TAITA VISITOR CENTRE PROGRESS
We are pleased to report that the Building is up and has been closed in.(see pics)
It has been a long hard road but after 7 years, Stage 1 of the project is at last a reality. It’s fair to say that there have been a few people who declared that it couldn’t be done and that has been a spur to our efforts. Our entire Stage 1 budget has now been spent .
Stage 2, the interior of the building has still to be started. We have exhausted all available funds and are looking for volunteers to continue the inside work
We remain hopeful, however that now the exterior is a visible reality, that potential donors will be to assist with Stage 2 will be found. . We have of course been working hard to this end for some months now. Please give if you are able *
We are particularly keen to reach out to those who would be willing and able to help with interior finishing semi-skilled activities like painting, and plastering, as well as trades work such as plumbing and electrical.**
THE STORY OF THE CHRIST CHURCH TAITA AND ITS TREATY LINKS.
The Secondary Schools curriculum has recently been amended to require the study of NZ history. The first group of European settlers brought to NZ under the auspices of the NZ Company arrived on Petone Beach in January 1840. They were made welcome and sheltered and fed by the people of Te Atiawa who had a pa at Horokiwi. The church was built in the early 1850's and a memorial to that event was erected on Petone beach in 1940, this being The Early Settlers Museum, Te Whare Whai Whakaaro O Pito-one)
The story of that generally amicable interaction deserves to be told. The church was nearly destroyed by a major fire in the early 1990's, thought to have been arson, and subsequent necessary security measures have meant it is not accessible to Visitors. The Centre will allow visitors and students of NZ history to undertake guided tours of the Church and Graveyard where lie numerous distinguished individuals, including Chief Manihera Matangi , who was a strong supporter of the settlers and whose father signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and noted NZ Church architect Frederick de Jersey Clere.
The land has been donated by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. Donors and Sponsors include the Lotteries Commission, the Hutt City Council, The T.G.McCarthy Trust, Pub Charity and a variety of local charitable trusts and generous private individuals.
*If you would care to give, please visit Givealittle.co.nz/the christ church taita visitor centre
**If you are able to help with manual tasks, please contact JOHN DAYSH jddaysh@gmail.com
(ENQUIRIES JOHN TERRIS jterris55@gmail.com)
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏
She’s speaking up for safer roads for her and her classmates—fuelled by a desire for independence and maybe even a budding interest in politics.
So here’s the big question: how do we create space for every voice in our community to be heard?
It’s great that the Council is paying attention 👂 but what small actions can we all take to keep our whole community involved and engaged?
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