Wednesday Edition – 29th of April, 2026 – The Upper Hutt Connection

Website: uhconnection.co.nz
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– Anzac Day service at St. John’s Trentham

Anzac Day commemorations at Trentham were a community event, held in bright sunshine, with lots of locals present, many of whom were representing family members lost in war. Floral tributes from community organizations were laid in memory of those fallen, including wreaths from the Girls Guide and UH RSA. The organisation of the event was superb, and the hospitality of St John’s much appreciated.

The service was held at the Lychgate, which is the gated roofed structure which forms a walk-through memorial to those who died in the Great War of 1914 – 1918, and is the entrance to St John’s churchyard on the corner of Fergusson Drive and Moonshine Road.

St Johns’ Rev Simon Falconer conducted the service and also related his own personal story of the losses of his own ancestors with two brothers going to war, one claimed on the battlefield, and the other returning home wounded to live a shortened and compromised life.

About 10% of all New Zealanders went to WW1. Of the 100,000 serving, 18,000 died, and 40,000 were wounded. NZ population was only 1 million in 1914.

Wing Commander Mark Brewer spoke of the strong connections Upper Hutt has with both world wars, especially with the Trentham Military Camp and adjacent racecourse buildings functioning as a major New Zealand training, staging and logistics base in both WW1 and WW2.

2026 is the first Anzac day commemoration since legislation was updated to make Anzac day the official remembrance day which recognises all those who have served New Zealand in times of war.

We will remember them.

A “Thank You” to Stu for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection. Surname hasn’t been included but I know the contributor personally, and can vouch for the validity of the information provided.

04/01/26

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– Council embraces digital cemetery mapping to better serve community

Upper Hutt City Council has introduced a new digital cemetery management system, powered by PlotBox, marking a significant step forward in how Akatārawa Cemetery is managed.

The system makes it easier for families to find, visit, and remember their loved ones, while helping preserve the stories and heritage held within the city’s cemeteries.

Until now, cemetery records have largely relied on manual processes and historic paper-based information. While carefully maintained, these systems could make it difficult to quickly locate burial sites or access records—particularly for families visiting from outside the region.

The new platform changes that.

Residents can now search burial and ash interment records online, view interactive cemetery maps, and locate plots with greater ease. The system also supports funeral directors and stonemasons to manage bookings and applications online, helping create a more streamlined and responsive service for families.

Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee says the initiative reflects the importance of maintaining connections across generations.

“Our cemeteries are more than places of rest. They are part of our shared story as a city.

“This work helps people stay connected to their loved ones and our history, whether they’re visiting in person or from afar.”

Chief Executive Geoff Swainson says the system also strengthens how Council delivers essential services.

“This is about providing a better experience for families while ensuring our services are accurate, efficient, and fit for the future.

“Moving to a modern, integrated system reduces manual processes, improves data quality, and supports better planning for our growing community.”

The new system also improves how Council manages cemetery operations, providing greater accuracy, reducing administrative workload, and improving visibility of cemetery capacity and future planning needs.

This project strengthens Council’s role as a kaitiaki of local history, ensuring burial records are preserved, accessible, and meaningful for future generations.

Council acknowledges that cemeteries are deeply personal spaces. By improving access to information and making it easier to connect with loved ones, this initiative supports both remembrance and community connection.

This is part of a wider commitment to improving customer experience and ensuring essential services are accessible, reliable, and fit for the future.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

22/04/26

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– Haukaretu Stream’s first planting out day a great success

Our first planting out day, on Monday the 27th of April, was a great success. Thanks to everyone for coming and helping. With so many helpers, it took only a third of the time, so lots of time for coffee and delicious home baking over leisurely chats with new friends.

Our next planting out day is planned for Saturday 23 MAY, 9.00am through 12 noon.

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

28/04/26

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– Roadwork news for Lower Hutt commuters: 24th of April – 1st of May 2026

_{NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Wellington}

Kia Ora – here’s an update on planned road works and closures in Lower Hutt for the week of April 24-May 1 2026.

Underside of Ewen Bridge: road crews will be present to guide cyclists and pedestrians through the area.

Daly Street service lane: intermittent closures to support current demolition works. Day-to-day access/deliveries will be managed via road crews.

Queens Drive / High Street roundabout: (near McDonald’s) remains closed until December 2026 as part of the SH2 Melling Transport Improvements project.

Melling Link Bridge: slip lane north onto Rutherford Street is closed between 7pm-5am.

Connolly Street roundabout: southbound lane closed between 7pm-5am. Please follow detours.

Connolly Street (north end by stopbank): stop/go and traffic signals in place during the day. Road crews will guide cyclists and pedestrians through the area.

We hope you have a relaxing Anzac weekend. Don’t forget to check out the Anzac Day services that will be taking place across our city. Visit hutt.city/Anzac for all the details

Please follow all directional signage, allow extra time for your journey and consider navigation apps when planning the best route on the day.

Metlink encourages 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

24/04/26

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– Send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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

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

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

The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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

The Upper Hutt Connection is always looking for:

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And anything else you might think of – I’m always open to suggestions.

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

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

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

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

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– Upper Hutt residents invited to help shape city’s long term transport: Consultation closes 27th of May 2026

Public consultation has opened on the Upper Hutt City Council draft Integrated Transport Strategy 2026–2056, inviting residents, commuters, businesses and community groups to provide feedback on how the city moves now and into the future.

The draft strategy lays out a 30-year direction to respond to rising pressures on Upper Hutt’s transport network.

It focuses on managing congestion, improving safety, supporting more travel choices, and reducing transport related emissions which currently make up a significant share of the city’s carbon footprint.

As the city grows, daily travel challenges are being felt by residents and visitors. Congestion on key routes increases commute times, and demand for safer walking, cycling, and public transport options continues to rise.

Mayor Peri Zee says the draft strategy puts forward a clear direction for the future of transport in Upper Hutt and community input is key to shaping it.

“Transport affects every part of daily life, from how long your commute takes, to how safe our streets feel to get around to walk and bike” she says.

“This strategy is about setting our shared priorities. We can’t do everything at once, and public feedback will help us decide what matters most.”

The draft strategy recognises real constraints – funding limits, ageing infrastructure and the need to partner with regional and national agencies to deliver change.

“It doesn’t make decisions on specific projects, but sets the direction that future investment will follow, and strengthens our ability to seek funding for improvements over time,” says Mayor Peri.

Chief Executive Geoff Swainson highlights the importance of community input in refining the strategy.

“We are working in a constrained funding environment. We must make evidence-based decisions about where to invest and when,” Swainson says.

“Community feedback will help shape priorities that reflect everyday needs, whether that’s reducing congestion, improving safety, or expanding transport choices.”

Consultation is open from 28 April to 27 May.

Anyone who lives, works, studies or visits Upper Hutt is encouraged to have their say.

Participants can read the draft strategy online at Let’s Kōrero Upper Hutt or pick up a free copy from Upper Hutt Libraries before completing an online survey to submit their feedback.

Have your say: letskorero.upperhutt.govt.nz/draft-integrated-transport-strategy

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

28/04/26

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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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– Rates, Tiaki Wai and your opportunity to provide Feedback

If you want to see an estimated amount you may be paying for rates and water and live in Urban Upper Hutt (Not Rural).

https://www.nzempowered.com/ratescalc

At Council’s meeting yesterday we questioned as to why a rates and water Calculator had not been created by UHCC?
HCC have one, GWRC have one…and UHCC had one last year. So here is what we believe an indicator of your Rates and Water bills water/UHCC rates and GWRC Rates as of 1^st July 2026.

Here is some of the Submitters at the Council meeting on the 1^st April.

41.40 mins – E Chaney – Direct Debits and payment Tiaki Wai.
53.38 mins – K & P Fabian Citizens Panel and Rates Calc.

If you want to learn more about Tiaki Wai and do a consultation the below link (Needs to be completed 22 Apr 2026)
https://haveyoursay.tiakiwai.co.nz/water-services-strategy
If you want to know some answers to Q&A we have….or Contact details for Councillors or UHCC
https://www.nzempowered.com/post/water-questions-and-answers-magazine-artic

Councillors have suggested engaging with ministers and officials also with your feedback :

Simon Watts (Nat -Local Government Minister) – S.Watts@ministers.govt.nz
Kieran McAnulty – (Lab – Shadow Local Government Minister) – kieran.mcanulty@parliament.govt.nz
Louise Upston – L.Upston@ministers.govt.nz
Winston Peters – W.Peters@ministers.govt.nz
David Seymour – D.Seymour@ministers.govt.nz
Chris Hipkins – chris.hipkins@parliament.govt.nz
Scott Simpson – S.Simpson@ministers.govt.nz
Katrina Casey – katrina.casey@dia.govt.nz

Other Resources:

Ratepayers Assistance Scheme – https://www.lgnz.co.nz/policy-advocacy/ratepayer-assistance-scheme/
Tiaki Wai Hardship Policy – pg15

This article has been re-published on request of NZ Empowered.

02/04/26

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

– A lifetime of contribution to the New Zealand economy. Is it adequately rewarded? – Lew Rohloff

Back in days before the 1980’s when New Zealand, then recognised as a socially-cohesive nation with an economy based on ‘import substitution’ and significant self-sufficiency, the ‘costs of living’ and family formation could be comfortably funded from the wages of a single ‘bread-winner’.

At the age of 60 years we could retire from the ‘senior’ status we enjoyed in a fully employed labour force creating, thereby, opportunity for younger people to advance as productive and responsible leaders of our communities. We were rewarded for our contribution to GDP with a universal pension, the ‘couple’s rate’ of which was equivalent to 80% of ‘average weekly incomes’.

Prior to the 1980’s, apart from taxation on incomes and expenditure, a moderate level of local government rating was a manageable obligation along with all those other discretionary expenditures comprising the ‘cost of living’. Even as recently as 2007 the Shand Inquiry determined Local Government Rates equated to just 3% of average household expenditure.

Then during the 1980’s began a reversal in the financial circumstances of retired working people and their families:

The qualifying age for N Z Superannuation was increased from age 60 to 65 years in the presence of increasing unemployment leaving many manual workers struggling on welfare at a crucial period of savings accumulation prior to retirement.
The relationship of the couple’s rate of N Z Superannuation payments was effectively reduced from 80% to 65% of ‘average weekly incomes’, and
In recent decades periods of high inflation with local government costs exceeding background CPI levels, rates as a percentage of rapidly diminishing budgets of low-income households have reached unmanageable proportions.
From 1 July this year, further precipitated by the implementation of Water Reforms, single superannuitants without supplementary income in the most modest of housing here in Upper Hutt; are expected to allocate no less than 15% of their meagre weekly budget to satisfying the funding demands of local government. This is five times the ‘basket of prices’ benchmark under-pinning the sufficiency of N Z Superannuation.

The oldest population cohort of New Zealanders, those born before 1 July 1942 were excluded from KiwiSaver and do not enjoy this supplementary retirement income support scheme. Together with many others up to 10 years younger who have not maximised KiwiSaver accumulations; they are exposed to insidious impoverishment at an age when they are most vulnerable.

This is a looming crisis which demands political intervention.

Lew Rohloff
Vice President

lew.rohloff@gmail.com

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

28/04/26

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SPORTS

– 23rd consecutive win for Upper Hutt Petanque Club defending the Jacques Cochonnet trophy

23rd consecutive win for Upper Hutt Petanque Club.

Silverstream hosted the second challenge of the year for the JC Trophy from holders Upper Hutt, on Sunday 26th April 2026, on a glorious warm and sunny day. The teams gathered at 09:00 and play began at 09:30.

Upper Hutt took two of the three untimed games in each of the three rounds, making it 6-3 at the end when they all adjourned for an open sandwich lunch hosted by Silverstream.

This was the 23rd consecutive win for Upper Hutt for this trophy, who have been able to field a virtually unchanged team of 6 throughout the current winning streak, using a pool of 10 competitive players.

The next challenge is from Naenae to be held at Upper Hutt’s Maidstone Park.

The Upper Hutt team consisted of Mary Khalil, Colin Gooch and Linda Brown (Triples), Brian Smith and Adrienne Gwerder (Doubles) and Dave Gwerder (Singles). The Silverstream team consisted of Seymour Harawira, Rachel Clarke and Graham Jackson (Triples), Peter Mathews and Claire Bradburn (Doubles), and Theresa Harawira (Singles).

Source: Upper Hutt Petanque Club

28/04/26

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– Football results for Saturday 25th / Sunday 26th of April

Weekend fixture results are in!

Congrats to:

Men’s 3rds
Tin-Men
Antiques
Marauders
Women’s 1st
U14 TDP

We have both 1st teams at home this weekend so gearing up for another great round of football.

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

28/04/26

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

– Audition Notice: ‘Obvious Guilt’ by Ethan Bortman – Heretaunga Players Inc – Saturday 9th May, 11am.

Location: Heretaunga Player Inc. 52 Ward Street, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

Our mid-year production will be the full-length drama/thriller ‘Obvious Guilt’ by Ethan Bortman, directed by Liz Ebrey.

Nigel is a smart man: a psychiatrist, no less. But his wife has gone missing and her mother is determined to involve the police. As time goes by, things look blacker for Nigel, but he protests his innocence to the last.

Characters

Nigel: male, 50s
Emma, female 50s-60s
DCI Blake, male, 40-65
DC Farnsworth, male or female, 20s – 30s
Constable Molly, female, 30s
Clive, male, 30+
Jessica, female, 30s

Auditions will be held on Saturday 9th May at 11am.
Performance dates will be 6th – 15th August.

For a copy of the script please contact theheretaungaplayers@gmail.com

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

28/04/26

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– BOOKFEST 2026: Saturday 2nd of May, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm / Sunday 3rd of May, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm

Venue – Whirinaki, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

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

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

Proceeds will continue to benefit the community in various ways.

Organised and run by Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust.

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

13/02/26

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– Buhurt Armoured Combat: Saturday 9th of May, 11.00 am

FREE ENTRY

Buhurt Armoured Combat is back at Brewtown!

Get ready for an all-out clash of steel as New Zealand’s fiercest Buhurt Armoured Combat teams go head-to-head in a no-holds-barred battle for glory.

Think MMA… but with axes, swords, and full suits of armour. Brutal!

Presented by Ruckus Armoured Combat Guild, this isn’t just a fight—it’s a full-throttle medieval showdown!

FREE to attend and fun for the whole family!

Explore a buzzing Medieval Market packed with handcrafted goods, curiosities, and treasures fit for a king.
Raise a tankard at the Brewtown Bar, serving ice-cold brews all day long to keep your spirits high and your thirst quenched.

Source: Brewtown Upper Hutt

24/04/26

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– Junior Football Skills: Starts 4th of May

Football Skills is back for Term 2!

Kicking off from Mon 4th May will be an 8 weeks skills programme led by our Director of Football Toby Wilton

This is open to all juniors looking to develop their skills so do not need to be a current UHCF registered player to sign up.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Source: Upper Hutt City Football

22/04/26

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– Mawaihakona Stream Working Bee: Saturday 9th of May, 9.00 am

Where to park for this working bee? County Lane
Meet up where? At the Concrete Bridge.
When? Saturday 9 May, 9am for however long you can manage to commit to help,
What to bring? Heavy contractor type wheelbarrows, Shovels, Rakes, Gloves etc.

We are advised that the first of donated gravel is being made available to us for spreading onto our stream tracks to assist us do away with Winter time muddy tracks.

This hopefully will be dumped by the concrete bridge.

We propose from 9am on the 8 May to spread gravel up towards the Hutt river trail both sides starting from the Concrete bridge and back towards the ford as time and volunteer labour allows.

This needs a whole community to move the Gravel in place so please reach out to friends, families and known users of the Mawaihakona Stream trails and ask for assistance where possible.

What to bring…

Heavy Wheel barrows, shovels, rakes gloves etc.

We hope to borrow some mechanised wheelbarrows from GWRC.

If anyone has contacts for useful equipment please reach out to them to borrow for Use as well.

We plan to borrow the key for the gate at County Lane to allow mechanised equipment access up the river trail and onto the tracks…

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

28/04/26

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– Slice of Heaven: 2.30 pm, Sunday 17th of May 2026

A “thank you” to Karen Cropp from the Hutt Valley Singers for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

24/04/26

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– The Village Gym Open Day – 9th May. 7.30am – 11am.

Saturday 9th May we are holding a Village Gym OPEN DAY between 7.30am – 11am.

Places are limited and bookings are essential so be in quick.
To book, please go to our Village website: https://thevillageatnzcis.co.nz/villagegym
and click on the BOOK NOW button at the top of the page.

You can book a functional fitness class, wattbike class or recovery – or both.

Location: The Village Gym, Gate 1, 20 Somme Road, Trentham.

Any questions please phone 028 4046 663.

Remember LIMITED TIME / LIMITED SPACES, so be in quick.

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

23/04/26

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– Laugh with Laughing Club: Every Monday, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm | Resuming on the 26th of January

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

10/10/25

CONTENTS

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