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…

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…