Wednesday Edition – 17th of June, 2026 – The Upper Hutt Connection

Website: uhconnection.co.nz
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Contact the editor at: editor@uhconnection.co.nz

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– A thank you to Paul Deere from Upper Hutt Foodbank

A huge thank you from Upper Hutt Foodbank to Paul Deere at Silverstream New World for his generous donation he delivered last week

To those people who took part in the Family to Family Appeal, the Upper Hutt Foodbank is most grateful and thank you for your generosity.

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

10/06/26

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www.artisanarcade.co.nz

artisanarcade.upperhutt@gmail.com

– Arbor Day celebrated at Trentham Memorial Park with the planting of 400 native trees

Thank you, Upper Hutt!

Last Friday, our community came together at Trentham Memorial Park to celebrate Arbor Day by planting 400 native trees.

A special thank you to Forest and Bird – Upper Hutt, who have partnered with us on this annual initiative since 1995. Together, this long-standing community collaboration has helped protect and restore the unique taonga that are Barton’s Bush and Domain Bush for future generations to enjoy.

We’re also grateful to the students from Fergusson Intermediate School, our staff, and Forest & Bird volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and helped make this year’s planting day a success.

Every tree planted is an investment in a greener, healthier Upper Hutt. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

15/06/26

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– Coming soon: new opening hours for Central Library

From Monday 22 June, Central Library will have new opening hours. We have reviewed how and when our community uses library services, looking at usage data and customer feedback received since the last review in 2019.

Opening hours at Pinehaven Library will stay the same across opening days and times.

New opening hours at Central Library

The opening hours shown below apply from Monday, 22 June 2026.

Monday	9.00am-6.00pm
Tuesday	9.00am-6.00pm
Wednesday	9.30am-6.00pm
Thursday	9.00am-6.00pm
Friday	9.00am-5.00pm
Saturday	10.00am-4.00pm
Sunday	10.00am-4.00pm

Why are we making this change?

These small adjustments to the opening hours better reflect when our customers want to visit. We often have a queue at the door before 9.30am on a weekday, but late nights and weekend mornings are very quiet.

We are keeping the 9.30am opening time on Wednesday for all-staff training sessions and meetings.

Mā te wā, we hope to see you soon

Thank you for your support while we settle into the new opening hours. Whether you visit us regularly, or come in every so often when the reading mood strikes or to attend an event, we hope to welcome you in again soon!

Source: Upper Hutt Libraries

15/06/26

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– Fire at Salvation Army Family Store on Sunday

On Sunday afternoon, 14/6/2026, the team at The Salvation Army Family Store on Queen Street, were alerted to a fire that had been intentionally lit at the back of the store.

Thankfully the store was closed, and no one was hurt. The store does have extensive damage to the back sorting area and smoke damage is throughout the shop, meaning a loss of donations.

Family Store Managers, Che & Jenny, along with the other staff and volunteers want to express a massive thank you to the fire fighters and police that responded and are continuing to investigate, along with the people from the community who turned up to help and offer support.

Donations are still being received, but the store will be closed for a few days for shopping (maybe the rest of the week), as this all gets sorted.

Also, this week is national volunteer week, (13th – 21st June) a chance for us to celebrate our volunteers and thank them. So, if you are in town and close to the store, popping in and passing on your concern, well wishes and prayers, would be a massive morale boost for the team.

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

16/06/26

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– How is Tiaki Wai different to Wellington Water?

By Tiaki Wai Board Chair Will Peet

Tiaki Wai is being established to fix long-standing, region-wide issues caused by decades of underinvestment in water infrastructure.

As we get closer to the start date of 1 July, when we take over the job of delivering and managing water services from Wellington Water and councils, there are a lot of questions about how Tiaki Wai will be different.

Some things won’t change. Water that’s safe to drink will still come out of the tap, and when you flush the toilet, the waste will still be taken away and dealt with.

The difference will be in the way the organisation is set up – Tiaki Wai has new and different roles and responsibilities to Wellington Water.

Ratepayers will become Tiaki Wai customers. You’ll call us to report faults or ask questions, rather than going through your council.

You’ll also pay for water services directly rather than through council rates. You may have seen some promotion in recent weeks, building awareness for Tiaki Wai. While a lot of people are taking an interest, we know from research there are still many who haven’t yet registered what’s changing. It’s important everyone knows about these changes and understands what they need to do as a result.

We understand the change to a separate water bill is causing some anxiety; but it is part of setting up Tiaki Wai to be independent from council short-term funding cycles and competing priorities.

Tiaki Wai will be able to make more sustainable, long-term investment and borrowing decisions with a singular focus on maintaining and improving water infrastructure and services.

Tiaki Wai is council-owned, which means that the assets we become responsible for on 1 July will remain publicly owned. It also means that we will not make any profit. Funds from your water services bills will directly support work to fix longstanding issues with our pipes, reservoirs, treatment plants, and other essential infrastructure, and help our region up for the future. Any surplus funds will be reinvested in providing sustainable, reliable water services.

Tiaki Wai will operate within strict boundaries. We are acutely aware of the importance of every dollar and will focus on delivering value for money

We are accountable to the community through the Partners Committee. We will be required to regularly disclose consistent, comparable information about our costs, investment, performance, and financial position to the Commerce Commission and our customers. We will report to the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai on the environmental performance of water supply and wastewater networks. Sharing this information will ensure Tiaki Wai is making prudent investment decisions, that the approach to borrowing is sustainable and that water charges reflect underlying costs.

Tiaki Wai is taking on Wellington Water staff to ensure that essential services continue and experience and expertise isn’t lost. But Tiaki Wai is operating under new leadership from the Tiaki Wai Board and from Chief Executive Michael Brewster, who has many years of experience in leading infrastructure reforms, including water services.

Under this new leadership, Tiaki Wai is working towards improving asset management and decision making, based on a step up in the quality, accessibility and use of asset data.

There will still be a lot of work to do to continue building the new organisation after July, especially when it comes to setting up essential systems. Improvements to our water services and infrastructure will take time. But the current structure isn’t working. Without long-term investment and improved management, the region will face more frequent infrastructure failures, higher repair costs, greater environmental and public health risks, and reduced resilience for future generations.

Change is needed, and it’s underway.

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

10/06/26

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– “National Volunteer Week” – Redirecting our Organisation to better serve our Community

Our meeting next month will be devoted to our 2026 Annual General Meeting; an occasion where we review our activities during the past year and commit to programme for 2026/27 and onwards.

Throughout the past decade our local and nation-wide advocacy has been unable to maintain its former high-profile recognition before local and central government as the ‘foremost advocacy group’ for ‘older people’ and their families.

At its height our financial membership New Zealand wide exceeded 90,000 individuals, the majority representative of the ‘60–70’ years cohort, with a strong sense of community cohesion and retaining the ‘management’ and ‘people’ skills accumulated through their personal contributions to a relatively stable national economy. At parliamentary level our advocates were influential and their entreaties were recognised as a ‘barometer’ to the mood and preferences of an engaged electorate.

The process of aging has decimated our ranks. Attrition has reduced our financial membership to approximately 30,000 and our ‘leadership’ resources are in need of replenishment with newly retired, competent and community- minded volunteers. The unique platform for expression before local and central politicians of positive provision for fundamental well-being imperatives still available to Grey Power spokespeople, needs to be embraced by newly retired ‘champions’ and regrouped for effectiveness in a changing economic environment.

Grey Power New Zealand Federation is committed to reconstruction and vitalisation of our advocacy services. It will take determined effort to revive our former ethos. An ‘election’ year is a good time to restore our resolve and dispel any remaining apathy by articulating the ‘fundamental’ requirements of an inter-dependent society where ‘people’ considerations are not ‘submerged’ by commercial interest.

In the meantime, at local level we have to consolidate and operate within our fragile ‘people’ resources. We have managed to hold together an outstanding ‘caretaker’ core within our management committee but as individuals they could be incapacitated by quickly deteriorating health. There are immediate vacancies across the full complement of ‘officers’ and ‘committee members’; either as fully competent and very welcome ‘ready to serve’ candidates or younger talent needing introductory support from our core ‘caretaker’ group.

Social isolation is best avoided and participation in our community is best achieved by bringing like-minded older people together at regular frequency, encouraging them to maintain their electoral franchise to ensure their grandchildren will continue to find opportunity in a ‘people friendly’ economic environment.

Following withdrawal or displacement from the ‘job market’ everyone is on a journey to eventual dependency on their community for physical and emotional support.

These considerations are our reasonable expectations of the support we might seek from the communities we have faithfully served in our ‘productive’ life-times. We can but hope our community leaders will hear our appeals, endorse their worthiness and help us encourage participation by our future ‘champions’ by resisting ‘higher authority’s’ present attempt to bypass the fundamental rules of social order to facilitate a ‘failing’ economic system.

Authorised by:

Lew Rohloff
Vice President
Upper Hutt Grey Power Association

mail to: lewrohloff14@gmail.com

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

16/06/26

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– Send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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– Tax-free public transport for workers if their employers opt in

Wellington workers could save about 30% on public transport if their employers join a new tax‑free scheme.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has launched the scheme with fintech company Extraordinary. It allows employees to allocate part of their pre‑tax income to a transport card for bus, train and ferry fares. Inland Revenue approved the model last year.

For every $50 of pre‑tax income used, the employee’s take‑home cost is about $31. Annual savings could exceed $900.

Employer‑provided public transport through the scheme is exempt from Fringe Benefit Tax. Employers pay $50 per participating employee per year but do not pay Kiwisaver contributions on the allocated income. Extraordinary says the scheme becomes cost‑neutral if employees allocate at least $28 per week.

Metlink passengers can now use the Extraordinary card to tag on and off services and buy monthly passes. The card can also be added to digital wallets.

Deloitte, Victoria University of Wellington, Kiwibank, Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council have opted in. The council is encouraging workers to ask their employers to join.

Extraordinary says the scheme could increase public transport use, support office attendance and reduce carbon emissions.

Source: Janhavi Gosavi / New Zealand Herald

12/06/26

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– Tiaki Wai ready to take on infrastructure challenges

Tiaki Wai Board Chair Will Peet says the Wellington region’s new water organisation is looking forward to getting on with the job of delivering resilient water services for the region while keeping costs as low as possible.

“This coming year our communities will see Tiaki Wai spending around $800 million. About half will go into replacing and upgrading aging pipes and other critical assets, and foundational technology systems. The rest goes to delivering services across the region; that is keeping water coming out of the taps and safely manging wastewater and stormwater,” says Mr Peet.

From 1 July, the way water services are funded will change, as Tiaki Wai takes over assets and debt from Wellington, Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Porirua City and Greater Wellington Regional Councils, and property owners start paying directly for water services rather than through rates.

“Our work will be funded through a combination of water services charges (approximately 55 percent), borrowing to spread capital expenditure costs over time, and other fees and charges including growth-related charges,” says Mr Peet.

The Water Services Strategy 2026/27 released today shows that the average increase in charges across all four cities will be about $5.60 a week above what people have been paying through their rates. This is lower than initially projected.

The average water services bill for 2026/27 across all four cities will be $2,390 – a 13.3% increase on the $2,100 currently paid through rates. This is lower than the 14.7 percent increase projected in the draft strategy in March. Future increases will also be less steep than projected.

“We heard strong concern from the community about the projected charges and reviewed our budget and investment plans to adjust the balance.

“We know another $5.60 a week will still be hard for those on fixed incomes. We also know that awareness and understanding of the problems we are facing increases with every sewage overflow or water leak.

“It’s becoming increasingly visible just how far we have fallen behind and how much it will cost us all to catch up and keep up with maintenance and upgrades.

“We know we must get on with the job of fixing long-standing, region-wide issues at a pace the community can support,”

Tiaki Wai will take on responsibility for over 6,800 km of pipes, more than 20% of which are in poor or very poor condition. Tiaki Wai will also take on responsibility for 140 drinking water storage reservoirs, four drinking water treatment plants, four wastewater plants and 354 pump stations.

“Many of these assets are aging and at risk of failing because of decades of underinvestment.

“We estimate it will take around $25 billion investment over the next 30 years to deliver the safe, reliable water supply and clean harbours and beaches our community expects.  

“Every dollar counts. We are taking a hard look at how we can improve the way we manage investment and operations to drive down the cost of delivering improved infrastructure.   Where significant decisions and investments were set before our establishment, we are testing them and making changes where justified.

 “We know we need to demonstrate to our customers, partners, and stakeholders that we are responsible financial and asset managers.  We also welcome independent Commerce Commission scrutiny to give communities and customers confidence in how we are operating,”  says Mr Peet.

Background

In the current financial year (2025/26) the average residential water charges paid through rates across the four cities is $2,100. 

The confirmed charges in the final Water Services Strategy for 2026/27 is an average across the four cities of $2,390. This is an increase of 13.3 % or about $5.60 a week. 

The exact amount will vary from city to city and property to property, in the same way rates vary. 

Future forecasts

The 2027/28 increase is projected to be 16.1 %, considerably lower than the 28.9 % projected in the draft Strategy.

The projected water services charges in a decade (2035/36) are approximately 10 % less than projected in the draft Strategy.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates and may change, as Tiaki Wai develops better information to inform investment plans.

Partners Committee provisional estimates

The final figures are a few dollars different to the provisional estimates presented to the Partners’ Committee on 29 May. This is due to further modelling using councils’ updated data, taking into account growth in the rating base, changes in property classifications, relative movements in residential and commercial property values, and the mix of fixed, capital value-based and volumetric charges.  

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

16/06/26

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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

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

– 3 waters and Tiaki Wai – Similarities and the undemocratic take over… : Stephen Dol

Most Upper Hutt ratepayers know little or nothing about the proposal to transfer our water assets to Metro Water (Tiaki Wai). For a decision with such far-reaching consequences, that should concern every resident.

These assets were not gifted to us by Wellington bureaucrats or regional planners. They were paid for, built, and maintained by generations of Upper Hutt ratepayers. Yet the Council appears prepared to transfer control without first securing a clear and informed public mandate.

Many residents are still asking basic questions. Will rates be reduced proportionately if water services are transferred? What safeguards exist against rising water charges? Who will be accountable if costs exceed projections?

The lack of public awareness is itself an indictment of the process. Consultation is not achieved by quietly advancing a proposal and hoping people discover it. Genuine consultation requires informed consent.

Many residents see Metro Water (Tiaki Wai) as Three Waters under another name. Looking at a comparison it is a fair observation and the Council has failed to properly address it.

If councillors are confident this proposal is in Upper Hutt’s best interests, they should put their case directly to the people and seek a clear mandate through a referendum.

Background Information:

Feature	Three Waters (Labour Government proposal)	Tiaki Wai (Metro Water / Local Water Done Well)
Ownership of assets	Assets transferred to large regional water entities	Assets transferred to Tiaki Wai, a council-controlled organisation
Geographic scope	Large multi-region entities across NZ	Wellington metropolitan region
Water services covered	Drinking water, wastewater, stormwater	Drinking water, wastewater, stormwater
Direct council control	Reduced; decisions made through regional governance structures and independent boards	Reduced; operational decisions made through a regional entity and independent board
Governance role for iwi/mana whenua	Formal representation through Regional Representative Groups	Mana whenua represented through the Partners Committee
Ability to borrow	Significantly increased compared with councils	Significantly increased compared with councils
Water charges	Expected to move increasingly toward user-pays charging	Water charges billed separately from council rates
Local ownership claim	Public ownership retained	Public ownership retained through council ownership
Legislative basis	Three Waters Reform Programme	Local Water Done Well legislation
Elected representatives involved in governance	6 council representatives on each Regional Representative Group	5 council representatives (one from each council shareholder) on the Partners Committee
Unelected representatives involved in governance	6 mana whenua representatives on each Regional Representative Group	Representatives from 2 mana whenua partners on the Partners Committee
Ratio of elected to unelected governance representatives	6 elected : 6 unelected (1:1)	5 elected : 2 unelected (based on current partner structure)
Who appoints the operational board?	Regional Representative Group (6 council representatives + 6 mana whenua representatives)	Partners Committee (5 council representatives + mana whenua representatives)
Number of board members	Independent professional board; size varied by entity	Minimum 3, maximum 7 directors (currently 4 directors)
Are board members elected by the public?	No	No
Can voters directly remove board members?	No	No
Day-to-day operational decision-makers	Appointed board and management, not elected	Appointed board and management, not elected
Direct voter ability to replace key decision-makers	Indirect only, through elected representatives on governance bodies	Indirect only, through elected representatives on governance bodies

Looking purely at governance structure, the strongest similarity is that in both models:

The public does not elect the operational board.
The public cannot directly remove board members.
Operational control rests with appointed directors and executives.
Governance includes both elected council representatives and unelected mana whenua representatives.

The strongest structural difference is that:

Three Waters used a 50/50 council–mana whenua governance model (6:6).
Tiaki Wai uses a governance structure in which council representatives are the majority (5 council representatives and 2 mana whenua partner representatives, based on the current arrangement).

A “thank you” to Stephen Dol for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

10/06/26

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– AMALGAMATION – WHAT IS THE REAL QUESTION HERE? – Rachel Tukaki Kingi

Over the past few weeks I have attended community meetings, spoken with councillors, corresponded with the Mayor, watched public Q&A sessions and spent considerable time reading the Government’s Head Start local government reform documents.

What has struck me is that much of the public discussion appears to have become focused on one question:

“Do you support amalgamation?”

The more I learn, the more I think we may be asking the wrong question.

Many of us hear the word amalgamation and immediately think of a Wellington super-city stretching from Kāpiti to the Wairarapa, with Upper Hutt reduced to a ward within a much larger organisation.

Our council is trying to engage with the community, but we still seem to be receiving mixed messages. A lot of the discussion appears to focus mainly on working with Lower Hutt, Wellington and Porirua, yet the Government’s own reform documents suggest the conversation is much broader than that.

First, it is important to understand what we have today.

Upper Hutt City Council is a Territorial Authority. It is responsible for local roads, parks, libraries, planning, community facilities and many of the services residents interact with every day.

Alongside us sits Greater Wellington Regional Council, which is responsible for public transport, flood protection, environmental regulation, regional parks and other region-wide functions.

In other words, we already operate within a two-tier system of local government.

The Government’s reform programme is asking councils to consider whether there are better ways to organise those responsibilities in the future.

Many residents assume that means amalgamating several councils into one large metropolitan authority. However, another model already exists in New Zealand.

Councils such as Nelson City, Tasman District, Marlborough District and Gisborne District are Unitary Authorities. They perform both local council and regional council functions within a single organisation. There is no separate regional council sitting above them.

That raises an important question.

If the Government’s objective is to simplify local government and reduce duplication, is the discussion really about creating a Wellington super-city, or should we be exploring whether there are other ways to reorganise regional functions while preserving local councils and local democratic representation?

At recent community meetings I have heard many residents express concern about Upper Hutt losing its voice, identity and ability to influence decisions that affect our city.

Those concerns are valid.

But I also think the public conversation has become trapped between only two options:

• Keep everything exactly as it is; or
• Become part of a larger Wellington metropolitan authority.

I believe there are other possibilities.

What if reform focused on the regional layer of government rather than the territorial councils themselves?

What if Greater Wellington’s functions were redistributed while local councils remained independent?

What if some services continued to be shared regionally while communities retained local democratic representation?

What if Upper Hutt explored different partnerships and governance arrangements rather than assuming a Wellington–Lower Hutt–Porirua model?

Having looked further into the options, I believe Upper Hutt should be actively exploring a unitary authority model as part of the Government’s reform process.

Such a model could preserve local democratic representation, strengthen accountability, remove duplication between councils, and allow Upper Hutt to retain greater control over decisions that affect our community.

Reform is coming and our goal should be to ensure that any new structure strengthens Upper Hutt’s ability to govern itself while collaborating effectively with neighbouring communities where it makes sense. And, not to become a suburb within a larger metropolitan authority.

The Government has given councils just three months to submit proposals. Even our own Mayor has acknowledged that the timeframe is insufficient to properly assess costs, benefits and risks before communities are consulted.

That makes it even more important that residents understand the full range of options that may exist.

The future of local government should not be determined by fear of a super-city. Nor should it be driven by assumptions about what reform must look like.

Instead, we should be asking a better question:

What governance structure will best serve Upper Hutt residents over the next 30 years?

For me, that means seriously exploring whether Upper Hutt could become, or be part of, a unitary authority model that keeps decision-making as close as possible to the people it serves.

Before we decide on the answer, we need to make sure we have considered all the possibilities.

Rachel Tukaki Kingi
Upper Hutt Resident

A “thank you” to Rachel Tukaki Kingi for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

15/06/26

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– Growth at What Cost for Silverstream and Pinehaven? – Barry Wards

There is no doubt that Upper Hutt, like many growing areas, needs additional housing. Developments such as Silverstream Forest promise new homes, investment, and the opportunity for more people to enjoy this part of the region. That is something many of us can support in principle.

However, the scale and nature of this particular proposal invite a deeper conversation about what kind of growth our community actually wants – and what it may cost us over time.

For those who live in Silverstream and Pinehaven, this development is not abstract. It has the potential to significantly reshape these communities, with some estimates suggesting it could effectively double the number of homes in these areas. Recent strategic discussions highlight that Silverstream already faces material pressures, including congestion on State Highway 2, reliance on constrained links such as the Silverstream Bridge, and limits in public transport capacity. If these pressures already exist, what confidence do we have that infrastructure can keep pace with growth of this scale? And how will aspirations such as resilience and emissions reduction be realised in practice, rather than remaining purely strategic intent?

Beyond infrastructure, there are equally important – if less tangible – questions about the impacts on the character and social fabric of these communities. Many people have chosen to live in Silverstream and Pinehaven because of their environment, their pace, and their sense of space and connection to nature. A development of this scale will inevitably change those dynamics. The question is not whether change should occur, but whether it is being approached in a way that genuinely recognises and respects what already exists and the reasons people value it. What will be gained – and just as importantly, what may be lost?

Environmental considerations also deserve careful and sustained attention. The proposed roading through the Silverstream Spur would pass through an area that, while currently pine-dominant, contains regenerating native biodiversity. This raises questions not only about the immediate footprint of the road, but about wider ecological processes that could be disrupted. If there is a long-term community aspiration for this area to become a significant biodiversity and recreational asset, how do we reconcile that with the permanent fragmentation that a road will introduce. Once altered, these environments are not easily restored, and the cumulative impacts – through habitat disruption, increased predator pressures, and greater fire risk associated with expanded housing – are likely to be felt over time rather than immediately.

I also raise some concern about how the level of community support has been characterised. Promotional material suggests strong backing, while describing opposition as being limited to a very small number of people (“a dozen or so”). That framing risks being both dismissive and reductive and does not sit comfortably with the expectation of respectful community engagement. It raises a simple but important question: how has this level of support actually been assessed? For a development of this scale, it is reasonable to reduce differing views to such a narrow portrayal, or should we expect a more transparent and balanced account of community sentiment? Minimising concerns does not resolve them – it risks undermining trust in the process itself.

None of this is to suggest that development should not proceed. Rather, it is to suggest that this proposal – because of its scale, its location, and the terrain it traverses – is not easily comparable to others. It presents a unique and complex set of trade-offs between housing, infrastructure, the environment, and community character. It is, in many respects, unique, and should be treated as such. Can we confidently apply lessons from elsewhere, or does this development require a more tailored and cautious approach?

As a community, this is an opportunity – perhaps a necessary one – to pause and ask some harder questions. Are we confident that infrastructure and services will keep pace? Do we fully understand the environmental implications, particularly for areas like the Silverstream Spur? Are we comfortable with the trade-offs being made between housing, open space, and biodiversity? How will our daily lives and local character change over time? And are we satisfied that all voices are being fairly and accurately represented in the conversation?

Good development can enhance a community. But that outcome is not automatic – it depends on careful planning, honest engagement, and a willingness to confront complexity rather than simplify it. These are not easy discussions, but they are essential ones. The decisions made now will shape these communities for decades to come and deserve to be approached with that in mind.

A “thank you” to Barry Wards for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

12/06/26

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– THE NEW WATER LORDS: Stephen Dol

A public explanation should be judged not by its length, but by how well it protects democratic accountability and the rights of the people.

A recent letter to UH Connection, from Tiaki Wai board Chairman Will Peet, devoted considerable space to reassuring residents that the new water entity will deliver better infrastructure, greater investment, and improved long-term planning.

Few would dispute that our water network needs attention. However, his letter relies heavily on a particular narrative: that decades of underinvestment make the transfer of water assets and decision-making powers to a new regional entity both necessary and desirable. I question that and a Commission of Enquiry may reveal the truth.

What is striking is not what his letter says, but what he leaves unsaid.

Mr Peet’s repeatedly describes Tiaki Wai as “publicly owned,” yet avoids discussing the practical transfer of control. Local communities funded, built, and maintained these assets through generations of rates. From July, key decisions about charges, borrowing, investment priorities, and asset management will be made by an organisation further removed from direct electoral accountability.

We are told that Tiaki Wai will be accountable through reporting requirements, regulators, and governance structures. Those mechanisms may provide oversight, but they do not answer a simple question: if residents disagree with major decisions, what meaningful influence do they have?

The letter also presents a choice between Tiaki Wai and continued infrastructure decline. That is a false dilemma. The real debate is not whether investment is needed, but whether the solution requires transferring authority away from elected local councils.

Another notable shift is the language itself. Residents are no longer described as ratepayers and owners of community assets, but as customers. That is not a minor administrative change. It reflects a broader change in how the board sees the relationship between the public and the infrastructure they will take over.

Most people accept that water services must improve. What many are less comfortable with is being asked to surrender local control in exchange for promises of better management, greater borrowing capacity and uncontrolled costs back to them.

The question is not whether change is needed. Rather how will the true owners retain a meaningful say and influence over decisions and how the asset is governed.

Those who pay should consent. Those who govern should be accountable to them.

That issue deserves far more public discussion than it has received.

A “thank you” to Stephen Dol for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

12/06/26

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– “Where to Now! with TiakiWai” – Lew Rohloff

Commencing with our submission to Upper Hutt City Council’s Long Term Plan on 24 April 2024, we have continually sought from both local and central government; intervention sufficient to protect ‘older people’ and other ‘low income’ households from the unaffordable impact of local government rates, including the costs arising from Water Reforms (‘3 Waters’ and ‘Local Water
Done Well’ schemes).

Neither agency has been prepared to adequately consult on this critical issue. Local Government has proceeded on Government advice to avoid full consultation on the ‘water reform’ proposals and has sheltered behind the legislative provisions introduced to ‘shut down’ full ‘public participation’ in traditional consultation on Annual Plans.

Local government has been complicit in rapidly proceeding to implement a ‘fait accompli’ and the subterfuge has largely escaped notice of an uninformed community. Now, within 13 short days households throughout the former Wellington Water service area will incur their first charges under the new ‘TiakiWai’ regime.

We have not failed irretrievably our appeal for a better solution to this unacceptable outcome and are not alone in our campaign for a reasoned and lasting solution to this issue. There is growing public identification with the protest rallies of the Stop TiakiWai’ organisation and the continuing ‘calm and dignified’ analyses of ‘N Z Empowered.’

This is an unacceptable breach of democratic principle and the parliamentary opposition have been less than vigilant in resisting this departure from fundamental procedure. For the immediate future the public has been outmanoeuvred but the unfairness, inequity and inherent unsustainability in the charging model devised to recover the costs of ‘water reform’ impacting on households, will act as a catalyst for continuing wide public dissatisfaction.

Access to safe drinking water is a tenet of life on this planet. We are not opposed to centralisation of ‘water service entities’ per se. Rather, it is too important to be consigned to a simplistic funding model based on ‘user charges’ criteria.

Water services rank with ‘vote health’ demanding recognition as a first level ‘guardianship’ responsibility of central government. ‘TiakiWai’ should be substantially funded directly from taxation revenue. No other funding model will deliver fairness, equity and sustainability.

Political party candidates in the forthcoming general elections will each need to be challenged to commit to an early revision of the ongoing funding requirements of ‘Water Reforms’ and, indeed, redirection to the public purse of the ‘growth’ and ‘pre-treatment’ cost components; along with other nationally integrated infrastructure investments presently devolved to local government.

Authorised by:

Lew Rohloff
Vice President
Upper Hutt Grey Power Association

mail to: lewrohloff14@gmail.com

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

16/06/26

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SPORTS

– 2026 Murray Cup held at Maidstone Park on Sunday

Upper Hutt Petanque Club held their 2026 Murray Cup tournament at Maidstone Park on Sunday 14th June 2026. This cup was donated by our very own Doc and Eileen Murray in 2019, and is a Mixed Doubles tournament. This year there were 8 teams entered, and they played 4 x untimed games, with a lunch break after the 2nd game. Being untimed, some games lasted well over an hour which meant some players had quite long breaks between some games, but the weather was dry with little wind so a pleasant day in the park for all with a cooler late afternoon. Geoff and Linda were unlucky enough to have 4 games that all lasted well over an hour and a half each, so they were pleased to get home and put their feet up.

Dave and Adrienne Gwerder took the first prize and the trophy with 4 wins and a differential of 39, whilst Brian Smith and Mary Khalil were runners up with 3 wins and a differential of 28. Warren and Sheryl Edmonds came in 3rd with 3 wins and a differential of 18. This was a first for Warren and Sheryl to play together competitively and we hope to see them together at more events in the future. They are a lovely couple with obvious talent for the game, complimenting each other well. Full results are in the table below.

Thanks again to all the helpers, spectators, participants, and of course Doc and Eileen who presented the trophy and prizes.

Source: Upper Hutt Petanque Club

15/06/26

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– A “thank you” to the volunteers at KartSport Wellington during National Volunteer Week

It’s National Volunteer Week! And that means it’s time to say a MASSIVE thank you to the people behind the scenes that make our club tick! Without our army of volunteers who show up rain, hail, or shine…Work late nights, weekends, evenings after their day jobs, early mornings…The answer is simple, we just couldn’t drive around in circles fast!

Our team is one of the best in the country and they put in hundreds of hours collectively each month supporting our club.

Thank you volunteers!

PS: We are always keen for more helpers

Source: KartSport Wellington

15/06/26

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– Football results for the weekend: Saturday 13th of June / Sunday 14th of June

What a weekend across the club!

Cup weekend meant a rest for our Men’s and Women’s 1st teams and Men’s Reserves, but plenty of action everywhere else.

Men’s 3rds picked up a big one, taking down Vic Uni Reserves 3-2 to move up to 2nd on the Cap 2 table. Nice work, lads. RJ’s battled hard for a 1-1 draw against Island Bay Reds.

Masters was a mixed bag this week. The Saints were the standouts with a dominant 9-0 against Karori, and the Antiques got the job done with a 5-3 win over Tawa. A tough day for the Tin-Men and Marauders, but that’s football.

Women’s Reserves and 3rds both had difficult weekends, but with the second half of the season ahead, there’s plenty to play for and we back them to respond.

Youth Development gave us plenty to smile about. The U14s and U15 Girls both took wins, and the U17s held firm for a 0-0 draw. Great stuff from the young ones this weekend.

Proud of the effort right across the club. Now we turn our attention to a big round of home football this weekend. Come down and support!

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

15/06/26

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– Rams results for Saturday 13th of June

Source: Upper Hutt Rams RFC

15/06/26

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– Upper Hutt Chess Club wins against Kapiti in their annual match

This year’s annual chess match between Upper Hutt Chess Club and Kapiti Chess Club took place on Monday evening in Upper Hutt. The first round was close, with Kapiti leading by 7 to 6; but in the second round Upper Hutt came back to win 8 to 5 and therefore overall to win by 14 to 12. Players were matched with opponents of similar ability and most of the games were very close, several coming down to the last few seconds on the timing clocks. Normal Monday night competition within the club will resume next week.

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

10/06/26

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

– Age Concern Social Connection coffee group: Wednesday 8th of July and 12th of August, 12.00 pm

Location: Heretaunga Community Church, 51 Lane Street, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

Source: Age Concern Wellington Region

12/06/26

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– Ask the Mayor and a Councillor at Pinehaven Library: 18th of June, 10.30 am – 11.30 am

Location: Pinehaven Library, 56 Pinehaven Road, Pinehaven, Upper Hutt

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.

The elected members in attendance will be Mayor Peri Zee, Cr Tracey Ultra, and Cr Hellen Swales.

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.

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

16/06/26

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– Celebrate International Yoga Day at Suburban Fitness: Sunday 21st of June, 10.00 am – 11.30 am

Location: Suburban Fitness: 15 Main Street, Upper Hutt

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate International Yoga Day 2026 with a rejuvenating morning of yoga, breath work, mindfulness, and connection.

Led by our experienced in-house instructor Vijay, this session is open to all levels, whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or have been practising for years.

Stretch, breathe, unwind, and connect with your community.
Koha entry

Spaces are limited, so register via the link to secure your spot https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScykeLrIp4jmrdPADxi66WizGzV3wEkzoJ9JbWvI9orMcwDAQ/viewform?usp=header

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

16/06/26

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– Supporting Our Local Students Representing New Zealand – Quiz Night Fundraiser: Friday 26th of June, 7.00 pm

_{Paula Glen – Representing Whānau of players | Floorball New Zealand}

Who loves Floorball?

UPPER HUTT’S YOUNG MEN ARE HEADING TO SINGAPORE!

We’re incredibly proud to share that 8 young men from Upper Hutt colleges have been selected for the New Zealand Men’s U19 Floorball Team and will represent Aotearoa at the AOFC Qualification Tournament in Singapore this August.

The team will compete against Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore for one of three qualification spots at the 2027 U19 World Championships in Latvia.

Representing New Zealand is an amazing opportunity, but it also comes with significant costs for these young athletes and their whānau. Together, our local players are working hard to raise funds to help get them to Singapore.

QUIZ NIGHT FUNDRAISER
Friday 26 June
Upper Hutt Cossie Club
7.00pm start

Gather your friends, family, workmates, sports team, or neighbours and enter a table! We’d love to fill the room with local support while raising funds for our young athletes.
There are also other ways to support, including our popular pie fundraiser and upcoming exhibition match.

Find out more, book quiz tickets, or support the team at: www.whanaufundraising.co.nz

Every share, ticket purchase, donation, and word of encouragement helps these young men chase their dream of representing New Zealand on the international stage.

Thank you, Upper Hutt, for getting behind our local athletes!

A “thank you” to Paula Glen – Representing Whānau of players | Floorball New Zealand for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

11/06/26

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– U-PLAY holiday events: Monday 6th of July – Saturday 18th of July

Explore, play, create

U-PLAY is back with a bang these winter holidays!

Rain or shine, our action-packed programme of free and low-cost events for tamariki (kids) and families is guaranteed to keep the winter blues away.

Join us for active fun on the court with Pickleball at Love Pickle Club, and on the field playing Rugby with Hurricanes Poua. It’s not every day you get the chance to meet and learn from some amazing pro players.

Little Landscapes run by Whirinaki Whare Taonga is all about exploring colour and creativity. More hands-on fun awaits at Dawn’s Atelier, with sticker workshops and trinket box sessions hosted by Upper Hutt artist, Dawn Duthie.

Last but not least: make sure to visit Upper Hutt Libraries for yarn craft sessions, cosy storytimes, and lots of opportunities to play, try out new things, explore art techniques, and keep busy.

Find out more at https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/community/u-play

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

16/06/26

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– Upper Hutt Grey Power meeting: 17th of June, Wednesday 17th of June

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

09/06/26

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– Upper Hutt – Take a Week Off Mowing and Support a Great Cause!: Weeks commencing 29th of June, 20th of July, and 10th of August

Crewcut Hutt Valley is proud to be supporting the Upper Hutt College 1st XI Girls Hockey Team as they work towards attending their Winter Tournament.

For the weeks commencing:

29 June
20 July
10 August

We are offering one-off lawn mowing services to Upper Hutt residents, with 90% of proceeds going directly to the team.

Lawns from $40 – $80 (depending on size property size up to 800m2)
Suitable for regularly maintained lawns only
No need to commit to ongoing services
Limited booking spaces available

Every lawn mowed helps these hardworking young athletes get one step closer to representing their school at Winter Tournament.

Book your spot today before they fill up and enjoy a week off mowing while supporting local youth sport.

Crewcut Hutt Valley Region

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

12/06/26

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– 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

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– 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

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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

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