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.

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 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