Pāua Poaching Surges in WellingtonPāua poaching is surging in Wellington, with 30% of people checked found breaking the law — triple the national average. Although the legal limit is five pāua per person, some are taking hundreds. On Good Friday, officers caught two divers near Red Rocks with 433 pāua. They returned from shore around 7:30 p.m., using darkness to avoid detection.Fisheries officers caught more than 200 people in the nine months leading up to March. The high numbers have raised serious concerns about the future of the pāua population. Renee Randall, a diver from Te Ātiawa, warned that pāua…

 Sandy Antipas, a Wellingtonian, is making waves in the local tech scene.As the founder of Smrt Limited, he’s been empowering individuals through digital education and workplace training.His work stands out, inspiring many in Wellington and beyond.From Wellington, for WellingtonSandy was born and raised in Wellington.In 2010, he founded Smrt Limited to address the growing need for digital skills.The company operates from Khandallah, providing workplace training that focuses on practical, hands-on learning.Over time, it’s become a key part of Wellington’s tech landscape.Promoting Pasifika TalentSandy isn’t just a business leader; he’s a passionate advocate for Pasifika representation in tech.He believes diverse perspectives…

Hamish French: Wellington’s Walk of Success Credit where it’s due — Hamish French has put Wellington on the map for customer-first retail.The Shoe Clinic co-director recently made headlines after the brand became the first retailer in New Zealand to earn Consumer NZ’s Trusted accreditation five years in a row.This isn’t just an award — it’s a symbol of trust, care, and excellence. From Global Brands to Local Heart Originally from Dunedin, Hamish is now a proud Wellingtonian.He brings more than just retail experience — he brings soul.After working with major names like Reebok and Nike, he shifted gears in 1996.That…

Clive Revill: Wellington’s Voice to the GalaxyA Star Wars Legend from WellingtonClive Revill, born in Wellington, New Zealand, became globally renowned as the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980). His chilling portrayal left an indelible mark on the iconic saga, captivating audiences worldwide. Beyond this, Revill’s versatile voice brought life to characters like Alfred in Batman: The Animated Series and Jetfire in Transformers. His contributions to the entertainment industry spanned decades, showcasing his remarkable talent and adaptability.From Wellington to the World StageBorn on April 18, 1930, in Wellington, Revill’s early life in the…

Gary Baker: The Man Powering Wellington’s Favourite SupermarketHow Gary Built a Local Store into a City LandmarkGary Baker is the force behind one of Wellington’s busiest supermarkets—Chaffers New World. Each week, over 60,000 shoppers walk through its doors. That number alone speaks volumes. With about 500 staff under his wing, Gary’s leadership has transformed the store into a local icon.Since taking ownership in 2010, Gary has done more than just run a store. He’s built a thriving space that serves the heart of Wellington. His work ethic, customer focus, and vision have earned him massive respect in the city.Gary’s Roots…

Andrew Little Running for Wellington MayorAndrew Little Enters Wellington Mayoral Race: Promises “Serious Leadership” for the CapitalBy Wellington LiveIn a bold move set to shake up the capital’s local elections, former Labour Party leader and senior minister Andrew Little has officially announced his candidacy for Wellington mayor.Little joins a growing list of contenders, including incumbent mayor Tory Whanau, councillor Ray Chung, Rob Goulden, Kelvin Hastie, Karl Tiefenbacher, and Graham Bloxham, all vying for the city’s top job in the Wellington City Council elections later this year.In a social media video released this week, Little declared that “Wellington needs serious leadership,”…

April 16, 1892 – The Day New Zealand Rugby Was BornA Historic Day in WellingtonFrom Passion to PurposeRugby has always been close to New Zealand’s heart. But on April 16, 1892, that passion found purpose when 13 provincial unions met in Wellington to form the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU).This moment turned a scattered sport into a national movement—laying the foundation for the All Blacks and making rugby part of Kiwi identity.Why Rugby MatteredBefore 1892, rugby had no national structure. Local unions played by their own rules. The NZRFU changed that by:Uniting the sport under one organizationCoordinating matches nationwideStandardizing…

Kara Puketapu-Dentice: Wellington’s Proud Māori ChangemakerLeading Change in the Heart of WellingtonFirst and foremost, Kara Puketapu-Dentice deserves credit for reshaping the future of Wellington. As a Māori leader, his influence is deeply rooted in the city’s most vital developments. One of his most talked-about achievements is leading the powerful Tūpiki Ora Māori Strategy. This framework, adopted by the Wellington City Council, uplifts Māori voices and well-being in every aspect of city life.In addition, Kara played a key role in major projects like RiverLink while serving as Director of Economy and Development at Hutt City Council. His work there included overseeing…

Tonia Haskell: Wellington’s Water Wonder Woman The Headline-Maker Tonia Haskell grabbed headlines when she led Wellington Water through one of its toughest financial challenges. Under her command, the capital investment surged from $60 million to an impressive $330 million in just a year. Although a budgeting error led to her stepping down in 2024, her leadership through that critical phase remains unmatched in Wellington’s recent history. From Local Roots to Local Leadership Born and raised in Wellington, Tonia has always called the capital home. Her deep connection to the city shaped her vision and leadership. She joined Wellington Water in…

Crash Causing Delays – SH2, WellingtonMaungaraki, near Dowse DriveApril 14, 2025Emergency services are currently responding to a two-vehicle crash on SH2 near Dowse Drive.No serious injuries have been reported.Traffic is disrupted in both directions.Expect delays or consider alternate routes.We’ll share more updates as they come in. Stay safe, Wellington.