Friday Five: What’s new in Newtown

Newtown is one of Pōneke’s most vibrant, colourful communities and there is always heaps going on, from art projects to festivals to workshops. Check out what’s new in Newtown this season!

Photograph of new colourful graffiti mural that has the words Newtown, a double decker bus, a woman holding a butterfly and historic photos of the local church.

1. Newtown Hall has a fresh new look

Local artists Kerb and Spex have created a beautiful new Newtown-centric mural (above) on the side of Newtown Hall. The mural was inspired by Kerb’s memories of growing up in the neighborhood and iconic spots like the playground, PIC Church and Te Ara Hou flats.

Filmmaker Mire Moschella was comissioned to document the development of the mural which will be screened at the official mural opening on 30 April. There will be snacks and drinks and all are welcome. Check out the Facebook event for more information.

2. Newtown Tool Library has a new home

The Newtown Tool Library has moved into its new location beside the Newtown Library. The purpose-built space is lighter, brighter and bigger with an awesome collection of tools for the community to borrow. Donations of new or second hand tools are always welcome!

To find out more and become a member, check out the Newtown Tool Library website.

Two photos of women standing in the Newtown Tool Library with various tools hanging on the walls around them and one of them standing in front of a laptop.

3. Newtown Festival is back!

After a small blip thanks to COVID-19, Newtown Festival is back and ready to rock your socks off this Sunday 11 April. There will be over 200 stalls, 14 stages and a full day of entertainment. Don’t forget to slip slop slap, stay hydrated and have fun. Check out the full programme on the festival’s website.

It's going to be a busy day so to make things easier for yourself we recommend catching the bus, biking, scooting or walking to the festival. If you do need to take the car, you can find the full list of road closures and parking restrictions on the Street Event Road Closure page on our website.

Silhouette of band performing on stage at Newtown Festival with large crowd in front of them and a blue sky in the background.

4. A new mural for Newtown Library

Artists Liana Leiataua and Ruth Robertson-Taylor are working on a new mural for the outside of the Newtown Library and have asked the community for inspiration. Leiataua painted the original back in 1991 and now (two decades later!) it’s time for an update.

Over the summer the community was asked to come up with their own design and there were some incredible submissions. The artists were so impressed by the vibrant colours of the children's creations that they are going to encorporate them into the final piece! The design is still in development and is likely to be finalised later this month.

Black and white template of Newtown Library which has been coloured in a by a child with bright colours and designs.

5. Newtown Community Centre is getting a renovation

The Newtown Community Centre is getting a make-over! From 11 April, their main offices on the corner of Rintoul and Colombo streets will be closing and they’ll be moving into a temporary new home at 2a Green Street (above the former ANZ on Riddiford Street). The work should be all finished up by March 2022.

If you haven’t before, check out the centre’s website for all the awesome community events and services they provide.

Graphic with photograph of old Newtown community centre location and new location with text that reads, we're closing while we get renovated.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our great city.

Image of area where mural design is to be placed in community project for Newtown Library

18 December 2020

Help inspire a new artwork in Newtown

Artist Liana Leiataua is returning to connect with the Newtown community to co-design a new mural to welcome people into the Newtown Library. Liana cr...