The after-hours service is run by local GPs and offers care for urgent cases when regular clinics are closed. It operates on a rotating basis, with the clinic location depending on which GP is on duty at the time.

The service runs from 5 pm to 7.30 pm Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5.30 pm on Saturdays, and from 8 am to 3.30 pm on Sundays and public holidays. However, patients must book an appointment before arriving, as walk-ins are not accepted.

Anyone needing urgent care should start by contacting their regular GP clinic. The team there will advise on whether an after-hours visit is necessary and confirm the clinic location for that day. For those who are not enrolled with a GP, assistance is available by calling 06 368 1402 to speak with a nurse for advice on the next steps. Additionally, Healthline can be contacted for free at 0800 611 116 for further guidance.

It is important to note that the after-hours service is strictly for urgent medical needs and does not cover routine matters such as driving medicals, WINZ or ACC forms, or repeat prescriptions. For these, patients are encouraged to use the online service Practice Plus, which provides quick access to consultations for non-urgent healthcare needs.

The Horowhenua After-Hours Service remains a vital resource for the community, ensuring that residents have access to timely care when their regular doctor’s office is closed. For more details about the service, visit the website thinkhauora.nz.

With healthcare services stretched across the country, local residents are reminded to only use after-hours care for urgent issues and to keep emergency departments free for life-threatening situations.

This afternoon, several hundred friends and whānau gathered at Pākaitore, where Turia was brought to lie at 1:40 p.m. From there, she will travel by waka to Putiki Marae and later return to Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui at 4 p.m.

A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy

Tributes have flowed from across the political spectrum, highlighting Turia’s unwavering commitment to her people. Former Prime Minister Sir John Key describes her as a “trailblazing leader” with a wicked sense of humour, saying, “She will be sorely missed.”

Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi praise Turia’s tireless efforts, calling her a matriarch and trailblazer whose legacy will endure. “She crossed the floor against all odds, ensuring our people’s voices were heard,” says Waititi.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour Leader Chris Hipkins also commemorate her contributions, with Hipkins referring to her as “the very definition of a wahine toa.” He adds that her work, particularly in health and Māori advocacy, will have lasting effects.

Achievements and Honours

Dame Tariana Turia’s political career began in 1996 as a Labour list MP following her role in the 79-day Moutua Gardens protest. She later served in a minority government with Key, championing issues like Māori health and the Whānau Ora initiative, a wellbeing agency she considered one of her proudest achievements. Turia retired in 2014 and was honoured as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015.

She was instrumental in the historic decision granting the Whanganui River legal personhood, a role she cherished as one of the most significant of her life.

Tributes from Fellow Leaders

Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson recalls Turia as his favourite politician, saying, “I love her.” Act Party leader David Seymour remembers her as a principled and gracious leader. Meanwhile, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters calls her a passionate advocate for her community.

Barry Soper, Newstalk ZB’s senior political correspondent, highlights her determination for Māori betterment, saying, “She was a force to be reckoned with in Parliament.”

A Community in Mourning

Dame Tariana Turia’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void, especially among her whānau and iwi. Labour MP Willie Jackson emphasises her courage and commitment, adding, “We must never forget her courage.”

As the tangi continues, Aotearoa New Zealand honours the remarkable life of a woman who dedicated herself to the service of her people and her nation.

The islands lie off the southwest coast of the lower North Island and were aquired by the Crown last century.

December 31, 2024 marks the return of both islands to Ngāti Toa, in what the iwi described as an historic day.

It said the redress for Kāpiti and Mana Islands is reflective of the critical role the islands, Kāpiti in particular, played in establishing Ngāti Toa’s mana on both sides of Te Moana o Raukawa (Cook Strait).

“The vesting simply acknowledges what we already know; Ngāti Toa holds the mana of Kāpiti and Mana Islands and has done so since shortly after our ancestors arrived in the region, in the early nineteenth century”, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Board Chair, Callum Katene, said.

“The vesting is a legal mechanism agreed in our settlement legislation, but it is our tikanga that determines our responsibilities and relationship with these islands.”

Kāpiti and Mana Islands were designated Nature and Scientific Reserves respectively, managed by the Department of Conservation.

The vesting of ownership does not impact the conservation status or management by the Crown.

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Chief Executive, Helmut Modlik, said Ngāti Toa will uphold its mana whenua obligations, care for the land under its control, and continue to work with the Crown to maintain the islands’ conservation status as a taonga for all New Zealanders.

Modlik said Ngāti Toa also had big plans going forward.

“From 2025 onwards, we’ll work with our own people to continue building relationships with both islands and the taiao through ongoing visits, learning about the history and stories of our ancestors”.

Modlik said a work programme is also being developed by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira for Kāpiti and Mana Islands to reconnect Ngāti Toa with Kāpiti by creating a welcoming space for their tamariki, mokopuna, and future generations.

The iwi said while Tuesday, 31 December 2024 was being marked as a day of celebration for Ngāti Toa, it would be a muted and respectful occasion.

The draft policy introduces targeted measures for specific “priority areas” in suburbs identified as having higher incidences of alcohol-related harm. These areas include Porirua Central, Titahi Bay, Rānui/Mungavin, Cannons Creek, and Elsdon-Takapūwāhia. Suggested measures include restricting hours of operation, limiting the density of alcohol outlets, and introducing “sinking lid” provisions to curb new off-licence establishments.

Mayor Anita Baker says the policy aims to balance addressing harm while supporting the local economy. “We know many people enjoy the social aspects of drinking, which benefits our hospitality and retail businesses. However, we must also address the issues that affect public safety. Your input is crucial to achieving this balance.”

Key proposals include:

• Limiting off-licence hours citywide to 9am–9pm or reducing hours in priority areas only.
• Reviewing club operating hours, currently 8am–2am, to potentially reduce them in priority areas.
• For on-licence premises, options include maintaining the 8am–2am operation or cutting back to 10am–12 midnight in priority areas.

The policy has been developed in partnership with health providers, police, and alcohol licensing officials. It reflects evidence-based research on alcohol consumption and its impacts.

Residents can find more details and share their views at Porirua City Council’s consultation page.

The festival will be held in the main shopping area between the roundabouts at Cambridge Street and Surrey Street, with the entire area closed off to vehicles for the day. Visitors will find ample parking on surrounding streets, as well as spaces behind the Tawa Community Centre and near New World on Oxford Street.

An Event Information Caravan, located at the corner of Main Road and Essex Street, will serve as a central hub for lost children and property collection. Volunteers in high-visibility vests will also provide assistance, and first aid will be available at the caravan.

Easy Access and Convenience
Tawa’s public transportation services are adjusted to accommodate festival-goers. Train passengers arriving via the Wellington–Waikanae line will find the Tawa Railway Station just three minutes away. For those traveling by bus, Route 60 will operate with a temporary stop on Oxford Street, a two-minute walk from the event.

Portable toilets will be available on-site, along with public facilities at the Tawa Library. Visitors can also use any of the three ATMs located along the Main Road, though some stallholders may offer cash-out services.

Family and Pet Friendly
As always, Spring into Tawa will cater to families, with entertainment and children’s activities provided free of charge. The event is also dog-friendly, with organisers reminding pet owners to keep their dogs leashed and well-controlled to ensure everyone’s safety.

A Tradition of Community Spirit
Founded in 2000 by local business owners, the event has grown significantly over the years. The introduction of road closures in 2016 allowed for the addition of food trucks, live performances, and a greater variety of activities. Last year, an estimated 9,000 attendees enjoyed the festivities, with the event attracting not just locals but visitors from nearby suburbs such as Porirua, Johnsonville, and Whitby.

Run by the Tawa Residents Association, the event is not-for-profit and relies on stallholder fees, sponsorships, and community grants for funding. With Tawa’s population of 13,000 and strong regional interest, organisers are hopeful for another successful turnout.

The festival offers a unique opportunity for residents to come together, celebrating the spirit of Tawa while enjoying the vibrant local and regional offerings.

Bret, 50, was last seen on Hillside Drive, Maoribank, on Sunday. Around 5:45 p.m., he was observed having a brief conversation with a couple walking a small dog near the Maoribank Lights intersection, close to the Hutt River.

Authorities believe this couple may have valuable information regarding Bret’s last known movements and urge them to come forward.

Bret is described as 195cm tall, of solid build, with black hair and a short white beard. He was last seen wearing black shorts, a dark green t-shirt, a black zip-up hoodie, black jandals, and a cap.

The search for Bret continues today in Upper Hutt, with police reviewing CCTV footage and following up on public leads. They are also seeking any CCTV or dashcam footage from the Hillside Drive area around 5:30 p.m. that might help trace his movements.

Anyone with information is asked to update police online or call 105, referencing case number 240916/4478. If Bret is spotted, the public is urged to call 111 immediately.

The introduction of fixed cameras is part of a broader effort to monitor key bus lanes and stops during operational hours. These cameras help ensure that bus lanes remain clear for buses, facilitating smoother and more timely commutes. Currently, the Courtenay Place East bus stops are also under surveillance, with more locations expected to be added in the future.

Bus lanes are crucial in maintaining the flow of traffic in Wellington. To discourage misuse, individuals found driving in a bus lane illegally may face a $150 infringement fee. To avoid penalties, drivers should pay close attention to signage indicating bus lane operational hours and whether the lane is designated for buses only or can be shared with other vehicles.

Clear signs and green on-road markings identify all bus lanes. While regular bus lanes can be used by bicycles, mopeds, motorbikes, and in-service taxis, other vehicles are permitted to use these lanes briefly—up to 50 metres—for making left turns into streets or driveways. Conversely, bus-only lanes are strictly reserved for buses, with exceptions for emergency service vehicles responding to emergencies.

Parking in any bus or cycle lane, even for a short time, is illegal and subject to fines.

For those unsure about the rules, the Wellington City Council provides a helpful video titled “How to Use Bus Lanes Correctly,” available on their website. Future camera locations will also be updated on the project webpage at wellington.govt.nz/bus-lane-cameras.

By adhering to these guidelines, Wellington residents can contribute to a more efficient and reliable public transport system, ensuring that buses can navigate the city swiftly and on schedule.

The pre-order system was introduced in January after unprecedented demand meant the existing system was not viable.

Over the 2023/24 Christmas and New Year period, 102 of the 200-litre tanks were sold, compared to just 16 over the same period in the prior year.

Demand was driven after warnings from the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office late last year that the forecasted dry summer could result in tougher water restrictions for the region.

The region, including Porirua, moved to Level 2 water restrictions in January. Higher restrictions were avoided due to residents limiting their water use.

“Changing to a pre-order system meant Council could better manage the overwhelming demand for tanks at a time when residents were concerned about having an emergency supply for potential tighter restrictions,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.

“In order to make it happen, our Customer Services team worked together with staff at Te Rauparaha Arena and our Health and Safety and Emergency Management team in order to allow a smooth experience from ordering the tanks to picking them up once they were available.”

In the three months the system was active, Council sold 460 tanks to people from across Porirua, as well as some Wellington and Hutt Valley residents.

Mayor Baker reminds residents that there are many reasons water shortages or outages could occur, such as natural disasters, dry conditions or burst pipes, and people should be prepared for them. Households should ideally store a minimum of 20 litres for each person to use in an emergency.

“Three litres per day is the minimum you need for drinking and food preparation.”

In the meantime, Wellington Water continues to work with Porirua City Council to fix leaks across the water network.

Anyone requiring a 200-litre water tank can now purchase them directly from Council’s Customer Service Centre at 16 Cobham Court during office hours.

Smaller 10-litre plastic water containers can also be purchased for $5 each from the same location.

In Porirua City Council’s annual review of alcohol licensing fees and costs, it was found that rates are covering 80% of the alcohol licensing cost in Porirua, with the alcohol industry paying 20% of the licensing costs.

Porirua City is exploring options to remove some or all of the costs of alcohol licensing from Porirua City’s rates.

Purpose of this proposal

• Outlines the costs of alcohol licensing in Porirua City and the income received from licensing.

• Identifies how we could increase our current alcohol licensing application fees and annual fees to recover costs.

• Identifies certain standalone fees that could be applied to recover costs.

• Establishes a regular period to review the Bylaw to ensure effectiveness over time.

Making a submission

You can find copies of this proposal at all Porirua City libraries and at our front counter with our Customer Services team at 16 Cobham Court, Porirua 5022.

You can have your say in a number of ways:

• Online: Make an online submission below.
• By email: submissions@poriruacity.govt.nz with “Alcohol Fees Bylaw” in the subject line.
• By hand: with our front counter team at 16 Cobham Court, Porirua City, or at any of our city libraries.
• By post:
  • Alcohol Fees BylawPorirua City Council
    PO Box 50218
    Porirua City 5240

A downloadable copy of the draft Alcohol Fees Bylaw, Statement of Proposal and submission form is available on the menu to the right, under “Consultation Documents”.

Your privacy
All submissions are public information. This supports our drive to be as transparent as possible, but if there are any personal details you don’t want made public, please let us know.

We collect demographic data to help us identify if we are reaching the voices from all areas of our community. Providing demographic information is optional.

Want to know more?

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please email us at submissions@poriruacity.govt.nz(External link) or call on (04) 237 5089.

Increases in the cost of energy, water supply, insurance and interest rates all mean that just
providing core services like rubbish, roading and pipes is costing more.

Take a look at some of the challenges they’re facing, what they plan to do about them and, what their key focus has been during the LTP planning process so far. You can read the full LTP discussion paper here:

https://storage.googleapis.com/pcc-wagtail-media/documents/10.6_Long-term_Plan_2024-34_Direction.pdf

Porirua City’s Long-term Plan 2024–34

At Council’s online hub you can read the latest Long-term Plan (LTP) news and share your thoughts, so that you can collaborate and work together with the council to ensure our city is a great place to live, work and raise a family – now and in the future.

The council is currently consulting on their draft LTP and have public drop in sessions between 26 March and 26 April 2024. You can find the draft LTP and other key and supporting info in the Important Documents section. You can also leave a comment in the news section, start a discussion, share your own story, or submit a question.

To Have Your Say on the future of Porirua City see: https://haveyoursay.poriruacity.govt.nz/porirua-city-2024-2034-long-term-plan