This is One Network Wellington Live with a hot topic. CubaDupa, Wellington’s biggest street festival, brings joy every year. But this time, it’s causing a stir. The 2025 event on 29-30 March left locals divided. Noise from music and crowds upset many residents. Some blame MP Tamatha Paul’s anti-police songs for adding to the chaos. Others defend the festival’s cultural value. The debate rages on. Is CubaDupa a treasure or a noisy nightmare? Let’s explore this clash in Wellington.

First, let’s set the scene. CubaDupa transforms Cuba Street into a vibrant party. Music fills the air. Artists perform on stages. Food stalls line the streets. Thousands attend the free event. This year, over 100,000 people joined the fun. The festival ran from Saturday noon to midnight. Sunday went from 11 am to 6 pm. Crowds danced and cheered. But not everyone smiled. Noise echoed through nearby homes. Residents couldn’t sleep. The festival’s energy turned into a problem for some.

Now, let’s talk about the noise. Music blasted from multiple stages. DJ sets boomed late into the night. One set on the Hunters & Collectors balcony drew attention. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul performed there. She played songs like “Sound of da Police” by KRS-One. The tracks criticise police actions. Crowds cheered loudly, adding to the racket. Residents nearby felt the vibrations. They complained about the disturbance. One local said, “I couldn’t sleep until 1 am.” The noise issue sparked anger across the city.

However, the festival has its fans. Many Wellingtonians love CubaDupa. They see it as a cultural gem. The event showcases local talent. Artists like DJ Messie and beatboxer King Homeboy performed. International acts joined too. The festival celebrates Wellington’s diversity. Mayor Tory Whanau attended and praised the event. She said, “CubaDupa shows the best of our city.” Attendees enjoyed the food and music. They danced in the streets. For them, the festival brings communal joy. They don’t want it to change.

On the other hand, noise complaints piled up. Residents near Cuba Street felt ignored. They said the music was too loud. Late-night sets kept them awake. Some families couldn’t relax at home. One parent shared, “My kids couldn’t sleep at all.” Others worried about safety. Crowds blocked pathways. Noise made it hard to hear. A few locals called the council. They demanded better rules. The festival’s hours became a big issue. People want shorter event times next year.

Meanwhile, Tamatha Paul’s performance added fuel to the fire. Her DJ set included anti-police songs. She played “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine. The lyrics focus on police brutality. Paul shouted to the crowd, “I’ll never shut up!” Her words echoed through the streets. Some residents felt this was too much. They said her songs stirred up the crowd. The noise grew louder as people cheered. One local tweeted, “Her set made things worse.” Paul’s actions divided the community further.

So, what’s the council doing? They’ve received many complaints. Some residents want stricter noise limits. Others suggest moving late-night events. The council supports CubaDupa. They fund it through the Creative Capital Arts Trust. But they also hear the concerns. A spokesperson said, “We’re looking into the noise issues.” They plan to review the festival’s hours. Public meetings will happen soon. Locals can share their views. The council wants to balance fun and peace. It’s a tricky task.

Next, let’s look at the festival’s value. CubaDupa started in 2015. It’s grown into a major event. Over 1,200 artists performed this year. The festival spans 42 venues. It’s free for everyone. This makes it special. Wellingtonians take pride in their creative city. CubaDupa shows that off. Local businesses benefit too. Cafés and shops see more customers. One vendor said, “The festival boosts my sales.” Supporters argue the noise is worth it. They say it’s a small price for culture.

However, not everyone agrees. Some Wellingtonians feel the festival has grown too big. They say it’s lost its charm. The noise overshadows the art. Residents in nearby flats suffer most. They can’t escape the sound. One woman shared, “I had to leave my home.” Others worry about the future. They fear CubaDupa will get louder. They want the council to act now. The debate splits the city. Some love the festival. Others dread its noise.

In contrast, the festival’s organisers defend their work. They say CubaDupa brings people together. The 2025 theme was “communal joy.” Organiser Bianca Bailey planned a vibrant event. She wanted to celebrate Wellington’s spirit. The festival included parades and street acts. Over 200 performances took place. Crowds loved the energy. Organisers worked with 31 partners. Volunteers helped make it happen. They believe the festival is worth the effort. But they’re open to feedback.

Therefore, the noise debate continues. Some locals suggest solutions. They want music to stop earlier. Others propose sound barriers. A few think the festival should move. But that’s hard. Cuba Street is the heart of CubaDupa. Moving it would change its vibe. Supporters push back. They say noise is part of the fun. One attendee said, “It’s a festival, not a library.” Both sides have strong views. The issue divides Wellingtonians.

Meanwhile, Tamatha Paul’s role stirs more debate. Her anti-police songs upset some residents. They felt her set was too political. It added to the noise problem. Others supported her. They liked her bold stance. Paul has faced criticism before. She’s spoken out against police patrols. Her DJ set continued that message. But it clashed with the festival’s joyful theme. Locals argue over her actions. Some see her as a hero. Others call her a troublemaker.

For now, the city remains split. CubaDupa brings joy to many. But the noise frustrates others. The council must find a middle ground. They’ll hold meetings soon. Residents can share ideas. Some want shorter hours. Others suggest quieter stages. The festival’s future hangs in the balance. Wellingtonians love their creative city. But they also value peace. Can CubaDupa keep its magic? Or will noise complaints change it?

At One Network Wellington Live, we’ll keep you posted. This debate unfolds every day. CubaDupa’s impact lingers. Wellington shines, even with the noise. Stay alert during festivals. Share your thoughts with us. Have you faced CubaDupa’s noise chaos? Tell One Network Wellington Live your story. We’re here, covering the fun and the fights. Stay tuned for more updates.