In the latest episode of Hotline, we welcome a distinguished real estate agent from Ray White Real Estate and the president of the Old Boys University (OBU) Rugby Club. The discussion spanned topics from Wellington’s real estate market to the evolving landscape of local rugby. https://youtu.be/KXjuzKfG2uo Wellington’s Real Estate Landscape  When asked about Wellington’s housing market, Mike Brodie candidly highlighted the challenges brought about to Wellington’s real estate by COVID-19. He explained that many housing developments were paused, with a significant reduction in new builds. Nobody’s building a lot at the moment. Most of the consents have been put on hold, Brodie…

Urmila Bhana is a key figure in Newtown’s business community. As the owner of a family-run grocery store, her experience in retail spans decades. From the age of four, she worked alongside her family, helping to run the store, which has been part of the community for over 50 years. Bhana’s deep roots in Newtown have fostered her passion for local businesses. Today, she leads the Independent Business Residential Group, a collective focused on solving community challenges. This group tackles projects such as the installation of cycle lanes, ensuring residents and business owners have a voice. https://youtu.be/FVwPQaFf_fcBhana’s store faces challenges like…

Troy Hammond is a well-known figure in New Zealand’s tech recruitment space and the co-founder of Talent Army, a recruitment agency specializing in the tech startup sector. Based in Wellington, Hammond has been instrumental in helping New Zealand’s burgeoning startup ecosystem by connecting high-caliber talent with emerging companies. His focus is on building teams that can adapt and thrive in the dynamic world of startups. One of his key strategies is hiring individuals with “T-shaped skills”—people who possess deep expertise in one area but can also contribute across various functions as the company evolves. This adaptability is crucial in an…

Greg Wilson, a prominent figure in Wellington’s hospitality scene, is driving efforts to revitalize Courtenay Place. He collaborates directly with Wellington City Council to build a vibrant, future-focused hospitality hub. The plan focuses on attracting private investment and ensuring the council fosters an environment where local businesses can thrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E  Greg Wilson’s Vision for Courtenay PlaceWilson also discussed other parts of Wellington. He noted that while some areas are cherished, others need significant upgrades. Wilson feels optimistic about projects like Peter Jackson’s land acquisition in Lyall Bay. He views these developments as promising signs for the city’s future. His revitalization…

In a recent episode of Hotline, hosts Sarah Jane Seddon and Sean Rush had an engaging conversation with Kali, an Indian chef who recently moved to Wellington. Kali shared his exciting journey from Gujarat, India, to New Zealand, his deep passion for food, and his experience adjusting to life in Wellington. An Indian Chef in Wellington Originally from Gujarat, India, Kali has been in Wellington for just a month. Despite being new to the city, he has quickly settled in. He is currently working at Carriza Place, a popular restaurant near St John. Kali talked about discovering new places and…

https://youtu.be/XgzydFrcTDA”The Golden Mile is a great opportunity, but it’s crucial that the council works with us to ensure a design that supports the area’s economic health.” Revitalizing Wellington’s Courtney Place is a crucial focus for local leaders, including Jeremy Smith. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Courtney Place faces economic challenges that threaten its vitality. Jeremy Smith, a prominent figure in Wellington’s hospitality scene, is spearheading efforts to address these issues. His work aims to ensure the success of this iconic area and contribute to the revitalization of the Golden Mile.Jeremy Smith’s Role in Revitalizing Wellington’s Courtney PlaceJeremy Smith, originally from Johannesburg,…

https://youtu.be/UO7rREaAZVMWellington’s nightlife has long been central to its vibrant culture. Courtenay Place, in particular, serves as a key hub for its nightlife. José Ubiaga, a prominent figure in this scene, owns several bars in the area. He has faced significant challenges with the city’s liquor licensing regime. Ubiaga has spoken out about the overly strict and unpredictable nature of these laws. He believes the conditions imposed by local authorities, including the police and health agencies, make it difficult for bar owners to secure and renew licenses thus affecting the nightlife.Recently, the police have been shifting the blame for Wellington’s social…

https://youtu.be/2Y2wd-iluAc Ian Brackenbury Channell, known widely as the “Wizard of Christchurch” stands as a prominent figure in New Zealand’s cultural landscape. The Wizard, who was born in England, began performing acts of wizardry and entertainment in public spaces shortly after arriving in New Zealand in 1976. When the council originally tried to stop him, the public protested. Channell quickly distinguished himself with his distinctive attire—flowing robes and a pointed hat—alongside his engaging and mystical performances. His role transcended mere entertainment, as he provided whimsical advice and delivered public speeches infused with humor and pseudo-spirituality. Channell’s interactions with locals and tourists alike…

Te Papa, the iconic national museum nestled in the heart of Wellington, has announced it will start charging international visitors an entry fee of $35, citing the rising costs of energy, insurance, and staffing. The new charge will come into effect from September 17th and will apply to visitors aged 16 and older. Thankfully, entry will remain free for all New Zealand residents and citizens.The museum needs to generate an additional $30 million annually to sustain its operations, on top of the $44 million it receives from the government. The new entry fee is expected to contribute a significant portion…

A man who tragically passed away on Parliament grounds was deeply distressed over the looming sale of the waterfront home he shared with his elderly mother, who had fallen behind on her mortgage by $40,000, according to his sister. Dan Hone’s death, which occurred on Sunday, has been referred to the Coroner. A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman noted that it is too early to determine if his death will be treated as a suspected suicide.Emergency services were called to Parliament grounds just before 8 am, where paramedics attended to Hone, a father of one. Despite their efforts, he later succumbed…