From roofing and solar to property, catering, and professional services, it’s another solid group of local operators backing community news.

Here’s who’s new this week:

🏠 Kyle Finiki – Harcourts Paremata
A Porirua-based real estate agent known for a down-to-earth approach and strong negotiation skills, Kyle works with buyers and sellers to achieve the best possible outcome without unnecessary stress, backed by the Harcourts network.

🔧 Rubco Waterproofing Ltd
A Wellington-based, family-owned business specialising in waterproofing, roofing, and membrane systems. With over 10 years’ experience, they deliver re-roofing, repairs, coatings, and house washing with a focus on honest communication and long-lasting protection.

🍳 Pride X Kitchens Wellington (Pridex Kitchens)
Custom kitchen designers delivering end-to-end renovations, from consultation and 3D design through to full project management, creating functional, tailored kitchen spaces for Wellington homes.

📸 Belinda Carr Photography
A Wellington photographer with over 13 years’ experience specialising in newborn, maternity, and family photography, known for natural in-home sessions and relaxed outdoor shoots.

🖨️ Pivotal Print
Award-winning, Māori-majority owned print specialists based in Wellington CBD, delivering high-quality print, production, and marketing solutions backed by decades of industry experience.

☀️ Front End Solar
Solar energy specialists designing and delivering residential, commercial, and community solar systems, helping reduce power costs and support long-term energy resilience.

🏡 Nightingale Properties
Property management specialists offering both full-service and one-off solutions, focused on efficient rental management and staying ahead of tenancy regulations.

🍽️ All About Catering
Wellington-based catering delivering fresh, seasonal food for corporate events and functions, with reliable delivery across the region.

🏘️ NG Property Management
A locally owned property management firm specialising in residential rentals, focused on compliance, tenant quality, and consistent rental income for landlords.

The Porirua News Business Directory continues to grow as more local businesses come on board and back a platform built for the community.

Back the businesses, backing our community.

The adult minimum wage rises by 45 cents to $23.95 an hour at the start of the new financial year, a 2 percent increase announced in December by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. About 122,500 workers nationwide are expected to benefit.

However, with inflation sitting at around 3 percent, the increase falls short in real terms. That means minimum wage earners may be able to buy less than they could a year ago, despite earning more on paper.

Van Velden said the adjustment strikes a balance between supporting workers and avoiding extra pressure on businesses.

“This new rate keeps wages moving while recognising the challenges facing employers,” she said.

Starting-out and training wages will rise to $19.16 an hour, remaining at 80 percent of the adult rate.

Mana MP Barbara Edmonds said the increase does not keep pace with the cost of living and risks pushing more households backwards.

“The Government’s choice to keep the minimum wage increases below inflation means more people will fall further behind,” Edmonds said. “Prices on everything from food to fuel keep rising and the Government is not doing enough to help households.”

Edmonds said Labour would prioritise policies aimed at easing pressure on families, including cost-of-living support and ensuring wages better reflect inflation.

She said feedback from Mana residents highlights growing strain on working households, with increased demand at foodbanks and concern about rising everyday costs.

“It is incredibly tough for our locals,” she said. “Working families are feeling the pressure and many believe the Government is out of touch with what they are dealing with.”

Porirua City councillor Geoff Hayward said the increase would not fully offset financial pressure on local whānau.

“What we’re seeing is that the increase will help at the margins, but it won’t fully offset the pressure many whānau are under,” Hayward said.

“Rising global costs, particularly fuel, are flowing through to food, power and transport, hitting households immediately”.

Hayward also pointed to wider policy settings, including housing and support changes, as adding to financial strain.

“In that context, the minimum wage increase does make a difference, but for many it’s still not enough to get ahead, or even stay comfortably afloat,” he said.

He warned that when wages fail to keep pace with living costs, workers are pushed closer to debt and long-term hardship.

“A minimum wage that can’t even keep pace with the cost of living effectively becomes a pay cut in real terms,” he said.

Hayward said he supports the Living Wage Movement, noting the current living wage sits at $28.95 an hour, and highlighted Porirua City Council’s commitment to paying it across its workforce and contractors.

He said other local organisations, including Ngāti Toa and several schools, have also adopted the standard, and encouraged more employers to follow.

“Porirua could and should be New Zealand’s first true living wage city,” he said.

The minimum wage is reviewed annually under legislation, with each adjustment taking effect on April 1.

Alongside wage changes, New Zealanders will also see updates to benefits, student support and KiwiSaver settings as part of the new financial year, adding to a wider set of financial shifts for Porirua households.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the highway was closed at both ends, with cordons in place at the SH2/SH58 Haywards interchange and the SH1/SH58 Pāuatahanui interchange.

The crash was first reported about 4.30pm, blocking the road and causing significant queues in both directions, including traffic heading from Porirua and the Hutt Valley.

By 6.45pm, the agency confirmed the highway remained closed while police carried out a serious crash investigation. The road was expected to stay shut “for some time”.

Motorists travelling between Porirua and the Hutt Valley are advised to detour via State Highway 1 and State Highway 2, and to allow extra time.

Residential access is available from the Haywards interchange up to near Flightys Rd.

Police have not yet released details on injuries or the cause of the crash.

The plan, released on March 13 by Greater Wellington Regional Council, reduces the projected increase from 13.3 percent outlined in its long-term plan. The average residential rates rise is expected to be $83.83 a year, or about $1.61 per week.

Council chair Daran Ponter said councillors were mindful of the financial strain on whānau across the region.

“We know that many people are feeling stretched, and that’s front of mind as we work through the proposed Annual Plan process,” Ponter said.

He said central government reforms to the Resource Management Act and Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act could place new responsibilities on councils without additional funding.

Deputy chair Adrienne Staples said elected members had worked to find savings while maintaining core services.

“Our communities expect us to be prudent with their money,” Staples said.

Public transport remains a key focus, with proposals to better match services to demand and delay lower-priority upgrades.

Public Transport Committee chair Ros Connelly said a reliable and affordable network was essential for connecting people to work, education and community life.

Environmental services will also see changes, including slower progress on some restoration projects and delayed flood protection work.

Environment and Climate Committee chair Quentin Duthie said critical protections would still be prioritised.

Public consultation on the Annual Plan opened on March 17, with residents able to review proposed changes and projects in their local areas.

Police were called about 8am following reports a vehicle had crashed into a body of water near South Mākara Rd. The road remains closed while inquiries continue at the scene.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Karori and Johnsonville attended alongside police and Wellington Free Ambulance.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said two crews were sent to assist police. Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed it responded but referred further questions to police as the lead agency.

Images from the scene show police vehicles blocking the road, with officers working around a bend where the crash is believed to have occurred.

Police have not yet confirmed whether there were any injuries or how the vehicle came to be in the stream. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

From hospitality and property services to IT, construction, and community institutions, these businesses reflect the breadth of services supporting the wider Porirua region.

🎨 PĀTAKA ART + MUSEUM

A cornerstone of Porirua’s cultural identity, Pātaka Art + Museum is dedicated to celebrating Māori, Pacific, New Zealand, and international art and culture. With free admission, rotating exhibitions, and community programmes, it continues to be a major creative hub for the region.

🍽️ Top Taste Restaurant

A well-known local dining spot, Top Taste Restaurant offers a convenient and welcoming option for locals looking for quality meals in Porirua.

🏗️ Natty Builds

Natty Builds delivers professional building services including renovations, new builds, and project management, supporting homeowners across the wider Wellington region.

🌿 LawnFix Wellington

LawnFix Wellington specialises in lawn treatment rather than mowing, offering services such as fertilisation, weed control, aeration, and full lawn renovation to keep outdoor spaces looking their best year-round.

🧼 RAMS Cleaning Services Wellington

RAMS Cleaning Services is an established commercial cleaning provider with over 20 years of experience, delivering professional cleaning, maintenance, and hygiene services to businesses across New Zealand.

🐜 UrbanShield Pest Solutions

UrbanShield Pest Solutions provides fast, eco-friendly pest control services across Porirua and the wider Wellington region, tackling everything from ants and rodents to wasps and bedbugs with certified, safe treatments.

💻 Jupiter IT

Jupiter IT supports local businesses with technology solutions, helping keep systems running smoothly and securely in an increasingly digital world.

🏡 Donna Marks Mortgages

Donna Marks Mortgages provides personalised mortgage advice, helping clients navigate home loans, refinancing, and property finance with confidence.

🏠 James Blond Rentals

James Blond Rentals offers property and rental solutions, supporting tenants and property owners across the region.

The Porirua News Business Directory continues to grow as a trusted local platform connecting residents with businesses across the region.

Spots are first-in, first-ranked and fill fast. Should we reserve your spot today?

Email us at: Editor@poriruanews.co.nz

The remains were found by a homeowner in Ōwhiro Bay on June 22, 2025, prompting an investigation.

Detective Constable Sarah Steed said radiocarbon dating shows the remains date back to the 1600s or 1700s and may be from the pre-European period.

“This information will now be supplied to the Coroner for consideration,” Steed said.

She said consultation with local iwi will take place to determine a suitable burial site once the remains are released by the Coroner.

Police have not indicated any suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery.

The state highway, which links Porirua with Kāpiti and Wellington, was designed and built to a high safety standard. Features include median barriers, two lanes in each direction and a mostly straight alignment, making it suitable for the higher speed limit, the agency said.

The new 110km/h limit applies to light vehicles only. Heavy vehicles and vehicles towing trailers must continue to travel at 90km/h.

The short Raumati Straights section, which connects Transmission Gully with the Kāpiti Expressway, will remain at 100km/h for now. NZ Transport Agency consulted last year on potentially increasing the speed limit there but said further analysis is under way.

The agency indicated that raising the speed limit on Raumati Straights would likely require significant investment in safety improvements to bring it up to the same standard as Transmission Gully. Any changes would be subject to future funding decisions.

Meanwhile, road rebuild works are continuing near Waitangirua on the northbound lanes. Drivers will see a reduced temporary speed limit in place.

NZ Transport Agency reminded motorists it is illegal to exceed temporary speed limits, which are in place to protect roadworkers and preserve the new road surface.

Lane closures are expected as part of the work. The northbound on-ramp at Waitangirua will also close later this week for up to five days, weather permitting.

In March, a small section of chipsealing work is scheduled to be completed at Waitangirua. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

In a statement this morning, the New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union said its national committee made the decision in light of severe weather conditions affecting numerous districts.

States of emergency have been declared in several North Island regions as heavy rain and strong winds continue to cause flooding, slips and damage. Emergency services have been responding to weather-related incidents throughout the weekend.

The union said communication centres and frontline crews had been working hard to support their communities as the extreme weather persists and clean-up efforts begin.

NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson said the decision to cancel the strike reflected the current demands on members and the communities they serve.

Drive 4 Life

Drive 4 Life supports local people through driver mentoring and licence support, helping learners build confidence and gain real-world driving experience. The programme is now looking for new volunteer driver mentors who want to give back and help others get safely on the road.

All Over I.T

All Over I.T provides reliable technology support for homes and small businesses, offering practical solutions that keep devices, networks, and everyday systems running smoothly.

Prime Doors

Prime Doors specialises in garage door installation, maintenance, and repairs, helping homeowners keep their properties secure while improving convenience and street appeal.

Fitness Portal

Fitness Portal in Tawa is a locally owned gym focused on strength, lifestyle fitness, and creating a supportive training environment for members at all stages of their fitness journey.

The Beer Engine, Titahi Bay

A well-known Titahi Bay favourite, The Beer Engine brings locals together with a relaxed neighbourhood vibe and a strong focus on craft beer and community connection.

MBS Digital Print Solutions

MBS Digital Print Solutions delivers commercial and digital printing services, supporting Wellington creatives and businesses with professional print work ranging from everyday marketing materials to specialist projects.

Wellington Showers

Wellington Showers helps homeowners upgrade and maintain their bathrooms with professional shower installation, repair, and restoration services designed to improve both function and finish.

Precision Trade Solutions

Precision Trade Solutions provides electrical services for residential and commercial projects, supporting local homes and businesses with dependable trade expertise.

Streetwise Coffee Cart, Porirua Centre

Located in the heart of Porirua Centre, Streetwise Coffee Cart serves convenient grab and go coffee for locals on the move, making it an easy daily stop for a quality caffeine fix.

We’re grateful to have these businesses backing Porirua News and helping to strengthen independent local journalism. You can find them all now in the Porirua News Business Directory and support the businesses that support local news. https://wellingtonnews.nz/porirua-business-directory/