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.

Launched in May 2025 with 36 founding members, the directory has grown steadily over the past nine months. It moved past 60 businesses within weeks, reached 100 by mid-year, climbed beyond 150 in spring and now sits at more than 250 supporters from across Porirua and surrounding suburbs.

The milestone reflects strong backing from local operators who see value in supporting a media platform focused on local issues.

Porirua News editor Tim Wilson said the growth belongs to the business community.

“This is about local businesses choosing to stand behind local stories,” Wilson said. “Every business that joins is helping ensure Porirua has news that is focused on our people, our issues and our future.”

The directory was created to make it easier for residents to find trusted services close to home, from trades and hospitality to health, education, automotive and professional advice.

Over the past year, builders, electricians, arborists, cafés, caterers, fitness providers, mortgage advisers, print specialists, IT services, driving schools and community organisations have all come on board. Together, they represent a broad cross-section of Porirua’s economy.

Regular welcome stories and business spotlights continue to introduce new members to readers, highlighting the role local businesses play in strengthening community connection.

Wilson said the milestone is a reflection of that shared spirit across Porirua.

“We’re grateful to the businesses helping keep local stories alive, and we’re proud to help shine a light on the fantastic work they do every day in our community,” he said.

The full Porirua News Business Directory is available at poriruanews.co.nz/porirua-business-directory/.

Businesses interested in joining can email: Editor@PoriruaNews.co.nz

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 increase was highlighted in a financial update presented to councillors at the Te Puna Kōrero committee meeting on March 5.

A council spokesperson confirmed the figures in the report represent unpaid rates recorded at the end of each financial year.

“The trend shown in the report is concerning and shows that many in the community are hurting in the current economic climate,” the spokesperson said.

The finance report states overdue rates debt “continues to rise faster than expected”, with penalties applied to late payments already reaching $560,000 in the first six months of the current financial year.

The spokesperson said Porirua City Council does not currently have a hardship policy for ratepayers but has seen an increase in residents requesting payment arrangements.

Asked what support was available for ratepayers struggling to meet payments, the spokesperson said residents should first check whether they are eligible for a rates rebate.

“Firstly, we would encourage them to apply for a rates rebate. If they are on a low income they may be eligible. We also encourage ratepayers to use a direct debit to make regular payments to avoid getting behind and incurring penalties. Lastly we would encourage ratepayers to talk to their bank if they have a mortgage about options they can offer to clear outstanding debts.”

The figures come as economic conditions in Porirua have weakened. A council growth report presented to the same committee meeting found the city’s economy shrank by 2.1 percent in the year to December.

Councillors received the finance report as part of the committee’s regular monitoring of the council’s financial performance.

Several mornings a week, Strong heads to Musclechef café in Aotea to write.

Not because it’s quieter than home, he says, but because the change of scenery and the buzz of the café helps get his creative mind working. The hot chocolate and cheese scone help too.

“Working in a café is almost like setting a mini deadline. I aim to write as many words as I can by the time my drink is finished.”

Strong says the café has become a regular writing base, with owner Sushil always ready with a smile and a friendly chat.

There are even jokes about officially labelling one of the tables as “Rodney’s office”.

“Writing can be a solitary occupation, so it’s great having a local place I can go to work.”

Much of Strong’s latest release, One Dog and a Whole Lot of Murder, was written at the café.

In keeping with the local theme, the book was printed at Your Books in Grenada North and is now available at Paper Plus in Porirua.

“Richard at Paper Plus has been a great supporter over my writing career,” Strong says.

“I love the fact that something produced locally is being sold locally.”

Porirua City Council says 108,000 plants will go in the ground between May and October, supported by $900,000 in funding split between the council and the Ministry for the Environment.

The streamside planting programme began in 2022 and focuses on restoring habitats and improving water quality across the harbour catchment.

Planting will take place in Horokiwi, Pāuatahanui, Taupō Swamp, eastern Porirua and Rangituhi.

Council manager of urban ecology Daniela Baggio said the work relies heavily on support from schools and volunteers.

“It’s going to be a busy winter for our Parks team and we are always looking to build on the previous years’ engagement,” Baggio said.

“Schools and communities are really committed and engaged in the programme and I’m certain we will get willing volunteers out there, often on wet days, getting their hands in the ground as we look to improve the health of the harbour.”

The council is working in partnership with Ngāti Toa and alongside Greater Wellington Regional Council, Mountains to Sea and local community groups.

Mayor Anita Baker said planting along streams and waterways played a key role in restoring the harbour.

“We know what planting is needed and we’re making a huge effort each winter to make this happen,” Baker said.

“Our ongoing commitment to catchment restoration is part of the Porirua Harbour Accord, which unites key partners to restore the ecological, cultural and environmental integrity of this precious taonga for Porirua.”

The accord, signed on February 6 last year, includes Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Porirua City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd.

Council figures show the programme planted 170,200 plants in 2025 across nearly 33 hectares of land. More than 1500 students from 53 schools also took part in planting days, alongside community volunteers.

The exhibition will run from March 7 to April 12 at the cafe on Whitehouse Road and will feature a collection of handcrafted clay artworks and framed prints created under Oikawa’s creative practice, Eclo Art.

The opening night will give residents the opportunity to meet the artist and view the works up close in the relaxed setting of the Titahi Bay cafe.

Oikawa said each piece in the exhibition is shaped slowly by hand through a mindful creative process.

“My artworks are inspired by nature, love, intuition and transformation,” Oikawa said. “Each piece is created slowly and with intention.”

The collection explores colour, texture and layered forms in clay, reflecting Oikawa’s connection to the natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Visitors will be able to view the artworks throughout the exhibition period during the cafe’s normal opening hours. Many of the works will also be available for purchase.

Tbay Cafe is located at 26 Whitehouse Road in Titahi Bay, Porirua. Residents are invited to attend the opening night on March 11 or visit the exhibition before it closes on April 12.

The failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant is one of the most serious infrastructure breakdowns our region has ever experienced.

Untreated wastewater entering the ocean, the closure of the south coast and the impact on businesses and the environment show what happens when critical systems are pushed beyond their limits. The priority now is straightforward: stabilise the plant, complete the repairs safely and reduce the environmental harm while that work is under way. That will take time.

There will also be an independent Government review. We need clear public answers about how a facility of this importance could fail so completely and what has to change to make sure it does not happen again.

For councils, the wider lesson is unavoidable. Across the country, essential infrastructure is reaching the end of its life at the same time as expectations around public health and environmental performance are increasing. The cost of renewing and upgrading these systems runs into the billions. No single council and its ratepayers can carry that on their own without very sharp increases or major cuts elsewhere.

That is the context for the new water services model that comes into effect next year.

At the moment, councils own the water assets and water costs are largely met through rates. Wellington Water manages the network on behalf of the region, but it does not own the infrastructure and it cannot borrow to fund the long term investment that is needed.

From July 1, 2026, the new regional organisation Tiaki Wai will own the pipes and treatment plants for the metropolitan councils. It will be publicly owned by those councils but will operate as a separate organisation focused solely on water.

It will also bill households directly for water services.

That is a significant change. Instead of water being part of your rates bill, you will receive a separate bill from the water organisation, alongside your council rates for everything else.

The reason for this approach is scale. A dedicated water entity can borrow and invest at a level councils cannot, and spread the cost of major upgrades over a longer period. That gives us a pathway to fixing the backlog rather than continuing to manage decline.

It is important to be clear about what this will and will not do. It will not solve decades of under investment overnight, and it will not remove the cost of replacing ageing infrastructure. What it does is create a structure that is capable of doing the work. The current model is not.

For Porirua households, the practical points are:

• your water services will continue as normal
• the infrastructure will remain in public ownership through the councils’ joint shareholding in the new entity
• you will receive a separate water bill rather than paying for water through rates
• the goal is a steady, planned programme of upgrades so we see fewer failures and a more resilient network over time

While water is the most visible example right now, it is not the only major infrastructure issue we are dealing with.

We are also consulting with the community on the future of Spicer Landfill. That site has served Porirua for decades, but it is reaching the end of its life and the cost of building a replacement landfill that meets modern environmental standards is extremely high.

We now have a genuine choice to make as a city: whether to move to a model where waste is transferred from Spicer to a landfill facility elsewhere in the region, or to close Spicer Landfill altogether.

Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections will continue whichever option is chosen, but the long term decision affects cost, environmental impact and how we manage waste as a growing city.

Consultation on these options opens on February 24 and runs until March 25. I encourage people to take the time to look at the information and have their say. This is a major, once in a generation decision and it needs to be shaped by the community.

Closer to home, the heavy rain event earlier this month showed the value of preparation and coordination. Council and contractor crews were out early clearing drains, monitoring known pressure points and responding quickly where issues arose. That work does not always make headlines, but it reduces disruption and keeps people safe.

All of these issues — Moa Point, water reform, the future of Spicer Landfill — are about the same thing. Infrastructure is not abstract. It is the systems that protect public health, the environment and the reliability of the services we use every day.

Our job is to be upfront about the scale of the challenge, support practical solutions and make sure Porirua’s interests are strongly represented in the decisions that are now being made.

That is where my focus will stay.

The Drive 4 Life programme, run by Partners Porirua Charitable Trust, pairs young people with trained volunteer mentors who supervise practice driving and help them build the confidence needed to progress through the licence pathway.

Organisers say many young people struggle to gain their licences because of the cost of lessons, limited access to vehicles, or not having an experienced driver available to help them practise.

Learning to drive can be a major step toward employment and independence, helping prepare young people for the working world.

Volunteer driver mentors play a key role in the programme by supervising practice sessions and encouraging safe driving habits on local roads.

Partners Porirua is looking for patient and confident drivers aged 25 or older who have held a full licence for at least two years. Volunteers are asked to give between one and three hours a week and must pass a police check.

Mentors receive training from qualified driving instructors, ongoing support from the Drive 4 Life team, and access to programme vehicles to use with their learner driver.

The programme is part of Partners Porirua’s wider work supporting rangatahi with skills and opportunities that help them move into employment and further training.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver mentor can find more information through Partners Porirua: https://partnersporirua.org.nz/support-us/#driver-mentor