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
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
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.
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? ? ?
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.
Key Dates
Key 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
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
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Saturday 12 April, 2pm
Let’s use nature to make a masterpiece. Go wild creating pictures using leaves and foliage.
For ages 3 and up.
Sock Monsters
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub Sunday 13 April, 2:20pm-3:30pm
Come and join us for a sock monster-making afternoon and take home your amazing creation to show family and friends.
For ages 5 and up.
Marble Run
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub 14-17 April, 2pm
Help make our mammoth community marble run using recycled objects. Be creative and add to it every day.
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.
Sort Like A Scientist
Petone Neighbourhood Hub Wednesday 16 April, 2pm
Do you know your wild from your tame? Your amphibian from your terrestrial?
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.
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
For ages 5 and up.
Bug Hotels
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Saturday 19 April, 2pm
Let your imagination fly as we recycle objects into mini bug hotels.
For ages 6 and up.
Collage self-portraits
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.
Recreational Flying
War Memorial Library
Wednesday 23 April, 10:30am-12pm
Enjoy a storytime, scavenger hunt, and craft that will take to the skies.
For ages 6 and up.
Craft a Moth
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 23 April, 2pm
Explore the world of the Pūriri moth and create moth buddies from recycled objects.
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
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.
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.”
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
War Memorial Library
Throughout the month
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.
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!
Musical Inklings
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Tuesday 20 may, 3:30pm
Music-themed art with your favourite colours and images.
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
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.
“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:
Community Service
Dedicated service to a community organisation or multiple volunteer activities.
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.
Environmental Service
Leading efforts to improve and revitalise the environment.
Youth Activities
Supporting and empowering youth activities and development.
Health & Wellbeing
Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community.
Youth Award
Recognising outstanding voluntary community service by a young person aged 15–25.
Anzac Day Services, parades, & celebrations
Celebrations
Anzac display
War Memorial Library
From Monday 7 April
Letters written between Pvt. Arthur George Cornwell and Margaret Watkins during World War II.
Poppies
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub Thursday 24 April, 2pm
Commemorate Anzac Day by making poppies from popiscle sticks and wool .
Reef Reid
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 Service
9:40am
Parade assembles at Ballinger Park, Oroua Street
10am
Service held at Memorial Gates, Muritai Road
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.
Learn more about Anzac Day, see Cenotaph maps, find out where your closest ceremony will be, by heading to hutt.city/anzac
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
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
Dowse Square, Lower Hutt
Saturday 26 April, 10am-3pm
NZ locally handmade products, local artisans.
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
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!
Clothing swap & free shop
Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub 12-17 May, all day
Drop off your preloved but in good condition winter clothing and accessories and come browse for some new-to-you threads!
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
Want more?
For more events, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents
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