Wednesday Edition – 15th of July, 2026 – The Upper Hutt Connection

Website: uhconnection.co.nz
Facebook: The Upper Hutt Connection
Contact the editor at: editor@uhconnection.co.nz

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.

5,845 people receive The Upper Hutt Connection Wednesday Edition through Facebook or by signing up to the mailing list.

Click on the headline to read the article.

– Annual General Meeting 2026: Arrangements and Election of Officers

Dear Member,

We are fast approaching our Annual General Meeting which will be held in the Baptist Church Centre, Cnr. Fergusson Drive and Milton Street, Upper Hutt at 1:30 pm on 29th July 2026.

Please endeavour to be present to mark the achievement of a year of progress in assisting our community’s older people to have their voices heard in relation to the worsening, unaffordability of the ‘costs of living’ as these impact on our households and those of low-income families.

You are welcome to bring a friend or any other individual contemplating membership and future participation in our activities. Also, please carry your current membership card as voting on any elections or other determination is, of course, restricted to financial members.

A poster advertising the event and a Nomination Form for Officers and Committee Members together with a description of the duties of each of the relevant executive positions is attached.

Your committee and myself, in particular, need to encourage you to seriously consider the essential requirement to ensure continuity in terms of the volunteers who managing our local organisation at leadership and management level.

I’m hopeful that most of our core officers might volunteer another year of service but we are ageing and cannot continue indefinitely. I anticipate (but this is pure speculation) that the principal vacancies we have to fill with skilled and conscientious nominees are for a Vice President and an understudy for the Secretary. Just two volunteers who are willing to assimilate our background knowledge of Grey Power philosophy and advocacy and progress on to become valuable community spokespeople for Upper Hutt.

Maybe there is a potential community advocate within your family who might flourish in such a role. I’m always available to meet with a potential candidate to indicate the support I can provide and to ensure that a talented newcomer’s membership qualification is satisfied.

Regards

Lew Rohloff
Vice President|

Mail to: lew.rohloff14@gmail.com

Duties of Officers as described in our Constitution

11.1.2. Composition: Officers;

The Committee will include:
a. a President,
b. a Vice President,
c. a Secretary and a Treasurer, who may be the same person, and
d. not fewer than 4 (four) or more than 9 (nine) other Committee Members.

11.8.2 President

The President shall preside over and regulate General Meetings and Committee Meetings. The President has the overall responsibility of ensuring that the Committee, by its work, fulfils the purpose of the Society.

The President is responsible for:
a. ensuring that the Constitution is followed;
b. convening meetings and establishing whether a quorum is present;
c. chairing meetings, deciding who may speak, and when;
d. overseeing the operation of the Society; and
e. providing an Annual Report on the operations of the Society at each Annual General Meeting.

11.8.3 Vice President

The Vice President shall deputise for the President in his/her absence and assist with Society activities.

11.8.4 Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for the overall administration of the Society including:
a. ensuring that minutes of meetings are recorded and maintaining a minute book or file;
b. sending adequate notice of meetings;
c. preparing the agenda for meetings in consultation with the President;
d. collecting and collating reports from Officers;
e. receiving and replying to correspondence as required by the Committee;
f. maintaining an up-to-date Register of Member’s names, contact details, and any other information required by this Constitution or prescribed by Regulations under the Act;
g. maintaining an up-to-date Conflicts of Interests Register;
h. filing approved Financial Statements with the Incorporated Societies office upon their approval by Members at an Annual General Meeting;
i. updating the Society’s details on the Incorporated Societies Register; and
j. holding the Society’s records, documents, and books except those required for the Treasurer’s
function

11.8.5 Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for:
a. maintaining and recording the Society’s financial transactions to allow the Society’s financial position to be readily ascertained;
b. overseeing the operation of the Society’s bank account/s;
c. providing financial reports to Committee meetings or as the Committee determines;
d. the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget;
e. keeping proper records of all payments and monies received;
f. arranging the annual review and ensuring that all information is made available to the independent Reviewer; and
g. providing the annual Financial Report for the Society’s Annual General Meeting.

To nominate, please print out the form on the last page of this document.

A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff, Vice President of Upper Hutt Greypower for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/07/26

Return to Contents

– Lined up for greatness

_{Phoenix FC with head coach of Wellington Phoenix’s women’s team, Bev Priestley – New Zealand Police}

New Zealand may be out of the World Cup, but we’ve got our own MVPs in the form of six newly graduated Delta teams, including patrol dogs Phoenix FC and Striker.

While Striker’s football-related name is a happy coincidence, Phoenix was named after the Wellington Women’s Phoenix football team – Phoenix FC.

Now Phoenix is heading to Whanganui with first-time handler Constable Matt Stevenson to spread the football fanbase – and catch some criminals.

“Phoenix has been an awesome dog to train,” says Matt. “He has a great ‘on and off’ switch that makes handling him enjoyable.

“We’ve both been lucky enough to have had great support from Sergeant Maxwell Spedding, Taranaki Dog Section and my colleges from Whanganui.

_{Phoenix as a puppy and now, a newly qualified patrol dog, in the colours of his namesake team Wellington Phoenix FC. – New Zealand Police}

“I picked up Phoenix as a puppy so it’s special and I’m lucky enough to graduate with him. It’s a full circle moment.”

Police dog Striker is making his debut in Wellington with handler Constable Chelsea Warman.

The rest of the starting line-up includes Constable Mike Robertson and Kroc (Whakatāne) and Constable Corey Waite and Frost (Auckland), who are both first-time handlers; Constable Regan Wilson and Huxx (Dunedin); and Senior Constable Karl Hansen, who’s returning to Christchurch with his fifth operational dog, Bruce.

During the graduation at the Dog Training Centre in Trentham last week, Karl was acknowledged for his experience as a handler and for helping the new trainees on the course. His police dog Bruce was named after former Canterbury dog handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, who died in 2023.

“I’ve now been in the job for 29 years, with 21 of those years working as a dog handler,” says Karl.

“I think it’s really great that this dog was named after Bruce Lamb, and it’s special to carry on that legacy – especially since we have Bruce’s son Michael working here as a dog handler in our unit.”

Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park acknowledged the six freshly trained teams and the importance of dog sections across the country.

“The dog teams are magnificent,” she said. “You’re there when there’s a critical incident. You’re there when our staff are in danger and need your help and support.

“To our graduating handlers, my sincere congratulations on becoming an operational team, soon to be out on the road attending jobs. Thank you for your commitment to what is such an integral part of policing in New Zealand and keeping our communities and our people safe.”

Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, acknowledged two special visitors to the graduation – Wellington Phoenix Football Club’s head coaches Bev Priestman and Chris Greenacre.

_{Huxx takes time for a biiiiig stretch on parade. – New Zealand Police}

“[They] are here to watch a dog named after the women’s team, Phoenix FC, graduate today with his handler Matt,” said Todd. “Phoenix was one of the three pups named after women’s sporting codes in the region. The puppies Poua (women’s rugby) and Pulse (netball) are still in the programme.”

Todd said he often found himself talking about how great our dog teams are and the high standards they’re at, but for good reasons.

“One of the reasons it’s the norm now is that we have an outstanding breeding programme,” he said. “I’d like to thank our teams here at the Dog Training Centre, plus our course trainers based here and those in districts – from handlers to team leaders and managers. We could not do all this without your help.

“These graduates have worked very hard to obtain this operational qualification and it’s a pleasure to see them graduate today.”

Source: New Zealand Police

09/07/26

Return to Contents

www.artisanarcade.co.nz

artisanarcade.upperhutt@gmail.com

– Make a lasting difference for local tamariki

Could you be the caring adult who helps change a child’s future?

Our I Have A Dream Upper Hutt programme is looking for more local volunteers to join our growing team and help support tamariki to thrive. The programme was recently named a finalist in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, recognising the positive impact it is having on children and whānau in our community.

The programme is delivered through a partnership between I Have A Dream Charitable Trust, 4 A Better City Charitable Trust, and Te Kura o Hau Karetu, and supports local tamariki through long-term mentoring, educational support, and enriching life experiences. The goal is to ensure every child has the opportunities, encouragement, and support they need to succeed at school and in life.

At the heart of the programme are dedicated mentors known as Navigators. These trusted adults walk alongside Dreamers (tamariki), helping them build confidence, resilience, aspirations, and a sense of belonging. The programme provides lunchtime activities, after-school and holiday programmes, breakfast club and learning support.

But we can’t do it alone – we’re looking for volunteers from across Upper Hutt who would like to share their time, skills, or interests. No formal qualifications are required – just a caring attitude, patience, and a willingness to encourage children to thrive.

Volunteers might help with reading, learning support, and assisting with activities.

The impact of volunteers can be remarkable. By introducing tamariki to new opportunities and surrounding them with caring adults who believe in them, Dreamers (tamariki) build confidence, resilience, social skills, and a stronger belief in what is possible for their future.

One of the programme’s guiding principles is “every child deserves someone in their corner”. For many Dreamers, a volunteer’s encouragement, interest, or shared skill can become a moment they remember for years after.

Police vetting is required for all volunteers.

If you are interested in being a regular or a one off volunteer, we’d love to hear from you!

To find out more and register your interest, email Amber Moore at Amber@4ABetterCity.nz

Learn more about I Have A Dream Upper Hutt on our website: http://www.4abettercity.nz/i-have-a-dream-upper-hutt

“One caring adult can change a child’s life. What if that adult was you?”

A “thank you” to Justine Hall at 4 A Better City for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/07/26

Return to Contents

– Malcolm Gillies recognised as a 2026 Icon at Wellington Gold Awards

Congratulations to Malcolm Gillies, who was recognised as a 2026 Icon at the Wellington Gold Awards last week.

From residential developments to Brewtown and NZCIS, Malcolm’s achievements and contributions to our region are truly remarkable.

A huge thank you to Malcolm and the Gillies Group for your continued support as our club-wide sponsor. Your financial backing and commitment to our club are greatly appreciated, and we are incredibly grateful to have you backing the Rams.

Source: Upper Hutt Rams RFC

09/07/26

Return to Contents

– Menzshed Update – July 2026

Our woodturning shed is now in the final stages of construction. With the dust extractor extension complete all that is required on the inside is to install the ducting which is now well in hand. The outside still requires the painting to be finished (weather permitting). A dust extraction “extension” is almost complete. Guttering and connection to the storm water sump will be the final phase, a little time away yet.

Our progress on the new building has hit a major roadblock due issues with the consent. These are quite complex and we are working through possible solutions with our building supplier and the Council to get it sorted.

It’s also sad to report, that yet again our neighbours like to shop at our expense. The materials taken were not high value (recycled wood) but frustrating all the same. Materials were also stacked against the fence ready for pick up the next day, which we returned to stock. All these incidents have been reported to Police, but no follow up action has been taken.

Several projects have been completed in the last few weeks.

Following up on the activity box made for a blind boy last month, we made a Swish Table set for the Visually Impaired. So, what is a Swish table?

A table tennis table is normally used and a series of fences installed around the sides prevent the ball (a hollow ball with a bell inside) from falling over the edge. It’s a combination of table tennis and shuffleboard and the “net” is suspended above the table. Players use a pusher (bat) to propel the ball from their side to the opposite end, where the other player(s) hear the ball coming and attempt to send it back. Using eye shields, it can be used by sighted or visually impaired players. There are many clubs in Australia that play league competition.

However, we were requested to make the set so it could be used for a variety of tables of different lengths and widths and be portable, so not league standard. Here is the finished set, in place on an ordinary dining table. The sides were made in 5 sections, each section had locating blocks on each end to locate the sides accurately. The sides were adjustable to tables of 2.7m, 2.2m and 1.7m.

Work has also been carried out repairing and repainting an outside picnic table and a new mud kitchen has been constructed. Both projects were carried out for local kindy’s by Lindsay/Lorne and Doug for the mud kitchen.

We also answered a call from a local family to help with restoring a toxbox. However, after inspecting the box, it was decided that it had held it’s last toy so we made a new one! Only the lid of the old one was saved. This was much more robust and we hope it will withstand the “delicate handling” afforded by young children!

We also had an unusual request to make a chopping board holder which could be used by someone who was partially disabled and had difficulty in preparing food for themselves. We devised a prototype made from Perspex and look forward to hearing how it performed. Sorry no photo – we don’t want anyone copying our design! (Actually, genuinely forgot in the rush to get it delivered!) Other projects we are working on, are a ride on children’s truck, refurbishing outside furniture for a Care home and repairing a platform for Camp Kaitoke.

As you can see, we do quite a bit of work for kindy’s. So maybe we can help you – you only have to ask. 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.

09/07/26

Return to Contents

– Pale Luka jailed for 18 years with 10 year non-parole

Pale Luka has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment with 10 years non-parole for his assault on a Birchville family. Four others who were involved with the assault on the family, have also been sentenced. The victims continue to live with the trauma of that night.

Source: New Zealand Herald

09/07/26

Return to Contents

– 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.

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

Click here for more information about the different articles you can send to The Upper Hutt Connection, The Upper Hutt Connection’s policy on AI generated images, and other important information.

The Upper Hutt Connection is always looking for:

General news articles
Letters to the Editor
Community events
Sports articles
Gardening
Garage Sales
Recipes
Job Listings
Book, film, or restaurant reviews
Promoting the worship services here in Upper Hutt
And anything else you might think of – I’m always open to suggestions.

Fill out the form below to send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection. The reason I ask for your email address is so I can ask for further information if needed.

To view my policy on the usage of AI images on The Upper Hutt Connection then please check out the following article: Use of AI generated images on The Upper Hutt Connection

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.

← Back

Thanks for sending an article to The Upper Hutt Connection. 🙂

Genre of article

Title of Article (if an event, please include date and time)

Message

Your first and last name – If you’re representing a group or business or organisation (not an individual), feel free to include the name of your group instead. 🙂

Email – Your email won’t be published with your article, this is only for contact purposes

Upload an image for your article (if an image isn’t provided, a stock image will be used)

Drag and drop or click to select a file.

Return to Contents

– Thank you to the Community from Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust (HCBT)

Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust (or HBCT) would like to thank you – our Hutt Valley community – for your awesome support for our annual charity Booksale event in May 2026.

Whether you donated items to us or were one of the several thousand people who took time over the weekend to purchase books, comics, magazines, CDs or DVDs, games, puzzles, a Te Omanga Hospice bag or box of items, thank you so much for helping us!

Once again, this could not have happened without our core team of HBCT volunteers who tirelessly sort items year-round to make the weekend possible and the event team who make it happen over our busiest week of the year. Also vital and greatly appreciated was the excellent support from Heretaunga College students and staff, the RAMS Yellow Bellies team, the Upper Hutt and Silverstream Lions, Probus, Upper Hutt and Petone Community Patrols, and numerous individuals who gave up their time to assist.

We also gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors –dzine Signs, Hammond Transport, New World Silverstream, Pak n Save Upper Hutt, Queen Street Pharmacy, Silverstream Pharmacy, Stuff, and Upper Hutt City Council.

Because of all of you, the fundraising event raised just over $143,000 to put back into and support our community.

(Photo shows recipients helped in recent times).

Thank you all so very much and see you again in 2027!

A “thank you” to Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/07/26

Return to Contents

COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MATTERS

For all information on past and upcoming council and committee meetings, including workshops, agendas, minutes, and other related content please visit https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/About-Your-Council/Council-meetings/Meeting-agendas-and-minutes

– 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. Please note that this article is published each week.

02/02/26

Return to Contents

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

– Member Meeting 15 July 2026 – Lew Rohloff

Report and Guide to Discussions

Simplifying Local Government’ – ‘Head Start Pathway’

Members will be aware of previous, failed initiatives aimed at ‘Amalgamation’ of the geographically neighbouring, four (4) cities making up the metropolitan complex of ‘Greater Wellington’.¹

Driven by strong, unambiguous community determination to resist relative subjugation in a political arrangement where priority and other direction will favour larger populations: Upper Hutt, while participating in collective infrastructure projects, has firmly stood aside from complete absorption into a larger ‘super city’ arrangement.

Government presently is engaged in ‘bulldozing’ local councils into a re-organisation of local government aimed primarily at creating enlarged asset based, borrowing power. Government has decreed that if councils do not submit their ‘preferences’ for amalgamation with neighbouring councils or other reorganisation as a ‘unitary authority,’² by 9th August 2026 then Government will impose its preferred arrangement on that local Council and its neighbouring Councils.

Upper Hutt, therefore, is in immediate risk of being ‘dragged’ into a ‘super city’ by a precipitate political convenience that is woefully abstract and does not conform to acceptable standards for public consultation.

Upper Hutt City Council, in the short interval available to it, during the period 2nd to 17th June, invited public feedback before charging council staff with the unenviable task of formulating a ‘considered’ option for adoption by councillors and submission by 9th August 2026; in time to avoid the arbitrary implementation of central government’s own preferred re-organisation outcomes.

“This timeline comes with the implied threat that community preferences regardless, Government will decide for us.”³

In a 30th June report Upper Hutt City Council indicated it received 455 responses to questionnaire. Of these, “9% supported combining councils regardless of the outcome, 50% were open to change only if outcomes clearly improved, 35% did not support combining councils under any circumstances and 12% were unsure or needed further information.”⁴

As Council has not published any of the 455 individual responses the public is left wondering whether the exercise encouraged any public submission seeking an assessment of any alternative solution to the ‘super city’ option. Such inspired input, if it did emerge, should be publicly acknowledged and the public assured it will be tested in quantifiable terms. This must be done; with the outcome weighed alongside any provisional model council has already referred for staff evaluation.

Any architect of natural land forms will recognise that the whole character of the Hutt Valley changes dramatically North East of the Taita Gorge. With less intensive housing and industrial development and its unique forest parks; let alone its guardianship responsibility for the Hutt River Catchment area: Upper Hutt is not homogeneous with Hutt City, Wellington or Porirua.

We suggest the longer term potential for realisation of the economic future of Upper Hutt derives from its natural environment and exist in forming a ‘unitary authority’ with neighbouring Kapiti Coast District Council, perhaps even incorporating Horowhenua District Council. This would provide an administration which consolidates protection of the western and southern watersheds of the Tararua Ranges and, further, is recognised as the local authority hosting the national highways ‘gateways’ linking Wellington with the Wairarapa and Central North Island.

The people forming the community of Upper Hutt deserve the pride attendant with guardianship of the Tararua Ranges. They surely deserve more than minor influence as the least populated backyard of a financially challenged ‘super city’

There might well be other plausible options!

If so, these need to be explored and feature as worthy of consideration in the ‘Head Start’ proposal to be submitted by 9th August 2026. All options must be kept ‘open’ pending full disclosure and community participation in full consultation.

We look forward to hearing more of the implications and, perhaps, additional re-organisation options from our guest speaker, Rachel Kingi; a well-known local researcher and community consultant.

¹ ^{Wellington City, Porirua City, Hutt City and Upper Hutt City}
² ^{An authority which undertakes the existing responsibility of both Local Councils and Regional Councils.}
³ ^{The author’s own considered interpretation of the edict’s underlying implications}
⁴ ^{The excess percentages arise from the inclusion of a multi-choice question.}

Authorised by:

Lew Rohloff
Vice President

Mail to: lew.rohloff14@gmail.com

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

08/07/26

Return to Contents

SPORTS

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

– Ask the Mayor and a Councillor hotseat sessions: 10.30 am – 11.30 am, Sat 25th of July

Come meet Mayor Peri Zee!

Mayor Zee and other Councillors will be available for an informal chat about what is happening in the Upper Hutt community.

If you have an idea for a project or an initiative you would like to see happen, or if you have a more serious concern, come along and share your thoughts with the Mayor.

For general feedback about Upper Hutt City Council services, contact Council online or call (04) 527 2169.

For feedback about our library services, contact us online or call us on (04) 527 2117.

Source: Upper Hutt Libraries

04/05/26

Return to Contents

– Fergie Founders 60-Year Reunion Lunch: 3rd of October, 2026

Fergusson Intermediate Foundation Pupils 1966 are having a 60th reunion in Upper Hutt on the 3rd October . We have contacted 40 of the 200 people so far and they are travelling from across the country and Australia .
We are trying to reach more .

Foundation Pupils ( only )
Registration is $35 Main Street Legal Solicitors Trust Account BNZ account number 02-0772-0031691-002
Reference Fergusson Intermediate Founders
And name.

Contact Fiona for more information – text only: 0211205961

A “thank you” to Fiona Armstrong-mcIntosh for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/07/26

Return to Contents

– Public Meeting: Tuesday 21st of July, 7.30 pm

To Form a residents Lobby to:

Say No to Amalgamation and Central governments unenforceable 9^th August Deadline.

Form a water users’ watchdog group to monitor and

STOP Tiaki Wai under delivering and overspending. And oppose volumetric water meters.

Where / When: King Lion Hall, King St, Upper Hutt 21^st July 7:30 pm

contact Teresa Homan tshoman@kinect.co.nz

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

08/07/26

Return to Contents

– Mad for Marshmallows at Staglands: 4th of July – 19th of July

Our yummy winter marshmallows are back and for a limited period only, during the July School Holidays, we will be giving them away FREE to all visitors!

Toast your own on the cosy Barn campfire and enjoy some wild cooking in the great outdoors.

Offer available 4th – 19th July with admission only.

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

17/06/26

Return to Contents

– Upper Hutt Greypower Annual General Meeting: Wednesday 29th of July, 1.30 pm

A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff, Vice President of Upper Hutt Greypower for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/07/26

Return to Contents

– Upper Hutt Greypower Meeting: Wednesday 15th of July, 1.30 pm

A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff, Vice President of Upper Hutt Greypower for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

07/07/26

Return to Contents

– Upper Hutt Multicultural Festival 2026: 1st of August, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

Upper Hutt Multicultural Council invites you to the Upper Hutt Multicultural Festival 2026 – a vibrant celebration of the many cultures, languages, and traditions that call Upper Hutt home.

This annual event brings our communities together to honour and uplift the richness of our shared diversity.

Let’s come together for an afternoon of fun, connection, and kai.

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

08/07/26

Return to Contents

– Wheels and Canes meeting dates in Upper Hutt- Last Wednesday of every month: 10.30 am – 12.00 pm

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

Return to Contents

– Heather Newell community presentation

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

Return to Contents

– Lane Park Church Drop-In Centre: Mondays, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

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.

All welcome.

Need more information? Please contact dropin@laneparkchurch.nz

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

03/06/26

CONTENTS

Thanks for sending an article to The Upper Hutt Connection. 🙂

Share this: