[Pookeko]

Hi all,

We'll be arriving in NZ very soon, but at the moment I am looking at where we can afford to live, having given up on looking at where we'd like to live :p and I was wondering whether anyone on the forum lives around Porirua?

I was thinking about Titahi Bay or maybe Ascot Park...? What about Elsdon / Cannons Creek / Ranui / Waitangirua? Some of the houses look quite ok but even though I'm from Wellington I don't know the Porirua area very well (except that we used to be disparaging about it :D ...).

I'll appreciate any feedback but particularly from anyone in the area, thank you :)

I will have a bit of time to scope it out when I get there but I just like to be a bit prepared.

dib dib dob dob...

[Kiwi-In-Texas]

Have you looked at Whitby, Tawa, Linden? Ascot Park is not a bad area.
Personally, I would not live in Porirua itself. Titahi Bay is not too bad.
I lived in Wellington as a child, but prefer the Kapiti Coast area myself.

[IanW99]

Hi all,

We'll be arriving in NZ very soon, but at the moment I am looking at where we can afford to live, having given up on looking at where we'd like to live :p and I was wondering whether anyone on the forum lives around Porirua?

I was thinking about Titahi Bay or maybe Ascot Park...? What about Elsdon / Cannons Creek / Ranui / Waitangirua? Some of the houses look quite ok but even though I'm from Wellington I don't know the Porirua area very well (except that we used to be disparaging about it :D ...).

I'll appreciate any feedback but particularly from anyone in the area, thank you :)

I will have a bit of time to scope it out when I get there but I just like to be a bit prepared.

dib dib dob dob...

There are some very nice areas in and around Porirua and some expensive areas as well.

Generally you would be advised to stay away from Porirua East which would include Cannons Creek and Waitangirua.

Titahi bay and Ascot park are a bit patchy i.e. some good bits and some not so good.

There are some good properties in Papakowhai and Whitby that aren't too expensive and nice areas to live.

Good facilities, plenty of watersports in the area and some decent beaches, with easy access into Wellington city or up to the Kapiti coast.

Ian

[Carol]

I agree with Ian!

[Lara Croft]

When I was looking for a rental, I was lucky enough to have a relocation consultant helping me, and she would give me impartial advice on different areas - in particular the schools, as we have a young son.

She advised us to avoid Porirua in general, as the schools are often low decile, also Tit'ahi Bay as it has one of the worst primary schools in the area.

I don't know if you have children, or if this is not part of the equation for you?

Regards,
Jane

[IanW99]

When I was looking for a rental, I was lucky enough to have a relocation consultant helping me, and she would give me impartial advice on different areas - in particular the schools, as we have a young son.

She advised us to avoid Porirua in general, as the schools are often low decile, also Tit'ahi Bay as it has one of the worst primary schools in the area.

I don't know if you have children, or if this is not part of the equation for you?

Regards,
Jane

As said before on other threads a low decile rating in itself is no indication of the schools ability it only shows the make up of the families that attend.

If you can find a good school with a low decile rating then your school fees will be less as the government will provide additional monies.

If you talk to kiwis about the decile rating they can't understand why so many people from the UK consider them important.

You are much better to look at the school reports which you can read on the education review office (http://www.ero.govt.nz/ero/publishing.nsf/Content/Home+Page) website.

But, yes, it is always useful to check out schools and their zones if you have children before you make a final decision on an area.

Ian

[Pookeko]

Thank you everyone for your replies :)

I had not thought of Whitby! I just assumed it would be too expensive and out of our price range but actually I have found a few ok prices :nice1 and they always say buy the worst house on the best road kind of thing!...

I am lucky enough not to have any schooling issues as such as my son is already in NZ at Onslow College in J'ville. However I am mad keen on something with even a stand-on-table glimpse-through-telescope view of the sea and I figured the Porirua City area would provide that while at the same time being sheltered from the howling southerlies. :D

Schooling is something I need to consider for resale though, thank you for bringing that point up.

Even though Johnsonville is an awkward commute by public transport from the Porirua area I am really really warming to the idea of living out there. :)


Does anyone know of an online fault line map of NZ btw?

[IanW99]

Thank you everyone for your replies :)

I had not thought of Whitby! I just assumed it would be too expensive and out of our price range but actually I have found a few ok prices :nice1 and they always say buy the worst house on the best road kind of thing!...

I am lucky enough not to have any schooling issues as such as my son is already in NZ at Onslow College in J'ville. However I am mad keen on something with even a stand-on-table glimpse-through-telescope view of the sea and I figured the Porirua City area would provide that while at the same time being sheltered from the howling southerlies. :D

Schooling is something I need to consider for resale though, thank you for bringing that point up.

Even though Johnsonville is an awkward commute by public transport from the Porirua area I am really really warming to the idea of living out there. :)


Does anyone know of an online fault line map of NZ btw?

For Fault lines or wind patterns check out Porirua City Council (http://www.pcc.govt.nz/) web site (The aerial photo and maps (GIS) section )

Porirua can certainly be windy at times.

You are more likely to get a glimpse of the harbour from Papakowhai, I guess it depends on if you want to see it from inside your house or not?

Ian

[PeteS]

I know this isn't really replying to the thread, but me and her indoors reckon that Porirua sounds like some sort of nasty foot disease that you'd catch in a swimming pool..... as in:-

"I'm sorry, little Peter can't come out today, he's got Porirua, and we need to paint between his toes with the yellow stuff from the Doctor."

Sorry about that, it's just the way some words take us. Ho hum.

[Pookeko]

For Fault lines or wind patterns check out Porirua City Council (http://www.pcc.govt.nz/) web site (The aerial photo and maps (GIS) section )

Porirua can certainly be windy at times.

You are more likely to get a glimpse of the harbour from Papakowhai, I guess it depends on if you want to see it from inside your house or not?

Ian

Top site thanks Ian =)

Sorry I meant water rather than sea. The inlet / harbour / anything will do around that way. :D I hope the area's reputation improves in the long term as I think surroundings-wise it's a lovely area to live. :)