The 1st Titahi Bay Scout Group, based at the Titahi Bay Scout Hall on Onepoto Road, is encouraging local whānau to register their interest as it looks to grow participation.

The group runs structured programmes tailored to different age ranges, starting with Keas for children aged five to eight, Cubs for ages eight to 11, Scouts for ages 11 to 14, and Venturers for those aged 14 to 18.

Leaders say each section is designed to build confidence, life skills and a sense of community through outdoor activities and teamwork.

The group is also seeking adult volunteers to support its programmes.

Families interested in signing up can register through Scouts Aotearoa online, here: https://scouts.nz/group/1st-titahi-bay-scout-group/

The 1st Titahi Bay Scout Group says it welcomes new rangatahi and leaders from across the community.

The works begin Monday and continue through to Sunday, mostly taking place overnight to limit disruption. Detours and stop go traffic controls will be in place in several locations.

Transmission Gully and Tawa area will see multiple closures early in the week. On Monday and Tuesday nights from 7pm to 5.30am, northbound lanes will shift for pavement quality testing, while the southbound off-ramp at Tawa to Westchester Drive and Grenada Drive will be closed.

Further southbound closures are planned Wednesday and Thursday nights between 9pm and 4.30am for resurfacing just south of the Tawa off-ramp. Additional lane closures for drainage maintenance will take place Sunday and Thursday nights near Johnsonville.

Several on-ramps and off-ramps around Johnsonville and Newlands will also close overnight, including the Johnsonville southbound on-ramp on Tuesday and the Newlands southbound off-ramp on Thursday. A series of resurfacing works will affect connections between Johnsonville and Newlands the same night.

In central Wellington, multiple tunnel closures are scheduled. The Terrace Tunnel will close Tuesday night for streetlight pole replacement. The Arras Tunnel will close Monday night for resurfacing, followed by the Mt Victoria Tunnel on Wednesday night for general maintenance.

Cobham Drive in Kilbirnie will be closed northbound Tuesday night between Troy Road and Evans Bay Parade, while Wellington Road will close northbound Sunday night for paving. Additional paving works are planned at the southern end of Coast Road in Pukerua Bay on Wednesday night.

State Highway 58 through Judgeford will also be affected, with alternating lane closures Sunday and Monday nights for streetlight replacements between Moonshine Road and Flightys Road. Ongoing stop go traffic controls and altered layouts remain in place day and night as part of the wider SH58 project.

During the day, drivers in Pukerua Bay should expect stop go controls between 7am and 5pm north of Airlie Road for drainage works.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow all signage and traffic management in place.

There’s no getting around it — the fuel situation is biting, and I know a lot of households across Porirua are feeling it right now.

When prices spike like this, it’s not an abstract issue. It shows up straight away at the pump, in the grocery bill, and in the weekly juggle of getting to work, getting the kids where they need to be, and keeping everything ticking over. That pressure is real, and it’s being felt right across our city.

From the Council’s side, our job is to stay practical, keep essential services running, and do what we can to reduce our own fuel use so we’re not adding to the problem.

We’re keeping a close, day-to-day watch on the situation locally. One of the first things we’ve done is identify the infrastructure that absolutely has to keep going no matter what — things like wastewater pump stations that rely on diesel. Those are non-negotiable, and we’re planning around them accordingly.

At the same time, we’re asking our own staff to make sensible adjustments where they can. That means using public transport if it’s an option, or carpooling if it’s not. We already have flexible working arrangements in place, including up to two days working from home with manager approval, and many teams have set “anchor days” in the office to make sure services continue to run smoothly.

One thing that is helping is work we’d already started before this current spike. We’ve been steadily reducing our reliance on fuel where we can, and that’s now paying off.

At Pātaka, we’ve already moved from gas boilers to electric heat pumps. At Te Rauparaha Arena, we’re in the process of doing the same, with both gas boilers being replaced by mid-year. That’s a long-term shift, but it also means less exposure to fuel price shocks like this one.

Across our fleet, we now have 11 fully electric passenger vehicles and three electric mobile plant vehicles. The utility vehicles we brought in last year are hybrid utes, which use significantly less fuel than the older models. We’ve also reduced the size of our fleet, removing two internal combustion vehicles altogether.

There are smaller changes that add up as well. Our cemetery and nursery operations have now transitioned to fully electric small equipment — things like mowers, chainsaws and blowers. In total, 53 pieces of small plant have been converted to electric where it makes sense to do so.

Even in areas where we still rely on fuel, we’re working to use less of it. The introduction of a compactor truck, for example, has reduced the number of trips needed to the landfill.

And importantly, before prices really took off, our workshop team made sure all of our emergency management equipment was serviced and fully fuelled. That means if we do face another event on top of this — weather or something else — we’re ready to respond.

None of this solves the immediate pressure households are under. I know that. But it does mean your Council is doing its part to stay resilient, keep costs under control where we can, and protect the services people rely on every day.

We’ll keep monitoring the situation closely and adjusting as needed. In the meantime, I’d encourage everyone to look out for each other, share lifts where you can, and make the small changes that help take a bit of pressure off.

We’ve been through tough periods before as a city, and we’ve always come through them by sticking together and focusing on what we can control. That approach matters just as much now.

The Commission says many of those eligible may have lived locally when they took out loans with El Cheapo Cars Ltd, which operated in Porirua and Levin under the name Ezybid Finance.

Last year, the company was fined $115,000 and ordered to repay more than $341,000 to borrowers after breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. While more than 200 people have already been refunded, dozens remain uncontacted.

The Commission estimates at least 70 of those still owed money previously lived in the wider Porirua area.

Repayments range from $200 to more than $3,700, with an average of about $770.

Borrowers have until the end of May 2026 to come forward.

Anyone who took out a loan with El Cheapo Cars between 2009 and 2021 and topped up that loan at any time may be eligible. This applies whether the loan has been repaid or is still being paid off.

Because some loans date back many years, borrowers do not need to have documentation. Instead, the Commission will verify claims using details such as past addresses, contact information and an approximate timeframe for when the loan was taken out.

Sarah Bartlett, director of credit at the Commerce Commission, said the breaches related to failures to properly inform customers about changes to their loan terms.

“In 2024, the Commission filed seven charges under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act against El Cheapo Cars Ltd, which traded as Ezybid Finance,” Bartlett said.

“The charges were for variation disclosure breaches. Essentially, the company varied the terms of borrowers’ contracts without telling the borrowers in writing the effect of the changes.”

Bartlett said the Commission is now focused on reaching those still owed money.

“We have successfully refunded over 200 borrowers but are still trying to locate and contact about 120 more. We understand some borrowers may be elderly, face language barriers, or technology challenges.”

She urged friends and family members to help spread the message.

“It is crucial we hear from borrowers, or people who may know borrowers, who had El Cheapo loans within the dates provided.”

Borrowers can contact the Commerce Commission by emailing ElCheapoIssue@comcom.govt.nz or calling 0800 943 600. Those calling are asked to identify themselves as an El Cheapo Cars borrower and leave their contact details.

The Commission is encouraging community organisations and residents to share the information to help ensure those affected receive any money owed.

The 2 April show at the Michael Fowler Centre attracted a strong turnout from across the wider Wellington region, including Porirua residents keen to see one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable artists return to the stage.

Runga’s appearance follows a quieter period in her career, during which she stepped back from regular touring to focus on family life. Her latest album, released after more than a decade without new original material, reflects that shift, with a slower and more reflective sound.

Those newer songs formed a central part of the performance. Backed by full orchestral arrangements, they offered a different feel from her earlier work, favouring layered textures over the guitar-driven style that defined her early success.

The evening opened with orchestral pieces led by musician and producer Kody Nielson, who also directed the band throughout the concert. He worked alongside a small group of supporting musicians, coordinating closely with the orchestra.

When Runga took the stage, she was met with warm applause. Audience members listened attentively to the new material, while familiar songs such as “Sway,” “Drive,” and “Something Good” drew singalongs and some of the biggest reactions of the night.

For many Porirua attendees, the collaboration with the orchestra added a new dimension to the music. The arrangements supported Runga’s vocals without overpowering them, allowing quieter moments to resonate while still building to fuller, cinematic sections.

Concertgoers spoken to after the show said the newer songs felt different from what they expected, but still connected with them. Others said they appreciated the balance between well-known hits and newer work.

The performance ended with an upbeat finale that had much of the crowd on its feet, reflecting continued support for an artist whose music has remained part of many New Zealanders’ lives.

With more shows scheduled around the country, Runga’s return signals a new phase in her career, one that Porirua fans appear ready to follow.

The hospital will operate as a day-surgery service for patients who face long public wait times and cannot afford private care. Referrals are expected to come mainly through GPs.

Trust chair Dr Graham Sharpe told RNZ finding a suitable building had taken about five years, with earlier options falling through due to site constraints and ownership changes. He said the chosen property meets key requirements, including ceiling height and electrical capacity for clinical equipment.

The ground-floor space will be developed into two operating theatres, a recovery area for up to six patients, consultation rooms, and staff facilities. The hospital will focus on same-day procedures and will not admit patients overnight or treat those under 18.

Chief executive Vito Lo Iacono told RNZ the fit-out is expected to cost between $10 million and $13 million, with annual operating costs of about $1.5 million. Funding will come from donations, alongside in-kind support from professionals contributing discounted or free services.

The project is backed by philanthropists Dame Dorothy Spotswood and Sir Mark Dunajtschik, whose support is funding the build.

Sharpe told RNZ more than 40 surgeons and anaesthetists have already expressed interest in volunteering their time, working around their commitments in the public and private sectors.

Initial services are expected to include procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies, with plans to expand into cataract and minor general surgeries like hernia repairs and varicose vein treatment.

Board member Dr James Tietjens told RNZ the service aims to address growing unmet need in the health system.

He said some patients meet criteria for hospital care but are not seen in a timely way, while others struggle to access primary care or referrals.

“This is about improving access for people who are currently missing out,” he told RNZ.

The building is undergoing earthquake strengthening, expected to be completed mid-year. Organisers say the design allows for potential expansion within the building in future.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little told RNZ the development is a significant step forward for local healthcare and reflects strong community support.

The hospital is aiming to begin operations in February, initially running one operating theatre while systems are established before expanding services.

The Wellington Regional Leadership Committee brings together nine mayors from across the Wellington region and Horowhenua, along with iwi representatives and the regional council chair, to coordinate long-term planning on growth, infrastructure and the environment.

Modlik said the committee would continue to provide a space for councils and iwi to work together on shared challenges.

“Together, councils and iwi can better manage growth, infrastructure planning and climate change with a regional spatial plan that strengthens environmental stewardship by respecting mana whenua relationships with land and water,” he said.

He said embedding iwi values and priorities into planning would help support stronger partnerships across the region.

“When iwi values, priorities and boundaries are visible in spatial planning, it creates clearer pathways for partnership. That clarity supports a stronger Te Tiriti-based approach to resource management, while improving the health of our environment and outcomes for the region.”

Ponter said the committee’s role would be increasingly important as councils and iwi prepare for changes to resource management laws.

“Through the Future Development Strategy, the committee has experience with regional spatial planning, which is likely to be a cornerstone of the legislation set to replace the Resource Management Act,” he said.

He said the work already completed had laid a foundation for a plan that reflects Te Ao Māori alongside the aspirations of councils and communities, while helping guide investment, development sequencing and environmental protection.

The committee’s current programme includes a range of regional projects focused on housing supply, climate adaptation, industrial land and economic growth.

It will also begin preparatory work on a regional spatial plan as part of wider resource management reform.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says the works will run from April 4 to April 10, and are weather dependent.

Motorists in Porirua and along the coastal route will see daytime disruption at Pukerua Bay, where stop-go traffic management will be in place on Coast Road from Tuesday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, for drainage works.

On SH1 just south of Whitford Brown Avenue, southbound lane closures are planned Monday and Tuesday nights for streetlight pole replacement.

In Wellington’s northern suburbs, several key ramps will close overnight. The southbound off-ramp at Westchester Drive and Grenada Drive will close Wednesday night, while Johnsonville’s southbound on-ramp and Newlands’ southbound off-ramp will both close Thursday night. A southbound lane closure will also run between Johnsonville and Newlands.

Through central Wellington, multiple urban motorway closures are scheduled. Northbound lanes between Tinakori Road and Ngauranga will close Tuesday and Wednesday nights, while the southbound section from Ngauranga to Willis Street will close Monday night. Vivian Street in Te Aro will also be fully closed Thursday night for resurfacing.

Further north in Kāpiti, drivers can expect ongoing disruptions linked to the Ōtaki to north of Levin project, with altered layouts and stop-go controls around Ōtaki and Manakau both day and night. A northbound lane closure is also planned on Raumati Straights Monday night.

On SH58, road users between Porirua and the Hutt Valley will see continued impacts from the safety upgrade project. Lane layouts remain altered between Moonshine Road and Flightys Road in Judgeford, with works running day and night. Stop-go controls will also be in place Wednesday night at the Pāuatahanui Bridge for construction activity.

NZTA is urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow all traffic management in place.

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 Linden Market will be held on Saturday 4 April from 10am to 2pm at Linden Community Hall on Linden Avenue.

Organisers say the event will feature a range of local vendors, offering handmade goods, crafts and treats, alongside activities aimed at families and children.

The market is timed to coincide with the Easter weekend, creating an opportunity for neighbours to gather, support small businesses and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

Enquiries about stallholders or the event can be made directly with the Linden Market team via email or phone.

The event is open to the public, with organisers encouraging locals to come along, bring friends and support the growing Linden community market scene.