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It's a wet, gloomy day in Wellington, and it's forecast to get worse.
Flights in and out of Wellington have been cancelled due to ex-Cyclone Gita.
High winds are predicted to strike around 7pm Tuesday, with winds up to 130kmh. Fortunately the rain is forecast to ease from midday.
… View moreIt's a wet, gloomy day in Wellington, and it's forecast to get worse.
Flights in and out of Wellington have been cancelled due to ex-Cyclone Gita.
High winds are predicted to strike around 7pm Tuesday, with winds up to 130kmh. Fortunately the rain is forecast to ease from midday.
For the latest on the weather, and updates on transport disruptions, follow the link to our live blog.
Let us know how the weather is where you are in the comments. Has the rain and/or wind caused damage at your place?
Do you have a Gita question or concern you'd like one of our reporters to look into for you?
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/comments used on Stuff).
That rain's coming down! Keep an eye out for surface flooding and drive to the conditions. Stuff has a live blog (link below) for you to keep up to date. If you see any blocked drains or flooding, you can report it to the council at huttcity.govt.nz/Services/Report-a-Problem/ or by calling 04 … View moreThat rain's coming down! Keep an eye out for surface flooding and drive to the conditions. Stuff has a live blog (link below) for you to keep up to date. If you see any blocked drains or flooding, you can report it to the council at huttcity.govt.nz/Services/Report-a-Problem/ or by calling 04 570 6666
"They say love is spelt T-I-M-E," never a truer word spoken. youtu.be...
I love STUFF.CO.NZ
It's supplying me with all the ammo I need about bad drivers.
So here's yet another article: SEE BELOW
In a nutshell, it is found that a disproportionate high number of overseas drivers are involved in road accidents here. And its primarily drivers who convert … View moreI love STUFF.CO.NZ
It's supplying me with all the ammo I need about bad drivers.
So here's yet another article: SEE BELOW
In a nutshell, it is found that a disproportionate high number of overseas drivers are involved in road accidents here. And its primarily drivers who convert their overseas licence to NZ Licence. An additional issue is that a number of these are coming here with counterfeit licences.
So please, if you need to convert your licence, then click the book now button above to get legitimate lessons so that you keep yourself and others safe on the roads.
It always pays to be prepared - Cyclone Gita is forecast to hit New Zealand Tuesday evening. Prepare now by clearing stormwater grates near your place and tie down outdoor furniture, bins and trampolines. If we get big winds, simple steps like these help keep the damage down. Stay safe!
Thanks to the 2600 of you who completed our Sunday Star-Times/Neighbourly poll on NZ's changing attitudes to meat and veges. We reported the results this weekend - and they were fascinating.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it reveals our most loyal meat-eaters are in farming provinces like Southland,… View moreThanks to the 2600 of you who completed our Sunday Star-Times/Neighbourly poll on NZ's changing attitudes to meat and veges. We reported the results this weekend - and they were fascinating.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it reveals our most loyal meat-eaters are in farming provinces like Southland, Manawatu-Wanganui and Taranaki, where nearly two-thirds of us eat meat most days. By comparison, fewer than half of respondents in Wellington, Auckland and Northland eat that much meat. More than a third of Aucklanders and Cantabrians say they are reducing their meat consumption; another 13 per cent have already cut it from their diets entirely.
>> So here's a question: should city-dwellers be supporting our farmers better, given they're still the backbone of our economy? Or do farmers and the rest of us need to be working together to find new solutions - new premium meats, new meat alternatives - to reflect reducing meat consumption around the world?
>> www.stuff.co.nz...
MindLabKids.com have created some fresh challenges for your little one to get their brain back in the game. Plus heaps of new characters with brand new #STEM-based quizzes and queries.
This week, learn how to make a magnetic suspension, or create your own lava lamp! Sign up now for free!
We’ve all got a part to play in being prepared for emergencies. Current MetService predictions are telling us cyclone Gita could be quite severe. To make sure you protect your home and property we recommend you:
- Check your guttering is clear.
- Check and clear the area around any drains … View moreWe’ve all got a part to play in being prepared for emergencies. Current MetService predictions are telling us cyclone Gita could be quite severe. To make sure you protect your home and property we recommend you:
- Check your guttering is clear.
- Check and clear the area around any drains you have on your property.
- If you’re aware of any areas where water collects or flows through your property, sandbags can help keep it away. Sandbags can be found at DIY stores such as Mitre10 and Bunnings.
- Have a look at the gutter and street drains outside your property. Are they clear of leaf litter and other debris? If you notice any significant blockages contact your local council.
- Put any rubbish in your wheelie-bin and tie down anything that might get caught in the wind, such as BBQ covers and trampolines.
- Check on your neighbours, and help them out if you can.
Flood events happen quickly, and can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.
Stay out of flood waters, as there is a risk manhole lids have come loose, there could be debris floating in the water, and it can be contaminated with sewerage.
Wellington Water is urging people to get prepared ahead of Cyclone Gita’s arrival in New Zealand. Potential pathways for the cyclone could see heavy rain and wind pummelling the Wellington region from Monday, and Wellington Water plans to activate its emergency operations centre from 6am Monday … View moreWellington Water is urging people to get prepared ahead of Cyclone Gita’s arrival in New Zealand. Potential pathways for the cyclone could see heavy rain and wind pummelling the Wellington region from Monday, and Wellington Water plans to activate its emergency operations centre from 6am Monday morning to monitor the situation.
“Right now we’re checking known trouble spots such as culvert and drain intakes that can get blocked, and organising standby crews in place for Monday,” said Gary O’Meara, general manager of Network and Customer Operations for Wellington Water.
“It’s also important for people to do what they can as well.
“Check and clear your gutters and drains, and have a look at the street drain nearest your house. Clear any litter or leaf debris. A blockage here can end up creating a major problem.
“Surface water will take the lowest pathway on its way to the sea. If you have a low point on your property, is it vulnerable to flooding or overloaded house guttering? Take some time on the weekend to prepare for a deluge; that could mean investing in a few sandbags or perhaps lifting boxes off the garage floor.”
Mr O’Meara also suggests people think about a contingency plan, including possible working from home in case of school closures.
“Back in November 2016, just after the Kaikoura earthquake, heavy rain closed both State highways, highway 58 and the rail network. At the same time, we had schools closing and parents trying to pick up children, along with service crews trying to help out. It was mayhem.
“It may not happen, and that would be great, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Keep an eye on forecasts on Sunday and through the week and plan ahead.”
“Mr O’Meara had one final message. “Please, stay out of flood water. There’s a risk of manhole lids coming loose and we’d hate for anyone to be injured.”
Updates on Gita’s progress are at www.metservice.com...
Image: Cyclone Gita outlook (Source: MetService)
Afternoon neighbours!
I have a full-time job but am not awfully fulfilled by it. Like many young men, I have never known (and still don't know) what it is I'd like to do with myself. I studied Social Work for two years but dropped out in the last year of my study to find employment in … View moreAfternoon neighbours!
I have a full-time job but am not awfully fulfilled by it. Like many young men, I have never known (and still don't know) what it is I'd like to do with myself. I studied Social Work for two years but dropped out in the last year of my study to find employment in order to support my upcoming wife and child.
I'm interested in something more physical such as yard work, carpentry, or furniture restoring. As the sole provider for my family I don't have the freedom to go and study (plus I already have 10's of thousands of student debt!), so am looking for ways to gain some experience while I take the time to consider my future.
If anyone has any odd jobs they'd like doing in the evenings and spare Saturdays, please flick me a text on 027 486 9269. I'm after experience and a bit of fitness more than $, so remuneration is nice but not expected or asked for.
I can walk your dogs, do odd jobs, whatever. I am not fit, I'm neither weak nor strong but I'm strong enough, I'm responsible and willing to learn.
I also possess some intelligence so if your children need some after-school tutoring or if you'd like to know a bit more about your computer...
Anything you'd like done, flick me a text and we'll see if we can work something out.
God Bless.
New Zealand roads are some of the best in the world for motorcycling - open roads, the hilly terrain, spectacularly scenic highways. We want to know how many Neighbourly members ride a motorcycle or scooter or have someone close to them who does. Vote below and we'll share more about why … View moreNew Zealand roads are some of the best in the world for motorcycling - open roads, the hilly terrain, spectacularly scenic highways. We want to know how many Neighbourly members ride a motorcycle or scooter or have someone close to them who does. Vote below and we'll share more about why we're asking next week.
Pop into Capital E and celebrate Chinese New Year, the year of the dog with all day activities and crafts, including dog life-drawing! Visit capitale.org.nz for activity times and more information.
Free! - Suits all ages
When: Saturday 17 February, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Where: Capital E, Queens … View morePop into Capital E and celebrate Chinese New Year, the year of the dog with all day activities and crafts, including dog life-drawing! Visit capitale.org.nz for activity times and more information.
Free! - Suits all ages
When: Saturday 17 February, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Where: Capital E, Queens Wharf
Whether you have dietary restrictions or you are just super active, health-conscious or hungry, we have the perfect healthy cookie for you. You can try them now with our 10% discount exclusively for Neighbourly members!
Our cookies are Ultra Low Carb, High in Protein, Calcium and Fibre, and … View moreWhether you have dietary restrictions or you are just super active, health-conscious or hungry, we have the perfect healthy cookie for you. You can try them now with our 10% discount exclusively for Neighbourly members!
Our cookies are Ultra Low Carb, High in Protein, Calcium and Fibre, and they are also Wheat, Gluten and Sugar-Free.
Tickle your tastebuds with this delicious cookie now! Use the online promo code for 10% discount: "Neighbourly".
“Do you enjoy making sure things come together with a plan? Do you enjoy having all the ducks in a row?
Are you a bit of a to-do list diva. And do you enjoy giving back to your community?
Bellyful Hutt Valley is on the lookout for a volunteer to be our EVENT COORDINATOR.
Here’s what … View more“Do you enjoy making sure things come together with a plan? Do you enjoy having all the ducks in a row?
Are you a bit of a to-do list diva. And do you enjoy giving back to your community?
Bellyful Hutt Valley is on the lookout for a volunteer to be our EVENT COORDINATOR.
Here’s what you need to know: At present BFHV have 5 major events planned for 2018 to help raise funds to continue providing our free meals which we provide for families with newborns or young families with serious illness.
**Together with the Branch Coordinator, you’ll create a do-able plan for each event to ensure that these are successful.
**While receiving support from the Branch Coordinator, you’ll take the lead on ensuring all the elements come together.
This is a team role.
For example, you’ll receive support from our Social Media team to promote the event and support from other volunteers to manage the event on the day/evening
How much time would it take? This role can be done from home in your own time. Peak demand of your time will be closer to the dates of the events but in between events only a couple of hours each week.
Who are you? You’ll have genuine interest in making events successful, a bit organised (you love a to-do list), excellent communicator; enjoy being part of a great team and receive satisfaction giving back to the community.
If this is you please get in contact through huttvalley@bellyful.org.nz. www.bellyful.org.nz...
Hutt City Council is more than half way through its extended four-month submission period on proposed District Plan Change 43 – Residential and Suburban Mixed Use.
The plan change would enable medium-density housing and a wider range of housing types to be built in the city with a focus on nine … View moreHutt City Council is more than half way through its extended four-month submission period on proposed District Plan Change 43 – Residential and Suburban Mixed Use.
The plan change would enable medium-density housing and a wider range of housing types to be built in the city with a focus on nine suburban centres.
Due to strong public interest, Council will hold an additional two information days where people can drop in and ask questions about the proposed changes and get advice on how to make a submission. Eight information days have already been held.
Information day dates and venues:
Friday 16 February 10am-2pm Council Administration Building, 30 Laings Road
Wednesday 21 February 10am-2pm The Dowse, 45 Laings Road
Wednesday 21 February 4pm-8pm The Dowse, 45 Laings Road
Thursday 22 February 3pm-8pm Wainuiomata Memorial Hall supper room, Queen St, Wainuiomata
Saturday 24 February 10am-2pm The Dowse, 45 Laings Road
Tuesday 27 February 4pm-8pm Naenae Community Hall, Cnr Everest and Treadwell Streets, Naenae
More information on Plan Change 43 via the link below:
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