314 days ago

Friends of Karori Cemetery: S.S. Penguin Tour

Julia Kennedy from Friends of Karori Cemetery

On the 12 February 1909, the SS Penguin sank in Cook Strait in a raging southerly storm with the loss of 72 lives, one of the worst maritime disasters in NZ history. Many of those who died were woman and children, as their lifeboats capsized in the wild sea.

Although the Captain was heavily criticised, it is still not clear what the ship hit nor where, as the wreck of the Penguin has never been located.

The tragedy stunned Wellington and a day of mourning was called for 16 February. The city came to a standstill as many of those who died were brought up to Karori Cemetery for burial in a long procession of cabs and lorries.

To commemorate this tragedy the Friends will be undertaking a guided tour of most of the Penguin graves on Sunday 9th February. The tour will commence at 1pm at the Shelter which is located in the centre of Karori Cemetery and will run for up to two hours starting with a short presentation.

The tour is $10 per person (plus non-refundable booking fee). Children under 12 are free. Book your ticket on our ticketing website:

events.humanitix.com...

Image: The wreck of the Penguin. Wellington honours the dead.
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19090224-0021-01

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
1876 votes
1 day ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

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

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2 days ago

At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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