What's On in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt Āperira & Mei April & May 2025

Get sustainable over the school holidays!

Kaupapa ā-Mua ki Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai What’s On in Lower Hutt Āperira & Mei April & May 2025

Ngā Hua o Roto Contents

Ngā Kaupapa Whakahira e Heke Mai Ana Announcements Have your say on the future of water services for Lower Hutt ReCreation School holiday events

Draft Annual Plan focuses on water, growth, and smart spending Moerā’s new Neighbourhood Hub

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Picture Perfect: A century of paintings and photographs of the Eastern Bays

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May is Music Month!

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Honour our Local Legends by nominating them for the 2025 Lower Hutt Civic & Youth Awards!

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Anzac Day Services, parades, & celebrations

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Ngā Kaupapa Hirahira Highlights

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Recycle me!

This booklet is printed on 100% recycled paper using vege inks, please recycle me!

Information was correct at printing

To confirm event information please contact the venue.

He Kōrero nā te Koromatua Message from the Mayor

As we head into the cooler months, there are some important conversations happening about the future of our city, and I’d love for you to get involved.

One of the biggest decisions we’ll make in decades is how we manage Lower Hutt’s water services.

Safe drinking water and strong infrastructure are priorities for all of us, but funding these services is a major challenge. We’re exploring a new way to deliver water services— now’s your chance to have your say.

Head to hutt.city/futurewater before 20 April to share your thoughts.

It’s also time to nominate our local legends for the 2025 Lower Hutt Civic & Youth Awards.

Every year, we recognise people who go above and beyond for our community—whether it’s in the

arts, education, environment, or supporting others.

If you know someone who deserves a shout-out, nominations are open at hutt.city/civicawards until 15 April.

There’s plenty more happening across our city, from Anzac Day services to Music Month celebrations. Keep an eye out, get involved, and let’s make the most of it!

Campbell Barry Mayor of Lower Hutt campbell.barry@huttcity.govt.nz CampbellBarryMayor CampbellBarry

Campbell_Barry

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Ngā Kaupapa Whakahira e Heke Mai Ana Announcements

Report a Problem

If you spot any issues or problems with any of our services, you can log a job using our online portal by going to hutt.city/rap For urgent noise, pollution, sewer, water, stormwater and animal issues call us 24/7 on 04 570 6666

Closures

Friday 18 April - Good Friday Our admin building, Pools + Fitness centres, and all Neighbourhood Hubs will be closed.

The Dowse Art Museum will be open.

Monday 21 April - Easter Monday Our admin building and all Neighbourhood Hubs will be closed.

Pools + Fitness centres will be open with standard hours.

Friday 25 April - Anzac Day Our admin building and all Neighbourhood Hubs will be closed.

Pools + Fitness centres will be open from 1pm-6pm.

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Council Meetings

Want to keep up to date with what’s on at Council? Find out when the next Council meetings are, access meeting minutes and agendas or watch the live stream by heading to hutt.city/councilmeetings

Do you prefer online?

Get this booklet delivered to your email inbox at the start of every month, by going to hutt.city/whatsonemail

Funding opportunities

Did you know that Hutt City Council provides various funding opportunities?

These funding rounds open for applications at various stages throughout the year.

To see which applications are coming up , take a look at our Funding Calendar, by heading to hutt.city/communityfunding

Have your say on the future of water services for Lower Hutt

This is the most important decision we’ll make for our city in decades.

Providing safe drinking water, investing in our pipes, and effective wastewater and stormwater infrastructure are priorities for our communities.

To do this we need to invest more in these water services, but the cost is a huge challenge. A proposed new way of delivering water services is one way of tackling this problem.

Should we: ?

Move to a new way of delivering water services?

?

Stick with the status quo?

KeyKey Dates Dates

Consultation: 20 March - 20 April 2025 Council decision: 27 June 2025 Water Services Delivery Plan submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs: 3 September 2025 New model would take effect if approved: 1 July 2026

Find out more and have your say

Go to hutt.city/futurewater or visit any Hutt City Council neighbourhood hub to view the consultation document and fill out a survey form.

Look out for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ about Local Water Done Well on the Mayor’s social media channels.

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ReCreation School holiday events

All of our events for the April School Holidays are sustainability and recycling focused, for Earth Month, which is celebrated every year in April across the world.

Leaf art

Sock Monsters

Let’s use nature to make a masterpiece. Go wild creating pictures using leaves and foliage.

Come and join us for a sock monster-making afternoon and take home your amazing creation to show family and friends.

Petone Neighbourhood Hub Saturday 12 April, 2pm

For ages 3 and up.

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Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub Sunday 13 April, 2:20pm-3:30pm

For ages 5 and up.

Marble Run

Sort Like A Scientist

Help make our mammoth community marble run using recycled objects. Be creative and add to it every day.

Do you know your wild from your tame? Your amphibian from your terrestrial?

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub 14-17 April, 2pm

For ages 5 and up.

Can creatures

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Tuesday 15 April, 2pm Turn your old cans into colourful Can Creatures!

For ages 5 and up.

Petone Neighbourhood Hub Wednesday 16 April, 2pm

Bring along your answers, drawings of animals that live in your neighbourhood or an item from nature.

Join us for stories and activities as we learn to spot and sort like a scientist.

For ages 8 and up.

Continued on next page.

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Going Bush

War Memorial Library Wednesday 16 April, 10:30am-12pm Can you survive in the wilds? We’ll assemble our pack, build a bivvy and get bush ready.

For ages 5 and up.

Magnet Games

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Thursday 17 April, 2pm Have fun making your own magnetic creations

Recreational Flying

For ages 5 and up.

War Memorial Library Wednesday 23 April, 10:30am-12pm

Bug Hotels

Enjoy a storytime, scavenger hunt, and craft that will take to the skies.

Petone Neighbourhood Hub Saturday 19 April, 2pm Let your imagination fly as we recycle objects into mini bug hotels.

For ages 6 and up.

Craft a Moth

For ages 6 and up.

Petone Neighbourhood Hub Wednesday 23 April, 2pm

Collage self-portraits

Explore the world of the Pūriri moth and create moth buddies from recycled objects.

Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub Tuesday 22 April, 2pm-3pm Come and make some selfportraits using recycled materials For ages 5 and up.

Egg-citing Masks

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Tuesday 22 April, 2pm Let’s make some egg-ceptional egg carton masks!

For ages 5 and up.

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For ages 5 and up.

Build a Moa

Petone Neighbourhood Hub Sunday 27 April, 10am Join us in building our biggest Moa! For ages 3 and up.

Want more?

To see the full range of events we have on, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents

Draft Annual Plan focuses on water, growth, and smart spending

Hutt City Council’s 2025-26 draft Annual Plan is focused on delivering services, funding key projects and managing costs while keeping rates as affordable as possible.

Tough decisions were made to reduce the proposed rates increase from 13.4% (after growth) in our Long-Term Plan, to 12.8% (after growth) in the draft Annual Plan. This equates to an average increase of $9.06 per week per household.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the tight economic environment was at the forefront of Council’s thinking.

“We are very aware that any rates increase at this time will be hard to manage given people are continuing to face financial pressures. But significant cost pressures also affect Council and we need to carefully manage these while building a better city for everyone.”

Rising costs, reduced transport funding from central government and revenue challenges have required reprioritisation of spending to maintain financial sustainability.

“The Council remains laser-focused on upgrading and maintaining critical infrastructure, particularly

water services which make up around 53% of the proposed rates increase,” Mayor Barry says.

With Lower Hutt’s population expected to reach 125,000 by 2033, Council is planning for the future while ensuring community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

That is why the draft Annual Plan reflects the commitments made in our Long Term Plan to ensure Council stays on course with its vision for Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.

Want to learn more?

Have your say by going to hutt.city/draftannualplan until 27 April.

Use our online Rates Calculator to see how the plan impacts you by going to hutt.city/ratescalculator

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Moerā’s new Neighbourhood Hub

The long awaited Moerā Neighbourhood Hub opened its doors to the community on 1 March with a fun filled, community-focused day full of live music, local talent, free kai and fire trucks.

The new Hub, located on the site of the previous Moerā library, provides a vibrant community space for locals to connect, learn and play.

Since it’s opening, daily visits have been up 122% from this time last year.

With connection and sustainability at front of mind, the building was developed in close consultation with the Moerā community, ensuring its longevity as a Hub that will continue to meet the needs of its people for generations to come.

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The facility boasts an open-plan layout, providing easy access to key library services like books, internet, printing and more. The layout was designed to maximise connection to the outdoor reserve and playground, with bifold doors and an expansive deck.

Hutt City Council Head of Neighbourhood Hubs and Library Services, Joann Ransom, was delighted that the project had come to fruition, and thanked the community for their involvement.

“Places like this bring people together, and help communities thrive. It was critical that we brought the Moerā community along with us on this journey, to ensure that we were creating a space that they felt was inclusive, flexible and welcoming.”

The modern methods of construction used means the building can have additional modules added, and it can be relocated up to 10 times in its lifetime – if community requirements changed to that degree.

“This is a space for Moerā, so we welcome anyone from the community to pop in and chat to one of our friendly staff if they have an idea for programming or activities they’d like to see at the Hub.”

The Moerā Neighbourhood Hub project began in 2023, following an investigation that found the preexisting Moerā library building had issues with water tightness and needed significant repairs.

Local company, Niche Modular Construction, played an integral role in ensuring that the Council was investing in high-quality infrastructure, that was resilient to future challenges. The team built the new Hub in a fully controlled environment, using innovative building methods with sustainability central to their work.

Work continues on the neighbouring Moerā Reserve, which expands from the north end of the hub.

Want to learn more?

Keep up to date by heading to hutt.city/moerahub

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The Historical Society of Eastbourne Inc presents:

Picture Perfect: A century of paintings and photographs of the Eastern Bays Hutt Art Centre 9-11 Myrtle Street, Lower Hutt 7-17 May, 10am-4pm Free entry

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A unique opportunity to see a wide range of original artworks and rare historical photographs from the Historical Society’s collection, never exhibited before. Experience the Eastern Bays over time, through the eyes of (mostly) local artists and photographers!

May is Music Month!

NZ Music Month is a chance to celebrate all of the amazing music made in New Zealand and the people who make it.

May Music Month

Musical Inklings

Come and enjoy music played by local artists at various times during the month, including the Hutt Valley Community Choir; author Damien Wilkins; the Hutt Council Waiata group; and many others.

Music-themed art with your favourite colours and images.

War Memorial Library Throughout the month

Keep an eye on fb.com/WMLHutt for more information, including times and dates for events.

Musical Storytime

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Wednesday 14 May, 10:30am Come and celebrate music month with waiata and instruments!

Symphony in the Hutt Walter Nash Centre Friday 16 May, 7pm

One of the biggest and best family concerts in the Orchestra Wellington calendar, Symphony in the Hutt returns for an incredible seventh year!

This event is entirely FREE and is very, very popular – so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat!

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Tuesday 20 may, 3:30pm

Young Singers in Harmony Regional Contest Lower Hutt Town Hall Tuesday 27 May

Young Singers in Harmony (YSIH) New Zealand encourages and educates young people in barbershop a cappella singing.

Each year, hundreds of singers compete in regional contests hoping to qualify to compete in the chorus and quartet finals at the annual YSIH National Convention.

Musical Artspot

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Thursday 29 May, 3:30pm Let’s make musical instruments out of recycled materials!

Want more?

For more events, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents 11

Honour our Local Legends by nominating them for the 2025 Lower Hutt Civic & Youth Awards!

Do you know someone who has selflessly dedicated their time to our community without seeking recognition? Now is the time to honour their contributions by nominating them for a Civic Honour!

The Civic Honours and Youth Services Awards acknowledge extraordinary volunteers who have made significant impacts in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt. Since their inception in 1976, these awards have celebrated the efforts of individuals who have gone above and beyond for our city.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry emphasises the importance of these awards in recognising the dedication and selflessness that strengthen our community.

“Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt is home to many incredible individuals who generously give their time and energy to support others. These awards allow us to acknowledge the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without seeking any reward,” says Mayor Barry.

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“This is our opportunity to celebrate them and express our heartfelt gratitude for their contributions to our community.”

Let’s come together to celebrate the individuals who make Lower Hutt a brighter, stronger, and more connected community—submit your nominations today!

How to Nominate

Nominations can be submitted online by going to hutt.city/civicawards or by collecting a form from the Council administration building at 30 Laings Road.

Nominations close at 5pm, Tuesday, 15 April 2025 – don’t miss the chance to recognise someone making a difference in our community!

Iris Kauffeld, Civic Honour recipient for Cultural Affairs, with Mayor Campbell Barry in 2024

Award Categories

The Civic Honours and Youth Services Awards celebrate individuals in several categories:

Environmental Service Leading efforts to improve and revitalise the environment.

Community Service Dedicated service to a community organisation or multiple volunteer activities.

Youth Activities Supporting and empowering youth activities and development.

Cultural Affairs Enhancing participation in cultural heritage, music, and the arts.

Educational Service Supporting the educational and social development of others, including children and youth.

Health & Wellbeing Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community.

Youth Award Recognising outstanding voluntary community service by a young person aged 15–25.

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Anzac Day Services, parades, & celebrations Celebrations Anzac display

Poppies

Letters written between Pvt. Arthur George Cornwell and Margaret Watkins during World War II.

Commemorate Anzac Day by making poppies from popiscle sticks and wool .

War Memorial Library From Monday 7 April

Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Thursday 24 April, 2pm

Reef Reid 14

Services & Parades Hutt Central

Dawn Service 5:45am Parade assembles outside the Town Hall on Laings Road 6:00am Service held at the Cenotaph, Anzac Memorial Lawn Civic Service 9.45am Service held at the Cenotaph, Anzac Memorial Lawn

Petone

Flag ceremony 7am ANZAC Memorial Flagstaff, Petone Railway Station Service 8:15am Parade assembles in Bracken Street 8:30am Service held at Garden of Remembrance, Memorial Park

Eastbourne

Stokes Valley

Service 10:45am Parade assembles at Scott Court 11am Service held at Stokes Valley RSA, Hawthorn Crescent

Taitā

Service 11am Parade assembles at Taita Lawn Cemetery Gate, Rimu Street 11:15am Service held at Taita Lawn Cemetery

Wainuiomata

Dawn parade 6am At the Memorial, Queen Street Parade and Civic Service 11:30am At the Memorial, Queen Street, followed by refreshments in the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub.

Service 9:40am Parade assembles at Ballinger Park, Oroua Street 10am Service held at Memorial Gates, Muritai Road

Want to learn more?

Learn more about Anzac Day, see Cenotaph maps, find out where your closest ceremony will be, by heading to hutt.city/anzac

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Ngā Kaupapa Hirahira Highlights

Mystery in the Library 2025: Hutt Valley Hijinks War Memorial Library Wednesday 2 April, 6pm

Join five Kiwi authors for a criminally good evening.

Awaside | Grassroots UP The Dowse Art Museum Thursday 3 April, 6pm-8pm

Meet local creative like-minders at this community arts network in Lower Hutt.

Hear news updates for 2025 from Hutt City Community Arts Facilitator Etanah Lalau-Talapā.

Bring a snippet of something special you’ve been creating over the summer holidays to share.

Light kai and drinks provided.

E-Waste drop-off day 22 Nevis Street, Petone Saturday 5 April, 9am-3pm

Drop off your unwanted electronic products during this drive-thru event!

For more information, head to fb.com/share/1EqgbUueDX

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Plant Swap

Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub Saturday 12 April, 10am-1pm Bring in seeds, seedlings and cuttings from your garden or houseplants to share with fellow green thumbs in the community.

Delta Heavy: APEX

McEwan Park, Petone Saturday 12 April, 4pm-12:30am Another New Zealand first from the Audiology crew, APEX is a carefully curated cast of four international DJs, including Delta Heavy and three other yet-to-be-announced international artists. This is set to be the most unique drum & bass adventure of 2025.

For more information and to see ticketing and pricing, head to fb.com/share/15wrAEfN25

World Book Day Storytime Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Wednesday 23 April, 10:30am

Join us to celebrate World Book Day by dressing up as your favourite character. Some dress ups will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!

Artisan Craft Market

Clothing swap & free shop

NZ locally handmade products, local artisans.

Drop off your preloved but in good condition winter clothing and accessories and come browse for some new-to-you threads!

Dowse Square, Lower Hutt Saturday 26 April, 10am-3pm

For more information, head to fb.com/share/14b4S8qNjw

Koningsdag - Avalon Orange Bike & Vrijmarkt Avalon Park Sunday 27 April, 10am-1pm

This fun Koningsdag (King’s Day) event at Avalon Park, with Dutch food and activities at Avalon House, has even more fun cycling activities this year, with prizes for the best dressed.

There will be a vrijmaarkt for children to sell off pre-loved toys, books, clothes, etc. Book ahead to reserve a table for the vrijmaarkt (by 20 April) by contacting the Dutch Club through Facebook.

For more information, head to fb.com/share/153numqZRx

Family History Drop-in

Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub 12-17 May, all day

Tough Guy and Gal Challenge: Wellington

Camp Wainui, 203 Coast Road, Wainuiomata 20-24 May New Zealand’s original mud run series, the Cartrack Tough Guy and Gal Challenge is the ultimate obstacle course race designed for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers.

Run through water trails, crawl under barb wire obstacles, swamp crossings, bush trails, hill climbs and a rope bridge to throw into the mix. 6 kilometre (one lap) or 12 kilometre (two laps) options are available.

For more information including on registration and pricing, head to rb.gy/f6yqj2

War Memorial Library Thursday 8 May, 11am

A new drop-in session for research assistance with both family and local history. Join us on the second Thursday of every month!

Want more?

For more events, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents

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FIX FEDERATION & JANUS BAKKERIJ Did you know Fix Federation and Janus Bakkerij, two iconic spots in Lower Hutt, are both owned by Arna and Jason!?

As a young fella, Jason began his baking career in the dish room at Janus Bakkerij. Joe Janus offered him a baking apprenticeship and 4 years later, he went from being a humble dish hand to a qualified baker and the production manager of the Bakkerij.

Seven years ago, Jason and Arna opened their very own bakery in Lower Hutt, Fix Federation - famously known by locals for their decadent donuts. Come 2022, their bakery was getting a little cramped, and in a full circle moment they took on a second bakery - Janus Bakkerij.

Their cabinet is filled daily with donuts, pastries, sandwiches and salads. Their chefs whip up all the classic cafe dishes too, with a few throwbacks to Janus family recipes. Last year Janus Bakkerij was recognised as having some of the best pies in New Zealand, featuring in a book “New Zealand’s Best Gourmet Pies”.

Fix Federation, 79 High Street Janus Bakkerij, 700 High Street

Follow @huttvalleynz for better weekends