Upper Hutt – Rimutaka Prison to get 60 bed container unit

Rimutaka Prison to get 60 bed container unit

1:05PM Thursday Aug 27, 2009

A 60 bed container unit is to be established at Rimutaka Prison as the Corrections Department seeks ways to house a burgeoning prison population.

The Government previously announced it would use containers as cells to boost capacity and Corrections Minister Judith Collins said today the unit would help the department evaluate whether they can be used in other prisons.

“This project is the first of its kind at a New Zealand prison and we hope it will point the way to how we can build extra prison capacity faster and much cheaper than in the past,” she said.

“Corrections is forecast to run out of baseline beds early next year. We have to take immediate action to ensure that prisoners are securely locked away and the public is kept safe.”

A tender process had started and cells would be used from March.

Each bed would cost between $53,000 and $63,000 which Ms Collins said was far cheaper than for a new prison.

– NZPA

via nzherald.co.nz

Well Rimutaka Prison, its not as though they dont have enough problems on their own without shackling them with this. Probably the only reason its here rather than anywhere else is the close proximity to Corrections Head Office in Wellington.

I’m not for them or against them, but I know one thing that they better insulate them well given how cold it can get in the Hutt Valley in mid July. In fact I think they are already insulated, or so are some of the containers I see on the wharfs, or is that refrigerated, which is probably the likely outcome on an inmates being in these in the middle of Winter.
I’m going to be prophetic here and say that they had better get world class advice on this issue to avoid the human rights debacle that will befall Corrections if they dont construct them well (anyone else using them?).
My guess is they wont, we will end up being chastised on the world stage, and in the long run it probably would have been easier to have a new private enterprise prison built from scratch.
Better keep my nose clean, Rimutaka container unit in July holds zero appeal for me.

Posted via web from HuttNZ’s posterous

Lower Hutt: Dulux big reinvestment in modernising its factory

Mayor welcomes Dulux’s $28m investment in Hutt City

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Mayor David Ogden today welcomed paint manufacturer Dulux’s announcement that it plans to invest $28m modernising its factory in Hutt City.

“Dulux has been part of our community for 70 years and a significant employer of local people,” he said.

“The decision of Dulux to reinvest in Hutt City strengthens our reputation for manufacturing and confirms this is a great place to invest.

“Especially in these challenging economic times, this, along with other examples such as Flight Group moving to the old Griffins site, inspires confidence that our city has a positive future.

“They all have an important role to play in helping to drive economic growth which will enable Hutt City to emerge quickly from the recession.

“Today’s announcement is wonderful news,” Mayor Ogden said.

via huttcity.govt.nz

More good economic news. What with the possible move of army personal to Trentham and as mentioned above the movement of the Flight Group to the old Griffins site the Hutt Valley has not totally lost its employment base. Resene another local company recently won an award for research (see video) against stiff competition. Local firm and family great work (those Christmas parties in the 1990s were legendary apparently)

There is no doubt in my mind that the Hutt Valley with its stable work force and large flat geography (space) provide avenues that are not available in other parts of the Wellington region. Some businesses are taking the opportunities in the current climate to reestablish or strengthen their positions. I’m very happy for them to see the Hutt Valley as a place to base themselves.

Posted via web from HuttNZ’s posterous

Petone: No trace of toxin in fish found on beach

Results from tests find no trace of toxin

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Tests performed on porcupine fish found washed up on Petone foreshore last week have found no trace of the toxin tetrodotoxin recently found in dead fish on some Auckland beaches.

It is likely the fish washed up on Petone foreshore because of a natural occurrence or from a passing commercial fishing trawler.

We will continue to check the beach three times a week.

The public are advised to use common sense and ensure they, and their dogs, stay clear of any dead marine life or animals found on the beach.

Any dead marine life or animals found on the beach should be reported to Hutt City Council call centre on 570 6666.

via huttcity.govt.nz

Great news no tetrodotoxin, no problems like Auckland has been having and no dog deaths.
I certainly think we are all just becoming more aware of isssues around our waterways, and the risks involved. Is it a 21st Century issue? or do you think its always happened?

Posted via web from HuttNZ’s posterous

Trentham: Army staff may decamp to Hutt

Army staff may decamp to Hutt

By HANK SCHOUTEN – The Dominion Post

Last updated 05:00 27/08/2009

The proposals are outlined in papers issued under the Official Information Act to Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins, and would have wide-ranging consequences for the Hutt Valley, Waiouru, Porirua and Wellington.

As many as 1000 more defence staff could be moved to Upper Hutt, as the Defence Force considers spending up to $110 million to redevelop the old Central Institute of Technology campus at Trentham.

via Stuff
The establishment of Trentham army camp last century certainly has heralded development opportunities for Upper Hutt for many years. This latest news will no doubt bring broad smiles to the UHCC, firstly that the old CIT buildings are been reused for a practical purpose and secondly the influx of people and families to Upper Hutt city as a direct result of this relocation.

The economic benefit to Upper Hutt is vast with the number involved around 1000, and the relocation of high paid defence personal from Wellington to Upper Hutt alone being significant.
No doubt a fair piece of logic was applied in this move, given Trentham Army base across the road. Unfortunately no time line is placed on this development and a lot of work will have to be undertaken on the old CIT campus to bring it up to speed, having been vacant for many years.

Upper Hutts gain unfortunately comes at other regions loss, but the benefits ongoing in the years ahead is vast, something that could only be akin to the old manufacturing factories that populated the city in the seventies which in recent years have closed down, downsized or moved away, General Motors and Pacific Tyres (Dunlops) coming to mind.

All we need now is confirmation, but Upper Hutt will be a buzz over this news.

Posted via web from HuttNZ’s posterous

Silverstream: Application for Off-licence across from school goes to District Court.

A hearing to decide whether an off-licence alcohol business on Fergusson Dr, Silverstream, will go ahead will take place next month.

The Liquor Licensing Authority hearing will be on Friday, September 11, at the Upper Hutt District Court, before a judge.

Public advertising of the off-licence proposal attracted more than 130 submissions.

They included strong and organised opposition from the local community, particularly from Silverstream School.

People who made submissions can speak at the authority hearing.

The off-licence is planned to operate from the shopping strip opposite St Patrick’s College Silverstream, in an area where drinking alcohol in public is banned.

via Stuff

We recently had a lengthy debate over this issue via Twitter on HuttNZ and within my own family. It would appear that the 130 submissions is not enough to deter the District Licensing Authority from continuing with providing an avenue for this off-licence to go ahead. But to put it in perspective, I did speak to the UHCC over this and the application was raised to the District authority level given the number of negative submissions (its the course of law).
I would hope that the weight of these submissions is enough, and physical presence is not required to show that the general public is against this off licence occurring.

The nearest place to get “hard liquor” is across the railway tracks at Charltons Bar, which has an off licence which is not particularly popular or well advertised. But free enterprise being what it is, Mr Patel has every right to see if he can gain the right.

Do you think it is necessary to offer another so close?

Posted via web from HuttNZ’s posterous

Hutt Valley Community Arts Survey

gallery mile
 

via hvca.org.nz

From the excellent resource on the Hutt Valley Community Arts site showing Petone artistic venues. The map is interactive on the site with links to the venues mentioned. Found while completing this years survey (found under resources) 

 Make sure you complete a survey as they are looking for input if relevant to you, must be completed by 18th September.

Posted via web from HuttNZ’s posterous

Tranz Metro – Are Wellington trains that bad?

TVNZ Breakfast yesterday did an article on Tranz Metro and the level of dissatisfaction there is from commuters who use the service. None of this is news to our regular readers, but you probably missed the item yesterday as you were travelling via rail, no doubt on time to work.

The most interesting part is the comment in the interview at the end with Kiwi Rail GM of Passenger Services and how everything should be right within 2 years. The question is will you wait that long or find alternatives?

The quality off the above video is marginal check here for the original if you wish to watch your travel woes in better quality.

Lower Hutt: Colin McCahon painting to stay

Mayor welcomes decision on McCahon painting ownership

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Mayor David Ogden has welcomed the decision by the Council’s Finance and Audit Committee to retain the Council’s ownership of Colin McCahon’s ‘Through the Wall of Death’. 

“The painting is one of the most notable works in TheNewDowse collection and is considered a significant painting by possibly the most important 20th century New Zealand artist.   This decision will ensure that it continues to be enjoyed by Hutt residents for generations to come.

“TheNewDowse has rightly been described as a jewel in the crown for the city.  Last night’s decision acknowledges that we are the guardians of the institution and its collection for future generations.  It also keeps the faith with the many supporters and benefactors whose commitment over the years has literally built TheNewDowse.”

via huttcity.govt.nz

Considering this painting has a valuation of roughly $1.5 million, I struggle with the retention of this work of art.

Firstly the HCC role should be supportive of the arts and culture but not to the exclusion of new works by local artists (It originally cost $3000 in 1976, a tidy sum back then).

Given that I am in agreement with several councillors who stated that the council would not currently buy a $1.5 million painting, as the ratepayers would balk. Equally the logic applies the other way, why are we holding on to such a painting, and given that we have, at what expense to ratepayers to provide the security & insurance it requires.
If the ratepayers are asked to subsidise The New Dowse because of revenue shortfalls this year equally the council should divest itself of works that could help in that regard given the current economy.

I’m not asking they don’t support developing artists either by purchasing new works akin to the original purchase of the McCahon. But the logic of calling on ratepayers first for art funding shortfalls, or conversely holding on to assets to placate egos (or avoid hard decisions) is not something I trust to any council.

I would be happier to retain this work if it were by a local artist, it therefore would hold more value to the local community, not the arts community overall.

Posted via web from huttnz’s posterous

Arrest over Hutt service station robberies

Arrest over Hutt service station robberies

 

A 22-year-old man accused of robbing two Lower Hutt service stations at knifepoint will appear in court today.

Police said they arrested the man on Friday and charged him with the aggravated robbery of BP Waiwhetu on Whites Line East and Caltex VIC on the corner of High St and Brunswick St on August 1.

He appeared in court on Saturday and was remanded in custody to appear again today.

 

– with NZPA

 

 

Great to see that this individual has been caught. It appears aggravated robbery in the Hutt Valley is on the rise in these tough ecnomic times.

Or is it always like this in the Hutt Valley? Crime seems to be the most posted item on HuttNZ.

Posted via web from huttnz’s posterous