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Communicating in an emergency
Oct 14, 2025
Maungaraki Community Centre at 8:30 pm on Thursday 16th of October 2025
Following a major event, such as an earthquake, the first thought of most of us will be “I’m OK but is my family OK?” and we will reach for the phone to find out. Unfortunately a quarter of a million other Wellingtonians will have had exactly the same thought at exactly the same time so, even if the cell system is undamaged, it will still be overloaded and not available.
This communications void can be bridged with an encrypted text messaging system, with GPS, called Meshtastic. The hardware is commercially available at low (compared to a cellphone) cost, and it is free to use. If you would be interested in joining an alternative way of communicating with family, friends, and community in Maungaraki please bring your family to a public meeting at 8:30 pm on Thursday 16th of October 2025 in the large hall in the Maungaraki Community Centre.
Normandale sentinels
Two Sierra Redwoods, stand as sentinels by the Normandale Overbridge. These are located on the former estate of Sir William Fitzherbert K.C.M.G. who served as a MP and various other public offices).
About Normandale
A fabulous place to live – a dormitory suburb where people come for the quality of life, Normandale has community facilities for all ages from playschool to Senior citizens.
The historical road to Pauatahanui is still the physical backbone of our community– winding through well established housing in bush clad hills to rural properties and Belmont Regional Park.
The suburb is dominated by a treescape that conceals housing and brings native birds to your windows.
There is easy access to central city shopping, Library, swimming pools and railway stations.
We have an attractive network of paths and reserves, and easy access to Belmont Regional Park for walking, cycling and horse riding
Historic horse trough
Constructed in 1905 at the top of the steep initial climb from the railway line, this horse trough still provides water for those that seek it out.
Hutt-Minoh House
Minoh House – formerly “Norbury”, built in 1904, where Professor George von Zedlitz and his wife Alice lived 1905 – 1922
Rural Normandale
Normandale extends into rural properties that merge into Belmont Regional Park providing unsurpassed quality of life in Lower Hutt.