Council has this week appointed Bruce Robertson as the first Independent Chair of their Risk and Assurance Committee.

Robertson comes with a wealth of experience and is currently Independent Chair of a number of councils throughout New Zealand, including Dunedin City Council, New Plymouth District Council, South Wairarapa District Council, Kapiti Coast District Council and Gisborne District Council.

Bruce previously served as the Independent Chair of other major metro councils’ Risk and Assurance Committees including Auckland Council and Wellington City Council.

“UHCC is thrilled to have someone of Bruce’s calibre and experience be the inaugural Independent Chair of the Risk and Assurance Committee,” says Mayor Peri Zee.

“Having an Independent Risk and Assurance Chair is recommended by the Auditor General to ensure public money continues to be appropriately spent”.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

16/05/26

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Wellingtonians will gain access to a huge new recreation and conservation wonderland under proposed plans to develop the Silverstream Forest in Upper Hutt.

The family behind Guildford Timber Company (GTC) has owned the Silverstream Forest since 1926 and wants to transform it from a pine plantation to a new sustainably-built Upper Hutt suburb with space for between 1500 – 2000 new homes spread across five neigbourhoods.

Only 35% of the 313-hectare site would be used for housing development, including roads, with the remainder being publicly accessible green space featuring more than 180 hectares of existing and regenerating native forest.

Director Craig Martell says the development is purposefully designed to draw people into nature, with the masterplan providing for 16km of walking and mountain biking trails that would connect with neighbouring reserves, stretching into Lower Hutt and south to Wainuiomata.

“This project has been nearly 20 years in the making and still has some hurdles to clear, but we’re genuinely excited to now be in the position to showcase more of our vision with Wellingtonians,” Mr Martell says.

“We have mapped out a mixed-density development that reflects our ethos of living with and in nature. We have always wanted to open the site up and bring the public into the forest to enjoy it themselves, whether to walk, bike or just relax.

“Over the past 30 years GTC has been gradually replanting the forest with natives, with more than 30,000 trees already planted to date and more to follow as the pine forest is felled. Our dream is to create predator-controlled reserves on site that will eventually be suitable to rehome Kiwi and other native wildlife.”

GTC’s plan involves staging the development over five phases and 15+ years, helping to tackle the 90,000 new homes Wellington is going to need to manage its anticipated population growth through to 2050.

“In total, this would be a roughly $1.5 billion investment in Wellington. We estimate up to $480 million will be spent in the local economy, directly creating 200 full-time construction jobs for at least 15 years and indirectly supporting hundreds of more jobs in local companies,” Mr Martell says.

“Having spent several years listening and learning from the local community we know there are some who hold genuine concerns about whether Upper Hutt’s physical and social infrastructure can handle this project. We have tackled a lot of these core questions recently and will be providing answers for the community on our website this week. Importantly, this is fully funded private infrastructure, with zero cost to ratepayers, and further upside including the potential to upgrade water infrastructure that serves the wider area.”

For the development to proceed, GTC is asking Upper Hutt City Council to enable a roading corridor on the Silverstream Spur to connect the new suburb to the railway network, State Highway 2 and other facilities.

The new road would use approximately 10% of the 35-hectare Spur – land which is nearly entirely unmanaged exotic pine forest. In doing so it would unlock the whole of Silverstream Forest for public use and native regeneration, creating a substantial net ecological benefit.

“We have been guided by the Council on this project since 2007 and while last year’s election brought change, we remain confident that Silverstream Forest is exactly the type of development the region needs given the clear recreational, environmental and community benefits it will deliver.

“Ultimately, this comes down to whether we enable access through a small portion of pine forest to unlock a much larger area of native bush, recreation assets and new quality, affordable homes for the region. We look forward to working with the community to make it happen.”

A “thank you” to Christian Bonnevie from Shanahan Partners for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/05/26

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Kia Ora everyone, here’s a rundown of road works in Hutt CBD from Friday May 15-22.

• Marsden Street (between Railway Avenue and Bridge Street): contraflow traffic system in operation at all times. Reduced parking in this area.
• Underside of Ewen Bridge: Contractor personnel will direct cyclists and pedestrians as necessary.
• Queens Drive / High Street roundabout (near McDonald’s): closed until December 2026 as part of the SH2 Melling Transport Improvements project.
• Melling Link Bridge: Slip lane onto Rutherford Street is open with traffic management in place.
• Connolly Street northbound: Closed to vehicles travelling from the Melling Road roundabout to Mills Street. Please follow detours.
• Connolly Street southbound: open to traffic with speed restrictions.

As always, if you’re out and about in the city centre during peak periods, remember to factor in extra time for your journey. Please follow all directional signage, and consider navigation apps when planning the best route on the day.

Metlink continues to encourage commuters to catch a bus or take the train. It reduces pressure on the road network, lowers emissions, and can be a quicker journey. Use the journey planner on the Metlink app, and find your fare at Metlink.org.nz

Source: Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering RiverLink

15/05/26

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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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My family has been part of Upper Hutt for nearly a hundred years. The Goodwin family founded the Guildford Timber Company and helped build the suburb of Pinehaven. Their descendants, have been planting native trees, controlling predators, and quietly caring for the forest above Silverstream ever since. Streets in Pinehaven bear their names. The forest bears their fingerprints.

So when I talk about the Silverstream Forest Housing Development, I’m not talking about a developer arriving from outside to extract value and leave. I’m talking about a family that has spent over a century investing in this place and now wants to share something genuinely extraordinary with the people who live here.

The Silverstream Forest site covers 313 hectares above Pinehaven and Silverstream. It is one of the last large greenfield sites in single ownership in the Wellington region. It has been earmarked for housing growth in every major Upper Hutt City Council strategy since 2007. Our plan is to develop roughly 35% of it for housing – around 1,500 to 2,000 new homes, built over 15 years – and turn the remaining area into accessible green space, including walking tracks, mountain biking trails, children’s playgrounds and protected native forest reserves.

That last part doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We are proposing to open 182 hectares of regenerating native bush to the public – land that is currently private and inaccessible to the general public. Ruru have been spotted on the site. Kererū, tūī, kārearea, and korimako are all present. We already run predator control across the forest, and our long-term ambition is to create habitat suitable for kiwi reintroduction. This is not a development that threatens nature. It is a development that funds the protection of it.

The recreational opportunity alone is significant. A new 16km network of walking and mountain biking trails, connected to the Hutt Valley’s existing trail systems and extending toward the Remutaka Rail Trail, would become one of the finest recreational assets in the region. The Wellington Mountain Bike Club already backs the project for exactly this reason.

On the economic side, the numbers are straightforward. This is a minimum $1.5 billion private investment in the Wellington region. We will spend roughly $180 million on new infrastructure – roads, water, wastewater, stormwater systems. Up to $480 million will flow into the local economy through construction, materials, and services. Two hundred permanent construction jobs will be created for the 15-plus-year life of the project. The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce supports the development for these reasons, and the business community is ready to back it publicly.

Now, the question I hear most often: what does it cost ratepayers? The answer is nothing. All infrastructure is privately funded by GTC – not a dollar of ratepayer money is required. In fact, the water infrastructure we will install to service the development would include upgrades that benefit the wider Silverstream and Pinehaven area. These communities have been waiting for those improvements for years.

I understand that growth can feel unsettling. When people look at the hills above Silverstream and imagine 1500-plus new homes, it’s natural to worry about traffic on already-busy roads, or whether the stormwater system can cope, or whether the schools and GP clinics will stretch. These are fair questions and we take them seriously.

The development is engineered to be stormwater-neutral. Unlike today, the water will be managed and that means the risk of run-off and landslips will permanently reduce. Retention ponds, rainwater tanks, low-impact surfaces, and extensive native vegetation planting are all integral to the design. If the engineering doesn’t stack up, the project simply will not receive consent.

The development is deliberately staged, with the first neighbourhoods designed specifically for people who will walk to Silverstream Station and commute by train. The site is a 10-minute walk from the station, far closer than most Wellington suburbs are to their local rail link. That is not an accident; it is the design, as we want to enable residents to reduce car dependency.

A new suburb of this scale creates the population base that justifies investment in new schools, medical facilities, and community infrastructure. Upper Hutt’s planners have known this growth was coming since 2007. That is exactly why they planned for it.

The Wellington region needs 90,000 more homes over the next 30 years. Upper Hutt’s share of that is 8,000. So growth is coming. The question is how we manage it. Silverstream Forest is ideally located. It is connected to rail, adjacent to established communities, privately funded, and designed by a family that has a century of skin in the game.

Our city’s councillors now face a clear decision and can say yes to something that will define Upper Hutt for generations.  New homes, new jobs, new trails, protected native forest, and not a cent from ratepayers.

An important enabler of this project is the Silverstream Spur. Building a public road would require access through a small portion (roughly 3 hectares) of unmanaged pine forest. In return, it unlocks access to more than 180 hectares of native bush, along with the homes and infrastructure the region needs. That is the simple trade-off in front of Council, for a legacy that will last forever.

Matt Griffin sits on the family trust that owns and manages the Silverstream Forest through the Guildford Timber Company. His ties to the land go back to his great-grandfather.

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

15/05/26

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It’s harder to find a place to top up your Snapper Card these days – there is now a place where you can do it on Main Street in Upper Hutt. The Upper Hutt Superstore at 95B Main Street now provides Snapper Card top-ups and you can also purchase the new Snapper Cards there.

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

15/05/26

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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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So, Amalgamation… With such a short timeframe as of 3 months and already around 2 weeks gone, it is disappointing to see it is not even on the meeting UHCC agenda for Wednesday 20th May. Especially given the next scheduled Full Council Meeting is not until the 30th of June. And only at full Council meetings can you bring up things not on the agenda. So, Wednesday’s meeting and 2 more with last leaving next to no time.

Whether you are for or against Amalgamation we would suggest Councils fight for at least a year to get informed information to the Community and allow Community to give feedback. The Government has not allowed, in our opinion, Councils enough time to make a plan and ensure that that plan is well defined either by Councils, or Govt and shared with Communities for consultation.

Tiaki Wai.. Council handing over our assets which we stand Guarantor for, which is in the Billions.

With Tiaki Wai, you may be interested to know that the agenda for the Upper Hutt Council meeting this Wednesday does not list any of OUR land or assets which OUR council is transferring over to Tiaki Wai. WHY NOT????? It says it is published elsewhere but no where can we find it, nor is stated it is publicly excluded. So where is it?

Pg 102/103
https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/3/meetings/2026/cycle-2/council-agenda-20260520.pdf#page=102

If you wish to speak at council on this or any other matters here is the page council provide to inform of the process and rules – https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/council/about-your-council/council-meetings/Attending-and-speaking-at-council-meetings

Our Mayor Zee who is the chair of this meeting has made it very clear that you are not allowed to ask questions, nor are you allowed to speak on the same points that a previous speaker has spoken on. Which makes it difficult to gauge if more in the Community want to express their thoughts similar or same as others and not have one person as a lone voice on the topic. We feel this makes it extremely hard and not very open, nor transparent. But, as they say, it is what it is.

We are Standing Guarantor

Most councils have debt with and lend from the LGFA (Local Government Funding Authority), and as a borrower are part of the agreement that they are standing guarantor for the debt LGFA arranges. 

As Tiaki Wai and other water entities around NZ will all be borrowing from LGFA, councils and effectively us, are standing guarantor. 

LGFA current debt level: $30.36 billion

Tiaki Wai Revenue

26/27 reported estimate – $385 million.    

27/28 estimates with 28% increase – $493 million.

Borrowing potential $1.93 billion in 26/27 and estimated $2.46 billion in 27/28, and that we stand guarantor for. 

Then multiply this by 19 New Water Organisations around NZ – 12 in the North Island, 7 in the South Island.

28% Increase for water in 2027/2028

It has been stated that there could be a 28% increase in water charges in year 2 of Tiaki Wai, 2027/2028.  Will Peet has stated that it is not confirmed, but you have to question, if it is being signalled now will it be any lower than 28%?  

A 28% increase would be an approx. $500 increase in Water on top of the increases in 26/27.

https://www.tiakiwai.co.nz/updates/tiaki-wai-opens-the-books-on-challenges-and-costs-of-fixing-water-services

This is broadly in line with indications in the Water Services Delivery Plan published by councils in October 2025.

The exact amount will vary from city to city and property to property, in the same way rates vary. Over time, Tiaki Wai will transition toward a common pricing model, also known as price harmonisation.

Will Peet says there has to be further increases in future years to get Tiaki Wai onto a stable financial foundation.

“We are signalling a big jump in 2027/28 of over 28%, but this is not confirmed as there is substantial further work to do to refine our plans.

Tiaki Wai Partners Committee (Council) Representatives

These are the councils and Iwi representatives on the Tiaki Wai Partners Committee. We understand they have been on this committee since December 2025.

Chairperson: Dame Kerry Prendergast Independent Chair – kerry@prendergast.co.nz
Deputy Chairperson: Mayor Peri Zee Upper Hutt City Council – peri.zee@uhcc.govt.nz

Other Committee Members:
Mayor Anita Baker, Porirua City Council – mayor@poriruacity.govt.nz
Cr Simon Edwards, Hutt City Council – simon.edwards@huttcity.govt.nz
Cr Ros Connelly, Greater Wellington Regional Council – ros.connelly@gw.govt.nz
Mayor Andrew Little, Wellington City Council – mayor@wcc.govt.nz
Helmut Modlik, Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira – enquiries@ngatitoa.iwi.nz
Kara Puketapu-Dentice, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika – kara@portnicholson.org.nz

Copy and Paste these into your email if you wish to contact all representatives.

kerry@prendergast.co.nz; mayor@poriruacity.govt.nz; simon.edwards@huttcity.govt.nz; ros.connelly@gw.govt.nz; peri.zee@uhcc.govt.nz; mayor@wcc.govt.nz; enquiries@ngatitoa.iwi.nz; kara@portnicholson.org.nz

NZ Empowered

www.nzempowered.com

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

19/05/26

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Our assets are being handed over to Taiki Wai, yet not listed in any available document, also not labelled as “public excluded” . The transfer documents in the Agendas state that they are listed in other documents.  Yet we cannot find them!  Why are they not listed?

Council meeting agenda come out no more than 5 working days before a Council meeting.  OIA’s can take 20 working days for a response.  Yet here in Upper Hutt our Mayor/Chair of most meetings has made it clear that public forum is not a question and answers session, nor can you speak if a previous speaker has spoken on a topic.  Even though we believe our UHCC Standing orders are being broken and so is the code of conduct.

Here is an example of why we ask the media to get involved in this.  This is OUR’s (The Public’s) and we are the ones standing Guarantors for billions of dollars, and not just in the Wellington region.

On the 1^st April 2026 a community member in her 80’s submitted to council to highlight the fact that there is not enough information on how the new Tiaki Wai and Council Rates Direct Debt’s would work. Our Chair/Mayor broke her down and embarrassed her to the point she no longer had any path of submission to our council.

40:35 Public Forum – Elaine Chaney.  Listen carefully to the first few comments from the Chair.  Overall Chair speaks for just over a minute of the just over 3 minute submission

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9YioMZ3eG4&t=2435s

According to Council website “Public forum is intended to give members of the community an opportunity to raise matters of interest or concern with elected members. It is not, however, a question-and-answer session, and the Chair has responsibility for managing the meeting, including time limits, relevance, and the orderly conduct of the public forum.”

Yet after taking this into account we have replied to Council with the following. 

Taking this into account, it is also the chair’s responsibility to treat submitters with respect, not fabricate rules/standing orders and to seek clarification from submitter if uncertain. This was not done. Initially, as Ms Chaney is moving to the Public Forum table to speak the chair stated “ Um so Elaine is also speaking to agenda item nine. Um and welcome if you have similar points or um if you’ve made points to us in the past um you can refer back to those.” This invites Ms Chaney to raise anything what she has previously sent through to council.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9YioMZ3eG4&t=6608s

The point of sharing is that on Wednesday at UHCC full Council Meeting we believe we would be shut down.

Most councils have debt with and lend from the LGFA (Local Government Funding Authority), and as a borrower are part of the agreement that they are standing guarantor for the debt LGFA arranges. As Tiaki Wai and other water entities around NZ will all be borrowing from LGFA, councils and effectively us, are standing guarantor. LGFA current debt level: $30.36 billion Tiaki Wai Revenue 26/27 reported estimate – $385 million. 27/28 estimates with 28% increase – $493 million. Borrowing potential $1.93 billion in 26/27 and estimated $2.46 billion in 27/28, and that WE, YOU stand guarantor for. Then multiply this by 19 New Water Organisations around NZ – 12 in the North Island, 7 in the South Island.

Hutt City voted on their transfer agreement on the 13th of May and it doesn’t have the list of Land parcels being transferred to Tiaki Wai. Page 97,98, 99 Blank.. https://huttcity.infocouncil.biz/Open/2026/05/HCC_13052026_AGN_6411_AT_

Upper Hutt City Council Pg 16 specifies Land Parcels being handed to Tiaki Wai. Pg 102-103 shows the parcels are not listed but stated they are published elsewhere. Yet cannot be found. https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/3/meetings/2026/cycle-2/council-agenda-20260520.pdf

Why is there an apparent lack of transparency with the communities on assets which they own and are being handed over to an organisation which we are then standing guarantor for?

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

19/05/26

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There was plenty of Silverstream green and blue out in full force over the weekend at the Bowls Wellington Champion of Champions finals. It was fantastic to see so many of our players representing the club so well and showcasing the depth of talent we have running through Silverstream right now.

Special Feature: Clare Hendra Retains the Singles Title!

A huge congratulations to Clare Hendra, who successfully defended her title to become the Champion of Champions Women’s Singles Winner for the second year in a row!

This impressive back-to-back win marks Clare’s 16th Centre title, setting her on the way to earning her 4th Gold Star. It’s a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and success.

Strong Results Across the Board

We had fantastic representation across multiple disciplines, with our teams playing deep into the final stages of the tournament against the region’s best:

• Men’s Triples (Finalists): Glen Mudgway, Daniel Welch, and Leighton Wilding (playing for Edgar Blanche) put up a great fight to finish as runners-up.
• Men’s Fours (Semi-Finalists): Hamish Ryan, Marshall Kenny, Danny Bullen, and Simon Kenny.
• Women’s Triples (Semi-Finalists): Christine Hewitt, Jenni Hammington, and Devi Dawson.
• Women’s Fours (Semi-Finalists): Clare Hendra, Sue Critchlow, Sharon Hewitt, and Renee Bullen.

To consistently have Silverstream shirts in the mix at this level is a testament to the healthy, competitive, and supportive bowls environment we’re building together.

A massive thank you to all the club members and supporters who braved the chilly mornings to come along and cheer our players on. Having that support on the sidelines makes all the difference, and it was great to see the Silverstream club community out there together.

Well done to everyone who took part – you represented the club beautifully!

Source: Silverstream Bowls & Petanque Club

19/05/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rams-results-16th-of-may.jpg

Source: Upper Hutt Rams RFC

18/05/26

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Silverstream Bowls & Petanque had a great night on Saturday celebrating a successful year for the club on and off the Greens and Pistes.

Many thanks to all who helped make the night a success and we look forward to another great year in 2026/27.

Silverstream Bowls & Petanque Club

18/05/26

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What a day (and night!)

On Saturday we celebrated our Life Members, the people who have poured their hearts into this community over the years. It was a beautiful, well-deserved day of recognition, and we are so grateful for every single one of you.

Then as the sun went down… the quiz gloves came OFF.

A huge shoutout to our incredible quiz host Bas Jeffrey for keeping the energy alive all night, and to our amazing events coordinator Linda Colvin and her wonderful team of volunteers who made the whole day and evening possible. None of this happens without you!

A huge thank you to our amazing prize sponsors who made the evening possible:

@nzcis_ | @studio_fifty18 | @avisons_nz | @katiebeddisrealestate | @hurricanesrugby | 4Square

Quiz Night Results

1st Place: Stats Paddersons
2nd Place: Shirtless Samuel Support Group
3rd Place: Gaffas Gimps
Wooden Spoons: Quiz on my face (we respect the commitment)

And our raffle winners on the night:

Mother’s Day Raffle: Katie Beddis
Phoenix Raffle: Georgi Georgiev
NZCIS Raffle: Brendon Clent

Congratulations to everyone who took home a prize, and thank you to every single person who came out and made the day and night so special. This is exactly what community looks like.

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

15/05/26

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What a weekend across the club!

Men’s 1st put on a statement performance with a convincing win, and the Masters had an incredible day out – all four sides picking up victories. Men’s RJ’s also had a great result to round out a strong weekend for the men’s teams.

For our Women’s teams, the results didn’t go our way – but results don’t always tell the full story. We’re up against sides that have played together for years, and every week our girls are growing, getting sharper, and backing themselves more. Our 3rds scored their first goal of the season yesterday, and that’s exactly the kind of moment that builds something. These are the building blocks.

Our TDP sides were also in action over the weekend, with our U15s picking up a great win. Plenty of development and learning across the board for our young players – the pathway is alive and well.

Keep showing up, keep working, keep believing. The progress is real.

https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/uhcf-results-16th-17th-may-1.jpg

https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/uhcf-results-16th-17th-may-2.jpg

https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/uhcf-results-16th-17th-may-3.jpg

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

18/11/26

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Ready to get back on your bike, build confidence, or brush up on your cycling skills?

Join us for a FREE adult bike skills class with a qualified instructor.

During the class you’ll learn and practice key riding skills including:

• riding in a straight line, looking behind while riding, one-handed riding
• emergency braking techniques
• how to use your gears

Each session also includes a bike and helmet safety check before getting started.

There are 10 spaces available per session so bookings are essential!

Book here:

Session 1: 10.00am–11.30am:
Session 2: 12.00pm–1.30pm:

Plus, the Repair Café will be running next door with a bike mechanic on site to help get your bike road-ready.

Please bring your own bike and helmet. Participants should be able to pedal in a straight line to get the most out of the class.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

15/05/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mainly-acoustic-presents.jpg

A week earlier than our usual club night , in conjunction with Upper Hutt Music Festival 2026 .

A great night promised.

Source: Mainly Acoustic Music Club – Upper Hutt

19/05/26

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Location: First left after crossing Totara Park bridge, the group will let you in through the gate. Drive slowly, 20 kph speed limit as horse riders and other road users share the path.

A reminder that our second planting out day at the stream site will be Saturday 23 May, starting at 9.00am. Please put that date in your diary. If you can make it, that would be greatly appreciated.

Our first planting out day was a great success with about 340 plants planted out in about an hour, so that has encouraged us to aim to plant a few more this time. Even if its slightly wet, we will proceed with planting out. Morning tea provided. A family activity.

A “thank you” to the Haukaretu Stream Restoration Project for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

14/05/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/silverstream-bowls-and-petanque-season-closing-day.png

As the season draws to a close, we’re finishing things off with an Open Mixed Triples afternoon at Silverstream Bowls & Petanque Club!

Open to all Bowls and Petanque members, plus friends, family, or anyone keen to come along and give bowls a go.

• Please be at the club by 12pm ready for a fun afternoon on the green.
• We’ll also have a free BBQ sausage sizzle at the close of play.

A great chance to enjoy some social bowls, good company, and celebrate another season together. We’d love to see you there!

Source: Silverstream Bowls & Petanque Club

16/05/26

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Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks… or can you? Prepare for a wild, laugh-out-loud ride where biting satire meets theatrical wizardry. This gloriously funny solo tour de force follows a man hilariously losing face – and everything else – in his desperate (and ridiculous) quest to stay relevant.

Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

18/05/26

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Our annual Winter Warmers and Craft Fair is coming! 23 May – save the date. Smaller than our October fair, this one is all about getting us cosy for winter.

https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/st-margarets-winter-warmers-fair.jpg

Source: St. Margaret’s Church – Silverstream / Republished on request

20/04/26

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Upper Hutt Baptist Church Centre
Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
Wednesday 20th of May 2026
Commencing at 1.30 pm

Guest speaker: Heahter Newell MComms, FFINZ “AI and Future of Ageing)

Members and their family, neighbours and other supporters all welcome.

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

11/05/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/uhtl-winter-warmer-pie-fundraiser.jpg?w=724

We are taking pre orders for our Pie fundraiser from now until the 30th May.
They are single serve pies, home made with love.

The committee will be making the pies the first week in June, and freezing them.
We can do delivery around Upper Hutt for $5, or they can be picked up from the Toy Library at any opening sessions from the 5th June.

Thanks for your support.

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

18/05/26

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Every year, we team up with Wellington Airport to recognise the work of community groups in Upper Hutt. The focus of the awards is to celebrate volunteers for their valuable contribution to society.

In the first round, the Wellington region’s five councils (Wellington City, Porirua, Kāpiti, Hutt City, and Upper Hutt) recognise their local volunteer organisations in six different categories.

For the second and final round, winners from each region progress to the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards (WARCA) for the overall award in their category, and the opportunity to be named Supreme Winner. The winners are announced at an annual celebration dinner. 

The awards have been run since 2004, recognising hundreds of community groups across the region. Nominations are open during April and May each year, and there is $50,000 in awards and prizes to be won.

Nominate and be in to win

Which community group has made a difference for you? Know a volunteer-led initiative that deserves to be recognised?

Nominate a group today and go in a prize draw to win a getaway package from Rydges Wellington Airport.

For more information, please visit the page on Upper Hutt City Council’s website, or visit the visit the official Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards website.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

13/05/26

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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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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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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/laugh-with-laughing-club.png

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

10/10/25

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/oasis-centre-upper-hutt-spiritualist-centre.jpg?w=1024

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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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/st.-margarets-playgroup.jpg

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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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/rimutaka-baptist-church-playgroup.png?w=943

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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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hupstein-eng-trio.jpg?w=1024

Hupstein Eng Trio – Upper Hutt Based Guitarist

Emerging from the New Zealand School of Music, the Hupstein Eng Trio draws on the golden era of jazz, inspired by the sounds of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Chet Baker. With Hupstein Eng on guitar and vocals, Freddy Sayer on piano, and Jacob Meikle on upright bass, the trio brings any atmosphere to life through hard-swinging standards, interactive improvisation, and a groove that will make anyone want to dance.

Location: Angus Hotel, 5 Cornwall Street, Lower Hutt
Date: Wed 27th May
Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm
Tickets: Free Entry

https://events.humanitix.com/sound-stage-wed-27th-may
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CeTPbmiqF/

A “thank you” to Hupstein Eng Trio for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

14/05/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/zumba-fitness-stokes-valley.jpeg

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

16/01/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/girl-guides-volunteer-recruitment-2026.png?w=905

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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Location: Te Kupena o Rongomai Maidstone Sport Hub, Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt

Legacy is a support group for all women and we are dedicated to enhancing mental health, reducing suicide rates, building self-confidence, mana, and resilience within women in the community.

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

30/04/26

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Location: Upper Hutt Library

If you are worried about your tech skills and want more confidence with your smart phones apps – Seniortech Skills is the organisation for you. We are a friendly bunch of older people who meet every single Tuesday at the library at 1.30 to gain confidence and enjoy using new technology. We are very collaborative and enthusiastic. We can’t fix all your technical problems but we can point you in the right direction if your issue is quite technical. There is no membership fee, no obligation to attend each week, we simply ask for a donation if you are able. By the way, the library provides a cuppa!

Look forward to seeing you next week!

Heather Newell
chair, Seniortech Skills Upper Hutt

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

05/05/26

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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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Location: Upper Hutt Library

We can supply some fabrics, wool, etc. Would you like other ladies company? A hot drink? Do you craft? Would you like to learn, contribute to families, elderly people, sick people, as we try to meet the needs of the Wellington region to assist those in need?

Donations:

Do you have any wool, yarn, fabric, that you no longer want? We would be grateful if you would please consider this group to donate to charity.

Any donations can be dropped off at Upper Hutt Library.

Contact:

Julia: 0274 933 981

Brenda: 0273703949

Please come and share the happy afternoon with the ladies of our group

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

29/04/26

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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!

Lolly Log

Ingredients:

• 125g of butter
• 1/2 395g tin of sweetened condensed milk
• 250g malt biscuits (otherwise use digestives or a similar plain biscuit)
• 75g Pascall’s Explorers, cut into small pieces. (For those in North America or the UK, use Circus Peanuts in USA or Canada / use Basset’s Bananas in the UK. These have a close texture to Explorers)
• Finely desiccated coconut

Method:

1. Melt butter and combine with the condensed milk. Set aside to cool.
2. Crush malt biscuits finely. Combine with the butter and condensed milk, and the chopped Explorers, Circus Peanuts or Basset’s Bananas. Using your hands works well to make sure everything is properly mixed together.
3. Lay out a sheet of baking paper or grease-proof paper, and turning out the mixture onto it, form it into a log shape. Sprinkle the sheet with desiccated coconut and then wrap it around the log. Using it to press the coconut onto the log.
4. Place and keep in the fridge.

19/05/26

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https://uhconnection.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/10-kukupa-grove-1.png

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/wellington/upper-hutt/heretaunga/listing/5822752099

A “thank you” to Regina Niechcialkowski for sending this listing to The Upper Hutt Connection.

02/04/26

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List your items on The Upper Hutt Connection, as well as having them appear in the Wednesday Edition for only $10 a week – Be seen by all 5,181 people who receive The Upper Hutt Connection

List your car, lounge suite, house, anything above the value of $500, on The Upper Hutt Connection for the cost of only $10 a week. All communication between buyer and seller is at the responsibility of the one who listed the item – The Upper Hutt Connection isn’t responsible for any part of the sale, except for the publication of the advertisement.

Send me an image, with all the text and info included in the image itself.

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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Advertise your business in The Upper Hutt Connection’s Wednesday Edition for only $10 a week – Be seen by all 5,181 followers

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). An image, with all your business info included in the image itself. A small line of text can be included for a link to your website. 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.

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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: 695 Fergusson Drive, Elderslea, Upper Hutt

Email: upperhutt.corps@salvationarmy.org.nz

Church website: Upper Hutt Corps – The Salvation Army NZFTS

How we can help:

Worship – Sunday 10:30am

You can expect to experience family friendly worship in amongst a congregation that reflects our community.

Services usually go for just over an hour and are filled with spiritually uplifting music, scripture readings, prayers, children’s church and encouraging conversational preaching.

Welfare – Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-12.30pm

Foodbank is a friendly, non-judgemental place, to seek out some assistance to make sure the family doesn’t go without during tough times.

We can also assist with Counselling, Advocacy Services, Furniture and clothing and laundry for those sleeping rough. Please ring our office on (04) 528 6745 to make an appointment.

Addictions

The Bridge programme provides a safe, integrated, high-quality treatment service for people whose lives have been affected by the harmful use of, or dependency on, alcohol or drugs. Please contact: Upper Hutt Bridge, Phone: (04) 527 3373 or (04) 389 6566

Family Store – Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4.pm

The Family store is the place you need to donated and grab yourself a bargain. Once all the bills are paid your hard earned dollars from here goes to help those in need.

Store location: 41 Queen Street, Upper Hutt. Phone: (04) 528 6951.

Booth College of Mission

The BCM School of Bible and Mission was established to provide study opportunities to members of the public to achieve the NZQA approved diplomas. SBM students are invited to join in with the life of the college as much as they are willing and able. To enquire about study or access to the Christian library, please phone 04 5288628 or check out the website – https://bcm.salvationarmy.org.nz/school-for-bible-and-mission/

Rata Educare

Providing safe, nurturing, high-quality early childhood education in Upper Hutt, where children are encouraged to explore, grow and flourish in body, mind and spirit. 

To enquire about enrolling your child, please phone (04) 527 6929.

We also have lots of other things going on, so please feel free to drop in for a coffee and check us out. 

I am sure someone will be around for a friendly chat. 

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

19/03/26

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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

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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Drishyam 3

Running time: 157 minutes

Rated: M (Violence)

Georgekutty is no longer only shielding his family from external threats; he is guarding them from the weight of the truth itself. As new forces close in—more coordinated and relentless than before—the composure he has carefully constructed begins to fracture. The danger now extends beyond the outside world, pressing against his conscience, his relationships, and the fragile stability he has fought to preserve. As pressure intensifies, the question remains: how far is Georgekutty prepared to go to protect those he loves?

Book here: https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/movie/drishyam-3

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07h9Y1XKBWI&pp=ygUSZHJpc2h5YW0gMyB0cmFpbGVy

Passenger

Running time: 94 minutes

Rated: R16 (Violence, offensive language & horror)

After a young couple witnesses a gruesome highway accident, they soon realize they did not leave the crash scene alone, as a demonic presence called the Passenger that won’t stop until it claims them both turns their van life adventure into a nightmare.

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

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URYNySesCJA&pp=ygUWcGFzc2VuZ2VyIHRyYWlsZXIgMjAyNg%3D%3D

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Running time: 135 minutes

Rated: M (Violence)

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Directed by Jon Favreau, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” also stars Sigourney Weaver and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.

Book here: https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/movie/star-wars-the-mandalorian-and-grogu

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHWlvwu8t1w&pp=ygUhdGhlIG1hbmRhbG9yaWFuIGFuZCBncm9ndSB0cmFpbGVy

Source: Monterey Cinemas Upper Hutt

19/05/26

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