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blog http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/blog/ Mad March A-Fair http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/mad-march-a-fair/ It's the end of the financial year coming up AND it's coming up to the month of March Madness - so what better way to celebrate this great month by having a street fair.
We're closing off Main Street - well, a part of it anyway, from Geange Street to Pine Avenue - and we're inviting all the retailers, artisans, craftspeople, schools, Not for Profits, live entertainers, school choirs, and anyone who wants to fundraise or just raise awareness of their club, group or organisation, to come along and put up a stall - FREE OF CHARGE.
That's right - we're not charging for space to have the stall put up - we'll just work with you to organise a good place where you can have your stall. Not more than 3 metres and we want good quality products.
If you want to come on board, just <a href="mailto:hellen.swales@experienceupperhutt.co.nz">Hellen </a>or <a href="mailto:chairman@experienceupperhutt.co.nz">Sonja</a> an email and let us know you're interested - get in soon though, before all the good places are taken. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:17:18 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/mad-march-a-fair/ Your City, your way - Public meeting http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/your-city-your-way-public-meeting/ 
The Upper Hutt City Council just announced in last week's The Leader that they will be holding a Public Meeting on Tuesday 5th which is in two days time at 7pm at the Upper Hutt Library - for "Your city, your way – Upper Hutt 2022 - Public meeting – have your say!"
This is your opportunity to hear what the Mayor, CEO and the Councillors have planned for Upper Hutt - if you can get along, please do! If you can't make it and you have questions/comments you want addressed, please contact our Experience Upper Hutt Director, Hellen Swales, well before the meeting and let her know your thoughts.
Look forward to seeing you there.
 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:35:16 +1200 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/your-city-your-way-public-meeting/ Lifesource has moved http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/lifesource-has-moved/ 
Lifesource is a health business owned and operated by Christine Balzer-Gibbs. For the last 5 years Lifesource has been running Yoga classes and a naturopathic clinic, upstairs above the old Hazelwoods building and now Christine has moved her business into the old Bedazzling shop at 157 main Street.
Last weekend Christine and friends celebrated the new move with a FREE yoga class, a small market selling health products, Indian treasures, healthy food and drinks and special handcrafted creams and colloidal silver. Christine was available for Kinesiology session testing out for food sensitivities and vitamin and mineral deficiencies and Astrea Morgane was giving NZ First Light FLower essence consultations.
In spite of a bit of rain it was a fun day with a good turn out on Main Street.
Lifesource offers Yoga classes for pregnancy, beginners and Intermediate students and also relaxation and meditation classes. Christine is available by appointment for naturopathic consultations. Christine's new website up is now up and running, <a href="http://www.lifesourceyoga.co.nz/">www.lifesourceyoga.co.nz</a>
For information on workshops, classes or therapy, call Christine on 021 841 888.
 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:32:10 +1200 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/lifesource-has-moved/ Medieval Dinner on Main Street http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/medieval-dinner-on-main-street/ As Upper Hutt is hosting the International Jousting Tournament, Experience Upper Hutt is hosting our very first Medieval Dinner on Main Street on the 18th of February - so ring this date in your diary and watch for the ticket sales when they come out.
There will be a three-course meal with live entertainment from the Medieval period.
For those of you who want to get into the spirit of the occasion, there will be the opportunity to win free entry passes to the Jousting Tournament for those who come in period costume, so why not make a night of it and grab your friends to make up a table of eight and enjoy a Medieval feast.
If you want to see the flyer, click <a href="http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/international-jousting-tournament/">here</a>. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:13 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/medieval-dinner-on-main-street/ UH Animal Rescue Garage Sale http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/uh-animal-rescue-garage-sale/ Yes, it's on - surely you've seen the sign out the front. If you've been thinking of having that clean out around home and want to donate some good quality bric-a-brac to a great cause - this is the one.
Please drop your donations into the Haven. The garage sale is to be held on Saturday the 19th of February at St. Joseph's School Hall in Pine Avenue, Upper Hutt - start time is 8am until 4pm.
Also - have you ever wanted to volunteer some of your time? Currently the Haven is short of weekend staff and they're asking for only 2 hours of your time to help them with cleaning and caring for the cats/kittens and rabbits. So, if anyone is interested, please <a href="http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/newsletterlinks/7a5f97b5c642211ae2adcb17823b0013">email </a>them and they'd be happy to chat with you. P.S. You must be at least 14 years of age! Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:04:04 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/uh-animal-rescue-garage-sale/ Have you heard of GrabOne? http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/have-you-heard-of-grabone/ GrabOne is an online business that features things to eat, see or do in the regions. It's a simple way to get your business to market in the Wellington region. It's risk free and at a 0 cost. GrabOne has a 30,000+ database in the Wellington region and they have the ability to generate new customers and create significant customer lifetime value.
Experience Upper Hutt and GrabOne.co.nz will be holding a Business After 5 on Wednesday 9 February at 5.30pm for ALL UPPER HUTT businesses and Retailers to introduce you to this new online marketing phenomenon. The venue will be Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre. If you want to know more about this evening, please contact <a title="email Hellen" href="http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/newsletterlinks/fd5182a2702d360b40e02cb34b2f2bf9">Hellen Swales </a>or <a title="email Sonja" href="http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/newsletterlinks/419e16c2b274cee620a9d7a8843e8ea5">Sonja Cabrera </a>by email.
We believe this is an opportunity NOT to be missed - and we'll see you there. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:02:22 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/have-you-heard-of-grabone/ A Word from Chris Hipkins http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/a-word-from-chris-hipkins/ I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.
2010 was a challenging one for NZers up and down the country, from the Canterbury earthquake to the Pike River coal mine tragedy to the economic recession - we all endured a very difficult year. Here's hoping that the coming year brings greater prosperity and happiness to all.
I hope that you've all had the chance to enjoy a relaxing summer break and you're looking forward to the year ahead. One of our key priorities this year has to be encouraging Upper Hutt people to shop locally so that we see less of those valuable dollars flowing to businesses outside our local area.
If you have ideas you want to discuss or think that there are things I could be doing to get behind our local businesses, I'm always keen to hear from you. I'm proud to be an Upper Hutt resident and home-owner and look forward to working with you all over the coming year to make Upper Hutt an even greater place to live, work and play. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:00:45 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/a-word-from-chris-hipkins/ Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Newsletter http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/upper-hutt-animal-rescue-newsletter/ I received the latest newsletter from Upper Hutt Animal Rescue and thought I'd share it with you all:
<hr/> I hope that you all have had (and some still having) a great holiday with your family and friends. We are the Haven do not stop, the care of our furry friends continues holidays or not.
While we humans were over indulging with turkey and pavlova, the haven cats were being spoilt too. On Christmans Day the cats had sardines, ham and cheese for lunch. (I reckon they did better than me!!!)
We have a large black and white cat, who has been declared the biggest couch potato we have ever seen. So if you are a couch potato, looking for a mate, come and see Monty soon.
One of our more unusual cats, Hunter has been rehomed today. When Hunter was first bought to us, his fur was very matted and tangled. The only way for us to help him was to shave him (but not alll over).
Now that the better weather is here, most of our rabbits have been moved outdoors, which is great for them and a challenge for Haven staff. Since our last newsletter we have had 2 Houdini's who have dug their way to freedom, only to return come dinnertime....
The kittens that we currently have at the Haven, are being rehomed very quickly. Each year they get cuter. This year is no exception. We currently have a listing or two on TM, so look us up on: <a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=344239850&amp;ed=true" target="_blank">http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=344239850&amp;ed=true</a>
The competition is still on for the renaming of this newsletter and our quarterly newsletter. I have received some fantastic replies, please keep them rolling in. Your name could be the one that is chosen.
Our cutsey story this week is from Julie:
I picked up Mistletoe and Ivy yesterday! They have settled in well with our dog. We have had a bit of hissing and growling, but also a bit of smooching! Given that they've only been home for a day, I think that everyone is doing really well. I must say that they are the MOST affectionate (read smothering!) kittens I've ever had! They seem to like to sit ON you, like under your chin! They are very very cute.
We are having another fundraising event in January (9th) at Bunnings in Naenae. An old favourite: Sausage Sizzle, we will be there from 8.30am, will you?
We have been given a unique opportunity to fundraise. If you require a plumbing job of any kind contact:
Wal Gordon Plumbing Ltd
P: 04 527 7977 | F: 04 527 7978 | M: 027 6564811 | E: <a href="mailto:wal.gordon@xtra.co.nz">wal.gordon@xtra.co.nz</a>
Mention that you support Upper Hutt Animal Rescue, accept the job and 5% of your quote (once completed and paid for) will be donated to the UHARS - good news for everyone concerned. We also will have business cards available at the Haven, with our details on the back, should you be interested.
Do you or someone you know have a dog?
We have been given the opportunity to purchase some dog food, which we can pass to you, so:
Nutrience 3kg Junior $13 each | Nutrience 3kg Dorma $13 each | Nutrience 15kg Active $65
Please call UHARS for your bag today on 5262672
Last, but by no means least, we will gratefully receive any donations you make to us for the garage sale in February. Any items that we cannot sell will be passed forward to another charity in Upper Hutt. What a great chance to clean out the garage, or spring clean your home, as well as supporting a great cause. I respectively request that if you have furniture to donate, that you bring it to St Joseph's early on the sale day.
Thats all the news for today,
Regards - Mr Ed Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:08:16 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/upper-hutt-animal-rescue-newsletter/ A Word from Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/a-word-from-expressions-arts-and-entertainment-centre/ Just a quick note to make you all aware of The Farmer exhibition of paintings by John McLean which opened in Mount Marua Gallery.
This stunning exhibition is the 'pay back' for the past 18 months work we have put into raising the standard of the gallery climate controls, and developing our donated art collection into the touring show Bohemians of the Brush: Pumpkin Cottage Impressionists.
Thanks to meeting these new standards and our growing reputation in the New Zealand gallery and museum sector, we can now show the best NZ has to offer in our own art gallery here in Upper Hutt. This show is from Tauranga Art Gallery.
The series of paintings follow the Farmer after he has been abandoned by his wife... if you're interested in painting, look closely at how he has built the layers of paint and see how he treats fresh and salt water... impressive.
By the way - Bohemians of the Brush: Pumpkin Cottage Impressionists since leaving Expressions has now been viewed by thousands visitors at Tauranga and Whangarei art galleries and is now at Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:02:16 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/a-word-from-expressions-arts-and-entertainment-centre/ What's on Where in Upper Hutt http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/what-s-on-where-in-upper-hutt/ The Upper Hutt City Council has recently launched a new Events Website - <a title="Visit WOW's site" href="http://www.upperhuttcity.com/wow">WOW</a>! 
WOW will detail information on all types of programmes, events and activities happening within Upper Hutt, from the UH Library, H2O Xtream, Expressions and Activation plus the WOW e-newsletter. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:18:01 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/what-s-on-where-in-upper-hutt/ North Island Main Trunk Line works over Xmas/New Year Period http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/north-island-main-trunk-line-works-over-xmas-new-year-period/ From Boxing Day until the 9th of January KiwiRail will be closing the North Island Main Trunk to do essential works on a section of the tracks and tunnels on the Kapiti Coast.
This will mean that all rail freight traffic (up to six freight trains per day, around the clock) will be diverted through the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa and up to Woodville.
KiwiRail are aware that Upper Hutt residents will be well used to trains, however they would like to draw your attention to the increased number of freight services coming through - particularly as they will be going through the stations at high speed. KiwiRail are working with Tranz Metro to ensure that the relevant information is communicated to Upper Hutt residents.
They are also conducting an extensive public awareness safety campaign in the Wairarapa, particularly north of Masterton where very few rail services currently run. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:15:01 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/north-island-main-trunk-line-works-over-xmas-new-year-period/ Eating Out in Upper Hutt http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/eating-out-in-upper-hutt/ Did you know that other than the fine cafes we have in Upper Hutt CBD serving wonderful food, there are also restaurants that are serving up "lunch time specials"?
Why don’t you treat yourself once or twice a week to a cafe or restaurant lunch – sometimes the prices will surprise you... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:57:03 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/eating-out-in-upper-hutt/ Upper Hutt Animal Rescue 2011 Calendars http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/upper-hutt-animal-rescue-2011-calendars/ I was so pleased to hear from Animal Rescue that you're all obviously reading my newsletter and that they've had enquiries from some of you regarding fostering and volunteering - these are two of the more important ongoing concerns. So here’s another challenge to you businesses - how about adopting the Society as your charity for a year!
Do you have your Calendar for 2011? If not, don't forget that the Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society has released their new Calendar for 2011 and they would look great in your home or as gifts for loved ones.
The price is $12 for one, two for $20 or you can buy in bulk!
Why not even buy a loved one an annual membership – it’s only $10. For more information, <a title="View Animal Rescue's Site" href="http://www.animalrescue.org.nz/">click here</a>. Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:17:41 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/upper-hutt-animal-rescue-2011-calendars/ Euphoria Steakhouse Reopens http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/euphoria-steakhouse-reopens/ Did you know that...the Euphoria Steakhouse has now reopened as from the 23rd November?
The Steakhouse has a lunch and dinner menu and the bar hours are
Monday-Friday from 11am til closing time Saturday from 10am until close and Sunday from 12pm until 5pm. There is also Super League Poker on Sunday and Monday at 1pm and Tuesday at 7pm and, just when you thought you had a free night at home in front of the television, there’s Stratusfear Karaoke Club on Wednesday nights at 7pm. Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:20:43 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/euphoria-steakhouse-reopens/ Radius Pharmacy's New Loyalty Card http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/radius-pharmacy-s-new-loyalty-card/ Did you know that...Radius Pharmacy has a loyalty card – and you get one point per $1 you spend and that includes prescriptions?
When you've reached $75, you''ll be entitled to a gift voucher to the value of $5 - that you can spend in-store – but you can't use it to pay for prescriptions or medicine such as headache pills etc.
If you want to know more about it, go ask Matt and his team, they'll give you all the details. Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:05:28 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/radius-pharmacy-s-new-loyalty-card/ Monte Carlo Casino Evening http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/monte-carlo-casino-evening/ <div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">On the 18th of March the EUH is holding a Monte Carlo Casino night at the Upper Hutt Cossie club, $15 a ticket, 7pm Start. There will be a Mystery auction at the end of the casino night with some very big prizes up for grabs </div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">• A family pass on the Interisland with car and two night accommodation package Monaco Apartments in Nelson’s worth over $1500</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">• 2 adults on the Overlander from tranzscenic, any where in between Wellington and Auckland (Return), </div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">• $100 voucher from the Cycle Centre and many more great prizes up for grabs. </div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">All tickets holder will go in to a big draw to win a night away for two people at the White Swan. </div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Each ticket will grant the bearer $1 million dollars of funny money to spend on the night and if you run out before the auction there will be $10 re-buys available.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;"> </div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">All ticket are on sale from the 15th of January from the I-site, Leader and the UH Cossie club.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">All money fundraised is to go toward the Upper Hutt business award. </div>
On the 18th of March EUH is holding a Monte Carlo Casino night at the Upper Hutt Cossie Club, $15 a ticket, 7pm Start. There will be a Mystery auction at the end of the casino night with some very big prizes up for grabs. 
• A family pass on the Interisland with car and two nights accommodation package Monaco Apartments in Nelson’s worth over $1500
• 2 adults on the Overlander from Tranzscenic, anywhere between Wellington and Auckland (Return) 
• $100 voucher from the Cycle Centre and many more great prizes up for grabs. 
All tickets holder will go in to draw to win a night away for two people at the White Swan. 
Each ticket will grant the bearer $1 million dollars of funny money to spend on the night and if you run out before the auction there will be $10 re-buys available.
All tickets are on sale from the 15th of January from the I-site, Leader and the UH Cossie Club.
All money fundraised is to go towards the Upper Hutt Business Awards. Sun, 02 Jan 2011 13:08:43 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/monte-carlo-casino-evening/ Christmas Shopping Hints from Upper Hutt Police http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/christmas-shopping-hints-from-upper-hutt-police/ With Christmas just around the corner the incidents of shop theft tend to increase. To help deter shoplifters:
<ul><li>Greet each customer and give them prompt attention when they enter your store or if you are busy, acknowledge them by making eye contact.</li>
<li>Trust your instincts.</li>
<li>Don't stereotype - anyone can steal and anything can be stolen. Approach a suspect a second or third time, asking if you can be of assistance. Thieves will feel uneasy and think that you are aware of their attentions. Genuine customers will not mind the attention.</li>
</ul>If have not received a Business Crime Prevention booklet and would like one, please <a href="mailto:flora.nielsen@police.govt.nz">contact Flora Nielsen</a> at Upper Hutt Police Station, DDI: 527 2375. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:45:58 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/christmas-shopping-hints-from-upper-hutt-police/ Maybe they were built by Extraterrestrials / Aliens http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/maybe-they-were-built-by-extraterrestrials-aliens/ There has been a positive and mysterious buzz around the appearance of rock formations along the Upper Hutt river area.
Now we all know England is famous for its crop circles, well until now it has been relieved that the strange rock formations appearing along the Hutt River lately were actually built by a gentleman named Finn Howell along with a few inspired local residents, not extratraterrestrials as I would have liked to believe... We all know how much aliens like to build pyramids etc. With all joke aside this is the kind of positive and creative publicity Upper Hutt has been thirsting for. We have been searching as a community for something that gives Upper Hutt an iconic identity. I think this is a golden opportunity to organise a community day on the river, to hold an annual rock formation / sculpture event. As Finn stated before "it is free and is great exercise". Who would have ever thought a pile of rocks could stir up such possibilities. Sometimes the simplest of things can bring enjoyment. Maybe the answer to Upper Hutts' identity has been there all the time. Yes the river does run through our community, but most of all it runs through our everyday lives. I would like to propose that any further upgrades to the CBD, be done with the idea of the River theme in mind. Let's bring the beauty of the river to the Upper Hutt CBD. I am sure the residents of Upper Hutt would approve, this would also be a good opportunity for the city council to review through public consultation the idea of bringing the River theme to the CBD, before they make any hasty funding decisions regarding the look and feel of CBD...
 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:48:52 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/maybe-they-were-built-by-extraterrestrials-aliens/ Moving Office http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/moving-office/ Within the next two weeks, Experience Upper Hutt will be relocating to the new office space above Archibald's the Art Place.
The office is located on the first floor, just at the top of the stairs. &nbsp;So...if you're passing, please pop in for a coffee or tea - as always, everyone is welcome as we have an open door policy.
All telephone numbers will remain the same. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:36:00 +1300 http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/moving-office/ Farmers' Market 8 November http://www.experienceupperhutt.co.nz/farmers-market-8-november/ Yet another Sunday has gone and another glorious day to hold our Farmers' Market.&nbsp;&nbsp;Good turnout once again with an added bonus of two more stallholders:&nbsp;Fish on Wheels&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rick's Belgian Chocolates&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brigitte's Cookies.
If you want to become a stallholder please go to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.upperhuttfarmersmarket.org.nz/register.html">Registration</a>&nbsp;page on the website, fill out the form and return to either&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hellen.swales@experienceupperhutt.co.nz">Hellen</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdm@lizardlounge.com">Chris Mills</a>.&nbsp; If you know of any potential stallholders that could fit the Farmers Market criteria, please feel free to contact Hellen or Chris.
Keep the great support going!
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