Celebrate



Kaupapa ā-Mua ki Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai
What’s On in Lower Hutt
Hune & Hūrae
June & July 2025
Celebrate
Kaupapa ā-Mua ki Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai
Hune & Hūrae
June & July 2025
This
To confirm event information please contact the venue.
Kia ora e te whānau, as we head into the winter months, it’s great to see so much happening across Lower Hutt. This edition of What’s On is full of ways to stay connected — whether it’s through local events, school holiday activities, or a hot chocolate from a favourite café.
Matariki is a special time for us all to pause, come together, and think about the year ahead. From storytelling and crafts to kapa haka and shared kai, there are many ways to mark the occasion right across our city. These events reflect the care and effort people put into making Lower Hutt a place where everyone feels welcome.
School holidays are also just around the corner, and I want to give a shout-out to the team behind the “I Can Do It!” programme. There’s a wide range of activities for tamariki — creative, hands-on, and fun — and a reminder that learning doesn’t stop when school’s out.
And yes, the Sweet As Hot Chocolate Challenge is back. A
good excuse to support local and treat yourself this winter. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite. Thanks as always to everyone who’s helping to bring these events to life. Whether you’re getting involved in a Matariki event, joining in at your local library, or just popping in for a cuppa somewhere warm — there’s plenty happening close to home.
Campbell Barry Mayor of Lower Hutt
campbell.barry@huttcity.govt.nz
CampbellBarryMayor
CampbellBarry
Campbell_Barry
If you spot any issues or problems with any of our services, you can log a job using our online portal by going to hutt.city/rap
For urgent noise, pollution, sewer, water, stormwater and animal issues call us 24/7 on 04 570 6666
Monday 2 June
King’s Birthday
Our admin building and all Neighbourhood Hubs will be closed.
Pools + Fitness centres will be open from 9am-6pm.
Friday 20 June Matariki
Our admin building and all Neighbourhood Hubs will be closed.
Pools + Fitness centres will be open from 9am-6pm.
Want to keep up to date with what’s on at Council? Find out when the next Council meetings are, access meeting minutes and agendas or watch the live stream by heading to hutt.city/councilmeetings
Get this booklet delivered to your email inbox at the start of every month, by going to hutt.city/whatsonemail
Did you know that Hutt City Council provides various funding opportunities?
These funding rounds open for applications at various stages throughout the year.
To see which applications are coming up , take a look at our Funding Calendar, by heading to hutt.city/communityfunding
Have a go playing Lower Hutt’s newest board game. Pick up your free copy at any Council hub!
In Chur the Hutt Climate Explorers, players travel around Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt to visit familiar locations such as the new Te Ngaengae Pool or Matiu Somes Island. A good memory is an advantage, and along the way you’ll learn about some cool ways to become a climate superstar.
Emily Scherzer (11 years) and friends were able to play the new game ahead of its release.
Their teacher, Hayden Thompson, said that the kids found it easy to learn.
“They had a great time and took away some cool facts and ideas,” he said.
Emily said, “It was pretty cool to play a game no one else has ever played before and I like how there were lots of familiar places to travel around!”
one home for the whānau
Pick it up at your local neighbourhood hub or go to toogoodtowaste.nz
Hutt City Council is playing a key role in bringing two of Aotearoa’s rarest native plant species back from the brink of extinction.
Hutt City Council has undertaken propagation work at Percy Scenic Reserve to help Myosotis petiolata and Celmisia aff. gracilenta ‘Mangaweka’ to not only survive but thrive.
The leafy, white-flowered Myosotis petiolata – a native forget-me-not – once flourished in the limestonerich soils of Hawke’s Bay. But it has dwindled to near-extinction. Thanks to a collaboration with Downer Greenspace, Council is helping make a small miracle unfold.
Last year, staff at Percy’s propagated 60 plants, and a further 440 cuttings are just beginning to root, each one a tiny green shoot of hope. Downer’s Percy Scenic Reserve-based horticulturalist, Cliff Keilty, says the forget-me-not is easy enough to grow but can be tricky to keep healthy.
“They’re prone to fungal disease and need specific conditions. We mimic their natural limestone habitat by adding lime to their pots—it seems to make them happy.”
To come off the endangered list, at least 2000 established, flowering plants need to be growing in the wild in Hawke’s Bay. Hutt City Council aims to contribute by propagating around 500 more plants each year for the next four years which will eventually be planted in Hawke’s Bay.
Alongside the forget-me-not, native daisy Celmisia aff. gracilenta ‘Mangaweka’ is also making a tentative return from extinction in the wild.
The last known specimens of this distinctive and delicate alpine plant were saved by the Department of Conservation around 1999.
Staff at Percy Scenic Reserve and Wellington City Council’s Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush are working to propagate this plant which is functionally extinct in the wild. They divided these into multiple smaller plants to reduce the risk of losing one individual plant. Only two genetically distinct parent plants remain in ex-situ collections, and one plant is known in the wild.
Hutt City Council Neighbourhoods and Communities Director
Andrea Blackshaw says the Rautaki Kanorau Koiora Taketake
Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy 2023 provides a focus for this sort of work.
“Council is motivated to safeguard ecosystems, species, and habitats so they can be treasured for future generations. Helping save these two endangered plants is a part of that valuable work.”
Downer Greenspace Contract Manager Justin Arthur says the collaborative efforts of Downer Greenspace, Hutt City Council, and Wellington City Council are a testament to what can be achieved when organisations work
together for the greater good of our environment.
“This initiative highlights the value of long-term partnerships. By combining resources and expertise, we’re making a tangible impactone that benefits communities and ecosystems alike.
“The Hutt City community can be proud to know the important role their council is playing in the conservation of our nationally critical and endangered plant species.”
Want to help?
To see how you can help with our local biodiversity, head to hutt.city/protectbiodiversity
I can do it!
Songs & stories with Suzy Cato
War Memorial Library
Wednesday 9 July, 10:30am-11:30am
Wainuiomata
Neighbourhood Hub
Friday 11 July, 2pm-3pm
Kids and big kids alike are invited to enjoy stories and songs with beloved children’s entertainer Suzy Cato. Take a nostalgic look back to your own childhood while introducing your kids to an iconic kiwi legend.
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Sunday 29 June, 11am-3pm
Come to our mini post office just for tamariki, found right inside the children’s library. Decorate your own postcard and then write a message or a very small story on the back.
For ages 4-12
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
Mondy 30 June, 10:30am
Discover the joy of knitting in a fun, friendly space where creativity comes to life! This hands-on session is perfect for tamariki of all skill levels. We’ll learn the basics and make simple projects together. All materials provided—just bring your imagination!
For ages 6 and up.
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Monday 30 June, 11am-4pm
Hop, Tip Toe, and Jump your way around our children’s obstacle course at Pit-One library.
For ages 5-12.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
30 June-11 July, all day
Add to our rollercoaster wall of WOW to share what you are proud of and have achieved.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Monday 30 June, 2pm-3pm
Come and launch your amazing Lego/K’Nex build on our library zipline. How fast will it go?
For ages 10 and up.
Scratch Art
Tuesday 1 July, 2pm-4pm
Create a masterpiece with scratch art these holidays
The Amazing Relay
Wednesday 2 July, 10:30am
An active session packed with a storytime, scavenger hunt, obstacle course and craft.
Tabletop Games vs Classic Kids Games
Thursday 3 July, 2pm-4pm Thursday 10 July, 2pm-4pm
You choose! Card & Tabletop Boardgames session or classic board games for everyone to enjoy.
Lego Challenge
Friday 4 July, 2pm-4pm
Come along and test your building skill with our Lego challenge. See you there!
Crafternoon: Mini Bug Hotel
Tuesday 8 July, 2pm-4pm
Come along and build a DIY mini bug hotel.
Lego Challenge Friday 11 July, 2pm-4pm
Come along and test your building skill with our Lego challenge. See you there!
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
Tuesday 1 July, 10:30am
In this hands-on workshop, tamariki will learn to sew hexagonal shapes, combining geometry with artistry to create unique fabric designs. All ages welcome - we will have a fun activity for preschoolers.
Moerā Neighbourhood Hub
Tuesday 1 July, 1pm-3pm
Craft your own personal journal to take home, or make one as a gift. All materials supplied.
For ages 5 to 12.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 2 July, 10:30am
Celebrate positivity, selfconfidence and the wonder that is you! A half-hour of stories and more, for our tamariki and their caregivers.
For ages 2-4.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 2 July, 2pm
Learn how to browse and read from a massive online collection of manga and graphic novels using Hutt City Libraries eResources!
For ages 12 and up.
Moerā Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 2 July, 3pm-4pm
Wednesday 9 July, 3pm-4pm
Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub
Friday 4 July, 10:30-11:30am
Friday 11 July, 10:30-11:30am
Get your hands dirty with this 2-day craft activity. In the first session, build your creation from air-drying clay. In the second session you will paint and decorate your creation.
For ages 6 to 12.
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 3 July, 10:30am
Draw your own unique cartoon character with Mike from Sketch Club
For ages 5 and up.
Moerā Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 3 July, 10:30am-11:30am
Explore a range of real fossils from the National Paleontological Collection and take part in a fossil dig experience.
For ages 5-12 and their caregivers.
can create
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Saturday 5 July, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Turn plain boxes into imaginative objects of art and storage. Collage and decorate and experiment with a range of colours, textures, shapes and patterns.
For ages 3-16.
I can fold!
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Monday 7 July, 2pm
Fold and decorate your own origami bookmark. Let’s prove anyone can origami!
For ages 5 and up.
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Tuesday 8 July, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Learn how to care for and stay safe around dogs. Enjoy a story, create a craft, and practice what you’ve learnt by meeting Toast the pup.
For ages 5-14.
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 9 July, 10:30am-11:30am
Listen to stories about building. Learn about shapes and scales and then experiment! Will your structure support our mystery objects.
For ages 5-12.
I like to move it, move it!
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 9 July, 10:30am
Come join us for an interactive storytime session with music, play and fun!
For ages 2-4.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 10 July, 2pm
Fold up an origami creature to guard your page, embrace the power of magnets to hold on tight, or slot in a classic illustrated bookmark that perfectly matches you and your favourite book!
For ages 7 and up.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Friday 11 July, 2pm
Come along and we will help you write a poem about yourself, or make up a poem on your own!
For ages 10 and up.
Petone Neighbourhood Hub
Saturday 12 July, 2pm-3pm
Learn and explore what you can make with wool. From pom poms to bracelets knit, craft and have fun. Materials all provided.
For ages 7-14.
In Te Upoko o Te Ika, Matariki and Puanga are both celebrated. Visibility depends on location, reflecting our diverse landscape and traditions across hapū and iwi in the Wellington region.
Matariki Tukutuku
28 Cornwall Street Lower Hutt
Thursday 5 June, 8pm
Thursday 11 June, 8pm
Thursday 18 June, 8pm
Kai, Kōrero, Kēmu – Te Awakairangi is looking to hold an inclusive, community-driven event to celebrate Matariki Puanga in 2025. Our event this year is centred around “Matariki Tukutuku” where we’ll create a joint community mural, representing our hapori (community) and their aspirations.
Hākari & Artwork unveiling on Thursday 18 June.
Library after dark winter storytime series at Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub
Join us for some special themed nighttime storytimes this winter.
Teddy bear tales
Wednesday 11 June, 6pm-7pm
Matariki Magic
Wedesday 18 June, 6pm-7pm
Nocturnal night
Wednesday 25 June, 6pm-7pm
Suppertime stories
Wednesday 2 July, 6pm-7pm
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Friday 13 June, 10am
Join us for a free film screening. In celebration of Matariki, our film this week is Whetū Mārama – Bright Star. The story of Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi, Hek Busby, and his role in rekindling Māori wayfinding and traditional star voyaging.
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub 14&15 June, 1:30pm
Join us for Matariki themed origami fun.
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub 14-19 June, 9am-5pm
A selection of Matariki themed games, crafts and activities will be available in our community space.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Monday 16 June, 1pm
This month we’ll highlight books that explore how humans are kaitiaki and have a special role to care for the natural environment.
Stitch a Star!
Monday 16 June, 2pm-4pm
Come along and stitch a star with us for Matariki
Print a Star!
Tuesday 17 June, 2pm-4pm
Join us in printing a star to celebrate Matariki
Design a tealight banner!
Wednesday 18 June, 2pm-4pm
Come along and design a tealight banner this Matariki
Weave your own paper star
Thursday 19 June, 2pm-4pm
Join us and weave your own paper star this Matariki
Moerā Neighbourhood Hub
Tuesday 17 June, 11:30am-1pm
Come and share in celebrating Matariki with a warming mug of soup in our cosy library space.
Afterwards join us at ArtSpot for Adults for some Mindful Colouring. This simple activity can help ease stress and promote relaxation, encourage reflection, exercise your motor skills, and generally give your brain a workout!
For adults.
War Memorial Library
Wednesday 18 June, 12pm-2pm
Come on down, sit back and relax while watching kapa haka & waiata to celebrate Matariki.
We invite you to stay after the performances and join us for community kai. Free to attend and all welcome.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 18 June, 1pm
Come along and join us as we use kemu māori to kōrero Te Reo Māori, learn some new kupu and have a cuppa! Not a class but a safe space to share, listen and have fun as we learn altogether. All levels, all ages. Bring the whānau!
Matariki Storytime
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 18 June, 10:30am
Join us to celebrate Matariki with stories, waiata and a special craft activity!
For ages 2-4.
Matariki Baby Bounce and Rhyme
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 19 June, 10:30am
Join us for half a special Matariki themed baby bounce.
For ages 0-2.
Storytime
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 19 June, 3:30pm
Join us for a special Matariki themed storytime.
For ages 2-5.
Ko Puanga rāua ko Matariki
Petone beach and kindergarten; Wainuiomata Community Hall
Thursday 19 June
The event opens with a hautapu fire on Petone beach at 6.00am followed by breakfast at Petone Beach Kindergarten. School performances will commence at the Wainuiomata Community Hall at 10.30am. After lunch there will be Matariki activities), elei printing, bone carving and taonga pūoro. There will be evening performance from the Hutt Valley Arohanui Strings. This will be followed by a community hangi.
Winter Warmer Matariki celebration
Speldhurst Park, Stokes Valley Friday 20 June, 10am-3pm
For the third year in a row, the Stokes Valley Kai team is organising the Winter Warmer Matariki Whakanui Celebration. This community-led event is a free day for the whanau of Stokes Valley to celebrate and embrace Matariki. Matariki for Tamariki
War Memorial Library
Saturday 28 June, 11am-12pm
Celebrate Matariki Puanga. Cosy up in your Blanket or Oodie and enjoy a hot milo, stories and craft. All welcome!
Matariki with Te Kākano o te Aroha Marae
Community Centre Moerā
Saturday 28 June
The bringing of all cultures in our area together to share the Māori Culture of Matariki. To have a guess speaker to explain what Matariki means and how we celebrate it.
Matariki Community celebration open day
Te Mangungu Marae, Naenae
Thursday 19 June
We invite local schools, kindergartens, kaumatua and community to celebrate Matariki by having an open day event and hosting a hangi lunch. Planned activities include planting, Poi making and waiata.
Naenae Matariki celebration
Te Mako and Hillary Court, Naenae
Saturday 28 June
See musical performances from school kapa haka groups and local musicians, enjoy interactive activities such as a crafts station, a wall of memories and aspirations, storytelling of Māori stories, and a kai and kōrero space for kaumatua.
Tune in to Āti Awa Toa FM
Te Tai o Puanga Ted-Talks will present an engaging infotainment experience in the style of TED Talks broadcast on Āti Awa Toa FM radio
Matariki Hautapu
Wainuiomata Marae
Friday 20 June
Join us at Wainuiomata Marae to welcome the Māori New Year with karakia, remembrance, joy, and kai.
Haka Extravaganza
Dowse Square
Friday 20 June, 6am
Join us for Haka Extravaganza 2025. Hautapu Ceremony with live Kapa Haka performances from 9am6pm
Matariki Night Market
Wainuiomata Marae
Friday 20 June, 6am
Celebrate Matariki with whānau fun at Wainuiomata Marae!
Enjoy a vibrant evening of live entertainment, food, and familyfriendly Matariki themed activities.
For more events, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents
Men’s Health Week aims to get guys and their whanāu to know a little more about their health. All week we will showcase resources and welcome health providers and organisations to help you make small steps toward living your best life.
Ngā Korero
War Memorial Library
Tuesday 10 June, 10am-12pm
As part of Men’s Health Week, join Ebony a Lived Experience Group Facilitator from Te Awakairangi Health Network to discuss your experience accessing mental health and addiction services. She can provide resources and further information and support.
Dementia NZ: What’s The Difference between Alzheimers and Dementia?
War Memorial Library
Thursday 12 June, 11am-12pm
As part of Men’s Health Week, Sheena Farquhar, Clinical Lead/ Educator for Dementia/Mate
Wareware Wellington joins us to answer their most asked question. What is the difference between dementia and altzheimers disease?
War Memorial Library
Friday 13 June, 10am-12pm
As part of Men’s Health Week, the Heart Foundation is offering free blood pressure checks to the public. Come along and get your check done, understand what the numbers mean and take charge of your heart health to live a longer, healthier life.
Want more?
For more events, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents
War Memorial Library
Mondays, 11am-12pm
Do you speak english as a second language? Join us for a relaxed session where you can practice english with other learners.
Free fix up
Saturday 7 June, 10am-1pm
Matariki Light Party
Saturday 14 June, 5pm-7pm
Cycle Story Time
Tuesday 17 June, 10am-11am
Puncture Repair Session
Thursday 26 June, 6pm-8pm
Matariki Tupua Ride
Saturday 28 June, 5pm-7pm
Cycling related events for all ages. Visit www.free-ride.nz for more info
Dewe’s Aotearoa New Zealand & The Pandemic
War Memorial Library
Monday 9 June, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Philip Dewe’s launches his latest book and invites his readers to reflect on a post-pandemic world where flexibility, empathy, and connection redefine how we work and live.
Lower Hutt cafés are going head-to-head to create limited edition hot chocolates for people to enjoy from 27 June to 13 July.
Over 20 local cafés are competing to win your vote with their unique, winter-warming creations.
Vote for your favourite by scanning the QR code in each café — and go in the draw to win epic prizes in the Sweetstake.
Since 2015, the challenge has served over 80,000 hot chocolates and featured more than 120 creations.
Find out more by visiting sweetaschallenge.nz
Wainuiomata
Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 4 June, 10.30am-1pm
Join us for Kaumatua group with a Samoan Theme. For seniors.
Anamua Fou Dance workshop
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Wednesday 4 June, 12pm-1pm
Tālofa lava! Join Anamua Fou for a fun Samoan pese (song) and siva (dance) workshop in celebration of Samoan Language Week. Bring the whole aiga (family) and get a taste of their upcoming showcase “Le Lalelei o le Laumua” happening on Saturday 7 June.
For all ages.
Wainuiomata
Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 5 June, 10.30am
Join us for a special Baby Bounce and Rhyme session with Samoan songs and rhymes.
For ages 0-2.
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Monday 9 June, 1pm
This month for Local History Club we look at royal visits to the Hutt Valley over the years.
War Memorial Library
Wednesday 11 June, 10am-11am
Join Community Readiness and Recovery Adviser Logan to talk about fire safety, different types of fire extinguishers, best practices for fire safety, with a hands-on opportunity to practice with extinguishers in a controlled environment.
Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
Saturday 14 June, 9:30am-12pm
Celebrate World Knit in Public Day. Bring along your knitting or other craft project. A morning tea will be provided.
For ages 7 and up.
War Memorial Library
Friday 27 June, 10am-11:30am
The 1920’s were a critical decade in the development of the suburb. The Local History Specialist Clark Stiles will fill in the gaps for you.
Pop up storytime at the end of the rainbow
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
3-6 June, 2pm-4:30pm
Find a book of every colour of the rainbow to share in a storytime.
Colourful Crafts: Kākahu feathers
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 5 June, 3:30pm-5pm
Fluff your feathers with pride and add to our Poho Kererū Kākahu display. For ages 7 and up.
Collage
War Memorial Library
Friday 6 June, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Help us create our own collage rainbow.
Colourful Crafts: Sublime Suncatchers
Naenae Neighbourhood Hub
Thursday 12 June, 3:30pm-5pm
Make the most of the autumn sun by making your very own suncatcher! For ages 7 and up.
The Dowse Art Museum
Thursday 3 July, 6pm-8pm
Last month in April, we brought back our quarterly Community Arts Network event, tuning in to kōrero from artists Daphne Seyb, Mele Tonga-Grant, and Kaisa Fa’atui.
Go to hutt.city/awa-side for more information
War Memorial Library
Wednesdays 16 July - 20 August 4pm-7pm
DJ Shan is back to share his expertise with rangatahi. Learn the art world of DJ’ing through software training, breakdown song structures in beats and bars and master spinning the turntables.
For ages 12 and up.
War Memorial Library
Friday 25 July, 3:30pm-5pm
For ages 8 and up.
For more events, head to hutt.city/whatsonevents
Industrial, aroma filled, rustic and fun. Yes, we are talking about Arobake - a cozy bakery shop in Petone selling some of Wellington’s best cakes, breads, and pastries.
Owner Max completed an apprenticeship at Barnes’s Patisserie before heading to Switzerland to further his training. In 1989 Max purchased a rundown health food shop and started Arobake. He has since expanded to include Aro Street and our very own store here in Petone, in 2021.
It is also the home of their new venture, a coffee roastery - The Last Coffee Company. Max’s love of cake and coffee combined!
It’s no wonder their baked goods are so fresh and popular, with their 9 bread bakers and 10 cake and pastry cooks whipping up the likes of rhubarb & custard tarts, lemon sour cake, custard squares, eclairs and chilli and lime cookies.
105 Nelson street, Petone