee breakouts and virus spread from … View more
Experts are warning that there will be more pandemics in the future.
Rather than put people in hotels, some experts are arguing we should put people in purpose built facilities.

Professor Nick Wilson, of Otago University’s public heath department, said returnee breakouts and virus spread from hotels which were not built for a pandemic means there is still the risk of another Auckland-sized outbreak.

Wilson told Stuff instead of hotels spread across the country, New Zealand needed a purpose-built facility in a more remote area with flight connections, like the Ōhakea Air Base in Manawatū. Planes carrying returnees could fly direct, and passengers should be tested several days before departure.

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Should we be building quarantine facilities instead of using hotels for Covid 19 quarantine
  • 65.4% Yes
    65.4% Complete
  • 34.6% No
    34.6% Complete
266 votes
1538 days ago

Support for Wellington to be called Te Whanganui-a-Tara following Māori Party's language policy announcement

Reporter Community News

A Māori Party proposal to change the name of Wellington to Te Whanganui-a-Tara has the support of city leaders.

Kaumātua and Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui chairman Kura Moeahu said he strongly supported the move to return place names to the original ingoa Māori. It … View more
A Māori Party proposal to change the name of Wellington to Te Whanganui-a-Tara has the support of city leaders.

Kaumātua and Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui chairman Kura Moeahu said he strongly supported the move to return place names to the original ingoa Māori. It would helps everyone understand the local history, he said. "There is a narration that goes with each of these names.

Wellington City Councillor Jill Day (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), who holds the Māori Partnerships portfolio, welcomed the announcement.

Commuters spoken to in Wellington by Stuff also supported the idea. Craig Lambert thought Te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui was a more inclusive alternative. ”It represents all people.”

“Many of our cities and towns were named after people who never came to Aotearoa, with no consideration of the names that were already in use,” Day said.

Fellow Councillor Tamatha Paul (Ngāti Awa and Waikato Tainui) said there were about 39 places called Wellington in the world.

A poll on Neighbourly with over 520 respondents was 81 per cent against a name change.

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1537 days ago

Somersaulting Wgtn councillor

Reporter Community News

If it were not for an injury in 2018, Wellington City Cr Sean Rush would still be competing in gymnastics, aged 51.

It was a sport he got into as a 9-year-old in Hawke’s Bay. By his teen years he was representing New Zealand. At the age of 15 he got a near-perfect 9.9 score on the high beam at … View more
If it were not for an injury in 2018, Wellington City Cr Sean Rush would still be competing in gymnastics, aged 51.

It was a sport he got into as a 9-year-old in Hawke’s Bay. By his teen years he was representing New Zealand. At the age of 15 he got a near-perfect 9.9 score on the high beam at an Australian competition.

He gave it away but started again, aged about 40 in Calgary, Canada. When he returned to New Zealand he went to Capital Gym Sports in Newtown with hopes of competing again as a 50-year-old. But that dream ended when he “buggered” his knee doing a summersault.

He is just one of a number of councillors with a hidden talent

1537 days ago

Cat Allergy

Robert Anderson from

What is cat allergen?
An allergen is a material that is capable of provoking an allergic reaction, such as pollen grains, dust mites or foods. Cat allergen is not cat hair, but a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles that can … View more
What is cat allergen?
An allergen is a material that is capable of provoking an allergic reaction, such as pollen grains, dust mites or foods. Cat allergen is not cat hair, but a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles that can produce allergic symptoms when inhaled into the nose or lungs.

Although individual cats may produce more or less allergen, there is no relationship between the pet’s hair length and allergen production, and no such thing as a non-allergenic breed.

Where is cat allergen found?
Cat allergen is present in the largest amounts in homes with cats, but has also been found in homes where cats have never been present, and in offices or public spaces where animals are not allowed. Cat allergen is particularly sticky and is carried on clothing to other locations. It is almost impossible to not be exposed to some level of cat allergen. Of course, levels of exposure will be much higher where cats are present, and these levels are more likely to cause allergic symptoms.

Because cat allergen particles are particularly small (1/10 the size of dust mite allergen), they remain airborne for prolonged periods of time. Cat allergic individuals are more likely to have a rapid onset of symptoms when entering a room with cats, because the allergen will be in the air and can be easily inhaled. Opening windows, using exhaust fans and using high-efficiency air cleaners can decrease airborne allergen levels.

Soft furnishings, such as carpets, sofas, and mattresses, will hold cat allergen even after a cat is removed from the home or banished from the bedroom. It has been shown that it can take as long as 20 weeks for levels of allergen in carpets to decrease to the levels found in a home without a cat, and up to five years for cat allergen levels in mattresses to decrease to such levels. Removal or treatment of the carpet and sofa, and encasing of the mattress, will reduce the continued exposure to these reservoirs of allergen.

Cat allergen is also found on vertical surfaces such as walls. Attempts to decrease cat allergen exposure in a home should include wall cleaning. If the cat is removed to a restricted area of the home, it is important to realise that airflow through the duct system in a hot air heated home could spread the allergen. Efficient vent and furnace filters could help trap the allergens and reduce this spread.

Step 1: Use Allergen Wash. To get all the cat saliva and dander off your clothing and bedding, use a special detergent that removes all allergens. Use the warmest water setting possible for the fabrics to get all of the saliva and dander out.

Step 2: Use a vacuum with a high efficiency air filter. These filters remove more allergens from the carpeting and upholstery than regular vacuums. Vacuum all the floors and furniture thoroughly to get everything out. Wait several hours after the first vacuuming and go over everything again. This allows the dust you stir up the first time to settle, and you get the remnants of that dust on the second vacuuming. Make sure to empty the vacuum or change the bag outside to prevent everything you vacuumed from coming back in.

Step 3: Steam clean. After vacuuming everything completely, go over the whole area with a steam cleaner. The steam cleaner gets more of the allergens out of the carpet than the vacuum, picking up the cat saliva and dander deeper in the fibres.

Step 4: Take it to the cleaners. Take things you can't wash, such as curtains, to the cleaners. Cleaning will remove the cat saliva and dander from the fabrics. Curtain Clean has a special product used to remove cat allergen. You should advise your curtain or dry cleaners of your allergy so they may apply the correct product.

Step 5: Keep the cats off your fabrics. As soon as the cats get close to any of the fabrics, the dander and saliva will return. Studies have demonstrated that washing of cats with water removes much of their surface allergen, and significantly reduces the amount of future cat allergen produced.

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