Wednesday Edition – 26th of August, 2026 – The Upper Hutt Connection

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– Community feedback sought on the future of Hutt Valley bus services: Survey closes 6th of September, 2026

Greater Wellington is asking Hutt Valley residents to help shape the future of their local bus network as part of a review of services across the valley.

The bus network review, which opens for public feedback on 17 August and runs until 6 September, aims to balance community needs, accessibility, affordability and long-term sustainability.

Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Chair Ros Connelly says the review is about understanding what matters most to people before any decisions are made.

“The way people travel changes over time, and it’s important our public transport network evolves with our communities,” says Cr Connelly.

“We’re considering a range of options across the Hutt Valley, including some service reductions, new connections and potential service improvements, and we want to hear directly from the people who use these services.”

The review examines how the network can best balance factors such as service frequency, route coverage, connections between services, access to key destinations, and affordability for ratepayers and passengers.

Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Committee Deputy Chair Tom James says the review is an opportunity for residents to have their say on the trade-offs involved in designing a public transport network.

“There are always competing priorities when planning public transport services. Some people value having a bus stop close to home, while others prioritise faster journeys, more frequent services or better connections. We want to understand what matters most to Hutt Valley communities,” says Cr James.

Following engagement, feedback from the community will be published and considered alongside customer research, operational and financial analysis to help inform recommendations presented to Council later this year.

The community can review the bus network options and have their say online, through a survey, and by speaking with staff at community drop-in sessions from 17 August to 6 September.

For more information on the bus network options visit www.metlink.org.nz/hutt-bus-review

Provide your feedback online between 17 August and 6 September 2026

The survey is the best way to share your views and help shape the future of bus services in the Hutt Valley.

Have your say – Future of bus services in the Hutt Valley

Source: Metlink

19/08/26

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https://brendanfoot.co.nz/?utm_medium=qrcode&utm_source=billboard&utm_campaign=upperhuttconnection_homepage&utm_content=static&utm_term=bfs

Trentham – Brendan Foot Supersite

– Ofania 2026 brings community together for Pacific pēpē and whānau

Kupega o Moana welcomed whānau, health professionals, community organisations and practitioners to Upper Hutt for Ofania 2026, a Pacific symposium focused on giving pēpē and their families the strongest possible start in life.

Held at Whirinaki Whare Taonga on 1 July, this year’s theme, Prioritising Moana Babies, brought people together for a day of talanoa, learning and connection, with a particular focus on maternal and paternal perinatal mental health and wellbeing and the important first years of a child’s life.

Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad was among the speakers, alongside parents, practitioners and community voices. A highlight of the day was hearing directly from mothers who shared their own experiences of parenting, change and wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of listening to whānau when shaping the services intended to support them.

Ofania also reflected the Pacific understanding that learning happens in many different ways. Creative spaces, cultural activities, provider stalls and panel conversations ran throughout the day, while Pasifika artist Leo Semau and author Bennett Pomana were among those contributing to the programme.

The symposium also saw Kupega o Moana launch Lole the Brave Little Laumei, a new children’s resource designed to help young children and their parents talk about worry, emotions, courage and emotional regulation.

For Kupega o Moana, one of the most encouraging outcomes was seeing relationships form between whānau, community organisations and professionals who may work in different parts of the health and social service system but share the same goal.

Following the response to this year’s symposium, Ofania will return in 2027 as a two-day event, creating more space for whānau voices, Pacific knowledge, practitioners, research, creativity and collaboration.

Kupega o Moana hopes Ofania will continue to grow as a place where people can learn from one another, strengthen connections and work together to improve outcomes for Pacific pēpē and whānau.

Ofania 2027 – join the village.

kupegaomoana.org.nz/ofania

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

20/08/26

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– Paul Deere donates $7000 to the Upper Hutt Foodbank

Last Monday (17th of August) Paul Deere of Silverstream New World organised a presentation at his store and invited Du’Plessis Kaitiaki captain of the Hurricanes Rugby team and Lyn from Upper Hutt Foodbank. Also present were a number of staff from New World. Paul spoke about helping the community and the relationship with the Foodbank, he then presented Lyn with $7000 that the Foodbank can spend in the store thus helping many of those in need in the community.

The Upper Hutt Foodbank is most grateful to Paul and the team at New World for their ongoing support and thank them most sincerely for their generosity.

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

24/08/26

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– Send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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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.

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www.artisanarcade.co.nz

artisanarcade.upperhutt@gmail.com

– Staglands quad squad kids all have names

Following their star appearance on Seven Sharp and our call for help naming our two unnamed quadruplet kids, we were absolutely inundated with suggestions from our wonderful community. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send through ideas.

We’re delighted to share that all four of our famous little goats now have names!

Rocket

First up is little Rocket, easily identified by her dark colouring. Currently being hand-reared by Ranger Rocci, she’s the smallest of the four. What Rocket lacks in size, she more than makes up for in personality!

Another dainty little lady, but don’t let her size fool you. SP is an absolute firecracker! The weakest of the four at birth, she’s now literally bouncing off the walls and is endlessly curious. SP is also being hand-reared by Ranger Rocci.

Jools

Meet lovely Jools, named in honour of the late Dame Jools Topp, a true New Zealand treasure. Jools is almost identical to her sister SP, but when you see them together, she’s likely to be the bigger of the two, thanks to being raised by mum. She’s also just a little less bouncy!

Sam

Last but certainly not least is our little billy, Sam, named after another recently farewelled Kiwi legend, Sam Neill. Sam is easy to spot thanks to his slightly wonky ear and the distinctive black stripe running along his back.

You can meet Sam, Jools and Mum in the Settlement Stables, and if you’re lucky, you might also catch SP and Rocket during their daily family catch-ups.

Source: Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café

22/08/26

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– Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards: 2026 Upper Hutt winners, runners-up, and all finalists

_{Our 2026 local winners and runners-up celebrate their success and incredible contribution to the Upper Hutt community together. – Upper Hutt City Council}

Congratulations to our local winners, runners-up, and finalists of the 2026 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards!

Our local winners have now progressed to the regional stage. Regional winners will be announced in November.

Winners and runners-up

Arts and Culture

Winner: Upper Hutt Musical Theatre
Runner-up: Carols in the Park – Upper Hutt City of Song

Education and Child/Youth Development

Winner: I Have a Dream Upper Hutt
Runner-up: UHub Upper Hutt

Health and Wellbeing

Winner: LaddersUp
Runner-up: Wesley Thrift Shop

Heritage and Environment

Winner: Upper Hutt Repair Café
Runner-up (joint): Forest and Bird Upper Hutt
Runner-up (joint): Mahinga Kai Composting

Sport and Leisure

Winner: Upper Hutt Roller Skating Club
Runner-up: Upper Hutt City Football

Rising Star

Winner: Upper Hutt Food Week
Runner-up: Ngā Manako ō Pūrehurehu

Supreme Award

Winner: Upper Hutt Repair Café

Upper Hutt Finalists (full list)

22 (City of Upper Hutt) Squadron Air Training Corps
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Carols in the 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 Café
Upper Hutt Roller Skating Club
Wellington Naturist Club
Wesley Thrift Shop

About the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards

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.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

19/08/26

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CLUB NEWS

– Grey Power welcomes aged care reform plan but warns against shifting costs onto older New Zealanders

Grey Power New Zealand has welcomed the Ministerial Advisory Group’s report on aged care, saying it provides an important opportunity to build a system that gives older New Zealanders the care, dignity and security they deserve.

Grey Power President David Marshall said the report correctly recognises that New Zealand’s aged-care system needs fundamental reform as the population ages and more people require support to live independently.

“We strongly support the report’s vision of a more integrated system, better support for people to age in place, improved support for carers and a stronger, more sustainable aged-care workforce,” Mr Marshall said.

“Older New Zealanders should be able to access the care they need without having to navigate a fragmented and confusing system. Care should be built around the needs of the person, not the boundaries between government agencies and funding streams.”

Grey Power particularly supports proposals to strengthen home-based care, improve respite and support for family carers, expand rehabilitation and recovery services, improve information sharing and strengthen the aged-care workforce.

It also supports establishing an independent Aged Care Pricing Authority to provide greater transparency and help ensure funding decisions better reflect the real cost of providing quality care.

Older people must not become the funding solution

However, Grey Power is concerned about recommendations that would significantly increase the financial contribution expected from older people receiving care.

The report proposes lowering the asset threshold for residential care contributions to $100,000 and introducing stepped contributions for people with higher assets. It also proposes greater income-based contributions towards some care costs. Where a couple with one partner in residential care elects to exclude the family home from asset testing, the report proposes limiting the value of the home that can be excluded, with any value above that threshold included in the asset test.

“Grey Power cannot support a reform programme that solves the funding pressures in aged care by progressively asking older people to pay more for essential care,” Mr Marshall said.

“For many older New Zealanders, the family home is their primary asset and the foundation of their financial security in retirement. It is not a bottomless source of income.”

Grey Power supports the principle that people should contribute towards genuine personal preferences or additional services but says essential health and care services must remain accessible regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

“Older people should not face financial insecurity simply because their health and care needs increase as they age.”

Sustainable funding is essential

Grey Power welcomes the report’s call for substantial increases in funding for home-based and residential care.

“The proposed funding increases recognise that quality care cannot be delivered without properly funding providers and the workforce,” Mr Marshall said.

“Investment in aged care is an investment in the wellbeing of older New Zealanders, their families and the wider health system.”

Grey Power also supports investigating a future social insurance scheme to help fund aged care for future generations, provided any model is carefully designed and subject to broad public consultation.

Older people must have a voice

Grey Power says older people and their families must have a meaningful role in implementing the reforms.

“The report proposes a significant transformation of aged care over the next decade. Older New Zealanders cannot simply be consulted after the important decisions have been made,” Mr Marshall said.

“The test of this reform is simple: will an older New Zealander who needs care be able to get it when they need it, without being forced into financial insecurity?

“That is the standard Grey Power will use to judge the Government’s response.”

Source: Grey Power New Zealand Federation Inc.

A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff, vice president of Grey Power Upper Hutt for requesting that this article by put up on The Upper Hutt Connection.

19/08/26

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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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SPORTS

– Football results for the weekend: 22nd / 23rd of August

Weekend Wrap

Senior Men’s

Men’s 1st put in a strong performance, taking down FC Western 3-0. Lucas Hansen was at it again with a double, keeping his name firmly in the Golden Boot conversation with one game left to play. Exciting to see how that race finishes.

Men’s 3rds dug deep for a late winner to edge out Miramar 1-0. Character stuff.

Men’s Reserves had a tough afternoon against Wellington Marist. Reset and refocus for next week.

Masters

Marauders held onto the bragging rights over Saints this time round. Good battle between the two.

Women’s

Big weekend for the future of our Women’s program. Lauren Brophy, Chelsea Blyth and Connie Roil all made their first team debuts, that’s the real story from the Wairarapa United match.

Reserves had Leah score her first ever senior women’s goal, one to watch this one, she’s got a bright future ahead. Tough scoreline against Vic Uni but plenty to build on.

3rds came up against a strong Naenae Dragonflies outfit to close out their season. Thanks for the effort all year.

Youth Development

A mixed bag for our Youth teams this week. U14 TDP fought hard for a 2-2 draw with Te Kotahitanga, while U15 TDP got the win, 4-3 over the same side, a great response from that group. U15 Girls had a tough outing against Petone, and U17 TDP came up against a strong Olympic side.

A tough weekend across the board, but plenty of individual moments and milestones to be proud of. Next week wraps up the season for most of the club, let’s finish it strong.

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

24/08/26

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

– Age Concern Social Connection Coffee Group: Wednesday 9th of September / Wednesday 14th of October

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

Source: Age Concern Wellington Region

20/08/26

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– After Dark: 25th of September -3rd of October

Location: Up-Stage Theatre, Moonshine Road, Upper Hutt

The lights are low. The music is ready. The stage is waiting.

Get ready for a night of unforgettable musical-theatre moments as After Dark brings the stage alive with a vibrant, contemporary revue packed with songs you know and love backed by some of Pōneke’s best professional musicians.

Featuring a thrilling mix of musical-theatre favourites, contemporary hits, pop, rock and soul, After Dark takes audiences on a journey through the many sides of life — from love and laughter to heartbreak, resilience, courage and rediscovery.

Expect a taste of much-loved favourites from shows including The Book of Mormon, Wicked and Hamilton, alongside timeless classics from Annie and Oliver! — with these just being a small glimpse of the exciting repertoire waiting to be revealed.

With dazzling ensemble numbers, show-stopping vocals and intimate, emotionally charged solos and duets, After Dark celebrates the magic of live performance and the stories that connect us all.

Whether you’re a devoted musical-theatre fan or simply looking for a fantastic night out this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Come experience After Dark — where the night truly comes alive.

Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/sep/uhmt-after-dark

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

20/08/26

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– Dying Matters Expo: Saturday 12th of September, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

Location: Upper Hutt Library

Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting someone you love, or simply curious to learn more, come along and meet a diverse range of people who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, services, and ideas.

You will find:

Information tables and Displays
End of Life Planning Information
DIY Funeral information
and a safe space for a cuppa and a chat about aging, death, dying, and end of life planning.

Meet and chat with Matt from Akatarawa Cemetery, Monique, an End Of Life Doula and celebrant, Frances with her casket making and DIY Funerals, and others. We welcome you to have a cuppa and a biscuit on us at our drop in conversation areas being hosted by the friendly crew from Befriending Death.

We look forward to welcoming you to Upper Hutt.

Speakers Timetable

10:30 – 11:30
DIY Funerals and Caskets
Frances Potter –Casket Making and DIY Funeral

11:30 – 12:30
End of Life Doula
Monique – Advanced Care Plans

12:30 – 1:30
Community Law (Wgtn & Hutt Valley)
Manuela – POA, Wills, Probate

1:30 – 2:30
Death Matters Alliance
Bronwen – Death, Dying and DIY Funerals

Visit our facebook page for more indepth information on our speakers presentations.

Keep an eye out for our
DEATH MATTERS ALLIANCE Stall at the Womens Centre Spring Festival, Main Street, Upper Hutt. 9am – 3pm. Saturday 12th September.

Contact details
deathmattersalliance2026@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/deathmattersalliance
Bronwen 0276333221 Monique 0274040856

Source: Death Matters Alliance / My Upper Hutt

24/08/26

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– Heretaunga Players Inc Auditions: Calculated Mayhem – Saturday 5 September, 2pm

Our end-of-year show, Calculated Mayhem, will be a comedy showcase directed by Sara Macintyre and Louise Brodie.

The production features a collection of short comedic plays and sketches, with satirical takes on news and entertainment programmes. With a colourful mix of characters and performance styles, there are roles to suit actors of all experience levels.

Auditions will be held on Saturday 5 September at 2pm at The Studio, 52 Ward Street, Upper Hutt.

Rehearsals will begin on 14 September, with performances running from 26 November to 5 December.

If you’re interested in being part of the cast but can’t attend the audition, we’d still love to hear from you. Please register your expression of interest by emailing theheretaungaplayers@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

A “thank you” to Heretaunga Players Inc. for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

22/08/26

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– Marion Petley Memorial Cat Show: Saturday 29th of August, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS!

If you love cats, you might want to pop Saturday 29th August into your diary!

The Dominion Cat Club – Marion Petley Memorial Cat Show is coming to Upper Hutt, with a wonderful variety of cats breeds all together under one roof.

Never been to a cat show before? Come along and see what it’s all about… you certainly don’t need to be a breeder or exhibitor to enjoy the day.

Bring the family, come and meet the cats, and see if you can pick a favourite.

Source: Upper Hutt Community Page (with permission from Wendy Powell)

19/08/26

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– Rockin’ 80’s Bingo Night: Friday 28th of August, 7.00 pm

Location: Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club

UPPER HUTT — GET READY TO ROCK THE 80s!

Upper Hutt School is turning back the clock for a totally rad 80s Bingo Night, and you’re invited!

Think big hair, neon, questionable fashion choices, plenty of laughs and a bit of friendly bingo competition!

Bingo
Raffles
Auction
Awesome prizes
Adults only
$20 per ticket

Grab your friends, dust off the leg warmers and make a night of it — all while supporting Upper Hutt School.

Spaces are limited, so get in quick!

Reserve your spot by emailing fundraisingteam@upperhuttschool.nz

A huge thank you to Heretaunga BookFest for helping make this event possible.

Come for the bingo. Stay for the laughs. Dress for the decade.

Source: Upper Hutt Community Page (Permission from Kylie McKenna)

21/08/26

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– Upper Hutt Housing Charitable Trust movie night fundraiser “Tony”: Tuesday 1st of September, 6.00 pm

Could you help us make a difference for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our local community? The Trust have to turn away about 10 people per week as our portfolio is full and we particularly want to able to offer these stressed people some support.

The Upper Hutt Housing Charitable Trust is working to provide practical, compassionate support for people who are struggling to find or maintain safe, secure accommodation.

For those in our community experiencing homelessness, finding somewhere to shower or wash clothes, limited access to nutritious food, difficulty navigating available services, and the high cost of housing in Upper Hutt can make an already challenging situation feel overwhelming. Others are sharing a small house with relatives, two or more families trying to share one small kitchen and bathroom. Desperately stressed people begging the Trust for help.

We believe that a welcoming place where people can find respite and receive practical support can make a difference. The Upper Hutt Housing Charitable Trust is transforming some of its office space into a Drop-In Center where people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity will be able to access refreshments, information, advice and practical support from our team of experienced and caring volunteers.

We are very grateful to The Salvation Army, who have offered to make their showers and washing machines available to these members of our community.

Help us get the Drop-In Center started!

You are invited to join us for an exclusive Movie Night at Monterey Cinema on Tuesday, 1 September at 6pm. The film is Tony and tells of a budding author who has his entry to university suddenly cancelled and takes a job as a kitchen hand in a local restaurant where he finds he has no initial talent in preparing or cooking food or even doing dishes. Tickets are $25 and proceeds will benefit the Upper Hutt Housing Charitable Trust’s Drop-In Center.

Your support will help us provide practical assistance, encouragement, and a pathway towards greater stability for those most vulnerable in our community.

To book your seats please contact Judy Dixon by text or ringing 022 043 4703 or by email judy@uhht.org.nz.

A “thank you” to Judy Dixon from Upper Hutt Housing Charitable Trust for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

Editor Note: Tony is rated R16 (Drug use, sex scenes & offensive language)

25/08/26

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

Oho Mai – The Awakening: 8 Aug – 18 Oct 2026

Oho Mai brings together three contemporary Māori artists from our region, Garry Nicholas, Joanne Kahui, and Stephen Thorpe whose practices reflect the richness and evolving nature of te ao Māori. Working across a range of mediums and approaches, each artist offers a distinct perspective grounded in kaupapa Māori, whakapapa, identity, and connection to place.

Through painting, sculpture, raranga, and tā moko, Oho Mai explores both contemporary expression and cultural continuity, celebrating the strength and vitality of Māori creativity today. The exhibition highlights how artists continue to draw from mātauranga Māori while responding to the world around them in innovative, thoughtful, and deeply personal ways.

Ōrongomai Tū Tonu: 17 Aug – 22 Nov 2026

In August 2026, Ōrongomai Marae marks 50 years in Upper Hutt with an exhibition that brings together the people, moments, and movements that made it possible.

From the bold decision to establish a marae in the heart of a growing city, this exhibition traces how Ōrongomai came into being. It celebrates the visionaries, builders, and cultural leaders who shaped its foundation, including the powerful legacy of Mā-wai-hakona, whose performances carried Ōrongomai onto national and international stages.

At its heart, this is a story of belonging: how a community created a place for itself, and how that place continues to serve, welcome, and grow. Ōrongomai Tū Tonu invites you to experience a living history and the people who continue to shape it.

GOMIL: Grumpy Old Man in Lycra: Tuesday 1st of September / Wednesday 2nd of September

A hilarious live theatre show starring acting legend Mark Hadlow.

One of New Zealand’s most successful plays of all time, MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra) is hitting the road in a national tour of the long-awaited sequel GOMIL (Grumpy Old Man in Lycra).

Starring acting legend Mark Hadlow ONZM (King Kong, The Hobbit, SNAG) and written and directed by Gregory Cooper (MAMIL, That Bloody Woman), GOMIL reunites this dream team, who are directly responsible for causing laughter lines on the faces of over 70,000 people who saw MAMIL!

GOMIL follows the journey of Wayne, the founder and team leader of the men’s cycling group in MAMIL. A lot has happened to Wayne over the last 10 years. He has retired, his son has moved to London with his grandchildren and Maggie, his wife of 49 years, passed away suddenly a year ago. For Wayne, his family and his work were his life. They were the source of his life’s pleasure and purpose, and now he is having to cope with the loss of both.

Book at iTicket

Dolfin-Lin Duo | Classical Expressions: Thursday 3rd of September

DOLFIN-LIN DUO

Hungarian cellist Balázs Dolfin and Chinese-New Zealand pianist Tony Chen Lin share a deep musical rapport rooted in diverse cultural traditions.

Their recital opens with Zoltán Kodály’s light-hearted Magyar Rondo, drawing on Hungarian folk music, followed by Anton Webern’s evocative Sonata for Cello and Piano. J.S. Bach’s Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord brings a lively and expressive dialogue, followed by Gao Ping’s Sonata No. 2 “Departure”, a Chinese counterpart inspired by Su Dongpo.

Béla Bartók’s Rhapsody No. 1 transforms peasant music into vivid concert form, while Nathanael Dejong’s Abandoned Voices reflects on disconnection in the digital age. The programme concludes with Johannes Brahms’s Sonata in E minor, a work steeped in contrapuntal textures and homage to Bach, bridging Hungary and the deep roots of the cello-piano repertoire.

Zoltán Kodály | Magyar (Hungarian) Rondo, 10’

Anton Webern | Sonata for Cello and Piano, 2’

Johann Sebastian Bach | Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D major, BWV1028, 15’

Gao Ping | Sonata No.2 “Departure”, 22’

– interval –

Belá Bartók | Rhapsody No.1, 10’

Nathanael Dejong | Abandoned Voices, 8’

Johannes Brahms | Sonata in E minor, Op.38, 25’

ABOUT THE GROUP

A chance meeting in Italy in 2021 sparked a duo between Hungarian cellist Balázs Dolfin and Chinese-New Zealand pianist Tony Chen Lin. Trained in Hungary and Germany, they bring dynamic energy and deep rapport, drawing on global influences while still calling Budapest their enduring musical home.

Supported by Chamber Music New Zealand

Book at iTicket: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/sep/dolfinlin-duo-classical-expressions

Lunchtime Live! 2026 – Winds and Brass: Tuesday 8th of September

_{Retrieved from Whirinaki Whare Taonga}

One Tuesday a Month | 1.00pm

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.

Kai and kōrero: Sunday 20th of September, 4.00 pm

A guided talk though the Ōrongomai Tū Tonu exhibition followed by kai and korero.

Spring Experience: Thursday 24th of September – Saturday 26th of September

Take a glimpse at the artistry and extraordinary talent of the New Zealand School of Dance’s full-time students in Spring Experience. This year’s programme brings ballet’s richness to life alongside cutting-edge contemporary dance works.

Book https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/sep/spring-experience

Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga

24/08/26

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

Wellington Brick Show 2026

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