Wellington’s skyline is set to change as two beloved churches, St Giles in Kilbirnie and the iconic St Gerard’s, have recently been sold to developers. The sales highlight the challenging financial realities faced by religious institutions and the pressures of urban development in the capital. St Giles, a 1908 architectural gem described as a “taonga” by former parishioners, was purchased at an undisclosed price. While the developers remain anonymous, their agent assures the community of their intent to preserve as much of the historic buildings as possible and engage in open communication about future plans.Meanwhile, St Gerard’s, a landmark familiar…

Wellington, once a haven for property investment, now grapples with a crisis that has left homeowners in despair. The city’s allure of significant capital gains has evaporated, replaced by a grim reality of shrinking property values and financial ruin.At the heart of this crisis lies a complex web of factors. 475 buildings across the city have been deemed earthquake-prone, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the real estate market. Property owners, already reeling from the burden of decreasing property values, now face the daunting prospect of costly seismic assessments and repairs. The government’s response to the crisis, under the leadership…

A shocking video released in Wellington highlights the dangers of ignoring railway crossing signals. The footage captures a car speeding through a level crossing and colliding with a train, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in preventing such incidents.While the driver in this particular incident miraculously survived, the impact on train drivers involved in near-misses and collisions can be severe.In the year leading up to June 30th, there were 19 collisions and a staggering 173 near misses at level crossings across New Zealand. Worryingly, 95% of collisions and 73% of near misses occurred at crossings with flashing lights and bells…

It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to QR codes in Wellington’s dining scene. While they’re definitely popping up more and more, it seems like not everyone is on board with this whole scan-to-order thing. A recent survey found that over 45% of people aren’t too keen on using their phones for menus, ordering, or paying. Surprisingly, this number is actually going up, not down.The generation gap is pretty obvious here. A whopping 65% of folks over 60 aren’t comfortable with QR codes, while the younger crowd (18-29) is much more open to it, with only 38%…

So much choice – Free Offer for a limited time Let’s face it, Selling tickets at the moment in the capital is tricky, people always waiting late, that’s why we have decided to use our audience for good and help. It’s not a small audience either, in fact, you will find we reach over 1 million people every week, and we have figured out how to drive big numbers to your ticketing page. There is a lot of choice for people wanting to go out, our engagement is natural and unique. For events and venues we offer a product that…

Simone Biles triumphant return to the Olympic podium in Paris, after withdrawing from several events in Tokyo due to mental health struggles, is nothing short of inspiring. Her courage to prioritize her well-being over societal expectations is a beacon of hope, especially in a world that often demands athletes sacrifice everything for the sake of victory. It highlights the stark contrast in how America and New Zealand treat “fallen stars.” While Americans rally around those facing adversity, Kiwis often tear down their “tall poppies.” This cultural phenomenon, deeply rooted in New Zealand’s egalitarian values, can have devastating consequences. Research shows…

Wellington LIVE nonstop Book Review“Charing Cross” is a famous well-known Wellington identity that doesn’t want to be identified and still loves to write, share, critique, and have a bit of fun. “I am proud of being a woman in what was very much a man’s world” Pippa tells Jude.What an inspirational and fascinating story this is. I’m really glad a member of our book group brought it along and I took it home to read.This is not a biography but rather Pippa’s memories of the first 25 years of her incredible life. Orphaned in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) at the age of…

Over the years, the Screaming Woman has become deeply ingrained in Wellington’s folklore. Some believe she’s the spirit of a woman who met a tragic end, perhaps a drowning victim or someone who suffered a terrible accident. Others claim she’s a restless soul seeking closure or revenge.”I remember hearing the story as a child,” says resident Sarah Wilson. “We used to dare each other to walk down Oriental Parade at night, half hoping, half dreading to hear the screams.”Chilling Encounters with Locals”I was walking home late one night when I heard this awful, piercing scream,” recalls local musician Ben Thompson.…

Wellington businesses are struggling as a result of government cuts, with some reporting a 30 percent drop in revenue. The cuts have led to a loss of more than 6000 jobs, and have had a ripple effect on the wider economy. IndicatorPre-cuts (Estimate)June 2024ChangePublic sector job lossesN/A6,000+N/AHospitality & Retail Revenue DropN/A30%-30%Wellington Job Ads10050-50%Jobseeker Support (Central Auckland & Wellington)ModerateLarge IncreaseSignificant IncreaseEmployment Growth (YoY)Positive-1.90%-3.90%Wellington Tourism Spending (Other Regions)NZ$100 millionNZ$93.6 million-6.40%Housing Listings100150+50.3%Housing Sales8063-21.50%Median Days to Sell Housing108-20%Housing Inventory2030+50%The tourism industry has been particularly hard hit, with Wellingtonians spending 6.4 percent less on tourism in other parts of the country in the latest data.…

Welcome to our Second Episode of “WHAT REALLY HAPPENED” :Once the jewel in Wellington’s hospitality crown, Courtenay Place has fallen from grace and is now viewed by many as a hotspot for crime and decay. Major media outlets like RNZ and Stuff have frequently highlighted the street’s issues, painting a grim picture of what was once a vibrant thoroughfare.What MSM Reported Rate of assaults in Wellington CBD 10 times higher than nation’s averageRNZ has reported extensively on the increasing violence in Courtenay Place, noting a ten-fold rise in reported crimes over five years. Their coverage has emphasized the area’s transformation…