Porirua motorists face daytime and overnight traffic controls from Sunday 9 August to Friday 14 August.

All work is weather dependent and may be postponed at short notice.

Transmission Gully

The notice describes a northbound road closure between Linden and the Kenepuru Link Road northbound on-ramp from 9pm to 4am on Sunday 9 and Monday 10 August. The work is for road resurfacing.

Traffic-cable work will also require lane closures at various locations from Monday 10 to Friday 14 August. Northbound lanes will be affected from 6am to 3.30pm, while southbound closures are planned from 9.30am to 4pm.

SH58 through Judgeford and Pāuatahanui

An ongoing lane closure in both directions is listed between Moonshine Road and Flightys Road at Judgeford for SH58 project work. The notice says this applies during the day and night but gives no start or finish date or clock times.

Stop/go controls will operate between Moonshine Road and the golf course from 7pm to 5am each night from Sunday 9 to Thursday 13 August.

West of the Pāuatahanui roundabout, stop/hold controls will be in place from 8am to 4pm between Monday 10 and Friday 14 August for an off-road path and bridge project. Pedestrian management will operate during school peak times.

The same area will have stop/go controls from 7pm on Sunday 9 August until 5am on Monday 10 August.

SH59 at Plimmerton, Mana and Porirua

Two restrictions are planned on Monday night:

• The southbound lane on Mana Esplanade, from south of Pascoe Avenue to Mana Bridge, will close from 8pm on Monday 10 August until 5.30am on Tuesday for resurfacing patches.
• The northbound lane between the Titahi Bay “Ramp” and Mungavin interchange will close from 7pm on Monday until 5.30am on Tuesday for resurfacing patches.

On Thursday 13 August, the northbound lane between north of Plimmerton roundabout and Grays Road will close from 7pm until 5.30am Friday for resurfacing patches.

The southbound lane at the Mana Esplanade–Pascoe Avenue intersection will close from 11pm Thursday until 5am Friday for a CCTV inspection of a wastewater main.

No expected delay times, parking restrictions, public transport impacts, property-access restrictions or specific detours are stated. Motorists should plan around the closures and check NZTA Journey Planner before travelling.

Built by Abode Homes, the 300-square-metre property, named A Growing Perspective, is competing in the Wellington and Wairarapa region’s Bunnings New Home $1 million to $1.5 million category.

The home has four bedrooms, more than four bathrooms and two living areas, with an elevated position offering views across Porirua Harbour, Tītahi Bay and the surrounding hills.

Its split-level design includes the option of using either an upper or lower-level main bedroom suite, allowing the layout to change as the occupants’ needs develop.

A central lift connects the levels, while private areas are separated from the main kitchen, dining and entertaining spaces.

The kitchen has been designed as both a practical workspace and a social area, with extensive storage and a large scullery.

Abode Homes said it was proud to have entered the property in this year’s competition and thanked the clients and contractors involved in the build.

“Master Builders House of the Year, here we come again,” the company said.

“We’re incredibly proud of this stunning build we have entered in this year’s competition.”

The Master Builders House of the Year competition recognises residential building projects across New Zealand, with homes first assessed at a regional level before selected properties progress to the national awards.

Other homes entered in the competition can be viewed here: https://houseoftheyear.co.nz/

David Leo Kluger, 49, was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on July 31 after pleading guilty to charges including possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and four counts of money laundering.

The offending came to police attention during Operation Chestnut, an investigation into methamphetamine supply across the central North Island and upper South Island.

Police watched Kluger’s Johnsonville home in August 2021, during the Covid lockdown, when an associate delivered a battery pack containing one kilogram of methamphetamine.

Kluger kept 700 grams of the drug and returned 300 grams to the associate, along with $130,000 in cash and containers of high-grade motor oil.

Two months later, police stopped Kluger while he was travelling to meet an associate in Oriental Bay.

A search of his vehicle found methamphetamine, liquid ecstasy and MDMA, along with a loaded pistol and $190,000 in vacuum-packed cash hidden inside a bag of dog food.

Police also searched properties connected to Kluger in Horowhenua and Marlborough.

At a Crail Bay property, officers found 15 firearms inside a locked safe, including prohibited military-style weapons, 10 prohibited magazines and at least 16,000 rounds of ammunition.

Kluger did not hold a firearms licence.

Crown prosecutor George Fitzgerald told the court Kluger played a leading role in a commercial drug operation and used the proceeds to buy assets, including a catamaran, a Marlborough property and a Ford ute.

Kluger’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, accepted the offending was commercial but disputed the Crown’s description of it as sophisticated.

He told the court Kluger had spent four years and 10 months in custody awaiting sentencing and had addressed his drug and alcohol use while in prison.

Mansfield said the firearms were part of a collection, with some used for hunting on a rural property.

Judge Noel Sainsbury set a starting point of 14 and a half years for the methamphetamine offending, with a further two and a half years added because of the number of firearms and amount of ammunition involved.

The judge recognised Kluger’s previous good character, guilty pleas and personal circumstances before imposing the final sentence of 11 years and 11 months.

Judge Sainsbury said Kluger had chosen to make money by selling methamphetamine into the community, causing harm to individuals and families.

The case was reported by Open Justice.

The annual food festival runs until August 31, with nearly 200 burgers competing for the regional title.

One entry will also be named Porirua’s champion through a public vote.

The Porirua burgers range in price from $20 to $45 and include options from cafés, restaurants and takeaway venues across the city.

This year’s entries are:

Spilling the Beans, Get Fixed Bicycle Café and Panhead Bar

Paua Pavarotti, Wellington Seamarket Porirua

Holy Kra-pow, Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen

Best Kept Secret, Whitby Co-Op Kitchen and Bar

Turon-Me-On, Zelati Dessert Café

Tell Your Friends, Meltdown Burgers

The Misinformation, The Coffee Cart

What’s the Buzz?, Elemental Eats

Beef There, Done That, Sandbar Mana

Gochu Bro, The Karaage Kid

Tongue Thai’d, Gear Homestead Venue and Bar

Little Titai, T Bay Café

Bulgogi From the Seoul, Koko’s Kitchen

Le Ganh, Pho Sho

CMC Stacker, Chicken Man

The 60 Gram Rumour, Columbus Coffee

The Street Whisper, Sushil’s Musclechef Café

The Rumour Mill, Peppermill Café

Talk of the Tide, The Jetty Plimmerton

The festival also includes events and exhibitions around Porirua.

The Beer Engine in Titahi Bay is hosting two Elvis-themed events, while Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen is holding a weekly three-course menu evening.

Sushil’s Musclechef Café is hosting A Culinary Tale of India. The event is sold out, but a waiting list is available.

At Pātaka, the Unwrapped exhibition explores 130 years of Whittaker’s in New Zealand.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said it was encouraging to see new venues taking part alongside returning favourites.

“The different burgers on offer reflect the wide range of fantastic eateries we have in our city,” Baker said.

“Events like WOAP let us support our local businesses to compete on a similar standing with other eateries across the region.”

More information about Porirua’s burgers and events is available on the Visa Wellington On a Plate website: https://visawoap.com/explore?regions=Porirua

Emergency services were called to the crash, near the Johnsonville library, at about 5pm.

Police said the driver left the scene on foot but was arrested nearby.

Fire and Emergency crews from Johnsonville and Thorndon attended the two-vehicle crash, which blocked the road and disrupted traffic.

Police inquiries into the crash are continuing.

Run by Bizezi Training, the course is designed to help participants develop a business idea into a practical plan, with guidance and support throughout the programme.

Sessions will run from 9.15am to 3.30pm each day at Pātaka Art + Museum, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua.

Participants will also receive free access to the Bizezi App.

The course is supported by Porirua City Council and is free for Porirua residents, as well as anyone wanting to establish a business in Porirua.

Registrations are available through Humanitix:
https://events.humanitix.com/bizezi-business-course-porirua-2026

The New Zealand Community Trust grant comes as the Ngāti Toa Domain-based club prepares for further growth in the 2026/27 season.

Known as ParePlim, the club has more than 200 active members, ranging from T-ball beginners to elite athletes.

Its men’s team is moving into Premier 2, while new Premier 1 and Premier 2 women’s teams are being established.

Junior convenor Mike Popata said outside investment was needed to bring the club’s facilities and equipment up to the standard of its players’ talent and on-field achievements.

“This support helps our teams step onto the diamond with pride, confidence and a stronger sense of club momentum,” he said.

Under-17 girls player Alissa Kay, who is moving into premier senior softball this year, said new uniforms and improvements to the club’s main diamond would boost players’ confidence.

“A new uniform isn’t just clothing, it’s a reflection of the hard work and hours invested by members of the club,” she said.

Kay said improved facilities and senior players who modelled positive behaviour could inspire younger players to follow in their footsteps and develop a love for the game.

Men’s premier player and under-17 boys coach Nathaniel Ward said new uniforms could also lift team spirit.

“For players, it’s a fresh start, a symbol of the new season and a chance to represent your team with pride,” he said.

“From a coach’s point of view, seeing the team in good new gear can also be motivating. It shows investment in the team and can contribute to a more professional and unified atmosphere.”

NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the trust was pleased to help fund the club’s growth.

He said the funding was made possible through NZCT’s gaming machine fundraising partnerships with Legends Bar, The Mariner and The Sandbar Mana.

Paremata Plimmerton Softball Club was named Wellington Softball Association Club of the Year for 2025/26.

The club continues to grow through its junior development programmes, expanding premier teams and a commitment to keeping softball accessible to the Porirua community.

Night-time lane closures are planned around Linden, Mungavin, Plimmerton and Tawa, while daytime and overnight controls will operate around Judgeford, Pāuatahanui and Whitby.

Southbound lane closures are also scheduled on Transmission Gully.

SH59 between Linden and Mungavin Interchange

A southbound lane will close between Linden and Mungavin Interchange on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 August, from 8pm to 5.30am, for drainage-channel maintenance.

SH59 at Plimmerton

A northbound lane will close between the area north of the Plimmerton roundabout and Grays Road on Wednesday 5 August, from 7pm to 5.30am.

The work will involve road-resurfacing patches.

SH59 at Paekākāriki

Stop-go controls will operate in both directions between the Paekākāriki Interchange and Beach Road from Monday 3 to Friday 7 August.

The controls will be in place from 6am to 4pm each day for tree removal.

SH58 at Judgeford

An altered lane layout will operate in both directions between Moonshine Road and Flightys Road throughout the week for ongoing SH58 project work.

The altered layout will remain in place during the day and night.

Stop-go controls will also operate between Moonshine Road and the golf course from Sunday 2 to Thursday 6 August, between 7pm and 5am each night.

SH58 west of Pāuatahanui roundabout

Stop-hold controls will operate west of the Pāuatahanui roundabout from Monday 3 to Friday 7 August, between 8am and 4pm each day.

The controls are for work on an off-road path and bridge project.

Pedestrian management will be in place during the school peak period.

SH58 at Spinnaker Drive

Both directions will operate under an altered lane layout at Spinnaker Drive in Whitby on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 August, from 5am to 5pm.

The controls are for site pack-up and road reopening.

SH1 near Tawa

A southbound lane north of Tawa Interchange will close on Wednesday 5 August, from 8pm to 5.30am, for lined-channel clearing.

A northbound lane between the Westchester Drive and Grenada Drive northbound off-ramp and Tawa Interchange will close on Tuesday 4 August, from 7pm to 5.30am.

Road-resurfacing patches are planned during the closure.

Transmission Gully

A southbound lane at Battle Hill will close from Monday 3 to Thursday 6 August, between 9am and 7pm each day.

The work will involve drainage maintenance and road-condition testing.

A southbound lane at Rainbow Bridge will also close on Tuesday 4 August, from 9am to 7pm, for road-condition testing.

No full highway closures were listed for the Porirua-area works.

The work is weather dependent and may be postponed at short notice.

Motorists should check the NZTA Journey Planner before travelling.

The elimination final was tightly contested early, with both sides trading baskets before the Saints began to take control through defensive pressure, strong ball movement and timely scoring.

Wellington continued to build momentum as the game progressed and remained composed in the closing stages to secure a 13-point victory in front of their home supporters.

Elijah Pepper led the Saints with 33 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Carlin Davison added 17 points and 12 assists, while Akech Aliir recorded 12 points, six rebounds, four steals and three blocks.

Buay Tuach led the Nuggets with 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Ethan Rusbatch scored 18 points and collected eight rebounds, while Matthew Bardsley added 12 points.

The match was the Saints’ final home game of the 2026 season.

Wellington will now travel to face top-seeded Auckland Tuatara in the semi-finals.

Porirua Fire Station, on Mungavin Avenue, is part of the Te-Upoko Fire District.

The nationwide strike will run from noon to 1pm on Friday, July 31.

New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union members taking part nationally include career firefighters, 111 emergency centre dispatchers, volunteer support officers, trainers and staff working in risk reduction, health and safety.

The union said the repeated industrial action followed more than 50 days of negotiations with Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

It said members had not received a pay rise since July 2023, despite bargaining beginning in 2024.

According to the union, FENZ’s only formal offer was made in July 2025. It proposed a 2 per cent increase for the first year after an agreement was ratified, followed by increases of 1.5 per cent in each of the next two years.

The union said FENZ recently announced a 2.4 per cent increase for managers and workers who were not NZPFU members.

It said firefighters wanted to return to bargaining, but expected FENZ to present a new offer before negotiations continued.

The NZPFU said recruit and entry-level firefighters were paid from $25.86 an hour, while senior firefighters earned a base salary of $80,682 for a 42-hour week.

In a social media post, the union said members were striking to ensure emergency communication centres were properly staffed and crews had working equipment when responding to 111 calls.

The union also criticised payments to FENZ board members and senior executives while frontline firefighter wages remained unchanged.

The supplied information does not confirm whether Porirua Fire Station staff will take part in Friday’s action.