Our Wellington magazine - Winter edition 2024

Disclaimer: We make this magazine to encourage you to get involved in local events, to demonstrate the great work happening in Wellington, and to show you some of the many reasons there are to be proud of our city. Wellington City Council has, to the best of its knowledge, sourced accurate information. We will not be held responsible for any errors, changes in pricing, or misinformation.

The information in this text version is current as of the date of the original publication of Sunday 16 June 2024.

We’re proud to use Aotearoa’s indigenous language in our publications. If you come across a word you don’t know, there’s an easy way to learn what it means – visit maoridictionary.co.nz

This magazine is produced by our Communications and Engagement Team. If you have any feedback, email ourwellington@wcc.govt.nz

Kia ora koutou

Ko te kaupapa o Matariki he whakamaumahara ki ō tātau tīpuna, te hunga e arohatia ana e tātau, me te titiro atu ki ngā rā e tū mai i te wā e whakatata atu ana ki te wā makariri.

I konei i Te Whanganui-a-Tara kei te whakanuia e tātau a Matariki ki te taha moana me ngā whakaaturanga, ngā kai me tētahi tikanga hira i ia pō hei whakamaumahara ki te hunga kua mene ki te pō.

I mua, i taua mutunga wiki hoki ka whakaaturia ētahi whitiāhua poto iwi taketake e whakaari ana i ngā kōrero mō tō tātau moana, ka whakaaturia ki tētahi mata wai.

Kua uru a Te Whanganui-a-Tara ki tētahi wā hurihanga. Kei te tipu haere tō tātau tāone nui, nō reira ka rerekē te āhua me te wairua o te tāone nui i a mātau e whakahaere ana i ēnei mahi.

He nui ngā mahi e haere ana i Te Ngākau hei whakarauora i taua wāhi kia noho anō hei pokapū o te tāone matua.

He nui ngā painga ka puta i tēnei ki ngā pakihi, te iwi me ngā kainoho o te takiwā, tae atu ki ngā painga mō te hapori mai i te hokinga atu o ngā mahi ōhanga, ngā taiopenga hapori, ā-iwi hoki, ngā puoro me te ahurea, me ngā manuhiri ki te takiwā.

I te wā e haere ana ēnei mahi ko tāku whakahau ki a koutou kia kaha tonu ki te tautoko i ngā pakihi o te takiwā, me te haere atu pea i te taha o te whānau me ngā hoa ki ngā mahi āhuareka.

Kia pai tā koutou Matariki!

Tory Whanau
Koromatua

Laurie Foon
Koromatua Tuarua

Kia ora koutou

Matariki, the Māori New Year, is about remembering our tīpuna, our loved ones who have come before us, and looking into the future as we enter into the colder months.

Here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara we will be celebrating Matariki on the waterfront with performances, kai, and a special ceremony each night to honour those who have left us.

In the lead up and over the long weekend, there will also be a series of indigenous short films showcasing stories of our ocean, projected on a water screen.

Wellington is entering a period of transformational change. Our city is growing and this means that the city will look and feel different to how it usually does while we carry out this important work.

There is lots of movement happening in Te Ngākau Civic Square to revitalise the precinct and make it the heart of the capital again.

This will have significant benefit for businesses, iwi and residents in the area, as well as benefits for the community with economic activity, community and civic events, music and culture, and visitors all returning to the area.

While this work is continuing I encourage you to continue supporting businesses in the area, perhaps joining whānau and friends to make some wonderful Wellington memories.

Happy Matariki everyone!

Tory Whanau
Mayor

Laurie Foon
Deputy Mayor

Did you know you can…

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Sort out your garden with Capital Compost
We sell compost and all sorts of other garden products like mulch and garden mix at the Tip Shop. We make the compost out of the city’s garden waste. You can buy a bag, or in bulk, and we can deliver bulk orders. Learn more about Capital Compost.

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Purchase water tanks from the Tip Shop
You can buy 200-litre water tanks from our Tip Shop at the Southern Landfill at a discounted price. Tanks can be used to collect rainwater in an emergency, or act as a back-up water supply during drought. For more information, see our Tip Shop page.

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Check out Our Wellington online
Wondering what's going on in the city? Find out through the Our Wellington news channel. It's full of the latest info and stories about our people, our places, our friends and our city. Learn more about Our Wellington. 

Wā tākaro Playtime

The story behind Whetuu Maarama

Rising up out of the water and onto the land is Whetuu Maarama, the new waka at the upgraded Te Aro Mahanaplay area in Frank Kitts Park.

Designed by artist Matthew McIntyre-Wilson (Taranaki, Ngā Māhanga and Titahi), the waka is a new and unique piece of the play area – the first of its kind on the waterfront in Pōneke.

With a background in jewellery making, traditional weaving and object-making with raranga (plaiting) and whatu (threading) patterns, Matthew says he was brought on board to work alongside the Council and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika to develop the waka and tell the stories of the area.

“The placement of the waka suggests that it was brought out of the water and onto the land. This is emphasised by the rocks at the entrance to the playground, suggesting that it’s a Tauranga waka. The shores were once lined with waka of all kinds.”

With the waka sitting close to the water at the entrance to the playground, he landed on the design of a waka tētē, which is known as a fishing canoe. The name of the play area itself, Te Aro Mahana, speaks to past voyages of boats finding their future and the historical Te Aro Pā site.

Not only does the waka tētē connect the playground to the land, but Matthew has used the traditional elements of the waka to tell the love story of stars.

“It shows the celestial partnership between Rehua as the summer star and Puanga as the winter star. The relationship brought them their child Puawānanga, known as the flowers of the spring that cover the forest canopy and drop white flowers to the ground.

“Puanga can be seen on the taurapa (stern of the boat) and Rehua on the tauihu (bow of the waka) with Puawānanga depicted in the hull of the waka, there are petals on the ground, and this shows the love between stars and te taiao (the environment).”

The waka tētē also connects to a key piece of playground equipment – the hīnaki, a giant climbing net for tamariki. This ties into the play-matting designed by Matthew for the playground, which includes imagery of tuna swimming in and out of the hīnaki.

While this is the first waka in a play area on the waterfront, Matthew hopes that this is the start of many more popping up across Pōneke.

“I want kids to try paddling in the waka, climb in and out, and jump off it! Whatever they want to do is the right thing!

“That’s the idea of the waka – tamariki can learn about the different elements and make those connections in the future.”

Top Matariki stargazing spots

Matariki is a special time in the Māori calendar which celebrates the beginning of a new year. Our amazing city has many stargazing vantage points to climb! We encourage you to plan ahead and set your alarm clock early to catch the Matariki cluster at dawn. It may take a few tries to see the stars so don't be disheartened if you don't spot them first time around!

James Stellin Memorial Park

In Northland on Te Ahumairangi Hill, James Stellin Memorial Park has stunning 180-degree views over the city to the harbour as well as neat night sky viewing opportunities.

Homebush Park

Located on Homebush Road in Khandallah, this hidden playground down a gravel track has breathtaking views over Wellington harbour and the wide-open skies above.

Tawatawa Reserve

A large, flat dog-friendly area located on Quebec Street, between the suburbs of Ōwhiro Bay, Kingston, and Island Bay.

Ataturk Memorial Park

The Ataturk Memorial Park lookout can be accessed from the Tarakena Bay car park on Breaker Bay Road.

Waihinahina Park

Located on Ladbrooke Drive in Newlands, Waihinahina Park is an open-grassed area surrounded with regenerating bush – an ideal spot for stargazing Matariki on a clear night!

Ngā pitopito kōrero News

See you online: final Our Wellington print edition

The 2024 winter edition will be the last to hit your mailbox.

The seasonal brochure was launched in spring 2014 as a free insider's guide to life in the capital – a one stop shop with information about the Council’s services, events we support, the city’s public spaces and places, free activities, and important news for residents.

We hope you continue to check out the fantastic events, services, and facilities on offer by subscribing to our newsletter, visiting our website or following us on social media.

While you may no longer receive a physical magazine in your letterbox, you can keep up to date with life in the capital by:

• Subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter, This Week in Our Wellington
• Checking out the latest news on Our Wellington online 
• Checking out city events
• Following us on Facebook 

Ngā mihi nui.

The proposal to stop the quarterly Our Wellington brochure was one of many to be put forward as part of our 2024–34 Long-term Plan, to reduce pressure on rates as the city’s costs increase and we face major financial challenges.

We’ll continue to look at how we can deliver our services in innovative ways that meet the changing needs of our community.

Find out more about our 2024–34 Long-term Plan.

Major transport projects coming in-house

We’re taking the lead on some projects that were formerly part of Let’s Get Wellington Moving – a partnership between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Wellington City Council. That programme was dissolved in early 2024, but we continue to face transport challenges and need to keep working toward moving more people more efficiently.

We’re continuing work on the Golden Mile strip from Courtenay Place, and then along Willis and Manners Streets to the

Parliament end of Lambton Quay; and the commuter route along Thorndon Quay from Bunny Street to the Aotea Quay overbridge at 87 Hutt Road.

Due to budget constraints, we’re proposing not to continue with improvements to Hutt Road from the Aotea Quay overbridge to the Jarden Mile intersection. The Mayor and Councillors will decide that as part of our 10-year Long-term Plan process.

Visit the Let's Talk website and Transport Projects website for more information.

New central city hub for recycling and pre-loved goods

We know it’s hard to get to the Tip Shop at the Southern Landfill without a car, so we’re setting up a new space in town. From June, you’ll be able to drop off items you don’t need but could be reused, buy secondhand goods, and recycle at Te Aro Zero Waste.

A partnership between the Council and the Sustainability Trust, the centre will be based in the Trust’s building at 2 Forresters Lane, Te Aro. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information.

Fun facts about our Central Library

We are strengthening and modernisingTe Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, our Central Library, with the project tracking on time and within budget. Here are seven fun facts.

• Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui translates to ‘The Window to the Wider World’.
• The building will be 17,000 sqm, from the basement to level four.
• All 49 piles (that went down as far as 21 metres before they hit rock) have been installed, as have the first base isolators.
• Te Matapihi will aim to be a New Zealand Green Building Council five-star-rated building. This will help towards the goal of making Wellington a zero-carbon city (net zero emissions) by 2050.
• Through a co-design relationship with Taranaki Whānui, the Council is reimagining Te Matapihi. Design elements will investigate the intersection between traditional libraries, information services, and the unique environmental origins of Pōneke.
• The building will have four entrances, with three at ground level, and a cafe connected to Te Ngākau Civic Square.
• Te Matapihi will provide innovatively designed facilities, balancing space for relaxation, reading, study, learning, and knowledge exploration, alongside our city’s treasures and collections.

When it re-opens in early 2026, Te Matapihi will once again be an integral part of the beating heart of our capital city.

Restoring the heart of our capital city? Absolutely

We’re making good progress on multiple projects that will enhance the resilience of Te Ngākau Civic Square and restore it to its place as the civic and cultural heart of the city.

CAB and MOB site redevelopment

The exciting future of Te Ngākau Civic Square continues to take shape with the announcement in April that the Council has selected Precinct Properties as its preferred developer for the Civic Administration Building (CAB) and Municipal Office Building (MOB) sites in Te Ngākau Civic Square.

Once CAB is demolished by the end of 2024 and MOB by the end of 2025, development of a new building can proceed on the two empty sites.

The new five-star green building will activate Te Ngākau by enabling a range of around-the-clock activity including retail, hospitality, co-working and office space, alongside civic and cultural spaces. It will also provide the front-of-house functions for the Town Hall and any national music centre requirements, while adding to the green space in Te Ngākau.

Other works happening in Te Ngākau

The CAB and MOB site redevelopment adds to the programme of work underway across Te Ngākau Civic Square precinct. Te Matapihi Central Library and Town Hall projects remain within the budgets approved by the Council, with the library on track to be completed by the end of 2025 and opened early 2026, and the Town Hall completed in 2027.

A master development plan for the precinct is also underway, with a draft plan due to be completed soon. This plan will inform the CAB and MOB redevelopment, with close collaboration between the teams working on each project.

Visit the project page for the latest updates.

Ō tātou wāhi Our Places

Helping people find their way

Darren Switalla puts himself in other people’s shoes to help Wellington’s residents and visitors find their way around the city.

He is Wellington City Council’s wayfinding design specialist, meaning he creates the public signage that helps people navigate spaces and places within Pōneke.

“Wayfinding is about understanding how people use spaces around the city and guiding them through a physical environment. It’s important to offer visitors a welcoming, positive and informative visitor experience.”

A member of the Council’s Creative and Brand team, Darren’s main focuses are public parks, car parks and Council facilities, like libraries and pools.

“There’s wayfinding signage everywhere and I think many people take it for granted as part of everyday life. It’s always in the background until you are looking for it.”

So, what does wayfinding entail? After getting familiar with a space and mapping out potential sign locations, Darren will design a sign family. These are made up of various types of signs, including the site name, directional signs that lead people to various locations, information signs that offer details about the place and services, identification signs that label particular areas, and regulatory signs that communicate behaviour change to set expectations and keep people safe.

Darren says a lot of thinking goes into the process.

“We test for accessibility, looking at type sizes, colour and contrast, and considerations around those with no or low vision. It can be high stress too because we want to make things that last a long time and ensure the money that’s spent creating those signs and systems are good value over the long term.”

A graphic designer with the Council for 17 years, Darren says he enjoys putting himself in other people’s shoes and it’s been inspiring witnessing the change in the design approach over time.

“When I first started it was almost cookie-cutter design, but as design has evolved it’s now more user-centred – thinking about the city and the people in it.”

He says the importance of good wayfinding can be underestimated.

“The fear of being lost is real, especially with tourists. A parent could urgently be looking for a changing room and be unable to find one, or a lack of signage could cause someone to run late for an urgent appointment.

“Wherever I go, I am always observing what’s around and what’s not.

“Being in a position of creating those systems, I’m always learning out in the world when it comes to signage.”

A recent example was a family trip to Japan, where Darren says they got “terribly lost” while navigating through a train station by following directional arrows that led to a dead end.

“In a foreign country, that can be nerve-racking. When the signage fails to work it can lead to confusion and second guessing.”

A keen surfer and free-diver and originally from Christchurch, Darren loves the south coast, the compact nature of Wellington city and its surrounding hills.

Work he is most proud of includes the wayfinding signage at both Tākina, and Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in Kilbirnie.

The father of two says it’s a privilege championing te reo Māori with bilingual signage, which he believes “is adding a lovely fabric to the community”.

“Often signage is part of the first impression. It’s the first exposure before entering a building, so it’s important to develop a solution that is inclusive and friendly when welcoming people into our spaces.”

Matariki Puanga

The celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years and is accompanied by long-established traditions.

In Te Upoko o Te Ika (Wellington region), some mana whenua celebrate not just the rising of Matariki, but also Puanga.

Puanga is a single whetū (star). It’s not part of the Matariki cluster but appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises each year. Puanga rises higher in the sky than Matariki so it’s recognised by iwi and hapū that can’t see Matariki from their location. Traditionally, the brightness and clarity of the stars was an indicator of how abundant the harvest would be in the coming year.

“Puanga is the star that Te Āti Awa acknowledge, given that our location to place and space characterises how we see the universe from our marae, parks, and islands.

“Living directly under our maunga, Puanga is more visible to our world and our way of being,” says Kura Moeahu, Chair Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui.

Matariki Puanga celebrates our unique location in Te Upoko o Te Ika. The shape of the landscape means that in some areas only Puanga can be seen, like in Waiwhetū in Lower Hutt, home to Te Āti Awa ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui. But on the west coast in Porirua, within the boundaries of Ngāti Toa, Matariki is clearly visible. And being a region surrounded by hills and mountain ranges, there are many vantage points where both are visible – here in Te Upoko o Te Ika we have something special!

Puanga and the nine stars of Matariki

Learn more about what each star represents.

Ururangi (Merope)
This whetū encourages us to get to know te whānau puhi (the wind family) – Hauraro (north wind), Tonga (south wind), Hauāuru (west wind), Marangai (east wind) – to embrace its strength and prepare for any challenges it creates.

Waipuna-ā-rangi (Electra)
To reflect about climate change, and what we can do today to lessen the problem, we look to Waipuna-ā-rangi (Electra). She welcomes the winter sky waters in all their forms – ua (rain), ua nganga (hail), and hukarere (snow).

Waiti (Maia)
This star watches over our freshwater environments – our awa (rivers), roto (lakes), kūkūwai (wetlands), and waipuna (springs).

Tupu-ā-nuku (Pleione)
This star encourages us to consider more carefully what we are putting into Papatūānuku (the earth), and in what quantities. Tupu-ā-nuku (Pleione) has a special interest in our edible plants. This includes the natives pūhā (sowthistle), kawakawa (pepper tree), kokihi (NZ spinach), and tī kōuka (cabbage tree).

Hiwa-i-te-rangi/Hiwa (Celaeno)
This wishing star is the youngest star. She helps us to recognise our hopes, dreams and aspirations for the coming year.

Tupu-ā-rangi (Atlas)
This whetū has long looked out for the ngahere (forests) and our native wildlife – manu (birds), bats, mokomoko (lizards), and ngārara (bugs) – that are being ravaged by introduced pests and predators, along with our ancient rākau (trees). Tupu-ā-rangi encourages us to take action to help to bring our forests back to life again.

Waitā (Taygeta)
Biodiversity is essential to our world and Waitā (Taygeta) surveys our vast oceans, Te Moana-nui-o-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean) and Te Tai-o-Rehua (the Tasman Sea). Our actions need to support and enhance it.

Matariki (Alcyone)
The mother of the stars in the constellation, Matariki gathers the people together, and connects them with our environment. She inspires people to do the same.

Pōhutukawa (Sterope/Asterope)
We are encouraged to take the time to treasure the people who have passed on through Pōhutukawa, and to hold tight to our memories of them and acknowledge their impact on our lives.

Puanga (Rigel)
The herald of Matariki, Puanga is a time to wānanga, to restore faith and hope for the future, a time for whanaungatanga, to be with others, share stories and kai, and celebrate who we are.

Matariki Ahi Kā

Thursday 27 June - Sunday 30 June 2024 | Wellington Waterfront

Nau mai, haere mai. Wellington City Council invites you to celebrate the Māori New Year in a uniquely Wellington way.

Enjoy a spectacular, free, whānau-friendly experience with our Matariki Ahi Kā and Mana Moana Pōneke events.

Matariki and Puanga are a time for remembering the past, celebrating the present, and looking to a sustainable future for generations to come. Honour Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and history with a magnificent immersive Wellington waterfront walk-through journey including fire, large-scale projections, and performances. This year, journey through our past, present, and future spaces and share kai each evening at the Odlins Plaza kai court, while enjoying the ambience with live music on the Aroha Stage.

In the lead-up to Ahi Kā and during the long weekend, enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke – a series of indigenous short films about our ocean, projected on a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon. Watch as millions of water droplets fall and catch the light, creating the illusion of images appearing from the darkness and floating on the water. Mana Moana Pōneke is a collaboration between Māori and Pasifika musicians, artists, writers, and choreographers.

Honouring those who have passed away
Join us at the Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi ceremony, starting at the Memorial Wall at 7.45pm each evening, moving along the Te Papa Promenade to Whairepo Lagoon, where we will honour those who have passed away since last Matariki and express our hopes for the future. You will have the opportunity to place the name of your loved one, and your hopes for the year ahead in the baskets located at the Memorial Wall and Whairepo Lagoon before 7.30pm each evening, ahead of the ceremony.

Matariki Ahi Kā

6pm – 9pm, Thursday 27 June - Sunday 30 June 2024 | Wellington Waterfront
Fire, projections, performances, a ceremony at 7.45pm to honour those who have passed away and to express hopes for the future, and kai.

Mana Moana Pōneke

6pm – 9pm, weekends, Saturday 15 June – Sunday 30 June 2024 | Whairepo Lagoon
Stories from our ocean, projected on water.

For more information and programme details, visit wellington.govt.nz/matariki

Matariki Ahi Kā is always a well-attended event. Please be mindful of others and keep an eye on your tamariki. Some of the projections run on a three-year cycle, but there will always be something new to experience at this special event.

Ngā mahi whakangahau
Put it on the calendar

Check out some of the exciting events the Council is supporting over the summer months. For more information, visit our events and festivals page.

Note: This information is current as of the date of the original publication of Sunday 16 June 2024. Please check the individual event websites and social media pages to see whether an event is on, has moved online, and for up-to-date venue and entry information.

Wellington Saints vs Franklin Bulls

6.30pm, Sunday 16 June 2024 | TSB Bank Arena

Visit the Saints website for more information.

Sci-Fi Sundays: The Dark Crystal

6pm, Sunday 16 June 2024 | Space Place

Experience the magic of Jim Henson’s 1982 fantasy epic in Space Place’s planetarium. Visit the Space Place website for more information. 

Rongoā Tī Party

10am – 12pm, Sunday 16 June 2024 | Nairn Street Cottage

Join Kere Arapata for a kapu tī and a kōrero about rongoā Māori at Nairn Street Cottage. Visit the Nairn Street Cottage website for more information. 

Matariki with Wellington Gardens

Monday 17 June 2024 – Friday 21 June 2024 | Otāri-Wilton’s Bush and Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

Keep an eye out for events at our gardens, with rāranga wānanga, titiwai hīkoi and more. Book online on the Wellington Gardens website. 

Doctor Who: Worlds of Wonder

Until Monday 28 October 2024 | Tākina

Explore the science behind the global hit series – unravelling the mystery of why the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. Visit the WellingtonNZ website for more information. 

Mānawatia-a-Matariki

5am – 7am, Tuesday 18 June 2024 | Space Place

Celebrate Puanga ki Matariki with a special planetarium show, kai, and early-morning stargazing (weather permitting). Visit the Space Place website for more information. 

Lōemis

Until Friday 27 June 2024

Explore the unfamiliar with music, film, installations, workshops, a giant hybrid art market, hearty food offerings, and a wolf-infused Friday night winter solstice celebration. Visit the Lōemis website for more information.

Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon

Sunday 23 June 2024 | Sky Stadium

The capital city’s favourite footrace for all ages and abilities with a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and Kids’ Magic Mile. Visit the Wellington Marathon website for more information. 

Topsy Turvy

From Monday 24 June 2024 | Nōku te Ao Capital E

Step into a world of illusion and surprise at the latest play activation for kids under five. Visit the Capital E website for more information. 

Puanga Matariki ki Te Māra a Tāne

June – July 2024 | Zealandia

Celebrate Puanga and Matariki and look to the future with interactive performances, hands-on crafts, and self-led activities. Visit the Zealandia website for more information. 

Astronomy on Tap

8pm – 10pm, Tuesday 25 June | Space Place

Sit back and relax in our full-dome digital planetarium. Visit the Space Place website for more information.

Age Concern: Tea & Tech

10am – 2.30pm, Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Linden Community Hall

Baffled by technology? Come to our free workshop and bring your digital device. Visit the Age Concern Wellington website for more information. 

Hākari Under the Stars

5pm – 9pm, Thursday 27 June 2024 | Space Place

Our Matariki celebration returns with performances from Te Kura Huia and Casual Healing, star talks, tamariki activities and kai. Visit the Space Place website for more information.

Wellington Saints vs Otago Nuggets

4pm, Saturday 29 June 2024 | TSB Bank Arena

Visit the Saints website for more information.

Matariki Moves

10am – 12pm, Sunday 30 June 2024 | Nōku te Ao Capital E

Put on your party outfit and kanikani to celebrate Matariki. Visit the Capital E website for more information. 

Tree of Remembrance

Until Sunday 30 June 2024 | Nairn Street Cottage

Matariki is a time to remember loved ones who have passed. Attach messages for friends and whānau to the beautiful Tree of Remembrance. Visit the Nairn Street Cottage website for more information.

Matariki at the Museum

10am – 5pm, until Monday 1 July 2024 | Wellington Museum

Visit for a drop-in pōhutukawa star craft session. Visit the Wellington Museum website for more information. 

Wellington Saints vs Whai

7.30pm, Wednesday 3 July 2024 | TSB Bank Arena

Visit the Saints website for more information.

Doc Edge Festival 2024

Wednesday 3 July 2024 – Sunday 14 July | The Roxy Cinema and Te Auaha

Documentary screenings and immersive experiences in Wellington. Visit the Doc Edge website for more information. 

Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tours 

7pm and 8pm, Friday 5 July and Friday 2 August 2024 | Botanic Garden ki Paekākā 

Join the fascinating tour into the world of titiwai, New Zealand's glow worms. Visit the Wellington Gardens website for more information.  

Music at the Begonia House

11am – 12pm, Sunday 7 July and Sunday 4 August 2024 | Botanic Garden ki Paekākā | Free

Join the Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden for music in the Begonia House Foyer. Visit the Wellington Gardens website for more information. 

REVEL

7.30pm, Saturday 13 July 2024 | Hannah Playhouse

World class cabaret acts, live music and bespoke cocktails come together. Visit the REVEL page for more information. 

Wellington Saints vs Southland Sharks

3pm, Sunday 14 July 2024 | TSB Bank Arena

Visit the Saints website for more information.

Festival for the Future

Wednesday 17 July – Thursday 18 July 2024 | TSB Bank Arena

The largest leadership and innovation summit in Aotearoa, where ideas meet action and impact. Visit the Festival of the Future website for more information. 

Te Wānanga O Raukawa Pulse vs Mainland Tactix

7.30pm, Monday 22 July 2024 | TSB Bank Arena

Visit the Pulse website for more information.

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival

Wednesday 31 July 2024 – Sunday 11 August 2024 | The Embassy, Roxy Cinema, and Light House Cinema Cuba

Whānau Mārama will bring audiences the best of cinema from around the globe and Aotearoa. Visit the New Zealand International Film Festival website for more information. 

Photobook NZ

10am – 3pm, Saturday 10 August 2024 | Te Papa | Free

New Zealand's national photobook fair and festival. Visit the Photobook website for more information.

Visa Wellington On a Plate

Thursday 1 August 2024 – Saturday 31 August 2024

The largest culinary festival in Aotearoa takes over the capital for the month with local restaurants delivering a delicious line-up of ticketed and non-ticketed events and of course... burgers. Visa pre-sale starts on Monday 17 June 2024. Visit the Visa Wellington On a Plate website for more information. 

Beervana

Friday 23 August – Saturday 24 August 2024 | Sky Stadium

Expand your mind and step into a beer wonderland. There'll be an all-new line-up of beers, brewers, and bites to immerse yourself in at New Zealand's ultimate celebration of good beer. Visit the Beervana website for more information.

Celebrate young artists

10am – 1pm, Sunday 25 August 2024 | Inverlochy Art School

Workshops and art talks for Wellington students aged 12–18. Visit the Inverlochy website for more information. 

Where wild meets child

Until September 2024 | Zealandia

Explore Zealandia by torchlight on a Kids’ Night Walk, designed for kids under 12 to discover creatures that only come out at night. Visit the Zealandia website for more information. 

XYZZY

Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights | Space Place

Sit back as the dome theatre envelops you in a psychedelic journey. Visit the Space Place website for more information.

Wellington Museum Low Sensory Hour

4pm – 5pm, first Thursday of every month | Wellington Museum

Featuring low light and sound throughout the museum. Visit the Wellington Museum website for more information.

Nairn Street Cottage Tour

12pm – 4pm, weekends | Nairn Street Cottage

Gain a fresh perspective on Pōneke past with an interactive tour of one of Wellington’s oldest homes. Visit the Nairn Street Cottage website for more information.

Te Wā o te Kōanga – Spring Festival 2024

September 2024 | Various locations

Join Wellington Gardens for a series of springtime events. Programme to be announced on Thursday 1 August 2024. Visit the Wellington Gardens website for more information. 

Kaupapa pūtea Funding

We have a range of funds available for community groups and projects to help make our city a better place.

Contact our funding team to talk through your idea for a project and check our website for more information on the funds including eligibility and closing dates. Learn more about funding.  

Arts and Culture Fund

Support for arts and cultural projects in the city that deliver to our Aho Tini outcomes: Aho Tangata (Our People), Aho Hononga (Partnership with Māori), Aho Whenua (Our Places), and Aho Mahi (Pathways).

Creative Communities Scheme Fund

For groups and individuals with projects that encourage participation in the arts, that reflect the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities. There is additional funding available to establish festivals that celebrate life experiences, stories and cultures.

Betty Campbell Accommodation Assistance Fund

Do you work with a not-for-profit community group that delivers services to promote social wellbeing for Wellingtonians? This grant can help with rental costs for office space.

Climate and Sustainability Fund

Supports community groups, businesses, schools, and Māori entities to undertake climate action initiatives in Wellington.

Natural Environment Fund

Supports projects and activities that protect the city's indigenous biodiversity, restore ecosystems and connect people to nature.

Social and Recreation Fund

Supports community projects which make the city safer, more resilient and connected.

Waste Minimisation Seed Fund

For organisations seeking under $2,000 to help provide innovative solutions for reducing waste through community projects.

Tō tātou hāpori Our community

Supporting people experiencing homelessness

With the cold winter weather here, we know Wellingtonians worry more about the people across our city who don’t have warm, secure housing.

Homelessness is a complex, multifaceted issue that doesn’t have a quick fix. It is a symptom of wide-ranging systemic issues, and people experiencing homelessness often have unmet housing and health needs.

Wellington has a robust support system for people experiencing homelessness. Hot meals, grocery packs, counselling, and health services are available each day.

The Council supports non-government organisations to deliver these specialist services and programmes, and our funding is making a difference.

Over the last five years, we have provided $6.1 million worth of funding towards the response to homelessness. The social return on that investment is $3.10 per $1.00 spent on homelessness support services, and $5.40 per $1.00 spent on outreach services.

And there are also new homes opening, helping to strengthen our social infrastructure. This includes a new 75-unit development on Frederick Street, 80 new apartments at Te Ō on Rolleston Street and 18 beds at the residential alcohol harm reduction facility Te Pā Maru on Taranaki Street, which have opened in the first half of 2024. All sites provide wrap-around support services for tenants provided by agencies.

The agencies helping our whai ora also rely heavily on donations. So, this winter we’re asking Wellingtonians to think about donating straight to those organisations rather than directly giving to those asking for money on the street.

If you’re worried about someone who is begging or sleeping rough, please phone Wellington City Council’s contact centre on 04 499 44 44 or log it through FixIT, and we’ll pass the report on to someone who can help.

Mahi huringa āhuarangi pae matua
Climate action capital

Paving the way with climate-positive chipseal

After years of trials and development, Wellington City Council is paving the way with a new approach to roading materials that have less of a bad rep with residents and significantly reduces environmental impacts.

Wellington is “leading the pack” in moving from traditional kerosene-based bitumen (asphalt) to an emulsified (water-based) version, says roading engineer Renier Ackerman.

It’s a move that has multiple benefits – environmental, safety, and savings.

“In the past we used ‘cutback’ bitumen in the chipseals. The main additive was kerosene which helped with the workability of the chipseal, and delayed curing times in the colder, unpredictable weather of Wellington.”

Using kerosene meant the chipseal couldn’t get to full strength for years after it was applied, so small stones would continue to flick up and scatter, and the bitumen could sometimes get ‘sticky’ in hot weather.

This and other issues gave the old chipseal a bad reputation with Wellingtonians, so the roading crew knew they had to take a different approach, making it better for both the community and environment.

They replaced kerosene and all other additives with water, which leaves behind only clean bitumen on the road once the water evaporates afterwards. This increased the strength and durability of the chipseals.

The crew also added polymer, a type of rubber that further increased the strength and durability of the chipseals, saved ratepayer money when used instead of expensive asphalt.

The environmental benefits are plentiful, halving Council’s chipsealing carbon emissions.

There are practical benefits for the chipseal crew too, as this new approach enhances their safety on the job, says Renier.

“Cutback bitumen was volatile and needed heating past 160 degrees celsius to be used, so severe burns would result if people got into contact with it. Emulsions can be used at a much safer 80 degrees celsius.”

Two years on, the roading crew has switched over completely to this way of working.

“We don’t apply any cutbacks on our roading network anymore. Waka Kotahi has only recently followed suit, so we are well ahead of the pack on this.”

Mahi toi Capital arts

Note: This information is current as of the date of the original publication of 1 April 2024. Please check the venue’s individual websites and social media pages to see whether an event is on, has moved online, and for up-to-date venue and entry information.

Coming up at Toi Pōneke Gallery

Aho Hononha

Friday 28 June - Friday 9 August 2024

This six-week exhibition celebrates mana whenua ringatoi of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. It has been created in partnership with mana whenua of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa and Taranaki Whānui descent.

Message to a Stranger

Fri 16 August - Sunday 15 September 2024

Message to a Stranger by Daniel Worth is an ongoing body of work combining ephemeral electronic modern communication with stone cutting, which is traditional, slow, and enduring. This work playfully explores how these messages are sent, hiding them in urban and natural environments. Visitors can interact with the work, creating and displaying rubbings.

Visit Toi Pōneke | 61/69 Abel Smith Street

City Gallery temporarily moving

City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi is temporarily moving to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and The Dowse Art Museum from July this year. The gallery will temporarily leave its Te Ngākau Civic Square home while construction work ramps up in Te Ngākau and earthquake strengthening on the building is carried out. It will return early 2026. Find upcoming exhibitions on the City Gallery website.

Getting it write

Entering its sixth year, the Write Room programme at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre has been a successful gateway for budding screenwriters to develop their feature film screenplay alongside experienced industry mentors. With over 200 project submissions from Wellington writers since it launched in 2018, this residency aims to support emerging and mid-career writers who are wanting to progress their work, with a focus on reflecting stories from our city and country.

The latest Write Room resident Ella Gilbert entered the 12-week programme with the beginnings of a story and strong sense of the kind of film she wanted to create. The residency allowed her to dive deeper into her work and gave her the opportunity to do research – including a visit to the Desert Road to do extensive character exercises and story work.

Find out about the Write Room residency or other residencies available on the Toi Pōneke website.

Painting the stories of Berhampore

Pōneke-based artists Tracy Underwood and Ruth Robertson-Taylor are the minds behind the three new murals in Berhampore, seen on the corner of Adelaide Road and Luxford Street, the wharepaku (toilet) block, and the wall of the BP station.

Each mural uses design motifs that speak to Berhampore stories, and one of the murals included collaboration with students from Wellington East Girls' College who created 'wallpaper-like' designs, inspired by early twentieth century wallpaper designer, Betty Isaacs.

Learn more about murals and how they happen.

Courtenay Place lightboxes

A Matariki exhibition

Until Sunday 6 October 2024 | 77–97 Courtenay Place

The 2024 Matariki exhibition will celebrate local poi manu group Ngā Uki o te Mounga. For over 100 years Ngā Uki have maintained a presence within Pōneke and Te Whanganui-a-Tara. During this time the group has morphed while maintaining clear tribal connection to Te Āti Awa and Taranaki Whānui.

See Wellington’s City Art Collection online

Wellington City Council started buying artworks for the City Art Collection in 1882 for display in and around its public buildings. With over 600 artworks, the collection enhances our public spaces and libraries. Now, we are pleased to launch a new online gallery where the entire collection can be seen by all. Search by artist, year, or even colour.

Visit the City Art website. 

Ngā huihuinga o te Kaunihera, ngā komiti me ngā poari ā-hapori
Council, committee and community board meetings

Meetings calendar

All meetings take place at Council headquarters, 113 The Terrace, or in the suburbs for community board meetings.

Council and Committee meetings are livestreamed via our YouTube page. You are also welcome to attend any meeting listed.

Meeting dates and locations sometimes need to change, so please check final details on the meetings page or phone 04 499 4444.

For more information, see: Council and committees.

Te Koromatua me ngā Kaikaunihera
The Mayor and Councillors

The people who represent you Wellington City Councillors are elected by Wellington residents every three years. Their role is to represent the views of residents and help the Council make the best decisions for the city.

For more information, see:

• Mayor Tory Whanau
• Councillors
• Mana whenua representatives

Not sure which ward you’re in? See our ward maps and boundaries page.