Metlink addressing anti-social behaviour

Six people were taken into custody following an aggravated robbery incident on a bus in Lower Hutt, reported to Police about 5.20pm on Friday, January 13

Several people on the bus were assessed and treated for minor injuries. Five of the alleged offenders have been referred to Youth Services and one, a 19-year-old woman, appeared in Lower Hutt District Court on Saturday 14 January, facing charges in relation to the incident. She is due to reappear in the Hutt Valley District Court on 26 January.

"The safety of our community is of the utmost importance to Police. Not only should every member of our community be safe but they should also feel safe.," says Acting Area Commander Hutt Valley Inspector Haley Ryan

"What happened on Friday evening was very distressing for the victims involved in the incident, as well as for our community as a whole.

"Police would like to reassure the public the despicable behaviour conducted by the youths involved in this incident will not be tolerated, and Police are making every effort to ensure each youth offender are being held to account for their actions.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter. says GWRC, which runs Metlink, is grateful to Police for their swift response to the aggravated robbery on Metlink’s number 83 bus on Seaview Road in Lower Hutt at 5.20pm on Friday 13 January.

Six people were taken into custody. Other passengers onboard the bus at the time were transferred to the following service.

"The bus driver intervened but did not sustain serious injuries and was not taken to hospital. A passenger sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hutt Hospital by ambulance, where they were treated and discharged.

"Metlink and our operator NZBus are providing support for the passenger and driver, who was taken off duty immediately after the incident and is now on leave," Mr Ponter says.

Footage from onboard video cameras has been made available to NZ Police to assist with their investigation.

He says Metlink is part of a multi-agency approach to addressing anti-social behaviour in Lower Hutt and is actively working with NZ Police and the Hutt City Council around improving safety and security measures https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-andupdates/news/metlink-to-improve-safety-forcustomers-at-bunny-street-terminus/

Mondays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry. Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.

• “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at the library 10.00am.

• Toy Library - Two Monday Sessions at 1.30-2.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm. EastbourneToyLibrary on Facebook. Kathy 0273551950

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• The Historical Society’s Eastbourne History Room above the library is open 2-4 pm every Monday.

• Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade training every Monday 7-9pm. Ph 562 7001 for more info.

• Keas: Monday 5.15pm – 6.15pm. Kea Leader: Ed 021 738 699

• Venturers: 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Susan 0275 35 4962.

Tuesdays

• Pt Howard Playcentre Tues 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• DB Playcentre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 12 noon, Drop in anytime to visit a session or call James on 022 043 7841 to arrange a visit.

• Muritai Tennis Club 9.30–noon. Merryn 562 0236.

• Eastbourne Homebirth Group 1st Tuesday of the month. Phone Kate 5627096.

• East Harbour Women’s Club Morning Tea & Chat Group 10am. Contact Glendyr 562 7181.

• Indoor Bowls Club 1.30pm, at the croquet club, Oroua Street. Rosemary 562 7365

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Barrie barrielittlefair@gmail.com 0204 1234511. Women welcome.

• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact - teens to 70+) Music Movement Magic - Muritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www.niainwellington.com

• Pump Dance junior & intermediate hip hop. 4pm onwards. St Ronan's Hall. 0274373508. info@pumpdance.com