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– A message from Upper Hutt Grey Power: An invitation to the first meeting of 2026

We are pleased to announce that the first of our member meetings for 2026 will be held as usual in the Baptist Church Centre, Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt on Wednesday, 18th February 2026 commencing at 1.30pm.

We invite you to be present. Indeed, as we will be reviewing the draft of our upgraded Constitution there is important business to consider and earn your approval.

We hope we will have a good attendance to approve this fundamental legal document for submission to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies for registration under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. If you wish to preview the Draft Constitution please contact me by email: lew.rohloff@gmail.com.

As has been our practise in recent years, throughout this year leading up to the General Election, meetings will be held on the third (3rd) Wednesday of each month, February through to November inclusive.

The Meeting Notice can be viewed in the ‘Notices’ section of this edition of Upper Hutt Connection.

Yours faithfully,

Lew Rohloff
Vice President

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

02/02/26

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A thank you to Dzine Signs & Display Company from the Friends of Mawaihakona Stream

The Friends of The Mawaihakona Stream Restoration Group would like to pass along their thanks to Dzine Signs & Display Company for the provision of 4 new Pou description signs.

Two signs have been mounted by their respective Pou to date with the last two yet to be mounted. We are awaiting a blessing of the PAPATUANUKU Pou once it’s description sign is mounted in place.

HE KAINOHOU HOU

The New Settlers

Commemorates those who travelled up the Valley to settle in what is now known as Upper Hutt

NGA TOA

The Warriors

Remembers those who fought their way down to Wellington from north Taranaki

PAPATUANUKU

Earth Mother

Tumanako

Hope

TAMA TAONGA

Treasured sons

For the Saint Patricks College boys we lost too young

Dzine Signs gave these signs freely despite our offers of payment.

They had earlier provided via Menzshed, signs requesting that the Mawaihakona Stream be used for foot traffic rather than pedal and reminding dog owners to pick up after their dogs ablutions.

These were also provided without payment being required.

Friends of The Mawaihakona Stream Restoration Group thank the Dzine Signs & Display Company for their continued support of Upper Valley community groups and those further afield.

We urge those in need of a display sign for their business (a business without a sign is a sign of no business) or private use to make your way to the Dzine Signs & Display business at 18/20 William Durrant Drive, Trentham.

Friends of The Mawaihakona Stream.

PS. It’s a busy time for the group down at the stream this summer. As usual the prime movers toiling away in our unusual summer weather to create a new amenity down at the stream.

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

29/01/26

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A thank you to Paul Deere at New World Silverstream, from the Upper Hutt Foodbank

A Thank you to Paul Deere at New World Silverstream for his ongoing support of the Upper Hutt Foodbank.

On Monday the New World Van pulled into the carpark with a load of items that Paul had donated to us. We were blown away by his generosity and much appreciated his selection as we had run out of some of the items he donated.

Paul is always so helpful and regularly makes donations to our Foodbank.

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

28/01/26

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– Go with Amalgamation or stick with the Status Quo? A place to give your opinion.

This place is intended to be a safe place where you can leave your opinion on whether Amalgamation or continuing with the Status Quo is the best way forward for Upper Hutt. Your opinions aren’t posted on social media by The Upper Hutt Connection – just available here for anyone to read. There will be a daily post on Facebook however, letting the public know when new comments have been put up.

Any opinions submitted will be added to this page, along with your name.

Any abusive comments will be declined.

Please fill out the form below to give your opinion on the matter. 🙂

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Thank you fro giving your opinion.

Amalgamation

Status Quo

Stick with status quo. Upper Hutt is a distinct community with it’s own demographic and consequence culture.
Hutt City is prone to flooding and many infrastructure costs for rate payers.

Gayle McGarry

I oppose amalgamation, because being the smallest fish in a very big pond, we in Upper Hutt will have no chance of getting our views heard. We will be over ridden , and lose our voice in every aspect. Big brother (WCC), will simply out vote us, backed up by PCC and LHCC and our unique identity will be lost completely. We must fight against amalgamation and our council should be actively promoting our position, rather than just going along with the flow. The historic proberb “He Who Hestitates Is Lost” could well have been written for us. Pussy footing, and waiting to see what happens next, is not the way to go. Come on UHCC, we elected you to fight in our corner, not to just throw the towel in.

Elaine Chaney

Auckland amalgamated and it cost the ratepayers heaps. NO SAVINGS. The nearest we get to savings is that “Oh it would have been so much more expensive if we didn’t amalgamate”.. Says who? No one independent that is for certain. The Regional Council, the nearest thing we have for amalgamation at the moment, wanted to spend 500 million dollars on a ferry terminal! It would not have benefitted Upper Hutt at all.. But we would have had to help pay for it. They have spent millions planting the riverbank awaiting the next big flood to wipe all the work away. Not that anyone asked for it in the first place. I guess they were getting to understand that locals were realising the the so-called regional council was doing nothing for Upper Hutt.. So if they wasted millions on plantings we should be grateful. Amalgamation will mean Upper Hutt will be worse off and more expensively served. If you think the swimming pool was a money pit, wait till amalgamation.

Brett Weaver

Stay with Status Quo – don’t want to end up being the poor relation to Lower Hutt. Doesn’t stop both councils working together but gives UH residents a continued voice and our own council budget. Means my rates are going to UH and not to more wealthy LH residents.
thanks

Nadine Fathers

Keep the status quo, keep Upper Hutt independent.

Wellington City carries higher debt-per-capita due to major infrastructure projects (like water and earthquake strengthening).
Despite promises of “trimming the fat,” staff numbers in merged entities often remain constant or increase. In Auckland, staff expenditure actually rose by $90 million annually shortly after the merger.
Infrastructure (pipes, roads) can benefit from scale, labor-intensive services (libraries, parks, community events) often become more expensive due to the administrative burden of managing a massive bureaucracy.
In a “Super Council,” a single councillor might represent 30,000+ people, compared to the much smaller ratios in current councils. This makes it harder for residents to have direct access to their decision-makers.

Dan Culver

Status quo. If we amalgamate we will end up paying more because we will have to pay for other cities bad infrastructure. Our rates will go out of control.

Neville Godfrey

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– Important information: our water services are changing

_{Upper Hutt City Council}

From 1 July 2026, water services in Upper Hutt will be delivered by a new organisation called Tiaki Wai.

Tiaki Wai will deliver drinking water, wastewater and reticulated stormwater services across the metropolitan Wellington area.

Council will continue to deliver all other council services as usual.

What this means for your bill

Water services rates will be removed from your Council rates bill.

You’ll instead receive:

One rates bill from Upper Hutt City Council for council services
One separate, additional bill from Tiaki Wai for water services charges

More information will be available in the coming months. Until then, you can find out more at: https://www.tiakiwaimetro.co.nz/

Other important information: (From Radio New Zealand)

Changes to paying your bills.

When paying your bills from the 1st of July, there will now be two bills to pay instead of one – as can be seen above. If paying by direct debit, you’ll need to set up a second payment system for this. If paying in person at the council building, you’ll be making two payments instead of one.

Increasing charges

Chair of Tiaki Wai, Will Peet said, in the long term, charges would be going up. “We’re [dealing with] a lot of underinvestment over the last number of decades. So water charges are going to be going up.” From new pipes to investing in treatment plants, he said there was a lot of work to be done on the network, and that would mean increased costs. With that investment in the network, he warned there would also come some disruption. “If we’re going to be replacing water pipes in people’s streets as opposed to going after leaks, then there’s going to be some disruption. But people will also see the dividend, if you like, of that disruption being a less leaky, more reliable network.” Tiaki Wai would be proceeding with water meters in the next few years.

Why are there going to be water meters?

Peet said at the moment around 40 percent of water was lost before it reached households.

Water meters, he said, would help identity leaks.

“Until we get water meters around the houses, we won’t know where all the leaks are.”

He expected many of those leaks would be on private property.

Water meters would also provide more understanding on people’s water usage.

“We haven’t set a specific deadline, but we need to get on with it.”

Peet said it was a matter of “measure what you treasure”.

The mayor’s statement

“The challenge for Tiaki Wai is to meet increased regulatory standards, catch up on decades of underinvestment and provide for growth while keeping water charges affordable,” she said.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council / Radio New Zealand (RNZ)

03/02/26

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– NZ Post – Changes to Urban Retail Network

New Zealand Post announced on 27 January changes to its urban retail store network. The move will see fewer stores. NZ Post is not initiating any changes to rural stores at this time.

A copy of the press release by NZ Post is – https://www.nzpost.co.nz/about-us/media-centre/media-release/nz-post-confirms-changes-to-urban-retail-store-network

Communities can see what is happening in their area on the NZ Post website – https://www.nzpost.co.nz/about-us/store-changes, where some urban stores will stop providing NZ Post services.

In the case of the Wellington area, 23 stores from the districts of Masterton, Paraparaumu through to Wellington are impacted.

In the Upper Hutt area the following 3 outlets are listed for having NZ Post services withdrawn in June 2026 –

NZ Post Broadway WGT, Unichem Upper Hutt Pharmacy, 723 Fergusson Drive
NZ Post Totara Park, Totara Park Grocery Store, 1 Turon Crescent
NZ Post Trentham, Trentham Gift Shop, 9B Camp Street

Based on current hours of opening of the remaining outlets, there no longer will be a NZ Post outlet open on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday in the Upper Hutt area.

The remaining outlets are –

NZ Post Upper Hutt, Lagans Pharmacy, 10 Main Street
NZ Post Silverstream, Silverstream Pharmacy, 16 Whitemans Road

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

28/01/26

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– Police appeal for information related to the bar robberies in the Hutt Valley – specifically the clothing worn by the offenders

On Saturday 10 January, Police were notified of an incident at a bar in King Street at around 1.30am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd says two people unlawfully entered the premises with weapons and threatened employees.

“Thankfully the employees were uninjured, but this incident has understandably left them shaken.

“After making various demands, the offenders fled in a stolen vehicle later located abandoned on Sinclair Street.”

One offender was wearing a black beanie, a dark coloured sweatshirt, long pants, and a blue cloth covering their face.

The second offender wore a beanie, a ‘Nike Academy’ sweatshirt with distinctive white stripes, dark coloured pants, distinctive coloured shoes, and wore a cloth over their face.

Police are seeking information in relation to this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage in the King Street and Sinclair Street areas.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may know someone that wears or has worn a Nike brand Men’s Dry Academy Soccer Track Jacket with black and white colouring, similar to the one pictured.”

“One offender’s shoes are quite distinctive. They appear to be a silver/metallic/chrome coloured sports shoe with a reflective logo or marking on the back of the heel. The brand is unknown. If you know someone who has worn these shoes previously, please contact us,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Todd.

Since 10 December 2025, three Hutt Valley bars have been targeted in similar ways where offenders have used various weapons, including a firearm, to demand money and other items.

Detective Senior Sergeant Todd says Police believe these robberies may be linked.

“There are some similarities in aspects of these incidents, which indicate they are likely linked.

“We are always concerned with any offending where firearms are involved and the investigation team is determined to hold these offenders to account.”

Police have contacted a number of bar owners in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District to offer support and talk to them around staff safety procedures.

If you have any information regarding these incidents, or recognise the clothing in these images, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260110/6662.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or by phone via 0800 555 111.

Source: New Zealand Police

28/01/26

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– Postal History Corner: Kaitoke & Kaitoke Camp

Kaitoke Post Office

This office opened on 1 April 1878 and closed on 28 October 1955. The office was in the Kaitoke Railway Station, pictured below.

_{https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/22063}

Postmaster	Start	Postmaster	Start
Mr G Jones	1 Apr 1878	Mr J Sharkay	24 Oct 1911
Mr A J McCurdy	1883	Mr T J McMahon	30 Oct 1913
Mr R Kearney	1 Apr 1895	Mr TC Warren	1 Jan 1916
W Jones	8 Oct 1896	Mr T G White	24 Apr 1918
Mr R Kearney	24 Feb 1897	Mr A J Vollemaere	8 Dec 1918
Mr LE Enderly	9 Aug 1899	Mr C O’Connor	11 Feb 1920
Mr W H Chittey	26 Oct 1899	Mrs A Simpson	29 Jul 1925
Mr S D Hill	9 Dec 1899	Mrs E Burney	29 Jul 1925
Mr A E Bright	4 Jul 1900	Mr A Tuffey	9 Mar 1931
Mr A D Hathaway	25 Jan 1905	Mrs R H Longman	16 Mar 1931
Mr A W Moller	2 Nov 1907	Mr L D Raikes	19 Mar 1938
Mr H J Larkin	15 Nov 1907	Mrs M J Melville	5 Apr 1938
Mr JF Westmorland	20 Nov 1909	Mr L D Raikes*	5 Nov 1938

* Mr Raikes remained in charge until closure

With the pending opening of the Rimutaka Railway Tunnel on 3 November 1955, the Railways Department advised the Post & Telegraph (P&T) Department that the Kaitoke Railway Station would close on 29 October 1955.

This left the Kaitoke Camp Post Office to serve the local farming community.

Kaitoke Camp Post Office

This office was opened on 12 March 1946 and changed its name on 25 June 1956 to Kaitoke and closed on 1 December 1989.

The Post Office was opened to serve the workers of the Wellington Waterworks Scheme at Kaitoke. Correspondence^*1 requesting the provision of an office for workers states that the Public Works Department employees are to be accommodated at a camp being established about 2 miles (3.21km) from the Kaitoke Railway Station, initially for 50 men increasing to more than 100. The labour requirements for the waterworks scheme being expected to last for 5 years.

The conveyance of mail to and from Upper Hutt was undertaken by means of a Public Works Department vehicle as no cost to the Post & Telegraph (P&T) Department.

The office provided post and telephone with money order and savings bank facilities and was run by the Young Mans Christian Association (YMCA) official^*2 at the camp.

Postmaster	Start	Postmistress	Start
Mr M Munro	12 Mar 1946	Mrs E R Hoey	9 Mar 1951
Mr OD Price	20 Jun 1946	Mrs N I Lyons	8 July 1952

The office closed during the Christmas – New Year holidays when all valuables were transferred to Upper Hutt and mail was directed to Kaitoke Post Office.

In early 1952 with completion of the scheme the YMCA advised the P&T that the Kaitoke Camp would be closed on 20 June.

The P&T noted that there was a General Store on the roadside near the camp and offered the post office to the store owner Mrs Lyons. The Ministry of Works (MOW) provided a small hut which they placed against one wall of Mrs Lyon’s store for the post office.

^{https://www.facebook.com/photosoldwellingtonregion/posts/-kaitoke-post-office-1950s-with-little-grocery-storedairy-thanks-to-robert-ander/1765050313583232/}

Kaitoke Post Office (2^nd Period)

In October 1955, some 3 years after the Kaitoke Camp office was transferred to Mrs Lyons store representations were received by the P&T for the office name to be changed from to Kaitoke. This occurred on 25 June 1956.

By 1976 the general store, which had opened in 1947 no longer complied with local body regulations and Mrs Lyons closed the store on 30 April 1976.

However, she continued to run the post office and her newspaper agency for a further 13 years with it being closed on 1 December 1989^*3. In addition, she was the Honorary Warden for the nearby Youth Hostel in Marchant Road from 1953 – 1981.

^1* Source – Archives NZ File – R20934805 – https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search#/?q=R20934805

^2* Source – Archive NZ – Post Office Record Cards listing the names and dates of Postmasters – https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search#/?q=R26283356

^3* Source – https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/33796 – From the Summit to the Gorge (Pages 31 – 40) – Geo Robertson

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

31/01/26

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– Send an article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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

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

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

The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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

The Upper Hutt Connection is always looking for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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If you’d prefer to use an AI image, then please include your image prompt below – The example given generated the image seen below.

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– Tasty food with a purpose: The Kai Kart serves up Kiwi classics and community support

If you’re craving classic Kiwi treats with a heart-warming mission behind them, The Kai Kart on Lane Street in Wallaceville is well worth a visit. Located just south of SaveMart, the much-loved food cart has become a local favourite for its delicious brownies, golden fried bread, the best cheese scones, barista coffee and hearty burgers, and every time you purchase from the Kai Kart you are supporting community initiatives across the Hutt Valley.

The Kai Kart is proudly owned and operated by 4 A Better City Charitable Trust, a registered Upper Hutt charity with a vision to empower the community through compassion, support and education for a hope-filled, sustainable future. The Trust works alongside vulnerable individuals and families, helping build resilience, confidence and wellbeing through practical support and meaningful opportunities.

Every cup of coffee and freshly made treat sold at The Kai Kart helps fund the Trust’s wider work – from composting and urban farming to mentoring programmes and housing support. The Kai Kart also provides supported employment opportunities for people taking part in MSD-assisted employment programmes, offering hands-on experience in a positive, community-focused environment.

Supporting the Community with Delicious Food

We’re currently open weekdays from 10am–1pm, and from next week, we’ll be extending our hours on Tuesdays, to Thursdays to 7.30am–2pm, The Kai Kart serves freshly prepared food made with care by local staff. Recently refreshed with new flags and signage opposite the Lane Park Business Centre, it’s now easier than ever to spot this vibrant community hub.

Alongside the regular menu, our refreshing summer smoothie or frappé are proving to be hit with both morning and lunchtime customers. And from next week you’ll be able to purchase a delicious coffee and bagel for just $12 between 7.30–10am Tuesday – Thursday. It’s the perfect way to start the day!

More Than Just a Kai Kart

4 A Better City’s impact extends well beyond food. The Trust runs a range of projects aimed at building a stronger, more connected Hutt Valley.

Mahinga Kai Urban Farm – Growing delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables to supply to local marae, and food banks and we’re working towards affordable food options for locals.
Weathersfield Organic Seedlings – Our Mahinga Kai Team grow top quality seedlings, especially for local conditions, you can buy them from Mitre 10 MEGA Upper Hutt, Petone and Porirua, keep your eye out as we’ll soon be selling them at the Kai Kart too.
Mahinga Kai Composting – Turning food scraps from local businesses and households into rich active compost for local gardens.
Hutt Valley Community Housing – Providing warm, dry short-term accommodation for individuals and families facing homelessness.
Pathways Property – With the support of a number of investors we are creating affordable opportunities for Hutt Valley families to purchase their own homes through our Rent-To-Own and Shared Equity programmes.
Mental Health Support Groups – Creating safe spaces for people to connect and receive encouragement.
“I Have a Dream” Programme – Supporting young people with skills, confidence and life opportunities.
Well Cut Lawns – Generating income while providing employment and training opportunities.

All profits from The Kai Kart, Well Cut Lawns and our Weathersfield Seedlings social enterprises are reinvested directly back into these initiatives – meaning every Kai Kart purchase helps strengthen our local community.

Proud to be part of Upper Hutt Food Week

The Kai Kart and 4 A Better City are excited about being part of The Upper Hutt Food Week, a celebration of local food, culture and community running from 21–29 March 2026. As part of the week, local food growers and creators are invited to run stalls alongside The Kai Kart at our popup summer market on Saturday 28 March. Stallholders can register their interest by emailing hello@4abettercity.nz

Details of Food Week activities and events will be shared on the Upper Hutt Food Week social media page in the lead-up.

Help us to deliver in our community

Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast, morning tea treats or a midday pick-me-up, visiting The Kai Kart is a simple way to enjoy great kai while giving back.

Follow 4 A Better City on social media, spread the word, and support the work by choosing to eat where your dollars do good for our community.

https://www.facebook.com/4ABCHuttValley

https://www.instagram.com/4abettercityhv/

A “thank you” to Justine Hall from 4 A Better City Trust for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

02/02/26

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– Upper Hutt Boy’s Birthday Gift: A Year of Pocket Money for Nepal School

January 2046. By then, Ansh Adhikari will probably be reading this article on his screen projection from his sunglasses while his self-driving car navigates Upper Hutt’s skyways. Perhaps he’ll chuckle at how we once called Bitcoin “cryptocurrency” and remember when children actually received physical coins as pocket money. The world will have changed remarkably, but one thing will remain constant—the power of a generous heart.

Today, however, here is the eight-year-old boy whose name happens to be Ansh. If Ansh is quiet, he’s either in bed or busy with his computer games. He is otherwise mostly up to some mischief that eight-year-old boys usually are.

Ask his elder sister about the time Ansh “borrowed” her favourite hair clips to construct an elaborate Roblox-inspired fort in the living room. Or when he convinced the family guest that his FIFA victory dance was worth joining—resulting in a spectacular crash into the hallway bookshelf. His father, Dr Ramil Adhikari, has lost count of the mornings Ansh has appeared at breakfast claiming he’s “too tired” for school after late-night gaming sessions, only to bounce back with championship-level energy by lunchtime.

Yet this same whirlwind of a boy, this Roblox fanatic and FIFA champion, recently made a decision that left his parents genuinely proud. Instead of spending his year-long collection of pocket money on the latest gaming gear or those irresistible snacks flooding store shelves, Ansh chose to donate it all to Ratna Shova School in Nepal to mark his birthday.

For such a young boy to contribute, to help, and to part from something as precious as pocket money—which at that age buys dreams and desires—is truly praiseworthy and exemplary. Twenty years from now, when Ansh revisits this moment, he’ll remember not just the games he played, but the difference he made.

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

03/02/26

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– Upper Hutt Stamp Club Inc

_{Upper Hutt Stamp Club}

Do you collect stamps?

Would you like to get to know other collectors?

Come to the Upper Hutt Stamp Club.

The club offers

Monthly evening meetings
Monthly Newsletter
Exchange of stamps (Circuit Books)
A reference library

Meetings:

These are held on the 3rd Monday of the month February to November and 2nd Monday in December in the Pioneer Room of the Wesley Centre, Corner of Benzie Ave and Fergusson Drive Upper Hutt.

The usual programme has:

News and coming events
Items of interest Where members are encouraged to display new and interesting items which they have acquired
One Page Competition (monthly: George Robertson Trophy)
Talks and displays by invited guests and members on varying topics
An annual competition (4, 8 and 16 page classes)
For a copy of our recent newsletter and membership application form contact: The Secretary, Upper Hutt Stamp Club (Inc), 47 Thackeray St, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018, Ph (04) 970 7930

2026 Programme

Inquiries to John Goose, Secretary: johngoose60@gmail.com

Feb 16: Colin Dyer – Plebiscites and Referendums of Europe
Mar 16: AGM. Anita West – A Penny Black Collection
Apr 11: Stamp Fair, Knox Church 574 High St Lower Hutt (10a-4p)
Apr 18: Central Districts Stamps, Coins & Postcard EXPO & Convention, Community Leisure Centre, 569 Ferguson St, Pal Nth
Apr 20: Chris McLaughlin–Designing & Producing Personalised Stamps
May 18: Fred Wheeler – Aden
Jun 15: ANNUAL COMPETITION: 4, 8 & 16 pages. Judge – Paul McTaggart and Quiz – Stephen Jones
Jul 18: Stamp Fair, Knox Church 574 High St Lower Hutt (10a-4p)
Jul 20: Members Night – Letters M, N, O
Aug 17: Stephen Jones – Early NZ Postal History
Sep 21: Richard Smolnicki – Perfins
Sep 26: Stamp Fair, Knox Church 574 High St Lower Hutt (10a-4p)
Oct 19: Arthur Koroniadis – Greece
Nov 16: Joint Meeting with Hutt Valley & Wellington Philatelic Societies
Dec 14: Christmas Presentation of One Page Trophy & Members’ Night with Quiz & Cake

A “thank you” to Andrew McNiven from the Upper Hutt Stamp Club for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

Updated 28/01/26

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– Wellington Electricity underground cable replacement work will mean some road closures in Lower Hutt

Next week, from Monday 2 February, Wellington Electricity is expected to begin underground cable replacement work on Daly Street, and the south end of High Street.

The work will continue over the coming weeks, and is expected to be completed in March.

If you live or work along the impacted route, you will receive an individual notification by letter from contractors GP Friel. Please follow signposted detours.

The work will take place in three stages (please see indicative locations on the map below):

_{Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering RiverLink}

Stage One will see trenching at the south end of Daly Street to the roundabout (green line)
Stage Two will see work move onto the roundabout between Daly Street and High Street (blue rectangle)
Stage Three will move north up High Street to its intersection with Laings Road (red line)

What this means for traffic access:

expect some single-lane traffic closures
entry and exit points are subject to change, and parking in this area will be restricted
during Stage One, access to Daly Street will only be available from the south. From there you can continue north on Daly Street, or turn right onto Andrews Avenue and right or left again to High Street
traffic from Laings Road will join High Street by turning left only. All movements will be clearly signposted on site.

For more information and updates on the cable replacement programme, visit www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi

Thank you for your continued patience while this work is completed.

Source: Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering RiverLink

30/01/26

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– World Piano Day Sunday 29 March needs your help

What are you doing on the 88^th day of the year ? That is the number of keys on a piano. So on Sunday 29 March – World Piano Day (www.pianoday,org) – the Upper Piano Trust is presenting a whole day of piano related events at Whirinaki Whare Taonga Recreation Hall from 10 am to 8 pm. The Piano Trust is a small team and would like hear from any volunteers who would like to help during the build up phases and on the day. The attached poster gives more information about the day and those wanting to participate best contact the Piano Trust via their facebook page, If you are keen to help us organize the event beforehand and on the day email your name , mobile number to spellbound@xtra.co.nz and we will contact you. Roles will include setting out tables and chairs , staffing entries and welcoming people and maybe an information desk on the day. You will not be tied to a role all day so you can participate in playing during the day. Check out Classical Expressions 2026 and Lunchtime Live for a full programme of top quality concerts throughout the year.

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

02/02/26

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COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MATTERS

– 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.

02/02/26

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

– $7 a day for water services – Are you ready? – NZ Empowered

Are you ready to pay potentially $7 or more a day for water services?

Almost double what you pay now and in the next 10 years potentially $14 per day. A renter not going to affect me…Disabled require more water usage, pensioners or fixed income, tenants are you ready for your landlords to be passing this on to you in your rent as we believe we know this happens. Businesses passing on costs in increases in their goods and services, and potentially community organisation being hit also.. If you are concerned , Read on to understand things are at with our water. Will there be like a rates rebate for water? Concessions for those struggling.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ: Late information provided by NZ Empowered. Please read page 17 of the document provided to read where these financial figures have come from Also please read page 12 of the document provided.

Many have voted this council and mayor in based on the promise of transparency and community inclusion. This is a chance for us to engage with council to see if these were hollow words or words of action. We have had a mayor who has had meetings on CBD revitalisation and disabilities during her campaign and Crime in the CBD. Will she, and her councillors now run similar session/s on water?

8 Councillors including our Mayor voted to continue with the foundation documents for Metro Water on the 11th Dec 2025. We believe you do not vote on something you do not understand when voting on behalf of the community you serve. So they should understand and have many of the answers to what you should or want to know with only a few months to go till Metro Water is live. Those who voted against moving forward were Cr Swales, Cr Welch and Cr Mcleod.

The 8 councillors have voted to proceed based on what has been presented as a lot of “should, intention and assumptions”. Contracts 101in our opinion – You read and understand the final wording of a contract before signing. Our question is how many of the councillors actually understood what WILL happen before voting on our Communities behalf before proceeding. Could they have deferred voting until the final docs were written. Yes.

These councillors voted to move forward we would suggest approaching these for answers should you require clarifications.

Mayor – peri.zee@uhcc.govt.nz, Deputy Mayor – corey.white@uhcc.govt.nz

Councillors – matt.carey@uhcc.govt.nz, gurpreet.dhillon@uhcc.govt.nz, bill.hammond@uhcc.govt.nz, emma.holderness@uhcc.govt.nz, tracey.ultra@uhcc.govt.nz, dave.wheeler@uhcc.govt.nz

Our council has directed the community to https://www.tiakiwaimetro.co.nz/ for more info. Have a look and see if your questions are answered here.

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1338025828365858&id=100064753596589&rdid=A1IpVyi7OhVl29NJ&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fp%2F1HkyhPYMZr%2F#

At this stage Upper Hutt will have 1 elected member to speak on Upper Hutt’s behalf. Where other cities it appears will have 2 or more. Iwi will not have voting rights from what we understand as they are nor a shareholder in the organisation.

Pictures attached also shows the reported condition of Upper Hutt’s pipes compared with other councils in the region. Upper Hutt seems to have one of the best kept pipes in the region. So as part of Metro Water, Upper Hutt will be paying for the repair and replacement of these other pipes.

Also attached is a snap from a conversation we had with our mayor during the elections where she was going to put up an article and maybe a video on water. From our understanding this did not occur. (Please take note this is not a get at our mayor, it is facts and we believe the time has come when our council need to be providing more relevant information about what is coming so people can prepare.)

Some questions we have or have been asked are:

How will this work from a charging for water perspective?
When will the water meters be added and when will volumetric charging come in?
How will this work if I am a renter as not clear if there is a difference if 1 person or 10 people are in a dwelling ?
How will this work if I have a disability that requires extra water
How will this work on a pension or low income
Will there be rebates for those on low incomes

Our suggestion is to email one elected member and cc in the rest and ask your questions on Water, Waste and Stormwater.

Below are some links that may be of use to help with your questions.

Potential Charges

From one of the early pages in the Delivery plan.

“Average residential charges are forecast to rise from approximately $2,100 per connection today to between $5,700 (based on the target financial strategy of this WSDP) and $4,800 (based on the lower-end financial scenario) by 2034”

https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/meetings/2025/cycle-5/council-agenda-20250820.pdf#page=17

How Metro Water expect to be charging for Water, Waste and Stormwater. What hasn’t been included is how this will be applied.

https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/meetings/2025/cycle-5/council-agenda-20250820.pdf#page=202

For Renters/Landlords

“In addition, the planned shift to volumetric charging may change who pays for some water services. Property owners will be liable for charges but may be able to on-charge renters for the volumetric part of charges under the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act. If landlords do not adjust rent to recognise any on-charging it may create new affordability challenges for a group of consumers who are more likely to be on lower incomes and already experiencing housing cost pressures.”

https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/meetings/2025/cycle-5/council-agenda-20250820.pdf#page=85

What if I collect my own water

For those who are looking to collect their own water and avoid these charges, there is currently a clause in the councils Long Term Plan which states any dwelling within 100m of a town supply will be subject to a 50% charge whether connected or not.

https://c29daf59-758a-4029-be4e-3a751893ecad.usrfiles.com/ugd/c29daf_06fdce6c85514cd58c4e4783dfb26ab3.pdf#page=292

NZ Empowered

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

02/02/26

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– Amalgamation – Ben Thomas

Ms Homan expresses concern at the lack of attendance at the recent meeting regarding possible amalgamation of the Wellington region councils. I imagine that the reason for lack of attendance at the meeting, is that the majority of people could not care less and a history of political ‘consultation’ suggests that a decision will be made regardless of the views of the local community. On the face of it there do appear to be some advantages to amalgamation:

Reduction in numbers of mayors, CEOs, councillors, etc leading to lower costs
Improvement in some local services; we might even get a library that does not close its doors at 3pm without notice

Disadvantages are:

Loss of local democracy, not that I had noticed much except the jostling at the ‘trough’ every three years.
Ratepayers bear the cost of grandiose projects in Wellington
Ms Homan regards Tiaki Wai as a disadvantage, but since this appears to be a replacement for Wellington Water, I am not sure why. It could not be worse surely?

The reality is that there will be a bloated bureaucracy and rates will continue to skyrocket. On a personal level I would just like my rate’s bill to come down, but I won’t be holding my breath. I am open to being convinced either way but so far have not found any of the arguments compelling. Ben Thomas

A “thank you” to Ben Thomas for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

30/01/26

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– A request for a bus shelter at Wallaceville Station – Kathy Fathers

I love the Wallaceville railway station BUT when there are bus replacements, which is often these days, the exposed bus stop is not good enough. No shelter from wind and rain, no seat.

I, along with numerous other elderly in the area including the Bupa retirement village respectfully ask for a bus shelter to be installed as soon as possible so we can venture out even when it’s wet as it is so often these days

I am nearly 83, no longer drive and love the trains.

A bus shelter is not that much to ask for….is it?

A “thank you” to Kathy Fathers for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

29/01/26

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– Parking for the Mall – Jill Foster

In regards to an article from a Wairarapa resident, I am in agreement as a previous resident now a tourist to Upper Hutt and the incredibly bad signage for parking at the Mall. I got a ticket on New Years day when no shops were open, and the Mall has not improved in 20 years. Still dark dingy run down and depressing. Only there to collect my sister who was also a tourist from Auckland.

So let’s answer the question, why detour to see a hole of a place and charged for the privilege. Brewtown just a drinking hole.

So Wayne Guppy what did you really do?

Not coming back.

Sincerely

J Foster

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

30/01/26

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SPORTS

– Cricket results for Saturday, 31st of January

Another weekend of work in the bank

Source: Upper Hutt United Cricket Club

03/02/26

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– Results for the Wellington Ministock Championship, Dykstra Modified, and Stockcar Teams Challenge

What a night of champs we had on Saturday!

Thank you to all of our staff and volunteers for making this massive program happen.

Thank you to our competitors from traveling near and far to put on an amazing show for the crowd. Special thank you to the Pumas for coming down too!

Congratulations to our podiums for 2026;

Wellington Ministock Championship

88W Ashton Kahui
12W Bailey Crook-Faisandier
16W Vayda Pou

Thank you to their loyal sponsor Black Sheep Construction for putting on this Champs and supporting the class!

Dykstra Modified Challenge

12S Jason Kalin
9E Sheldon Arapere
121A Newton Gordge

Thank you to the Dykstra family, Hessels Poultry Farm, for supporting our Modified’s and putting together this show!

Stockcar Teams Challenge

Race 1 win – Young Guns
Race 2 win – Pumas

Wellington Top10 Challenge Cup – Young Guns
Stockcar Teams Trophy – Young Guns

Bike The Track Winners

Everyone who got out on track
Everyone who donated

Thank you to everyone for being a part of it! Fundraising totals to come shortly…

Another great meeting for our club, now we look forward to the next big one – our third National title of the season, the North Island Super Saloon Championship! Saturday 14th February, no better Valentine’s date than this!

Source: Wellington Family Speedway

03/02/26

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– Upper Hutt Petanque Club continues their winning streak with the Jacques Cochonnet Trophy, defending against Masterton on Wednesday

Masterton Petanque Club hosted the final challenge of the playing season for the Jacques Cochonnet Trophy from holders Upper Hutt, on Wednesday 28th January 2026, in warm and dry sunny conditions.

The teams gathered at 09:00 and play began at 09:30. Upper Hutt took only 1 of the 3 games in the first round, and another 2 in the second round, making it 3-3 at that point when a break for lunch took place. The final round had everyone on tenterhooks until the end of the 2nd game at which point Upper Hutt had won both, and therefore the match. Upper Hutt then went on to win the 3rd game to make the total 6 games to Masterton’s 3. This was the 21st consecutive win for Upper Hutt for the coveted trophy. The Upper Hutt team consisted of Dave Gwerder, Brian Smith and Mary Khalil (Triples), Adrienne Gwerder and Linda Brown (Doubles) and Derek Worsley (Singles). The Masterton team consisted of Graeme Morris, Sue Walker and Dave Roper (Triples), Graeme Pilcher and Vaughan Paul (Doubles), and John Pryer (Singles).

The next year’s order of challengers and venues will be drawn at a WPA meeting in due course.

Source: Upper Hutt Petanque Club

29/01/26

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

– Black Sheep Construction North Island Super Saloons: Saturday 14th of February, 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm

The Black Sheep Construction North Island Super Saloons bring big horsepower and serious speed to the track in one of the premier meetings of the season. Join us as we welcome Super Saloons from around the country to battle it out to crown our 2026 North Island Champion!

Classes running:

Super Saloons
Production Saloons
Stockcars
Saloons
Streetstocks
TQ Midgets

All classes are to be confirmed and are subject to change without notice.

Buy tickets here: https://wellingtonspeedway.flicket.co.nz/events/b8f1f2f6-6e70-4bb5-ace4-12de5fda37ea/reservation

Source; Wellington Family Speedway

02/02/26

Time	Stop name	Where to find us
9.00-9.20am	Akatarawa Road	just after the dairy (115 Akatarawa Road)
9.30-9.50am	Norana Road	in front of Timberlea Park (72-76 Norana Road)
10.00-10.20am	Maidstone Max	opposite Briscoes (1 Park Street)
10.30-10.50am	Buddle Park	Wallaceville Estate
11.00-11.20am	Ararino Street	close to Trentham Railway Station
11.30-11.50am	Trentham Memorial Park	on Fergusson Drive (opposite Brendan Foot Supersite)
1.30-1.50pm	Riverstone Terraces	Craig’s Flat Reserve
2.00-2.20pm	Riverbank Park	on Riverbank Street
2.30-2.50pm	Totara Park Stops	on Turon Crescent

CONTENTS

Thank you fro giving your opinion.

What this means for your bill

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

2026 Programme

Yoga in the Park: Friday 6th of February, 9.00 am – 10.30 am

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