Wellington Zoo has announced the introduction of a new Capybara Close Encounter for early 2019. The Zoo family of the world’s largest rodents includes one male, Pepe, and females Vara and Iapa, who is the mother to the most recent litter of babies. While bookings for the encounters won’t be available until next year, visitors …
Close encounters of the capybara kind coming to the Zoo Read More »
The Botanic Garden is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and the Wellington City Council is in the second season of inviting photographers to enter the Fresh Shoots photo competition and win prizes. Henry Moore sculpture in the Botanic Garden, with Met Office in the background. Photo by Mark Cubey The Council has partnered with Excio, Wellington Photographic …
A scrap has arisen after social media footage showed piles of retail plastic bags strewn down Lambton Quay. Story by RNZ Piles of retail plastic bags strewn down Lambton Quay. Photo: Twitter / @eey0re A video on Twitter by Oliver Lineham shows the waste being blown from a pile outside the Bendon lingerie shop, and he said …
In between the bouts of wet weather, takahē parents Nio and Orbell have been spotted out on the lawn at Zealandia with their chick trailing after them. At 17 days old, every day of life is a big achievement for the little takahē chick. Zealandia are helping to ensure that sufficient resources are available to …
The Extravaganza Fair has rolled into town for the weekend, with free entry, fun family entertainment, and tastes of the past and future. The fourth season of what’s described as New Zealand’s largest travelling event is setting up in Waitangi Park today. The Extravaganza Fair will run from 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday with a …
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 there are many more options in the What’s On, Active/To Do, and Community sections of The Wellington App. As part of the Science for Lunch series …
A rare takahē chick has hatched at Zealandia, with rangers at the Wellington wildlife sanctuary doing all they can to improve its chances of survival. The chick was believed to have hatched last Wednesday. Its parents, Nio and Orbell, have been nesting since early November, and at 14 and 18 respectively are nearing the end …
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 there are many more options in the What’s On, Active/To Do, and Community sections of The Wellington App. Want to know the legend behind the …
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 to be carried out. Old St Paul’s, completed in 1866, is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, with support from the Friends of …
Kiwi could soon be roaming through Wellington backyards if an ambitious project to kill their predators is successful. RNZ story by journalist Dan Dalgety @DanDalgetyNZ [email protected] Capital Kiwi founder Paul Ward and Terawhiti Station director Michael Grace. Photo: RNZ / Dan Dalgety The community group Capital Kiwi wants to set 4400 traps to eradicate stoats, ferrets …
‘We think it can be a safe place for kiwi to live’ Read More »
Boom! It’s not the sound of a kakapo, but many other native bird species are causing an explosive increase in the dawn chorus across Wellington. The capital’s annual bird count shows that all native bird species are on the increase in the city’s reserves, with kakariki numbers increasing about 700 per cent since 2011. Beyond …
Kakariki numbers up 700%, as capital’s native bird species boom Read More »
Zealandia have announced that their takahē pair, Nio and Orbell, are nesting. The takahē lawn will be closed for the next couple of weeks to give them some privacy. Photo of Nio and Orbell by Judi Lapsley Miller Staff are doing all they can to improve the chances of a successful chick, but realise that …
Wellington Zoo, the capital’s oldest conservation organisation, has won the inaugural World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Environmental Sustainability Award. Wellington Zoo chief executive Karen Fifield with the WAZA Award The Zoo cemented its pace as a world leader for progressive zoos and aquariums in sustainability when it received the award at the 73rd Annual WAZA Conference …
Wellington Zoo globally recognised for sustainability Read More »
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 options in the What’s On, Active/To Do, and Community sections of The Wellington App. Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa is the great ocean continent. For those Indigenous to …
This feature lists a selection of Wellington events accessible on the weekend for $20.00 or less. You may want to check our previous daily entries for recurring events. And there are many more options in the What’s On, Active/To Do, and Community sections of The Wellington App. Get new plants and seedlings on Saturday from …
Your high five events for Labour Weekend, 20 to 22 October Read More »
Four significant buildings in Wellington will receive Heritage EQUIP funding to help with earthquake strengthening in the latest round administered by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. New Zealand’s Heritage Earthquake Upgrade Incentive Programme, provides private building owners with up to 50 per cent of the funding required for seismic strengthening of heritage listed buildings. …
The kereru or wood pigeon, which is thriving in Wellington with a stable population, has been declared 2018 Bird of the Year for the first time. Photo by Craig McKenzie Described as “in some trouble” on the Bird of the Year site, the kererū received 5833 votes in the public competition to fly to …
Thriving Wellington resident kererū voted Bird of the Year Read More »
Backyard trapping group Predator Free Mt. Vic is offering humane traps to residents in their area to help create a protective screen around Matairangi/ Mt. Victoria. The community-led initiative, covering the suburbs of Mt. Victoria, Oriental Bay, Roseneath and Hataitai, is working alongside other Predator Free community groups around the city to help bring back …
Zealandia has successfully trapped the weasel discovered inside the protected wildlife sanctuary last week. The female weasel was found in a DOC200 humane kill trap today by a Zealandia Ranger, at the southern end of the sanctuary where the animal was first detected. Conservation and Research Manager Dr Danielle Shanahan was delighted with the result. …
The weasel that left tracks inside Zealandia wildlife sanctuary last week has been captured – but only on video. Footage of the elusive mustelid has been recorded on a camera trap, which confirmed for staff that they were working in the right area of the sanctary. One hundred and ten DOC200 traps were placed with …
Today’s meeting of the City Strategy Committee approved a recommended grant of $168,500 from the Built Heritage Incentive Fund for strengthening work on St John’s in the City. Photo of St John’s in the City by Luke Jackson Twelve smaller BHIF grants to properties were approved during the Grants Subcommittee meeting on 19 September, but the …
Grants worth $450k help heritage building preservation Read More »
Mustelid tracks, likely from a weasel, have been found inside the fence at Karori ecosanctuary ZEALANDIA, triggering an immediate hunt for the unwelcome predator. Conservation and Research Manager Dr Danielle Shanahan said that while incursions are very rare, ZEALANDIA is well-prepared to deal with the situation and is working with experts to plan and carry …
The Botanic Garden is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and the Wellington City Council inviting photographers to enter the Fresh Shoots photo competition and win prizes. Henry Moore sculpture in the Botanic Garden, with Met Office in the background. Photo by Mark Cubey The Council has partnered with Excio, Wellington Photographic Society, NZPhotographer magazine, New Zealand Photography …
It’s the start of Wellington’s Spring Festival (22 to 30 September), the end of Conservation Week, and Home & Garden weekend. Get out and about! On Saturday, the annual Otari-Wilton’s Bush Open Day and Plant Sale takes place at Otari-Wilton’s Bush, 160 Wilton Road, from 10:00 to 2:00pm. This is a great day for first-timers …
Your high five events for the weekend of 22 and 23 September Read More »
Try on costumes, zines, scrabble, whales, and the Pyrénées for size… After 25 years in business, The Costume Company at 214 Willis Street is having a closing down sale and everything must go. They are opening up their vault and welcoming everyone to rummage the racks and hopefully find some treasures. The sale started yesterday and …
St John’s in the City, the 132-year-old Presbyterian church on the corner of Willis and Dixon Streets, launched a $4.2 million fund-raising campaign yesterday. The funds are needed to carry out seismic strengthening to 70% of the New Building Standard on the Category 1 historic building, which is currently deemed “earthquake prone” at 25% of …
St John’s in the City starts $4.2m earthquake strengthening campaign Read More »
Wellingtonians can give our native species a helping hand starting this weekend by answering the call to Conservation Week. Today and next Sunday, local food trucks at Harbourside Market will serve pest-themed dishes, with prizes for the first to eat their way through the menu, including wild venison pie and goat dumplings. Department of Conservation …
Eat a pest and get a free rat trap for Conservation Week in Wellington Read More »
As Te Wiki o te Reo Māori comes to an end, there’s a lot going on involving nature and space and trombones. Saturday’s Young Feminist Hui at Te Papa is fully booked, though there are still a few tickets available for the All Blacks/Springbok test… Photo of Kereru by Janice McKenna Conservation Week starts on Saturday, …
Au kaupapa e rima mo te Rāhoroi 15 a Rātapu 16 Mahuru Read More »
The Wellington City Council is proposing to name several new reserves after native birds. The City Strategy Committee will be asked to approve the names of 17 reserves in Churton Park, Newlands, Tawa and Aro Valley when it next meets on 20 September. Four of the names are of European origin, recognising local identities, and …
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 for profit organisations, showing that all types of organisations can make a success out of sustainability. Half of the finalists for the Millennial on a …
Wellingtonians among record number of finalists at Sustainable Business Awards Read More »
A group of Wellington High School students have organised a week of environmental activism to promote waste management and recycling to their peers. Gwen briefs the group while Alexa cuts up raffle tickets Story and photos by Mark Cubey Last Monday lunchtime, I sat on a stool in one of the science rooms in one …
A 49-year-old man appeared in court on Tuesday in relation to the theft of 12 Wheki trees from Naenae’s Waiwhetu Stream in July. Photo by Bernard Spragg Following information from the public, ten trees were located at a property in Wainuiomata late last month, along with a large quantity of cannabis. The man was charged …
Spring into Spring by stationary cycling, getting your PC a free tuneup, embracing healthy living, interacting with bees, and celebrating Vietnam Day. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s annual Breathe Better September campaign kicks off on Saturday with Bike for Better Breathing. Ride stationary bikes in Cuba Mall from 6:30am to 6:30pm, creating awareness around respiratory …
Your high five for the weekend of 1 and 2 September Read More »
Southern Right whales can’t seem to keep away from Wellington. What is believed to be a Southern Right whale mother and calf were sighted in Wellington harbour yesterday, with another pair may possibly spotted on the Kapiti coast. The Department of Conservation has not been able to determine if they are “known” whales – recognisable …
Parks and lawns across Wellington are now being renovated with traditional and new techniques though to October, in preparation for expected high usage in the summer months. Some of the central city’s busiest lawns, including Midland Park and Glover Park (pictured above) will be fenced off for up to 30 days to allow new grass …
Council lawns get renovation love and hybrid turf for spring Read More »
The Department of Conservation is seeking information about an injured leopard seal believed to have been attacked by a dog in Ngati Toa Domain on the weekend. A leopard seal, bigger and tougher than you. Rangers were called on the Domain in Porirua on Saturday and found evidence of an attack. A two-metre seal was …
The spring weather is spreading pollen across Wellington, and it’s being mistaken for pollution. Reports are being received at the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline of yellow powder or paint residue coating cars, accumulating in the harbour and streams. These are all deposits of pollen, mostly from pine and macrocarpa plants. Wind pollination is used …
An ecological message to be sung to the tune of Don’t Feed the Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult. Cowbell optional. Mating time is here Kākā start to pair People, don’t feed the kākā Not in the wind, the sun or the rain (they can’t be like we are) Come on baby, don’t feed the kākā Baby …
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and other local government leaders have welcomed the Government’s decision to phase out single-use plastic shopping bags within a year. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage announced the decision this morning at Wellington’s Lyall Bay beach. Last year, the Wellington City Council was a driving force behind …
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 Newtown Community Centre and the Wellington City Council are working together to ensure the people of Newtown are at the centre of shaping the future …
Public input sought on community facilities and nursery Read More »
The demolition of Gordon Wilson Flats, one of only two buildings of its kind in the country, will almost certainly happen. But two students from the university that owns the building are working on a project to preserve it in virtual reality. In May, the Wellington City Council made a zone change for the Terrace …
Rugby, glow worms, symphonic winds, waste dating and comedy are events on offer for your Friday night in Wellington. It’s Super Rugby play-off time as the Hurricanes host the Chiefs in the first of the weekend’s quarter finals, at Investec Westpac Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay. Hurricanes captain Brad Shields has declared himself fit after his …
Wellington Zoo is celebrating World Chimpanzee Day tomorrow, with the transformation of its chimpanzee zoo habitat underway. Saturday 14 July, World Chimpanzee Day, is the anniversary of Dr Jane Goodall’s arrival in what is now Gombe Stream National Park to study chimpanzees in the wild. Wellington Zoo has a partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute …
Artistic upcyclers are invited to join a working bee tomorrow as Boomerang Bags do their bit for Plastic Free July. Boomerang Bags Wellington who divert textiles and fabric from landfill and upcycle it into readily available reusable bags, are holding their biggest working bee ever tomorrow. As part of Plastic Free July, they are challenging …
Local residents and community groups are invited to take a tour of the city’s Southern Landfill to see the effects of discarded plastics at close range. The Wellington City Council is reinforcing its commitment to Plastic Free July with the return of its Bags in the Wild landfill tour, following a positive public response for …
Wellington’s been the right place for a visit by a rare southern right whale since it was first spotted in the harbour on Tuesday. But the presence of the whale in the harbour may postpone the Wellington City Council’s inaugural mid-year fireworks event. Photograph by Sean Gillespie Wellington turned into Whaleywood this week as locals …
Right whale – or wrong weather – may halt fireworks (photos) Read More »
Three young Seatoun residents have set up an incentive-based conservation scheme – Traplordz – designed to revitalise conservation culture amongst their peers. GREGOR THOMPSON Jack Tully (centre) receives his new trap from Traplordz Claude Ramsden Bradley (left) and Tait Burge Tait Burge, Hugo Reeve and Claude Ramsden Bradley of Seatoun have set up a self-funded …
Traplordz scheme brings pest control plan to youth Read More »