Hutt Zone

This week we talk art trails with artist and Upper Hutt Art Trail organiser Elizabeth Gibson, as the 10-11th of October is the annual art trail weekend. We hear about this year’s artists, locations and the wide range of creative art open to the public. And hear about Elizabeth’s painting and ceramic art journey. Elizabeth Gibson artist Upper Hutt Art Trail We hear more in the 1979 history on the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording. This week’s poem if from the 2022 Upper Hutt Libraries Poetry Competition - “Home” by Kyle Lingad. And there’s music from Halcyon Drift “Follow the River”, Andy Anderson “Let another cup of tea go cold” and SKRAM “Stay”. You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/

This week we talk to the convenor of the Upper Hutt branch of Wheels and Canes Disability Group – Blake Forbes-Gentle ahead of their September meeting at Upper Hutt Library. And we chat to CEO and co-founder of HUHANZ Carolyn Press Mckenzie on the "Behind the scenes Animal Sanctury Tours" at Haywards Hill – which sees extra tours put on for the school holidays. Book a tour and literally save an animal’s life. We hear more in the 1979 history on the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording. And there’s music from Upper Hutt’s Toni Baird – “Your Song” and Lower Hutt’s Vera Ellen “Crack the Whip” You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/

This week we talk Lower Hutt Art Trail with one of its organisers Louise Thomas – and hear about her artistic path into photography and painting. The trail runs 17th – 18th October 2026 with 50+ artists sharing their work – get the trail map and artist profiles by checking out @lowerhuttarttrail We hear more in the 1979 history on the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording. And there’s music from former Wainuiomata College art teacher Jenny Morris – “Body and Soul”. You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/

This week we talk poetry with local writer Margaret Jeune who has just released her latest poetry collection called “The Monk’s Chair” printed by The Night Press and available online from - https://www.lulu.com/ We start a 1979 history on the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording. And there’s loads of local music – from Julie Bevan “Yara” and from Cantoris Choir Wellington – Henry Purcell’s “With Drooping Wings”. Cantoris are performing at St James Church Lower Hutt on Sunday 20th September. You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/ SECTIONS History – 1’14” – Annie Huggan – Petone Memories recorded in 1979 Music – 15’27” – Cantoris Choir– “With Drooping Wings” Feature Story – 19’40” – Margaret Jeune – Poetry Book “The Monk’s Chair” Music – 51’00” – Julie Bevan – “Yara”

This week we look at finding work for the over 50s with Seniors @ Work founder Ian Fraser – we talk about his established job platform, some local Hutt vacancies and senior-friendly employers plus some tips on how best to position yourself in these challenging economic times. We finish our 2016 history series with musician Peter Hall on life in Upper Hutt in the 1960s, with Upper Hutt Libraries Caren Wilton. Upper Hutt Heritage There’s poetry for the political age as we move into the next general election from Wainuiomata’s David Smith – Three Gifts on democracy. And there’s loads of local music – from Peter Hall’s bands The Bitter End and Trixx Traxx, as well as from former Eastbourne musician Shona Laing and Upper Hutt Piano Trust scholar Amelia Lin. You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/ SECTIONS Story – 1’20” – David Smith – “Three Gifts” Music – 3’14” – Shona Laing – “Whispering afraid” History – 7’41” - Peter Hall – Upper Hutt Memories from the 1960s Music – 17’23” – Trixx Traxx – “I only want to be with you” Feature Story – 20’22” – Ian Fraser – Seniors at Work Music – 46’03” – Amelia Lin – “Jettatura”