Police Commissioner Richard Chambers addressed the ceremony alongside Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello, members of the police executive and wing patron Keven Mealamu.

The newly attested officers will begin work in police districts around the country during the week starting Monday 23 March. They will continue training on the job as probationary constables.

Eight of the new officers will be posted to the Wellington district, with others deployed nationwide including 19 to Tāmaki Makaurau, five to Waikato, six to Bay of Plenty and seven to the Central district.

Constable Aaron Rock, the top graduate and recipient of the Minister’s Award, said the milestone reflected strong support from his family. Rock previously worked in firefighting and emergency medical services before joining police.

“I will be forever grateful for my family’s sacrifices and unwavering support,” Rock said. “They push me constantly to become a better version of myself. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love.”

Rock will begin his policing career in the Central district.

Constable Harawira Smith, who affiliates to Ngāti Kahungunu and Te Arawa, received the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership. Smith said the moment represented pride and responsibility.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Aotearoa,” Smith said. “I am proud to stand alongside every member of Wing 393.”

Smith will be posted to Bay of Plenty district.

Other award recipients included Constable D’arcy Murray, who received the Patron’s Award as second top student, Constable Jovarn Simmonds for firearms training, Constable Alfred Cathro for driver training and road policing practice, and Constable Luke Cherrington for physical training and defensive tactics.

Wing 393 includes 30.6 percent women and 69.4 percent men. Most recruits identify as New Zealand European at 69.4 percent, with Asian recruits making up 20.4 percent. Māori and Pasifika each represent 4.1 percent of the wing, with 2 percent identifying as Latin American, African or Middle Eastern.

Wing patron Keven Mealamu, a former All Black who played more than 100 tests for New Zealand, has supported the recruits through their training. Mealamu was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to rugby and now works in business and community leadership roles.

The Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua trains all frontline police recruits in New Zealand, with graduating wings regularly celebrated by the wider Porirua community.

Porirua has a strong network of automotive businesses helping local drivers stay safe and on the road. Whether you need a Warrant of Fitness, routine car servicing, mechanical repairs, panel beating after an accident, vehicle detailing, or auto electrical work, experienced local workshops are ready to help. From long-established Porirua mechanics to specialist panel beaters, detailers, driving instructors and transport providers, these businesses support motorists across the city with practical advice, reliable service, and the skills needed to keep vehicles running smoothly.

Mechanics & Servicing

Routine servicing and mechanical repairs play an essential role in keeping vehicles safe and reliable on Porirua’s roads. From Warrant of Fitness inspections and diagnostics to general servicing and complex mechanical repairs, local workshops support everyday motorists, families and business fleets. These mechanics and service centres provide practical advice, preventative maintenance and the technical expertise needed to keep vehicles running smoothly.

Plimmerton Auto Services

Plimmerton Auto Services is a locally trusted workshop providing mechanical repairs, servicing, and Warrant of Fitness inspections for drivers in Plimmerton and the wider Porirua area. The team works on a wide range of vehicle makes and models, helping keep local cars safe and roadworthy with reliable maintenance, diagnostics, and repair work backed by experienced mechanics.

Kenepuru Car Service Centre

Kenepuru Car Service Centre provides comprehensive mechanical servicing and repairs for Porirua drivers. Located close to the Kenepuru industrial area, the workshop offers routine servicing, WOF inspections, diagnostics, and general vehicle maintenance. Known for practical advice and dependable workmanship, the team focuses on keeping vehicles running safely and efficiently for everyday drivers and businesses alike.

Elsdon Motors

Elsdon Motors is a long-standing Porirua automotive workshop offering vehicle servicing, repairs, and Warrant of Fitness inspections. Based in the Elsdon area, the business services a wide range of vehicles and focuses on reliable maintenance that keeps cars performing well on local roads. Their experienced mechanics assist with routine servicing through to more complex repair work.

Midas Porirua

Midas Porirua combines the backing of a well-known national automotive brand with local service for Porirua drivers. The workshop provides brake repairs, exhaust work, tyres, suspension services, and general mechanical repairs. With trained technicians and established systems, Midas offers motorists dependable servicing across a wide range of vehicle types.

JB Automotive

JB Automotive provides mechanical repairs and servicing for a wide range of vehicle makes and models across the Porirua area. The workshop offers diagnostics, routine maintenance, and general repair work to help keep vehicles safe and reliable. Known for practical solutions and experienced technicians, JB Automotive supports both private motorists and business fleets.

Vehicle Service

Vehicle Service offers comprehensive vehicle servicing and maintenance for drivers across Porirua and surrounding communities. The workshop focuses on preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and mechanical repairs to keep vehicles performing at their best. Servicing multiple vehicle types, the business supports everyday motorists with practical and dependable automotive care.

Auto Super Shoppe Tawa

Auto Super Shoppe Tawa provides full automotive servicing and repairs for drivers across northern Wellington and Porirua. As part of the nationwide Auto Super Shoppe network, the workshop offers WOF inspections, diagnostics, brake and suspension work, and general mechanical servicing. The team focuses on transparent service and reliable repairs for vehicles of all makes and models.

Panel Beating, Paint & Detailing

Accidents, wear and tear, and environmental damage can all affect the condition and appearance of a vehicle. Panel beaters, vehicle painters and detailing specialists help restore cars to their best possible condition, whether repairing collision damage, removing dents and rust, or professionally cleaning and protecting vehicle interiors and paintwork. These Porirua businesses provide specialist repair and restoration services for drivers across the region.

Porirua Motor Body Repairs

Porirua Motor Body Repairs specialises in smash repairs, panel beating, and vehicle refinishing following accidents or damage. The workshop helps restore vehicles to their pre-accident condition with professional repair work and quality paint finishing. Serving drivers across the Porirua region, the team works closely with customers and insurers to complete repairs efficiently.

Wall Place Panel & Paint

Wall Place Panel & Paint provides panel beating, vehicle repairs, and professional paintwork for customers across Porirua. The workshop handles accident repairs, dent removal, and refinishing to restore vehicles to their original appearance. With experienced technicians and modern equipment, the business focuses on delivering consistent, high-quality bodywork repairs.

Just Rust Panel & Paint

Just Rust Panel & Paint specialises in rust repair and vehicle restoration work for customers across the Porirua region. The workshop focuses on removing corrosion, repairing affected panels, and refinishing vehicles to extend their lifespan and appearance. Their services support both everyday vehicles and restoration projects requiring careful bodywork and paint finishing.

Revived Car Care

Revived Car Care provides professional car grooming and detailing services for Porirua drivers wanting to refresh and protect their vehicles. Services typically include interior cleaning, exterior washing, paint protection, and full vehicle detailing. The business focuses on restoring vehicles to a clean, polished condition for everyday drivers and car enthusiasts alike.

Imperial Detail Co.

Imperial Detail Co. offers premium vehicle detailing services designed to restore and protect both the interior and exterior of vehicles. Services may include paint correction, deep interior cleaning, ceramic coatings, and full detailing packages. Serving customers across the Porirua area, the business focuses on careful workmanship and high-quality vehicle presentation.

Porirua Car Wash

Porirua Car Wash provides convenient vehicle cleaning services for busy local drivers. Offering quick and accessible washing options, the facility helps motorists keep their vehicles clean and maintained between professional detailing or servicing. Located within Porirua, it serves commuters, families, and business vehicles needing fast and practical car cleaning.

Auto Electrical & Specialist Services

Modern vehicles rely heavily on complex electrical systems and specialised components. From diagnosing electrical faults to repairing windscreens and supplying vehicle parts and servicing, specialist automotive providers play an important role in keeping vehicles operating safely. These businesses offer the technical knowledge and equipment needed to solve problems that go beyond routine servicing.

All Auto Electrical

All Auto Electrical specialises in diagnosing and repairing vehicle electrical systems. Services include fault diagnostics, rewiring, battery systems, and repairs to electrical components in modern vehicles. Supporting drivers across the Porirua region, the business focuses on identifying electrical issues quickly and delivering practical solutions to keep vehicles operating safely.

Johnston Ebbett Porirua

Johnston Ebbett is a well-established Wellington region dealership with a presence serving Porirua customers. The business offers new and used vehicles alongside servicing, parts, and vehicle finance options. With a long history in the automotive sector, Johnston Ebbett supports motorists with vehicle sales as well as ongoing maintenance and support.

Novus Wellington

Novus Wellington provides specialist windscreen repair and replacement services for vehicles across the Wellington region, including Porirua. The company repairs stone chips, cracks, and damaged glass to restore driver visibility and vehicle safety. As part of the international NOVUS network, the business uses modern repair systems designed to extend the life of automotive glass.

Driving Schools & Licensing

Learning to drive is an important milestone for many people in Porirua. Local driving instructors and driver education programmes help new drivers develop safe habits, confidence and road awareness as they progress through the licensing system. Through practical lessons, mentoring and defensive driving education, these organisations support safer drivers on local roads.

Peter Elder Driving Instructor

Peter Elder provides personalised driving instruction for learner and restricted licence drivers across the Porirua area. Lessons focus on building safe driving habits, road awareness, and confidence behind the wheel. With patient one-on-one tuition, students receive practical guidance designed to prepare them for licence tests and everyday driving.

AAA – Triple A Driving School

AAA – Triple A Driving School offers driving lessons for students at all stages of the licensing process, from learners to restricted and full licences. The school focuses on practical skills, defensive driving techniques, and road safety awareness. Lessons are tailored to individual learners to help build confidence and safe driving habits.

Drive 4 Life – Become a Driver Mentor

Drive 4 Life is a community-focused driver mentoring programme helping young people gain the supervised driving hours needed to achieve their licence. The programme connects learner drivers with trained volunteer mentors and supports safer driving through education and practical experience on local roads.

Traffic Fox

Traffic Fox delivers defensive driving courses and road safety education for drivers across the Wellington region. The programmes focus on hazard awareness, safe decision making, and practical driving strategies. Courses can assist drivers preparing for licence progression or those wanting to improve their confidence and safety on the road.

Transport, Shuttles & Moving

Beyond vehicle servicing and repairs, many Porirua businesses provide transport and relocation services that help people and goods move around the region. From airport transfers and private transport to furniture delivery and full household relocations, these companies support residents, businesses and travellers with reliable transport solutions across Wellington and beyond.

Executive Private Transport

Executive Private Transport provides premium chauffeur and private transfer services across the Wellington region, including Porirua. The service caters to airport transfers, corporate travel, and private bookings, offering comfortable and professional transport for individuals or small groups needing reliable point-to-point travel.

Wellington Shuttles

Wellington Shuttles provides airport transfers and point-to-point shuttle services for travellers across the wider Wellington region. Serving Porirua and surrounding suburbs, the business focuses on reliable transport to and from Wellington Airport, helping residents and visitors travel conveniently between home, hotels, and transport hubs.

Dia Transport

Dia Transport specialises in furniture transport and delivery services across the Wellington region. Supporting both residential and business customers, the company assists with moving large items safely and efficiently. Services are suited to furniture deliveries, relocations, and transport jobs requiring careful handling.

Conroy Removals

Conroy Removals is a well-established New Zealand moving company providing full-service relocation support for households and businesses. Services include packing, furniture removals, storage, and intercity moves. With nationwide operations, the company supports Porirua residents moving locally or across the country.

VanMan

VanMan offers “man with a van” transport services for small moves, furniture deliveries, and general transport jobs across the Wellington region. The service provides a practical option for residents needing help moving individual items or smaller loads without the need for a full moving company.

45 Movers

45 Movers provides residential and commercial moving services across Wellington, including Porirua. The company assists with house moves, office relocations, furniture transport, and packing services. Their team focuses on efficient and careful handling to help customers relocate smoothly.

Jazz Movers

Jazz Movers offers professional moving services for households and businesses relocating within the Wellington region. Services include packing assistance, furniture moving, and transport for home and office moves. The company focuses on organised relocations that reduce stress for customers during the moving process.

Supporting Porirua’s Automotive Community

Automotive businesses play an important role in keeping Porirua moving. From local mechanics and WOF inspectors to panel beaters, detailers, transport companies and driving instructors, these services support residents, families and businesses across the region every day. Together they help ensure vehicles remain safe, reliable and ready for the road.

Businesses featured in this guide are part of the Porirua News Business Directory, which connects local residents with trusted services across the region.

If you run an automotive, transport or vehicle service business in Porirua and would like to be included in the directory and future Porirua News business guides, email: editor@poriruanews.co.nz.

Located at the Porirua Mega Centre, the team offers a full range of services including hand washes, interior cleans, grooming packages and polish treatments. They take pride in careful, detailed work and have built a loyal customer base who appreciate quality service delivered with care.

“Summer is definitely our busiest season,” says the team at Porirua Car Wash. “People are on the move, heading to the beach and travelling more often, so we make it easy to keep their cars looking great.”

Customers value the convenient location, friendly staff and consistent results. Many locals stop by after shopping, before holiday trips or simply to keep their car tidy during the festive period.

Whether it is a quick wash or a full clean inside and out, Porirua Car Wash helps drivers start their summer journeys looking their best.

📍 Location: Porirua Mega Centre, Corner of Tutu Place and Wi Neera Drive, Porirua 5022
📞 Phone: 027 6939 487
📧 Email: swporirua@gmail.com

Locally based and experienced, Insulation Tech installs ceiling, underfloor and wall insulation using high quality New Zealand-approved products. Their team understands the unique needs of Porirua homes and works with homeowners to create warmer, drier and more energy-efficient living spaces.

“Summer installs are much easier for everyone,” says the Insulation Tech team. “We can get into roof spaces comfortably and work quickly, so families are ready well before the cold weather hits.”

Insulation Tech also supports landlords meeting Healthy Homes requirements. They offer clear advice, accurate assessments and reliable installations that help property owners stay compliant without stress or delays.

Customers appreciate the team’s attention to detail and focus on affordability. They provide practical recommendations and ensure every installation delivers long-term comfort and value, which is especially important with rising energy costs.

Whether you are upgrading an older home or preparing a rental property for the coming winter, Insulation Tech makes it simple to choose the right insulation solution this summer.

📍 Contact: https://insulationtech.co.nz/contact/

Locally owned and operated, Combat Pest Control specialises in handling the common summer surge of ants, wasps, flies, spiders, cockroaches and rodents. Their trained technicians use modern, family-friendly products designed to give long-lasting results without disrupting daily life.

“Summer brings a big increase in pest activity, especially when people are entertaining and leaving doors open,” says the team at Combat Pest Control. “We focus on quick response times and solutions that really work for Porirua homes.”

The team offers both one-off treatments and preventative plans, which are ideal for families preparing for visitors or heading away on holiday. Their tailored approach helps reduce the chance of pests returning and gives homeowners peace of mind during the busy summer period.

Combat Pest Control is known for honest advice and clear communication. They explain the best treatment options, what to expect and how to keep your property protected in the weeks that follow. It is a reliable service that many Porirua families and businesses depend on every year.

Whether it is a wasp nest in the garden, ants in the kitchen or rodents trying to sneak inside for food, Combat Pest Control is ready to help locals enjoy a cleaner and safer summer.

📍 Bookings: https://combatpestcontrol.co.nz/book-pest-control/
📞 Phone: 04 238 2870
📱 Mobile: 027 4646 550

The strike, scheduled from 12pm to 1pm, follows a rejected pay offer from FENZ in June which was turned down by 99 percent of NZPFU members. Since then, negotiations have stalled, with the union accusing FENZ of refusing to progress talks and failing to present a revised offer.

In a statement, the NZPFU said it hoped the strike would push FENZ to return to bargaining with meaningful proposals ahead of scheduled talks on 9 and 10 October.

“NZPFU members are fed up with the lack of progress,” the union said. “We hope this strike notice motivates FENZ to come to the table with a revised position that deals with all outstanding issues, including wages.”

The union claims FENZ has not honoured key aspects of a 2022 agreement, including plans to increase firefighter numbers by up to 235 to improve crew ratios. It said recruit courses have been cut, jeopardising the ability to maintain even current staffing levels.

NZPFU also raised concerns about ageing fire appliances, saying many are unreliable and poorly maintained. While 40 new trucks are expected in the coming months, the union said many are already out of warranty or have known design flaws.

Mental health, dispatch centre staffing, and occupational cancer support are also among the union’s unresolved claims. NZPFU said FENZ has refused to support wellbeing programmes, fund health and fitness initiatives, or provide compensation for personal phone use required for work.

FENZ’s June offer was reportedly equivalent to a 5 percent pay increase over five years with no backdating. NZPFU members have not received a pay rise since July 2023.

“Firefighters and emergency call centre dispatchers face not only traumatic incidents but also organisational stress,” the union said. “FENZ has failed to treat mental health support as essential training and refused to properly engage with the union on many of our members’ needs.”

FENZ has not yet responded publicly to the strike notice. The upcoming negotiations will determine whether further industrial action is taken.

Clocks jumped forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday, with the annual time change now in effect until April 6. While digital devices updated automatically, many households were left scrambling to adjust analogue clocks, appliances, and vehicle displays.

The shift means lighter evenings and more time outdoors, but it also comes with a timely reminder from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to check smoke alarms and review home escape plans.

“Fire moves fast. You have less than three minutes before a fire is unsurvivable,” said Tom Ronaldson, community education and behaviour change manager. “We’re asking you to make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway.”

Ronaldson encouraged residents to test alarms, by pressing the button until a beep sounds, and clean them using a vacuum or duster. He said the start of daylight saving is a good opportunity for families to revisit their emergency escape plans.

“To create a three-step escape plan, check you have working smoke alarms in the right places, identify your first and second escape routes from each room and agree on a safe meeting place,” he said.

With school holidays underway, Ronaldson added that running through the plan could be both fun and informative for children.

Daylight saving will end at 3am on Sunday, 6 April 2025.

The riders are believed to travel from Waitangirua or Cannons Creek, crossing iwi land to access Belmont Park and neighbouring Belmont Farm. Police say the group has repeatedly damaged fences and destroyed newly planted native trees.

Their reckless riding has alarmed park visitors, road users, and park workers, and is also disturbing livestock, particularly sheep currently in lambing season.

Police are urging anyone who witnesses the activity to call 111 immediately. If reporting after the fact, residents can file a report online or by calling 105. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Authorities have asked that anyone providing information reference file number 250718/6415.

UPDATE:

A long-time community lawyer with 16 years of service, Ellis has kept his campaign simple, deliberately relying on his reputation and a 150-word profile in the Candidates Information Booklet, steering clear of social media and marketing fanfare.

“I hate Facebook,” Ellis said. “The newbies say ‘It’s time for a change’ but don’t specify from, or to, what. The incumbents say ‘Stick with a proven recipe’ but don’t specify what that is or how it might be improved.”

Ellis said the most honest pitch he could make to voters was to ask for their vote based on his record and readiness, not spin. “I have a brain. I have served my community. I’m ready for this. Choose me, or someone else. But please don’t choose someone who is pretending to be savvy.”

He said his reservations were reinforced at a recent “meet the candidates” evening in Titahi Bay, where a seasoned councillor offered a pointed remark: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” For Ellis, the implication was clear, fresh voices shouldn’t criticise without having sat at the council table.

“Now there’s a cheery, hopeful message for an incoming board of governors,” Ellis said. “I’m one of 20-odd thousand ratepayers paying roughly $5,000 each to put on this show, but I couldn’t possibly understand the complexity of production.”

Ellis said he’s not pretending to have all the answers, but he does know the questions that need to be asked. One of those is around the council’s proposed rate hikes, 17.5 percent in 2024/25, 14 percent in 2026/27, while election-year rates rose just 6.39 percent.

“Oh, hang on. Yes, I do [know],” Ellis said wryly. “Because 24/25 is an election year. Are we supposed to be that easy to fool?”

He questioned why his rates are set to rise by $700 in 2025/26, even after the council offloaded a third of its assets and spending. With net debt still forecast to grow by $170 million, he said it’s unclear where the financial relief is going.

“I do know that I don’t understand that,” Ellis said. “If you share my ignorance, and want me to get you an answer, vote Chris Ellis #1.”

The crash occurred around 6am at the Warspite Avenue and Mungavin Avenue roundabout, blocking traffic in all directions. Police confirmed that one of the vehicles involved was connected to a ram raid at a Newlands service station that took place just after 5am.

According to Police, the vehicle failed to stop when signalled and collided with another while travelling through the roundabout.

Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported. Police said two young people are currently assisting with inquiries.

Diversions are in place, and the Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene. Authorities advised that the road is expected to remain closed for some time.

Residents are urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes while the investigation continues.