Yes, I’m campaigning for Mayor of Wellington city. There’s a twist however: I’m not promising lots of bright shiny stuff, or things that give you a warm fuzzy feeling, or that I’ll save the world or give you a fantastic long list to make me look like Superwoman. What I am promising you is that …
“I can and I will:” Diane Calvert promises to fix the buses Read More »
Wellington Regional Stadium Trust (WRST) and Sky Network Television Ltd (Sky) have announced a new partnership that will see Sky secure the naming rights of the Stadium from 1 January. The six-year agreement will see the Stadium rebranded and renamed Sky Stadium and includes a number of activations aimed at improving the fan experience both …
Rebranding – it’s to be called the Sky Stadium next year Read More »
The man convicted of assaulting Green Party co-leader James Shaw has reappeared in the Wellington District Court for a disputed facts hearing. Photo: RNZ Paul Harris, 47, who had name suppression until this afternoon, admitted one charge of injuring Mr Shaw with intent and was convicted in May. Mr Shaw suffered a fractured eye socket …
A moderate 4.6 magnitude earthquake has been recorded 30km east of Seddon and was felt all the way in Wellington. Photo: GeoNet GeoNet reports about 2900 people felt the quake at 4.10pm that was at a depth of 12km. A M4.6 quake causing Moderate shaking occurred 30km east of Seddon. The depth was 12km. Over 3000 …
Wellington businesses are being urged to become ‘China ready’ before up to 10,000 new Chinese tourists visit the capital this cruise ship season. The cruise ship Ovation of the Seas in Wellington (file photo). Photo: RNZ / Emile Donovan It will be the first time Hong Kong-based Explorer Dream will visit, on seven separate trips. The ship …
Wellington businesses urged to become ‘China ready’ Read More »
Wellington City Council has spent nearly $800,000 of ratepayers money trying to get the Shelley Bay redevelopment off the ground. Photo: RNZ /SUPPLIED Figures obtained by RNZ through an Official Information Act request show the council has spent the money on consultancy fees, legal costs and resource consents for the stalled project. However, the council admits …
Nearly $800k spent on controversial Shelly Bay development Read More »
Wellington city councillors have raised concerns the costs of a review of the steps the council took around the Shelly Bay development will balloon. Shelly Bay development plans. Photo: RNZ /SUPPLIED It’s yet to be decided if the review of the project on Wellington’s coast will go ahead, but if so, it will cost at least $180,000. …
The builders of a high-rise block of apartments in central Wellington resisted getting translations done of important Chinese quality control documents. The 20-storey building is nearly complete. Photo: RNZ / Phil Pennington Emails newly released to RNZ by the Wellington City Council show it dropped its demand for the translation after the steel supplier complained about the …
Lost in translation: Wellington City Council drops demands for quality control documents Read More »
SH2, HOROKIWI TO NGAURANGA, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 6:55AM A crash is currently BLOCKING the right southbound lane on #SH2 before the Ngauranga Interchange. Please expect significant delays on you journey this morning. SH2, HOROKIWI TO NGAURANGA, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 6:55AM A crash is currently BLOCKING the right southbound lane on #SH2 before …
Crash blocking Southbound lane on SH2 before Ngauranga Interchange Read More »
Wellington City Councillor Andy Foster is spicing up Wellington’s Mayoral contest by entering the race. “I’ve never had so many people say they want a change, and ask me to run for Mayor. They are very unhappy about what’s been done, about what has not been done, and about the way things have been done.” …
Andy Foster enters mayoral race – wants to restore vision, energy and progress Read More »
Mayor: Norbert Hausberg Don Newt McDonald Jenny Condie Justin Lester Conor Hill Diane Calvert Andy Foster Andrew Cox Ajay Rathod Motukairangi/Eastern Ward Steph Edlin Sarah Free Sean Rush Bernard O’Shaughnessy Chris Calvi-Freeman Teri O’Neill Ajay Rathod Paekawakawa/Southern Ward Laurie Foon Fleur Fitzsimons Thomas Morgan Humphrey Hanley Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward Nicola Young Iona Pannett Brian Dawson Shan …
List of nominated candidates for local elections released Read More »
Candidate for Wellington mayor, Dr Jenny Condie, has welcomed the independent review of the process surrounding City Council decisions on Shelly Bay development. “Wellingtonians need to know whether process was followed and if councillors were given accurate information before voting on decisions regarding Shelly Bay,” Dr Condie said. Dr Condie would be an independent voice on the …
Mayoral candidate Jenny Condie welcomes review of Shelly Bay decisions Read More »
This morning, Ronnie van Hout’s Quasi was installed on the roof of City Gallery Wellington with the help of Wellington Helicopters Limited. The five-metre hybrid face-hand will be perched atop the Gallery for up to three years. Initially commissioned by Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū in 2016, the public sculpture is a partial self-portrait of …
Quasi, a face-hand, has landed on the roof of City Gallery Read More »
The first contract of Let’s Get Wellington Moving’s (LGWM) early delivery programme will be up for tender next week, a milestone for LGWM’s next phase, says Programme Director Andrew Body. The Golden Mile business case will focus on developing a long-term plan for the Golden Mile to provide for better public transport and make …
LGWM wants a business case for fewer vehicles in the Golden Mile Read More »
With transport set to be the big issue in this year’s local elections, the Traffic Jam podcast is running two meetings to help voters decide which candidates will get Wellington out of gridlock. On Wednesday 18th September, Regional and City Council candidates standing in central, western and northern suburbs, will put forward their solutions …
Voters get chance to grill local candidates on Wellington transport Read More »
Helene Ritchie is standing for the Wellington Regional Council. “I will be a strong, experienced, effective, and proactive voice for the Wellington public, focusing on returning a reliable bus service; future mass transport; climate crisis action; our environment. Public transport is pivotal to our personal, social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing. “As Wellington’s first …
Helene Ritchie aiming for seat on regional council Read More »
Wellington surfers braved the cold wind and took to the water to ride the biggest waves in 20 years yesterday. Photo: RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell MetService said huge swells of up to five metres have been reported between the South Coast of the South Island and East Cape in the North. When word got out yesterday …
Surf’s up: Lyall Bay’s biggest waves in 20 years Read More »
Plans for a new Archives facility in Wellington, to improve the protection of and access to some of New Zealand’s most significant and valuable documents, were announced by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin today. Concept image for new Archives building “The plan we’re looking at would solve the issues with the existing Archives building by …
Plans for new Archives building next to National Library Read More »
Conor Hill today made his campaign official, nominating for both Mayor of Wellington and for the Wharangi/Onslow-Western ward. Conor Hill said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to run for Mayor of this great city. “I believe homes should be affordable, transport should be reliable and that vanity projects should be cancelled. I believe a …
Conor Hill is candidate for council as well as Wellington mayoralty Read More »
Buses are replacing all Wellington trains after a power issue that temporarily suspended all services in and out of the capital this morning. Commuters wait for trains at Wellington Railway Station after a power fault this morning. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton Metlink said that the problem was caused by damage to the overhead which damaged multiple …
Wellington trains briefly suspended: power issue could cause delays Read More »
About 100 environmental protesters attempted to stick ‘eviction notices’ on the Majestic Centre in Wellington this morning, where the Austrian oil company OMV is based. Protesters march to the Austrian oil giant OMV’s Majestic Centre headquarters in Wellington. Photo: Emma Hatton The action, led by Greenpeace, followed a stunt three weeks ago where two protesters scaled the building to …
Activists handing over eviction notice to oil giant’s Wellington HQ Read More »
Residents in a Wellington suburb say a bottle store is not in keeping with the village and its presence would increase alcohol consumption in the neighbourhood. Khandallah residents at the Bottle-O hearing today. Photo: RNZ / Laura Dooney Fifty Khandallah residents showed up to a hearing in the city today, in one of the biggest outcries against …
Liquor store ‘not keeping with the village’, say opponents Read More »
A chronic bus driver shortage continues to plague the Capital’s peak hours services. A new double decker bus Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton In a bid to ‘provide a better service’ the Greater Wellington Regional Council cancelled another 25 Tranzurban bus services due a lack of drivers. The number of suspended peak hour services is now 46. …
Sustainable business champion Laurie Foon has launched her campaign for the Wellington City Council’s Paekawakawa/Southern Ward as a Green party candidate. She says a “youthful determination for change” is behind her decision to stand – that of the next generation. “I have two daughters who are strong advocates for the environment. They are among the …
Laurie Foon standing for southern ward: “determination for change” Read More »
Metlink has released details on a range of temporary peak bus changes as part of measures to provide customers with certainty over the next six months, while Tranzurban addresses its driver shortage. Starting August 25, 10 routes will see some trips suspended in the morning and afternoon peak with customers given advanced warning through …
Metlink suspending some peak-hour bus services, with “inconvenience” for travellers Read More »
Wellington City Councillor for Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Diane Calvert has announced her candidacy for the Wellington City Council mayoralty. “We know our city is special; the home of the arts, a creative capital, a loveable city that is remarkable. I believe in Wellingtonians, what we can do and how we can do it, but our city …
Councillor is candidate for Wellington mayoralty – “city needs real leadership” Read More »
Jenny Condie today announced that she is standing for election as mayor of Wellington. Her announcement was published on Facebook and Twitter: I’m delighted to announce my candidacy for mayor of Pōneke Wellington city. To rise to the challenges of the future we all need to pitch in. Offering my skills as mayor is how …
Jenny Condie – a “blue-green” – becomes third mayoral candidate for Wellington Read More »
Wellington regional councillors realised how little power they have in managing consents for water bottling at an Environment Committee meeting today. Photo: 123 RF The council is currently considering a 30-year consent that would allow a private company to take 432 million litres a year from Lower Hutt’s groundwater for bottling. There are two existing consents …
Wellington regional councillors explore water-bottling options Read More »
The Ombudsman is investigating a letter sent to Transport Minister Phil Twyford by his Associate Minister Julie Anne Genter which she has refused to release publicly. Photo: RNZ Ms Genter, a Green MP, has been repeatedly questioned by the National Party about the content of the letter, and why she won’t release it. She wrote to …
Ombudsman investigates after Julie Anne Genter refuses to make letter public Read More »
ReCut Kumutoto is coming to the capital next week, showcasing some of the best emerging and established creative talent from New Zealand and beyond, over two nights of free events on the waterfront. ReCut is an ongoing series of dynamic, arts events that appear in outdoor locations around the city. ReCut Kumutoto will consist of …
ReCut Kumutoto – bringing one-of-a-kind show to the waterfront Read More »
Smoke alarms saved the lives of a mother and father and three young children in the Wellington suburb of Strathmore over the weekend. (File photo) RNZ / Richard Tindiller By the time the first crew arrived at the fire about 6.20pm on Sunday, one corner of the house, including the front door, was well involved …
Smoke alarms save five lives in Strathmore house fire Read More »
UPDATE 5:50PM The Mt Victoria Tunnel is now OPEN once again following a #crash. Road users should continue to delays throughout the city. UPDATE 5:50PM The Mt Victoria Tunnel is now OPEN once again following a #crash. Road users should continue to delays throughout the city. ^RShttps://t.co/odTBgeI0Im — NZTA Wellington (@NZTAWgtn) August 6, 2019 SH1 …
UPDATED: Mt Victoria Tunnel open again after crash Read More »
Hundreds around the country are gathering at protests as part of the Ihumātao national day of action. Hundreds around the country are gathering at protests as part of the Ihumātao national day of action. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey In Wellington, hundreds of people have gathered outside Parliament to stand in solidarity with those at Ihumātao. It …
Hundreds turn out for Ihumātao solidarity rally in Wellington Read More »
Media release from Conor Hill Wellington mayoral candidate Conor Hill is calling for a change to rates that would make it more expensive for landowners to ‘bank’ land that could be used for housing. And he’s taking aim at Justin Lester, asking why he has not followed through on his plans to incentivise ‘landbankers’ …
Candidate wants different rating system, to encourage more housing Read More »
A Wellington woman who is losing her sight and mobility to multiple sclerosis is fundraising $100,000 to travel to Mexico for a radical stem cell treatment to fight the disease. Bronwyn Hutchison with her children Sienna and Lucas. Photo: Supplied / Givealittle page She is adding her voice to a growing number of calls to introduce the …
Wellington multiple sclerosis sufferer fundraising for stem cell treatment Read More »
Vodafone New Zealand, owned by Infratil and Brookfield Asset Management as of today, plans to switch on a 5G network in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown in December. “5G is so much more than the successor to 4G. It’s our most powerful tool yet, representing a transformational shift that will drive a digital revolution …
5G in Wellington for Christmas – ten times faster speeds on smartphones Read More »
Originally from “just across the ditch” in Blenheim, Indie Rock group Daily J have been making waves throughout the country from their new base in Auckland. As part of their first national tour they will be playing at Caroline on August 2nd. For this indie-alt-surf rock band the chance to perform in Wellington is …
A man who perched on top of Wellington’s Terrace Tunnel for 10 hours causing traffic gridlock has been granted permanent name suppression and sentenced to community detention. The Terrace Tunnel in Wellington was closed off during the incident earlier this year. Photo: RNZ / Meriana Johnsen The 32-year-old previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and unlawful possession …
Man in Terrace Tunnel standoff sentenced to community detention Read More »
More than 300 people are at the Cenotaph in Wellington calling for Oranga Tamariki to stop taking children from their families. Protesters calling for change at Oranga Tamariki at the Cenotaph. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey The Hands Off Our Tamariki Network are to hand an open letter to Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson at Parliament this …
Hundreds rally to call for change at Oranga Tamariki Read More »
Local Government New Zealand is calling for all eligible people to enrol to vote in the October local government elections. LGNZ Chief Executive Malcolm Alexander stressed the importance of participating in the selection of those who will make decisions that affect most people’s lives on a daily basis. “Local government shapes the place that …
Media release from Conor Hill Half of the Berhampore Golf Course could be transformed into affordable homes and facilities for the community, if Wellington voters elect Conor Hill as Mayor this October. “As anyone who has tried to rent or buy a house in Wellington recently will tell you, our city is in dire need …
Communities over golf courses – Conor Hill’s plan for more affordable more homes Read More »
Two incidents are currently affecting power in the central city. Commuters are advised to expect delays this evening. There are two incidents which have affected power across the city – one in Brandon/Customhouse Quay and one in Ghuznee Street. Wellington Electricity and contractors are working hard to fix both incidents but there may be …
The third public hearing into Operation Burnham is underway in Wellington. Sir Terence Arnold is chairing the inquiry into Operation Burnham. Photo: Pool / NZ Herald / Mark Mitchell The inquiry is investigating allegations in the book, Hit and Run, that six civilians were killed in Afghanistan during a New Zealand-led raid in 2010, and the military covered …
Operation Burnham: Third public hearing begins in capital Read More »
**SYSTEM OUTAGE** Kia ora everyone, we’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties which has caused major delays on our phone lines. If you have any non-urgent queries, please email, DM, or fill out our webform https://t.co/JqUaPTo0Lx to contact us. Thanks ^Libby. — Wellington City Council (@WgtnCC) July 29, 2019
SH2 BELMONT, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:15PM A #crash is BLOCKING northbound lanes near the intersection with Grounsell Crescent. Please take extra while passing and expect DELAYS. SH2 BELMONT, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:15PM A #crash is BLOCKING northbound lanes near the intersection with Grounsell Crescent. Please take extra while passing and expect DELAYS. …
On Sunday 21 July 2019, in the fog, cold, and wind, 16 people from Thankyou Payroll joined Garth Baker from Brooklyn Trail Builders on the top of Polhill Reserve, Te Aro to help restore the forest to the Polhill skyline. Thankyou Payroll CEO Christina Bellis led the team for the second year, and the group …
From Wellington City Council Pedestrian Management Westpac Stadium 7.30pm game starts Road Closures Featherston St Left Lane Closure to be installed in conjunction with Bunny St closure. Pre Event 5pm–7.35pm Bunny St closed at Featherston St end Stout St, no right turn into Bunny St Left lane closure from Mulgrave St to Whitmore St No …
Waka Welcome at Whare Waka Tribute from Wellington City Council Ko te whaea te takere o te waka Mothers are like the hull of a canoe, they are the HEART of the family Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and Deputy Mayor Jill Day have paid tribute to Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika …
Wellington mourns the death of Whaea June Jackson Read More »
Ahead of their clash with South Africa tomorrow night at Westpac Stadium, All Blacks Richie Mo’unga, Angus Ta’avao, and Joe Moody visited MetService’s national forecast centre in Kelburn yesterday. While at MetService, the three players met the team that produce the All Blacks’ official match forecasts. MetService Broadcast meteorologist Angus Hines was joined by …
All Blacks at MetService to help give the Test weather forecast Read More »
An external review of the Hutt District Health Board in Wellington says midwifery staffing levels should be increased significantly. The report says the maternity service “has been plagued by a chronic workforce deficiency”. Photo: 123RF The review report, produced by medical and midwifery experts from other DHBs, is dated last November but was released by the Hutt Valley …
Review recommends significant increase of midwives at Hutt DHB Read More »
SH1 NGAURANGA GORGE, NORTHBOUND – TRUCK BREAKDOWN – 3:20PM A truck breakdown is currently BLOCKING the centre right northbound lane, prior to the Newlands off-ramp. Please expect DELAYS, as queues are quickly building toward #Ngauranga interchange. SH1 NGAURANGA GORGE, NORTHBOUND – TRUCK BREAKDOWN – 3:20PM A truck breakdown is currently BLOCKING the centre right …
Breakdown blocking Northbound lane – SH1 Ngauranga Gorge Read More »
A year into the problem-plagued overhaul of the capital’s bus network, the region’s leaders say they still need more time to fix the problems. A bus-less bus hub in Miramar, Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller About 30 bus services are cancelled every day in Wellington, and users still complain of late and inconsistent services. At a …
Thirty buses cancelled every day, but no quick fix in sight Read More »
Protestors have today blocked a central city intersection to demonstrate solidarity with similar protests at Ihumātao. Photo: Sean Stack / TWA The majority of protestors moved away from the intersection after blocking road traffic from the Terrace, Lambton Quay and Wellington Station for around 15 minutes. However a small contigent remains in the center of …
The two Greenpeace climbers who are scaling the outside of the tallest building in Wellington have unfurled the first of a series of banners. Abigail Smith and Nick Hanafin have been climbing the Majestic Centre since dawn this morning, to reach the headquarters of Austrian oil giant, OMV. They have deployed a pink banner reading, …
Greenpeace climbers hang climate change banner on CBD’s tallest building Read More »
Former city councillor Ruth Gotlieb has died, after decades of community service. Mrs Gotlieb, who was in her 90s, had a long and successful career serving the people of Wellington. From 1983-2001 she was an Eastern ward city councillor. She was also elected to the Regional Council, the Wellington Harbour Board, and the Capital & …
Death of Ruth Gotlieb, city councillor for 18 years Read More »
Greenpeace activists are climbing a multi-storey building in central Wellington to try to reach the headquarters of Austrian oil company OMV. Two activists seen climbing the Majestic Centre in an image supplied by Greenpeace. Photo: Supplied / Greenpeace In a statement the environmental group said Abigail Smith and Nick Hanafin started climbing the Majestic Centre this morning …
Greenpeace activists scaling Wellington high rise Read More »
Press Release – E Tu As the July school holidays finish, the Labour candidates for the Wellington City Council are pledging to make school holidays in Wellington in the future more exciting for residents and visitors by introducing a coordinated programme of events and activities for children and young people. Wharangi Onslow-Western Ward candidate …
Labour candidates commit to better school holidays in Wellington Read More »
Some flights in and out of Wellington and Christchurch are being delayed, diverted or cancelled because of heavy fog this morning. Fog at Wellington Airport. (file photo) Photo: RNZ / Rob Dixon Three flights into Wellington from Auckland this morning had to return after low cloud prevented them from landing. An Air New Zealand flight from Queenstown …
Fog causes flight disruptions in Wellington and Christchurch Read More »
Nominations opened today for the local elections in October. Staff at the city council are telling us that they want nominations for the mayoralty as well as for councillors. Will you stand for the city you love? Nominations to stand as a Councillor or Mayor for Wellington City Council open today. #VoteLocaNZ #Stand2019 https://t.co/DxfIvya3T6 …
Election nominations now open – with councils’ encouragement Read More »
More than 700 tickets to next week’s rugby Test between the All Blacks and South Africa in Wellington have been cancelled after being classified as fraudulent. Ticket seller Ticketek told New Zealand Rugby to void the tickets to the 27 July match at Westpac Stadium. NZ Rugby chief commercial officer Richard Thomas said cancelling …
More than 700 tickets to All Blacks Test cancelled Read More »
Press Release – Wellington Chamber of Commerce The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is encouraging Wellingtonians to consider standing in the upcoming Local Government 2019 elections. Candidate nominations open this Friday, and close on Friday 16 August. “As Wellington’s Chamber of Commerce, we want to encourage business-savvy and community-minded people to put up their hands,” …
CofC wants “business savvy and community minded” candidates for the elections Read More »
Media release from Simon Marsh Simon “Swampy” Marsh is stepping down as a Wellington City Councillor after nine years representing the Eastern Ward. “I have always lived by the mantra that you move on from something while you are still on top of it” Marsh said. “Nine years is long enough, the role of Councillor …
Simon Marsh not standing again for WCC; “nine years is enough” Read More »
Media release from Conor Hill Wellington mayoral candidate Conor Hill today released his thriving communities policy with the aim of creating vibrant suburbs rather than urban sprawl. Conor Hill said: “Many of Wellington’s favourite communities prove medium density housing done well works for people and the city. From Oriental Bay, to Newtown, to Thorndon our …
Mayoral candidate backs thriving communities, not urban sprawl Read More »
Wellington’s regional council chair Chris Laidlaw has confirmed he won’t run in the local body elections this October. Transport Minister Phil Twyford (center), Wellington City Mayor Justin Lester (left) and Wellington Regional Mayor Chris Laidlaw (right) announce the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey Mr Laidlaw has been chair of the regional council …
Chris Laidlaw rules himself out of council elections Read More »
Detectives re-examining the 1984 Wellington Trades Hall Bombing have been collecting DNA samples from suspects. Caretaker and unionist Ernie Abbott was killed almost instantly when he picked up the suitcase containing the bomb. Photo: EVENING POST Caretaker and unionist Ernie Abbott was killed almost instantly when he picked up the suitcase containing the bomb. The police have always struggled …
Trades Hall bombing case re-opened, evidence released Read More »
Update 4:50pm Final UPDATE 4:50PM This Mt Victoria #Tunnel crash has been CLEARED and the tunnel is now OPEN in both directions. Resulting congestion is EASING, thanks for your patience. ^CR https://t.co/xJqNI6745N — NZTA Wellington (@NZTAWgtn) July 18, 2019 A crash on Ruahine Street has closed Wellington’s Mt Victoria tunnel in both directions this afternoon. …
Crash closes Mt Victoria tunnel in both directions – UPDATED 4:50PM Read More »
Wellingtonian Ralph Johns imagines Wellington City’s new library Since the Wellington City Library was suddenly closed a couple of months ago there has been a strong feeling that something is missing; more than just books, magazines and reissued vinyl. We have lost our ‘living room’. It is too early to tell whether Ian Athfield’s building …
SH1 NGAURANGA GORGE, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – Update: 7:40 AM A #crash was BLOCKING the right southbound lane just prior to the Ngauranga Interchange. Expect delays while congestion eases UPDATE 7:40AM This #crash just prior to the Ngauranga Interchange is now CLEAR and all lanes are OPEN. Thank you for your patience as congestion …
The first Wellington firearms collection events for buy-back and amnesty will be held on 20 and 21 July at Trentham Racecourse in Upper Hutt. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller The events will run from 10am-3pm each day. Police are supporting firearms owners to hand-in either prohibited firearms or firearms under the amnesty at a local …
Police collecting prohibited firearms at Trentham on Saturday and Sunday Read More »
The election campaign has begun. In Wellington, not one but two new political parties say they’ll be naming candidates for the city council. And there’s an independent candidate challenging mayor Justin Lester. In Lower Hutt, Ray Wallace is being challenged for the mayoralty by Councillor Campbell Barry. And in Kapiti, Gwynn Compton has launched …
A packed public meeting last night heard a leading architect and a leading structural engineer insist that Wellington’s Central Library can be strengthened and reopened. And they estimated a cost considerably less than the $100million stated by Mayor Justin Lester at the weekend. Architect Gordon Moller, noting that a million people a year used …
Local councils are being asked to sign off on major buildings when they have big gaps in what they know about the steel frames and seismic strength. Photo: 123rf That’s according to Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ), an industry body that has been briefing councils about the dangers of having an inadequate building consent regime. SCNZ …
Councils lacking knowledge about seismic strength of buildings – SCNZ Read More »
Department of Conservation rangers are on high alert for ‘penguin call-outs’ after they’ve been spotted waddling around Wellington. Two renegade penguins have completely ignored police and returned to their illegal hideout. Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook Yesterday the little blue penguins had to be removed from under a sushi store near the Wellington railway station, not once …
DOC on high alert after penguins ignored police, returned to sushi shop Read More »
An e-scooter survey found half of all users do not want to ride on footpaths. Photo: RNZ / Colin Peacock The survey was distributed via interest groups and social media and it received 591 responses from people who were more likely to be Pākehā, young adults with a high level of education and income. It …
E-scooters between ‘rock of the footpath…hard place of the road’ Read More »
We are phone2park, a locally owned and operated technology company. We provide mobile payment options for Wellingtonians using city council operated parking. We have 16,000 users and have been operating for 15 years. Recently, the Wellington City Council notified us that they intend to end our contract for the supply of phone2park parking payment …
Local parking payment company losing WCC contract after 15 years Read More »
Making Wellington’s central library earthquake-safe could cost more than $100 million, says the city’s mayor. The building was closed in March following engineering advice, and the council says detailed plans and costs are at least a year away. Mayor Justin Lester said his first priority was to strengthen the existing building, rather than pull it down. Mr Lester …
Quake proofing the capital’s library could cost $100m Read More »
Wellington train services have started running a full service again after being closed for several hours today. Photo: RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell Services on the Kapiti and Hutt Valley lines stopped at about 11am, following an operational incident. Trains briefly only had access to platforms one to five. However, by 1.40pm, all platforms were accessible. While …
A climate change advocacy group hosted a party at Wellington Railway Station yesterday morning to remind commuters about the threat of sea level rise. Photo: Supplied. Generation Zero, a volunteer, youth-led organisation that champions a zero carbon Aotearoa-New Zealand, hosted the party at the capital’s main station this morning. It is hosting submission parties around the …
‘To make our voices heard on the Zero Carbon Bill’ Read More »
Conor Hill announced today that he will run as an independent candidate for Mayor of Wellington. Here’s his announcement. Conor Hill loves Wellington, and wants it to be the best city in the world. He believes homes should be affordable, transport should be reliable, and that vanity projects should be cancelled. That’s why he’s running …
Let’s dance! Independent candidate to run for Wellington mayoralty Read More »
Wellington City Council have reignited the debate around Shelly Bay, with another vote due to be held on whether to sell or lease council-owned land. Photo: RNZ /SUPPLIED In 2017, the Council voted in favour of selling and leasing their land to Shelly Bay Investments Limited, who own much of the remaining land around Shelly Bay. …
Shelly Bay: Decision to sell council land to be revisited Read More »
SH2 KOROKORO, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:45PM A crash is currently BLOCKING the right southbound lane, south of the #Dowse Drive on-ramp. Please take extra care while passing and expect southbound DELAYS. SH2 KOROKORO, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:45PM A crash is currently BLOCKING the right southbound lane, south of the #Dowse Drive on-ramp. …
Two and a half years ago, fed up with online trading sites available, Hooman Bahreini, a Wellington based software developer, started a journey to code a completely new e-commerce site from scratch. The premise was simple, create an easy to use online trading platform where customers can post ads and sell items for free. …
Wgtn software developer fighting for a better world, one click at a time. Read More »
A father and his two young daughters, who had been missing in bush near Wellington since yesterday, have been found safe and well. The Lees Grove entrance to East Harbour Regional Park Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook They set out for a tramp from Lees Grove in Wainuiomata over the hills to Days Bay at midday yesterday …
Family missing in Wellington regional park overnight found Read More »
A rare type of snail only found on a specific hill in Wellington is being threatened by mountain bikers’ unauthorised trails, an ecological group says. Te Ahumairangi Hill in Wellington, where mountain biking is a restricted activity. Photo: RNZ / Harry Lock The 3mm-long Potamopyrgus oppidanus snail, discovered in 2003, is only found on Te Ahumairangi Hill, in Wellington, …
Rare Wellington snails under threat from mountain bikers Read More »
A father and his two girls aged 11 and 14 are missing in Days Bay, near Wellington, after failing to return from a hike. The Lees Grove entrance to East Harbour Regional Park Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook They set out from Lees Grove in Wainuiomata at midday yesterday and were due to return home at 3.30pm. …
Man and two daughters still missing after overnight search Read More »
The Wellington City Council introduced a Public Place Recycling bin trial to the capital last May, and a recent audit show it’s doing well – but we could do better. The first bin was installed in Cuba Mall, with eight additional recycling stations rolled out around the city for the public to recycle glass, plastic, …
Mixed results from public recycling trial – too much contamination Read More »
A Wellington man is fed up trying to get Bunnings in Lyall Bay to keep their plastic in check, but the hardware chain has said it has been making efforts to stop its waste blowing away. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Wellington’s south coast is known for its blustering southerlies and it’s also a popular surfing …
The country’s largest ever effort to eradicate introduced pests from an urban area has begun in Wellington. The $2.4 million project from Predator Free Wellington aims to eliminate rodents, possums and mustelids from Miramar peninsula by Christmas. The area is home to about 20,000 people, and more than 6000 traps are being set in peoples’ backyards, businesses, and …
A year after a revamp of Wellington’s bus network threw routes and services into disarray, the regional council is consulting with the public to try and fix it. Commuters at a bus stop in Newtown last year. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton Greater Wellington Regional Council and Metlink are launching an online forum on Friday along with a series …
Wellington City Council seeks more consultation as bus network woes continue Read More »
The Wellington Branch of the NZ Institute of Architects is to stage a public meeting on the fate of the Wellington Central Library, the Ian Athfield-designed building that has been closed for seismic reasons by the Wellington City Council. Why? There has been speculation in the media that the Council may be leaning towards the demolition of …
Architects organise public meeting on fate of Central Library Read More »
Regional Public Health (RPH) Wellington has been notified of a case of measles and is asking people who may have been in contact with that person to watch out for symptoms. The infected person visited several public places, including taking a domestic flight from Auckland to Wellington, before they were diagnosed. At these times …
Another measles case (after a flight from Auckland) in Wellington Read More »
Regional Council Chair Chris Laidlaw says today’s launch of stage one of Predator Free Wellington’s project is an important step towards improving biodiversity in our region. “We’re so proud to have supported, and been involved in, what will be an amazing achievement on the Miramar Peninsula, a true world-first. “We’ve supplied our expertise of more …
Predator Free Wellington launches stage one of a “world first” Read More »
A union representing Wellington bus drivers says they aren’t being given the amount of breaks that they should be. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller New laws around meals and paid breaks came into effect in early May, but the bus companies were given a 12-month period to consult with the unions over the details. That was …
Union says bus drivers aren’t getting proper breaks Read More »
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub has produced a study, believed to be Wellington’s first, on the city’s specific rental history. The purpose of the study was for The Wellington Company to understand where the city’s rental market was going based on how the market has trended historically, so that the Company can make informed decisions about how …
Wellington rent increase – 80 per cent in 15 years Read More »
A report shows changes to the way bus services are contracted has driven down driver wages and conditions in Auckland and Wellington. Photo: 123rf Consultancy firm Allen and Clarke was commissioned by the government to find out how the Public Transport Operating Model was affecting bus driver wages and conditions when they had to change companies. …
Drop in Auckland and Wellington bus driver wages addressed in new report Read More »
SH1 NGAURANGA GORGE, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 7:35AM A #crash is BLOCKING the right northbound lane, just before the Kiwi Point off-ramp. Please expect #delays and pass the inverse vehicle with extra care. Emergency services are en route. SH1 NGAURANGA GORGE, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 7:35AM A #crash is BLOCKING the right northbound lane, …
Northbound crash on SH1 Ngauranga Gorge causing delays Read More »
Surprise? Household emissions have risen, risen, and we can point the finger at how much we drive. So what can we do? NZ’s greenhouse gas emissions have barely budged in a decade, StatsNZ reports. The bit you and I can influence most directly – our households’ emissions – are actually getting worse, with households emitting more greenhouse …
Hundreds of students at Victoria University of Wellington are demanding an end to the cruel Forced Swim Test. Students from over a dozen clubs, including the Psychology Club, have signed a letter to the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University’s Animal Ethics committee urging the institute to end the Forced Swim Test. The test is used …
CubaDupa has just announced their dates for the 2020 festival along with the opening of Expressions of Interest / Artist Applications. The last weekend of summer will see CubaDupa return to the streets for the most vibrant and creative event on the calendar. CubaDupa has recently appointed a new Festival Director, Gerry Paul, who …
CubaDupa looking for next year’s performers and ideas Read More »
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the derailment of a freight train at Wellington on Tuesday. Circumstances reported to date are that the loaded train was travelling out of the Wellington Rail yard when it derailed at the junction between the yard and the North Island Main Trunk line. Four wagons are …
Safety concerns: investigation begins into freight train derailment Read More »
Police were shocked and disappointed by the number of motorists using cell phones while driving in Wellington yesterday. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Seventy-eight drivers were issued with infringement notices during a two hour road-safety operation at the intersection of Taranaki Street and Buckle Street between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Seventy five of them received infringements …
75 Wellington motorists ticketed for using cellphones while driving in CBD Read More »
WELLINGTON TRAFFIC – EXPECT DELAYS Southbound traffic is looking heavier than usual this morning, despite train services being back up and running. Please allow extra time on your journey to account for potential delays, especially on SH2 WELLINGTON TRAFFIC – EXPECT DELAYS – 7:10AM Mōrena #WellingtonTraffic! Southbound traffic is looking heavier than usual this …
Wellington’s regional council is defending the way it dealt with widespread transport disruption in the capital yesterday, when a train derailment ended in traffic gridlock. Traffic backed up on the central Wellington highway. Photo: RNZ / Rob Dixon The disruption happened after a freight train went off the tracks near the central station on Tuesday night stopping …
Wellington trains running again after transport chaos Read More »
WGTN TRAFFIC – SIGNIFICANT NORTHBOUND DELAYS – 4:40PM Traffic is significantly CONGESTED on #SH1 and #SH2. Queues from Ngauranga go back through The Terrace Tunnel. The Urban Motorway, all on-ramps and local roads are impacted. Please delay your travel if possible. ^CR WGTN TRAFFIC – SIGNIFICANT NORTHBOUND DELAYS – 4:40PM Traffic is significantly CONGESTED …
Commuters should expect significant delays: advised to delay travel Read More »
Candles for Assange events in Wellington and Auckland on Wednesday will kick off global actions around the world in support of Julian Assange, who faces an US extradition indictment in the UK Courts. Last year on Julian Assange’s 47th Birthday, #FreeAssangeNZ arranged a candle display on NZ Parliament lawn, spawning a viral campaign image. Deciding …
Wellington rail commuters face major disruption today after a freight train was derailed just outside Wellington station last night. Photo: RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell There have been no train services in or out of Wellington on the Hutt, Kapiti, Melling and Wairarapa lines all day, and the issue is not expected to be resolved by the …
Major travel disruption as Wellington trains cancelled by derailment Read More »
Hamilton-based fuel supplier Waitomo is set to disrupt the capital’s fuel market on Tuesday, with the opening of their first central Wellington site in Tinakori. Hot on the heels of Waitomo’s first site opening in Upper Hutt where prices across all brands have plummeted by over 20 cents per litre since May, Waitomo’s arrival …
Cut price petrol on Tinakori Road starting at midday Read More »
The council-owned water services company Wellington Water, and global environmental services provider Veolia, have signed a 10 year, $17 million per year contract to operate and maintain the four wastewater treatment plants that serve metropolitan Wellington. Wellington Water’s chief executive Colin Crampton said the contract marked the start of a new and exciting focus …
Private company signs $170m deal to control Wellington’s wastewater Read More »
Fighting the war on plastic rubbish has just become easier for recycling businesses. China’s refusal to take New Zealand’s waste has been a wake-up call, says associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage. Photo: Photo / Ana Tovey The Provincial Growth Fund is stumping up $40 million for companies investing in converting waste to useable products to try and …
Regional Fund’s $40m backing for plastic recycling initiatives Read More »
The deadline for landlords to have their rented properties properly insulated has now passed. Here’s what tenants and landlords should know about the new rules. Photo: 123RF The new standards The standards were introduced as law in 2016, but landlords have had until 1 July this year to ensure their rental properties have floor and ceiling …
Property insulation deadline: What you need to know Read More »
A boost in government spending looks likely to push the capital to win the economic race between the regions. Westpac’s Regional Roundup report forecasted Wellington to become the economic powerhouse within the next year, with improvements in Northland, Auckland, Canterbury and Otago also expected. “New Zealand’s economic slowdown over the past couple of years has …
Wellington predicted to be economic powerhouse in new report Read More »
Trains on the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa lines in Wellington this morning were delayed due to ice on the overhead wires. HVL WRL: Services on the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa Lines are experiencing delays due to Ice on the overheads https://t.co/7UNfDObvY2 — Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) June 27, 2019
Warning: This article contains graphic details A man who admitted fatally stabbing a Petone pensioner and decapitating him has been given a life sentence and will remain behind bars for at least 17 years. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas Eugene Baker, 42, was sentenced in the High Court at Wellington this morning for the murder of …
Man who murdered and decapitated Petone pensioner get 17 years Read More »
Wellington’s Regional Council is blaming a perfect storm of new operators, buses, routes, driver shortages and design failures for the shambolic introduction of new bus services a year ago. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton While reliability has since improved to 92.5 percent of services leaving on time, it is still just 89.2 percent in the east and west …
Wellington bus network troubles blamed on city’s challenges Read More »
SH2 NGAURANGA, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:15PM A crash is currently BLOCKING the right southbound lane, prior to the Ngauranga interchange. Please take extra care while passing and expect DELAYS. Southbound queues are currently building north of the #Petone interchange. SH2 NGAURANGA, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:15PM A crash is currently BLOCKING the right …
Crash blocking southbound lane on SH2 prior to Ngauranga interchange Read More »
The Wellington City Council has adopted its Annual Plan/Mahere ā-Tau for 2019/20. The plan outlines $557 million worth of operational and $240 million worth of capital spending on seven priority areas – the environment, housing and community wellbeing, transport, sustainable growth, and arts and culture. The major projects include the Prince of Wales/Omāroro Reservoir …
Average rates increase for Wellington will be 3.9 per cent Read More »
Four further cases of measles have been confirmed in Wellington, taking the total for the year to 15 in the region. \ Photo: 123rf.com Medical Officer of Health Annette Nesdale said the infected people visited several public places before they knew they were infected – which is when the disease is most contagious. On 18 June, …
Measles outbreak: Warning to Wellington residents as more cases detected Read More »
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester has warned people not to “be a d–k” when it comes to the replaced Len Lye sculpture on the city’s waterfront. The place where the Len Lye sculpture once stood on Wellington’s waterfront. Photo: Rebekah Parsons-King The Waterwhirler pole is going back up after it was broken last October, when Hunter MacDonald swung on it. …
Wellington mayor warns rule-benders over Len Lye sculpture Read More »
Update 9:25am – The Terrace Tunnel is now open again in both directions SH1 TERRACE TUNNEL – OVERHEIGHT VEHICLE – 9:05AM Due to an overheight vehicle, the Terrace Tunnel is CLOSED to southbound traffic. Please expect #delays or use Aotea Quay as a detour. SH1 TERRACE TUNNEL – OVERHEIGHT VEHICLE – 9:05AM Due …
Terrace Tunnel closed to Southbound traffic – UPDATE – Tunnel Open Read More »
SH2 SILVERSTREAM, NORTHBOUND – SERIOUS CRASH – 5:20PM Due to a serious crash north of #Silverstream, there are significant northbound DELAYS building at the Haywards interchange. Please delay your travel if possible or use an alternate route. SH2 SILVERSTREAM, NORTHBOUND – SERIOUS CRASH – 5:20PM Due to a serious crash north of #Silverstream, there …
Northbound crash on SH2 Silverstream causing significant delays Read More »
Wellington City Councillors have unanimously voted to support the Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) Indicative Package. At a full Council meeting today, they voted to: · Endorse the LGWM vision for Wellington’s future · Welcome and support the LGWM Indicative Package and proposed regional funding commitment announced by the Government · Approve the Councils’ …
City councillors unanimously vote to support LGWM traffic plan Read More »
Breaker Bay Road is closed following a crash at about 1:30pm. A truck has rolled and its contents have spilled, blocking both lanes. Motorists are asked to avoid the area. *Road closure* Breaker Bay Road is closed following a crash about 1:30pm. A truck has rolled and its contents have spilled, blocking both lanes. Motorists …
The Wellington family doctor who had sex with vulnerable women patients is being de-registered from practising medicine and he must pay a total of $31,700. Photo: 123RF The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal also censured the doctor, Deane Drew, yesterday after he pleaded guilty to professional misconduct. The amount he has to pay includes $28,700 in costs …
Doctor has registration cancelled after sex with vulnerable patients Read More »
Wellington’s regional councillors have criticised a multibillion-dollar plan to fix Wellington’s congestion woes as not doing enough to reduce emissions or clear congestion. The Mount Victoria Tunnel is one of the city’s major traffic choke points. Despite their misgivings, councillors endorsed the Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) plan and agreed to stump up about a …
Multi-billion dollar plan to fix Wellington’s traffic woes criticised Read More »
The Regional Council will target climate change, natural resources and public transport challenges across the region after adopting its annual plan for 2019/20 today. Acting Council Chair Barbara Donaldson said it was important to tackle some of the region’s biggest issues in year two of its long term plan 2018-28. “We will be boosting …
Any bus issues? Regional Council targetting climate change and public transport Read More »
A Wellington family doctor has today pleaded guilty to professional misconduct, after he had sex with vulnerable women patients. Photo: 123RF Deane Drew appeared before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal in Wellington today, charged by a Medical Council professional conduct committee with professional misconduct. The charge related to personal and or sexual relationships with four former …
Family doctor admits having sex with vulnerable patients Read More »
SH2 MELLING, SOUTHBOUND – BREAKDOWN – 6:05PM A #breakdown is currently BLOCKING the middle southbound lane, prior to the intersection with Tirohanga Rd. Please take extra care while passing and expect DELAYS. SH2 MELLING, SOUTHBOUND – BREAKDOWN – 6:05PM A #breakdown is currently BLOCKING the middle southbound lane, prior to the intersection with Tirohanga Rd. …
Breakdown blocking southbound lane on SH2 Melling Read More »
Residents of Nelson Bays, the West Coast and Marlborough need to hit the brakes, according to New Zealand Police data analysed by Teletrac Navman, specialists in GPS-based fleet management technology. Wellington (including Hutt Valley, Kapiti-Mana and the Wairarapa) had the lowest number of combined speeding infringements per capita at 0.34. Teletrac Navman’s analysis of speeding tickets …
Heat map reveals Wellington drivers get fewest speeding tickets Read More »
The Wellington City Council has extended the licence for Onzo to continue operating their ‘dockless’ bike hire system in the capital until the end of 2020. Councillor Sarah Free, Portfolio Leader for Walking and Cycling, says the popularity of the Onzo bikes for short trips around town shows there is a demand for more …
110,000 trips in first 6 months – Onzo bikes licence extended till end of next year Read More »
A programme which aims to end homelessness has been rolled out in Wellington. Housing Minister Phil Twyford Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Housing Minister Phil Twyford today unveiled the plan to get 200 homeless people off the street and into secure housing over the next two years. The accommodation will be provided by Kahungunu Whānau Services and …
Housing First aims to shelter 200 homeless people in Wellington Read More »
Wellingtonians can make some pocket money this weekend if they ditch their plastic bottles in exchange for cash “refunds” at an event run by zero waste campaigners on Saturday. The event, organised by campaign group The Kiwi Bottle Drive and sponsored by the Wellington City Council, aims to advocate for a bottle refund scheme by …
Cash refunds for ditching plastic bottles this weekend Read More »
The rare book collection at Wellington Central Library is set to get a new home at the City Archives building. Wellington Central Library’s ‘rare’ collection of items will be moved to Wellington City Archive, after being shut away from the public since March, when an engineer’s report raised concerns about the earthquake safety of the …
Wellington Central Library’s rare book collection gets new home Read More »
More Wellingtonians are taking buses and trains to and from work. More people have been catching trains in Wellington after extra investment in the service, says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester. Photo: RNZ / Paloma Migone Wellington City Council transport data shows that daily commuter numbers have grown by 10,000 over the last 20 years, to 84,000 people. …
Public transport becoming a more popular option in Wellington Read More »
SH2 NGAURANGA, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 1:05PM A #crash is BLOCKING the right northbound lane just prior to the Hutt on-ramp. Emergency services on-site. Please take extra care while passing and expect DELAYS. SH2 NGAURANGA, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 1:05PM A #crash is BLOCKING the right northbound lane just prior to the Hutt on-ramp. …
One year ago today, on Winter Solstice 21st June, The Wellington App launched. (…along with the auspicious birth of the Prime Ministers daughter and a 4.6 magnitude earthquake.) The owners of The Wellington App, Huup and Ruth, with the owner of The Wanaka App, Tony, at the launch event. Since then, our app has had …
Wellington’s popular cable car is out of action today because of an operating system fault. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King Problems were discovered during regular overnight testing on Wednesday, Wellington City Council said. Further testing is being carried out, with help from the overseas manufacturer. The @WellyCableCar will remain closed today 21/06/2019. Free bus replacement services …
Fault puts a halt to Wellington cable car service Read More »
The Wellington Waterfront will be set alight on Friday with ahi (fire), kai (food), and entertainment from over 30 musical groups, artists and performers for Ahi Kā – a celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year. Students from nine Wellington schools will form a stream of light around the waterfront that will launch Ahi Kā. …
Fire and food for Friday’s Matariki celebrations on the waterfront Read More »
This Matariki a constellation of Aotearoa’s artists will be creating a multimedia, cinematic experience on water. Mana Moana is a collaboration between musicians, artists, writers and choreographers to produce a series of five, short art films fusing poetry, dance, song, painting, photography and animation. Instead of projecting on a traditional film screen, Mana Moana explores …
Wellington’s waterfront to host Matariki spectacle Read More »
SH1 TE ARO, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 6PM Due to a #crash before the intersection with Victoria Street, the right two lanes are currently BLOCKED. Please expect significant delays throughout the city heading back to the Mt Victoria Tunnel. SH1 TE ARO, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 6PM Due to a #crash before the intersection with …
Crash blocking two Northbound lanes of SH1 at intersection with Victoria St Read More »
TEDxWellington 2019, which takes place Sunday August 11 at Te Auaha, has announced speakers and is now open for ticket registrations. Wellington’s premier TEDx event is BACK for their 6th year in a new, creative location right in the heart of the capital. Organisers announced speakers, theme, and ticketing structure at their TEDxWellingtonSalon #11 event …
Registrations open now for TEDx Wellington tickets Read More »
Wellington has become the latest city to declare a climate emergency. People at the council meeting calling for it to declare a climate emergency. Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook The declaration was adopted at a meeting of the Wellington City Council this morning. The councillors have also been considering a new strategy to make the city carbon …
Cable Car closed on 20/6/2019. Free Replacement bus service every 20 minutes from 7am to 7pm. We apologise for the inconvenience. — Wellington Cable Car (@WellyCableCar) June 19, 2019
A house bus at Wellington’s Tapu Te Ranga Marae has been destroyed by fire – the second blaze there in 10 days. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Fire and emergency arrived shortly after 9pm yesterday and put out the fire within half an hour. Shift manager Scott Osmond said everyone on the house bus managed …
The death of a Wellington port worker in 2017 has led to fines and payments from the company totalling more than $800,000. CentrePort in Wellington. Photo: 123rf The worker, Teihi Whaanga, was using a ladder to get up on the roof of a container repair facility on 31 January 2017 when he fell and hit his head …
CentrePort worker’s fall: Court orders fines and payments over $800,000 Read More »
Wellington City Council looks set to join the growing list of cities declaring a climate emergency. Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said the city wants to attach any declaration to a plan. Photo: RNZ / Aaron Smale The council will debate whether to declare a climate emergency tomorrow – at the same time as it considers a new …
Wellington City Council to debate climate emergency declaration Read More »
The tapu was lifted from the Tapu Te Ranga Marae whenua as the sun rose on Sunday morning. Kaumatua of the Home of Compassion, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Atiawa and marae from the rohe of Pōneke, Porirua and Te Awakairangi converged to invoke the waerea. The ritual involves karakia to remove the tapu from …
Tapu Te Ranga Marae tapu lifted, community service planned Read More »
Wellington City Council, Victoria University of Wellington, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) have signed an agreement which will see the Municipal Office Building (MOB) become part of a national music centre to house the NZSO and the University’s New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī (NZSM), along with a strengthened and refurbished …
Wellington Waste Water is warning people not to put cooking fat down their kitchen sinks, after a blockage contaminated the harbour. A fat blockage ended up in Wellington Harbour for several days last week. Photo: Supplied / Wellington Water A fat blockage in the Wellington CBD’s waste water pipes led to it spilling over into storm water …
Wellington harbour fat and sewage contamination prompts warning Read More »
At a campaign launch last week at the Sustainability Trust, Wellington’s Green candidates announced transformative policies to green our city. That’s it. Candidates and MPs photo: pic.twitter.com/TDj6E5FoQn — Mark Cubey (@markcubey) June 13, 2019 Green candidates Thomas Nash (Regional Council), Laurie Foon (Southern Ward), Richard McIntosh (Onslow-Western Ward), Sarah Free (Eastern Ward) and Iona Pannett …
Green candidates announce new policies for Wellington Read More »
Electric scooters for hire will start appearing on Wellington’s streets from tomorrow (Tuesday 18 June) as the trial of the city’s e-scooter share scheme gets under way. Licences have been given to local start-up Flamingo and JUMP, the latter is owned and operated by Uber, to provide 800 (400 from each operator) e-scooters available for …
On Thursday this week, Wellington City Councillors will be asked to agree on a preferred direction for intensification of the city centre and suburban centres to provide for population growth over the next 30 years. This follows the Planning for Growth city-wide engagement on four growth scenarios, alongside a survey on the Council’s blueprint …
Students say a ban on noisy drinkers inside Victoria University halls of residence after 10pm is forcing them into unsafe situations. Students’ Association president Tamatha Paul said the so-called “kick out” rule meant students were left to drink on the streets and in public parks. “It makes more sense to give people in their …
Students seek safe drinking spaces in Wellington Read More »
The Wellington City Council’s inability to save two Edwardian houses from demolition last week paralleled its inability ten years earlier to save a popular and historic swimming pool in the same area of Mt Cook. Though the council allowed the pool to be demolished ten years ago, it was a pointless as well as a …
The extravagantly-unnecessary covered arena is still on the Wellington city council’s longterm wishlist, in spite of the fact that councillors have cancelled a year’s spending on developing it. Councillors last week had another debate on cutting costs. Cutting a $500,000 spend on planning the arena turned out to be the only saving on which they could …
Capital & Coast DHB has extended its medical equipment amnesty, and is strongly calling for people to return any borrowed items that they no longer need. “In the three weeks since the amnesty began, only a handful of items – mainly crutches – have been returned, and very few people have been in touch …
DHB extends amnesty for borrowed medical equipment – “no questions asked” Read More »
Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators are continuing to examine the scene of the Tapu Te Ranga Marae fire in Island Bay. Tapu Te Ranga Marae in flames. Photo from RNZ by Plucky Pīwakawaka The fire is not believed to be suspicious and investigations into the cause and origin are likely to be completed in …
Fire at Island Bay marae “not … suspicious,” but fire alarms being investigated Read More »
Got a problem and no clear way forward? Set up a taskforce. That’s the course of action Wellington’s leaders are taking following an insurance forum in the city yesterday. Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says the details of a taskforce looking into the insurance market are still being worked out. Photo: RNZ / Aaron Smale Wellington Mayor Justin …
Insurance taskforce to deal with skyrocketing premiums Read More »
A group of cub scouts and an American who has lived at Tapu Te Ranga Marae for the last six years were among those who escaped the fire which destroyed the Wellington building overnight. Tapu Te Ranga Marae after a fire last night. Photo: RNZ / Meriana Johnsen Fire and Emergency are yet to identify the cause …
Tapu Te Ranga Marae fire: ‘we can rebuild the marae’ Read More »
Tapu Te Ranga Marae had passed a recent fire audit as part of the building’s warrant of fitness, Rongotai MP Paul Eagle says. Tapu te Ranga Marae in Island Bay, Wellington before it was destroyed by fire. Photo: Supplied The marae was destroyed in an early-morning fire yesterday and devastated supporters are promising they will rebuild it. By this …
Tapu te Ranga Marae passed recent fire inspection Read More »
Wellington Electricity is yet to determine the cause of a power cut that affected about 1200 homes in the Wellington suburb of Brooklyn last night. Power outages have hit the Wellington suburb of Brooklyn (pictured). Photo: 123RF A spokesperson for the company says it restored the electricity supply to the homes last night and expects to determine …
Firefighters battling a large blaze at a Wellington marae have saved the main meeting house. Tapu Te Ranga Marae in flames. Photo: Supplied / Plucky Pīwakawaka The main building at Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Island Bay has collapsed in the blaze and other surrounding buildings have been compromised. Firefighters are continuing to dampen down hotspots at the marae …
SH2 NGAURANGA, NORTHBOUND – PRIOR CRASH – 1:00PM Due to a prior #crash between Ngauranga and Horokiwi (now CLEAR), please expect delays heading north on #SH2. Queues are currently back to the Ngauranga Interchange. Thank you for your patience as this eases. SH2 NGAURANGA, NORTHBOUND – PRIOR CRASH – 1:00PM Due to a prior …
Crash causing heavy Northbound delays on SH2 Ngauranga Read More »
The man accused of murdering a woman and sexually violating her daughter in the Wellington suburb of Karori in early April can now be named as Joseph William Borton. The 30-year-old’s name suppression lapsed today. Mr Borton faces ten charges including two of sexually violating a 12-year-old girl and recklessly impeding her breathing, and …
UPDATE 6:10PM There has been a secondary incident before the #crash at Silverstream. Please continue to expect delays in the area. SH2 SILVERSTREAM, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:50PM A #crash is PARTIALLY BLOCKING the right northbound lane after the intersection with Fergusson Drive in Silverstream. Please expect delays in the area. SH2 SILVERSTREAM, …
Crashes causing delays on SH2 Northbound near Silverstream Read More »
A major insurance company has said it will provide insurance to properties in the capital, provided the level of risk isn’t too high. IAG insures about half the property market in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller It follows the revelation in March that IAG, which insures about half the property market in Wellington, had been declining …
IAG will continue to insure Wellington properties – if risk isn’t too high Read More »
Owners of earthquake-prone apartments in Wellington fear they’ll end up destitute or homeless with the cost of strengthening their units now at 10 times more than government estimates. Hazel Kirkham, left, and Geraldine Murphy from the lobby group Inner City Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp Furious inner city residents are demanding a law change. “We’ve had …
Owners fear losing homes because of cost of quake strengthening Read More »
A serial rapist in Wellington has been jailed indefinitely today, and police suspect there are more victims out there. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King Richard George Apperley, 39, pleaded guilty in Wellington High Court today to multiple charges for crimes dating back to the 1990s, including sexual violation, assault, and possession and making of objectionable material. …
Police urge other victims of serial rapist to come forward Read More »
The centrepiece of Let’s Get Wellington Moving is mass transit. Here’s some basic stuff for when you’re grumping to fellow Wellingtonians at the bus having missed your connection… Stuff’s transport reporters have done a nice piece “The long and winding road to the start line for Wellington’s proposed mass transit system” . It’s got a good …
New data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reveals that Mt Cook has claimed the title as Wellington’s fastest-growing suburb when looking at median house prices, but there is a definite upward trend of property prices in the region. For the 12 months ending April 2019, 53 houses were sold in …
House prices in Mt Cook rise 33 per cent in a year Read More »
Wellington is about to embark on its largest community-led tree-planting programme with a $490,000 boost from the Government’s One Billion Trees Programme. Image: Google Maps Volunteers will plant at least 45,000 natives in the Mt Victoria Town Belt over three years, courtesy of the Matariki Tu Rākau initiative, which funds plantings to recognise the men …
$490,000 to plant 45,000 native trees on the Town Belt Read More »
Wellington’s Island Bay Residents Association has lost its bid to force the City Council to reconsider the controversial cycleway in the suburb. Island Bay cycleway, Wellington. Photo: Supplied / Google The contentious cycleway runs along the kerbside through the suburb, with car parking outside it, rather than the traditional road configuration with kerbside parking. Last month the …
Forecast strong winds are likely to cause disruption to Air New Zealand services into and out of Wellington this afternoon. The airline is expecting weather conditions to deteriorate and cause disruption to flights later today. Air New Zealand is therefore offering ticket flexibility to customers booked on domestic flights to or from Wellington from …
AirNZ expects Wellington flight disruptions, offers ticket deals Read More »
The dancers of the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) now have a new home in a prime spot in the Wellington CBD with the blessing of their new rehearsal studio. The blessing ceremony was held this morning at the building at 115 Wakefield Street, previously the Michael Fowler Centre carpark. “I am delighted the Wellington …
Royal New Zealand Ballet opens new home in Wellington CBD Read More »
If fast-growing and vibrant greater Wellington is your home, now is your opportunity to make a positive difference to its future. Nominations will soon open for local authority elections, which will take place in October. Wellington Regional Councillors represent constituencies from Kāpiti Coast, Porirua-Tawa, Pōneke/Wellington, Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai/Lower Hutt, Te Awa Kairangi …
Regional Council seeking new members to deal with “the big issues” Read More »
A Wellington jury has been told the crucial matter they have to consider is whether a man who killed his baby stepson had a murderous intent when he deliberately hurt the infant. William Wakefield in court today. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas William Wakefield, 32, has gone on trial in the High Court at Wellington accused of …
Two of four people charged with abducting a woman in Wellington in March have had their name suppression lapse. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson Samuel Anthony Gray, 27, and Willie Brandon Lance Malua Bentley, 30, are charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and abduction. They have been remanded in custody until a …
Kidnap case: Two people charged with abduction named Read More »
Holidaymakers won’t be able to use a popular alternative route out of Wellington this long weekend. File photo of cordons on Paekākāriki Hill Road. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton Paekākāriki Hill Road – the alternative route between the Kāpiti Coast and Porirua – will continue to remain closed on Fridays during peak hours. The road has been …
UPDATE: SH1 URBAN MOTORWAY, NORTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 6:40PM Due to multiple incidents this evening, there is MAJOR CONGESTION on SH1 and SH2 heading northbound. Traffic is currently at a standstill from the Terrace Tunnel to the Ngauranga interchange. Delay travel SH2 NGAURANGA, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:35PM Due to a #crash, the right …
Northbound crash on SH2 Ngauranga causing gridlock back to SH1 Terrace Tunnel Read More »
SH1 VIVIAN ST, SOUTHBOUND – OVERHEAD HAZARD – 3PM SH1 VIVIAN ST, SOUTHBOUND – OVERHEAD HAZARD – 3PM Due to a potential hazard overhead, emergency services are currently BLOCKING the right lane on #Vivian St at the intersection with Taranaki St. Please take extra care while passing and expect DELAYS. ^CR pic.twitter.com/WhfjTicx1W — NZTA Wellington …
Vivian Street down to one lane due to overhead hazard – expect significant delays Read More »
Mayor Justin Lester’s commitment today to building a second Terrace tunnel as part of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project has been welcomed by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Photo: Newsbie Pix The Mayor was speaking at the PwC Centre where he gave Chamber members an update on the project and his vision for how …
Mayor commits to second Terrace Tunnel, according to John Milford Read More »
Inner city residents have called a meeting next week to discuss the cost of insuring and strengthening residential units in earthquake prone buildings. The meeting will be on Thursday, 6 June from 6 – 8 pm at the Faculty of Architecture & Design, Victoria University of Wellington, Vivian Street. The meeting has been called by …
Inner city apartment owners meeting to discuss quake strengthening costs Read More »
Next time you’re out and about, walking or driving, have a think about whether there might be fish under your feet. Two pipes running out into Island Bay on Wellington’s South Coast carry the waters of Paekawakawa Stream as well as the suburb’s storm water. Photo: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Stewart Baird Photography / Flickr If you live …
Bus company Tranzurban is reviewing its social media policies after a blunder earlier this week when a senior manager criticised cyclists. Tranzurban said it was making sure its staff knew how to behave online. Photo: Supplied / Island Bay Healthy Streets The company’s operations infrastructure manager, Graham Atkinson, posted on Facebook a meme with the heading: “I’m …
Bus company reviews social media policies after ‘cycle wanker’ comment Read More »
Bemused Wellington commuters are querying why school buses – which continued their routes today despite schools being shut due to the teachers strike – were not used to replace cancelled passenger services. A new bus poised for the morning commute. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King After weeks of random cancellations, Metlink announced last week it was temporarily suspending some …
Wellington commuters question cancelled services as empty school buses running Read More »
SH2 MELLING, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:40PM Due to a crash, a northbound lane is currently BLOCKED before Melling. Please expect delays heading back to Petone. SH2 MELLING, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:40PM Due to a crash, a northbound lane is currently BLOCKED before Melling. Please expect delays heading back to Petone. ^RS pic.twitter.com/rId2AIUToT …
Crash blocking Northbound lane – SH2 Melling – Expect Delays Read More »
SH1 VIVIAN STREET, SOUTHBOUND – TRAFFIC SIGNAL FAULT – 11AM Traffic lights are out at the intersection of Vivian Street and Victoria Street. Please apply give way rules and take extra care SH1 VIVIAN STREET, SOUTHBOUND – TRAFFIC SIGNAL FAULT – 11AM Traffic lights are out at the intersection of Vivian Street and Victoria …
The man accused of fatally stabbing a Petone pensioner and decapitating him has pleaded guilty to murder. Eugene Baker is accused of murdering Francis Tyson in December. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King Eugene Baker, 42, appeared in the High Court in Wellington this morning where he admitted killing 74-year-old Francis Tyson on 30 November. Baker and his …
Wellington cyclists are outraged at a senior Tranzurban bus manager after a controversial social media post mocking bikers. Photo: 123RF The company’s operations infrastructure manager, Graham Atkinson, posted on Facebook earlier this week a meme with the heading: “I’m a wanker starter pack”. It shows images of cycling gear, a bike and helmet, along with a …
Cyclists outraged by Tranzurban manager’s mocking Facebook post Read More »
Library services returned to central Wellington today with the opening of a new combined pop-up library and Council Service Centre at 12 Manners Street. Mayor Justin Lester officially opened Arapaki Manners Library and Service Centre at a small ceremony, before the service opened to the public at 9am. “Manners Street is a great location for …
Pop up library opens in Manners Street, with new council service centre Read More »
Wellingtonians are on the hook to strengthen or demolish the city’s central library, with the city’s mayor conceding insurers are not liable for the cost. Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp A new pop-up library is opening today, nine weeks after the central library was closed when it was deemed earthquake-prone. Its floors are at risk of falling down …
Insurance won’t cover Wellington library fix – mayor Read More »
Wellington police have arrested 35 people and seized more than $1 million in assets after an investigation into a methamphetamine ring in the district. Some of the more than $1m in cash and assets seized by police. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police Police said the arrested suspects – 31 men and 4 women – face more than …
Police arrest 35 people over Wellington meth ring Read More »
The man accused of assaulting the Green Party co-leader, James Shaw, has pleaded guilty. James Shaw suffered a fractured eye socket in the attack. Photo: RNZ However, Judge Ian Mill extended his name suppression until his next Court appearance. The 47-year-old reappeared in the Wellington District Court this morning on one charge of injuring with intent to …
Man accused of assaulting James Shaw pleads guilty Read More »
TalkWellington guest poster and nervous cyclist Barb picks up on a really interesting question in the judicial review hearing over Wellington city council’s decision to implement a parking-protected cycleway on a suburban main street. RNZ reports Con Anastasiou, lawyer for the judicial-review applicants the Island Bay Residents’ Association, thus: Mr Anastasiou said the City Council’s traffic engineer …
This was the big crowd of students who gathered in Civic Square this morning before marching through the CBD to Parliament. Student organisers of the 15 March climate change strikes were back for round two today, with students walking out of school not only in Wellington but also across the country. The first nationwide school …
Students march through CBD seeking action against climate change Read More »
More than 20 bus drivers at a Wellington company say they have been intimidated and bullied – including being verbally abused – by a manager. Photo: kzenon/123RF A letter leaked to RNZ has revealed that drivers employed by the company Tranzurban have been victims of bullying by a manager at the Rongotai depot on numerous occasions. …
Multiple bus drivers complain about manager’s bullying Read More »
The government has approved funding for a cycling and walking path connecting Wellington to the Hutt Valley. A rendering of what the Ngauranga to Petone section could look like. Photo: Supplied / Minister of Transport Construction of the project is expected to begin in 2021. It comes with a $76 million price tag, however $94m in …
Funding approved for Wellington to Hutt Valley cycling and walking path Read More »
Due to a loss of power near Wallace Street and Adelaide Rd yesterday, the western footpath near Loafer’s Lodge is being excavated. Pedestrians are being diverted onto adjacent bus lane – as a result there are significant delays to vehicle traffic during peak periods. -WCC via Twitter
Police who have investigated a convicted paedophile who taught at a Wellington music centre are not saying if he might be tutoring elsewhere. Their investigations show Stephen Shone, who is about 40, tutored weekend music lessons at Island Bay School in 2017 and last year, up to a dozen times. Some lessons were in …
No offending identified during paedophile’s stint at music centre – police Read More »
Opponents of Wellington’s Island Bay cycleway have asked the High Court to review the City Council’s processes in establishing it. The court was told that Wellington City Council’s handling of the cycleway development breached the Local Government Act, the common law and the Bill of Rights. Photo: Supplied / Google The contentious cycleway runs along the kerbside …
Court told of council ‘breaches’ over Island Bay cycleway Read More »
SH2 HOROKIWI, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:45PM Photo: NZTA / Twitter A #crash is currently BLOCKING the right northbound lane by the BP station between the interchange and Petone. Please expect delays in the area.
Some Wellington city councillors are aghast that what they call a ‘waste of space’ inner-city development will probably get approval, and they can do nothing to stop it. Image: RNZ / Supplied The developers behind The Paddington want to build about 150 upmarket terraced houses on Taranaki Street in the central city, with prices starting …
Council powerless to stop ‘waste of space’ housing development Read More »
SH2 BELMONT, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:45PM A #crash is BLOCKING the right southbound lane, prior to the intersection with Fairway Dr. Please take extra care while passing and expect delays. SH2 BELMONT, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:45PM A #crash is BLOCKING the right southbound lane, prior to the intersection with Fairway Dr. Please take …
Crash on SH2 Southbound near Belmont blocking southbound lane Read More »
Save the Basin Campaign spokesperson Tim Jones today congratulated the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project partners on the positive aspects of today’s Wellington transport announcement, but said that many questions remained about the detailed plans for the Basin Reserve and the Basin Reserve precinct. Image: October 2018 Recommended Programme of Investment, https://getwellymoving.co.nz/assets/Documents/The-Plan/6575-LGWM-Recommended-Programme-RPI-v6.pdf, p. 2 “Overall,” said …
“Agreement on a 20 year long term transport plan for Wellington to create a liveable, walkable CBD connected by rapid transit looks promising, but needs to be further developed and accelerated ,” says Stephen Selwood, CEO of Infrastructure New Zealand. “Commitment by the Government and the Wellington councils to a long term plan is …
“Not clear when or if the LGWM plan will get us moving” Read More »
A $6.4 billion plan to overhaul Wellington’s transport network will fail to fix the gridlock for commuters coming in and out of the city, regional leaders say. This scene of back-up traffic coming out of Wellington won’t be addressed by the new plan, say local politicians. Photo: Twitter: NZTA The project includes yet-to-be-detailed rapid transit from the …
$6.4b transport plan ‘won’t solve Wellington’s gridlock’ Read More »
Police have concerns for a 38-year-old woman who has been reported missing in Wellington. Zita Chung Photo: Supplied / NZ Police Zita Chung was last heard from around midday yesterday. Police say she may be in the Petone or Hutt Valley area and is believed to be on foot carrying a red bag. They are asking …
The Minister of Transport went against Treasury advice by announcing a $6.4b transport plan for Wellington before the full costs and benefits are known, a Cabinet paper shows. Transport Minister Phil Twyford announces the Wellington transport package, flanked by city and regional mayors Justin Lester and Chris Laidlaw. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey The government – alongside …
Let’s Get Wellington Moving transport announcement goes against Treasury advice Read More »
A new $6.4bn transport project aiming to free up traffic in Wellington CBD will combine a mass transit system with an improved bus network, the government says. Phil Twyford announces the new $6.4b transport plan for Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp The Let’s Get Wellington Moving project was announced this morning by Transport Minister Phil Twyford and Wellington’s …
Wellington’s public transport system to get $6.4b overhaul Read More »
A fresh resource consent application for the controversial Shelly Bay development has been lodged with the Wellington City Council. An artist’s impression of the Shelly Bay development. Photo: Photo / Supplied Previous consents were quashed by the Court of Appeal, which found the council had got the law wrong when approving the project. The application will need …
New consent attempt for controversial Shelly Bay development Read More »
Work to develop new walking and biking paths on the seaward side of Cobham Drive will start ramping up from this week, with the installation of protective fences along the shoreline to help prevent erosion during construction. The first of the new paths were developed between Miramar wharf and the Calabar Road roundabout in late …
A year’s work starting – to build new cycleway and walkway along Cobham Drive Read More »
The company that owns Courtenay Central in Wellington says it has big plans for redeveloping the complex – which is closed due to earthquake risks. Photo:RNZ The cinema complex owned by Readings International closed in early January, because problems with its third floor meant it was an earthquake risk. Readings gave stockholders a briefing earlier …
Readings present revised plan for Courtenay Central Read More »
Wellington apartment owners could end up spending more to make their buildings earthquake safe, than the actual value of their home. Wellington apartments owners are asking for help. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Initial findings from a new survey shows apartment owners in Wellington are facing bills of between $93,000 and $805,000 to bring their home up …
Owners face ‘insurmountable costs’ to make apartments quake safe Read More »
This weekend two of Wellington’s top nature attractions are opening to locals for just a couple of dollars. During Open Weekend, 18-19th May, people will be able to visit Zealandia and Wellington Zoo for a $2 donation per person at each location. The proceeds from the $2 donations will go towards Zealandia’s conservation programme …
Incumbent Wellington mayor Justin Lester has hinted that a multimillion-dollar government-backed transport project is on the cards for Wellington. Wellington City Council mayor Justin Lester. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King Mr Lester, who over the weekend announced his bid for another term as Wellington’s mayor, told Morning Report the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project was something that would be …
Mayor hints at central Wellington transport project Read More »
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester plans to make the city’s Golden Mile car-free and to end homelessness in the city, if he is re-elected. Photo: RNZ / Aaron Smale He launched his campaign today as part of a wider launch of Labour Party candidates running for Wellington City Council. These include sitting councillors Brian Dawson, Fleur …
Wellington mayor makes three re-election promises Read More »
Creating temporary libraries for Wellington city while the central library is closed is going to cost the city millions. Wellington Central Library Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski The central library closed suddenly on 19 March because an engineer’s report found it was below the required building standard. Whether it will be strengthened or demolished is yet to be decided. …
Temporary libraries for Wellington will cost millions Read More »
Wellington Zoo welcomed the delivery of a young giraffe from a zoo in Australia this morning. Photo: RNZ / Supplied Sunny the giraffe is just over a year old but he is 3.5m tall and weighs 420kg. He came on a large cargo ship from Australia to Auckland and was then transported by road down …
Update: 5:05PM This crash on #SH2 at Horokiwi has been CLEARED and all lanes are now OPEN. Please continue to expect significant DELAYS northbound as peak traffic resumes along this route. A serious #crash is BLOCKING a lane in both directions, north of the Ngauranga Interchange. Significant delays are expected throughout evening peak today. Please …
Wellington City Mayor Justin Lester says there’s a “reasonable likelihood” the central library will be demolished and rebuilt. Wellington Central Library Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski The Central Library was closed suddenly in March due to worries about its safety in a large earthquake. The building was found to be at 15 percent of code, according to …
‘Reasonable likelihood’ library will be demolished – Mayor Read More »
A second measles case has been confirmed in Wellington after a teenager was admitted to hospital last weekend with the disease. Regional Public Health Wellington said both the people infected are linked to cases in Bay of Plenty. Neither has spent any time in public places while infectious, so the risk of spreading the disease is low. …
A #breakdown is BLOCKING the left southbound lane near Fairway Drive intersection, please take extra care through the area and expect delays. SH2 BELMONT, SOUTHBOUND – BREAKDOWN – 4:05PM A #breakdown is BLOCKING the left southbound lane near Fairway Drive intersection, please take extra care through the area and expect delays. ^EH pic.twitter.com/4RUvR9NDLQ — NZTA …
An international consultant is urging Wellington to consider introducing trackless trams, as a way of easing the capital’s congestion. Photo: RNZ / Greenpeace Efforts to reduce the city’s traffic problems are supposed to be sorted with a project called Let’s Get Welly Moving. Problem is, it’s stalled. That project’s been looking at a mass transit …
Trackless trams would be perfect in Wellington, consultant says Read More »
An usher working for the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency has had all her shifts cancelled because she asked for a mat to stand on. Photo: RNZ / 123rf She is the latest employee to come forward about the treatment of the agency’s staff – earlier a doorman was told via a staff memo that …
Woman’s work shifts cancelled after asking for mat to stand on Read More »
The coroner has ruled that the death of a man who set himself on fire in the grounds of Parliament and subsequently died in hospital was a suicide. Zdenek Hanzlik died after setting himself on fire on Parliament grounds in 2017. Photo: Daniela Maoate-Cox On 21 September 2017, Zdenek Hanzlik, who was 60, was seen around Wellington and in …
Coroner rules death of man outside Parliament a suicide Read More »
Four people have been arrested following a two-month-long investigation into the abduction of a woman in central Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller The incident occurred in the central business district in the early hours of 13 March. Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said two searches were carried out – in central Wellington and the eastern …
Four arrested after investigation into abduction of woman in Wellington Read More »
Victoria University of Wellington announced today it would not be changing its English name, but would have a new Māori name. Instead of changing its name, Victoria University of Wellington will change its branding. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller It announced instead a “branding refresh” that would see it emphasise the word Wellington to differentiate it from …
The measles outbreak has spread to Wellington, with a teenager admitted to hospital over the weekend. Photo:123rf.com The total number of cases of the highly infectious, but preventable disease for New Zealand this year is now more than 100, with most of them in Canterbury and Auckland. A spokesperson for the Capital and Coast District Health …
Measles outbreak spreads to Wellington with one confirmed case Read More »
Property records show iwi land at Shelly Bay was sold to developers for a fraction of its sale price. Image: RNZ / Supplied The Wellington development has been under fire with film director Sir Peter Jackson saying the way the land was sold by the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust should be investigated and is …
Shelly Bay developer sale at fraction of price to iwi – property records Read More »
Peter Jackson has released more substantial criticism of the Wellington City Council for its handling of the Shelly Bay development process. Photo: RNZ / AFP In a Facebook post published last night, he writes that an independent review of the project is “very much needed, given the council has not adequately evaluated the infrastructure needs of …
Peter Jackson describes Shelly Bay as an “outrageous modern-day land grab” Read More »
The chief executive of the Regional Council has helped negotiate changes to upcoming employment legislation to give bus drivers the rest and meal breaks they are entitled to and avoid the unintended consequence of thousands of bus services being cancelled across Wellington and the rest of the country. Photo: The Wellington App Chief executive Greg …
Regional Council in negotiations to avoid more bus cancellations Read More »
An 82-year-old man who went missing in Wellington has been found, police say. Shuyou Lin was last seen yesterday. Photo: NZ Police Shuyou Lin, 82, was spotted by a member of the public on Ghuznee Street in the central city this morning. The man has been taken to hospital for a medical assessment. Mr Lin was earlier …
The developer planning to build at Shelly Bay on Wellington’s coast has hit back at accusations made by Sir Peter Jackson. Sir Peter Jackson says locals are against the Shelly Bay development, and the fight will only get uglier. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson Sir Peter has accused the council of disregarding its ratepayers, saying the development’s infrastructure …
Shelly Bay property developer says Sir Peter Jackson’s claims are false Read More »
The man accused of murdering a woman at her suburban Wellington home has now also been charged with sexually violating her daughter. The 30-year-old, who has interim name suppression, appeared in the High Court in the capital yesterday morning on the murder charge. Nine fresh charges were also laid against him in the Wellington …
Fresh charges laid against Karori murder accused Read More »
The fast-evolving situation of insurance premium increases is what triggered Wellington mayor’s to call for a forum with stakeholders and the EQC minister. Wellington Mayor Justin Lester Photo: RNZ / Aaron Smale Insurer IAG, which covers home and contents insurance for about 46 percent of New Zealanders, is set to switch its premiums pricing to a risk-based …
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester hopes for insurance solutions in forum Read More »
Wellington’s mayor is calling for a forum to discuss rising insurance premiums. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller Justin Lester said he will invite the Earthquake Commission Minister, insurance companies and other stakeholders to talk about rising insurance premiums. Yesterday, IAG announced it will start charging higher home and contents premiums for customers who live in …
Wellington mayor calls for forum on insurance premiums Read More »
SH2 HOROKIWI – CRASH – 6:35PM A #crash is BLOCKING the left northbound lane, prior to the intersection with Horokiwi Rd. Please take extra care while passing and expect delays. SH2 HOROKIWI – CRASH – 6:35PM A #crash is BLOCKING the left northbound lane, prior to the intersection with Horokiwi Rd. Please take extra …
Four and a half years ago, a Queenstown restaurant offering a half price discount for diners who arrived at 5:30pm inspired an innovative tech startup. First Table is now a service operating in over 1000 restaurants across seven countries, which offers diners 50% off the cost of any food they purchase and restaurants the ability …
Foodies delight: A Wellington App review of First Table Read More »
Windy weather battering the east coast of the country today will ease before restarting this afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson The area between Canterbury and southern Wairarapa can expect wind gusts of about 85km/h. MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said Wellington currently held the wind record for today with 120km/h speeds recorded on Mount Kaukau. …
A small pocket park containing seating and a small garden, facing northwest on the south-eastern corner of Dixon and Victoria Street, is at risk of disappearing to enable boundaries to align and wider footpaths with a signature building on the corner site. Image: ICW / Wellington.scoop A public-excluded council meeting in February 2016 required that …
Residents campaigning to save small inner city park Read More »
SH1 NGAURANGA, SOUTHBOUND – ROCKFALL – 7:50AM Due to rockfall, the left southbound lane is currently BLOCKED, south of the Newlands on-ramp. Please take extra care while passing and expect #delays. SH1 NGAURANGA, SOUTHBOUND – ROCKFALL – 7:50AM Due to rockfall, the left southbound lane is currently BLOCKED, south of the Newlands on-ramp. Please …
The Wellington City Council says it has run out of patience with a building owner who has not strengthened a central city building, six years after the deadline for the work to be done. The quake-prone Toomath’s Building in Ghuznee Street has had a red sticker for many years. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King The council yesterday …
Wellington City Council acts over quake-prone building Read More »
