The Green Party has selected Waikanae resident Asher Wilson-Goldman as their candidate for the new Kāpiti electorate at this year’s general election.

“I can’t wait to share the Greens’ positive vision for Aotearoa with Kāpiti residents,” says Asher Wilson-Goldman.

“For too many people in our electorate, it’s harder now than it was three years ago to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads.”

Wilson-Goldman says the Greens have a plan to see nature thrive, and for everyone to have what they need to live a good life.

“I’ve helped lead some of the public sector’s largest pieces of work, so I understand the power of the public sector to improve lives, when we have a Government that supports them to do it.

“Locally I’ve volunteered my time helping to set up Predator Free Kāpiti Coast, sorting through donations to the Kāpiti Foodbank, and advising Council on improving walking, cycling and horse riding access for recreation and transport.

“I’m a relentless advocate for Kāpiti every chance I get, and I’d love to take my voice to Parliament to fight for better healthcare, better housing and real action on climate change.”

Wilson-Goldman says by giving your party vote to the Greens this November, you’ll be part of our movement for stronger communities and a healthy planet.

Other announced candidates for the new Kāpiti Electorate are Tim Costley (National) and Sophie Handford (Labour).

The international credit rating agency has maintained a negative outlook, reflecting uncertainty around upcoming central government policy changes and their potential impact on local government finances.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter says that the strong rating during a time of major government reforms and uncertainty is a valuable indicator of Greater Wellington’s fiscal responsibility.

“This rating makes it clear that while Greater Wellington is doing everything it can to deliver value for money services to our ratepayers, the proposed rate caps and other pressures from central government are putting a huge strain on our ability to do so,” says Cr Ponter.

Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, Yadana Saw, says reforms are likely to erode existing core services while also threatening the viability of longer-term strategic projects. 

“Changes to the Resource Management Act, rate capping and a review of the role of regional councils could negatively affect our future financial landscape, which makes it harder for us deliver on a cleaner environment, a more flood resilient region and critical public transport improvements.”

Greater Wellington’s Finance and Risk group manager Alison Trustrum-Rainey says that the report’s acknowledgement of the Council’s financial management track record is encouraging.

“Our previous performance and ratings have stood us in good stead and the report’s prediction that Greater Wellington is positioned for a return to operating surpluses from 2027 takes into account a number of contributing factors,” says Trustrum-Rainey.

“These include the transfer of water services management to the new multi-council-controlled water organization, Tiaki Wai in July this year which is expected to reduce pressure on our infrastructure programme, contribute to a decline in debt, and allow us to focus more closely on our core activities.”

Read the report summary here: https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/regulatory/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/3503994

The new Kāpiti Electorate extends from the top of the Kāpiti Coast to Whitby, including Ōtaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati, Paekākāriki, Pukerua Bay, Paremata, Plimmerton, Pāuatahanui and Whitby.

Costley, an RNZAF pilot until elected as MP in 2023, is the current MP for Ōtaki. He will be standing for the newly-named Kāpiti electorate next year.

“I’m passionate about our region, motivated by service, and focussed on the people who make this region so great, and finding ways to help them,” says Costley.

“It has been a huge honour to serve as MP, and I’m as energised and focussed as ever to continue in this special role.”

Costley says the highlight of his time as local MP has been the people he’s helped and the difference he’s been able to make locally. “I think of one woman who came to my office for help with nowhere to live. That afternoon she had keys to a new house. Transformational. I think of the man who had waited years for surgery with no support, and I was able to get him booked in. I think of the young family who needed help to secure a visa to keep their family together, or the young mum who needed some extra support that I could organise.

“Most people wouldn’t know their stories if you passed them on the street, but I’ve been privileged to hear their stories, to walk alongside them, and to see the difference a good local MP can make. I genuinely believe that one person at a time, we are changing this community for the better.”

Costley lists other key local achievements as being better healthcare and transport connections. “Through my strong advocacy, and at times fighting tooth-and-nail, I’ve secured new health facilities in Kāpiti including the new permanent BreastScreen facility, better radiology, and a new health shuttle trial. In terms of transport it’s hard to beat winning a much better design for the new expressway from Ōtaki to Levin, and signed contracts for new electric trains to connect Kāpiti to Horowhenua and Manawatu.”

“I care about the direction our country is heading in and what my kids, and everyone’s children, will grow up to inherit. That’s why I’m standing for National, because I believe we need a Government who can make the tough decisions that will lead us to more affordable living, better education outcomes for our children and grandchildren, a health system that delivers for our region, and safer communities.”

The Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will have extra capacity before and after the game.

A special Wairarapa Line service will run after the game, expected to depart approximately 30 minutes after the match finishes.

Core bus routes will have increased capacity, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to access cheaper fares.  

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700. 

Traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

All trains in the Wellington Region have been cancelled for Thursday 23 Oct, from 8am to 6pm. Please check https://www.metlink.org.nz/ for the latest information on public transport.

Updated Weather Information

STRONG WIND WARNING – RED – Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carterton.

7am to 7pm, Thursday, 23 October. Severe gales with damaging gusts of 140km/h in exposed places. Power outages have already been happening across the region and there may be more as severe weather picks up tomorrow (Thursday).

HEAVY RAIN WARNING – Orange – The Tararua Range.

10am to 8pm Thursday 23 Oct. Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Thursday afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms are possible. Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

STRONG WIND WARNING – Orange – Kāpiti Coast

9am – 7pm, Thursday 23 Oct. Severe gale northwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.

STRONG WIND WARNING – Orange – Wairarapa about and north of Carterton.

10am Thursday 23 Oct – 3am Friday 24 Oct. Severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places.

HEAVY SWELLS – Ōtaki to Cape Terawhiti, with highest risk period between late Thursday morning to Thursday evening.

Please see MetService New Zealand for the latest updates.

Take care, WREMO Duty Team

Many young people from Porirua have registered for this year’s Open Day, giving local students and their families the opportunity to discover everything Victoria University offers right here in Wellington.

The event offers the prospective students a chance to attend sample lectures, explore the University’s campuses, and get a feel for life as a student in the capital.

Local retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses are also getting involved, offering discounts and giveaways to visitors. Iconic Wellington landmarks will be lit up green to mark the occasion, contributing to what is shaping up to be a city-wide celebration.

Director of Marketing and Communications David Lewis says that while attracting prospective students to Open Day is a key focus, this year’s event is about showcasing the full Wellington experience.

“With local businesses getting involved, and major events like Beervana, the New Zealand International Film Festival, and Wellington On A Plate taking place the same weekend, this year’s Open Day is as much a celebration of the city as it is of the University.

“Victoria University is one of Wellington’s largest employers, and our students contribute significantly to the city’s economy and vibrancy. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the young people here for Open Day, exploring their future options and experiencing Wellington.”

In partnership with Accord Group Hotels and Grabaseat, the University has also provided fantastic travel and accommodation discounts to help bring visitors to the capital.

The event is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to attract and engage prospective students while supporting the Wellington scene. Open Day 2025 is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of future students in recent years. Registrations remain open for those wishing to attend.

NZGP President Gayle Chambers says “It is great to see that Kāpiti has taken this initiative to ensure people’s needs are acknowledged when shopping.”

‘Age Friendly Business’ signs appearing outside Kāpiti businesses indicate that the enterprise involved offers a welcoming environment. The ‘shop’ requirements are relatively basic, but sensible and desirable –

• Easy access for prams, pushchairs and mobility devices

• Available and friendly service

• Customer seating

• Shelf height reachable for likely products

• Signage readable, including prices

• Payment processes assisted

• Nearest toilets indicated

Kāpiti Grey Power President Roger Booth explains how it took a lot of door knocking initially, to outline in person how the programme works, and provide businesses the opportunity to sign up and commit.

He says for most businesses, compliance was relatively straight forward, but a surprising number of businesses don’t have a seat for a waiting customer. “Others, such as Andy Magee Plumbing arranged for a new ramp to be installed to ease access to the premises.” (see photo).

Mr Booth says already 24 diverse Kāpiti businesses have signed up and are actively promoting the initiative, applications from 12 others are being processed, and many more are seriously considering joining the initiative.

Hastings have already lined up 40 businesses, and there are many more in other districts. Those Kāpiti businesses already committed to the programme are: Waterfront Bar and Kitchen, Beach Bakery, Fed Up Restaurant and Takeaway, Columbus Coffee, The Village Baker Raumati Beach, Shaft Automotive, Light Vehicle Testing, Warehouse Stationery Coastlands, Andy Magee Plumbing, Brien Electrical, Peter Jackson Plumbing, Kāpiti Coast Funeral Home, Raumati Road Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, Boundary Tap & Kitchen, Pinetree Arms, Jolly Pub & Kitchen, Harbour City Funeral Home, Complete Vehicle Services, Vintage Village Café, Kāpiti Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service, Kāpiti Music, Kāpiti Acupuncture & Wellness Centre, Spectro Print, and Due Amici Kāpiti.

For more information contact Roger Booth: chrisrog@outlook.com

Website: www.kapitigreypower.co.nz

“Rodger was a great jazzman and teacher and put together jazz groups of all sizes, ranging from his famed Big Band to smaller combos more suited to more intimate venues. He has left us, but the jazz he championed so well remains. The musicians who were associated with him still want to play and I still want to sing.”

Together with the principal musicians from Rodger’s line-up, Erna will cover an eclectic range of songs from The Beatles to Beyond for Kāpiti audiences at the Paekākāriki event.

Mary Gow, the organiser of the concert reminds us that Rodger Fox and his ensemble played many times in Paekākāriki and he loved the informality and passion for jazz he found on the Kāpiti Coast. “We were so happy to learn that this group will carry on the good work,” she notes. “It won’t be a sad occasion at all, but a happy celebration of the good-time music and fun he enjoyed.”

The Mulled WIne Concerts organisation has been presenting musical events in Paekākāriki for sixteen years, ranging from full-on classical events – piano recitals, string quartets and soloists – through Celtic folk music and ukeleles, and also jazz and band music. Over the years Gow's focus on quality has cemented her series of concerts into must-see happenings and whatever the genre of music is presented, they usually attract a good audience. The popularity of jazz makes it certain that the 10 August concert will be well attended!

What: Mulled Wine Concerts presents Erna Ferry and the Rodger Fox Jazz Ensemble

Where: St Peter’s Community Hall, Beach Road, Paekākāriki.

When: Sunday 10 August at 2:30 PM

Tickets:  $35 (Student under 16, $15). Online Sales: marygow@gmail.com

Shop outlets: Magpie Paremata, 99 Mana Esplanade; Finn’s Hotel, Paekākāriki; Moby Dickens Bookshop, Paraparaumu Beach; Jenoa, 2 Mahara Place, Waikanae.

Info: www.mulledwineconcerts.com

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake, which struck about 11.30am NZT, has prompted warnings from the National Emergency Management Agency of strong currents and unpredictable surges.

Nema said surges would affect coastal areas nationwide from midnight, reaching Lottin Point, north of Gisborne first, and people should stay away from beaches and out of the water until all warnings were lifted.

It advised people to stay off beaches and away from the shore, not go out to watch, and for people who live on boats to move onto shore overnight, but said there was no need to evacuate other areas as coastal flooding was not expected.

Andy Garden, who lives onboard his yacht in Napier Marina, said he was keeping an eye on the local seabirds.

“There are very few seagulls out here at the moment,” he said. “That’s usually a depiction of animals going further out, going fishing … which means that it’s not going to be anything too major.”

He said so far, no one had left the marina because of the warnings.

But he said he would be checking other people’s moorings, as well as his own – just in case.

“Always be prepared for anything that might happen on the water, because the ocean, she just don’t give back,” he said. “She’ll bite you in the butt without even looking at it.”

The Coastguard said it was broadcasting the latest Civil Defence updates to people on the water nationwide via VHF radio, and urged people to move off the water and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

Wellington harbourmaster Grant Nalder said the arrival time for waves in the capital was about 1am.

“On the upside of that, there shouldn’t be a lot of people at the beach, but around the waterfront there may be waves, there may be unusual currents,” he said.

“The Porirua Harbour and the channel there, we know it can react in interesting ways.”

KiwiRail, which owns Cook Strait ferry company Interislander, said it was monitoring the situation closely, and it was likely the two evening sailings would take the wider Northern Entrance in and out of the Queen Charlotte Sound as a precaution.

Lines company Wellington Electricity said the power was cut about 9.40am due to a problem at the Mana zone substation.

It said crews were working to fix the problem and it hoped to restore power by 12.40pm Saturday.

Properties in Paremata, Papakowhai, Camborne, Whitby, Titahi Bay, Pauatahanui, Plimmerton, Porirua City Centre and Aotea are affected.

MetService’s website shows it’s been a still, frosty morning in the area, and it was about 4 degrees Celsius when the power went out.