August Here-turi-kōkā 2026
www.Eastbourneherald.co.nz
Ph: 027 253 2996
Future of bus services in the Hutt Valley - Have your say! Nicola Morris
As signalled last month Greater Wellington Regional Council is reviewing bus services across the Hutt Valley. The GWRC proposed changes are now available and GWRC are now calling for submissions on the proposed changes. We know and to be honest, we understand, the reasons GWRC has put forward (accessibility, affordability and meeting community needs), but as with any change proposal there will be winners and losers. We have outlined below the proposed changes to Eastbourne specific routes. In our opinion, Eastbourne is bearing the brunt of the proposed changes, with some services disappearing and others being significantly reduced. Route Number
We strongly encourage you to read the full proposals and to have your say - if feedback is not received challenging the proposed changes then it is likely if not probable that the changes will proceed. If you don't believe the consultation document allows you the opportunity to fully comment then submit additional comments outlining your thoughts. In addition to the changes to the 81, 83 and 84 bus routes that directly impact Eastbourne, there are also changes proposed to some
Route
Proposed Change
Impact for Eastbourne
81
Wellington – Petone Eastbourne
Route change with half of all services not servicing Eastbourne
Those going from Eastbourne to Point Howard will have half as many services
83
Eastbourne – Lower Hutt – Petone Wellington
Less frequent between Lower Hutt and Wellington and between Eastbourne and Lower Hutt. Extending some operating hours
Eastbourne to Lower Hutt services will be reduced to every hour. Extended hours do not service Eastbourne route from Lower Hutt
84
Eastbourne – Gracefield – Petone Wellington
Route shortened with service starting and ending in Gracefield / Seaview
No services for Eastbourne
school bus routes and the night service as we know it will disappear for all areas within the Hutt Valley. Extended hours are offered on some services but these do not assist those living in Eastbourne. Please take the opportunity to understand the proposed changes and to provide feedback with the form available online until 6 September 2026 , or scan the code .There will be a public briefing in Eastbourne Thursday September 3 10-11 am at the Eastbourne Community Hub / Library. Letter to Editor Thank you for covering proposed reductions in Eastbourne bus services on the front page of last issue. Consultation has now opened. I made an error in my comment that I have only just realised. I said that Metlink proposed an additional ferry sailing as mitigation for the loss of 81 bus services. The proposal is actually for an additional bus with timed connection to ferry sailings. I misread Metlink advice and apologise to readers. Please provide feedback on the proposals, whether you use the bus or not. GW Cr Quentin Duthie
Don’t Forget Dad this Father’s Day Sunday 6th September