Your High Five Events for 28 January
The Wellington App High Five Events are back! This feature lists a selection of Wellington events today that are free or cost less than $20.00 (usually). You may want to …
Community
Hospital’s emergency dept staying open during strike by resident doctors
Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) union are to undertake a second strike action around the country. Photo: 123RF A number …
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The Ōtaki Kite Festival 2019, 16 – 17 February at Ōtaki Beach
Festival organisers are counting down the last few weeks to the seventh international Ōtaki Kite Festival at Ōtaki Beach. Begun in 2013 the festival was the inspiration of Yvonne de …
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Wellington hits peak median weekly rent
Wellington has become the country’s most expensive city to rent in as rents in the capital soared by 5.8 percent in the past year. Higher house prices in Wellington mean …
First Responders Festival this weekend
The First Responders Festival with live music, outdoor cinema, BBQ and family fun day has been created to celebrate and support our city’s amazing free ambulance service. And what better …
Ethiopians celebrate one of their oldest festivals in Wellington
Wellington’s Ethiopian Community have been celebrating one of their country’s most prestigious events – Timkat. Wellington’s Wakefield Park has been filled with singing and prayers this weekend. Timkat, which they …
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Wellington rats face death by chocolate in trapping trial
Wellington’s councils are putting a new twist on the idea of death by chocolate. \ Photo: 123RF The regional and city council plan to use chocolate to lure rats into …
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Wellington bus drivers vote for fare strike
Wellington bus drivers have voted for industrial action including a fare strike – driving buses while refusing to take fares – from the 28th of January if their employer NZ …
Animal of the Week – Red Panda
Wellington Zoo is home to four Red Pandas: Khusi and her cub Ngima, Sundar and Manasa. They all have distinct personalities which Zoo visitors can use to tell them apart! Cooler …
Wellington showcasing Pacific arts this weekend
New Zealand’s capital will host its 15th Pacific arts festival this weekend. Photo: Wellington City Council The Wellington Pasifika Festival coincides with the city’s anniversary weekend and showcases the region’s …
Student desperation for rental properties hitting new highs in Wellington
Wellington students desperate to find rentals are getting creative to try and find housing, while others with rentals are struggling to make rent. A group of Wellington university students have …
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Lime working to win over Wellington, but it’s not easy
Wellington is the last in line for Lime’s expansion across New Zealand’s biggest cities and its sights are set on the capital – but they’re not alone. Lime e-scooters have …
Lime working to win over Wellington, but it’s not easy Read More »
Hands on with Norton Secure VPN – protecting free public Wi-Fi users
The odds are good that you’ve heard of VPNs. While most media coverage revolves around VPNs, or virtual private networks, as a tool for hiding dodgy online activities, they’re also …
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Junior doctors on strike and ‘aren’t going to back down’
Striking junior doctors say they will not back down and district health boards must withdraw planned clawbacks to their current terms and conditions. Esme and Frey Battson, 6 and 4, …
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‘Juicers’ In Limelight – meet the scooter rechargers
If you happen to see a man carrying two lime scooters over his shoulders, shoving them into a car boot and driving away into the night don’t be alarmed. …
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Doctors on strike today; but hospital emergency dept staying open
News from Capital and Coast District Health Board Resident Medical Officers who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association union will undertake strike action around the country from …
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Fundraiser causes anger among deaf community
A deaf Wellington man says he’s furious after a woman apparently pretending to be deaf so she could try to sell sign-language cards, came into his work. Photo: RNZ / …
Pride of Wellington – Djembe, Djane, and Zahra
As part of The Wellington App’s Summer Edition, we are working with Wellington Zoo to showcase some of the amazing animals you and your family can visit while the weather …
Watch: Rescuers save two dolphins trapped in Wellington bay
A group of friends scrambled down a rocky cliff face to rescue dolphins stranded on rocks in Wellington Harbour yesterday. Melissa Prowse told Summer Report she and her friends were …
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New feature: Animal of the Week with Wellington Zoo
As part of The Wellington App’s Summer Edition, we are working with Wellington Zoo to showcase some of the amazing animals you and your family can visit while the weather …
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Wellington’s movie street loses another cinema
It was the street that brought the Lord of the Rings premieres to life about two decades ago, but now Wellington’s Courtenay Place leaves a gap for movie buffs. Photo: Google Streetview …
Technology shield developed to help women report abuse without a trace in browser history
Women’s Refuge says technology is increasingly being used as a way to control women in abusive relationships, so it has found a way for it to it help victims. Image: …
Wellington’s Reading cinema closes after earthquake report
The large Reading Cinemas complex on Courtenay Place has closed until further notice following an independent engineers’ report. Reading Cinemas on Courtenay Place. Photo: Google Maps In a post on social media, …
Wellington’s Reading cinema closes after earthquake report Read More »
Longform read – The Basin: a better venue than a new arena
In November the region’s mayors gave in-principle support for a new $200million 12,000 seat indoor arena to be built on Kings Wharf. Glen Smith argues for a better, less costly …
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Three Wellington women named Dames Companion of the New Zealand order of Merit
The New Year honours list released this morning names three Wellington women as new Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Wellington’s new dames are: former mayor …
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Wellington City Council’s 40th Summer City starts on Monday
The Wellington City Council’s Summer City programme kicks-off its 40th year on New Year’s Eve, with more than 90 events over the next three months – and something for everyone. …
Wellington City Council’s 40th Summer City starts on Monday Read More »
Bowlzilla offers international opportunities for skateboarders
New Zealand skaters will be launched on to the world stage via Bowlzilla Wellington 2019 on March 9 at Waitangi Park. Big returns are coming for the skaters of New …
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Man who died while Freediving in Wellington named
The man who died while diving off the Wellington coast on Christmas Eve has been named. Photo: Worser Bay, Seatoun Photo: Supplied / Wikimedia Commons / Pseudopanax He was 58-year-old Gary Hibbs, …
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More Wellington families struggling at Christmas – City Mission
Working families are increasingly seeking support from the Wellington City Mission. Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge and the Mission’s Community Programmes Manager Olivia Lange. Photo: RNZ / Meriana Johnsen City …
More Wellington families struggling at Christmas – City Mission Read More »
Infratil agrees to sell NZ Bus
Infratil has agreed to sell its NZ Bus unit to Next Capital for up to $240 million, but will help the Australian private equity firm pay for it. Announced …
Charity warns of debt increases over Christmas
The Wellington City Mission has urged people not to go into debt for their loved ones this Christmas. Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge and the Mission’s Community Programmes Manager Olivia …
Hairdressers and barbers warned to ditch ‘thank you’ drink
Wellington barbers and hairdressers are being told not to spread the Christmas cheer by filling the glasses of their clients with beer or wine. Wellington City Council sent out letters …
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Cute lambs for Christmas – but not for eating
The sheep dubbed the world’s cutest have given birth to their first lambs in New Zealand. Wairarapa farmer Christine Reed and her business partners imported Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep as …
High Court judge approves Chinese garden on waterfront
A High Court judge has dismissed an appeal against a plan to build a Chinese garden in Frank Kitts Park on Wellington’s waterfront. The lobby group Waterfront Watch had argued …
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Engineering firm raises concerns about Statistics House inquiry
The engineering firm that oversaw the demolition of Statistics House raised serious concerns about the findings of the inquiry into its partial collapse. A 2013 photo of Wellington’s Statistics House, …
Engineering firm raises concerns about Statistics House inquiry Read More »
Free shoes for Active Families participants
Fifty children and adults will be receiving free shoes this Christmas to assist them with their health and fitness journey. Round the Bays Wellington – Photo: Ari Bakker / Flickr Shoe …
Updated: Wellington Traffic Warnings for Friday 21 December – NZTA
There are a number of traffic warnings in place as the annual Christmas exodus begins tomorrow. The Wellington App will keep you up to date with any additional incidents on …
Updated: Wellington Traffic Warnings for Friday 21 December – NZTA Read More »
Wellington App Launches Summer Edition.
Introducing the Summer Edition of The Wellington App! Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Flickr Like all of you, we at The Wellington App change our focus over the summer months, so we’ve …
The beauty of the Basin Reserve
There is something special about attending a cricket Test and watching it at the Basin Reserve is probably as good as it gets in New Zealand, Barry Guy writes. I attended the …
Wellington App Launches Summer Edition.
Introducing the Summer Edition of The Wellington App! Like all of you, we at The Wellington App change our focus over the summer months, so we’ve decided to roll …
Wellington Traffic Warnings for Friday 21 December – NZTA
There are a number of traffic warnings in place as the annual Christmas exodus begins tomorrow. The Wellington App will keep you up to date with any additional incidents on …
Wellington Traffic Warnings for Friday 21 December – NZTA Read More »
Cause of Wellington’s bus network failure revealed
An independent review into Wellington’s troubled bus network has revealed a raft of failings from the regional council. The new routes weren’t tested because the council did not believe it …
Cause of Wellington’s bus network failure revealed Read More »
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency names new chair and board member
Experienced businesswoman and professional director Tracey Bridges has been named as the new chair of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA). A proud Wellingtonian who has lived and …
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency names new chair and board member Read More »
What makes Wellington’s new Chimpanzee enclosure so much better?
Wellington Chimpanzee Troops new home “closer to natural than ever before” Wellington Zoos latest exhibit upgrade was officially completed yesterday with an opening ceremony in the new Chimp Park visitor …
What makes Wellington’s new Chimpanzee enclosure so much better? Read More »
Pouwhenua display opens tonight to highlight Te Matatini
A new generation of urban Māori are on display in the heart of Wellington as the city prepares to host the biggest kapa haka festival in the country. Photo: RNZ …
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$154m convention center approved for Wellington
Wellington City Councillors have voted to proceed with a Five Greenstar Convention and Exhibition Centre (CEC) which will give a major boost to the local economy, create hundreds of jobs …
Police to conduct road safety operation throughout Wellington next week
“Road safety operation – Wellington” Wellington Police are on a mission to ensure drivers keep themselves and other road users safe this holiday season. From Monday 17 to Saturday 22 …
Police to conduct road safety operation throughout Wellington next week Read More »
Consultation closing on a new community for Upper Stebbings Valley
Public feedback on a Wellington City Council plan for a future community in Upper Stebbings Valley and Glenside West closes at 8.00pm next Sunday, 16 December. With 80,000 more people …
Consultation closing on a new community for Upper Stebbings Valley Read More »
Sports and community benefit with $2.2m funding nod for Johnsonville
A sports and community hub for Johnsonville’s Alex Moore Park is one step closer after Wellington City Councillors unanimously approved $2.2 million in funding at yesterday’s meeting of the City …
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Helpers needed for next Friday’s Night Shelter appeal
The Wellington Night Shelter is holding a Street Appeal next Friday, the first since the organisation opened in 1970 – and it is calling for helpers. The appeal is to …
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Playground feedback needed by Friday
The Wellington City Council is reminding residents to provide feedback on some draft plans for playground upgrades in Wellington. The playgrounds are Glamorgan Park Playground in Northland, Larsen Park and …
Your high five events for Wednesday 28 November
This daily feature lists a selection of Wellington events today that are free or cost less than $20.00 (usually). You may want to check previous entries for recurring events. And …
Your top ten events for the weekend of 24 and 25 November
This weekly feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible this weekend for $20.00 or less (and ideally free). You may want to check previous high five posts for recurring …
Your top ten events for the weekend of 24 and 25 November Read More »
Don’t Guess the YES campaign launches today
A campaign continuing the drive to change attitudes and behaviours around alcohol consumption and sexual consent launched today in Wellington. Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Quinn Hospitality New Zealand Wellington …
Kiwibank customers “appalled” by branch closures
Kiwibank customers are outraged at news their local branches in Johnsonville, Petone and Stoke are being closed. RNZ story by Alex Ashton @AlexGPAshton alex.ashton@notrnz.com Photo: RNZ The state-owned bank yesterday announced the …
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Tawa flies flags to celebrate vibrant community
Forty-three flags are now fluttering from power poles in Tawa, promoting local spirit and the community. Tawa Business Group, Tawa Residents Association, and Tawa Community Board dreamed up the project …
Your high five events for Friday 23 November
This daily feature lists a selection of Wellington events today that are free or cost less than $20.00 (usually). You may want to check previous entries for recurring events. And …
NZSO partners with City Mission for Christmas
As part of a new partnership with The Wellington City Mission, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is supporting the charity’s annual Christmas Star Appeal. At the NZSO’s two concerts in …
Consultation ends next week for Karori improvement project
Your feedback on the proposed options outlined as part of the community engagement for the Karori Town Centre’s Public Space Improvement Project is due by next Tuesday, 28 November. You can …
Consultation ends next week for Karori improvement project Read More »
Your top ten events for the weekend of 17 and 18 November
This weekly feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible this weekend for $20.00 or less (and ideally free). You may want to check previous high five posts for recurring …
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Restrengthening plan to close Old St Paul’s
A multi-million-dollar fundraising appeal for building restoration has been launched to strengthen historic Old St Paul’s in central Wellington, ahead of its temporary closure next year to allow the work …
Fly like a Swan, live in a Garrett: your choice
The WCC is calling for feedback on the future of Swan Lane and Garrett Street. You have 12 days to respond. By Mark Cubey The Wellington City Council want to …
Your high five events for Friday 16 November
This daily feature lists a selection of Wellington events today that are free or cost less than $20.00 (usually). You may want to check previous entries for recurring events. And …
Armistice Centenary commemorated this weekend
At 11am on 11 November, Aotearoa New Zealand will mark the centenary of the Armistice that ended the First World War in 1918. A range of commemorative events are taking …
Your high five events for the weekend of 10 and 11 November
This weekly feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible this weekend for $20.00 or less (and ideally free). You may want to check previous high five posts for recurring …
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Eat, drink and be merrily generous
Gather your $2 coins, take them out to a participating restaurant or café this month or next, and become part of DINEAID. Over nine years ago, a small group of …
Your top ten events for the weekend of 3 and 4 November
This weekly feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible this weekend for $20.00 or less (and ideally free). You may want to check previous high five posts for recurring …
Your top ten events for the weekend of 3 and 4 November Read More »
Prepared for an earthquake? Yeah, nah.
A survey of Wellington residents revealed that only 15% of respondents had completed more than half of 18 recommended earthquake preparedness actions. The project, carried out in November 2017 by …
What will you do when the big one comes?
This week’s earthquake is a reminder that no one in the Wellington region can tell when are major disaster might strike. Are you prepared? The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office …
Food rescue milestone as Kaibosh turns 10
Wellington’s food rescue charity Kaibosh is celebrating 10 years of rescuing and redistributing food in the Wellington region. George and Robyn Langlands of Kaibosh in 2009. Photo by Mike Heydon …
Making matches on Manners Street
Having set up a bunch of keen comers to fill holes in the saddest stretch of the Golden Mile, commercial property specialists Bryan Block and David Grant are continuing their …
Be someone’s star this Christmas
The Wellington City Mission’s Christmas Star Appeal launched today, giving you the chance to “be someone’s star” and help people in need across the Wellington region this Christmas. Mayor Justin …
Who’s your safety hero?
The WCC is asking the public put forward nominations of selfless people with a commitment to making the world a safer place for a Council award. The Council’s annual Safety …
Diawali brings the light to Sunday afternoon
Wellington’s local Indian and South East Asian communities’ most vibrant cultural celebration, Diwali, takes over the waterfront on Sunday afternoon in a festival of lights. The lighting of lamps at …
Sunday’s Open Streets event closes roads to cars
A large section of the Wellington CBD will be closed to cars tomorrow from 9.00am to 1.00pm for the Te Ara Tapere ki Pōneke – Open Streets event. Te Ara …
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Your high five events for the weekend of 27 and 28 October
This daily feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible this weekend for $20.00 or less (and ideally free). You may want to check previous high five posts for recurring …
Your high five events for the weekend of 27 and 28 October Read More »
Thursday double digital education events extra
Here’s a couple of education-related events extra to our High Five, that you may want to take advantage of this evening… Wellington educators, businesses and parents* are invited to the …
Local open source exponents score awards
Wellington companies and individuals working with free and open source software were celebrated at the 2018 New Zealand Open Source Awards at Te Papa last night. Both of the Open …
Frustration over disabled parking abuse, design and quantity
Frustration is building in the disability community over able-bodied people using mobility car parks that have also been poorly designed. RNZ story by journalist Jonathan Mitchell @RNZjonathan jonathan.mitchell@radionz.co.nz Advocacy group CCS …
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Ten thousand downloads! New sections! Next level! Toilets! Serving you better! What’s next?
This past weekend, just 16 weeks after The Wellington App launched to smartphones in the Wellington region, we have had 10,000 downloads of the App to iOS and Android devices. …
Your high five events for Monday 15 October
This daily feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible today for $20.00 or less. You may want to check previous entries for recurring events. And there are many more …
Saturday community involvement alert
Some activities tomorrow to make you feel good (and do good). A dedicated group of Makara community representatives have been learning about climate change, sea level rise and the local …
Your high five events for Tuesday 25 September
Language, construction, traffic lights and movement define your Tuesday. New Zealand Chinese Language Week (23-29 September) is an NZ-led initiative aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to discover Chinese language and …
Season tickets offered by Phoenix in diversity offering
The Wellington Phoenix football club will offer 2018/19 season tickets for recently resettled refugees and people from low socioeconomic communities as part of their Football Diversity and Inclusion Programme. By …
Season tickets offered by Phoenix in diversity offering Read More »
First look at Wellington’s new social housing units
More than 100 new social housing units have been unveiled in Wellington. Report from RNZ, 17 September 2018 The development has one- to four-bedroom apartments and five are designed for …
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Latest Regenerate focuses on art and yoga
Sellers are out on the streets with the latest issue of monthly Wellington-based street magazine Regenerate. Jason, aka Regenerate Seller 24, used to panhandle at the Newtown Market, and is …
Wellington gets mo’ satisfaction
According to a survey released yesterday, people living in the greater Wellington region are happy with their lot, and have a high level of concern for their fellow citizens. The …
Wellingtonians among record number of finalists at Sustainable Business Awards
Fourteen Wellington individuals and organisations are among a record number of finalists announced for the 2018 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards. The finalists include small businesses, large corporates, and not …
Wellingtonians among record number of finalists at Sustainable Business Awards Read More »
Pups enjoy Lions win at HUHA event
At fundraising event Pups in the Park, dogs and their owners enjoyed watching the Wellington Lions beat North Harbour on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Story and photos by Luke …
Your high five events for Friday 7 September
It’s Onesie Day, with the Orange Day Parade, Suffrage in Stitches, the McQueen doco, and a whole lotta folk, metal and Ethiopiques. Today is Wellington Free Ambulance Onesie Day, the …
Bus talks head north tonight
Residents from Ngaio, Khandallah and Broadmeadows get their chance tonight to talk about the changes to Wellington’s public transport system. Representatives from Metlink and the Greater Wellington Regional Council will …
Cat of the Week
The second in a weekly series where we publish a photograph of a notable neighbourhood cat. Send your photo submissions, and the necessary information (below), to news@thewellingtonappco.nz Cat for the …
Have your say on the new Berhampore playground
The Wellington City Council are building a new children’s playground at Berhampore’s Wakefield Park, and want your take on the draft plans. Last year, the council consulted with the public …
Changes proposed for alcohol ban areas
The Wellington City Council is reviewing the Liquor Control bylaw and has proposed some changes to the alcohol ban areas. The present bylaw expires in December and there have been …
Your high five events for Thursday 30 August 2018
The cool kids will be at the sold-out Courtney Barnett gig at the Opera House tonight, while western suburbs residents concerned about public transport will be at the meeting to …
Your high five events for Thursday 30 August 2018 Read More »
Cosplayers become CAUSEplayers for hospital street appeal
Collectors in character costumes will be volunteering as CAUSEplayers on the streets of the city tomorrow, helping with the annual street appeal for Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital. Cosplay collectors for …
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Regenerate 8 focuses on food, expands sales to Hutt
The eighth issue of monthly Wellington-based street magazine Regenerate is out now, providing work opportunities for those affected by homelessness or poverty. This issue is focused on food, and Regenerate …
Regenerate 8 focuses on food, expands sales to Hutt Read More »
Have your say on a new northern community
With 80,000 more people expected to be living in Wellington by 2043, more homes are urgently needed. The Council wants public feedback on a future northern community in one of …
Newtown meeting threatens fare revolt
A near-capacity crowd at the Newtown Community Centre last night aired their frustrations at Wellington’s public transport system. Over 100 people attended the meeting, with many speaking out against the …
DCM bookfair raises over $85,000
The 23rd annual Bookfair run by DCM last Saturday attracted over 5,300 people, and raised over $85,000. The final figure is to be confirmed. DCM volunteers clean up after the …
Your high five events for Wednesday 8 August
Apart from the GWRC Sustainable Transport meeting at 9:30am (see yesterday’s news coverage), there is much free writing and talking on offer today. British public health specialist Lucy Saunders was …
Former councillor Bryan Pepperell dies
Bryan Pepperell, a long-serving Wellington City Councillor until 2013, died suddenly at home last Thursday aged 65. Pepperell served as a southern ward councillor from 1995 until 2013, and stood …
Diversity, partnership and innovation celebrated at Arts Access Awards
A prominent broadcaster, a solo theatre maker, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and a partnership that ran a creative writing workshop for writers, the public and prisoners were all winners …
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Arts Access Awards night includes enhanced name
The Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2018 takes place tonight at Parliament, with a new name, and accolades being given to a range of individuals and organisations improving access …
Soup Kitchen scoops up supreme community award
Long-running community care providers Compassion Soup Kitchen were honoured last night as Supreme Winner at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, for their commitment to helping vulnerable people. Compassion Soup …
Public input sought on community facilities and nursery
Workshops tomorrow in Newtown and Wilton will discuss what the public wants for the future of Newtown community facilities, and for the Otari-Wilton’s Bush nursery. The Newtown Residents Association, the …
Public input sought on community facilities and nursery Read More »
Campaign against hygiene poverty launched today
A new initiative is asking the public to donate toiletry and hygiene products for people in need. A battle against hygiene poverty was launched today by Wellington blogger and policy advisor …