Author: Huzaifa

The Appointment of the Crown ObserverIn a move that has stirred both controversy and hope, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has appointed a Crown observer to oversee Wellington City Council’s operations. Lindsay McKenzie, the former CEO of both Tasman and Gisborne District Councils, stepped into this role with the aim of navigating the council through its current financial and governance turmoil. Picture source: Bruce Mackay / The PostThe Critique: What Went Wrong?McKenzie, with his background in local government, didn’t mince words when assessing the situation at Wellington City Council. “It didn’t need to be this way,” he remarked, pointing to…

A New Traffic StarImagine this: you’re driving down Riddiford Street, minding your own business, when suddenly, you’re in the bus lane. Oops! Since the 9th of December 2024, a new bus lane camera in Wellington has been making headlines, not just for catching drivers out but for raking in nearly a quarter of a million dollars in fines in just over a month. It’s like the city’s found a new, lucrative side hustle.The Money Machine: Riddiford Street’s CameraWhere the Magic Happens: Right by Wellington Regional Hospital, this camera has been snapping away tickets like a photographer at a red carpet…

Introduction: The Economic CrossroadsNew Zealand, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and forward-thinking policies, is currently at a crossroads according to ACT Party leader David Seymour. He suggests that the country is on the cusp of significant change with privatization potentially offering solutions to economic woes. This discussion explores Seymour’s views, the state of the economy, and what this could mean for New Zealand, particularly in Wellington, the political epicenter.The Economic Landscape: A Need for Change?The Kiwi economy has faced its share of challenges lately. Stats NZ reports a sluggish GDP growth, with a notable decline in 2020 thanks to global…

A Record Year for Metlink BusesThe Metropolitan Transport Authority, Metlink, has just unveiled its bus statistics for 2024, showcasing it as the most successful year on record. With a whopping 26,597,739 trips taken, this marks a 3.7% increase from 2019, which was the previous peak before the global health crisis hit. Picture source: MetlinkChoosing buses over cars has clearly paid off, reducing traffic congestion and keeping Wellington’s economy on the move. Each of these trips meant fewer cars on the road, promoting a smoother flow of traffic and preventing the city from grinding to a halt.World-Class ReliabilityThe reliability of Metlink…

Introduction: The Book AnnouncementJacinda Ardern, once our beloved Prime Minister of New Zealand, decided to step back into the limelight by announcing her new book, A Different Kind of Power, on her Facebook page. This book is set to give us an insider’s look into her journey as a leader, particularly through the tough times like the COVID-19 crisis. But, as you can imagine, her announcement was like throwing a match into a room full of gas – it sparked a lot of discussion.A Backlash Brews: Phil Jacky Turner’s CritiqueAmong the flood of comments, one really hit home. Phil Jacky…

A Gut Feeling: The Wellington ConnectionImagine strolling through Wellington, where every corner breathes creativity and a love for wellbeing. Here, tucked between the lively bustle of Cuba Street and the quiet reflection of the harbour, there’s a chat brewing about how our gut might just be calling the shots on our brain. It’s not just about the next cool café or art installation; Wellingtonians are digging into how their lifestyle choices might play a big part in their mood and mental health.The Science of Gut-Brain CommunicationLet’s dive into the science, shall we? It turns out, those little bugs in our…

Take a journey through the lively heart of Wellington with our curated selection of 55 breathtaking photos from the past week. Each image tells a story of community, festivity, and the unique spirit of this city. From bustling gatherings to one-of-a-kind events, these pictures encapsulate the vibrancy and creativity that permeated the air. Whether you’re catching up on what you missed or simply reliving the week’s highlights, this gallery provides an intimate glimpse into Wellington’s most memorable moments. Dive in and experience the city at its best, all captured in one spectacular place. Edit gallery

New Zealand’s Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, has been making waves with her latest hints at shaking up the country’s visa system. In a candid chat, she laid out her vision to boost the economy by welcoming more visitors and investors with open arms. “We want to welcome them—we need to bring in that money, get dollars circulating in our economy,” Willis declared, aiming to reverse the economic downturn and get New Zealand back on its feet.Picture souce: FacebookWhat’s on the Table with Visa Changes?Willis’s approach is all about making New Zealand more attractive to tourists and investors:Tourism Surge: She’s looking…

In the bustling heart of Wellington, where the wind whips around the corner of Cuba Street and the aroma of freshly ground beans wafts from every café, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural cornerstone. But beyond its role in social gatherings or the daily grind, coffee has been under the scientific microscope for its potential health benefits. Let’s delve into how this beloved beverage might be doing more than just keeping us awake.A Brief History of Coffee and CultureCoffee has been a part of human culture for centuries, with its origins traced back to Ethiopia. From the coffee houses…

Starting Over at the White HouseOn a brisk January day in 2025, Donald Trump stepped back into the White House as the 47th President of the United States, leaving Wellingtonians both curious and concerned about what this might mean for us here in New Zealand. His inauguration wasn’t just a ceremony; it was the start of a whirlwind of policy changes that could ripple across the globe, touching our lives in ways we’re only beginning to understand.A Flurry of First-Day OrdersRight off the bat, Trump’s pen was busy. He made it clear he was back to business by signing a…