Wellington Mayor Andrew Little wants councils to hold referendums on amalgamation. He says the government’s 9th of August deadline is too short for residents to make an informed decision. He chairs the Wellington Mayoral Forum and says any change must have clear public support.

Two councils – Hutt City and Porirua – asked voters about amalgamation in 2024. Most supported exploring a single council for the Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wellington. Little says he would vote in favour of merging.

The Wellington Ratepayers’ Alliance supports a referendum. It says the government’s ten‑week timeframe is not enough for proper public engagement.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says consultation methods are up to councils. He says the three‑month window is only for high‑level proposals under the voluntary Head Start process. Detailed work would continue until final decisions in 2027, ahead of the 2028 local elections. Councils not ready can use the Backstop process after 2028.

Source: Paris Ibell / Radio New Zealand

08/06/26

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Wellington mayor Andrew Little says the government’s 9 August deadline for council amalgamation plans is too short for residents to make an informed decision.

Little says ten weeks is not enough time for communities to consider services, assets, rating, fees and debt. He still supports amalgamation and says merging Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua makes sense, while also keeping options open for Kāpiti and Wairarapa. He does not expect amalgamation to cut rates but says a metro council could manage costs and services better over time. He wants a region‑wide referendum after presenting his plan to the government.

Porirua mayor Anita Baker supports amalgamation and says her council has already polled residents. Lower Hutt has done the same. Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee is sceptical and says she is concerned about her city’s lower rates being used to subsidise others. She is consulting residents. Kāpiti mayor Janet Holborow is surveying locals and says the council is still working through possible models.

In Wairarapa, Carterton mayor Steve Cretney says residents feel distinct from Wellington. The three district mayors are deciding whether to form a Wairarapa unitary council or join Wellington. Cretney prefers a single Wairarapa council but warns it may increase rates if regional services are not provided. Consultants Morrison Low are assessing the costs.

Local Government New Zealand president Rehette Stoltz says some councils may ask for the deadline to be extended. She says many councils do not think the timeframe is achievable. Half of metropolitan councils and 20 percent of smaller councils consider it possibly achievable. She says the initial plans required are high‑level and that a second process will begin in 2028.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he knows the timeframe is tight but argues deadlines prevent the process from dragging on.

Source: Ellen O’Dwyer – Radio New Zealand

04/06/26

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This article is part of a series advocating for the rights of disabled people, contributed by Dr Pamela J. MacNeill, Managing Director, Disability Responsiveness New Zealand Ltd: https://drnz.co.nz/

admin@drnz.co.nz

Inequitable library services

Public libraries are supposed to represent equal access to knowledge, culture, and community participation. However, when a council provides library services in ways that exclude disabled residents, it undermines that purpose and creates a two-tier system of access. In Upper Hutt, library services are currently delivered through two physical library buildings and a mobile library service. While the existence of a mobile service appears positive on the surface, the reality is that the library bus is not wheelchair accessible. This creates a serious inequity for disabled people, particularly wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.

This omission is significant because accessibility is not an optional extra for disabled people; it is fundamental to equal participation.

The problem becomes even more concerning when disabled residents are effectively told to “just go to one of the buildings instead.” That response ignores the realities many disabled people face. Accessible transport is not always available. Some people cannot independently travel long distances. Others rely on support people, specialised transport services, or carefully planned journeys that require significant time, money, and energy. For some disabled people, the entire purpose of a mobile library service is to remove those barriers by bringing services closer to where people live.

A mobile library that excludes wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments defeats its own stated purpose. The council describes the service as one that brings “the library closer to you” and connects communities that may otherwise struggle to access library resources. Yet wheelchair users are excluded from that closer access. Instead of receiving an equivalent service, they are expected to travel elsewhere. This is not equality. It is segregation by inconvenience.

The inequity is particularly stark because mobility barriers disproportionately affect disabled people living further from central services. A nondisabled resident can board the library bus at a local stop and access books, staff assistance, and community engagement within their own neighbourhood. A wheelchair user may be unable to board at all. They are then expected to organise transport to a permanent branch instead. In practical terms, the disabled person experiences a more difficult, more expensive, and more exhausting version of the same service. This reflects a broader societal problem in which disabled people are expected to adapt themselves to inaccessible systems rather than systems being designed inclusively from the beginning. Accessibility is often treated as an afterthought, with disabled people expected to accept substitute arrangements. However, substitute access is rarely equal access. Being told to go somewhere else because the standard service excludes you sends a damaging message that disabled participation is secondary.

New Zealand has clear commitments regarding disability rights and inclusion. The principles underpinning accessibility are reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which New Zealand has ratified. The convention recognises the right of disabled people to participate fully in cultural life, access information, and engage equally in community services. Public libraries are part of that cultural and civic infrastructure. When a council provides a service that some residents cannot physically enter, it risks breaching both the spirit and intent of those obligations. These rights are also reflected in the New Zealand Disability Strategy.

Furthermore, There is a dignity issue involved. Disabled people should not have to repeatedly explain why inaccessible services are unacceptable. They should not be placed in the position of asking for exceptions or workarounds simply to receive what others already enjoy routinely. A wheelchair-accessible mobile library should be regarded as a basic expectation in a modern public facing service, not a luxury feature. After all, disabled people pay rates too, either directly or through rental expenditure.

The council may argue that the permanent library buildings are accessible, but this misses the point entirely. Equality is not achieved merely because one accessible option exists somewhere in the city. If a mobile service is offered to the general population, then disabled residents should be able to use that same service. Otherwise, disabled people are excluded from the convenience, local connection, and spontaneity the service provides to others.

Inaccessible mobile services can contribute to social isolation. Libraries are more than book-lending facilities. They are community hubs that support literacy, lifelong learning, social connection, and civic participation. For some disabled people, particularly those facing transport barriers or isolation, the arrival of a mobile library can be an important community event. Denying access to that service reinforces exclusion rather than belonging.

The issue is not simply about physical infrastructure. It is about values. A genuinely inclusive council would ask: “How do we ensure everyone can use this service equally?” rather than “Can disabled people use something else instead?” Universal design requires planning from the outset, including wheelchair lifts or ramps, accessible interior layouts and critically, consultation with disabled residents before services are implemented or upgraded.

Upper Hutt’s own promotional material celebrates the mobile library service as a cherished community resource that connects people across the city. If the service is truly intended for the whole community, then disabled residents must be included in that vision. Anything less creates a hierarchy of citizenship where nondisabled residents receive full local access while disabled people are expected to settle for alternatives.

An equitable solution would involve ensuring that all mobile library vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible and designed according to universal access principles. Consultation with disabled residents and disability organisations should be central to that process. Accessibility should not be retrofitted only after complaints arise; it should be embedded from the beginning.

A “thank you” to Dr Pamela J. MacNeill, Managing Director, Disability Responsiveness New Zealand Ltd for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

08/06/26

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Have you been online lately and thought – this just doesn’t look right?

Recently I saw a brief snippet online that looked like a TVNZ interview with Jack Tame. It showed a famous New Zealander advocating for an investment scheme that frankly sounded too good to be true.  It certainly looked realistic but my common sense said otherwise. Why would this famous person be promoting something that sounded too good to be true? And why would this be popping up on my newsfeed?

I’m pretty sure that this was an AI generated video and a financial scam. What’s happening? What we once trusted is now becoming like a junk mail box!

It’s now so easy to create false or misleading information and upload it to the internet.  It’s not only scams and fake pictures but also low quality content and it’s starting to flood our social media. It comes in the form of social media posts, altered pictures, videos, emails and junk adverts that compete for our attention. It’s even got a name – the SLOP economy – that stands for Seriously Lacking Objective Perspective.

Most of this content wastes our time and distracts us from reality. Some of it sends us down an addictive rabbit hole. Some of it is deliberately designed to mislead us, some of it is just shared by mistake. But why does this matter? It becomes harder to distinguish what is real and what is fake. Scams become more sophisticated, health or financial information may not be reliable and even photos and videos can be altered and manipulated.

We’re starting to lose confidence! But what can we do about it? STOP – THINK – CHECK!

If it’s an urgent appeal – slow down to consider. Ask someone you trust to have a look.  Verify! If it’s financial – check with your bank. If it’s medical, check with your pharmacy. If it’s a product, ask yourself if it really could deliver on its promise.

If you would like me to come talk to your group about any tech topics, flick me an email – heather@foresee.co.nz. Or come along to SeniorTech Skills at the library, Tuesday 1.30pm

A “thank you” to Heather Newell for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

08/06/26

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Upper Hutt Piano Trust scholarship winner Amelia Lin plays her last concert next week in Wellington  before going to Canada to complete her Masters studies. She has become a favourite with Upper Hutt audiences after her scholarship recital, Lunchtime Live sessions and World Piano Day, all held at Whirinaki Whare Taonga.

Piano Trust chair Paul Lambert is encouraging local residents to take the train to Wellington on Thursday 18 June for the free lunchtime concert 12.30 – 1.15 pm at Old St Paul, Mulgrave Street – a short walk from Wellington Railway Station. Amelia will be playing with cellist Tomos Christie.

The Upper Hutt Piano Trust has developed a long term relationship with Te Koki New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University by supporting an annual scholarship and hosting students playing at the Lunchtime Live concert sessions. Check www.whirinakiarts.org.nz for more information .

A “thank you” to Paul Lambert for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/06/26

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Our woodturning shed is almost fitted out on the inside now and work has started to instal the dust extraction unit. A concrete pad has been installed, and Darryl has constructed the frame. The final painting of the outside and roof have been delayed due to the weather. 

 We also now have an additional container to store our every growing stock of items and wood. This will also be useful when our kitset building arrives. The site has been reorganized slightly to allow for the delivery and erection of the new building. Work has started on the foundations with excavation completed. 

Unfortunately, we have been hit again by our light-fingered neighbours, who will apparently stop at nothing to take our belongings. Items taken were not of high value but it’s just so frustrating to know that there are people out there that have no regard for others property, and especially since we are a charity.                               

Several projects have been completed in the last few weeks. The mud kitchen we made a few weeks ago was handed over to the happy customer, who then placed an order for a second one! That’s some time away. 

We were asked to make an activity box for a boy who is blind and deaf. This gives him physical clues as to what is on his daily agenda – a bowl – meal time, toothbrush – clean teeth etc. We also have a request for a swish table tennis set from the same customer. This allows partially sighted users to play a form of table tennis and is a cross between shuffleboard and table tennis. Some work to do to work out the design yet. 

The pram we were asked to “Beautify” is now complete thanks to some dedicated and precise work by Keiron. This is set to be passed on to the customer’s grandaughter. 

Other projects for kindy’s were renovating/fixing some puzzles (Doug), repairing two sand pit diggers (Phil K) and making a new silk screen frame (Peter). 

Further projects included two chairs – repaired by Doug

We would also like to remind all the Kindy’s in Upper Hutt of how we may be able to help them. During this year we intend to be in contact with as many Kindy’s as we can and provide help to at least some of them. We have noted a few Kindy’s have been in contact already and several new projects have been requested. So don’t miss out and contact us, we are always ready to listen. 

If you have a project in mind and you think we can help, then feel free to contact us for a chat and we will do our best to assist you.  

contactus@upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi 

Don’t forget to visit our website for details on where we are and what we do. 

You can visit it here:- 

https://upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi

We are always on the lookout for new members and later this year we will have a metalworking facility. Maybe you have seen our display in the Mall which shows some of the things we do and who we do them for. If you have and would like more info, contact us for a free tour and meet the team. 

contactus@upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi 

If you want to join us, even for just a cup of tea and a yarn, pop in to see us, you will be more than welcome. Just come along @ 10am Tue to Fri. We are open 9 – 12 Tues to Fri. You will find us at McLeod Park just past the BMX track.

A “thank you” to Upper Hutt Menzshed for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

08/06/26

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Hutt residents will soon have easier access to GPs with the launch of Riverside Medical in late August. It is the first new locally owned practice in the Hutt Valley in seven years, built to serve up to 12,000 patients. 

The opening comes as demand for GP services in the Hutt continues to outgrow the supply of practices. Over 75% of local clinics have closed their books to new patients, with estimates of at least 13,000 residents unenrolled. 

Riverside co-owner and GP Dr Javier Stroud said the clinic was founded in direct response to the access shortage. 

“The Hutt is one of the worst regions in New Zealand for access to specialist GP clinics. We’re here to fill the gap and serve the community.   

“Too many patients are waiting as long as eight weeks to see their doctor.  At Riverside Medical, patients won’t wait that long. Our books are open to all and pricing is very competitive, including free visits to under 14s. 

“We’ve simplified the enrolment process, and we’re taking on pre-enrolments now, leading up to our August opening,” said Stroud. 

Research published by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has labelled the Hutt Valley one of the country’s GP “red zones”, placing it among the worst regions in New Zealand for accessing a GP, and pushing patients to after-hours clinics and ED for routine care.  

Hutt Valley After Hours General Manager, Mark O’Connor, said the opening of Riverside will help ease growing pressure on urgent care services. 

“We regularly see unenrolled patients using after-hours care as a substitute for a regular GP, which creates additional pressure on our team, so it’s encouraging to see a new locally owned practice stepping in to help meet that demand,” said O’Connor. 

Dr Bryan Betty, Board Chair at Tū Ora Compass Health also welcomed the opening of Riverside Medical. 

“Access to primary care has been a significant challenge across the Hutt for some time, so we’re pleased to see increased capacity in the area and improved access to timely care for patients,” said Betty. 

Located opposite Queensgate Mall, Riverside Medical forms part of a growing health precinct, with physiotherapy, dermatology, pharmacy and blood labs all within walking distance. 

Patients can secure a spot with Riverside Medical by pre-enrolling via their website, here: www.riversidemedical.co.nz. 

A “thank you” to Laura Kilworth for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/06/26

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From composting projects to innovative product design, Council is providing support and funding for projects aiming to cut waste and keep material out of landfill.

Eligible applications may include composting infrastructure, repair-and-reuse initiatives, workshops and events, innovative waste-reduction products, and pilot projects.

Applications for grants, which are funded through the national waste disposal levy, can be made from 1 to 30 June.

There will be two funding streams available: grants under $7,000 open to anyone, and grants over $7,000 available to legal entities, such as businesses, charities, and incorporated groups.

Priority will be given to projects that avoid waste at the source, encourage reuse and repair, or reduce organic or construction/demolition waste.

Applicants must also operate in or provide waste minimisation outcomes to the city of Upper Hutt.

“Upper Hutt is proud to be a city with a thriving natural environment, and a highly innovative community,” says Mayor Peri Zee.

“We’ve seen grants like this reap great rewards around the country; we can’t wait to see those benefits in Upper Hutt.”

Council Group Manager Operations Tim Harty says Council is confident the fund will help grow local knowledge, encourage innovation in waste minimisation, and reduce the environmental and financial impacts of sending waste to landfill.

“Our previous sustainability stimulus grant had strong uptake, I’m sure this will be no different,” he says.

The grant is financed through the waste disposal levy provided by the Ministry for Environment and supports the Wellington Regional Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023–2029.

For more information visit the Waste Minimisation Grant

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

03/06/26

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On Friday morning- 29^th May, community leaders, public health advocates, researchers, and social sector representatives gathered at St Peter’s on Willis for the annual Post Budget Breakfast, providing an opportunity to examine Budget 2026 through an equity and wellbeing lens.

The event was expertly facilitated by Max Rashbrooke and featured insightful presentations from Professor Paula Lorgelly (health economics), Dr Malcolm Mulholland (Te Tiriti and access to health services), Janet McAllister (child poverty), Charles Waldegrave (housing), and Fleur Fitzsimons (public service and workforce).

The discussion highlighted significant concerns regarding the Budget’s impact on those already experiencing disadvantage. Speakers noted the ongoing costs of poverty to New Zealand’s economy, continued underinvestment in health services, limited access to new medicines, gaps in rural healthcare provision, and the absence of meaningful commitments to reducing child poverty. Concerns were also raised regarding increasing housing insecurity, rising income-related rents, the reduction of support for disabled people, and policy changes affecting workers’ rights.

A consistent theme throughout the morning was the need for a broader and more ambitious vision for New Zealand’s future. Rather than relying on austerity measures, speakers advocated for bold investment that strengthens wellbeing, reduces inequities, and supports long-term social and economic prosperity. A special highlight of the event was the acknowledgement of Gail Duncan, on behalf of the Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ), in recognition of her longstanding dedication, leadership, and service to public health. The acknowledgement reflected the deep appreciation held by colleagues and partners for her ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and wellbeing across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration across sectors and organisations in advocating for policies that improve outcomes for all communities, particularly those who continue to face the greatest barriers to health and wellbeing.

Recording: Budget 2026: Impact on Equity and Wellbeing

A “thank you” to Ramil Adhikari for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

04/06/28

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Hello All – here’s the latest on lane closures and detours as part of Te Awa Kairangi programme for June 5-12:

Marsden Street: contraflow traffic management in place between Railway Avenue and Bridge Street and reduced parking in this area.

Queens Drive roundabout (south end of the city): the slip lane from Ewen Bridge to High Street roundabout may be closed between 9am and 4pm, while work continues in the area at Govind Bhula Park.

Queens Drive roundabout (south end of the city) reduced to one lane in all directions during nightworks scheduled between 9pm-5am from Sunday, 7 June.

Queens Drive / High Street roundabout (near McDonald’s): closed until December 2026 as part of SH2 Melling Transport Improvements.

Rutherford Street (between Daly Street and Melling Link Bridge): two-way traffic management remains in place to accommodate work happening within the cycle lane on the stopbank side.

Diversions in place; please follow signs. Contractor personnel will direct cyclists and pedestrians as necessary.

Melling Link Bridge: slip lane onto Rutherford Street is open with traffic management in place. Repco and surrounding businesses are open.

Connolly Street: closed to vehicles travelling north. Please follow detours, noting that traffic may be heavy at peak times. Speed restrictions in place and some reduced parking for southbound traffic.

There’s a wet week ahead of us so don’t get caught out! If you’re out and about in the city centre during peak periods, remember to factor in extra time for your journey. Please follow all directional signage and consider navigation apps when planning the best route on the day.

Metlink continues to encourage commuters to catch a bus or take the train. It reduces pressure on the road network, lowers emissions, and can be a quicker journey. Use the journey planner on the Metlink app, and find your fare at Metlink.org.nz.

Source: Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering RiverLink

06/06/2026

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Did you know that it costs nothing to put up an article on The Upper Hutt Connection? It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional journalist or not (I’m certainly not!), any and all articles are welcome on The Upper Hutt Connection.

If you have an article that you’d like included in next week’s Wednesday edition, please make sure that you’ve sent it through to me by 12.00 midnight, Monday evening.

Schools and groups are most certainly invited too. Where privacy is a concern, I can create top quality AI images for you, protecting the students identities. Please check out the images at the link below, to see what I can do for you! The AI loves details – The more info you put in, the more detailed your image will be!

The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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We are excited to announce the winning and shortlisted entries from this year’s Short Story Competition here at Upper Hutt Libraries.

Every year, the diversity and variety of storytelling, genres, and ideas brought to life show us why creative writing matters.

Across all age groups, our talented local writers move and inspire us, open doors and invite us into new worlds.

Deciding on the finalists is always a tough task. With over 120 entries received this year, our judging team was kept very busy in the lead-up to the Short Story Awards events on Friday, 5 June 2026.

Congratulations to all writers: you let your imagination and creativity soar – thank you for sharing your writing. We look forward to reading from you again next year!

Keep an eye on our website and follow us on Facebook for details about our annual Poetry Competition opening soon.

Winners and shortlists

Let’s make some noise for this year’s shortlisted and winning writers!

Adults

Winners

First place: Lights by Rachel Astruc
Second place: El Sonido del Cambio (The Sound of Change) by Sandra Fogliani
Third place: Politika by Paul Archbald

Shortlist

The Recall Department by Jackie McCullough
Her Photographer’s Inheritance by Philip Luke
Across the Bridge by Neil Pates
Frampton ’73 by Colin Phillips
Noho Marae by Ali Banks
Conscription by Lee Bowden
Storyteller by Nicholas Cottrell

Read the entries: Teens & Adults

Teens (ages 12 – 17)

Winners

First place: The People of the Bonsai by Eloise Vaatstra
Second place: A Man Designated Nobody by Conner Marshall
Third place: The Price of Forgetting by Sophia Cameron

Shortlist

A Car, a Torch, a Death by Rhea Wilson
Truth or Dare by Katy De Reus
Dear Diary by Hazel Middleton
Buck’s Journey by Ethan McErlain
The Weight of Truth by Heba Eldho
A Photo by Kailani Kiefer
Luna and Her Secret by Shriya Raghunandan

Children (ages 5 – 7)

Winners

First place: The Secret Forest by Akira Raghav
Second place: Rainy Day by Norah Hauwaho
Third place: A Boy Who Loves His Ice Cream by Yusuf Hassham

Shortlist

The Magic Crystal Adventure by Hevin Varghese Eldho

Children (ages 8 – 11)

Winners

First place: The Troll Bakery by Nidhyathi de Silva
Second place: The Blue Blooms by Lucy Tregaskis
Third place: Lost in the Smoke by Vida Kyle

Shortlist

Monday by Luna Rama
The Imagine Story by Maverick Clark
The Dream by Poorvi Pandey
The Cookie Shop by Nayeli Daldeniya
Pearl the Dolphin Girl by Jocelyn Liang
That Escalated Quickly by Marcus Saker
A Mystery in a Holiday by Mia Skaria

Read the entries – Children

Source: Upper Hutt Libraries

06/06/26

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On 7 June 1976, McDonald’s opened its doors for the first time in New Zealand. There was a brass band playing and hundreds of people waiting to be among the first to try a Big Mac and fries.

Fifty years later, McDonald’s New Zealand is marking the milestone by sharing 50 facts from its journey in Aotearoa – from the first restaurant in Porirua and the invention of the Drive-Thru timer, to Apricot Pies, Kiwiburgers and the iconic DC-3 restaurant in Taupō. Here are 50 top facts about Macca’s time in New Zealand that may surprise you, make you reminisce and maybe even tickle your McNuggets.

The Macca’s Top 50 in New Zealand

1. New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world outside the US to get McDonald’s.
2. Brothers Hugh and Wally Morris were running supermarkets and had the vision to bring the Golden Arches to New Zealand. They flew to the US and met with Ray Kroc. At first he said no, but they kept at it and eventually he agreed.
3. New Zealand’s first McDonald’s opened in Cobham Court, Porirua, on 7 June 1976, on a site previously home to a squash court. The site was owned by Hugh and Wally Morris, and they decided this would be the best spot to open the first McDonald’s.
4. More than 100 people queued outside on opening day before the doors opened at 10am. In true old-school style, there was a brass band playing.
5. The first Big Mac sold in New Zealand cost 75 cents. Cheeseburgers cost 40 cents, and hamburgers cost 30 cents.
6. The original New Zealand menu had just six burgers, plus a few soft drinks, desserts and fries.
7. A local newspaper ad for opening day offered a tear-off coupon: buy a Big Mac, get one free.
8. New Zealand’s second McDonald’s opened on Queen Street in Auckland in 1977.
9. The first Drive-Thrus opened in Lower Hutt and New Lynn in 1978. Today, Drive-Thru is the most popular way for Kiwis to order their Macca’s.
10. Years later, it was Kiwis who came up with the idea of the Drive-Thru timer, which is now used around the world.
11. McNuggets launched in New Zealand in 1985. Made by Ingham with quality New Zealand chicken breast, today hundreds of thousands of McNuggets are sold each day.
12. And yes, Sweet & Sour is the most popular sauce. A few years ago, many Kiwis were surprised to discover one of its ingredients is apricot.
13. Speaking of apricot, Kiwis loved apricot pie so much that Macca’s put it on the menu in the1980’s and it remained a permanent menu item until 2010. It also made a brief return in 2021 as a limited time offer.
14. The McChicken arrived in 1986. These days McDonald’s sells as much chicken as it does beef.
15. The breakfast menu was first served at Queen Street in 1991. The classic Bacon and Egg McMuffin is the main go-to for brekkie customers.
16. The Kiwiburger launched in 1991, created for New Zealand tastes because Kiwis will put beetroot on anything. The inventor was Waikato franchisee Brian Old.
17. Brian Old didn’t stop at the Kiwiburger. He also briefly introduced sausages to the menu and famously filmed his own Hamilton-only television commercials.
18. The Kiwiburger song has become a New Zealand TV ad icon. Kiwis love hot pools, rugby balls, McDonald’s, snapper schools… It was reimagined for a modern New Zealand a few years ago.
19. The first McCafé in New Zealand opened on Queen Street in 1998. Today, McCafé is one of the most popular coffee options for Kiwis.
20. Here’s one from the ‘did they really’ vault – McDonald’s New Zealand once trialled tomato and chicken noodle soups.
21. There was also a trial of a pre-made take-home meal product called Tonight’s Dinner in the early 2000s.
22. There are now 177 McDonald’s restaurants across New Zealand. The latest restaurant opened a few weeks ago in Newmarket. It’s the fourth site where Macca’s has operated in Newmarket, and the first with a Drive-Thru.
23. Around 1.5 million people visit McDonald’s restaurants in New Zealand each week.
24. More than 10,000 people work in McDonald’s restaurants across the country. It’s estimated over 200,000 people have worked at McDonald’s since 1976.
25. Today, around 90 percent of McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by 53 local franchisees. Most own multiple restaurants, with one franchisee currently operating nine.
26. Would you like a career with that? Our last three Managing Directors all started as crew members and worked their way up – proof that a first job can take you a very long way.
27. McDonald’s New Zealand is one of the country’s largest employers of young people.
28. DYK we’ve made it into the te reo Māori dictionary? Makitārana is the phonetic translation of McDonald’s. We’ve also had parts of the menu translated – anyone fancy a Maka Nui?
29. Eggsceptional effort. Our Christchurch franchisees were the first in the McDonald’s system to switch to free-range eggs, paving the way for a nationwide rollout.
30. We use more than 10 million free-range eggs every year – enough to keep a lot of chickens busy.
31. Beef patties are made by ANZCO Foods in Waitara. They can produce around half a million patties a day. The process is very simple: beef is minced, formed and frozen. The trick is in the process, which means there’s no need for binders or other additives.
32. Around 10 percent of New Zealand’s beef exports go to other McDonald’s markets. Yes you read that right – between 20-30 mill kg of beef per year goes to Asia Pacific and North America.
33. Ronald McDonald’s Make It Click road safety programme visited schools around New Zealand for more than 30 years, helping teach generations of Kiwi kids about staying safe around roads.
34. The Taupō McDonald’s, complete with a decommissioned DC3 plane, has been named the world’s coolest McDonald’s.
35. We’ve also got the southernmost McDonald’s in Invercargill and the easternmost in Gisborne.
36. Macca’s offers one of the oldest private tertiary scholarships in New Zealand. For over 30 years we’ve partnered with AUT University on the McDonald’s Te Tai Tokerau scholarship, adding the Tairāwhiti scholarship in the mid-2010s.
37. Building New Zealand’s first McDonald’s came with a catch. When some imported building materials couldn’t be returned to the United States as planned, a deal was struck: New Zealand cheese was traded instead.
38. Rotorua pastry-maker Digby Sykes helped create the apple pie for New Zealand’s first restaurant opening. His original pie mould could only make one pie at a time, so when opening day demand reached 1,152 apple pies, he worked day and night to build a machine capable of making 48 pies at once.
39. More than 100 million buns, bagels and wraps are made for McDonald’s New Zealand each year by Aryzta in Glenfield.
40. Our potatoes are grown by farmers in South Canterbury, using varieties grown especially for McDonald’s, to meet a number of quality attributes.
41. McDonald’s opened its first South Island restaurants in 1987. Two franchisee families – the Traills and the Davis family – have been part of the journey ever since, with the next generation now at the helm.
42. McDonald’s New Zealand launched its Made For You platform in 2007, with food freshly prepared once customers ordered. Prior to that, burgers were pre-made and held in a warming cabinet.
43. Ronald McDonald House Charities became an official New Zealand charity in 1989.
44. The first Ronald McDonald House in New Zealand opened in Wellington in 1991. Today, RMHC New Zealand provides more than 46,000 nights of free accommodation and support for families each year.
45. McDonald’s New Zealand is the forever partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, raising funds each year to help keep families close while their children are in hospital.
46. Macca’s brought back the iconic Georgie Pie Steak Mince ‘N’ Cheese Pie in 2013, delighting fans for another seven years. The urban myth was that McDonald’s bought Georgie Pie to close down a local competitor. The truth was Georgie Pie’s assets were being sold and Macca’s purchased a number of restaurants sites, along with the brand IP.
47. Macca’s once owned a fire engine, which spent years travelling as part of the Variety Bash.
48. We also had a Filet-O-Fish car – yes, really. Today it lives at the Transport World museum in Invercargill.
49. Long before the McCrispy, Macca’s New Zealand even gave lamb burgers a go, proving Kiwis have never been shy about experimenting with the menu.
50. For a country of five million people, New Zealand has left a pretty big mark on McDonald’s history. We’ve created menu icons, pioneered innovations and supplied ingredients that now reach McDonald’s restaurants around the globe.

Some great yarns from the past

The cheese trade behind the first restaurant

When New Zealand’s first McDonald’s opened in Cobham Court, Porirua, at 10am on 7 June 1976, more than 100 people were already waiting outside. The menu was small by today’s standards, with a Big Mac costing 75 cents, a cheeseburger 40 cents, and a hamburger 30 cents.

But getting the restaurant built was not as simple as bringing in the Golden Arches and firing up the grill.

At the time, strict trade restrictions meant importing materials and equipment from the United States came with conditions. The deal reportedly involved returning parts of the building materials to the US after the restaurant opened.

There was just one problem. Some of those materials had already been concreted into the ground.

So, in very Kiwi fashion, a trade was struck instead: New Zealand cheese in exchange for the building materials.

The Rotorua baker who cracked the apple pie

Another great early McDonald’s New Zealand story began in Rotorua, with pastry-maker Digby Sykes.

In the mid-1970s, Sykes was close to losing his business when he was given a challenge to create an apple pie for a mystery customer. That customer turned out to be McDonald’s, which was quietly selecting suppliers ahead of its first New Zealand opening.

Sykes taught himself the science behind the product, experimenting with temperature and texture until he created a pie that came out golden brown, with the distinctive bubbles on the outside.

When McDonald’s needed 1,152 apple pies for opening day in Porirua, there was one problem. Sykes’ original mould could only make one pie at a time. So he worked day and night to build a machine that could make 48 at once.

A “thank you” to Omnicom for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/06/26

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Hi Haukaretu Stream Restoration Project followers

We had a great day together at the Haukaretu Stream site on 3 June 2026 with Totara Park School students instructed by Mountains to Sea Wellington and Enviroschools.

The kids had fun learning how to Measure Water Quality: Clarity, Flow, Water Temp, pH, Conductivity, observing the stream, habitat, catchment uses and human impacts; macro Invertebrate sampling, and practical hands on tree planting.

Children remind us that crossing the muddy stream on a narrow plank is much underrated excitement by adults. 100% crossing success rate!

These activities were a first for most of them, and we were impressed with their thoughtful questions, eagerness to be hands on, and respectful conduct.

For your information, the following is the upcoming schedule of activities for Forest and Bird Upper Hutt.

We are all welcome to come to all or any of the events if you are able to lend a hand for all or part of the activity. Many hands make light work, and its fun too, meeting new people and giving the local Upper Hutt environment a boost.

If you would like to be emailed with notices concerning following events, please return this email to Haukaretu.Stream.Restoration@gmail.com and we will keep you up to date on those Forest and Bird notices.

Forest and Bird Newsletter:

Pomarie o te whanau,

June is a busy month for us so please take note of the various dates and offer to help where you can.

Arbor Day planting with Fergusson Intermediate School and Upper Hutt City Council

When: Thursday 11 June

Where: Barton’s Bush Riverside. Use the Moehau Gr entrance and follow the road through to the river side of Barton’s Bush.

Time: We’ll be laying out the plants from 9.30. There are 400 and the holes are predug. The student’s usually arrive at 11 am. The job involves chatting with them and helping them get the plants in the ground correctly.

Twin Lakes planting with Plateau School and the Kaitoke Regional Park Rangers Steve and Zane

When: Thursday 18 June

Where: Look for the F&B flag along the road that goes past the pumping station.

Time and number of plants will be emailed out Sunday 14 June.

Please TXT Lynne if you can help at either session.

Monthly meeting will be Tuesday 23 June at Heretaunga Community Church 51 Lane St at 7.30 pm. Our Regional Councillor Roz Connelly will be talking.

Monthly planting session at  Twin Lakes

When: Saturday 27 June

Where: Look for the F&B flag along the road that goes past the pumping station.

Time: 9am till finished. There are 466 plants. The holes will be weed eaten but you are digging them. It will be a big morning. We’ll have hot and cold drinks and kai to fortify you.

There will be another email with more details about the monthly meeting and planting sessions.

Postponement dates: We will send out a postpone notice via email by 8 am on the morning of each of the above plantings if the weather doesn’t co-operate.

Advanced Warning

We will be doing a second Twin Lakes planting on Saturday 26th July

Looking forward to getting our plants in the ground with your help.

The Nursery crew.

A “thank you” to Haukaretu Stream Restoration Project” for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/06/26

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Upper Hutt City Council is inviting residents to share their views on the future shape of local government in the Wellington region as part of a Government-led reform process.

Local government across New Zealand is entering a period of significant change, with councils being asked to consider how they could be organised differently in the future.

The Government recently introduced the Head Start pathway, which allows councils to work together to explore potential changes to local government structures, including the possibility of councils combining to form larger unitary authorities.

Mayor Zee said it was important that Upper Hutt residents had an opportunity to be part of the conversation before any proposals were developed.

“No decisions have been made, no proposal exists, and no preferred structure has been identified for Upper Hutt,” Mayor Zee said.

“What we do know is that local government reform is now firmly on the agenda, and councils have been given a short timeframe to work with others in their region to consider future joined-up options.”

The deadline for councils to submit proposals under the Government’s Head Start pathway is 9 August 2026.

Mayor Zee said that under normal circumstances, work of this scale would involve detailed modelling, extensive analysis and longer timeframes to test options with communities.

“The Government has signalled it wants councils to move quickly, and it is important that Upper Hutt’s views and priorities are part of our region’s discussions from the outset.

“This is a huge decision for our community and ideally we would have more information on the cost and benefits, however we have got to work within the reform process that has been set.”

Councils that do not participate in the Head Start process may still be affected by future Government-led reform through what is known as the Backstop pathway after 2028.

Under either pathway, final decisions about any future local government structure, including which councils will be joined together, would be made by central government.

“Whether reform is ultimately progressed through the Head Start pathway or through future Government-led processes, we want to make sure Upper Hutt’s interests are well understood and represented,” Mayor Zee said.

“This is an opportunity for residents to tell us what matters most to them when thinking about the future of local government in our region.”

Residents can learn more about this process and provide feedback through Council’s Let’s kōrero engagement page. The survey is open until 17 June 2026. 

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

03/06/26

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You can give your submission at the Upper Hutt City Council website, but do you prefer a paper copy?

Hard copies of the Simplifying Local Government Reform Survey are available from all Upper Hutt Libraries and our Reception at the Civic Centre.

You’ll also find printed copies of the FAQs and information sheets if you’d like to learn more before having your say.

Pop in, pick up a copy, and make sure your voice is part of the conversation.

Closes 12.00pm, 17 June.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council / The Upper Hutt Connection added “You can give your submission at the Upper Hutt City Council website”

08/06/26

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Engaging with Council

Engaging with councillors/mayor

Don’t be afraid of engaging with the elected members as they have been voted in to be the communities voice. But remember when engaging, to be concise, clear and respectful.

Mayor – peri.zee@uhcc.govt.nz

Deputy Mayor – corey.white@uhcc.govt.nz

Community and Economy Committee Chair’s

• angela.mcleod@uhcc.govt.nz
• tracey.ultra@uhcc.govt.nz

Other Councillor’s

• matt.carey@uhcc.govt.nz
• gurpreet.dhillon@uhcc.govt.nz
• bill.hammond@uhcc.govt.nz
• emma.holderness@uhcc.govt.nz
• dave.wheeler@uhcc.govt.nz
• daniel.welch@uhcc.govt.nz
• hellen.swales@uhcc.govt.nz

CEO

• geoff.swainson@uhcc.govt.nz

Other helpful Council Contacts

• General Council Enquiries: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Home Phone (04) 527 2169
• Noise Control: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Health-and-safety/Noise-Control
• Rivers, Regional Public Transport, Bulk water supply, Flood protection, and Regional parks: Cr Ros Connelly from the GWRC  – Ph: 027 733 5076 Email: ros.connelly@gw.govt.nz
• Dog Control: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Dogs-and-animals/Animal-control-services
• Roading and Parking: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Roads-and-parking
• Tree Management: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Tree-Management
• Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Water
• Waste and recycling: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Waste-and-recycling

Speaking Rights and Submitting at Council

If you see a council meeting, usually 2-5 days before an agenda will come out and you can apply for speaking rights to speak in the Public Forum, which is usually in the first 30 mins of a meeting.

Following links explain more :

Speaking at Council Meetings: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/meetings/attending-and-speaking-at-council-meetings.pdf

Meeting Agendas: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/About-Your-Council/Council-meetings/Meeting-agendas-and-minutes

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UHCCCommunityService

A “thank you” to NZ Empowered for providing this article for The Upper Hutt Connection. Please note that this article is published each week.

02/02/26

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Weekend Roundup

A busy weekend across the club, with results ranging from dominant wins to tough lessons. Here’s how our teams got on

**Men’s Football**

The 1st team made a strong statement in their first game of the second half of the season, defeating Petone 2-0 to sit 5th on the table. A great response and plenty to build on.

The Reserves battled hard for a 2-2 draw with Petone Reserves, while the 3rds faced a tough afternoon going down 2-4 to Karori.

RJ’s kept the winning streak well and truly alive with a gritty 3-2 win over Lower Hutt. They just keep delivering.

**Masters Football**

With several teams impacted by defaults, postponements, and byes, the Marauders were the only side in action and came away with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against North Wellington. Credit to the lads for getting out there.

**Women’s Football**

A tough weekend all round for our women’s teams, with all three sides taking defeats. The results don’t tell the full story though, and we know these teams will come back fighting. Head up, keep going.

**Youth Development**

A mixed bag across the grades. The U14 TDP grabbed a great win, the U15 TDP earned a draw, while the U15 Girls and U17 TDP faced tough afternoons. Wins, draws, and learning moments, all part of the journey. Proud of every one of them for getting out there.

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

08/06/26

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Special shout out to Pene “The Human Wall” To’o

Source: Upper Hutt Rams RFC

09/06/26

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Jacques Cochonnet Trophy lost

Upper Hutt hosted the third challenge of the year for the JC Trophy from Naenae, on Sunday 7th June 2026, on a glorious warm and sunny day.

The teams gathered at 09:00 and play began at 09:30. Upper Hutt took all three of the first round, putting them in a commanding position. However, Naenae then took all three games of the second round, making it 3-3 for the final round. The 3rd round finally went to Naenae with 2 games to Upper Hutt’s 1, making it 5-4 to the victors, Naenae, with a lot of superb pointing and shooting from both sides.

Upper Hutt has held the trophy for 23 consecutive wins and Naenae will now face Masterton at Naenae for the next scheduled challenge. We wish them well with their newly gained trophy.

The Upper Hutt team consisted of Dave Gwerder, Linda Brown and Colin Gooch (Triples), Brian Smith and Adrienne Gwerder (Doubles) and Mary Khalil (Singles). The Naenae team consisted of Bronnie Winter, Paul Haines and Peter Van Heusden (Triples), Terry Coleman and Michael Rocks (Doubles), and Lee Mathewman (Singles).

Source: Upper Hutt Petanque Club

08/06/26

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Please take the time to have a read of the governments 12 page “Head Start Pathway” document on Simplifying Local Government to get some insight into the conversation which will be had.

https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Local-Government-2026/$file/Head-Start-pathway-policy-document-simplifying-local-government.pdf

Any questions regarding this meeting please contact Hellen Swales on 0275286799 or hellen.swales@uhcc.govt.nz

Source: Councillor Swales Upper Hutt City

06/06/26

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A “thank you” to Phil Gorman for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

06/06/26

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Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

This programme explores how composers from different times and cultures paint their worlds in sound.

The journey begins with landscapes – Douglas Lilburn’s From the Port Hills and Huang Hu Wei’s Pictures from Bashu evoke distant hills and valleys, while Tan Dun’s Eight Memories in Watercolour and Salina Fisher’s Three Short Pieces capture nature’s fleeting beauty in shimmering sound. Gareth Farr’s Love Songs and Zhang Zhao’s Three Songs from the Mountains of Southern Yunnan give voice to love and longing, resonating with the poetry of life.

The second half turns to childhood and memory. Gillian Whitehead’s Lullaby for Matthew and He Luting’s Lullaby offer tender moments of repose, while Anthony Ritchie’s Caroline Bay Suite and Ding Shande’s Children’s Suite dance with the laughter of children at play. Finally, David Farquhar’s Sonatina and Wang Lisan’s Sonatina bring the programme to a spirited close, brimming with energy and joy.

Douglas Lilburn From the Port Hills
Huang Hu Wei 黄虎威 Pictures from Bashu (selections) 巴蜀之画 (选曲)
Tan Dun 谭盾 Eight Memories in Watercolour (selections) 八幅水彩画的回忆 (选曲)
Salina Fisher Three Short Pieces
Gareth Farr Love Songs
Zhang Zhao 张朝 Three Songs from the Mountains of Southern Yunnan 滇南山谣三首
Gillian Whitehead Lullaby for Matthew
He Lu Ting 贺绿汀 Lullaby 摇篮曲
Anthony Ritchie Caroline Bay Suite
Ding Shan De 丁善德 Children’s Suite: Happy Holidays (selections) 儿童组曲《快乐的节日》(选曲)
David Farquhar Sonatina
Wang Li San 汪立三 Sonatina 小奏鸣曲

ABOUT THE GROUP

As an internationally celebrated concert pianist, Dr. Jian Liu has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. His artistry has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Steinway Hall in New York, Sprague Hall and Woolsey Hall of Yale University, and Paul Hall of Julliard School, and as a featured soloist with orchestras
worldwide.

Jian Liu is currently the Deputy Head of School, Associate Professor, and Head of Piano Studies at New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington, where he has established his reputation as an outstanding pedagogue and overseen the development of the performance curriculum.

Supported by Chamber Music New Zealand 

Source: iTICKET

05/06/26

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Location: Te Kupenga o Rongomai Maidstone Sports Hub, 11 Railway Avenue, Upper Hutt, Maidstone, 5018

We’re proud to partner with Ōrongomai Marae, Kōkiri Whatu team, and Greg Finnigan to bring educator and advocate Richie Hardcore to Upper Hutt for an inspiring, powerful conversation on leading healthy relationships in a social media world.

Richie inspires communities, especially young people, to challenge stereotypes, to rethink masculinity and mental health, and to embrace resilience.

Free event. Kai (food), tea, and coffee provided – with thanks to Ōrongomai Marae and Kōkiri Marae.

Find out more here

https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/events/richie-hardcore

A “thank you” to Sallie Anne Calvert for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

03/06/26

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Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

Come and support, local dancers share their talent on stage in our Troupes competition. 

SESSION 1 – Start time 9am

• JazzU8
• Jazz 8-10
• Entertainment 10 & U12
• Hip Hop 12 & U14
• Tap 8 & U10

SESSION 2 – Start time 11.15am approx.

• Contemporary 8 & U10 & 10 & U12
• Hip Hop 8 & U10
• Ballet 8 & U10 & 10 & U12
• Jazz 10 & U12
• Ballet 12 & U14
• Entertainment 14+

SESSION 3 – Start time 1.15pm approx.

• Contemporary 14+
• Lyrical 8 & U10 & 10 & U12
• Jazz 14+

SESSION 4 – Start time 4.00pm approx.

• Tap 14+
• Jazz 12 & U14
• Lyrical 12 & U14 & 14+

SESSION 5 – Start time 5.45pm approx.

• Hip Hop 10 & U12
• Contemporary 12 & U14
• Hip Hop 14+

Source: iTICKET / Whirinaki Whare Taonga

05/06/26

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Golder Cottage, Annual General Meeting of Golder Homestead Museum Society Inc is to be held on

Sunday 21^st June 2026, 2pm at Golder Cottage, 707 Fergusson Drive, Elderslea, Upper Hutt

Guest Speaker: Reid Perkins, Community Heritage Advisor, showcasing photos of Upper Hutt from the Brian Pearce collection.

Afternoon tea is provided, new members and volunteer’s welcome.

For any inquiries, please contact the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/golderscottage/

A “thank you” to Janice Keys for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

06/06/26

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Source: Mainly Acoustic Music Club – Upper Hutt

04/06/26

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This event brings together players from the Lower North Island, in a fun roller derby mashup event. It’s sure to be a great game packed with loads of action!

Roller Derby is a fast past, hard hitting, action packed full contact sport played on Roller Skates.

Some food will be available for purchase.

Entry fee: Adults $10.00 | Students and Children $5.00 | Under 5s free

Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

05/06/26

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Location: Parkes Line Road, Maymorn, Upper Hutt

Train ride and shed tours.

And/or come and join us  on Saturdays  to help build a Legacy.  A good way to get exercise and work experience.

A “thank you” to Bruce Gillanders for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

08/06/26

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Our Holiday Programme is BACK for the July school holidays!

Led by our 1st Team Coach and Technical Director Toby Wilton, it’s two weeks of fun-filled football for players U7-U12. Open to all kids born between 2014 and 2019, whether they’re UHCF members or not.

Pick one day, a few days, or the whole two weeks. You do what works for you!

Register here. Questions? Reach out to Jonathan at jonathan@upperhuttcityfootball.org.nz

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

09/06/26

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Improve your cricket over winter with the UHUCC winter program. High performance coaches and small group trainings. Be in quick as spaces are limited

Source: Upper Hutt United Cricket Club

05/06/26

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A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/06/26

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Location: Upper Hutt Library

Wheels and Canes is a group where people can bring and share concerns about accessibility issues in the community.

Please note that meetings might last from 10.30 – 11.30 if the agenda is short.

Dates for this year include:

• Wednesday 27th of May
• Wednesday 24th of June
• Wednesday 29th of July
• Wednesday 26th of August
• Wednesday 30th of September
• Wednesday 28th of October
• Wednesday 25th of November

A “thank you” to Blake Forbes for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

29/04/26

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Looking for a 2026 speaker for your community group, I am happy to be that speaker

Artificial Intelligence is now a permanent fixture that you cannot avoid. Even if you don’t actively use AI yourself, it is being used by all those who mediate your important, high stakes services such as medical care, banking and finance, government services. In plain language I would like to talk to you about the pros and cons of AI and the ways you can take control in this changing environment.

My presentations are designed for an older audience, and I am available during the day and early evenings.

I am undertaking a doctorate on the impact of AI on older people and the organisations that serve them.

I look forward to hearing from you by email or you can find me at the Upper Hutt library on Tuesday afternoons, 1.30- 2.30 in the back meeting area. I chair SeniorTech Skills and I would love to meet you in person. 

Heather Newell
MComms, FFINZ
Researcher – AI and Future of Ageing
ph 027 2762730
www.foresee.co.nz

A “thank you” to Heather Newell for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/05/26

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A “thank you” to Sharyn Rive for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

10/10/25

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A “thank you” to Susan Boyle for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

29/01/26

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Taoist Tai Chi sessions

• Mondays 6.30-8.00pm.
• Trentham School Hall.
• No sessions held on public holidays.

Start any time.

Reduce stress, find calmness, balance, strength and flexibility with Taoist Tai Chi™ practice. Join us to have a go a great way to improve your life and health. https://www.taoisttaichi.org/find-a-location/

A “thank you” to Glenn for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/05/25

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Location: HIBS Senior Common Room, Hutt International Boys’ School, Granville Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt

Open to expert and beginner players alike. Details are available from Club Captain Tony Hughes whose email is: arh4108@gmail.com

A “thank you” to Richard Catterall for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/02/26

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Location: St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, 35 Cruickshank Road, Clouston Park

Wednesday mornings during term time.

Ages from babies to school age are welcome, depending on the circumstances.

A “thank you” to Jocelyn for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

07/11/24

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Tuesday mornings during term time 10-11.30am. Come along and join in the fun with your preschool children. Meet other parents and carers, relax and enjoy a cuppa while the kids play. (Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult!). Looking forward to seeing you.

A “thank you” to St. Margaret’s Church – Silverstream for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

06/05/25

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A “thank you” to Kerry for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

23/04/25

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If you’re looking for a Tuesday activity for your little ones then come check out UHBC Playgroup at Upper Hutt Baptist Church, corner of Milton St and Fergie Drive.

We run 9.30am – 11:30am each Tuesday morning and you can drop in anytime that suits.

Lots of fun stuff to play with and a different activity each week to stimulate young minds.

Morning tea for children and adults provided.

Everyone welcome

Gold coin donation

Hope to see you there

Cushla gave permission for this article to be put up on The Upper Hutt Connection.

28/03/25

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At Belmont Memorial Hall (next to Belmont School), a Tai Chi class is held during the school term from 9.45 – 11.00am.

The first class is free. Taught by an experienced practitioner of over 30 years.

For more information phone Ray: 04 9386082 / 0272236188

or email raypoy9@gmail.com

A “thank you” to Elizabeth Banks for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/06/26

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A “thank you” to Alpa Modi for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

16/01/26

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Do you want to see young girls grow into confident, adventurous women capable of taking action in their communities? Becoming a volunteer with Girl Guiding is an amazing way to give back in Upper Hutt and keep learning. We’ll provide all the training you need.

We’re seeking more volunteers to work alongside our experienced Girl Guide leaders so that we can grow our units. Please consider giving your time as a volunteer so that we can offer amazing opportunities to as many Upper Hutt girls as possible.

Please contact Katrina at katrinaclokie+ggnz@gmail.com or 0220963973 (text only) or enquire via the Girl Guide website https://girlguidingnz.org.nz/volunteers/

A “thank you” to Katrina Clokie for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

02/02/26

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Location: 22 Lane Street, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

We have set up a community initiative for a drop-in centre that operates on a Monday from 10 am to 2 pm (closed on public holidays) for anyone to drop by if they want to have a chat over a cuppa. It is for those who are lonely or who needs a listening ear or who have some question about the Christian faith or anything else they want to talk about. It is open to anyone who just want to drop in (no appointments required). We have a yellow flag facing the street to show we are open.

A “thank you” to Michelle for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

03/06/26

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Location: Te Kupena o Rongomai Maidstone Sport Hub, Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt

Legacy is a support group for all women and we are dedicated to enhancing mental health, reducing suicide rates, building self-confidence, mana, and resilience within women in the community.

A “thank you” to Malia Amosa for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

30/04/26

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Location: Upper Hutt Library

If you are worried about your tech skills and want more confidence with your smart phones apps – Seniortech Skills is the organisation for you. We are a friendly bunch of older people who meet every single Tuesday at the library at 1.30 to gain confidence and enjoy using new technology. We are very collaborative and enthusiastic. We can’t fix all your technical problems but we can point you in the right direction if your issue is quite technical. There is no membership fee, no obligation to attend each week, we simply ask for a donation if you are able. By the way, the library provides a cuppa!

Look forward to seeing you next week!

Heather Newell
chair, Seniortech Skills Upper Hutt

A “thank you” to Heather Newell for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/05/26

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We need a few new players/performers for our ukulele /singing/ performance group, based in Upper Hutt. More than anything we love people with enthusiasm who are keen to interact with an audience. We perform mostly at retirement villages but have also performed at birthday parties and celebrations of life. We focus on songs from the 50’s to the 80’s but most importantly we are there for our audiences and what they enjoy.

• you need to be able to hold a tune.
• the ability to play a ukulele would be great but if you don’t we can teach you!

If you are keen or know of someone who would be an asset to our group’ please ring Virginia on 0273920920.

A “thank you” to Virginia for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

28/07/25

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Our group consists of women who have someone in their lives who has had a stroke or has Alzheimers, that they are caring for.

We meet once a fortnight for two hours. We offer a supportive listening environment with lots of laughs as we walk our challenging journeys together. If there are women out there who feel we could be of support, please contact Jenny on 0284340102 for further details.

A “thank you” to Virginia for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

28/07/25

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Location: Upper Hutt Library

We can supply some fabrics, wool, etc. Would you like other ladies company? A hot drink? Do you craft? Would you like to learn, contribute to families, elderly people, sick people, as we try to meet the needs of the Wellington region to assist those in need?

Donations:

Do you have any wool, yarn, fabric, that you no longer want? We would be grateful if you would please consider this group to donate to charity.

Any donations can be dropped off at Upper Hutt Library.

Contact:

Julia: 0274 933 981

Brenda: 0273703949

Please come and share the happy afternoon with the ladies of our group

A “thank you” to Julia for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

29/04/26

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Space to Rent –
Upper Hutt Art Society
50 Ward Street,
Upper Hutt.

Classroom size with kitchenette, 2 toilets,heating,double tables and chairs. 

Monday to Friday evenings from 5 pm. Friday & Sundays all day.

Phone 0212132274.

A “thank you” to Jocelyn Dunn for advertising on The Upper Hutt Connection.

26/05/26

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Meals: https://uhconnection.co.nz/recipes/recipes-meals/

Baking: https://uhconnection.co.nz/recipes/recipes-baking/

Desserts: https://uhconnection.co.nz/recipes/recipes-desserts/

Classifieds

List your items on The Upper Hutt Connection, as well as having them appear in the Wednesday Edition for only $10 a week – Be seen by all 5,277 people who receive The Upper Hutt Connection

List your car, lounge suite, house, anything above the value of $500, on The Upper Hutt Connection for the cost of only $10 a week. All communication between buyer and seller is at the responsibility of the one who listed the item – The Upper Hutt Connection isn’t responsible for any part of the sale, except for the publication of the advertisement.

Send me an image, with all the text and info included in the image itself.

If you’re interested in advertising on The Upper Hutt Connection, please email me at editor@uhconnection.co.nz

Cheers, Ben Knowles – Editor / Operator @ The Upper Hutt Connection.

Please note that advertising on The Upper Hutt Connection is only open to those based in Upper Hutt – That is as north as the Remutaka Hill, the border of Akatawara Road between Upper Hutt and Kapiti, and as south as Reynolds Bach Drive, Stokes Valley.

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Advertise your business in The Upper Hutt Connection’s Wednesday Edition for only $10 a week – Be seen by all 5,277 followers

Would you like to advertise your business weekly in The Upper Hutt Connection’s Wednesday Edition? You can have your business advertised at only $10 a week. An image, with all your business info included in the image itself. A small line of text can be included for a link to your website. If you have a request where you’d like your ad to be placed in the Wednesday Edition then please say – otherwise I’ll use my own judgement.

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Live for Jesus, Share his Love

Our Sunday morning service is at 10am and everyone is welcome.

We would love you to stay afterwards for fellowship over morning tea.

Our Creche for children under 3 1/2 years runs every Sunday morning. Our Children’s Church runs Sundays during school terms.

Services are live-streamed on YouTube: Heretaunga Christian Centre

Address: 51 Lane St, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand

Email: admin@heretaunga.com

Website: https://www.heretaunga.com

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We seek to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our Community

You will find us at:

4-6 Dunns St, Silverstream, Upper Hutt

The Minister:

The minister at St Margaret’s is Rev Rodney Ramsay.

Rodney is on-site most days from Tuesday to Friday and anyone is welcome to drop in for a chat over a cup of coffee/tea.

If you have any need to contact Rodney he can be reached at the office number 5279604, on his mobile 0211259835 or via email at minister@stmargaretssilverstream.org.nz

Worship services:

Our worship services take place on Sundays at 10.00am.

The First Sunday of each month is a Communion Service and the second Sunday is a Family Service.

Our services are fairly traditional, and we have a very warm and welcoming congregation.

All are welcome.

Our services are live streamed on Zoom. If you wish to receive the link, please text Lynley McInnarney at 027 278 0010 or send an email to mcinnarneys@gmail.com

We offer children’s church for primary school age that happens during the main church service.

St Margaret’s runs a teenage youth group on the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the church hall and lounge during term time. Youth group runs from 6.30pm to around 8.00pm.

Other contact details:

The Lay leader (Session Clerk) at St Margaret’s is Chris Rosanowski and he can be contacted at rosanowskic@gmail.com

Please visit our website for further information including the hire of our facilities.

https://stmargaretssilverstream.org.nz

St. Margaret’s Presbyterian Church – Silverstream submitted this article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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Location: 2 Akatarawa Road, Brown Owl, Upper Hutt

We would love to get to know you, so come along to one of our groups and meet others in your community.

Tuesdays

5 Loaves and 2 Fish Food Pantry: 11am – 12noon – Free

Food is available for those who are needing extra assistance. If you have food to contribute to contribute to the pantry, feel free to drop off at the church.

Wednesdays

Community craft session: 10.30 am – 12noon – Free

Bring along your craft and join us for morning tea.

Community Lunch: 12noon – Free

All welcome

Bible study: 7.00 pm – Free

All welcome to learn more about the Christian faith.

Fridays

Rimutaka Playgroup: 9.00 am – 11.30am – Donation

All caregiver and preschoolers are welcome. This is a fun, friendly, safe environment. Morning tea is provided.

Youthgroup: 7.00 pm – Donation

Contact the church for details

Sundays

Church Service: 10.00 am

All welcome, and please stay for morning tea after the service.

Sunday online recording available on YouTube from 5.00 pm

Room Hire

Contact us if you would like to hire out either the hall, foyer area or conference room.

All Enquires: 04 5268708
Email: rbc.office@xtra.co.nz

A “thank you” to Kerry, and Rimutaka Baptist Church, for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

23/04/25

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Location: 695 Fergusson Drive, Elderslea, Upper Hutt

Email: upperhutt.corps@salvationarmy.org.nz

Church website: Upper Hutt Corps – The Salvation Army NZFTS

How we can help:

Worship – Sunday 10:30am

You can expect to experience family friendly worship in amongst a congregation that reflects our community.

Services usually go for just over an hour and are filled with spiritually uplifting music, scripture readings, prayers, children’s church and encouraging conversational preaching.

Welfare – Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-12.30pm

Foodbank is a friendly, non-judgemental place, to seek out some assistance to make sure the family doesn’t go without during tough times.

We can also assist with Counselling, Advocacy Services, Furniture and clothing and laundry for those sleeping rough. Please ring our office on (04) 528 6745 to make an appointment.

Addictions

The Bridge programme provides a safe, integrated, high-quality treatment service for people whose lives have been affected by the harmful use of, or dependency on, alcohol or drugs. Please contact: Upper Hutt Bridge, Phone: (04) 527 3373 or (04) 389 6566

Family Store – Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4.pm

The Family store is the place you need to donated and grab yourself a bargain. Once all the bills are paid your hard earned dollars from here goes to help those in need.

Store location: 41 Queen Street, Upper Hutt. Phone: (04) 528 6951.

Booth College of Mission

The BCM School of Bible and Mission was established to provide study opportunities to members of the public to achieve the NZQA approved diplomas. SBM students are invited to join in with the life of the college as much as they are willing and able. To enquire about study or access to the Christian library, please phone 04 5288628 or check out the website – https://bcm.salvationarmy.org.nz/school-for-bible-and-mission/

Rata Educare

Providing safe, nurturing, high-quality early childhood education in Upper Hutt, where children are encouraged to explore, grow and flourish in body, mind and spirit. 

To enquire about enrolling your child, please phone (04) 527 6929.

We also have lots of other things going on, so please feel free to drop in for a coffee and check us out. 

I am sure someone will be around for a friendly chat. 

A “thank you” to Shane Healey from The Upper Hutt Salvation Army for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

19/03/26

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Location: 35 Cruickshank Road, Clouston Park, Upper Hutt

Email Church Office: sthildasuh@gmail.com

Who we are:

A congregation of faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, who draw on the Anglican
tradition to support a lively expression of our faith. Our recently unanimously agreed
vision statement is: St Hilda’s – a vibrant, faith-based presence within our community.

What we do:

• We are a community of people who come together to worship God, to grow in relationship with one another and with the wider community.
• We offer loving service to God, one another, the people of Upper Hutt and the world.
• We are disciples of Jesus, the Lord of Love.
• We believe in the Christian Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Live. We are inspired andguided by the Holy Bible. We seek to grow in faith.
• We welcome newcomers to our parish family with warm hospitality. We provide a wide range of activities, both spiritual and secular. We encourage all to develop their relationship with Christ through our worshiping community.
• In recent years we have turned our focus outwards to serving our community.

Weekly services:

Sunday 9.30am: Traditional NZ Anglican Worship

This is a comfortable, family-friendly feeling service, although it follows the traditional
liturgical format. The service order alternates between the three ANZPB Eucharistic (communion)
liturgies. There is always a sermon with a liturgical assistant leading the worship; when a priest is not available. The communion is led by one of our leaders licenced for reserved sacrament.

Thursday 10.00am: Traditional Communion Service

The service order follows ANZPB with the Sunday sermon being repeated here. Our services are supported by a good tech suite, including two large monitors installed at the front of the church, and a quality sound system.

Prayer books remain available in the pews for anyone who prefers to use them

Sue sent this article to The Upper Hutt Connection / Source: St Hilda’s Anglican Church Upper Hutt

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Location: 8 Blue Mountains Road, Silverstream

What we Believe:

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour and the Sovereign Lord over all of life. We are fully committed to the Bible in its entirety as the Word of God. We believe that theology is important, it is vital for the health of the church, and without sound doctrine the church decays. Throughout history, the church has confessed what it believes by faithfully summarising the truths of the Bible in written forms known as creeds and confessions. These confessions do not hold the same authority as the Bible, but they help to summarise the Bible’s teaching. Ultimately, the Bible remains our only rule for faith and life. 

Who we Are:

Our Church is a family church, with a mixture of young families, retirees, couples, single people and youth. We have approximately 200 members, from different backgrounds, meeting together because we share a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Service Times:

Our worship services are on Sunday at 10 AM and 4 PM, and we would love to see you there. Our friendly greeters will meet you at the door and answer any questions you have.

Like to know more?  Visit our website at:    https://silverstreamrcnz.co.nz/

Silverstream Reformed Church sent this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

11/12/24

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Location: 563 Fergusson Drive, Trentham, Upper Hutt Email Church Office:office@stjohnstrentham.org.nz

Church website: http://www.stjohnstrentham.org.nz

Who we are: A congregation of faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ in the heart of Trentham. We gather in a historic Anglican church, founded in 1863 and continuously used for worship since then, providing a place of beauty, sacredness, and stillness. But the church is primarily about people, relationships, and recovery day by day, wherever we live. Our focus is on faith, family, and care for others.

What we do: We seek to nurture our faith, our relationship with God, in various ways. First and foremost, we come to worship and pray together. The Parish seeks to provide a variety of styles of worship to suit the varying needs of parishioners. We also gather in small groups for Bible study and fellowship, have regular community events, and have monthly communion services in Fergusson Rest Home and the Summerset Community Centre.

Weekly services:

Sunday 10.00am: Communion in the church with children’s ministry

Our Sunday inter-generational service unites families, young and old, in the church, while our children’s program (Godly Play) offers meaningful spiritual education for our tamariki. We gather for morning tea in and around the entry foyer afterwards.

Wednesday 10.00am: Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion in the church

In addition to the Sunday service, there are other opportunities for worship during the week, such as the Wednesday 10am Holy Communion. This is in the church and uses one of the services in A New Zealand Prayer Book He Karakia Mihinare. We gather for morning tea in the foyer afterwards.

Weekdays 7.00am: Morning Prayer

Morning Prayeris held in the church chapel every weekday morning at 7am. We use A New Zealand Prayer Book He Karakia Mihinare, but there is plenty of opportunity for everyone to join the time of intercession and thanksgiving at the end of this service. All ages are welcome.

Source: St John’s Anglican Church in Trentham

18/11/25

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Location: Upper Hutt Spiritualist Centre, King Lion Hall, 8 King St.

Every Sunday 7-8.30 pm

A vibrant Spiritualist community reflecting diversity of belief, experience, social and cultural backgrounds.  We uphold the 7 principles of Spiritualism and our values of respect, compassion, inclusivity and service.

The service consists of singing, meditation, mediumship and healing.

Email: uhspiritualist@gmail.com

A “thank you” to Sue Boyle for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

21/01/26

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Address: Cnr 1 Benzie Avenue / 780 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Worship Services:

Upper Hutt Uniting provides Presbyterian – Methodist church services each Sunday at 10am at the Wesley Centre (Te Whanau Lounge) located at 1 Benzie Avenue. We are fortunate to have a revolving preaching team, of both Ordained and Lay Preachers, who offer an interesting and different variety of relaxed preaching styles. After service refreshments and social time. Visitors are welcome to join us.

Wesley Centre:

A multi-use community centre located close to the Upper Hutt city centre, hosting 5 separate churches (Presbyterian -Methodist, Tongan language Methodist, Samoan Assembly of God, Messianic Saturday study group and a church from Myanmar – contact us for details on other groups services), together with the Wesley Thrift Shop and Upper Hutt Foodbank, plus multiple regular and casual community organisations meetings and as a venue for group and family events. 

Wesley Centre provides a modern church space, a gymnasium style hall for functions, two kitchens and two spacious meeting rooms.

For enquiries regarding building use, contact the Parish Office 528 8915, or the Property Manager 0274 456 992, or email property.uhup@outlook.co.nz.

Parish Office:

64 Martin Street – open Thursday / Friday 10am to 3pm
Ph: (04) 528 8915
Email: uhup@xtra.co.nz 

Website: http://www.upperhuttuniting.nz 

A “thank you” to Bill Lindsay for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/11/25

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View all films releasing this week at https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/coming-soon

Disclosure Day

Running time: 145 minutes

Rated: M (Violence, offensive language & content that may disturb)

If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This June, the truth belongs to seven billion people.

We are coming close to … Disclosure Day.

Book here: https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/movie/disclosure-day

Scary Movie

Running time: 96 minutes

Rated: R16 (Violence, offensive language, drug use, sex scenes, nudity & sexual material)

Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe. Marlon Wayans (“Shorty”), Shawn Wayans (“Ray”), Anna Faris (“Cindy”), and Regina Hall (“Brenda”) reunite in Scary Movie alongside returning favorites and fresh faces to slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final. Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. Every line gets crossed. The Wayans are back to cancel the Cancel Culture.

Book here: https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/movie/scary-movie

Source: Monterey Cinemas Upper Hutt

09/06/26

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