Latest News

Two people speak to media in front of a fire engine, with a group of firefighters standing behind them inside a station. Cancer bill seeks better protection for firefighters July 27, 2026 Wellington firefighters who develop one of 21 specified cancers could gain easier access to ACC support under a new Green Party member’s bill. The proposal… ...
Alt text: Pale yellow-green slick and floating leaves on the water beside a wooden jetty. Yellow slicks around Wellington likely pollen July 26, 2026 Yellow dust appearing in Wellington waterways, along the coastline, in gutters and on cars is likely to be pollen rather than pollution, Greater Wellington says.… ...
A group of Greater Wellington representatives, mana whenua, community members and volunteers gather beside a newly planted native tree at Queen Elizabeth Park. Millionth native tree planted in regional parks July 24, 2026 One million native trees have now been planted across Greater Wellington regional parks through the council’s Recloaking Papatūānuku programme. The millionth tree was planted at… ...
Two writers in conversation on stage before an audience at the Verb Readers & Writers Festival. Verb Readers & Writers Festival returns to Wellington July 23, 2026 Verb Readers & Writers Festival will return to Wellington from September 25 to 27, bringing more than 20 events and over 50 writers and artists… ...
Russell Robinson, second from right, stands with four fellow billiards and snooker players beside a competition table. Wellington sportsman Russ Robinson dies aged 80 July 22, 2026 Well-known Wellington sportsman and billiards administrator Russell “Russ” Robinson has died aged 80. Russ died peacefully on June 18, 2026, one day after his 80th… ...
Volunteers plant native trees on an Ōhāriu Valley hillside, with a close-up of one volunteer working among the seedlings. Victoria University volunteers to plant 2,500 native trees July 21, 2026 More than 180 volunteers will head to Ōhāriu Valley this week to plant 2,500 native trees as part of a long-term project restoring native forest… ...
Wellington College pupils perform a dramatic scene from Make Your Mirror Be Me, surrounded by glowing green light tubes. Wellington College pupils bound for Edinburgh Fringe July 21, 2026 Eleven Wellington College pupils will perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, presenting an original production developed through months of rehearsal and creative collaboration.… ...
An England women’s age-group rugby player carries the ball towards a defender in blue during a match. Jerry Collins’ daughter Honey Kerslake signs with English Premiership club July 21, 2026 Story first published on Porirua News The daughter of Wellington rugby legend Jerry Collins has signed her first senior contract with English women’s rugby club… ...
Artist's impression of one of the new Interislander rail ferries that will enter service on Cook Strait in 2029. Government names new Cook Strait ferries Kupe and Cook July 20, 2026 The Government has confirmed KiwiRail will operate New Zealand's two new Cook Strait rail ferries, which will be named Kupe and Cook when they enter… ...
Three people stand together outside a wooden building, with two wearing matching patterned outfits and flower head garlands. Wellington finalists announced for 2026 community awards July 19, 2026 Eighty-one Wellington City groups, organisations and community initiatives have been named finalists in the 2026 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards. The awards recognise volunteers and… ...
A teenage pianist seated at a grand piano, smiling and looking to the side Wellington concert marks teen pianist’s NZSO solo debut July 17, 2026 Sixteen-year-old pianist Shan Liu will make his New Zealand Symphony Orchestra solo debut in Wellington this month. The Year 12 student will perform Prokofiev’s Piano… ...
A goalkeeper in a green training shirt and gloves stands on a football field with blurred city buildings behind him. Wellington Phoenix bring Henry Gray home on loan July 17, 2026 Wellington Phoenix have brought young New Zealand goalkeeper Henry Gray back to the capital on a season-long loan from English Premier League club Ipswich Town.… ...
Portrait of newly appointed New Zealand Fringe Festival director Luke Eisemann against a dark background. Wellington’s Fringe Festival gets new director July 16, 2026 Creative Capital Arts Trust has appointed Luke Eisemann as the new director of the New Zealand Fringe Festival. Eisemann has worked with the festival since… ...
Wellington Phoenix women’s head coach Bev Priestman stands beside newly qualified Police patrol dog Phoenix FC on a lawn. Six new Police dog teams graduate, Wellington-named Phoenix joins frontline July 14, 2026 Six new New Zealand Police dog teams have graduated from the Dog Training Centre in Trentham and are preparing to begin operational duties across the… ...
Principal Kihiro Kusukami supports First Artist Catarina Estevez Collins in a red ballet costume, beside a black-and-white archival image of a ballerina performing on pointe. RNZB winter season honours ballet trailblazers in Wellington July 14, 2026 The Royal New Zealand Ballet will bring its 2026 Winter Season to Wellington’s St James Theatre for four performances from Thursday 16 July to Saturday… ...
An All Blacks player smiles while running with the ball during a rugby match, with a teammate blurred in the background. Jordan breaks All Blacks try record in Wellington July 12, 2026 Will Jordan scored a hat-trick and became the All Blacks’ leading Test try-scorer as New Zealand beat Italy 47-17 at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on… ...
A school lunch in a metal tray covered with thick grey mould. School lunch failures raise concerns for Wellingtonians July 11, 2026 Serious problems with New Zealand’s revamped school lunch programme have raised concerns for Wellington schools and families relying on the scheme. An Auditor-General inquiry found… ...
Alt text: All Blacks players perform the haka in black jerseys before a rugby match. All Blacks & Matariki events to draw crowds to capital July 10, 2026 Wellington is preparing for a busy Matariki long weekend, with a sold-out All Blacks test and major waterfront events expected to draw thousands of people… ...
The Bucket Tree in Tawa, a large macrocarpa trimmed into the shape of an upturned bucket. Tawa’s Bucket Tree Wins National Title July 9, 2026 Tawa’s iconic Bucket Tree has been named New Zealand Tree of the Year 2026. The tree won the national title after strong public support during… ...
Large blue and yellow inflatable sea creature floating in an indoor swimming pool. Wellington pools make waves these school holidays July 9, 2026 Wellington families looking for a winter school holiday activity have plenty of pool options across the city. Wellington City Council’s community pools are offering a… ...
Wellington Raw Comedy Quest returns to Fringe Bar July 8, 2026 Wellington’s premier open mic comedy competition returns this month, giving new comedians the chance to test their material in front of a live audience. The… ...
Wellington Raw Comedy Quest returns to Fringe Bar (July 8, 2026) Wellington’s premier open mic comedy competition returns this month, giving new comedians the chance to test their material in front of a live audience. The… ...
Wellington firefighters strike called off as wild weather hits (July 8, 2026) The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union has cancelled today’s nationwide strike as firefighters respond to severe weather events across the country. The one-hour strike was… ...
Dreamgirls mural brings Matariki storytelling to Wellington streetscape (July 7, 2026) A new public artwork celebrating Matariki has been created in central Wellington through a collaboration between Dreamgirls Art Collective and jewellery brand Pandora. The large-scale… ...
Wellington rugby referees withdraw appointments after abuse incidents (July 6, 2026) Wellington rugby referees will not be appointed to any grade for the weekend of 10 to 12 July following further reports of abuse towards match… ...
Body recovered from water near Te Papa (July 5, 2026) Wellington police have recovered the body of a man who was seen entering the water near Te Papa this afternoon. Police were called to the… ...
Taiawa Tech Hub delivers $14.4m Wellington boost (July 5, 2026) Taiawa Tech Hub has delivered a $14.4 million boost to Wellington’s regional economy and supported 148 jobs in its second year, according to independent analysis… ...
Wellingtonians back local deli in McDonald’s row (July 4, 2026) Wellington support is building for a Kilbirnie deli after McDonald’s objected to the name of its Toastie Takeover entry, the McReuben. On Trays Scheckter’s Deli… ...
Wellington central library hits half a million visits (July 3, 2026) Wellington’s reopened central library, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, has reached half a million visits since reopening in March, bringing more people into the… ...
Wellington restaurants shine in first Michelin Guide (July 2, 2026) Three Wellington restaurants have received one Michelin Star each in the first Michelin Guide for New Zealand. Ortega Fish Shack, Logan Brown and Jano Bistro… ...
Matariki Ahi Kā returns to Wellington Waterfront (July 2, 2026) Matariki Ahi Kā will return to the Wellington Waterfront from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July. The Wellington City Council event will run from… ...
CubaDupa 2027 calls for artists (July 1, 2026) CubaDupa is calling for artists to help bring its 2027 street festival to life in Wellington. Artist Expressions of Interest are now open for bold,… ...
Gas leak closes Mount Victoria intersection (June 30, 2026) A gas leak closed part of Mount Victoria this morning after a gas main was struck near the intersection of Pirie Street and Austin Street.… ...
Weavers of Te Ataarangi opens at Thistle Hall (June 29, 2026) A special Matariki exhibition honouring five decades of te reo Māori revitalisation has opened at Thistle Hall. Weavers of Te Ataarangi features work by current… ...
Eight founding members join Wellington News Business Directory (June 27, 2026) Eight local businesses have joined Wellington News as founding members of the Wellington News Business Directory, helping launch a new guide for readers looking for… ...
Wastewater overflow affects SH2 near Ngauranga (June 27, 2026) A wastewater overflow on State Highway 2 near Ngauranga is continuing to affect traffic and discharge into Wellington Harbour through stormwater drains. Wellington Water said… ...
Wellington drivers urged to take care in wild weather (June 26, 2026) Wellington City motorists are being urged to take extra care as wind and rain continue to affect roads across the lower North Island. Police are… ...
Saints host Giants in key Wellington home game (June 25, 2026) The Mills Albert Wellington Saints will host the Nelson Giants at TSB Arena on Friday 26 June, as the defending champions move into the later… ...
Wellington Businesses Back Community News (June 25, 2026) A new group of Wellington businesses has joined the Wellington News Business Directory as founding members, helping support independent community news while making it easier… ...
Wellington-born 11-year-old signs with Paris FC (June 24, 2026) A Wellington-born footballer of Samoan heritage has been signed by Paris FC, opening a pathway towards professional football in France. Aquila Peleseuma, 11, is the… ...
Savea named All Blacks captain (June 23, 2026) Ardie Savea has been named All Blacks captain, taking over one of the biggest leadership roles in New Zealand sport. The 32-year-old loose forward was… ...