Matiu/Somes Island news is brought to you by the team at The Hutt News
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
By Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer
Opinion: With a week to polling day, it is important that you get out and vote on Saturday.
While many in Lower Hutt have already headed to the polls, there are always those who hesitate.
If you're undecided, let's take a moment to debunk a few myths… View moreBy Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer
Opinion: With a week to polling day, it is important that you get out and vote on Saturday.
While many in Lower Hutt have already headed to the polls, there are always those who hesitate.
If you're undecided, let's take a moment to debunk a few myths about voting.
Firstly, don't view voting as searching for the ideal marriage, or finding ’the one'. It's more like taking a bus journey.
You may not find a bus that drops you at your exact doorstep, but you will find one that gets you nearer to your destination.
Once you're closer, you'll likely find other ways—or perhaps another election—to move you even nearer to where you'd like to be. Don't let the quest for the 'perfect candidate' prevent you from making a decision that brings you closer to your hopes for the future.
Next, let's tackle the relevance of politics in our day-to-day lives. There's no escaping the fact that decisions made at the governmental level directly impact us. The rising cost of living in Lower Hutt is a perfect example.
When it comes to funding essential infrastructure projects, local ratepayers can't bear the brunt alone, especially when looking at the amount of investment that is required in the future to upgrade things like our water systems.
This is where central government needs to take more responsibility and increase funding for the community and local government to deliver more.
Also, while you're deciding whether to vote, consider this: the people who make key decisions in your life are probably not hesitating. Your landlord, who determines your rent, is likely to vote.
Your employer, who influences your work environment, will probably cast a ballot too. When you choose not to vote, you're essentially giving them more say in matters that affect you directly.
Turning to local issues, our focus shouldn't just be on improving roads, although that is needed. A well-rounded approach to transportation should include better options for walking and cycling.
Not only is this better for the environment, but it also alleviates congestion for those who do need to drive. In a nutshell, it's a win-win for everyone.Finally, let's not underestimate the power of a single vote.
Polling stations are open and within easy reach. Your vote isn't just a personal choice; it's part of a collective decision that shapes the future of Lower Hutt and New Zealand as a whole.
Voting isn't just ticking a box, it's a powerful way to shape both your community and your future. It's your chance to grab the wheel and influence the route this 'bus'—our community and our country—is taking.
While you may not find a service that delivers you straight to your dream destination, you can at least choose the direction that gets us closer.
Voting isn't flawless, but it remains our most effective tool for collective decision-making. So step up, get on that bus, and help steer us all towards a future you'd like to be a part of.You can find all the information you need to enrol and vote atwww.vote.nz
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View moreChoose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
The Hutt City Council is proposing rules to control cat numbers. Do you support mandatory desexing and microchipping?
If you do not want your comments used by Stuff, please put NFP.
Another lovely image from Simon Woolf.
"The White Faced Heron, was the bird that really set me off and into Bird Photography. A fantastic hunter, and full of grace and stealth, these birds are fantastic to watch. The White Faced Heron led me to the late great Geoff Moon, who was one of the … View moreAnother lovely image from Simon Woolf.
"The White Faced Heron, was the bird that really set me off and into Bird Photography. A fantastic hunter, and full of grace and stealth, these birds are fantastic to watch. The White Faced Heron led me to the late great Geoff Moon, who was one of the worlds best Bird Photographers. Fortunately Geoff lived in New Zealand! What a gentleman, conservationist and mentor he was.
It was Geoff who stirred my passion for nature, and birds in particular.
Today observing this White Faced Heron at Petone's Hikoikoi Reserve, took me back to my roots. This particular bird didn't disappoint either, taking crab after crab, through guile and instinct, and at speed!"
Visit us to find out, Ricoh Sports Centre, Fraser Park, Wednesday 11th October from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and find out how you can save a life!
Hutt Valley has had two councils since 1989. With the councils facing some big infrastructure issues, has the time come to have just one council?
Please put NFP if you do not want your comment used by Stuff.
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask … View moreNow’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.
Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Hi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you… View moreHi there,
I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?
If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.
Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
… View moreWe're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?
Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.
But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...
Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.
Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.
If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do … View moreIf you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.
You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.
You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.
You can find more information on our website here: vote.nz...
You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....
If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.
However if yours hasn't … View moreYou can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....
If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.
However if yours hasn't arrived yet you can vote without it! Find your nearest voting place here:
map.vote.nz...
Louise Thomas took this magnificent picture.
Figaro!
Son qua!
Figaro!
Son qua!
Figaro qua,
Figaro la,
… View moreLouise Thomas took this magnificent picture.
Figaro!
Son qua!
Figaro!
Son qua!
Figaro qua,
Figaro la,
Figaro qua,
Figaro la,
Figaro su,
Figaro giu,
Figaro su,
Figaro giu...
Figaro!
Lipstick is too much!
Figaro!
Lipstick is too much!
Figaro qua,
Figured out there,
Figaro qua,
Figured out there,
Fig up,
Figaro down,
Fig up,
Figaro down...
Happy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!
We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!
We extend our heartfelt … View moreHappy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!
We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their amazing nominations! Your stories have touched our hearts deeply. And the winner is... Koko Grant, nominated by Khalei-Marley Taylor-Karaitiana! Congratulations!
What an incredible turnout! Over 1360 Household Heroes were nominated by all of you for a chance to win a fabulous $350!
We know our nation is full of amazing Kiwis who keep things running at home, and you're all heroes!
But the real question is, did you win? Find out who's walking … View moreWhat an incredible turnout! Over 1360 Household Heroes were nominated by all of you for a chance to win a fabulous $350!
We know our nation is full of amazing Kiwis who keep things running at home, and you're all heroes!
But the real question is, did you win? Find out who's walking away with $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!
Stay connected with NZ Compare for the latest broadband and power deals and exciting competitions. We're all about making it easy for you to compare and save money! CLICK HERE to learn more: www.nzcompare.com...
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
