Wednesday Edition – 1st of July, 2026 – The Upper Hutt Connection

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

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

5,350 people receive The Upper Hutt Connection Wednesday Edition through Facebook or by signing up to the mailing list.

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– No more deposits at Camp Road after the closure of the Kiwi Bank / Post Shop

With the closure of the Post Shop / Kiwi Bank branch on Camp Road on the 17th of June, Kiwi Bank deposits can no longer be made in Upper Hutt. The nearest operating Kiwi Bank locations are now in Stokes Valley at the Stokes Valley Pharmacy, and in Lower Hutt at the branch in Queensgate.

A “thank you” to Nigel Mander who requested for this article to be put up on The Upper Hutt Connection.

24/06/26

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www.artisanarcade.co.nz

artisanarcade.upperhutt@gmail.com

– Police urge caution following multiple potential overdoses

Attributable to Inspector Wade Jennings:

Today Wellington Police have attended five incidents where individuals are believed to have overdosed on a substance that is thought to be GHB, commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy.

Sadly, one person has died in relation to this matter.

Three others remain in hospital, and one other person has been treated and discharged from medical care.

These incidents have occurred across the district, from Miramar, Brooklyn, Johnsonville, and Upper Hutt.

An investigation is underway and Police are treating the matter as a priority given the risk to the public.

Police are urging the public to exercise caution, and anyone who may have this type of substance are urged not to consume it.

If you, or someone you know, are feeling unwell, please go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently.

People are able to get support by calling free and confidential services, such as:

Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
Narcotics Anonymous: NZ 0800 628 632
1737 – free text/phone to speak with a trained counsellor
Youthline: 0800 376 633

Source: New Zealand Police

27/06/26

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– Representation Review – Have your say: Submissions close 29th of July

Want to have a say on how we vote?

We’re beginning a Representation Review, which is something we’re required to do every six years. While there are wider conversations happening around local government reform, we still need to make some important decisions for Upper Hutt by September.

We’re asking for your thoughts on:

Which voting system you’d prefer for the 2028 and 2031 local elections (First Past the Post or Single Transferable Vote)
Whether Upper Hutt should establish a Māori ward for the 2028 and 2031 elections
The geographical areas you feel connected to and that best represent your interests
Whether Upper Hutt should use wards, at-large representation, or a mix of both in future elections

Your feedback will help inform Council’s decisions and ensure the voices of our community are heard. The decisions made on voting systems and Māori wards will apply to the 2028 and 2031 local elections.

Take a few minutes to have your say by 29 July and help shape how Upper Hutt is represented in the future: letskorero.upperhutt.govt.nz/rep-review-2026

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

29/06/26

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– Send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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

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

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

The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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

The Upper Hutt Connection is always looking for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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– SeniortTech Skills named as a finalist at this year’s Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards

SeniorTech Skills is thrilled to be named as a finalist in this year’s Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for Upper Hutt. The group will join with other nominees across a range of sectors representing contributions to the community on 4 August. SeniorTech Skills encourages older people to be confident with technology and keeping themselves safe online. We look forward to celebrating the event with other nominated community groups.

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

29/06/26

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– Upper Hutt Finalists at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2026

22 (City of Upper Hutt) Squadron Air Training Corps
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington
Carols in Harcourt Park
Upper Hutt City of Song
Citizens Advice Bureau Upper Hutt
Crafting Threads of Aroha
Forest and Bird – Upper Hutt
Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust
Heretaunga College Girls’ Football Team / Heretaunga College Relay for Life
Hutt Valley Singers
I Have A Dream Upper Hutt
Kickstart
LaddersUp
Mahinga Kai Composting (4 A Better City Charitable Trust)
Maidstone Intermediate Student Referees
Ngā Manako ō Pūrehurehu
Nourish Trust
Pinehaven Potters
ReloadFX Upper Hutt
Seniortech Skills Upper Hutt
Silverstream School Trappers
Stockdale Farm
The Graveyard Shift
The Hub Social Coffee Shop & Op Shop
Timberlea Community House
UHub Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt Autism Group
Upper Hutt City Football
Upper Hutt Community Badminton
Upper Hutt Community Patrol
Upper Hutt Food Week
Upper Hutt Foodbank
Upper Hutt Housing Charitable Trust
Upper Hutt Junior Rams RFC
Upper Hutt Menzshed
Upper Hutt Musical Theatre
Upper Hutt Piano Trust
Upper Hutt Repair Cafe
Upper Hutt Roller Skating Club
Wellington Naturist Club
Wesley Thrift Shop

Source: Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards

27/06/26

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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

– Upper Hutt at a Turning Point – Barry Wards

A recent Gallup report on local government across Australia and New Zealand suggests councils are at a turning point – and Upper Hutt is unlikely to be immune from the same pressures.

The report highlights four converging challenges: tightening finances, growing responsibilities from central government, difficulty attracting and retaining skilled staff, and a steady erosion of community trust. These are not abstract issues. They show up in everyday experiences – the condition of roads, the pace of infrastructure upgrades, housing availability, and how responsive councils feel to residents.

Perhaps most striking is the shift in public sentiment. While most people still say they are satisfied with where they live, that satisfaction has declined to its lowest level in nearly two decades, alongside falling confidence in local economic conditions and the affordability of housing. For a growing city like Upper Hutt – balancing development, affordability, and quality of life – this should give pause.

The report also reinforces something many here will recognise: councils are being asked to do more with less. In New Zealand, council debt has risen significantly faster than revenue, widening the gap between expectations and capacity. Locally, this tension is evident in debate over rates, infrastructure investment, and future growth. It raises a simple question: are we aligning our expectations of Council with what we are willing (or able) to fund?

Encouragingly, the report is not all negative. It identifies “bright spots”, particularly the importance of leadership, strong organisational culture, and genuine engagement between councils and their communities. Where councils invest in their people, communicate clearly, and recognise contributions, they build the trust that ultimately underpins effective local governance. For Upper Hutt, this suggests a few reflections for the future

First, trust matters as much as infrastructure. The relationship between residents and Council shapes how decisions are received and whether difficult trade‑offs are accepted.

Second, workforce capability is critical. If councils cannot attract or retain planners, engineers, and other specialists – something the report flags as a growing challenge – then even well‑intentioned plans will struggle to be delivered.

Third, we should think carefully about priorities. With finite resources, clarity about what matters most, and what may need to wait, becomes essential.

Finally, there is an opportunity. Upper Hutt is a community with a strong identity and engaged residents. If the Council can combine clear communication, realistic planning, and a focus on community wellbeing, it can navigate these pressures better than many.

The Gallup report does not prescribe easy answers. But it does remind us that the future of our city will depend not only on funding and policy, but on trust, capability, and the conversations we are willing to have now.

Barry Wards

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

24/06/26

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SPORTS

– Weekend football results: Saturday 27th of June / Sunday 28th of June

A weekend impacted by weather and the All Whites game meant a number of fixtures were postponed, but for those who did play, here’s how it went.

MEN’S 1ST TEAM

Dominant. Clinical. 6-0 over Waterside Karori. Huge effort from the boys.

WOMEN’S TEAMS

A tough weekend for both sides with losses for the 1st team and Reserves, but the character in this group is never in question. The Reserves showed real improvement in the second half and are finding their feet. We reset and come back stronger.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

A mixed bag of results across the age groups. The U14 TDP picked up a solid 3-1 win, the U15 TDP earned a well-deserved 0-0 draw against Phoenix Women’s Reserves, and the U17 TDP battled to a 1-1 draw. A tough day for the U15 Girls, but every game is a lesson.

Big thanks to everyone who got out there this weekend. More football to come.

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

29/06/26

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

– Jo Morgan, Adventurer, Biker and Mountaineer: Thursday 9th of July, 5.15 pm

This is a night not to be missed!

We are very lucky to have Jo Morgan for Bike Night at the Motorcycle Centre, Nicolaus St on the 9th of July.

Jo is an adventurer in the true sense of the word.

Since 2001 with a first trip to the Himalayas, along with her husband Jo has covered 155 countries (inc China and North Korea!) and ridden between 200 and 300,000 KMs. Her last trip was West Africa last year.

When at home here in Wellington she loves to ride her favourite bike, A bright yellow Ducati.

In addition to riding motorbikes here and abroad Jo is also an accomplished mountaineer!

Its guaranteed to be an informative and entertaining presentation about the highs, lows and even scary moments of riding round the world.

BBQ (gold coin) starts from 5.15 and Jo’s presentation will start around 6, with plenty of time for questions.

Bike Night is held at the NZ Motorcycle centre on Thursday nights (fortnightly). Its an opportunity for motorcyclists to get together, for socialising, BBQ and often planned events with speakers or sometimes rides.

Contact the Motorcycle centre for more information 021 082 89789

A “thank you” to Bike Night – NZ Motorcycle Centre for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

26/06/26

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

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

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

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

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

17/06/26

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– Ofania Symposium 2026: Wednesday 1st of July, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

Kupega o Moana is a Pacific-led organisation supporting whānau through culturally grounded health, wellbeing and community services. Its upcoming Ofania 2026 symposium will bring together professionals, families, mums and babies for a vibrant day of learning, connection and support around the wellbeing of Pacific babies and the first 2,000 days of life. For more information, visit Kupega o Moana | Pacific”

A “thank you” to Michael Sua from Kupega o Moana for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

08/04/26

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– Wellington Regional Stamp, Coin & Postcard Fair: Knox Presbyterian Church, 574 High Street, Lower Hutt | Sat, Jul 18 2026, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

_{Andrew McNiven, Wellington Regional Stamp Show Organising Committee}

If you are in to stamp, coin or postcard collecting, or need advice on a collection you have inherited, come along to the fair on Saturday 18 July 2026 10am to 4pm at Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Lower Hutt.
New and experienced collectors, young and old all welcome!

10 dealers buying and selling
6 stamp, coin and card collecting clubs on site
Workshops for beginners and experienced collectors
Displays of stamps and related material – over 1100 pages
A cafe on site with great food and hot drinks for a winter’s day
Free Entry

A “thank you” to Andrew McNiven, Wellington Regional Stamp Show Organising Committee for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

29/06/26

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– What’s on at Whirinaki Whare Taonga? July 2026

Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

_{Retrieved from Whirinaki Whare Taonga}

Little Landscapes: 8 and 9 July 2026 | 10.00am – 2.00pm
Free entry. No bookings required

A fun, hands-on watercolour workshop for kids inspired by the art of Nugent Welch.

Lunchtime Live!: 14 Jul 2026 | 1.00pm
Entry by donation

A series of lunchtime concerts given by performance students from Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music.

Enjoy some of the finest young musicians in the country.

Lunchtime Live! is brought to you by Whirinaki Whare Taonga, The Upper Hutt Concert Grand Piano Trust and Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University of Wellington.

Programme:

14 Jul: Strings | 11 Aug: Voice | 8 Sep: Winds and Brass | 6 Oct: Piano

Entry by donation. Proceeds to the Upper Hutt Concert Grand Piano Trust.

Classical Expressions: The Elouan Quartet with Bridget Douglas: 16 Jul 2026 | 7.30pm
Tickets from $35.00

THE ELOUAN QUARTET with BRIDGET DOUGLAS

“Mata-Au” This programme moves between the rich Romantic lyricism of Amy Beach and Arther Foote, the contemporary fluidity of Salina Fisher’s Mata-Au (inspired by the Clutha River), and the rhythmic energy of Alberto Ginastera’s folk-infused Impresiones de la Puna.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s string quartet anchors the programme, offering a timeless contrast to the surrounding works. Audiences will be immersed in a journey through soundscapes that evoke flowing rivers, twilight atmospheres, and dynamic folk rhythms. With a strong connection to water and place, this programme resonates deeply in Aotearoa, where waterways are both culturally and environmentally significant.

Amy Beach Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet, Op.80
Salina Fisher Mata-Au (for string trio)
Arthur Foote A Night Piece for Flute and String Quartet
Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet No.6 in B-flat major, Op.18
Alberto Ginastera Impresiones de la Puna (for flute and string quartet)

ABOUT THE GROUP

The Elouan Quartet is a newly formed string quartet comprised of NZSO players. The quartet’s first tour was in May and June of 2024, representing the NZSO across New Zealand in the orchestra’s annual Setting Up Camp tour.

Jessica Oddie Violin
Anna van der Zee Violin
Alexander McFarlane Viola
Ken Ichinose Cello
Bridget Douglas Flute

Supported by Chamber Music New Zealand

Book through iTICKET

Talk and Tour with Darcy Nicholas: 26 Jul 2026 | 4.00pm

Hear insights from Darcy Nicholas about his work spanning more than six decades.

Carnivorous Plant Society: 26 Jul 2026 | 8.00pm
Tickets from $25.00

A psychedelic exotic jazz band featuring vibraphone, tuba, harmonica, pan flute and more – all brought to life against a stunning backdrop of hand-drawn animations.

Book through iTICKET

Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

30/06/26

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

Location: 22 Lane Street, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

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

All welcome.

Need more information? Please contact dropin@laneparkchurch.nz

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

03/06/26

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