Wellington is currently facing a severe housing affordability crisis, with escalating house prices and rental costs placing significant pressure on residents. As property prices and rents continue to rise, an increasing number of Wellingtonians are struggling to secure affordable accommodation. Despite ongoing efforts by the City Council and central government, the situation remains critical, and progress has been slow.The Housing Shortage and Its ImpactAt the core of Wellington’s housing crisis is a chronic undersupply of homes, exacerbated by consistently high demand. Over recent years, house prices have surged far ahead of income growth, leaving low- and middle-income families struggling to…

In a heart-warming and unexpected moment at a Buckingham Palace reception, King Charles III was embraced by members of New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns. This spontaneous interaction left both the monarch and the players beaming, and the moment quickly made headlines across the globe.A Royal Reception Takes an Unexpected TurnThe event, held in honour of prominent sports figures, took a delightful turn when Black Ferns winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who plays for Wellington’s rugby team in the Farah Palmer Cup, boldly asked King Charles for a hug. His response was as genuine as it was surprising. With a…

Wellington’s long-standing debate over cycle lanes has reached a new peak, with Mayor Tory Whanau facing scrutiny for her recent statements about a potential redesign of the cycleways in Courtenay Place. The mayor’s comments have sparked widespread discussion, with some viewing it as a backtrack from the council’s previous commitment to making Wellington a more cycle-friendly city.The Current Situation: Redesign on the Horizon?According to sources, Mayor Whanau hinted at a redesign of the cycle lanes in Courtenay Place, raising concerns among Wellington’s cycling community. The move comes at a time when Patrick Morgan, a major advocate for cycleways, is overseas…

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, continues to expand his business empire, with the opening of a new Tesla dealership and service center in Wellington, New Zealand. This move comes as Musk is reportedly on track to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2027, driven by the growth of his high-value ventures in electric vehicles, space travel, and brain-machine interfaces.Tesla Expands in WellingtonTesla’s new 3,500-square-meter facility, located at the base of Ngauranga Gorge, includes a showroom, office space, and a service center. Strategically positioned near the Ngauranga interchange, the dealership ensures easy access for both local residents and commuters.…

Wellington’s iconic waterfront is home to various attractions, but one that stands out is the vibrant presence of Crocodile Bikes, also known as Crocbikes. Offering a fun and unique way for families and tourists to explore the scenic views of the city, these quirky multi-seat bikes have become a popular feature of Wellington’s vibrant outdoor culture. We had the chance to sit down with Aston Christie, the owner of Crocodile Bikes, to discuss the safety of Crocbikes, their role in Wellington’s tourism, and their operation on the waterfront.Are Crocodile Bikes Safe?When asked about the safety of Crocbikes, Aston Christie confidently…

The Wellington City Council is poised to pause the controversial Wadestown cycleway project, which has been budgeted at a significant $472,000 for consultant costs alone. This decision follows extensive public feedback and ongoing discussions within the council, signaling a shift in how the city approaches its infrastructure development.Cost Breakdown and Public FeedbackThe cycleway, designed to extend from Wadestown shops to Churchill Drive, has faced considerable opposition from the community. Public feedback revealed strong resistance to the cycleway, with concerns also raised about the associated parking changes. The current budget for the cycleway includes $472,000 in consultant fees, $290,000 in staff…

In the digital age, videos have the power to move and inspire us, connecting us with stories from all corners of the world. Recently, one such video captured hearts globally — a young boy singing a traditional Māori song, a waiata, with pure emotion and pride. The video isn’t just a performance; it’s a beautiful expression of the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people.The video showcases the boy standing confidently, his voice carrying the depth and weight of his ancestors’ stories. As he sings the waiata, you can feel the significance of every note. His young voice…

Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, is poised for significant development as part of a strategic plan to support aviation growth and boost regional resilience. These improvements include expanding hangar space and upgrading infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of both the aviation industry and the local community.Enhancing Infrastructure for Future OpportunitiesThe development at Hood Aerodrome isn’t just about meeting current demands; it’s about setting the stage for future growth. With new hangar spaces and upgraded facilities, the aerodrome will be able to accommodate larger aircraft and more aviation activities. This investment ensures that Hood Aerodrome remains a vital hub, supporting both local…

IntroductionWellington’s hospitality sector is facing unprecedented challenges due to recent public sector job cuts and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Cafes that once thrived with working professionals and students are now experiencing some of their worst sales days in years. These struggles highlight the broader difficulties confronting New Zealand’s hospitality industry as it navigates one of the toughest economic climates in recent memory.The Impact of Job CutsKris Bartley, the owner of Sweet Release cafe in Wellington, recently experienced her worst day of sales in over a decade. “People just don’t have money. Those who do are saving it in case they…

The Baring Head Lighthouse Walk, nestled in Wellington’s East Harbour Regional Park, is a stunning blend of history and natural beauty. This walk offers visitors a chance to explore one of Wellington’s iconic landmarks—the Baring Head Lighthouse, standing tall since 1935.The JourneyStarting from the Wainuiomata car park, this 6km round trip walk is moderate, weaving through captivating coastal landscapes. As you walk, enjoy panoramic views across the Cook Strait and the distant Kaikoura Ranges. Along the trail, you’ll pass by WWII-era bunkers, echoing Wellington’s coastal defense history, and unique geological formations that make this journey even more remarkable.The LighthouseThe Baring…