The Government has announced plans to make stalking a criminal offense, introducing legislation that would make convicted offenders liable for a maximum jail term of five years. This move aims to address the growing concerns about stalking, strengthen public safety, and set clear consequences for repeated harassment.Defining Stalking as a CrimeJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has outlined how stalking will be defined under this new law. Stalking will be classified as a series of behaviors exhibited over a 12-month period. To be charged, an offender must commit three specified acts within this timeframe. These acts can include following, loitering, tracking, damaging…

Strengthening Wellington’s Bond with ChinaAs New Zealand’s capital, Wellington has built a close relationship with China over the years, a bond evident in the presence of the Chinese Embassy and regular cultural exchanges. The prospect of hosting giant pandas at Wellington Zoo, on loan from China, could serve as a vibrant symbol of this enduring friendship. This “panda diplomacy” is a longstanding practice in which China loans pandas worldwide to reinforce diplomatic ties and cultural connections, a gesture that can bring significant benefits to both nations.Picture source: istockphotoFor Wellington, securing giant pandas would symbolise this shared commitment to conservation and…

Plans to upgrade two habitats at Wellington Zoo, described as “old” and falling short of “current acceptable standards,” may be jeopardised as the Wellington City Council reassesses its Long Term Plan (LTP).Budget Shortfall Forces Project CutsEarlier this week, Mayor Tory Whanau outlined projects that could face the axe as the council revises its LTP. This revision follows a significant budget setback of half a billion dollars, triggered when the council voted not to sell its shares in Wellington Airport.Picture source: amp.rnz.co.nzOne of the major projects now under threat is $13.75 million in funding for the zoo’s ambitious Master Plan.Zoo’s Needs…

Friend to many, a colourful rough diamond, passionate Wellingtonian, and social media owner.IntroductionI am a father and a determined businessman who doesn’t easily take “no” for an answer. In my journey, I’ve made mistakes, like bad parking or challenging staff on agreements, which sometimes caused situations to spiral. I also allowed online bullies and manipulators to fester, believing that ignoring them would make them fade away, but that didn’t happen. Instead, their attacks escalated into an orchestrated movement aimed at personal abuse and the hacking of our pages and audiences. Some of them participate for laughs, but a troubling few…

With Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, many are considering the ripple effects this may have across the globe, including for New Zealand. Trump’s policies and global trade stances carry the potential to impact Wellington and the wider New Zealand economy, especially through enhanced trade, tourism boosts, and technological collaboration. Let’s examine the positive possibilities his election could bring to Kiwis.Strengthening Trade Ties: Boosting New Zealand’s EconomyOne of the most notable impacts of a Trump presidency could come in the form of strengthened U.S.-New Zealand trade relations. The United States recently became New Zealand’s second-largest export destination, with exports…

Step into the vibrant heart of Wellington with 55 stunning photos from last week, showcasing the city’s most exciting moments. From lively gatherings to unique experiences, these images capture the true essence of what makes Wellington special. Every snapshot reveals the energy and creativity that filled the streets, leaving a lasting impression of the week’s best events. Whether you missed out or want to relive the magic, this collection offers an insider’s look at the happenings across the city. Explore the gallery and see Wellington in its finest light, all in one place. Edit gallery

Understanding the financial operations of Wellington City Council (WCC) compared to other major New Zealand councils can reveal a lot about how effectively it manages resources and responds to ratepayer needs. By examining areas like revenue, expenditure, debt, and debt servicing per ratepayer, we gain insights into WCC’s fiscal strengths and challenges.Revenue: How Much Is Wellington Bringing In?Revenue is the backbone of council operations, funding essential services, infrastructure projects, and public facilities. Wellington’s revenue is primarily sourced from rates, supplemented by fees, grants, and investments. As of the latest data, WCC’s annual revenue per ratepayer is around $4,200, which is…

An unexpected feathered celebrity has taken Wellington by storm. Meet Adele, the adorable Adélie penguin who’s become a bit of a star by refusing to go back to her Antarctic roots. Despite best efforts to return her to the wild, it seems Adele has fallen for Wellington’s charms—and maybe even its Middle-earth fame!Adele’s Surprising Appearance in the CapitalWhen Adele the penguin first waddled into Wellington, no one expected her to hang around. Adélie penguins are native to Antarctica, so her sudden appearance in New Zealand’s capital made waves—literally and figuratively. Nicknamed after the pop superstar, this little penguin seemed determined…

Across New Zealand, and particularly in Wellington, the debate over surcharges is heating up. These extra charges on services – ranging from hospitality to credit card transactions – have many consumers asking if it’s time to end the practice altogether. Surcharges are typically used to cover rising costs, but as Kiwis find them on more receipts, frustration is growing. Here, we explore the views of Wellingtonians and New Zealanders on the issue, weighing the perspectives of both customers and businesses.What Are Surcharges, and Why Are They Applied?Surcharges are additional fees added to a bill, often for public holiday service, credit…

Khandallah, a suburb in Wellington, is well-known for its charming mix of long-standing businesses and essential services. Over the years, this community has seen both subtle and significant changes, making it a distinctive place to live and shop. With its bustling village atmosphere, Khandallah Village serves as the heart of the suburb, offering a small yet vibrant retail and commercial centre that continues to adapt to the needs of its residents.The Evolution of KhandallahKhandallah has long been recognised for its strong sense of community. Its businesses, some of which have been operating for decades, provide a diverse range of day-to-day…