Wednesday Edition – 11th of February, 2026

Website: uhconnection.co.nz
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– IMPORTANT: Do you think The Upper Hutt Connection should continue having its Archives section?

Hi everyone, I’ve been considering whether to discontinue the Archive section on The Upper Hutt Connection. I can continue doing it if you’d prefer it to be kept, but it will be in a much more bare-bones format – No images, just text – and only General News, Council Matters, Sports, and Letter to the Editor will be included. My reason for this decision is that I prepare the Wednesday Edition in a webpage format now, and creating a whole PDF of it – formatted and with images is a big ask from me – and probably very few people have any use of it. Please let me know what you’d like to see happen by using the poll below. I’ll make my decision based on the majority vote on Tuesday next week (17th of February, 2026).

Voting closes 11.59 PM, Monday 16th of February.

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– Five apprehended following attempted burglary at Sterling Sports

NZ Police - The Upper Hutt Connection — _{New Zealand Police}

Four youths and a 20-year-old man have been apprehended following a burglary at a commercial premises in Upper Hutt overnight.

Dated 6th of February, 2026

Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings says Police were notified of an attempt to break into a store on Main Street at around 12:40am.

“The alleged offenders made multiple attempts to gain access to the store, however those attempts were unsuccessful. They then fled the scene in a vehicle.”

That vehicle was later seen by Police where it was stopped, and five people were apprehended.

“The quick reporting of this incident by the store owner assisted Police greatly with gathering all necessary information, leading to locating and apprehending these youths.

“We understand the impact that this kind of offending has on local businesses and will continue to work to ensure we hold these offenders to account.”

The alleged offenders are due to appear in Court on 12 February.

Source: New Zealand Police

09/02/26

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– Go with Amalgamation or stick with the Status Quo? A place to give your opinion.

This place is intended to be a safe place where you can leave your opinion on whether Amalgamation or continuing with the Status Quo is the best way forward for Upper Hutt. Your opinions aren’t posted on social media by The Upper Hutt Connection – just available here for anyone to read. There will be a daily post on Facebook however, letting the public know when new comments have been put up.

Any opinions submitted will be added to this page, along with your name.

Any abusive comments will be declined.

Please fill out the form below to give your opinion on the matter. 🙂

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Thank you fro giving your opinion.

Amalgamation

Status Quo

I believe Upper Hutt City is a viable corporation that is large enough to stand for itself.

However the population of Upper Hutt is small compared to Lower Hutt (which includes territories from Stokes Valley south to Eastbourne, Petone and Wainuiomata).

If “The Greater Hutt Valley” was run on a coldly democratic basis, any special interests of Upper Hutt (such as preservation of farmlands or forests) could be out-voted by the larger territorial authority to the south (which has its own concerns such as tsunami preparations).

I think it’s better that Upper Hutt City remains an independent participant in the Greater Wellington Regional Council without losing the distinct characteristics which make Upper Hutt the city that it is.

Nigel Mander

Status quo. It’s not broken, so don’t “fix” it. Amalgamation benefits Wellington and Lower Hutt; but not us.

Richard Catterall

Totally opposed. Amalgamation just means more money going into Wellington city for their pet projects.

Bruce Gillanders

Status quo please. We will end up the poor cousins if we amalgamate. Everything will be provided for in the Hutt as there are more people and we won’t get a look in.

Kathryn Howard

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– Send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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.

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The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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NOTE: All articles need to be Upper Hutt related. The Upper Hutt Connection is NOT a place for covering national or international events. This includes Letter to the Editor as well. Decisions from the New Zealand government that affect all citizens of New Zealand (and that means including Upper Hutt) ARE welcome.

Community events, garage sales, and other events being held in the Wellington Region are welcome on The Upper Hutt Connection under the Beyond Upper Hutt section.

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– Traffic updates for commuters to Lower Hutt – Dated 5th of February

_{Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering Riverlink}

With Waitangi Day weekend celebrations from tomorrow, please find our weekly update below:

Another mixed week of summer weather but we continue to relocate underground services and prepare for the closure of Queens Dr / High St roundabout (more information about this here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/186Wyqgt4i/), ongoing extensive earthworks in preparation for piling, continuing with preload surcharge (which improves soil stability and reducing settlement risk of the ground before construction), establishing an in-site haul road, and Wellington Electricity continue to relocate the underground cables throughout the CBD.

Short-term activities that might impact your travel next week include:

Sunday 8 – Monday 9 February 9pm – 4am – SH2 CLOSED to southbound traffic between Kennedy Good Bridge and Melling Link for new lane marking. Local road detours are available via Lower Hutt. Further work requiring night closures for the highway can be expected throughout February
Tuesday 10 – Wednesday 11 January 8pm – 5am Rutherford St CLOSED between Margaret/ Daly St roundabout and Melling Link roundabout whilst the new cycle path is installed on the northbound lane of Rutherford St. This cycle path will be operational once the works are complete, and the path behind Harvey Norman will then close; we will update the way-finding signage upon completion. Jetts Lower Hutt Gym members will still have access to the Harvey Norman car park until 9.30pm
Ongoing through to Thursday 12 February 7pm – 5.30am, Wellington Electricity night works on Rutherford St between Queens Drive and Melling Road, and daytime works on Rutherford St continue, moving on to Dudley St within the next two weeks. No work will take place on Friday / Saturday nights or on public holidays
Heads up! Wellington Electricity will begin work on Queens Drive on Wednesday 11 February, starting at the Queens Drive/High Street roundabout. To carry out this work safely, both northbound lanes on Queens Drive will need to be closed, along with the section of High Street between Queens Drive and Daly Street. This work is expected to be completed by mid-March, following which crews will continue into the CBD via Laings Road, High Street, and Andrews Avenue. We will continue to provide weekly updates as this work progresses through the area. Please note, letters to impacted businesses and residents are being delivered today
Ongoing until March, Wellington Electricity currently undertaking underground cable replacement work on Daly Street, which over the next two weeks will be moving into High Street and finishing at the intersection High Street and Laings Road (check out this post for more information https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18HnFEsskq/). To carry out this work safely, traffic management is in place, which includes the loss of some parking, and temporary single-lane closures in Daly Street and High Street
Ongoing through to March (24/7), Wellington Electricity works have CLOSED the Ewen Bridge on ramp (until mid-February) and a single lane across the bridge into the city (until March); the lane closure off the bridge into the city is also expected to be completed by mid-February. During the work buses are being diverted onto Herbert St. Some parking has been removed to do that safely. Drivers from Petone, this means you need to either change your route and use Hutt Road / Railway Avenue to access Lower Hutt, or travel under Railway Avenue, onto Marsden St, and then turn left on to Railway Avenue from Aglionby, Herbert or Parliament Sts. Please follow the diversion signs and any instructions given by the traffic management crews, and DO NOT make a U-turn from Victoria St directly on to Railway Avenue over the bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists, footpaths on both sides of Ewen Bridge remain open
Activities on Marsden St and Market Grove have been completed, although the team are still working in the car park on Ward St (this includes night works across the roundabout at Queens Dr on Sunday 8th February (5pm -11pm) to minimise traffic disruption)
Ongoing Wellington Electricity works on Connolly St (currently at Mills St, progressing towards Connolly St pedestrian crossing within the next two weeks). To find out more about the progress of the Wellington Electricity works, please visit https://www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi

Please also remember the following long-term closures are in place:

Queens Drive is CLOSED between Rutherford St and High St until approximately 2029
The northern section of the Riverbank car park is permanently CLOSED to vehicles and pedestrians. Pedestrians and cyclists, please use the alternative paths as marked on the signage
The Hutt River Trail on the western side of the river (from ~800m south of Kennedy Good Bridge to 500m north of Ewen Bridge) is CLOSED, please use the path on the eastern (city) side of the river.
Melling Station including the car park and the Melling Park & Ride facilities are CLOSED. The train now begins and ends at Western Hutt, with extra parking available at Petone Station. For other travel options visit: www.metlink.org.nz/mellingstation
Pharazyn Street is CLOSED from near Marsden Street to Block Road until approximately 2029
Block Road and the pedestrian crossing from Tirohanga Rd over SH2 to Block Rd are permanently CLOSED.

The short term and long term closures are represented on the map below, which also includes the paths currently open for pedestrians and cyclists

We’re aware our programme of works is causing disruptions, so please plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey as you move in and around the city, and have patience with other drivers. Remember to merge like a zip and not block roundabout exits to enable traffic to keep flowing smoothly.

We thank you for your support, patience and for travelling through our project area with care.

We wish you a relaxing and safe long weekend.

You can keep up to date with our work by following this page and subscribing to our newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/EED2E40ECF6651D6

For full details, visit https://teawakairangi.co.nz/our-projects/our-projects

Source: Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering Riverlink

05/02/26

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COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MATTERS

– Council Engagement and Helpful Contacts

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

Other Councillor’s

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.

02/02/26

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

– Grey Power Upper Hutt on Water Reforms – Lew Rohloff

9 February 2026.

We are deeply concerned that the many considerations under evaluation for the future provision of safe drinking water for communities across New Zealand do not include recognition of ‘human entitlement’ to access water, a ‘life stream’ entitlement; without charge or incremental exposure to unsustainable debt.

The initial arrangements now being implemented under the ‘Local Water Done Well’ proposals are further exposing limited income, older person and family households, to incremental impoverishment and rapid isolation within their communities.

The longitudinal survey of Retirement Living Costs maintained by Massey University starkly presents a worsening depiction of the affordability crisis facing older New Zealanders:

Continuing high living costs and the huge rating increases households have encountered in 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 (the first two years of current local government ‘Long Term Plans 2024/2034’) have seriously compromised the ability of low-income households to maintain a ‘balanced budget’.

One-person householders no longer participating in the paid workforce with inadequate savings and no significant Kiwisaver accumulations, making do on a “No Frills’ budget, are experiencing significant isolation within their communities, Others whose consumption continues to positively contribute to our economy are being incrementally impoverished at unsustainable rates between $252.42 to $272.15 per week.

Two-person householders no longer participating in the paid workforce with inadequate savings and no significant Kiwisaver accumulations making do on a “No Frills’ budget are experiencing significant isolation within their communities, Others whose consumption continues to positively contribute to our economy are being incrementally impoverished at unsustainable rates between $444.23 to $981.14 per week.

Add to this the severe cost increases predicated to be added for the water reforms effective from 1 July 2026 and a real crisis of affordability is before us.

It should be obvious to Government that ‘Local Water Done Well’ cannot be funded by user charges alone. Nor should such costs be funded solely by existing and future consumers. The cost components allocated to infrastructural investment and ‘safe-drinking pre-treatment of potable water, should be offset by state-funding of the former and in the latter case, a levy on land-based industry and other ‘polluters’ of our rivers and acquifers.

Lew Rohloff
Vice President

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

10/02/26

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– Moa Point Impacts on all Wellington regions residents through Tiaki Wai – NZ Empowered

Kia Ora,

Impacts of debt transfer to Tiaki Wai will be enormous after the bill to restore the Moa Point is transferred.

This was what we were concerned over. Now as of the 1st July this debt and issue will become everyone’s issue and debt in the Wellington Region. Councils have agreed to go with Metro water with a blank cheque on ratepayers behalf.

Let’s hope the Govt steps in and assists Wellington as they have done Auckland and Christchurch in the past. As an example, Seaview waste water plant that Upper Hutt 30% holders with Hutt City who own the other 70%. Over a year ago was reportedly going to be around $2.1b to replace. As we understand Moa Point is considered larger and handles a higher capacity than the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant. Moa Point is designed to treat up to 260,000 m3 of wastewater daily, serving the majority of Wellington City, while Seaview primarily serves the Hutt Valley.

Reported recently, Upper Hutt has one of the lowest debt transfers and has from council reports some of the best maintained pipes in the region.

So why is it that Upper Hutt, with only one vote at the Tiaki Wai board, some of the best pipes and a low debt transfer will be impacted by so much?

_{RNZ Article 4^th Feb 2026 – https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/what-you-need-to-know/585759/what-you-need-to-know-about-tiaki-wai-the-entity-replacing-wellington-water?}

Where are the business continuity plans, where was the strategic investment?

Ultimately, as of the 1st of July 2026 all these debts will be spread amongst us all in the Wellington Region.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/586019/damage-to-moa-point-wastewater-plant-as-bad-as-we-feared-wellington-water?

Regards

NZ Empowered

A “thank you” to NZ Empowered for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

05/02/26

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– Water charges – Clare Maich

I am confused about the new water entity, and how ratepayers will be charged. There are a lot of articles talking about costs and future charges but the question I would like answered is: will the amount we currently pay for water services be removed from the council rates bill, or will we be paying double? In effect, double dipping? There has been no mention of that in the many news items around this issue, only that costs will increase. Some clarity from the council would be good.

Editor comment: The question in this letter has already been answered in an article from Upper Hutt City Council: Important information: our water services are changing

A “thank you” to Clare Maich for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

04/02/26

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SPORTS

– Saturday’s cricket results: 7th of February

Source: Upper Hutt United Cricket Club

10/02/26

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COMMUNITY EVENTS: To view all upcoming and regularly occurring community events, please visit https://uhconnection.co.nz/community-events/

– Celebrating Children’s Day at Staglands: 28th of February & 1st of March

1/2 PRICE ENTRY for all kids on Children’s Day weekend!

Bring the whānau, explore our beautiful new spaces and celebrate with us!

Conditions Apply:

Offer valid: Children’s Day weekend – 28th Feb & 1st March only
Not available with any other offer.

A “thank you” to Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/02/26

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– Community Fire Safety Talk: Thursday 19th of February, 7.00 pm

Location: Blue Mountains Residents’ Association Hall, 4 Avian Crescent, Blue Mountains, Upper Hutt

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

04/02/26

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– Darcy Solia: Le Faifa ‘Ato ‘Anga Tumau: Saturday 7th of February 2026 – Sunday 19th of April 2026

_{Darcy Solia, Sina Ma le Tuna, acrylic on canvas 2025}

Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

Upper Hutt Artist Darcy Solia explores the limitless potential of art, focusing on what it can become rather than what is expected. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists and ideas. This exhibition reflects an evolving artistic journey, showcasing varied influences while expressing Solia’s distinctive and growing voice.

Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

05/02/26

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– Fashion Fest: Sunday 15th of February, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

My Walk In Wardrobe is SO excited to present our very first FASHION FEST – Wellys largest thrift market

We’re kicking off 2026 with a huge thrifting celebration, bringing together some of WLG’s leading resellers and creatives for a day of fashion, sustainability and community

Grab the crew, your whānau, your friends and make a whole day of it. This is more than just clothes to thrift, we’ve got services, food, chill zones and a bar. (18+)

We’ve already locked in some absolute heavy hitters and cannot wait to start introducing them to you.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN via the link on our page. Remaining spaces will be reviewed and confirmed by the end of the month, so don’t wait – apply now!

https://www.facebook.com/mywalkinwardrobe

SEE YOU THERE.

Source: Brewtown Upper Hutt / My Walk In Wardrobe

05/02/26

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– Registrations open for Upper Hutt City Football Girl’s Only CDL Programme: Last date to register, Sunday 15th of February

Registrations are now open for our 2026 Girls’ Only CDL open sessions commencing Tuesday 17th Feb

These sessions are open to all interested players but registration to attend is a must! Note there is no cost to attend these sessions and selections and final squads will be announced post completion of these sessions on Monday 2nd March.

Any queries please email Jonathan Winkworth: jonathan@upperhuttcityfootball.org.nz

Registration via Sporty link: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/498697

Last date to register is Sunday 15th Feb

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

09/02/26

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– Te Kupenga O Rongomai – Maidstone Sports Hub Open Day: February 14th 2026, 10am – 2pm

Free activities for you and your loved ones this Saturday! Come and check us out and join the fun. We welcome you all ❤️ Any queries please feel free to email events@tekupengaorongomai.org.nz

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

10/02/26

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– Valentine’s Day at Staglands: 14th & 15th of February

This Valentine’s Day choose fresh air over fine dining…

Enjoy two free hot drinks + a shared animal feed when two adults enter together

Cute animals, great coffee, zero awkward small talk

Conditions Apply:

Offer available for Valentines couples: Valentine’s weekend – 14th & 15th Feb
Not available with any other offer

A “thank you” to Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/02/26

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– Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship: 12th – 15th of February, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Location: Royal Wellington Golf Club, 28 Golf Road, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt

Free entry
Family friendly
Easy access by train, bus & car

Source: Royal Wellington Golf Club

04/02/26

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– Laugh with Laughing Club: Every Monday, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm | Resuming on the 26th of January

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

10/10/25

CONTENTS

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