Wellington city, the political and cultural capital of New Zealand, is home to a population of around 216,000 people within the city proper, while the wider region exceeds 421,000. Among its diverse and vibrant communities, relationship struggles are becoming increasingly common, with an estimated 1 in 6 Wellingtonians facing significant issues in their business or personal relationships. This amounts to over 30,000 people in the city and suburbs such as Karori, Seatoun, and Newtown, navigating the emotional turmoil of relationship difficulties, stress, or separations.Relationship Statistics in WellingtonAccording to recent data:34% of the population in Wellington is married.29% live in de…

The Wellington Power List presents a comprehensive analysis of the most influential figures shaping New Zealand’s capital city. While Wellington is widely recognized as the country’s political center, the individuals on this list represent more than just political power—they are the ones who can truly make things happen in the city, whether they operate in the public eye or quietly work behind the scenes.These 50 power players have been carefully selected based on their ability to open doors, influence decision-making, and get results. While some are well-known, others work quietly without seeking recognition but possess the ability to shape Wellington’s…

When Tory Whanau was elected as Wellington’s mayor in 2022, the city anticipated progressive change and strong leadership. Yet, her tenure has been marked by widespread criticism, from financial missteps to personal issues that have further shaken public trust. A closer look at her record reveals growing disillusionment and a leadership riddled with errors.Inadequate Experience and OverpromisingWhanau came into the mayoralty with a background in communications and marketing for the Green Party but lacked executive leadership experience—something that has proven critical in managing Wellington’s complex issues. Her prior role was largely behind the scenes, focused on crafting political narratives rather…

Dive Right InWelcome to Wellington’s underwater wonderland with the Lazy Seal Freediving Club! Whether you’ve binged on “Blue Planet” episodes or want to impress your family by holding your breath for minutes, this club is for you. Based in the windy capital of New Zealand, Lazy Seal has earned its reputation as the country’s longest-running freediving club.But don’t be fooled by the name—while “lazy” is in the title, these divers hold their breath longer than you’d expect from anyone without gills!What Exactly is Freediving?Freediving is all about exploring underwater without heavy equipment. It’s just you, your lungs, and the ocean.…

Wellington motorcyclists are pushing back against a controversial new plan from the Wellington City Council (WCC), led by Mayor Tory Whanau, to introduce parking fees for motorcycles and scooters. Currently, motorbike riders enjoy free parking, but the proposed change would see them charged $2.50 per hour for parking across the city. This move is part of a wider council initiative to manage urban congestion and raise revenue, but many argue it will have unintended consequences for both traffic flow and residents’ wallets.A Push to Charge MotorbikesThe WCC has included the parking fees for motorcycles as part of its long-term strategy…

The unexplained disappearance of Bret Hill has plunged his family and the Upper Hutt community into a race against time. Bret, a 50-year-old father, was last seen at 5:30 pm on Sunday walking along Hillside Drive in Māoribank—but what should have been a typical evening stroll has taken a chilling turn.His son, Trenton Hill, has been tirelessly searching for his father for four days, unable to shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong. “It just doesn’t make sense,” Trenton said, as he described his father’s sudden and unusual vanishing. Despite extensive efforts and reported sightings across Lower Hutt and…

Wellington, New Zealand—land of amazing coffee, breathtaking harbour views, and winds strong enough to carry your hat halfway to Antarctica. Yes, this city proudly holds the title of the world’s windiest, with gusts exceeding 63 km/h on an average of 178 days a year. In Wellington, the wind isn’t just a background character—it’s the star of the show, flipping umbrellas, toppling coffee cups, and occasionally convincing you that walking in a straight line is overrated.Why So Windy? A Lesson in Geography (Or a Practical Joke by Nature)Wellington’s blustery reputation comes courtesy of its prime real estate next to the Cook…

Bore water in Wellington, particularly sourced from the Waiwhetu Aquifer, is a crucial part of the city’s water supply. This aquifer, located beneath the Hutt Valley, provides residents with fresh, untreated water, valued for its purity and natural taste. Public taps in areas like Petone and Lower Hutt offer unchlorinated bore water, which remains a popular choice among locals.Key Bore Water LocationsSeveral bore water outlets are supplied by the Waiwhetu Aquifer, including the Te Puna Wai Ora tap in Petone and another tap at the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt. These public taps, offering free and untreated water, attract…

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…