All 548 students at Maidstone Intermediate are going to receive an hour swimming lesson at the Fulton Swim School over February and March due to a generous donation of $5000 from the former Wyncourt Tennis Club in Karori.

Read the full article on Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360937346/school-hasnt-had-swimming-day-four-years-now-back-pool

Source: Stuff / A “thank you” to the Editor of Stuff / The Post who has allowed The Upper Hutt Connection to produce summaries of their articles.

12/02/26

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Over the next few months, we’ll be carrying out an Ambient Noise Survey across urban areas of Upper Hutt, including Silverstream, Māoribank, Trentham, Ebdentown, Birchville, Wallaceville and Riverstone Terraces.

An Ambient Noise Survey simply measures everyday environmental noise using specialised equipment (like the device pictured below) over a set period of time. This helps us understand what “normal” noise levels look like in these areas.

Noise standards were last reviewed in 2004, yep, the same year Facebook first launched… so it’s definitely time for an update.

The information we gather will help establish current baseline noise levels and support the development of updated noise standards as part of the new resource management system being introduced by central government.

We’re not investigating specific issues or checking compliance, this is all about refreshing our data. So if you spot one of our noise experts out and about with a handheld measurement device or one of the below in your neighbor’s backyard (we got their permission), there’s no need to worry!

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

11/02/26

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This year visitors to Upper Hutt City Council meetings, both online and in person, can expect to have an improved experience.

In the past sound quality issues within Council Chambers have made it difficult to hear proceedings clearly, especially during large or well-attended meetings, and the existing furniture and cabling have resulted in wiring creating an avoidable health and safety risk for anyone moving around the room.

Work has recently been undertaken to install acoustic panelling and replace desks with integrated, concealed wiring and power access to directly address these issues.

The acoustic improvements will ensure that all attendees — including elected members, presenters, and the public — can hear discussions and presentations clearly, supporting transparency and meaningful participation. The new desks will remove loose cabling from walkways, significantly reducing trip hazards.

Changes have also been made which enhance the visible presence of the carvings within the Chambers, corelating to an elevated mouri (life essence) of Te Kaunihera o Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta.

The narrative of the carvings that sit inside Chambers reminds us of a sacred covenant between two people, Māori and Pākeha, with the promise of a brighter future. It speaks too, of strengthening relationships, working together, maintaining strong values whilst being courageous, creative, and welcoming to new people and cultures.  

These works have been funded from existing property and facilities budgets set aside for maintaining and improving Council buildings, rather than from service delivery or community funding allocations.  

Investing in a safe, functional and inclusive meeting environment supports Council’s responsibility to conduct its business openly, safely and in a way that enables the public to engage confidently in local democracy.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

17/02/26

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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 form below. I’ll make my decision based on the majority vote on Tuesday next week (24th of February, 2026).

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NxYiTqsolxH8kgZ-Ee6oqsvQ3BwgG82hlMArQrXVoXo

Voting closes 11.59 PM, Monday 23rd of February.

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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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A group of Hutt Valley residents are launching a housing petition aimed at the government, including local MPs – the Minister for Housing, Chris Bishop, and Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins. The group is kicking off their petition campaign at the Petone Rotary Fair on Saturday 21 February.

“We’re really concerned about the level of unmet need in the Hutt Valley for housing”, says Michelle Ducat of Public Housing Futures Hutt Valley. “Our petition asks the Minister for Housing, as well as the wider NZ Government and other political parties, to commit to providing public housing for everyone in the Hutt Valley who doesn’t have decent, appropriate, stable housing. We’re asking the Government to empower and resource Kainga Ora to be able to do this”.

Ducat says there are hundreds of Hutt Valley whānau in severe housing need waiting for public housing, but there is not enough available for everyone, and this is not likely to change under current Government plans.

“At last count there were 684 families and households on the public housing waitlist for the Hutt Valley, and with the cost of living and the levels of unemployment we’re facing, the need is not likely to abate”, says Ducat. “Despite this, Kainga Ora homes in the Hutt are being sold off, there are not enough KO new builds in the pipeline, and no money has been earmarked for future builds.”

Ducat says that the undersupply of public housing means some Hutt Valley people are having to forgo food to pay rent, or live in overcrowded, unhealthy homes, or in garages, cars, or parks.

“We don’t think it’s right for members of our community to be left in those situations”, says Ducat. “It’s so fundamentally important for people to have a decent roof over their heads that it should be a top priority for our politicians to make sure that this happens by providing enough public housing – and leaving it to the private market won’t work.”

Ducat says that the Public Housing Futures Hutt Valley group will be reaching out to the Hutt community over the coming months to make them aware of the petition. “We know there is a lot of concern about poverty, housing deprivation and homelessness in our area and that people will appreciate the opportunity to make their voices heard – especially in an election year”, says Ducat. “We’re looking forward to getting our petition in front of people, gathering signatures, and delivering the petition to Bishop, Hipkins, and others at Parliament in July.”

People can find the petition online at
https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/for-a-hutt-valley-where-everyone-has-a-home or by visiting the Public Housing Futures Hutt Valley group at their stall at the Petone Fair on Saturday 21 February – they will be on Jackson Street between Fitzherbert and Sydney
Streets (opposite The Hairy Barber at 107 Jackson St and Ellen G Home Crafts at 109 Jackson St).

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

14/02/26

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Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:

Police are appealing for anyone who may have information on offending by Father Rowan Donoghue to come forward.

This comes after all suppressions for Father Donoghue lifted on 28 January 2026.

He has pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court on 13 November 2025, in relation to a number of historical offences against former students at St. Bede’s College in Christchurch, and is set for sentencing later this year.

Following the lifting of all suppression, Police have been made aware that former students of Wellington school St. Patrick’s College Silverstream, have alleged similar offending by Father Donoghue.

Father Donoghue worked at St. Patrick’s College Silverstream from 1982 to 1992.

We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.

Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.

If you have any information or would like to report similar offending, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

We can then contact you to make appropriate arrangements to discuss matters in an appropriate and safe way.

Source: New Zealand Police

14/02/26

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What’s happening next week? Read on to find out more

You might have noticed the arrival of a 60T crawler crane on site this week, this is being used for the ongoing ground improvement works and piling due to start next week. There are 128 piles to be constructed at approximately 8m deep on the western side of the river – more information on this coming soon!

We’re continuing with our environmental controls works including the construction of sediment ponds, and have also started to prepare for the relocation of the old Melling train station. We’ve completed the new lane layout on the southbound lanes of SH2 north of Melling Link bridge in preparation for the installation of steel safety barriers later in February (check out this post to find out more https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16nBhxp7HC/). Wellington Electricity works are progressing as they continue to relocate underground cables throughout the CBD.

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

• DATE TBC due to weather (currently postponed from Sunday 15 and Monday 16 February), Rutherford St will be CLOSED for nightworks 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.Jett’s Lower Hutt Gym members will still have access to the Harvey Norman car park until 9.30pm
  Note – we will update our Facebook page with dates when known.
  Wellington Electricity are relocating cables in the following locations (note all of these works are being undertaken during the day due to their proximity to residential properties):
• ongoing until mid-March, Connolly St (southbound), progressing towards Rutherford St
• ongoing until early March, Rutherford St works continue between Melling Link roundabout and Melling Road/Connolly St roundabout​
• from Monday 16 February until end of February, Dudley St will be reduced to a single lane (temporarily removing car parking). Later in February, a full road closure will be in place for a short time. Letters have been delivered to nearby residents and businesses.
• from Monday 16 February until end of February, Andrews Avenue will be closed. Letter drops for this work have been delivered today. Please note this work has been brought forward to minimise disruption when work commences on Queens Dr/ High St.
• from Monday 16 February, works begin at the Queens Drive/High Street roundabout (southern end of town nr City Fitness / the Sebel Hotel). For approximately two weeks, both northbound lanes from this roundabout up to the slip lane for Laings Rd (nr. House of Spices) will be closed, and drivers should divert on to High St, or Woburn Rd/ Myrtle St. For bus detour information, please visit: www.metlink.org.nz/detours-and-updates
• ongoing until March, Ewen Bridge on ramp from Marsden, a single lane across the bridge into the city, and the lane off the bridge into the city are CLOSED (including part of the car park on Ward St). 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. Buses are being diverted via Herbert St. Some parking has been removed in this area. Pedestrians and cyclists, footpaths on both sides of Ewen Bridge remain open.

To find out more about the progress of the Wellington Electricity works, please visit https://www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi

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

To reduce the length of these Friday traffic updates on Facebook, you will be able to find out about the long term closures on previous posts, or on our website as we will now issue this update as a weekly Traffic Bulletin to our e-Newsletter subscribers via email.

We know the current works, are affecting travel times. We’re ramping up construction and some delay and disruption is unavoidable, this is normal when road layouts change, and we expect things to take time to settle. If you’re travelling at peak times, use a mapping app to find the most efficient route for your travel, or try a different travel mode like the train to avoid delays on the roads.

We thank you for your support, patience and for travelling through our project area with care. Please factor in delays before you travel and give yourself extra time.

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

13/02/26

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

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

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

The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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Councillors will consider joining a regional joint working group to explore future governance arrangements for the Wellington region at tomorrow’s Council meeting.

The proposal follows the Government’s November 2025 Simplifying Local Government discussion document, which signalled potential structural change, and subsequent discussions among Wellington mayors about how to ensure the region’s interests are well represented.

If agreed, Upper Hutt City Council would join other councils in establishing a regional joint working group to develop next steps for information-gathering and public engagement.

The work would generate discussion and debate about possible future governance arrangements – including options such as reorganisation, amalgamation, or shared services.

Council will also consider whether to delegate authority to Mayor Peri Zee, or the Deputy Mayor as alternate, to participate in the joint working group on behalf of Upper Hutt City Council. Any recommendations or decisions arising from the group would be brought back to Council for consideration.

Mayor Zee says it is important for Upper Hutt to be actively involved in regional discussions about potential governance changes to ensure the city’s interests are protected.

“Being at the table ensures our community’s voice is heard and that we can advocate strongly for what matters most to Upper Hutt,” she says.

Mayor Zee emphasised that participating in a working group would not predetermine any future decision.

“This is about gathering information, understanding the options, and ensuring our community has the opportunity to be informed and engaged.

“Any significant decisions about governance arrangements would come back to Council and would involve public input.”

The report notes that participation aligns with the Wellington Regional Triennial Agreement and Council’s submission, and that the joint working group would work alongside mana whenua.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday 18 February at 3.30pm in the Council Chambers and livestreamed on YouTube. The agenda can be viewed here.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

17/02/26

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Engaging with Council

Engaging with councillors/mayor

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

Mayor – peri.zee@uhcc.govt.nz

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

Community and Economy Committee Chair’s

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

Other Councillor’s

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

CEO

• geoff.swainson@uhcc.govt.nz

Other helpful Council Contacts

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

Speaking Rights and Submitting at Council

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

Following links explain more :

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

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

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

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

02/02/26

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We have watched Social Media and had people contact us directly with questions on Tiaki Wai(Metro Water) and how it will be working. Tiaki Wai will be taking over from Wellington Water as of the 1^st July 2026.  There seems to be a lot of confusion and unanswered questions which people want to know.  It pains us to have so many wanting some sort of answers to their questions. So we are trying to do the best we can to provide information and answers as we know it.

We have read most of the documents available on the water transfer to Tiaki Wai and have put together some answers from what we have read.

We certainly don’t have the depth of documents that councils do, so if you want further information or clarification we suggest contacting an elected member from council.

https://www.nzempowered.com/post/water-questions-and-answers

Here is the questions we have started with

1. What are the Potential Charges from Tiaki Wai?
2. Where does the indicative $7 a day come from? Surely this isn’t right
3. How will Rates Rebates be affected by water/waste and stormwater being handed over to Tiaki Wai?
4. Will my Rates go down when water is handed over?
5. Implications for Renters/Landlords
6. Replacing the Seaview Wastepipe
7. When will the water meters be added and when will volumetric charging come in?
8. How will this work if I have a disability that requires extra water?
9. How will this work on a pension or low income?
10. Will there be rebates for those on low incomes?
11. What if I collect my own water
12. What about all the Water Loss?
13. Who will pay for Moa Point?
14. How would those households who already have meters installed on their property be charged?

NZ Empowered – www.nzempowered.com

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

16/02/26

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I thank Lew Rohloff from grey power in his letter about the cost of water, based on the premise of the human entitlement to access water. The cost of water access is not a nice to have for those who can afford it while those already facing cost of living pressures that already disenfranchise them, have limited access to it. While conservation of this taonga is the responsibility of all, proposed financial restriction to it by the introduction of volumetric water meters is not a just or equitable solution. Tiaki Wai board chair has publicly stated that volumetric water meters will be introduced but when I requested that Taiki Wai provide me with the modelling that supports this I was referred to Wellington Water as Taiki Wai does not have it. This does not give me confidence that the appointed Tiaki Wai Chair has the information necessary to have an informed opinion on his proposal to financially restrict water access. Water meters are the vehicle by which we will be charged for water use they are hailed as private property leak detectors, but this does not hold water there are other ways to identify possible leaks on private property, volumetric water meters are a costly lazy tool. We need to protest their introduction on the lack of proof that they will be of benefit in managing water conservation and the more important priority denying equitable access to water as a basic need and human right.

Teresa Homan

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

11/02/26

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What a Morning!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Upper Hutt City Football Junior FunDay! Seeing the energy and smiles from our juniors and their families is what it’s all about.

A Special Shout-Out

A massive thank you goes to our incredible Events Coordinator, Linda. Your hard work, planning, and dedication behind the scenes truly brought this day to life. We are so lucky to have you on the team!

Our Supporters

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the following organisations. Their generous donations of goods and time were instrumental in making the day such a success:

• Staglands
• H2O Xtream
• Monterey Cinemas
• Fergusson 4 Square
• Gourmet Brands
• Whittaker’s (via one of our ex-TDP coaches)
• Wellington Phoenix
• Activation
• Naylor Love

Your generosity made a huge difference for our juniors and their families. We truly appreciate you standing behind our club!

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

15/02/26

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Source: Upper Hutt United Cricket Club

17/02/26

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Congratulations to Yang Yun-seo, the first Korean to win the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship!

Final scores (top 5):

• 272 (-16) : Yang Yun-seo (Korea) 64-67-72-69
• 280 (-8) : Oh Soo-min (Korea) 70-68-67-75
• 282 (-6) : Jazy Roberts (Australia) 68-70-74-70; Rianne Malixi (Philippines) 68-66-73-75
• 283 (-5) : Yurina Hiroyoshi (Japan) 71-70-69-73

Source: Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation / Royal Wellington Golf Club

16/02/26

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Alongside Toby Wilton who we announced last week as our Men’s 1st Head Coach we are pleased to also confirm the following:

Kieran Duncalf will be returning as Men’s Reserves Head Coach, after a successful campaign last season and promotion to Cap Prem we are excited to see what Kieran does this year in his 2nd season coaching the Reserves squad.

Sam Rausch will be taking on his first Men’s coaching role and leading our 3rds Squad. After stepping down from playing for the Men’s 1st team at the end of last season we mentioned to watch this space… Sam will be back with UHCF in coaching capacity and we are looking forward to seeing his success from the sidelines this year.

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

13/02/26

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Congratulations to our 2026 Black Sheep Construction North Island Super Saloon podium!

1. 2NZ Chris Cowling
2. 34W Matt Eckersley
3. 87B Thomas Stanaway

Thank you to our naming rights sponsor Black Sheep Construction for all of their support for this class and our club!

Thank you to all of our competitors tonight – those that travelled from near and far to make this meeting what it was. It is always such an honor to host a National title, and we are proud to be a part of your season.

Thank you to our staff, SNZ staff, our volunteers and track prep team, all pulling together to make this event happen. We sure are lucky to have one great team here!

Source: Wellington Family Speedway

16/02/26

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

Source: Age Concern Wellington Region

16/02/26

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We are bringing you some of the best Bogan Film Classics as part of Bogan Day Out at Brewtown.

Featuring mullets and muscle cars, this is a loud and proud celebration of the big screen at its roughest and rowdiest, including The Castle (1997) , Goodbye Pork Pie (1981) and The Warriors (1979). Brought to you by Aro Video. Sat 14 and Sun 15 March, Tickets $15.00 at www.whirinakiarts.org.nz

The Castle

A working-class family from Melbourne, Australia fights city hall after being told they must vacate their beloved family home to allow for infrastructural expansion.

Goodbye Pork Pie

Dumped by his girlfriend, a man joins a reckless youth in a stolen yellow mini and they drive the length of New Zealand, attracting cops and media attention, determined to get to Invercargill.

The Warriors

Members of a street gang known as the Warriors must fight their way from the Bronx to their home turf on Coney Island when they are falsely accused of assassinating a respected gang leader.

Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga / IMDB.com

16/02/26

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Venue – Whirinaki, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Giant Charity Book Sale. Huge selection of good quality books in over 40 categories suit all tastes. Also, great selection of magazines, jigsaws, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records.

Come along and get your pre-winter reading at bargain prices.

Proceeds will continue to benefit the community in various ways.

Organised and run by Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust

Drop-off locations

Donations can be left at the following loactions:

• New World, Silverstream
• Pak n Save, Upper Hutt
• Our book sorting premises at Maoribank Park

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

13/02/26

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Location: Upper Hutt Central Library

Keen to stop sending your food scraps to landfill, but not sure of the best approach? It’s daunting- there’s tumblers, worm farms, bokashi bins, DIY pallet composts… how does anyone know what path to go down?

Demystify compost with Derek from Tawai Community Garden. Learn about the different composting options, and which is best suited for you.

Presentation / Q&A facilitated by Derek from Tawai Community Garden

Everyone who pre-registers will get a voucher on arrival for a subsidised compost solution, while stocks last!

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

12/02/26

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

Do you need funding for your community group, sports club, or local project?

Meet the Funders connects you with funding opportunities and available grants to help you and your group, whether you’re launching a new initiative or want to keep a current project going.

A varied range of organisations will be there to share information about how and when to apply for upcoming funding rounds.

This evening is also great for networking with other Upper Hutt groups and learning about their mahi in the community. 

Come along to get information about the following funds and organisations (amongst others):

• Nuku Ora
• Pub Charity
• Trust House Foundation / Rimutaka Licensing Trust
• Department of Internal Affairs (COGS and others)
• Aotearoa Gaming Trust
• TG Macarthy Trust

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

12/02/26

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The countdown is on – it’s less than 2 weeks to go until the Upper Hutt Night Market lights up RACE Trentham!

Get ready for an epic night out featuring:

• 30+ food trucks serving up delicious eats
• 50 stalls selling handmade & artisan goods
• Live music from Brooke Fransen
• Free car parking available
• And it’s FREE ENTRY

It’s all happening on Friday 20 February 2026, 6pm-10pm, mark it in your calendar, tag your crew, and get ready for a night full of fun!

Source: RACE Trentham Events

11/02/26

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

13/02/26

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

10/10/25

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

29/01/26

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Taoist Tai Chi sessions

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

Start any time.

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

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

13/05/25

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

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

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

09/02/26

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

Wednesday mornings during term time.

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

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

07/11/24

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

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

06/05/25

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

23/04/25

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

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

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

Morning tea for children and adults provided.

Everyone welcome

Gold coin donation

Hope to see you there

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

28/03/25

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Christmas Giveaway

Spend $20 and win up to $1000

Spend: $20 or more at a participating Jackson St business, and enter the draw to win.*

Prizes: to win – 2x $1000 / 10x $100

Pop: your entry into the in-store box or email your receipt to.. info@jacksonstreet.co.nz

Draw: First draw – 26 Nov 25 / Second draw – 22 Dec 25

Vouchers to be redeemed by 28th February 2026*

*prizes are in vouchers to spend at Jackson St businesses. Terms and conditions apply, see www.jacksonstreet.co.nz for details.

This article has been republished on request of the Jackson Street Programme.

13/11/25

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Free Parking*

Shop, dine, or unwind on Jackson Street.

SPEND $30+ at participating locations on Jackson Street and get your hour of parking free.*

VISIT multiple spots to extend your free parking!

*Free parking is provided as a discount off your $30+ purchase. See http://www.jacksonstreet.co.nz for details. Available until 28th February 2026

This article has been republished on request of the Jackson Street Programme.

13/11/25

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

16/01/26

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

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

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

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

02/02/26

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

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

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

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

28/07/25

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

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

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

28/07/25

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The service was started in 2020, to replace a similar service previously run by Red Cross. The purpose of Upper Hutt’s not-for-profit free medical driving service is to help those with limited transport alternatives at grass-roots level (ie helping those without their own vehicle, or with no available family or friends to help them get to medical appointments, usually this is the independent elderly still living in their own homes with limited family assistance available) to reach their medical appointments throughout the wider Region.

Without this service, the alternative for these people would either be, for the patient to have to pay commercial rates and take public transport (however many financially or physically can’t do this), or in some cases patients will be forced to cancel out of medical appointments due to the cost and difficulties of using alternative transport to reach remote clinic locations, such as Wellington Hospital.

So, what does the service provide?

For those without other means of transport to reach their medical appointments, Upper Hutt’s Medical Driving Service provides “door to door” transport to the patient’s medical appointment throughout the Region; often for those needing extra mobility help, this entails the driver taking the patient through to the reception area of the clinic. Drivers will then generally wait to pick up the patient and return them to their home.

We have strived to keep the service “free” for those who need us, so as to not rule it out those who cannot afford transport costs, however we readily accept donations, as these are critical to enable the service to continue to run. 

We URGENTLY need more volunteer drivers:

Most of our drivers tend to be retired people, who want to give something back to the community. Our drivers need to use their own vehicle and be a safe and careful driver, with additional ability and patience to deal with a wide range of people. Our volunteers do not get paid (we are all volunteers), but the society uses the donations we receive to reimburse the drivers for the costs of running their vehicles. 

As a driver, you also need to be a person with patience and an ability to entertain yourself while waiting, as there is a fair amount of “waiting time” involved while patients are at appointments (a good time for reading, crosswords and a coffee). Demands for our services are erratic, governed by patients appointments and your availability, so it is not the case of “same time of day / same day of week” demand. For each job, the coordinator will check you if you are available (and if you are not, hopefully another driver picks up the request), you are not bound to make yourself available, jobs accepted must fit in with your schedule; but maybe your commitment will vary from once every two weeks, through to 1-2 requests per week. Drivers need to adhere to a set of rules set down by the society and need to be comfortable driving locally, to Lower Hutt, or to Wellington, as the typical destinations). Applicant drivers may be required to submit to Police Vetting.

Enquires:

Bill 0274456992

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

28/01/2026

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Liquorland 765-767 Fergusson Drive Upper Hutt OFF Licence renewal

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

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

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

New recipe this week! Low Carb Pizza

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A webpage on The Upper Hutt Connection at only $1 a day

Is your business lacking a website, and you don’t want to bother with setting one up yourself? The Upper Hutt Connection can offer you a webpage on The Upper Hutt Connection at only $1 a day (billed at $30 a month). Include all the text, images, links etc that you like.

Advertise your business in The Upper Hutt Connection’s Wednesday Edition for only $10 a week – Be seen by all 1,192 subscribers

Would you like to advertise your business weekly in The Upper Hutt Connection’s Wednesday Edition? You can have your business advertised at only $10 a week (billed at $40 a month). Include a small paragraph of text along with a small image – OR an image alone, with all your business info included in the image itself. A small line of text can be included for a link to your website, etc. If you have a request where you’d like your ad to be placed in the Wednesday Edition then please say – otherwise I’ll use my own judgement.

Restrictions

As for restrictions on who can advertise, the only exclusion is the sex industry. Everyone else is welcome to advertise on The Upper Hutt Connection.

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

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

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

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Live for Jesus, Share his Love

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

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

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

Services are live-streamed on YouTube: Heretaunga Christian Centre

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

Email: admin@heretaunga.com

Website: https://www.heretaunga.com

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

You will find us at:

4-6 Dunns St, Silverstream, Upper Hutt

The Minister:

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

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

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

Worship services:

Our worship services take place on Sundays at 10.00am.

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

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

All are welcome.

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

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

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

Other contact details:

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

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

https://stmargaretssilverstream.org.nz

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

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Location: 2 Akatarawa Road, Brown Owl, Upper Hutt

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

Tuesdays

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

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

Wednesdays

Community craft session: 10.30 am – 12noon – Free

Bring along your craft and join us for morning tea.

Community Lunch: 12noon – Free

All welcome

Bible study: 7.00 pm – Free

All welcome to learn more about the Christian faith.

Fridays

Rimutaka Playgroup: 9.00 am – 11.30am – Donation

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

Youthgroup: 7.00 pm – Donation

Contact the church for details

Sundays

Church Service: 10.00 am

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

Sunday online recording available on YouTube from 5.00 pm

Room Hire

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

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

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

23/04/25

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Location: 35 Cruickshank Road, Clouston Park, Upper Hutt

Email Church Office: sthildasuh@gmail.com

Who we are:

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

What we do:

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

Weekly services:

Sunday 9.30am: Traditional NZ Anglican Worship

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

Thursday 10.00am: Traditional Communion Service

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

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

JANUARY SERVICES AT ST HILDA’S

Cruickshank Road, Upper Hutt
Sundays through January to Sunday 25 January
5pm Evensong, followed by a shared barbeque tea.

Sunday 1 February onwards
9.30am Normal Sunday services resume

Thursday 12 February onwards
10am Normal Thursday services resume.

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

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Location: 8 Blue Mountains Road, Silverstream

What we Believe:

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

Who we Are:

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

Service Times:

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

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

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

11/12/24

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

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

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

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

Weekly services:

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

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

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

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

Weekdays 7.00am: Morning Prayer

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

Source: St John’s Anglican Church in Trentham

18/11/25

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

Every Sunday 7-8.30 pm

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

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

Email: uhspiritualist@gmail.com

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

21/01/26

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

Worship Services:

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

Wesley Centre:

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

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

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

Parish Office:

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

Website: http://www.upperhuttuniting.nz 

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

05/11/25

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Fackham Hall

Running time: 97 minutes

Rated: M (Violence, sexual references & offensive language)

A spoof that crosses Downton Abbey with Flying High and Monty Python, Fackham Hall follows lovable pick-pocket Eric Noone (Radcliffe) as he lands a job at a unique English manor house. He quickly rises through the ranks, and a forbidden romance with lady-of-the-house Rose Davenport (McKenzie) blossoms. But when an unexpected murder occurs, Eric gets framed – leaving Rose and her family’s future perilously uncertain.

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

GOAT

Running time: 100 minutes

Rated: PG (Violence & coarse language)

From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-Man TM: Across the Spider-Verse and the artists that made KPop Demon Hunters, comes GOAT, an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world. The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball–a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”

Book here: https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/movie/goat

Whistle

Running time: 100 minutes

Rated: R16 (Horror, violence, graphic injury detail, drug use)

A misfit group of unwitting high school students stumble upon a cursed object, an ancient Aztec Death Whistle. They discover that blowing the whistle and the terrifying sound it emits will summon their future deaths to hunt them down.

Book here: https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/movie/whistle

Source: Monterey Cinemas Upper Hutt

17/02/26

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