Wellington’s Town Hall was meant to be a shining example of heritage reborn—a grand old dame fixed up for a modest $45 million, ready to hum with music and civic pride again. That was the plan back in 2014. Fast forward to March 14, 2025, and it’s a different story: a $370 million beast, five years late, and sporting a new facade dubbed “the bird cage” by Councillor Nicola Young of Mt Victoria. Anna Calver, the council’s spin maestro, is out there claiming it’s somehow nine months early—five years late. What do we think of this fancy new look? It’s…

Wellington, New Zealand—a city that could be grand if its council weren’t so bloody hopeless. Picture this: a bloke’s standing on a street, phone up, filming a crew of council workers faffing about. He’s not in a car, just out there, catching the madness live. His words drip with sarcasm: “Good to see the council cutting back on spending. 10 people to plant a garden. We love your council. We love how you spend our taxpayers. Just count them all. 10 people to plant a garden. Thank you, Mother Lord of Jesus. I’m glad we’re paying these beautiful people.” Credit…

Wellington, New Zealand, hides a gem in its heart, and it’s not just the sparkling kind. It’s The Village Goldsmith, a name that rings through the city like a chime of pure gold—and at its core is Ian Douglas, a man who’s less a jeweller and more a magician with a chisel. For over 40 years, Ian’s been crafting treasures that don’t just sit on fingers or necks—they tell stories, capture love, and light up lives. He’s not your average bloke with a workbench; he’s a creative titan who’s turned a quiet Kelburn shop into a global design powerhouse, all…

This is One Network Wellington Live, your voice in Wellington, New Zealand. We’re talking about the Great Predator Fence at Zealandia Eco-sanctuary—a world-first wonder that’s kept our wildlife safe for 25 years. It’s a big story, and it’s right here in our city of 215,000 people, famous for wind and coffee. Let’s see how it started, what it does, and why it needs your help now. The First of Its Kind Back in the 1990s, Wellington had a problem. Our native birds—like kiwis and tūī—were getting eaten by predators: rats, cats, possums, stoats. The folks at Zealandia wanted a safe…

This is a story from One Network Wellington Live, your local voice in Wellington, New Zealand. Today, we’re talking about something big in our city: what people think about transgender athletes in sports. It’s a topic that’s got folks chatting at the pub, on the bus, and even at the rugby grounds. We’re looking at males versus females—how gender identities are clashing—and asking: how would you feel if a transgender male was competing against your daughter? Let’s dive in. Wellington is a lively place. It’s got about 215,000 people, and we’re known for being open-minded. Our city loves its coffee,…

Imagine walking through your Wellington home, minding your own business, when suddenly you spot a massive spider scuttling across the wall. It’s not just any spider—it’s a huntsman, known for its size and speed. For some Wellington locals, this isn’t just a creepy thought; it’s becoming real life. Two huntsman spider sightings, nine months apart, have popped up in the city, and experts are starting to think these eight-legged visitors might be settling in. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for Wellington.Back in early 2024, a huntsman spider was found in a shipping…

Introduction Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of swimming in Wellington, brought to you by One Network Wellington Live. In a world where 55% of people can’t swim, Wellington stands out with its unique swimming culture and community efforts. This article delves into the local swimming scene, providing insights, statistics, and stories that highlight why Wellington is a special place for swimmers. The Global Swimming Challenge Swimming is a vital life skill, yet globally, over half the population lacks this ability. According to the World Health Organization, this statistic underscores a significant public health issue, particularly in terms of drowning prevention.…

Martinborough, a charming little town in South Wairarapa, is known for its sunny vineyards, tasty wines, and quiet roads. It’s a place where tourists pedal between wineries on quirky four-seater bikes, soaking up the good vibes. Locals call it the Golden Mile—a stretch of paradise where life feels slow and sweet. But on February 13, 2025, that golden glow turned dark. A horrific crash changed everything, leaving one person dead, three injured, and a community asking tough questions. Was it just bad luck, or could it have been stopped? Let’s dig into what happened, mixing the real story with whispers…

Here are 15 couples who light up Wellington with their talents! These duos—gay and straight alike—rock our city in business, arts, film, and beyond. They prove love and teamwork can do wonders, and we’re chuffed to share them with you. Grieg Wilson and Leon Grieg Wilson, a hospitality empire builder and motorcycle lover, and his partner Leon, a full-on energy ball, are a Wellington power duo. Grieg’s built a name in the city’s hotel scene, while Leon keeps their life buzzing with spark. Together, they’re unstoppable. Rex Nichols and Kerry Prendergast Rex Nichols, a top Wellington hotelier, and Kerry Prendergast,…

By One Network Wellington Live It was early in the morning on June 7, 2023, when Wellington woke up to something awful. Smoke filled the sky, and it was coming from Shelly Bay, a spot on the Miramar Peninsula that lots of people care about. A big old building called Shed 8, sometimes nicknamed the “sawtooth building” because of its funny roof, was on fire. By the time the sun came up, it was gone—just a pile of ashes and broken bits. Almost two years later, here we are in March 2025, and we still don’t know what really happened.…