Zero per cent rates increases.

Balanced budgets.

Riparian planting.

Council business can be really hard to interpret if you are not that knowledgeable about the terminology and processes. Explaining big moments with simple headlines does not really explain the “why”.

Today, Porirua City Council voted to approve the Annual Plan, our budget for the next 12 months. This is what we do in the years on either side of the 10-year Long Term Plan, with the next one due for review next year.

So today I want to talk about Allen, Becky, Judy and Mike.

Some of you will know Allen as a respected kaumātua in our city. He volunteers his time supporting older people in our community.

Every time I see him, his message is pretty simple: “Make the rates fairer.”

For many of our kaumātua and those on fixed incomes, every rate increase matters, because every bill matters. That is why I am proud that this Annual Plan delivers something that matters: a zero per cent rates increase for the year.

And this is not a reckless, headline-chasing decision, but one based on good advice from staff and good faith from councillors. Passing this Annual Plan means people like Allen will get a little breathing room.

Now Becky works in honouring the legacy of those who have served our country. She has a way of cutting through all the noise.

A while ago she said something to me that stuck: “It’s not about the ribbon cutting for the new thing if you didn’t pay for maintaining the old thing.”

And she is right.

For too long, local government across the motu, including Porirua, has been too willing to kick costs down the road. There have been decisions where the full cost of maintaining our infrastructure has not been properly met year by year.

And when that happens, the problem does not disappear. It accumulates, as a gap in the books and a burden on our mokopuna.

This Annual Plan changes that. We are finally dealing with a piece of unfinished business that should have been addressed years ago.

Judy grabbed me in a café just a couple of days ago to talk about the great work being done with riparian planting, and the broader impacts. She was so impressed with the mahi at Bothamley Park, and she smiled when I told her that this Annual Plan keeps that commitment alive.

Every plant we put in and every wetland we restore holds back sediment and heavy metals, giving our harbour time to breathe and heal.

During the last election I said we should plant one plant for every person in Porirua, every year. This Annual Plan means that commitment can continue.

And finally, Mike.

We all feel that absence of Councillor Mike Duncan around the council table, and we are still mourning him. It is gutting that he was not there to sign off on this.

But if I could borrow his voice for a moment, it would be to remind us that communities are built by people who show up.

In a world where plenty of people are happy to complain, attack, and tear others down online, there is still enormous value in people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and build something better.

And to anyone who thinks leadership is measured by noise or anger, Mike would remind us that they are only fooling themselves.

The constant, uncivil attack strategy that thrives in echo chambers online has one guaranteed outcome: it breeds political cynicism and contempt.

When people attack the person and not the policy, they paint everyone around the table as self-serving, incompetent, or corrupt. When they use uncivil, personal language, they make the whole political environment feel toxic and unsafe.

We cannot please everyone who calls Porirua home. All decisions carry weight. That is the responsibility we carry. It is the price of duty.

And yet I see a Council that has tried to live up to that responsibility.

Not perfectly. Not without challenge. But deliberately and honestly.

So while next year’s Long Term Plan will be a doozy, I close by reminding myself of the people this Annual Plan is really for, and why this is important.

Mike would want us to work with integrity. Becky and Judy would want us to think beyond the next election. And Allen just wants us to look after each other.

The Porirua Careers Expo was named as a finalist in the Supporting Gold category, which recognises organisations providing services and infrastructure that support others.

The expo was described in the awards material as a major day for future pathways, connecting young people with education, training and employment opportunities.

Champions Initiative, which grew from the work of Billy and Kerri Graham and the boxing academy model in Naenae and Cannons Creek, won the Impact Gold award.

The category recognises organisations empowering others and creating wider community impact.

The awards material said the initiative began with the belief that every young person deserved someone in their corner.

Other finalists in the Impact Gold category included Arohanui Strings+, Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington and Te Puna Whai Mātauranga.

The Supreme Award went to Mufftech, which also won Emerging Gold Products.

The Gold Awards were held at Wellington’s Embassy Theatre and recognised a wide range of organisations across creative industries, technology, sustainability, hospitality, innovation, exporting and community impact.

The Porirua recognition highlights the role local organisations are playing in supporting young people, education and community development across the region.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker presented certificates at the graduation this week and congratulated the students on their achievement.

Students from Bishop Viard College and Wellington Girls’ College attended the celebration. Students from Porirua College and St Mary’s College were unable to attend but were also acknowledged for their work.

Mayor Baker thanked Tapu Elia for running the classes, for the time spent guiding the students, and she wished the graduates well with their future studies.

Owners Scott and Ash farewell the Tawa community after almost five years in Wellington, saying they are leaving the capital and moving to Auckland with their family.

“Sunday marks the end of a chapter for our family as we say farewell to Tawa and head to Auckland,” they said.

They said Wellington had been “a wonderful place” to raise their family, build friendships and be part of a caring, connected community.

“To our dear customers, thank you for having us in your community, it has been a privilege to serve you,” they said.

“You make this place what it is and without you, we wouldn’t be here.”

Scott and Ash also thanked the New World Tawa team for their hard work, dedication and commitment.

“You’ve been an incredible group to work alongside, the best in the business,” they said.

The store will close at 6pm on Sunday 5 July because of the change of ownership.

Scott and Ash said the store would be handed over next week to new owner Hamish.

“As we hand over the reins next week, we wish the new owner Hamish every success and happiness in his new journey,” they said.

“He is a great guy and we know the store is in great hands with him.”

The business, founded by licensed builder Simon Stone, makes Bluetooth hearing protection designed for tradies and job-site use.

Mufftech began after Stone pulled off his earmuffs at the end of a long day on a construction site and questioned why better options were not available.

After three years of prototype development and testing with tradespeople, Mufftech launched in 2023 with hearing protection designed to combine safety, comfort and strong audio quality.

Stone has described the product as being “built by a tradie, for tradies”.

The business is now sold in more than 20 countries, with most of its sales coming from international markets.

Porirua City Council congratulated Mufftech and other local businesses recognised at the awards, including PledgeMe, which won Supporting Gold.

Mayor Anita Baker also acknowledged Simon and Alana Stone from Mufftech, Canopy Camping Adventures, Preston Group and Malcolm Gillies, who received the 2026 Tribute to an Icon.

Mufftech’s win follows its selection as one of six Porirua finalists in this year’s Gold Awards. The awards recognise Wellington region organisations for performance, innovation, leadership and impact.

People wanting to hear Simon Stone’s story in person can catch him at BizFest 2026 at Te Rauparaha Arena on Tuesday 21 July. Tickets available here: https://tickets.ticketspace.co.nz/tickets/bizfest2026

The Wellington City Council event will run from 6pm to 9pm each evening, offering a free walk-through experience marking the Māori New Year.

The event honours the rising of Puanga and the Matariki star cluster, a time to remember loved ones who have died, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future.

Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and gather with whānau and friends along the waterfront.

Each evening will include a Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi ceremony. From 6pm to 7.30pm, people can write down the names and memories of loved ones who have died since last Matariki, as well as wishes and hopes for the year ahead.

The ceremony will begin at 7.45pm at the Solace in the Wind statue, where the names, memories and hopes will be released into the flames.

Local performers will also appear on the Aroha and Takoha stages during the event.

Matariki Ahi Kā runs from 6pm to 9pm, Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July, on the Wellington Waterfront. More information is available at wellington.govt.nz/matariki.

The free event will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 11 July 2026 at Te Rauparaha Arena.

The annual expo showcases Porirua products, services, crafts, kai and community organisations, with stalls ranging from local fashion, jewellery and homewares to sustainable, low-waste skin, hair, beauty and household products.

There will also be plenty of food on offer, including sweet treats, hot food, drinks and specialty flavours from the Pacific to the Mediterranean.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said the event highlighted the strength of the city’s local businesses and services.

“Love Local really brings the best of our city together under one roof, highlighting the sheer amount of innovation, service and quality we have right here in Porirua,” she said.

Visitors can also vote for their favourite Love Local booth or food truck on the day to go in the draw to win 100 Whittaker’s Peanut Slabs.

The expo is being held on the same weekend as Porirua’s Matariki celebrations. After visiting the arena, people are encouraged to head to the harbourside for the free light display.

Entry to Love Local Expo is free. Te Rauparaha Arena is at 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre.

Parking is available at the arena, with free three-hour parking, nearby on-street parking and 30 accessible carparks available on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash, as not all vendors may have EFTPOS.

Cannons Creek Pharmacy shared the news this week, saying Kas will retire in July after more than two decades of service.

“After 26 years of serving in the community I love, I am retiring in July,” Kas said.

“Thank you for all your loyalty and friendship.”

Kas has been a familiar and friendly face for generations of local residents who have visited the pharmacy over the years.

Community members say he has been known for his kindness, warm manner and commitment to helping people in Cannons Creek.

Barbara Edmonds MP also paid tribute, calling Kas “an absolute Porirua legend”.

“Thank you for all your decades of service and commitment to our community Kas,” she said.

“Wishing you all the best for the next chapter.”

Cannons Creek Pharmacy said Kas had made a positive impact on the community and wished him a happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement.

Kas will retire in July, leaving behind 26 years of service at the heart of the Cannons Creek community.

Our Whare Our Fale, at Castor Crescent in eastern Porirua, was named winner of the Community and Affordable Housing Property Award at the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards on Thursday night.

Led by Central Pacific Collective in partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, the development aims to create a culturally grounded pathway to home ownership while strengthening community connections.

The first stage of the project has delivered 18 affordable, sustainable homes on a 3,000-square-metre site. The homes are centred around a shared malae and common fale, reflecting Pacific village design principles and encouraging intergenerational living and community connection.

The wider programme is planned to deliver up to 300 homes for Pacific families in Porirua.

Property Council New Zealand chief executive Leonie Freeman said the project demonstrated how housing could be designed around people and communities rather than simply providing homes.

“Our Whare Our Fale is grounded in Pacific ways of living, but its lessons are much wider,” Freeman said.

“This project shows how housing can be designed around family structure, shared space, financial confidence and community leadership.”

Chief judge Andy Evans said the judges were impressed not only by the homes themselves but also by the project’s wider approach.

“It brings together affordable housing, cultural design, financial literacy and local leadership in a way that directly supports broader social outcomes,” Evans said.

He said the development stood out for creating a practical pathway to home ownership while remaining deeply connected to the local community.

The project was developed by Central Pacific Collective, constructed by Southcoast Construction, and designed with architectural leadership from Elyjana Roach of Central Pacific Collective, with support from First Light Studio.

Sustainability features, including solar energy systems, were also recognised as helping improve long-term affordability for residents.

The Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards are now in their 36th year and celebrate excellence across New Zealand’s built environment.

Here’s who’s new this week:

🏡 A1homes
A home building company helping Kiwis plan and build quality homes. A1homes supports customers through the building process with practical experience and trusted home design options.

⚡ Roundhouse Electrical
A local electrical business providing reliable electrical services for homes and businesses. Roundhouse Electrical helps customers with practical, professional electrical work.

🌳 Alejandro Correa Arborist
An arborist service supporting property owners with tree care, pruning, maintenance, and tree management. Alejandro Correa Arborist brings specialist knowledge and practical outdoor expertise.

🔲 Tile Kāpiti
A tiling business providing professional tiling services for residential and commercial projects. Tile Kāpiti helps customers create clean, durable, high-quality finishes.

🎓 Capital Training
A training provider supporting people and organisations with practical skills development. Capital Training helps learners build capability and confidence.

💼 Kathryn Grace Coaching
A career coaching service supporting people to navigate career change, job searching, and career decisions with clarity and confidence. Kathryn Grace Coaching offers practical guidance with a personalised and encouraging approach.

🤝 Porirua Whānau Centre
A community organisation supporting Porirua families and whānau. Porirua Whānau Centre plays an important role in strengthening local wellbeing and connection.

🪵 APS Firewood
A local firewood supplier providing clean, dry, quality firewood delivered quickly. APS Firewood helps households stay warm with ready-to-burn firewood across the Wellington region.

Porirua News is proud to welcome these businesses and organisations to the directory and recognise their support for local community news.

Back the Businesses, Backing Porirua.