1708 days ago

Street Secrets

Upper Hutt City Council

There are secret spots to be found in every city and Upper Hutt is no exception. Follow along as we introduce you to some of the best and newest gems to be found on the streets of Upper Hutt.

1. Rich and Hot!
Six and a half years ago Hutt Valley local Amanda was a stay at home mum attending many play dates and drinking a lot of hot chocolate. Not pleased with the drink, Amanda thought she could improve on the recipe and started her own business! Amanda uses cocoa nibs, her secret ingredients and an interesting machine called a Melanger to create both milk and dark hot chocolate with Hazelnut, Mint and Coffee variations. Get 10% off any order over $40 until the end of April with voucher code 10%APRIL (excluding shipping) Delivery may take 1-3 business days. www.kokochaud.com

2. Mother & Daughter Team
Meet Agnas on the right, and her daughter Madhuni. Agnas originally trained as an electrician and worked for the railways in Sri Lanka but a move to New Zealand and two daughters later Agnas has branched out and started her own business Kalu’s Sewing Studio. Kalu’s is far more than alterations as Agnas also offers a made to measure sewing service. They offer a selection of fabric, clothing and haberdashery for sale in store. 67 Main Street www.kalussewingstudio.co.nz

3. Building Blocks
This interactive installation, created by Auckland artist Sara Hughes is based on the idea of the building block: it’s an artwork you can build with. Especially popular with families, visitors can build their own cityscape using hundreds of wooden blocks. On from the 17th April up untilthe 27th June at Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre. Whilst at Expressions, make sure to check out the delicious Dough Café, a modern take on a bakery serving ‘all things dough’. Expressions Whirinaki Arts & Entertainment Centre, 836 Fergusson Drive www.expressions.org.nz

4. Free Bath Bomb Anyone?
Nothing like a scented candle, a bath bomb and a soak in the tub. Rachel makes her own products right here in her beautiful shop on Main Street. With a focus on recyclable and minimal packaging for all their natural skin and bodycare products the bath bomb, which comes in a range of colours and scents. Would you like a free bath bomb? Mention “Neighbourly Bath Bomb” when making your purchase at Botanical Beauty’s shop and you willreceive one free bath bomb, limited to the first 20 customers, one per customer/visit. Candle from Humble & Grand Homestore. 124 Main Street www.botanicalbeautyco.com

5. Fashion Up to 70% Of
Excellent news, the Pop Up Clearance Store is now permanent! Stocking new women’s fashion, up to 70% off the original price, you will find R E V I S I T upstairs in The Mall, Upper Hutt. R E V I S I T has switched premises with Wild Rose so you can check out the new look Wild Rose store while you are there. The Mall, 181 Main Street www.facebook.com/REVISITUH

6. China City
Meet Alex. Alex is frequently asked how far he walks in a week, he’s not sure “it has been suggested that I get a pedometer” says Alex. But if you see him at work you really would think he has wheels as he efficiently glides around an Upper Hutt classic, China City. What you may not know is that China City have a $13, 4 course lunch deal. There is a good selection to choose from with lunch sizes portions so you won’t want to sleep all afternoon! Available Tuesday - Friday. China City, 11 Main Street.
Find out more

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Would you participate in local initiatives aimed at stopping plastic from reaching our oceans?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Volunteers will be scouring the foreshore, riverbanks, and islands for rubbish on Saturday the 13th as part of the Clean Up the Hutt event.

This initiative helps stop plastic from reaching our oceans and makes our waterways cleaner and safer for everyone.

We want to know: Should this be rolled out across all coastal cities in Aotearoa? And more importantly… would you get involved? 💚

Want the details? The Post has you covered.

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Would you participate in local initiatives aimed at stopping plastic from reaching our oceans?
  • 73.2% Yes!
    73.2% Complete
  • 14.6% Maybe ...
    14.6% Complete
  • 12.2% No.
    12.2% Complete
82 votes
2 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.2% Yes
    41.2% Complete
  • 34% Maybe?
    34% Complete
  • 24.8% No
    24.8% Complete
488 votes
34 minutes ago

Suellen's Sweet Christmas Tradition

Shona McFarlane Retirement Village

The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth and to bring something truly special to the Christmas table. For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche !

An impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with delicate spun sugar, this classic dessert is a favourite at weddings across France and Italy and a much-loved Christmas tradition at home.

Click read more for the full recipe.

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