Hutt Zone

The Hutt Zone with John MacDonald focuses on the people, issues, events, and music that shape the Hutt Valley community.

We hear more memories of Upper Hutt’s musical scene in the 1950s and 60s from musician Stefan Brown. Recorded in 2016 with Upper Hutt Libraries Caren Wilton. Upper Hutt Heritage
There’s poetry from Wainuiomata’s David Smith “Senior Moments” read by Trentham’s Arlene Croft.
We hear from Upper Hutt City Mayor Peri Zee who talks to Smarterfocus Productions’ Martin Edwards on local government amalgamation plans.
And we hear a Katherine Mansfield Short Story “A Little Episode” found through the research of Christopher Mourant King’s College London – a 1909 story, about relationships, emotions and attachment.
Ending with Kapa Haka music from Upper Hutt Primary School recorded in 2020.

Sections
Poem – 1’29” – “Senior Moments” – David Smith
History – 3’04” – Upper Hutt Memories – Stefan Brown (2016)
Politics – 27’34” – Amalgamations – Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee
Story – 29’35” – Katherine Mansfield – A Little Episode
Music – 50’06” – Kapa Haka 2020 – Upper Hutt Primary School

This week we talk watercolours and wellness with Dawn Dutie ahead of her workshop on Sunday in Upper Hutt, and hear about the art community she’s building around her Main Street Art & Gift shop.

We see out May New Zealand Music Month, by hearing memories of Upper Hutt’s musical scene in the 1950s and 60s from musician Stefan Brown. Recorded in 2016 with Upper Hutt Libraries Caren Wilton. Upper Hutt Heritage

We also hear original music from Tom Dorman & Simon O’Dey “Who lit the fire” and from Wicked Fish “Burn the flame”.

There’s inspirational poetry from Lower Hutt writer Alex Jeune – “A better place” .

You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions.

Sections

Poem – 1’16” – “A better place” – Alex Jeune

History – 2’48” – Upper Hutt Memories – Stefan Brown (2016)

Music – 22’50” – “Who lit the fire” – Tom Dorman & Simon O’Dey

Feature – 27’52” – Dawn Duthie Artist – Upper Hutt Watercolours for wellbeing workshop

Music – 48’44” – “Burn the flame” – Wicked Fish

As May is New Zealand Music Month, John chats to Harvest Moon band member Rob Reid ahead of their next Days Bay Pavillion gig – 31st May, we hear about the band’s music, its origins, and hear some of their unique “Americana” tunes.
We complete our readings from Katherin Mansfield’s “In a German Pension” from Bookstream Audio Book’s Harrie Dobby – this week’s it’s “A Blaze”.
There’s poetry from last year’s Upper Hutt Library Poetry Competition – “Celebrate my firsts” by John Dwyer and read by Steve Harrison.
And lots of local music from Harvest Moon, Cumbia Blazera and from Parkway Intermediate, Wainuiomata – from their 1982 musical “Monsters”.
You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions.

Sections
Poem – 1’03” – "Celebrate my firsts" by John Dwyer
Story – 4’09” – "A Blaze" by Katherine Mansfield
Music – 17’56” – "Historia" by Cumbia Blazera
Feature – 21’27” – Harvest Moon Band with Rob Reid
Music – 42’49” – "Copperhead" cover performed by Harvest Moon
Music – 47’55” – "That Happy Day" from Monsters the Musical – Parkway Intermediate, WOA

As May is New Zealand Music Month, we celebrate 50 golden years of singing by Hutt City Chorale/Wainuiomata Choir and chat to choir member Hedda Bleasdale ahead of Saturday afternoon’s concert at St Mark’s Uniting Church, Woburn Road, Lower Hutt. More details from Hutt City Chorale #NZMusicMonth
We finish hearing about the history of Cruickshank’s Saddle from the research of David Castle. This was in the area of Totara Park, Upper Hutt to the Mangaroa Valley. Thanks to the Upper Hutt Libraries – Upper Hutt Heritage for sharing this on the Recollect Platform.
There’s poetry from former Wainuiomata based poet Margaret Jeune – “An Encounter”.
And lots of local music from former Hutt Valley High School musician Ethan Ziggy Morrison “River”, Lower Hutt's Jonathan & Samuel Berkahn “The Wedding at Dunbar” and from 2018 combined Cantoris Choir & Hutt City Chorale – “Rhythm of Life”.
You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions.

Sections
Poem – 1’19” – Margaret Jeune – An Encounter
History – 2’49” – Cruickshank Saddle
Music – 12’32” – Ethan Ziggy Morrison – “River” cover by Leon Bridge
Feature – 15’59” – Hedda Bleasdale – Hutt City Chorale 50 Golden Years
Music – 43’14” – “Rhythm of Life” – Hutt City Chorale (Wainuiomata Choir) & Cantoris Choirs
Music – 48’22” – Jonathan & Samuel Berkahn – “The Wedding at Dunbar”