Upper Hutt City Council is consulting on changes to its rating system that would remove the 25% rates discount currently applied to commercial forestry blocks and rural properties larger than 30 hectares.

The council says the change would improve fairness and transparency by having those properties pay the same standard rate as other ratepayers.

Under current figures, a rural property over 30ha with a capital value of $1.41 million would see rates increase from $2,993 to $3,948, excluding water charges.

Mayor Peri Zee said only a small number of properties would be affected and the change was about redistributing rates, not increasing overall rates revenue.

The review also proposes reducing the rates paid by Tiaki Wai on water infrastructure from three times the residential rate to 2.5 times by 2029.

The existing business rate would be split into separate commercial and industrial categories, with industrial properties paying a higher land transport rate.

Rating differentials for Rimutaka Prison, public utilities and vacant land would remain unchanged.

Public consultation closes on November 27. Hearings will be held the following month, with a final council decision expected in February.

Read the full article on The Post: https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/361107130/upper-hutt-council-proposes-ditching-rates-discount-large-rural-land-blocks

A “thank you” to the the editor at The Post / Stuff for allowing The Upper Hutt Connection to publish summaries of their articles.

Source: Justin Wong / Local Democracy Reporting / The Post

30/10/26

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This article is part of a series advocating for the rights of disabled people, contributed by Dr Pamela J. MacNeill, Managing Director, Disability Responsiveness New Zealand Ltd: https://drnz.co.nz/

Summarising the DPA Election 2026 Disability Scorecard

About this summary

This summary is drawn entirely from the Disability Scorecard for Election 2026, published by the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) in its Information Exchange newsletter of 29 October 2026. The scorecard is the original work of the Disabled Persons Assembly, CCS Disability Action and Your Way Kia Roha, who designed the questions, surveyed the parties and collated the responses. Full credit for the scorecard belongs to those three organisations.

This summary has been prepared for information only. It is not intended to persuade anyone to vote for, or against, any political party or candidate. It does not rank the parties or recommend any of them. Each party’s position is set out in the same way and in the same order, using the parties’ own self-reported answers and comments. Readers are encouraged to read the original DPA scorecard and each party’s own published policies, and to reach their own conclusions.

The parties appear in the same order DPA used: ACT, the Green Party, Labour, Te Pāti Māori, National, NZ First and Opportunity. The parties’ comments have been condensed and paraphrased; where wording matters, the original DPA document should be consulted.

How the scorecard worked

In September 2026, DPA and its partners sent the same ten questions to seven political parties: ACT, the Green Party, Labour, Te Pāti Māori, National, NZ First and Opportunity. Each party was invited to answer each question Yes, No or Undecided, to add comments, and to provide a short statement to the disabled community.

Where a party did not give one of those three answers directly, DPA assigned an answer based on the party’s comments and marked it with an asterisk. In this summary, such answers are described as an assigned answer. All answers are self-reported by the parties. ACT did not respond to the scorecard, so it is recorded as no response on every question.

Labour noted that it had not yet released its election manifesto when it responded, and that further policy would follow.

The ten questions and the parties’ answers

For each question below, the question is summarised first, then each party’s answer is given in DPA’s order, followed by a short account of any comments the parties added.

Question 1: Rights

The question asked whether the party commits to a legal framework that protects disabled people’s rights and upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, known as the UNCRPD.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour answered Yes. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered Yes. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said it is committed to the Enabling Good Lives principles, the UNCRPD and Te Tiriti, and will progress incorporating the UNCRPD into law. NZ First said it supports protecting disabled people’s rights and fully implementing the UNCRPD, but opposes including Treaty principles clauses in general legislation, favouring one law based on need. Opportunity said its position recognises disabled people as rights-holders, recognises Te Tiriti, and commits to UNCRPD obligations.

Question 2: Disability Support Services Bill

The question asked whether the party will repeal the Disability Support Services Bill and replace it with legislation that protects choice and control, self-determination and accountability, and involves disabled people and whānau in decisions.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour answered Yes. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered No. NZ First answered Undecided. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said it opposed the Bill and will repeal it, while agreeing a legislative framework for disability support funding is needed. It said the Bill was drafted without input from disabled people, whānau or carers, and that it would work with them on a rights-based framework with a focus on safeguarding. NZ First said it supports real choice, control and self-determination, and favours flexible, person-centred funding and informed self-assessment over central bureaucracy. Opportunity said it made a submission on repeal, was strongly critical of the Bill’s drafting, consultation, reliance on unpaid family carers and treatment of international and Te Tiriti obligations, and would replace it with rights-based legislation developed with the disability community.

Question 3: Consultation

The question asked whether the party commits to meaningfully involving disabled people and disabled people’s organisations in designing policy and law that affects them.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party, Labour, Te Pāti Māori, National, NZ First and Opportunity all answered Yes.

Labour linked this to its commitment to the UNCRPD and Enabling Good Lives, and to incorporating the UNCRPD into law. NZ First said it strongly supports consulting directly with affected communities and their organisations, because disabled people are best placed to state their own needs.

Question 4: The “Love Tax”

The question asked whether the party supports ending the financial penalty disabled people face when in a relationship, including removing partner income testing for the Supported Living Payment.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour answered Undecided. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered No. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said it will end annual benefit renewals for people with verified permanent disabilities, but had not yet announced its benefit policies. NZ First said it favours reviewing benefit abatement and income testing so disabled people are not unfairly penalised for forming or keeping relationships.

Question 5: Cost of living and allowances

The question asked whether the party supports increasing the Disability Allowance and the Child Disability Allowance and making them easier to apply for, as recommended in the Child Poverty Action Group’s 2026 manifesto.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour was Undecided. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered No. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity was Undecided.

Labour repeated its commitment to ending annual benefit renewals for people with verified permanent disabilities and said its benefit policies were still to be announced. NZ First said its past policy supports reviewing and increasing the Child Disability Allowance, adjusting allowances for inflation and simplifying applications. Opportunity said it has no specific position, but its Tax Reset policy proposes broad reform of main and supplementary benefits to make them more accessible.

Question 6: Employment

The question asked whether the party commits to widening eligibility for, and increasing funding of, Job and Training Support Funds.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour was Undecided. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered Yes. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said the disability unemployment rate is too high, that it will work towards systemic change to support disabled people into open employment, and that it will amend the Human Rights Act to define reasonable accommodation and recognise that denying it is discrimination. NZ First said employment is a top priority, noted its pledge to reinstate Workbridge, and said it supports expanding job and training support funds.

Question 7: Education

The question asked whether the party commits to needs-based, predictable funding for disabled ākonga in mainstream schools and kura, covering teacher aides, specialist support, accessible resources, assistive technology and reasonable accommodations.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour was Undecided. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered Yes. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said it is committed to disabled ākonga having the tools and resources they need in mainstream schools and kura. NZ First said it advocates increasing Ongoing Resourcing Scheme funding for high-needs learners, providing Learning Support Coordinators, and creating career pathways for teacher aides.

Question 8: Access

The question asked whether the party commits to accessibility legislation with enforceable standards covering public spaces, buildings, transport, services, information, communication and digital technology.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour answered Yes. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered Undecided. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity was Undecided.

Labour said accessibility needs to be prioritised and that its committed domestic disability rights legislation would include a focus on accessibility. NZ First said it supports practical, enforceable accessibility measures and noted it introduced the Accessibility Standards Bill in the name of Jenny Marcroft. Opportunity said it has no set policy, but agrees everyone should have equal access and would listen to disabled people and the evidence on how to achieve it.

Question 9: Abuse in care

The question asked whether the party commits to honouring the promise to survivors by implementing and fully funding the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, and Honour the Promise.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour answered Yes. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered Undecided. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said it has committed to implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations. NZ First said it supports justice, victim support and institutional accountability, and supports implementing and adequately resourcing the recommendations to deliver redress and future protection.

Question 10: Climate and emergency preparedness

The question asked whether each party commits to involving disabled people and their organisations in climate adaptation and in emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

ACT gave no response. The Green Party answered Yes. Labour was Undecided. Te Pāti Māori answered Yes. National answered Yes. NZ First answered Yes. Opportunity answered Yes.

Labour said it recognises the importance of meaningful engagement with disabled people and their organisations in this area. NZ First said it supports Civil Defence and regional response plans that cover all community members, and actively involving disabled people and their organisations so plans meet accessibility needs.

The parties’ statements to the disabled community

Four parties provided a general statement. They are summarised below in DPA’s order. ACT, NZ First and Opportunity did not provide a general statement, although NZ First and Opportunity commented on individual questions as described above.

Green Party

The Green Party said it wants an Aotearoa where disabled people and whānau live with dignity and autonomy and have access to services such as transport and good-quality housing. It said current laws, policies and social norms deny disabled people equal rights, with greater barriers for tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people from marginalised communities. It said the current Government has made support harder to access. Its plan would build on Enabling Good Lives, be grounded in Te Tiriti, operate on a high-trust model, and include disabled people with disabling conditions who do not currently receive support.

Labour

Labour said its manifesto was still to be released. It said that during this term it opposed the Government’s changes to flexible funding, restrictions on residential care, funding freezes, the halt to Enabling Good Lives sites, changes to Whaikaha, the move of Disability Support Services into the Ministry of Social Development, and the Disability Support Services Bill. It listed seven commitments for a Labour government: systemic change to support disabled people into employment; ending annual benefit renewals for people with verified permanent disabilities; requiring at least 25 percent of new Kāinga Ora builds to be accessible; building disabled leadership capacity with disability communities; amending the Human Rights Act to define reasonable accommodation and treat its denial as discrimination; progressing incorporation of the UNCRPD into law; and repealing the Disability Support Services Act in favour of a rights-based framework developed with disabled people, carers and their organisations.

Te Pāti Māori

Te Pāti Māori described disability justice as a matter of mana, tino rangatiratanga and human rights, with tangata hauā, whānau hauā and Disabled People’s Organisations at the centre of decisions. Its approach is grounded in Te Tiriti and the UNCRPD and supports Māori-led, whānau-centred solutions. It said it would establish a Māori-led Mana Hauā Authority, strengthen accessible and inclusive education, improve access to culturally safe health and disability services, support employment, and make all new government-built housing accessible. It also recognised unpaid care and whānau support as valuable work and supports income settings that allow disabled people to live with dignity.

National

National said it wants disabled New Zealanders to participate in their communities and live the lives they choose, and that support should reflect individual needs and choices. It said that in government it has committed more than 2.1 billion dollars in additional Disability Support Services funding, removed the 2024 flexible funding purchasing restrictions, introduced nationally consistent needs assessments, refreshed the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026 to 2030, and strengthened Disability Support Services legislation after more than 3,000 submissions. On education, it said it is investing more than 317 million dollars in specialist education infrastructure, including 142 new specialist classrooms, three new specialist schools and major redevelopments at six existing schools, as well as earlier support through Kaikaranga and Autism New Zealand. It said its wider focus includes employment barriers, accessibility, New Zealand Sign Language and safeguarding, and that there is more to do.

Source and further information

Source: Disabled Persons Assembly, Information Exchange newsletter, 29 October 2026, 2026 Election Disability Scorecard Edition, produced with CCS Disability Action and Your Way Kia Roha. The DPA Scorecard webpage on the Disabled Persons Assembly website holds the media release and the full scorecard results in text-only format and in a format with graphics. DPA can be contacted by email at info at dpa dot org dot nz.

This summary, prepared by Dr Pam MacNeill of Upper Hutt, is a condensed account of DPA’s work, prepared for information only. It does not endorse any party, and it should not be read as advice on how to vote.

A “thank you” to Dr Pamela J. MacNeill, Managing Director, Disability Responsiveness New Zealand Ltd for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

02/11/26

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Greater Wellington Regional Council has issued multiple enforcement actions and fines over illegal dumping at a Silverstream site owned by Trinidad Investments and used by Roil Contracting.

The 5,700sqm site on Barley Mow Lane was first investigated in 2022 after complaints about dirt and debris being dumped near Hulls Creek without sediment controls. Fines totalling $1,050 were issued, followed by an abatement notice.

Further complaints in 2025 led to the discovery of treated timber and synthetic materials being burned in drums. Additional fines of $3,000 and another abatement notice were issued.

An inspection in August found illegal dumping had continued. Testing detected very high levels of petroleum hydrocarbons. Investigators found large amounts of mixed waste and demolition material, with some dumped in the Hulls Creek flood path.

A third abatement notice was issued this month after Patrick Roil did not respond to council requests. He must complete environmental investigations and any required remediation work by April 2027 or face possible prosecution.

The site remains under active investigation by the council.

Roil and his companies are also subject to enforcement action over another unlawful dump site near Porirua.

Roil Contracting was fined $60,000 in 2011 for blocking a stream feeding the Pauatahanui Inlet. The company entered liquidation in August following an Inland Revenue application. A liquidator’s report linked the liquidation to a failure to account for taxation. Nine company vehicles were repossessed earlier this year.

Roil could not be reached for comment.

Read the full article on Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/361051793/fines-and-fires-battle-over-illegal-dump-continues

A “thank you” to the editor at Stuff / The Post for allowing The Upper Hutt Connection to publish summaries of their articles.

Source: Marty Sharpe / Stuff

29/10/26

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Upper Hutt City Council is inviting the community to have its say on proposed changes to how rates are shared across different types of properties in the city.

Consultation on Council’s draft Rating Policy is open from 5pm 27 October, with submissions closing at 5pm 27 November.

Group Manager Finance, Risk and Digital Solutions, Sarah Tunnicliffe, says the review is an opportunity to look at whether the current rating settings remain appropriate for Upper Hutt.

“Rates affect everyone in our community, either directly or indirectly, so people must have the opportunity to understand the proposed changes and tell us what they think,” she says.

“This review is not about deciding the total amount of rates Council collects. It’s about how that rates requirement is shared across different types of properties and rating categories.”

Council is consulting on two approaches: retaining the existing rating structure and settings, or introducing a range of changes under Council’s preferred approach.

The preferred approach includes splitting the existing business rating category into commercial and industrial categories, adjusting some general rate differentials and introducing different rating settings for the Land Transport Rate.

Council is also proposing to bring its rating principles and settings together in one Rating Policy. Currently, this information is spread across several Council documents.

The review takes into account factors including affordability, the benefits different properties receive from Council services and the demands different land uses may place on infrastructure.

Sarah says Council wants the community to understand the options and their potential impacts before decisions are made.

“No final decisions have been made. We encourage people to read the consultation information, consider what the changes could mean and share their views.”

The full consultation document, including the reasons for the proposed changes and examples of potential impacts, is available on Let’s kōrero.

Submissions can be made online, with paper copies of the consultation material and submission form available from Council’s Customer Services counter and Upper Hutt Libraries.

Following consultation and hearings, Council is scheduled to consider the Rating Policy for adoption on 9 December 2026.

Any changes adopted are intended to take effect from 1 July 2027.

Have your say by 5pm 27 November at letskorero.upperhutt.govt.nz/rates-review-2026

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

28/10/26

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Our I Have A Dream Upper Hutt tamariki have worked hard, learnt new skills, faced challenges and achieved so much this year. Now we want to bring them and their whānau together for a special end-of-year celebration – a chance to have fun, make memories and celebrate how far they’ve come.

A little about I Have A Dream

I Have A Dream is an in-school mentoring programme at Te Kura o Hau Karetu. Dedicated mentors, known as Navigators, work alongside tamariki (Dreamers) throughout their time at the kura, supporting their learning, encouraging them to explore their interests, helping them navigate challenges and building their confidence to reach their potential.

We currently have 135 Dreamers in the programme. They are a special bunch of kids who are working hard to learn, grow and become the best people they can be and we want to celebrate them.

How can our community help?

We’re inviting local businesses, organisations and individuals to get behind these tamariki in our neighbourhood by donating goods or contributing financially towards the event.

We’re looking for donations of:

• Sausages and BBQ supplies
• Ice creams
• Drinks and refreshments
• Prizes, treats and small gifts
• Lolly bags for Santa to hand out
• Outdoor games
• Financial contributions towards event costs

Whether you’re a local business able to donate supplies or someone who’d simply like to contribute, every little bit will help make this a memorable day for our Dreamers and their whānau.

Can you get behind our dreamers?

If you’re able to help, we’d love to hear from you by Monday 16 November.

Please email hello@4abettercity.nz to find out more or arrange a donation.

By supporting the children in our neighbourhood, you’re helping create opportunities for them to feel celebrated, valued and encouraged. Thank you for being part of their journey!

Find out more about I Have A Dream on our website: https://www.4abettercity.nz/i-have-a-dream-upper-hutt/

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

02/11/26

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As of 30 October, 672 people have registered their interest in the upcoming Plenty foods community share offer, with indicated investments ranging from $1 to more than $1,000 and beyond.

The PledgeMe crowdfunding offer will give New Zealanders the opportunity to invest alongside existing shareholders in Plenty foods Brewtown.

Founder Henry Hutcheon says the response shows Kiwis are looking for a different way to engage with the businesses they support.

“We’ve been blown away by the response. That number of people have put their hand up before the offer has even opened.”

“People tell us they want more than another supermarket. They want to support a business that reflects the values of the community it serves. That’s what this offer is about.”

Since opening, Plenty foods has focused on building strong relationships with customers, suppliers and local producers while proving an independent supermarket can succeed.

The company believes the level of early interest reflects the support for local ownership and a desire for communities to play a bigger role in the businesses they use every day.

The planned raise will help strengthen the business, grow customer ownership and support Plenty foods’ long-term vision of building a network of community-connected supermarkets and supporting businesses.

Interest has come from existing customers, local business owners, families and supporters of independent supermarkets. “Some people have registered an interest of $1. Others are proposing to invest much more. Both are important to us, says Hutcheon.”

This isn’t just about the amount people invest. It’s about people wanting to be part of our journey to build something they can believe in.”

People interested in becoming shareholders can register their interest on the CrowdCheck crowdfunding page on PledgeMe, which will remain open until the offer goes live.

A “thank you” to Lisé Hutcheon from Plenty foods for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

30/10/26

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Riverstone Terraces resident Kris Sanderson will again open her garage on Betty Watt Grove as the suburb’s only voting place on November 7.

The voting place will operate from 9am to 7pm on election day and is one of more than 2300 voting locations nationwide.

Sanderson first offered her garage as a voting place in 2023 to provide a more accessible option for local residents. The nearest Upper Hutt voting place is not served by weekend buses.

Official Electoral Commission figures show 383 Remutaka electorate voters cast their ballots there in 2023.

Sanderson said residents had asked whether the garage would be used again and described it as a convenient option for the community. She will again work as an assistant at the voting place.

The Electoral Commission said voting place locations are selected based on factors including convenience, public transport access, availability, past voting patterns, political neutrality, security, and accessibility.

Political parties are consulted on draft voting place locations before they are finalised.

A total of 2694 voting places, including advance voting locations, will open during the voting period.

The Electoral Commission said voters can find voting place locations on its website or call 0800 36 76 56 for assistance.

Source: Justin Wong / Local Democracy Reporting / 1news

30/10/26

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

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

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

When sending an article to The Upper Hutt Connection please be sure to include the following.

• The title of the article
• The text of the article
• Your first and last name, or group (eg. Upper Hutt City Council, Upper Hutt Women’s Centre, etc)
• And any images and photos you’d like included

Email your articles to editor@uhconnection.co.nz

The Upper Hutt Connection – AI image gallery

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Birchville School Hall

16 Gemstone Drive, Birchville

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc.

Blue Mountains Residents Association

4 Avian Crescent, Blue Mountains

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: None

Fraser Crescent School Hall

16 Redwood Street, Elderslea

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc

Riverstone: Garage of Private House

1 Betty Watt Grove, Riverstone Terraces

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: None

Greenstone Doors (Chanel Family Centre)

1285 Fergusson Drive, Brown Owl

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Heretaunga College Hall

10-38 Ward Street, Wallaceville

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Mangaroa School Hall

93 Flux Road, Mangaroa

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Orongomai Marae

1/9 Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt Central

Opening hours

• Fri, 6 Nov. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Languages spoken

Te reo Māori

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Oxford Crescent School Hall

5 Oxford Crescent, Ebdentown

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Pinehaven Community Hall

5A Forest Road, Pinehaven

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc.

Plateau School

12A Molloys Road, Te Mārua

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov
• 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Silverstream School Hall

1 Whitemans Road, Silverstream

Opening hours

• Mon, 26 Oct. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sat, 31 Oct. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sun, 1 Nov. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

St Brendan’s School Hall

56 Palmer Crescent, Heretaunga

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc.

St Hilda’s Church Hall

35 Cruickshank Road, Clouston Park

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

St Joseph’s Scout Hall

46 Royal Street, Upper Hutt Central

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: None

Te Kura o Hau Karetu (Māoribank School Hall)

32 Hillside Drive, Māoribank

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc.

Totara Park School Hall

16 California Drive, Totara Park

Opening hours

Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc.

Trentham School Hall

2 Moonshine Road, Trentham

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Partial

May have step, steep ramp etc.

Upper Hutt Baptist Church

1 Milton Street, Trentham

Opening hours

• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Upper Hutt Mall Shop 403 (ground floor, opp Lincraft)

205 Main Street, Upper Hutt Central

Opening hours

• Mon, 26 Oct. 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Tue, 27 Oct. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Wed, 28 Oct. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Thu, 29 Oct. 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Fri, 30 Oct. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Sat, 31 Oct. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Sun, 1 Nov. 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Mon, 2 Nov. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Tue, 3 Nov. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Wed, 4 Nov. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Thu, 5 Nov. 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Fri, 6 Nov. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

Upper Hutt Mall Shop 602 (first floor, next to OPSM)

205 Main Street, Upper Hutt Central

Opening hours

• Mon, 26 Oct. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Tue, 27 Oct. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Wed, 28 Oct. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Thu, 29 Oct. 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Fri, 30 Oct. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Sat, 31 Oct. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Sun, 1 Nov. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• Mon, 2 Nov. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Tue, 3 Nov. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Wed, 4 Nov. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Thu, 5 Nov. 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Fri, 6 Nov. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sat, 7 Nov. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Accessibility status: Full

Independent access to and within this building

https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/voting-in-the-election/find-a-voting-place

Copyright © Electoral Commission New Zealand

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Dear Reader,

On 16th September we held a Meeting of our members and others from our Community as the first of two events where we attempt to explain to our membership, supporters and wider-community the fundamental concerns we believe all voters should ask of individual and ‘party nominated’ candidates before identifying ‘electorate’ and ‘party list’ choice and then, exercising their vote on election day, Saturday, 7^th November 2026.

Our second meeting prior to Election Day will be held on Wednesday 21^st October 2026, at the Baptist Church Centre, Cnr. Fergusson Drive and Milton Streets, Upper Hutt, commencing at 1:30pm.

This later gathering of members, supporters and wider-community will be devoted to providing an invitation to address us via a ‘’speaking-slot’ allocated by lot to at least each of the candidates representing the parties polling ‘strongest’ in ‘opinion polls’. 

While mandated to participate in public discussion on matters ‘political’ Grey Power is strictly ‘apolitical.’ We seek primarily to provide considered prioritisation of public expenditure sufficient to adequately fund ‘public services’ and ‘integrated infrastructure; in support of a dignified retirement for older people, families as they progress toward retirement and others who have involuntarily lost their participation in the ‘paid workforce.’  Our ideal outcome would see unbreakable ‘cross-party’ accord on the availability of publicly funded services, the cost of living and, of course, the achievement of a universally protected and sustainable environment.

The business we are conducting refers to seven (7) ‘policy’ categories where Grey Power New Zealand Federation (GPNZF) sought party responses to a range of questions critical to the well-being of older people, families and others as they progress toward retirement.

Grey Power asked the seven major political parties to outline their policies for older New Zealanders ahead of the 2026 General Election. National, Labour, the Green Party, New Zealand First and Opportunity Party responded. ACT was invited to participate but said it not have the capacity to complete the questionnaire. Te Pāti Māori did not respond.

We emphasise our review was current at 24 August 2026. We accept no responsibility to determine and/or update party ‘policy amendments’ announced subsequent to that date. The policies encompassed by our review are ‘institutional’ in nature and are fundamental to all parties seeking representation in New Zealand’s governance.

The responses reveal broad agreement on protecting New Zealand Superannuation, but significant differences in healthcare, housing and cost-of-living policies.

The questions and responses may be examined by clicking’ on the attachment(s) designated below.

Authorised By:

Lew Rohloff
President
Upper Hutt Grey Power Association

Mail to:
lew.rohloff14@gmail.com

New Zealand Superannuation

Accommodation Supplement

Dementia Care

Housing for Older New Zealanders

Aged Care Workforce

Health

Cost of Living

Ageing Well

Closing question

A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff, vice president of Upper Hutt Grey Power Association for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

21/09/26

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Engaging with Council

Engaging with councillors/mayor

Don’t be afraid of engaging with the elected members as they have been voted in to be the communities voice. But remember when engaging, to be concise, clear and respectful.

Mayor – peri.zee@uhcc.govt.nz

Deputy Mayor – corey.white@uhcc.govt.nz

Community and Economy Committee Chair’s

• angela.mcleod@uhcc.govt.nz
• tracey.ultra@uhcc.govt.nz

Other Councillor’s

• matt.carey@uhcc.govt.nz
• gurpreet.dhillon@uhcc.govt.nz
• bill.hammond@uhcc.govt.nz
• emma.holderness@uhcc.govt.nz
• dave.wheeler@uhcc.govt.nz
• daniel.welch@uhcc.govt.nz
• hellen.swales@uhcc.govt.nz

CEO

• geoff.swainson@uhcc.govt.nz

Other helpful Council Contacts

• General Council Enquiries: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Home Phone (04) 527 2169
• Noise Control: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Health-and-safety/Noise-Control
• Rivers, Regional Public Transport, Bulk water supply, Flood protection, and Regional parks: Cr Ros Connelly from the GWRC  – Ph: 027 733 5076 Email: ros.connelly@gw.govt.nz
• Dog Control: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Dogs-and-animals/Animal-control-services
• Roading and Parking: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Roads-and-parking
• Tree Management: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Tree-Management
• Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Water
• Waste and recycling: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Services/Waste-and-recycling

Speaking Rights and Submitting at Council

If you see a council meeting, usually 2-5 days before an agenda will come out and you can apply for speaking rights to speak in the Public Forum, which is usually in the first 30 mins of a meeting.

Following links explain more :

Speaking at Council Meetings: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/meetings/attending-and-speaking-at-council-meetings.pdf

Meeting Agendas: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/About-Your-Council/Council-meetings/Meeting-agendas-and-minutes

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UHCCCommunityService

A “thank you” to NZ Empowered for providing this article for The Upper Hutt Connection. Please note that this article is published each week.

02/02/26

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Another successful tournament completed over Labour Weekend where 1 to 5 bowlers from all around the region competed over 2 days against their peers, with great bowls being played, and a lot of fun and laughter had by all involved.

Thank you to all players involved, spectators and the army of our members who gave up their time and ensured that the tournament was well run, organising the Greens, Grounds, Entries/Payments, Lunches/BBQ, Raffles, Setup/Cleanup in Club rooms and on Greens. There were too many helpers to name them all, but it would be remiss to not thank Alex Rennie for his great efforts spending two days at the club completing all the scoring/recording duties and making the lunches.

We look forward to next years tournament and seeing all eligible players back in action.

For the 1 to 5 year players who were in their 5th year, we look forward to your ongoing support to encourage the other 1 to 5 year players from your club to play in our event in 2027.

Source: Silverstream Bowling Club

28/10/26

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Recently I was asked why New Zealand has no AI legislation. These concerns were mirrored by respondents to a 2025 survey by Internet New Zealand identifying that 52% of people were very concerned about AI’s societal impact. I’m sure many of you would have been horrified to hear that AI could surpass human intelligence in the very near future. And that the very same companies that control AI developments are the ones warning us of the possibility. This is not science fiction; it is science fact.

Unfortunately, the genie is already out of the bottle and New Zealand is a small player in the AI development world. In fact, we are currently a receiver, not an instigator of this fast-moving technology. But please read on to find out how the government proposes to address this weakness.

Does the government have any appetite for AI legislation? The answer is no! And what about a new government? I haven’t heard a single party, big or small, propose a legislative approach. The key issue is that New Zealand is a relatively active adopter of generative AI, while development of “frontier” AI models and private investment remains concentrated overseas. We are currently users or takers of this technology. We do not have any influence in its underlying design, or infrastructure. We do not have a voice in shaping its future. 

FYI, generative AI is the name for tools such as Claude or ChatGPT which about 40 percent of our people aged 15 – 64 are using. Frontier AI development is the investment in AI itself. Only a limited number of companies in the United States (US 285.9 billion invested) and China (US12.4 billion) are big enough to fund this work.

All is not lost though. International AI policy, its safe use and governance, is an increasingly important concern. The government has participated in the development or endorsement of some international AI policy statements and does have a national AI strategy (Investing with Confidence) which prioritises AI adoption, productivity and innovation, relying on existing legal frameworks and voluntary guidance. Happily, we do have power over our own computing infrastructure, data capabilities, research investment and regulatory frameworks.  Our government imagines that New Zealand to be an exporter of technology resources, hence the enthusiasm for Southland’s hyperscale data centre next door to the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. The data facility is intended to support international AI and cloud customers by exporting our computing services, using renewable electricity generation and our infrastructure. Our renewable electricity generation, cooling down the data centre computers, could benefit countries where electricity generation is reliant on thermal sources. Possibly a win for the environment?

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

30/10/26

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Authorised by Rob Salmond, 2 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington

02/10/26

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Over the past few months I’ve been getting to know our Remutaka electorate: visiting businesses, schools, community organisations and events, and talking with people about what matters to them.

My background is in science, education, strategy and governance. I’ve spent much of my career taking complex problems, understanding the evidence, bringing the right people together and finding practical ways forward.

That’s the approach I’d bring to the practical issues people are raising with me: access to healthcare, reliable transport and infrastructure, good jobs, safer communities, affordable housing and better opportunities for young people.

I’ve also learned that Upper Hutt, Stokes Valley, and Lower Hutt each have their own strengths and priorities. Good representation means understanding those differences and ensuring they are reflected in the decisions that affect them.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me, shared their experiences and trusted me with their stories. I look forward to many more conversations in the weeks ahead, and to the opportunity to earn your trust and your vote.

A “thank you” to Dr. Zabeen Lateef for sending this to The Upper Hutt Connection.

06/10/26

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I’m Luke Ross, a Silverstream resident and your local candidate for the Opportunity Party.

People are tired, worried and facing a political system that hasn’t seen a major change in decades. The status quo isn’t working. The Opportunity Party is a circuit-breaker, ready to bring fresh ideas and a true bipartisan approach, focusing on our three core areas: 

Fix politics – end wasteful policy flip-flops, strengthen democracy through Citizens’ Assemblies, and limit the influence of corporate lobbyists.

Build the next economy – bring prices down by regulating the supermarkets, building renewable energy and creating a tax system that ensures that every Kiwi can live well and contribute.

Restore nature – stop bottom-trawling, protect our oceans and forests, and prioritise meaningful action on climate change.

I’m spending my time out in the community listening to your concerns and aspirations for the future. Reach out to me at any time at luke.ross@opportunity.org.nz and remember to party vote for Opportunity.

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

28/09/26

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I’m standing for ACT because I believe in the future New Zealand.

After more than 30 years serving in the Defence Force, running a business exporting New Zealand products, and most recently serving as a Greater Wellington Regional Councillor, I’ve seen first-hand what happens when organisations are disciplined, accountable and focused on results — and what happens when bureaucracy gets in the way.

ACT’s priorities align strongly with my own:

Smaller, smarter government — reducing waste and bureaucracy so taxpayers get better value and meaningful tax relief.

Less red and green tape — removing unnecessary regulation and administrative burdens that make it harder to build, invest, employ people and grow our economy.

Equal rights and responsibilities — one set of rights and responsibilities for every New Zealander, regardless of race or ancestry.

I understand the issues that matter to people across Remutaka: transport, water, flood protection, the environment and affordability. My focus will be on practical solutions that improve our communities and create the conditions for people and businesses to prosper.

On November 7th, I’m asking for your party vote for ACT.

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

02/09/26

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

28/10/26

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The future is calling! Fiero Code’s final code competition of 2026 is all about creative design and urban adventure.

What does your city of the future look like? Do you picture flying cars, talking taxis, moving streets, robots zooming around?

Your task: Help your game character safely cross Planet Fiero’s busy streets.

But watch out… There are plenty of obstacles putting your navigation skills to the test. Don’t get hit – because that means: game over!

Competition details at a glance

Scroll down to the bottom of this page for detailed FAQs.

Fiero Code: a digital playground for coders young and old

Designed with different learning styles in mind, Fiero Code is perfect for introducing beginner coders to basic concepts and a range of widely used programming languages.

In this Fiero Code Challenge, first-time and experienced coders get to showcase storytelling skills, problem-solving techniques, and coding know-how using Code Blocks.

Similar to Scratch, Code Blocks works with a simple puzzle-piece structure and is especially great for visual learners.

Ready to face the robosaurs? Join the competition and start your project today.

Find out more at https://www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz/whats-on/fiero-code-competition

Source: Upper Hutt Libraries

28/10/26

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Come and enjoy and evening of Christmas song and cheer! With Upper Hutt’s very own Frankie Stevens as MC, choirs from local schools, local music groups, food trucks, raffle, spot prizes and Santa!!

Source: Upper Hutt City of Song

02/11/2026

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Due to massive demand we’re excited to announce that the best Christmas Carols experience in Upper Hutt is BACK AT BREWTOWN!

So get ready to rock out with Nick Tansley and his Christmas Caravan…and there may even be a visit from the big guy in the red suit himself.

We’ve teamed up with the excellent folk at Empire Roofing Ltd & Construction to be able to make this FREE to attend! How awesome is that!

Gather the crew, the Carols are fun for the whole Whanau – gates open at 4pm, show kicks off at 5pm.

• Deck chairs are all good
• No picnic blankets please (to make sure there is plenty of space for everyone!)
• No outside food and drinks (except water bottles) we’ll have plenty of local foodies for you to enjoy and the Brewtown Bar pouring a refreshing range of beverages.

• Please leave the furry friends at home, its a bit too busy for them.
• Registered assistance dogs are all good.

Source: Brewtown Upper Hutt

02/11/26

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Location: Heretaunga College

Got old electronics sitting around at home or work? Bring them along and help us make a difference in our community!

By donating your old electronics to Recycling For Charity, you’re helping us support wonderful local charities and organisations including Fuel the Need, helping feed children in schools, Life Flight Rescue Helicopter, and Wellington Hospitals Foundation, supporting Wellington Children’s Hospital and helping fund vital new medical equipment.
Donating Laptops to children in Schools

It’s about recycling with a purpose.

Every donation helps us continue supporting people and families struggling with poverty and hardship in our community.

BUSINESSES & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

We also recycle E-Waste from corporate businesses and government agencies. This is a great opportunity to clear out unwanted electronics and support a local organisation that’s giving back to the community.

FREE RECYCLING – NO COSTS ON THIS E-WASTE DAY!

And yes… this is your Weatherman speaking!

I own Recycling For Charity, and I created this organisation because I wanted to give back. I saw people struggling, and I simply don’t like seeing families going through horrible hardships.

The more we can help charities and people in our community, the better our community will be. Come on this journey with me; the fun is only just beginning

Happy families. Happy communities. Let’s make a difference together.

Best wishes always, Daniel

Source: Wellington Severe Weather Reports

28/10/26

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Location: Wesley Church Hall, Benzie Ave

Sadly, the Upper Hutt “Save The Children” coffee morning, on Tuesday 10 November, will be the last we will hold, as we are closing down. A number of factors have contributed to the committee’s decision to close,and that decision has not been made lightly.

The final coffee morning will start at 10.00am and is in the Wesley Church Hall in Benzie Ave. We would like to extend a welcome, to all past and present attendees to join us for morning tea/coffee, Christmas mince pies, and sausage rolls. Admission is $7 and the Christmas Raffle will be on sale. The Happy Wanderers will be coming along, and you can all join, in a rousing sing-along session of Christmas Carols.

To enable us to go out on a high note, there will be 4 draws for our Christmas Baskets. Tickets are $2 ea, or 3 tickets for $5. Every cent raised from the coffee morning, will go directly to Save The Children. The committee donates all prizes and morning tea components.

A big thank you, to all those who have supported us over the years, and enabled us to raise a considerable amount of money for such a worthy cause. We appreciate and love you all.

Elaine Chaney
Treasurer

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

02/11/26

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Location: Golder Cottage, 707 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Celebrating 150 year of the Cottage.

Take a peek into the past and marvel at the way Upper Hutt people lived before electricity and water were installed.

Our Stalls will be out the front with home baking, jams and preserves, hand knitted garments and plants.
Faultline Lacemakers will join us, along with Upper Hutt Spinners & Weavers demonstrating their crafts
Contact no.  Ph 04 527 8285 or check our facebook page for more information

WHF page Koha Day at Upper Hutt’s Golder Cottage at 707 Fergusson Drive | Wellington Heritage Festival

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

30/10/26

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Location: Parkes Line Road, Maymorn – Adjacent to Maymorn railway station.

Train Rides and shed tours.

We are now operating on an extended track with our 1913 carriage and TR Shunter.

Come and see what we do. Come and joins us for exercise of mind and body.

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

02/11/26

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Source: Mainly Acoustic Music Club – Upper Hutt

29/10/26

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Welcome on board!

Our Mobile Library service brings you access to hundreds of books, magazines, audiobooks, and more – all right in your neighbourhood in Upper Hutt.

Browse the collection, return items and pick up reserves, and enjoy our wide range of resources, one stop at a time.

Timetable and locations

The timetable runs on the following days:
19 November | 10 December

Please note: We have reviewed and updated our timetable in response to feedback from the community.

When

• Thursday, 19 November 2026 | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
• Thursday, 10 December 2026 | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Source: Upper Hutt Libraries

03/11/26

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Through spring and summer we open the gates to the market garden on Saturday mornings. Pull your own carrots, choose your own pumpkin, and let the kids find out where kai actually comes from. One signup covers your whole crew.

The Mangaroa Coffee Cart is also open during Pick Your Own – a great way to have a hot cuppa in the sun alongside the gardens, and feel the joy of harvesting your own veges.

Learn more at https://events.mangaroa.org/pyo

Dates: 9.00 am – 11.00 am

• Saturday 7th of November 2026
• Saturday 14th of November 2026
• Saturday 21st of November 2026
• Saturday 28th of November 2026
• Saturday 5th of December 2026
• Saturday 12th of December 2026
• Saturday 19th of December 2026
• Saturday 26th of December 2026
• Saturday 2nd of January 2027
• Saturday 9th of January 2027
• Saturday 16th of January 2027
• Saturday 23rd of January 2027
• Saturday 30th of January 2027
• Saturday 6th of February 2027
• Saturday 13th of February 2027
• Saturday 20th of February 2027
• Saturday 27th of February 2027
• Saturday 6th of March 2027
• Saturday 13th of March 2027
• Saturday 20th of March 2027
• Saturday 27th of March 2027
• Saturday 3rd of April 2027
• Saturday 10th of April 2027
• Saturday 17th of April 2027
• Saturday 24th of April 2027
• Saturday 1st of Mary 2027
• Saturday 8th of May 2027

Source: My Upper Hutt / Mangaroa Farms

02/11/26

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The FH Group Superstock Shootout, Stockcar Knockout, and Tama Arapere Modified Memorial combine for one packed night on the track! Superstocks and Stockcars bring full-contact bumper-to-bumper racing, while drivers line up to honour a club legend in the Tama Arapere Memorial. Expect hard hits, close racing, and high stakes from green flag to checker!

Classes running:

• Superstocks
• Stockcars
• Modifieds
• Ministocks

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

Buy online and save! Tickets for the 2026–27 season are cheaper online than at the gate.

NOTE: Events at Wellington Family Speedway are weather dependent.

Buy tickets here

Source: Wellington Family Speedway

30/10/26

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We love the revival that macrame is enjoying and are offering a 4 day workshop held each Friday of November for 2 hours starting 9.30am the 6th November. You will be making a key chain for the first class to get familiar with the different knots, then a pot plant hanger and then a wallhanging. The cost of the workshop is $40 which also covers the materials for the first 2 weeks. If you would like to come and join us, please click on the following link to register and please remember to make payment at the same time.

https://forms.gle/2tUMT6dynbY7EXyw7

Source: Upper Hutt Community Page (with permission from Upper Hutt Women’s Centre)

28/10/26

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Looking for a speaker for your community group in 2027?

Heather Newell is an enthusiastic speaker on topics related to artificial intelligence for lay people. No scientific jargon included! Heather knows our community well and is the chair of SeniorTech Skills which encourages older people to become more confident with technology. She is currently studying for a doctorate focusing on the impact of AI on older people. Contact her – heather@foresee.co.nz or phone on 027 2762730 or drop into the office at 13 Savage Crescent where Heather works.

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

12/10/26

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

29/01/26

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“Learn from experts and improve your speaking skills and confidence in a friendly and supportive environment

Silverstream Toastmasters meets every second Tuesday evening in Trentham.

Contact Dave Burt djhbconsult@gmail.com for more information”

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

09/09/26

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Taoist Tai Chi sessions

• Mondays 6.30-8.00pm.
• Trentham School Hall.
• No sessions held on public holidays.

Start any time.

Reduce stress, find calmness, balance, strength and flexibility with Taoist Tai Chi™ practice. Join us to have a go a great way to improve your life and health. https://www.taoisttaichi.org/find-a-location/

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

13/05/25

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Location: HIBS Senior Common Room, Hutt International Boys’ School, Granville Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt

Open to expert and beginner players alike. Details are available from Club Captain Tony Hughes whose email is: arh4108@gmail.com

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

09/02/26

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Location: St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, 35 Cruickshank Road, Clouston Park

Wednesday mornings during term time.

Ages from babies to school age are welcome, depending on the circumstances.

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

07/11/24

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Tuesday mornings during term time 10-11.30am. Come along and join in the fun with your preschool children. Meet other parents and carers, relax and enjoy a cuppa while the kids play. (Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult!). Looking forward to seeing you.

A “thank you” to St. Margaret’s Church – Silverstream for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

06/05/25

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

23/04/25

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If you’re looking for a Tuesday activity for your little ones then come check out UHBC Playgroup at Upper Hutt Baptist Church, corner of Milton St and Fergie Drive.

We run 9.30am – 11:30am each Tuesday morning and you can drop in anytime that suits.

Lots of fun stuff to play with and a different activity each week to stimulate young minds.

Morning tea for children and adults provided.

Everyone welcome

Gold coin donation

Hope to see you there

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

28/03/25

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At Belmont Memorial Hall (next to Belmont School), a Tai Chi class is held during the school term from 9.45 – 11.00am.

The first class is free. Taught by an experienced practitioner of over 30 years.

For more information phone Ray: 04 9386082 / 0272236188

or email raypoy9@gmail.com

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

05/06/26

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

16/07/26

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

16/01/26

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Reliable friendly honest Care Person required to make dinner and do personal cares for Gentleman, with a disability, in his own home in Wallaceville region. This is a week on/week off position and would suit someone living in Upper Hutt.

Please phone 0220257316 for further details

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

14/10/26

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Do you want to see young girls grow into confident, adventurous women capable of taking action in their communities? Becoming a volunteer with Girl Guiding is an amazing way to give back in Upper Hutt and keep learning. We’ll provide all the training you need.

We’re seeking more volunteers to work alongside our experienced Girl Guide leaders so that we can grow our units. Please consider giving your time as a volunteer so that we can offer amazing opportunities to as many Upper Hutt girls as possible.

Please contact Katrina at katrinaclokie+ggnz@gmail.com or 0220963973 (text only) or enquire via the Girl Guide website https://girlguidingnz.org.nz/volunteers/

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

02/02/26

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

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

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

30/04/26

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Location: Upper Hutt Library

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

Look forward to seeing you next week!

Heather Newell
chair, Seniortech Skills Upper Hutt

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

05/05/26

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We need a few new players/performers for our ukulele /singing/ performance group, based in Upper Hutt. More than anything we love people with enthusiasm who are keen to interact with an audience. We perform mostly at retirement villages but have also performed at birthday parties and celebrations of life. We focus on songs from the 50’s to the 80’s but most importantly we are there for our audiences and what they enjoy.

• you need to be able to hold a tune.
• the ability to play a ukulele would be great but if you don’t we can teach you!

If you are keen or know of someone who would be an asset to our group’ please ring Virginia on 0273920920.

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

28/07/25

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Our group consists of women who have someone in their lives who has had a stroke or has Alzheimers, that they are caring for.

We meet once a fortnight for two hours. We offer a supportive listening environment with lots of laughs as we walk our challenging journeys together. If there are women out there who feel we could be of support, please contact Jenny on 0284340102 for further details.

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

28/07/25

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Location: Upper Hutt Library

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

Donations:

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

Any donations can be dropped off at Upper Hutt Library.

Contact:

Julia: 0274 933 981

Brenda: 0273703949

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

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

29/04/26

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Meals: https://uhconnection.co.nz/recipes/recipes-meals/

Baking: https://uhconnection.co.nz/recipes/recipes-baking/

Desserts: https://uhconnection.co.nz/recipes/recipes-desserts/

Live for Jesus, Share his Love

Our Sunday morning service is at 10am and everyone is welcome.

We would love you to stay afterwards for fellowship over morning tea.

Our Creche for children under 3 1/2 years runs every Sunday morning. Our Children’s Church runs Sundays during school terms.

Services are live-streamed on YouTube: Heretaunga Christian Centre

Address: 51 Lane St, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand

Email: admin@heretaunga.com

Website: https://www.heretaunga.com

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Location: 11 Hazel Street, Upper Hutt

A place to belong, grow and find hope.

Hope Beacon Hill is a local Christian church with a heart for people, whānau and our Upper Hutt community.

Our heart is to see lives rebuilt, restored, and renewed through Jesus.

We’re a relaxed, family-friendly church where everyone is welcome. We value genuine relationships, prayer, practical faith and creating a place where people can grow in their relationship with Jesus and with one another.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Sunday Gatherings

Come as you are. Our Sundays include worship, prayer, an encouraging Bible-based message, Kids Church and time to connect over a cuppa.

Whānau & Community

Throughout the year we hold family events, men’s and women’s gatherings, workshops, community activities and opportunities to support people practically.

Kids & Young People

Children and young people are an important part of our church whānau, with spaces for them to connect, learn and grow in faith.

SUNDAYS AT HBH

Morning tea from 10.00am
Service begins 10.20am

Website: https://beaconhill.org.nz/

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

20/08/26

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Location: 2 Akatarawa Road, Brown Owl, Upper Hutt

We would love to get to know you, so come along to one of our groups and meet others in your community.

Tuesdays

5 Loaves and 2 Fish Food Pantry: 11am – 12noon – Free

Food is available for those who are needing extra assistance. If you have food to contribute to contribute to the pantry, feel free to drop off at the church.

Wednesdays

Community craft session: 10.30 am – 12noon – Free

Bring along your craft and join us for morning tea.

Community Lunch: 12noon – Free

All welcome

Bible study: 7.00 pm – Free

All welcome to learn more about the Christian faith.

Fridays

Rimutaka Playgroup: 9.00 am – 11.30am – Donation

All caregiver and preschoolers are welcome. This is a fun, friendly, safe environment. Morning tea is provided.

Youthgroup: 7.00 pm – Donation

Contact the church for details

Sundays

Church Service: 10.00 am

All welcome, and please stay for morning tea after the service.

Sunday online recording available on YouTube from 5.00 pm

Room Hire

Contact us if you would like to hire out either the hall, foyer area or conference room.

All Enquires: 04 5268708
Email: rbc.office@xtra.co.nz

A “thank you” to Kerry, and Rimutaka Baptist Church, for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

23/04/25

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Location: 695 Fergusson Drive, Elderslea, Upper Hutt

Email: upperhutt.corps@salvationarmy.org.nz

Church website: Upper Hutt Corps – The Salvation Army NZFTS

How we can help:

Worship – Sunday 10:30am

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

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

Welfare – Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-12.30pm

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

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

Addictions

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

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

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

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

Booth College of Mission

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

Rata Educare

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

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

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

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

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

19/03/26

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We seek to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our Community

You will find us at:

4-6 Dunns St, Silverstream, Upper Hutt

The Minister:

The minister at St Margaret’s is Rev Rodney Ramsay.

Rodney is on-site most days from Tuesday to Friday and anyone is welcome to drop in for a chat over a cup of coffee/tea.

If you have any need to contact Rodney he can be reached at the office number 5279604, on his mobile 0211259835 or via email at minister@stmargaretssilverstream.org.nz

Worship services:

Our worship services take place on Sundays at 10.00am.

The First Sunday of each month is a Communion Service and the second Sunday is a Family Service.

Our services are fairly traditional, and we have a very warm and welcoming congregation.

All are welcome.

Our services are live streamed on Zoom. If you wish to receive the link, please text Lynley McInnarney at 027 278 0010 or send an email to mcinnarneys@gmail.com

We offer children’s church for primary school age that happens during the main church service.

St Margaret’s runs a teenage youth group on the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the church hall and lounge during term time. Youth group runs from 6.30pm to around 8.00pm.

Other contact details:

The Lay leader (Session Clerk) at St Margaret’s is Chris Rosanowski and he can be contacted at rosanowskic@gmail.com

Please visit our website for further information including the hire of our facilities.

https://stmargaretssilverstream.org.nz

St. Margaret’s Presbyterian Church – Silverstream submitted this article to The Upper Hutt Connection

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Location: 8 Blue Mountains Road, Silverstream

What we Believe:

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour and the Sovereign Lord over all of life. We are fully committed to the Bible in its entirety as the Word of God. We believe that theology is important, it is vital for the health of the church, and without sound doctrine the church decays. Throughout history, the church has confessed what it believes by faithfully summarising the truths of the Bible in written forms known as creeds and confessions. These confessions do not hold the same authority as the Bible, but they help to summarise the Bible’s teaching. Ultimately, the Bible remains our only rule for faith and life. 

Who we Are:

Our Church is a family church, with a mixture of young families, retirees, couples, single people and youth. We have approximately 200 members, from different backgrounds, meeting together because we share a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Service Times:

Our worship services are on Sunday at 10 AM and 4 PM, and we would love to see you there. Our friendly greeters will meet you at the door and answer any questions you have.

Like to know more?  Visit our website at:    https://silverstreamrcnz.co.nz/

Silverstream Reformed Church sent this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

11/12/24

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Location: 35 Cruickshank Road, Clouston Park, Upper Hutt

Email Church Office: sthildasuh@gmail.com

Who we are:

A congregation of faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, who draw on the Anglican
tradition to support a lively expression of our faith. Our recently unanimously agreed
vision statement is: St Hilda’s – a vibrant, faith-based presence within our community.

What we do:

• We are a community of people who come together to worship God, to grow in relationship with one another and with the wider community.
• We offer loving service to God, one another, the people of Upper Hutt and the world.
• We are disciples of Jesus, the Lord of Love.
• We believe in the Christian Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Live. We are inspired andguided by the Holy Bible. We seek to grow in faith.
• We welcome newcomers to our parish family with warm hospitality. We provide a wide range of activities, both spiritual and secular. We encourage all to develop their relationship with Christ through our worshiping community.
• In recent years we have turned our focus outwards to serving our community.

Weekly services:

Sunday 9.30am: Traditional NZ Anglican Worship

This is a comfortable, family-friendly feeling service, although it follows the traditional
liturgical format. The service order alternates between the three ANZPB Eucharistic (communion)
liturgies. There is always a sermon with a liturgical assistant leading the worship; when a priest is not available. The communion is led by one of our leaders licenced for reserved sacrament.

Thursday 10.00am: Traditional Communion Service

The service order follows ANZPB with the Sunday sermon being repeated here. Our services are supported by a good tech suite, including two large monitors installed at the front of the church, and a quality sound system.

Prayer books remain available in the pews for anyone who prefers to use them

Sue sent this article to The Upper Hutt Connection / Source: St Hilda’s Anglican Church Upper Hutt

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Location: 563 Fergusson Drive, Trentham, Upper Hutt Email Church Office:office@stjohnstrentham.org.nz

Church website: http://www.stjohnstrentham.org.nz

Who we are: A congregation of faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ in the heart of Trentham. We gather in a historic Anglican church, founded in 1863 and continuously used for worship since then, providing a place of beauty, sacredness, and stillness. But the church is primarily about people, relationships, and recovery day by day, wherever we live. Our focus is on faith, family, and care for others.

What we do: We seek to nurture our faith, our relationship with God, in various ways. First and foremost, we come to worship and pray together. The Parish seeks to provide a variety of styles of worship to suit the varying needs of parishioners. We also gather in small groups for Bible study and fellowship, have regular community events, and have monthly communion services in Fergusson Rest Home and the Summerset Community Centre.

Weekly services:

Sunday 10.00am: Communion in the church with children’s ministry

Our Sunday inter-generational service unites families, young and old, in the church, while our children’s program (Godly Play) offers meaningful spiritual education for our tamariki. We gather for morning tea in and around the entry foyer afterwards.

Wednesday 10.00am: Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion in the church

In addition to the Sunday service, there are other opportunities for worship during the week, such as the Wednesday 10am Holy Communion. This is in the church and uses one of the services in A New Zealand Prayer Book He Karakia Mihinare. We gather for morning tea in the foyer afterwards.

Weekdays 7.00am: Morning Prayer

Morning Prayeris held in the church chapel every weekday morning at 7am. We use A New Zealand Prayer Book He Karakia Mihinare, but there is plenty of opportunity for everyone to join the time of intercession and thanksgiving at the end of this service. All ages are welcome.

Source: St John’s Anglican Church in Trentham

18/11/25

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Location: Upper Hutt Spiritualist Centre, King Lion Hall, 8 King St.

Every Sunday 7-8.30 pm

A vibrant Spiritualist community reflecting diversity of belief, experience, social and cultural backgrounds.  We uphold the 7 principles of Spiritualism and our values of respect, compassion, inclusivity and service.

The service consists of singing, meditation, mediumship and healing.

Email: uhspiritualist@gmail.com

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

21/01/26

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Address: Cnr 1 Benzie Avenue / 780 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Worship Services:

Upper Hutt Uniting provides Presbyterian – Methodist church services each Sunday at 10am at the Wesley Centre (Te Whanau Lounge) located at 1 Benzie Avenue. We are fortunate to have a revolving preaching team, of both Ordained and Lay Preachers, who offer an interesting and different variety of relaxed preaching styles. After service refreshments and social time. Visitors are welcome to join us.

Wesley Centre:

A multi-use community centre located close to the Upper Hutt city centre, hosting 5 separate churches (Presbyterian -Methodist, Tongan language Methodist, Samoan Assembly of God, Messianic Saturday study group and a church from Myanmar – contact us for details on other groups services), together with the Wesley Thrift Shop and Upper Hutt Foodbank, plus multiple regular and casual community organisations meetings and as a venue for group and family events. 

Wesley Centre provides a modern church space, a gymnasium style hall for functions, two kitchens and two spacious meeting rooms.

For enquiries regarding building use, contact the Parish Office 528 8915, or the Property Manager 0274 456 992, or email property.uhup@outlook.co.nz.

Parish Office:

64 Martin Street – open Thursday / Friday 10am to 3pm
Ph: (04) 528 8915
Email: uhup@xtra.co.nz 

Website: http://www.upperhuttuniting.nz 

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

05/11/25

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View all films releasing this week at https://www.montereyupperhutt.co.nz/coming-soon

Drummer Boy

Running time: 129 minutes

Rated: M (Violence & content that may disturb)

In this epic musical, two brothers are driven onto opposite sides of the American Revolutionary War. With love, loyalty, and family caught in the crossfire, each must decide who he will become, as the fight for freedom turns into a deeply personal battle for forgiveness.

Book here

V for Vendetta

Running time: 134 minutes

Rated: R13 (Violence, offensive language & sexual references)

In a world in which Great Britain has become a fascist state, a masked vigilante known only as “V” conducts guerrilla warfare against the oppressive British government. When V rescues a young woman from the secret police, he finds in her an ally with whom he can continue his fight to free the people of Britain.

Book here

Wicker

Running time: 105 minutes

R16 (Sex scenes, offensive language & content that may disturb)

On the outskirts of a village by the sea, lives a Fisherwoman; smelly, single and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker. In an otherwise conservative town, this unconventional romance sparks outrage, jealousy and chaos.

Book here

Crafty Session: Book here

Mums n Bubs: Book here

Wild Horse Nine

Running time: 116 minutes

Rated: R13 (Violence, offensive language, drug use & suicide)

Shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island by their bureau chief, MJ (Steve Buscemi). Amongst the Island’s iconic statues, and as the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, Chris’s newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students (Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas) threatens to send everyone’s trip to this remote paradise sideways.

Book here

Source: Monterey Cinemas Upper Hutt / New Zealand Film Classification Office

03/11/26

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