upper hutt activities for people aged hutt activities for people aged 60 + this booklet offers our...

Staying actively involved in activities that interest you is an important way to stay healthy

and keep a positive outlook on life. “ “

Upper Hutt activities forpeople aged 60+

This booklet offers our 60+ population a handy list of local activities to get involved in. Whether it be creative endeavours, a new hobby, recreation or re-connecting with previous interests, this booklet is sure to offer something for everyone.

Staying actively involved in activities that interest you is an important way to stay healthy and keep a positive outlook on life.

Most of the activities listed in this booklet involve participation with others and are a great way to make new friends and meet people with common interests.

The activities have been categorised into sections to make it easier to find what you’re after.

The sections are:

» Get connected! Social Networking

» Music and Theatre

» Hobbies

» Let’s Get Physical

» Time and skills

» Brain food

» Places to visit

welcome to the

Activities Booklet

LifeLeisure

Live it

> Wine Club

If you have a taste for the finer things in life, the Wine Club may be for you. The club

meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm, running out of the Upper Hutt

Cosmopolitan Club.

If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Dean Candy on:

P (027) 563 8518

> Be part of a spiritual community

There are a variety of churches in Upper Hutt as well as other spiritual groups and

communities. Many churches hold additional social activities.

For information regarding churches and church groups in Upper Hutt, please contact the

Upper Hutt Citizens Advice Bureau on:

P (04) 528 336 E [email protected]

P (04) 528 9040

> Friendship through community sing-along

The Salvation Army holds a seniors sing-along four times a year at the Salvation Army

Church. If you are interested in participating please contact the Salvation Army Church on:

P (04) 528 6745

Get Connected! Social Networking

> Stay connected with Age Concern

Sometimes it’s hard to find the opportunity to

meet new people. Age Concern has worked to

promote the rights, wellbeing and quality of life

for older people, koroua and kuia since 1948.

As knowledge and experience has grown, Age

Concern now has the wider purpose of promoting

healthy, active aging to people of all ages.

For more information on Age Concern services available, please contact local

Upper Hutt Coordinator Melva Howard on:


W www.ageconcern.org.nz

> Join Grey Power

Grey Power is a lobby organisation promoting the wellbeing and welfare of over 60 year

olds in New Zealand. The Upper Hutt branch provides regular meetings, events and

newsletters. For more information:


> Neighbourhood Support

Get to know your neighbours by setting up or joining a Neighbourhood Support group

and improve your safety at the same time! For more information or to find out if there’s a

Neighbourhood Support group near you please contact the Upper Hutt Coordinator on:


> Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club

The Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club offers a full range of regular events and activities for

club members. A restaurant and bar are located at the club for members and guests to

enjoy a meal or social drink. The Upper Hutt RSA is also an independent associate of the

club.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club, or are

wanting information on activities and entertainment:


> Upper Hutt Musical Theatre

The Upper Hutt Musical Theatre is a not for profit community theatre that provides a social

environment for its members, and entertainment to its audiences. For more information

please email the Upper Hutt Musical Theatre:

A 26a Moonshine Drive E [email protected]

Upper Hutt

> Hutt Valley Singers

The Hutt Valley Singers are a mixed choir. Most of the music they sing is a mixture of

soprano, alto, tenor and bass. They hold three concerts a year based in local Upper Hutt

churches or school halls. For some special occasions concerts are held at the Expressions

Genesis Energy Theatre. If you are interested in being a part of the Hutt Valley Singers,

please visit their website and leave an email:

W www.huttvalleysingers.org.nz

> Heretaunga Players

The Heretaunga Players are a not for profit community theatre society. Members receive

information about upcoming events as well as opportunities to be part of performances.

Heretaunga Players is located at ‘The Studio’ 52 Ward Street, Upper Hutt.

If you are interested in joining this fantastic group:


> Upper Hutt Ukes

Are you thinking about learning how to play the ukulele? What’s stopping you? Upper Hutt

City Library offer free ukulele classes for both the beginner and experienced player.

Beginners class runs every Thursday 5.00pm–5.30pm

Beginners to advanced mixed class runs every Thursday 5.50pm –6.50pm

Music and Theatre

> Unscripted

Is a improvisation programme for those aged 50+. Come along to the Upper Hutt Central

Library Rotary Lounge, and enjoy this fun and exciting theatre class.

Every Tuesday 1.30pm–3.00pm

More information is available on the Upper Hutt City Library website:

W www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz

> Music

Learning how to play a musical instrument or learning how to sing is something we may

want to do at some point in our lives. Maybe you would like to learn the electric guitar or

how to sing in the style of your favourite vocalist - either way there is always a teacher

who can suit your needs. To find information on courses in Upper Hutt visit:

W www.musiclessons.org.nz

> Expressions Live

Expressions Live is a series of lunchtime concerts given by performance students from the

New Zealand School of Music, running every Tuesday at 1pm, Expressions Rotary Foyer.

Expressions Live is supported by the Upper Hutt Music Society and the Upper Hutt

Concert Grand Piano Trust.

Grab your coffee and a bite to eat at the onsite cafe, then sit back and enjoy some of the

finest young musicians in the country.

Entry by koha. Proceeds to the Upper Hutt Concert Grand Piano Trust.

Joining a choir or singing

group is a great way to

enjoy music and meet

new people.“ “

Hobbies

> Take up a new hobby

There are a wide variety of hobby groups, along with craft and game clubs in Upper Hutt.

Contact the Upper Hutt Citizens Advice Bureau to find something that suits you:


> Vintage Machinery enthusiasts

Are you a vintage machine enthusiast? The Wellington Vintage Machinery Club salvages,

preserves, restores and displays vintage machinery. The club meets in Mangaroa Valley,

Upper Hutt on the first Monday of every month at 7.30pm.

If you are interested in getting involved, or require more information please contact

Peter Blackler on:

P (04) 904 3323 W www.vintagemachinery.wellington.net.nz

> Games night

Get a group of friends together or form a group in your neighbourhood/community to

set up regular game times. Be creative! Have a go at playing a variety of games such as

classic board and card games, charades, team games, active puzzles and strategy games.

Have fun and enjoy the competition while socialising and meeting new people:

P (04) 527 2117

W www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz

> Gardening

Gardening groups are a way to learn and share gardening skills while meeting others.

Upper Hutt Garden Circle welcomes new members. Meetings are held at 1.30pm every

second Monday of the month, at the Upper Hutt Bowling Club.

Small cost of $3 per meeting includes tea and coffee.

For more information contact:

P Carol Lee (04) 976 1437 or Val Hanning (04) 527 7629

> Library Book Discussion group

Ever read a thought provoking book and wanted to talk about the experience with others?

The Library Book Discussion group is for you! Come along to the Upper Hutt City Library

on the first Wednesday of every month (no meeting in January) for a discussion of books

within a particular genre.

Contact the Upper Hutt City Library, or visit their website for details:

P (04) 527 2117 W www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz

> Card games

Card games are a great way to keep your mind sharp and to socialise with friends. Set up a

regular cards night/day with friends – each person can have a turn hosting at their house.

For those that want something a little more structured you could join the Upper Hutt

Bridge Club on:

P (04) 528 6038 W www.upperhuttbridgeclub.org.nz

> Darts

Come along to the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club and enjoy a social or competitive game

of darts. Whether you are a beginner or advanced player, darts are a great way to meet

new people and have fun. Rounds take place weekly on Monday and Tuesday evenings

starting at 7.30pm.

For more information contact Helen Makih:

P (022) 657 5978

> Upper Hutt Writers group

Interested in writing or poetry? The Upper Hutt Writers group meets from 10.30am–2pm,

every second Sunday of the month, at the Art Society Rooms, Ward Street, Upper Hutt.

Small cost of $2 for tea and coffee, please bring own lunch. Members can bring short

stories, articles, poems, extracts from novels etc. to share with the group.

Please contact Audrey Harper for more information:

P (04) 970 6239

> Animal and Pet Clubs

Many of us enjoy the companionship of pets and other animals. Joining a pet or animal club

is a great way to socialise with others while learning more about your animal/s. There are

over 10 different animal clubs in Upper Hutt.

Contact the Upper Hutt Citizens Advice Bureau to find a club that suits you and your

animals:


Start Dancing> Upper Valley Dance

Upper Valley Dance is a sequence dancing club for older people. They aim to enable older

people to socialise and keep fit whilst in a friendly environment. Their mission is to support

new dancers by providing dance events, workshops and lessons which encourage dancers

of all levels to improve and enjoy the great rewards of partner dancing.

If you are keen to get down and have a boogie email the Upper Valley Dance Club at:

E [email protected]

> Upper Hutt Scottish Country Dance Club

The Upper Hutt Scottish Country Dance Club is a social dancing group providing fun,

friendship and fitness. No partner required.

If you are interested please phone Kath McCulloch for more information:

P (04) 970 9751

> Anita’s Dance Academy

Try something new with Anita’s Dance Academy, offering social dancing classes for 50+

year olds. Experience the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rock n Roll and Latin American. No partner

required.

Classes run Thursday evenings from 7.30pm–9pm (feel free to bring along a glass of your

favourite bubbles and a nibble to share) social time is included in the hour and a half

timeframe.

For more information:

P (04) 527 0384 M (021) 168 6115

> To exercise or not to exercise

The Upper Hutt YMCA runs a variety of regular programmes. These programmes are held

on Mondays and Thursdays at 11am.


P (04) 527 3380 W www.ymcawellington.org.nz

Lets get physical

> Golf

What better way to unwind than to walk over gently rolling fields while playing a game

of golf. Many people have theorised why golf is so addictive (that one defining shot that

made you feel like a pro even if only for a moment, the scenery, the companionship), but

the only way to truly understand it, is to give it a go yourself.

There are four main golf clubs as well as a driving range in Upper Hutt:

Te Marua Golf Club

675 Main Road North, Upper Hutt


Royal Wellington Golf Club

8 Golf Road, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt


> Bowling

Have fun and get active with the Upper Hutt City Bowling Club, centrally located near the

Upper Hutt CBD. Bowls facilities include two grass greens and one all weather green.

Lawn bowls are played all year round. The club also has excellent clubroom facilities which

are used for a wide range of social activities when not required for bowls.

If you are keen to get involved, please phone the club on:

P (04) 528 3245

> Hapkido 50 Plus

Upper Hutt Hapkido Academy offers martial arts training for older adults. Classes run every

Wednesday from 7pm–7.45pm.

W www.hapkido.co.nz

> Upper Hutt Indoor Sports

Offering indoor netball, cricket and soccer, Upper Hutt Indoors Sports has something for

everyone. Women’s and mixed teams available.



W www.indoorsports.co.nz

Trentham Golf Club

2 Dante Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt

P (04) 527 7039

Silverstream Golf Park

Country Lane, Silverstream, Upper Hutt


Walking Groups> Trentham United Harriers and Walkers

The Trentham United Harriers and Walkers are the largest group of runners and walkers in

Upper Hutt. Their club is built around friendly local people who enjoy running and walking at

all ability levels. Their future goal is to encourage people of all ages to get fit in an easy and

fun way. Unwind in their clubrooms afterwards with new found friends.

For more information and pricing please visit their website at:

W www.trenthamunited.co.nz

> The Tuesday Trippers

The Tuesday Trippers are a group of enthusiastic walkers who leave every Tuesday morning

at 8.45am, from the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club on Logan Street, to various walking

tracks in the Wellington Region. A programme containing information of weekly walks is

available through the group.

For more information please phone:

P Brian Bradburn (04) 973 4406 or Tony Davis (04) 528 6179

> Sit and Be Fit

Iona Sit Dancing Group meets Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm–3pm for dance therapy

and exercise sessions. There is a small cost of $3 which includes afternoon tea. Based at

the Iona Centre, Ebdentown Street, Upper Hutt.

Phone Ronnie Aldersley for more information, or come along to one of the weekly classes:

P (04) 526 9675

> Upper Hutt Arthritis Exercise group

A gentle exercise group for people with arthritis. The group meets on the second and

fourth Thursday of the month from February to November at the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan

Club. There is a small cost of $3 per session.

For more information contact Irene James:

P (04) 973 1569

> Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a series of gentle exercises that help relax the mind and the body. Tai Chi also

helps prevent falls by improving your balance. Upper Hutt City Library offers a Tai Chi class

run by instructor Ray Poy every Monday from 1.30pm–2.30pm.

Ray also instructs a class at the Hapai Club every Friday from 10.30am–11.30am.

P (04) 938 6082

> Dust off your bicycle

Upper Hutt is a great place to bike around because of its mostly flat terrain and tranquil

settings. Why not get some friends together and bike one of the many river and cycle tracks.

Please visit the Upper Hutt City Council website for information and links to cycle and

walking tracks in Upper Hutt:

W www.upperhuttcity.com

> Get fit with your dog

This group is for people serious about coming along and getting a fun effective workout

with their dog.

All Active Dogs is a group fitness class for owners and their dogs run by an experienced

personal trainer. Dogs should be well socialised and friendly towards other dogs and

people with no aggression issues. If you are wanting to join up to this class please visit the

website:

W www.meetup.com/Get-fit-with-your-dog-HuttValley

> Riverbank walk

The Hutt River Trail is a link from Birchville down to Petone. Its full length is 29km. Go

down to the section of river nearest to you, walk in either direction and enjoy one of the

most prominent scenic sites in Upper Hutt, the river. Whether you are wanting to have a

run or stroll, the Upper Hutt river trails are the place to be.

> Tunnel Gully walk

Head up to Tunnel Gully and have a walk through this historic Upper Hutt site. Named for

its link with the historic Rimutaka Railway between Wellington and the Wairarapa, Tunnel

Gully features the 221m long Mangaroa Tunnel, built between 1875–1877.

There are a choice of tracks including Tane’s Track, Tunnel Track and Mt Climie.

For more information on Tunnel Gully tracks, visit the Upper Hutt City Council website:


> Swingbridge track, Kaitoke Regional Park

For the more able, walk the Swingbridge track at Kaitoke Regional Park. For those just

wanting a short walk there is a 10 minute loop track over the swingbridge. Finish up with a

picnic in the beautiful Rivendell. Flat and sheltered, this is the ideal place to relax and enjoy

the beautiful surroundings.

Monday 9.20am – 10.20am Xtream Hydro

10.30am – 11.30am Senior Hydro

7.35pm – 8.35pm Xtream Hydro

Tuesday 7.35pm – 8.35pm Xtream Hydro

Wednesday 9.20am – 10.20am Xtream Hydro

10.30am – 11.30am Senior Hydro

Thursday 7.35pm – 8.35pm Xtream Hydro

Friday 10.30am – 11.30am Xtream Hydro

Sunday 9.00am – 10.00am Xtream Hydro

> Get moving at H2O Xtream

H20 Xtream Aquatic Centre has classes catered to everyone’s different ability and

activity level. Swim a length, get moving with Aqua jogging/running, or join one of their

Hydrobics sessions.

Timetable and information for Hydrobics classes, is as follows:

General Admission: $6.10 per class

Senior Admission: $5.10 per class

For information on H2O Xtream facilities please visit their website at:

W www.h2oxtream.com

Time & Skills

Give your time and skills to the community> Volunteer

Do you have a special skill or an area of expertise? If so, use those skills and volunteer at

an organisation that could benefit from your services. Volunteer Hutt matches volunteers

with organisations looking for people with similar skills and interests.

For further information or if you are keen to get involved:

P (04) 566 6796

E [email protected]

> Enjoy and protect your local environment

There are lots of ways to enjoy Upper Hutt’s beautiful green environment and help keep it

that way. Upper Hutt Forest and Bird works to protect areas of regenerating native forest,

our precious Hutt River and other waterways in the region. They also restore areas to

their natural state, by planting natives and with pest control programmes. Monthly branch

meetings are held with entertaining and enlightening speakers, every fourth Wednesday

of month at the Cosmopolitan Club, Upper Hutt. Meetings start at 7.30pm (for fast entry,

please bring your drivers’ licence).

Contact Kathryn Hicks for further information or enquiries:


> Join a service club

There are a number of service clubs throughout the Hutt Valley. Service clubs are a great

way to meet new people and give back to your community.

Lions Club W www.lionsclubs.org.nz

Rotary Club W www.rotary.org.nz

Inner Wheel W www.innerwheel.org.nz

Soroptimist International W www.siwellington.org.nz

> Become a visitor of housebound or isolated older peopleSome older people like the extra company of a regular visitor. Age Concern has a visiting service for older people, and offer great opportunities to people wanting to give back to their community. Consider becoming a volunteer visitor and help put a smile on someone’s face.

If you are keen to get out there and become a regular house visitor please contact Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service:


> Coach a sports teamLots of sports groups require coaching assistance. This is a great way to share your knowledge and give back to the community. It’s also a great way to get out and about and stay active.

Contact the Upper Hutt City Council Activation team for more information:


> Upper Hutt Women’s CentreThe Upper Hutt Women’s Centre provides and maintains a centre which promotes and encourages the development and empowerment for all women in an educative and supportive environment.


M (04) 527 0017 E [email protected]

> Upper Hutt MenzshedUpper Hutt Menzshed members range in age and background, and are involved in a variety of projects, both in the community and as members.

For more information, contact Phil:

M (027) 239 4828 E [email protected]

W www.menzshed.org.nz

> Cultural IdentityIf you are new to our beautiful country and are looking for support groups, activities or people with similar interests, the New Zealand NOW website has all the information you need.

Check out the website

W www.newzealandnow.govt.nz

> Brush up on your computer skills

Learn to know your way around a computer while meeting new people. Senior Net is an

incorporated society that provides courses for its members. Courses cater from beginners

through to more advanced users. Members meet on the first, second and fourth Tuesday

of every month.

Contact Graeme at Senior Net for more information:

P (04) 529 7662 A 123 Main Street, Upper Hutt

P (04) 527 8806 E seniornetuh@xtra,net

> Upper Hutt City Library - PC Zone

Do you want to type a letter, create a document or send a letter to your loved ones? All this

and more is available at the Upper Hutt Central Library PC Zone. Computer Mentors are

volunteers on site, who can assist with establishing email accounts, preparing documents,

completing online forms, downloading photographs, scanning and saving documents for

FREE!

Computer Mentors are available at the Upper Hutt City Library from:

Monday to Saturday from 10am–12noon

Brain Food

> Research your local or family history

Documenting family and local history is not only personally rewarding, but also creates a

lasting treasure for others. The Upper Hutt Community Archive, located at the Upper Hutt

City Library is a great place to start.

The library has a wide collection of original historical material and photographs relating

to the history of Upper Hutt. In addition to many books providing information on how to

research family history, the Upper Hutt City Library also provides a list of digital resources

on genealogy.

Contact the Upper Hutt City Library on:

P (04) 527 2117 W www.upperhuttlibrary.co.nz

> Read Write Plus

Read Write Plus have spaces available for those wanting to offer their time as volunteers in

their community. They also offer a range of senior courses.

For more information phone Read Write Plus or visit their website:

P (04) 528 0286 W www.literacy.org.nz

Places to Visit

> Silverstream Railway

Silverstream Railway is a working heritage railway located on Reynolds Bach Drive in

Upper Hutt. It is open for train rides on the first and third Sunday of each month, as well

as selected public holidays from 11am–4pm. Silverstream Railway’s mission is to restore

and preserve heritage railway memorabilia - in particular items that relate to the Wellington

Region.

For more information contact the Silverstream Railway on:

P (04) 563 7348

> Parks and Reserves

Upper Hutt is known for its parks and open spaces. Whether you want to go for a walk,

enjoy a picnic, play sport, or just relax, you’ll find the perfect spot in one of the many local

parks. Upper Hutt City has more than fifty parks offering picturesque walkways, majestic

trees and gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas and sports grounds.

To find a park close to your neighbourhood please visit the Upper Hutt City Council Parks

and Reserves section on the Upper Hutt City Council website:


> Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre

Visit the Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre galleries for inspiring exhibitions

from local and national artists, and enjoy a coffee at Limelight Cafe. Expressions Arts and

Entertainment Centre offers an exciting and diverse range of programmes, exhibitions, live

shows, performances and cultural events.

To find out what’s happening at Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre:


W www.expressions.org.nz

> Golders Cottage

Golders Cottage is an historic house and museum all in one. Stroll around the cottage

grounds and view the original outbuildings and gardens.

Open Saturdays and Public Holidays 1:30pm–4:00pm (except Christmas Day &

Good Friday)

For more information contact:

P (04) 528 9855 W www.goldercottage.co.nz

> Wellington Family Speedway

Situated just north of Upper Hutt on SH2, the Te Marua speedway facility has been a key

part of family entertainment in the capital for 35 years

For those looking to be entertained by fast paced, thrilling and sometimes brutal motor

racing action, Wellington Family Speedway holds it all.

For more information on race times and pricing please visit the Wellington Family

Speedway website:

E [email protected] W www.wellingtonspeedway.co.nz

Citizens Advice Bureau (04) 528 9040 0800 367 222

Activation / H20 Xtream (04) 527 2113

Upper Hutt City Library (04) 527 2117

Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre (04) 527 2168

Upper Hutt City Council Community Development (04) 527 2794

Upper Hutt City Council – main line (04) 527 2169

For even more ideas on what to do in Upper Hutt please visit the Upper Hutt City Council website and download a copy of the Community Directory at:

www.upperhuttcity.com

*Information in this booklet was correct at the time of printing. Please seek medical advice before attempting any of the physical activities in this booklet.

Handy Phone Numbers

UPPERHUTTCITY.COM

Upper Hutt City Council

838 – 842 Fergusson Drive

Private Bag 907

Upper Hutt 5140

t (04) 527 2169

E [email protected]

f fb.com/upperhuttcitycouncil


This publication is produced by:

Community Development

Upper Hutt City Council

upper hutt activities for people aged hutt activities for people aged 60 + this booklet offers our...

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