Tō Tātou Pōneke Our Wellington - Your free guide to life in the capital 1 April - 15 June 2021 - Wellington City Council
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Tō Tātou Pōneke Your free guide to
life in the capital
Our Wellington 1 April — 15 June 2021
Rārangi upoku Contents Acting now to deliver a city fit for the future
3 14 29 Kia ora koutou An important focus for the 2021 LTP is on
Did you know you can… Planning for our future Autumn gardening tips This year will be shaped by the 2021 Long-Term infrastructure – renewing old pipes, ongoing
Our contact details and Spotlight on the From the Botanic Garden Plan (LTP) and as such, is set to be a year of investment in resilient water and wastewater
important, long-lasting, city-shaping decisions. supply, and on a long-term solution to treat the
helpful hints Long-Term Plan
31 Every three years we review our LTP sludge by-product from sewage treatment.
5 16 Ngā huihuinga o te with a community engagement programme All this is expensive, and we’ve been
Wā tākaro | Playtime Tō tātou hāpori | Our Kaunihera, ngā komiti me that sets the city-wide direction for the next working hard to balance what needs to be
10 years. It outlines what we will be investing done with affordability.
Low-cost whānau-friendly community ngā poari ā-hapori
in, how much it may cost, and how this will Your input into the LTP and planning for
activities The life of a park ranger Council, committee and
be funded. It provides guidance on how we Te Ngākau Civic Square, Let’s Get Wellington
community board meetings Moving and Climate Change will be critical
6 18 will make Wellington an even better place
Pitopito kōrero | News Ngā mahi whakangahau 32 to live, work, play and visit as we go into in helping balance priorities and developing
the future. a shared future vision for our city in a year
The latest news from around Put it on the calendar Te Koromatua me ngā
An illustration of the scale of investment that won’t be “business as usual”!
our city Events supported by the Kaikaunihera / The Mayor For more on the 2021 LTP visit wgtn.cc/ltp
that we are considering in the LTP is
Council and Councillors featured in this edition of Our Wellington. and we look forward to a great year together.
10
The people who represent With updates on key projects such as the St
Ō tātou wāhi | Our places 22
you in Wellington James Theatre, Town Hall, Central Library, Mayor
Building for our future: Keeping the capital moving
Tākina – our new Convention and Exhibition Andy Foster
Tākina Meet our roading team Centre – the Eastern Bays cycleway and the
Front cover Omāroro water reservoir. Deputy Mayor
13 24 There's a lot going on right now Sarah Free
Ō tātou wāhi | Our places Mahi toi | Capital arts in Wellington, with buildings
Building for our future: New exhibitions going up, others being
strengthened, and a whole lot
Town Hall and St James of construction taking place
26
at multiple locations across
Tautaiao | Eco city the city. Our cover art shows
Para Kai food waste trial off that work and vibrancy
as the capital city builds for
our future.
For more information about anything in Disclaimer We publish this magazine to
encourage you to get involved in local events,
this magazine, visit wellington.govt.nz
to demonstrate the great work happening in
No internet at home? You can phone our Wellington, and to show you some of the many
reasons there are to be proud of your city.
Contact Centre any time on 04 499 4444
Wellington City Council has, to the best of its
or use a free internet computer at one knowledge, sourced accurate information.
of our libraries. We will not be held responsible for any errors,
changes in pricing, or misinformation.
Production: Wellington City Council
We’re proud to use Aotearoa’s indigenous Communications and Engagement Team
language in our publications. If you come ourwellington@wcc.govt.nz
across a word you don’t know, there’s an
easy way to learn what it means – visit
maoridictionary.co.nz
J012011
Did you know you can…
A NEW Get involved in your community
Wellington's Community Centres
ADVENTURE
provide resources, support services
and activities to improve the quality of
life in our communities. There are 27
Community Centres across Wellington,
EVERY TIME
each with a variety of things on offer,
Contact us any time
such as exercise, dance and music
Phone: 04 499 4444
classes, advice and support groups, plus
Free text: 3400
opportunities for learning, upskilling
Email: info@wcc.govt.nz
and volunteering. Most activities are low
Stay up-to-date on social media cost or free. Visit wellington.govt.nz/
facebook.com/wellingtoncitycouncil community-support-and-resources
@wgtncc wgtncc
Your adventure at Stream movies for free
Wellington Zoo Online movie streaming is available
through Wellington City Libraries!
supports conservation
Thousands of titles are available via our
for animals in two streaming platforms, Kanopy and
New Zealand and Beamafilm. Talk to your local librarian
around the world. or visit wcl.govt.nz/elibrary
Find out about rubbish and recycling
For collection days, how to get a new green
crate or wheelie bin, and information
about what you can and can’t recycle, visit
wellington.govt.nz/rubbishandrecycling
Access our city’s history online
Are you interested in Pōneke’s history?
Got a research project you need help Tell us when something needs fixing
with, or want some information If you see Council property that needs
about the heritage of your local fixing – such as a streetlight, leaking
wellingtonzoo.com neighbourhood? The Archives team are pipe, or public toilet – you can phone us
200 Daniell Street here to help! You can search over 750,000 on 04 499 4444, text us on 3400, or use
Newtown records at archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz, the FixIt app on your smartphone. It’s
or contact the Archives by emailing free to download from the Google Play
archives@wcc.govt.nz store, iTunes store, or Windows.
3
Wā tākaro Playtime
Make the most of autumn in the capital with these
whānau-friendly activities.
Explore Karori Park
As well as a vibrant modern playground, Karori Park is a great place to fly a
kite or play a casual cricket game. Older kids can practise their single-track
skills on the grade-two mountain bike trails through the Karori bush at
the top end of the park. Why not climb the hill and find a place to build a
hut or forage for pinecones? This is buggy friendly.
A little dirt never hurt
Looking for messy outdoor play ideas? Try collecting different types
of soils to make mud paint, have a go at making a floral potion, or try
collecting twigs to make a broom!
The magic of making stuff
Did you know making stuff is great for kids’ brains, their curiosity, and
confidence? This autumn why not try making a cubby in the bush, or
constructing a contraption with cardboard. Or pull together a home-
made go-kart from objects at home!
Prepare for play in 5 ways
Here are some tips from our team to ensure kids can always play when least
expected. 1. Always keep a towel in the car for cleaning up or impromptu
wet-play. 2. Ease up about mess. 3. Trust that kids can play in nature at any
age. 4. Pack a snack and drink in case you stay longer than expected. 5. Keep
a few playful items in your car or bag – a ball or an old blanket.
Newly refreshed playgrounds
We're always improving our playgrounds to make them even more exciting.
The renewal at Wall Park in Linden had the main playground installed at
Christmas, with the final play piece – a flying fox – completed in February.
Cummings Park and Shorland Park playgrounds are welcoming new
builds in 2021, and after consultation in February, play spaces in Nuku
Street, Strathmore, Elizabeth Street in Mt Victoria, and Pembroke Road in
Northland are also in the pipeline. Find out more about our playgrounds:
wellington.govt.nz/recreation/stuff-for-kids/play-areas/facilities
5
Pitopito kōrero News
Omāroro Reservoir Update Removal of cheques as payment option
The site for Wellington’s new 35 million- All major banks within New Zealand are Band Rotunda redevelopment As a listed heritage building the
litre water reservoir in the Town Belt has removing the use of cheques as a payment Preliminary works for the renovation of renovations will require resource consent
now been fully excavated, water pipes laid option, including Wellington City Council's the Band Rotunda building in Oriental to be granted by Wellington City Council.
across the upper field, and work is underway bank, ANZ, which isn’t accepting cheques Bay have started. The Band Rotunda, a The building’s heritage features will be
on the pipe tunnel. Meanwhile, the more from 31 May. From 1 April onwards, Wellington waterfront landmark since an important part of the final design.
than 48,000m3 of excavated material has Wellington City Council will no longer its completion in 1938, has been closed Developer Cheops Holdings and its sister
been successfully stockpiled on the lower accept cheques as a payment option for since 2012 as it requires extensive company McKee Fehl Constructors are
field and now lush with seeded grass to any of our services. This will give us time strengthening. The building will undergo leading the renovation work. The project
help manage dust and runoff. The good to make sure all cheques received are extensive seismic strengthening and a is expected to be completed in late 2021.
news is that so far, no material has had to processed ahead of the bank’s deadline. new fitout for a hospitality operator. wellington.govt.nz/band-rotunda
be trucked offsite. Over the next year, work For more information, please visit your
will continue on fabricating the reservoir bank’s website.
floor and walls, installing the walls for the
pipe tunnel, and constructing the structure.
Active Transport Workplace Fund
The project is set for completion in late 2023.
Funding is available for workplace
wellingtonwater.co.nz/omaroro
programmes, infrastructure and services
that will encourage employees to actively
commute to work. The fund is focused on
encouraging getting to and from work by
active modes – such as walking, jogging and
biking – rather than travelling by private
vehicle, but all applications that meet the
criteria will be considered. Visit wellington.
govt.nz/funding
Load it right – cover it tight
Are you planning a trip to the landfill?
Whatever falls off your truck or trailer
School holiday fun ends up in our backyards, in storm water
Looking for things to do to keep the kids drains and pipes, in our streams, and in
occupied during the autumn school break Taputeranga Marine Reserve. It only takes a Oriental Bay sea wall repairs heritage. No disruption is expected as the
(17 April – 2 May)? Check out the programmes minute to secure your load, so your rubbish We’re repairing part of the historic Oriental footpath is wide enough for repairs to be
and activities available at our pools and ends up where it’s supposed to be. Help us Bay sea wall between Grass Street and made without impacting on the promenade
recreation centres. A great way to keep your keep our community beautiful. Carlton Gore Road. From April to September or parking. This work will extend the life
kids occupied and active over the holidays! we’ll be filling cracks, removing rusted of the century-old sea wall, helping protect
Book now. wellington.govt.nz/holidayideas steel remnants and replacing degraded Oriental Parade for future generations.
concrete – all while respecting the wall’s wellington.govt.nz/bay-sea-wall
6 7
Pitopito kōrero News
New loos for Lambton interchange
Central Library progress
Three new state-of-the-art automated loos
Work on the design to strengthen the
will soon replace the two existing public
Central Library building to the highest
toilets on the ground floor of the Lambton
level has continued since the Council
interchange terminal. The upgrade includes
voted to adopt this option in late
the addition of an accessible toilet and
October 2020, following a special public
will cater for the increasing volume of
consultation process.
commuters. The ‘hands-free’ facilities will
Wellingtonians agreed on the need for a
also improve public safety, hygiene and
Central Library service in a building that
accessibility. Construction is scheduled to be
is safe, resilient and future-proofed at a
completed in mid-April. Meanwhile, other
cost that is affordable. However, people
public toilets are available nearby at the train
were split between strengthening the
station, next to the ticket office. For more
current building to the highest level or
information check out wellington.govt.nz/
building a new one on the same site.
lambton-interchange
After considering revised engineering,
design and cost information the Council
voted to adopt Option C, the highest
resilience, base-isolated option, and
incorporate it into the draft Long-Term
Plan (LTP).
Since then, in response to decisions
made by the Council, we have been
exploring the opportunities and costs to
make the building more sustainable and
optimising the building footprint. We
have begun the process to develop the
design of the library service including
engaging with key stakeholders and
Spin past the sculptures
planning the procurement process.
New walking and bike paths along Cobham
Drive are finished – and it’s a great spot to The public will be able to consider the
get some sea air and spectacular harbour future of the Central Library alongside
views amidst the wind sculptures. the other priorities through the LTP
Remember, dogs need to be on leads to consultation. Once a final decision is
keep kororā, the little blue penguins, safe. made through the LTP we will progress
The improvements are part of Tahitai, the the project procurement and design
coastal route from the east, and there’s more processes to deliver the approved option.
under way and planned. Take extra care The Library was closed in March 2019
around Evans Bay and other places where after the floor system design was found
work is happening. to present a high risk of potential failure
transportprojects.org.nz/current/evans-bay/ in a significant earthquake.
9
Ō tātou wāhi Our places
Building for our future There are hundreds of Wellingtonians
The first thing that strikes you is the scale. contributing to Tākina, both on and
The Wellington Convention and Exhibition off-site. Soon there will be up to 300 people
Centre is shaping up to be immense, and onsite, including local tradespeople and
given that it will be able to hold conferences new apprentices.
for up to 1600 people, that’s not surprising.
Wellington City Council Economic and
Tākina will include 10,000m2 of meeting Commercial Manager Danny McComb says
and convention spaces on the upper two last year’s lockdown proved an unwanted
floors, and a 1280m2 exhibition gallery on delay, but the build was still on track.
the ground floor.
“We’ve bounced back really well, the team
managed the lockdown brilliantly and had
everyone back on site as soon as we were
able. Having a local design and build team
has been hugely beneficial in managing
these disruptions.
“We're still on target for completing the
build by early 2023, and opening to the
public in mid-2023 after the internal fitout.”
Jack McGuinness, Commercial Manager of
Jack McGuinness
the Tākina construction for LT McGuinness,
The second thing you notice is the design. says “everything is unique” in the building.
With its flowing curved façades, the locally
From state-of-the-art engineering, to a
designed building’s unique shape is really
New Zealand-first in the glazed façade.
coming to the fore.
“It’s a very special building that we’re very
Nestling in nicely between Cable St and
proud to be a part of.”
Wakefield St, Tākina really is in the heart
At a glance The building is designed to operate
of the capital, a stone’s throw from the bars • More info including progress videos can efficiently at all levels of use – from large
Tākina is designed for small to medium-
and restaurants of Courtenay Place, and be found at www.takina.co.nz conference events to smaller events.
sized events to meet the needs of the
right across the road from Te Papa.
national and Asia-Pacific market.
It’s also designed to high standards of
Over summer the site saw a lot of progress, seismic resilience, including being fully
Environmental sustainability is at the heart of
with concrete poured on the first floor, base isolated.
the design and construction of Tākina – which
steel structures erected on the second floor,
will come with a 5-Star Green-Star rating.
internal stairways installed, and civil works
and entranceways completed on Wakefield Features will include enhanced thermal The $179 million building is 67 percent
St and Cable St. insulation, a rainwater harvesting system, funded by the commercial sector and
high efficiency LED lighting system, will support 864 construction jobs
The next stage of the build will see internal and 372 jobs from operations.
automatic controls for energy savings, and
walls going up, plus the installation of
an adaptable and demand-controlled air
the façade.
conditioning system.
10 11
Ō tātou wāhi Our places
Wellington Town Hall St James Theatre
Strengthening a building as old as our Work to earthquake strengthen and
city’s Town Hall is complex, with most complete targeted building and theatre
of the current work happening at or upgrades on the St James Theatre and
below ground level. So the team is using Counties building is progressing well.
specialised equipment to work within the
basement areas. Seismic works are due to be completed in
mid-2021, with the remainder of the year
Moving the equipment and materials focusing on the upgrades to the building,
around the site is thanks to a crane which theatre systems, and general reinstatement
was installed section-by-section within the of the building so it is ready to once again
auditorium. If you look up you may see it in host the arts community for many years
action as it comes through a small gap in the to come.
roof, which will be carefully replaced when
the crane is no longer needed. Work began in 2019 with a targeted
completion date of the end of 2021. The
Over the past months, a quarter of the project lost some time due to COVID-19-
Town Hall’s new piles (125 of 460) were related lockdowns, as well as the increased
driven deep underground and base isolators difficulty of managing key overseas
are starting to be installed. Across these suppliers and theatre specialists in the
seismic foundations sits the new, reinforced new COVID-19 environment.
concrete floors.
But the Council is really pleased with
We also took down the 1990s bridge between how the project team, consultants
Te Whare Whakarauiki and the Michael and contractors have been working
Fowler Centre as it’s not being used and collaboratively and innovatively to
doesn’t work with the new base isolation. keep the project on track.
Wellington Town Hall – Te Whare Whakarauiki.
13
Planning for our future
The Long-Term Plan (LTP) is the Council’s Wellington was also a different place when We will also need to make choices in this 2021 so we can begin to pay back that debt
10-year plan that sets out the priorities, core we last did the LTP in 2018. Many of the LTP. We need to decide where we will put and move towards balancing our budgets.
services, activities and investment projects impacts of the Kaikōura earthquake were our focus over the next 10 years and make
This will allow us to meet future challenges
that will make Wellington an even better still being worked through, we didn’t know sure we are financially responsible.
and to sustainably manage our assets
place to live, work, play and visit as we go about the issues with the Central Library,
In response to the cost pressures we have, and services.
into the future. the symptoms of our aging water network
including earthquake strengthening, a
had not reared their head, and COVID-19 How to have your say
This year, our draft LTP is about getting growing and aging asset base, and COVID-19
was unheard of. Collectively these have Our consultation document and supporting
the basic foundations of the city right, and impacts, we now require a step up in the
dramatically increased our financial information will be available on the LTP
includes the largest capital investment level of rates we charge.
challenges. website and at our libraries and Service
programme we have ever made in the city
Last year, our costs increased, and Centre from 6 April. You will be able to
to achieve that. We are proposing to increase our debt level
revenues decreased, but we recognised find out more about our plans for the next
to invest in things that people have told
The plan is bold, ambitious and diverse that many households and businesses were 10 years and have your say from 6 April to
us are important, such as transport, three
with increases in funding for three in uncertain times because of COVID-19. 10 May.
waters, and improving the resilience of the
waters infrastructure, climate change, The Council decided to keep rates low for
city. We are currently in a strong financial Online: Fill out the submission form and
transport, projects to strengthen our key 2020/21, and debt-funded the difference
position to be able to do that. However, read more information at wgtn.cc/LTP
civic buildings like the Central Library, between our costs and the reduced revenue
there’s a limit to the amount of money we
and broadly maintained levels of service coming in. We highlighted at the time that Libraries: Pick up a consultation
can borrow, set by the Local Government
everywhere else. this would mean rates needed to catch up in document and a submission form from
Funding Authority. In order for us to
your local library
continue to be financially responsible, our
proposed plan includes prioritisation of the In person: Look out for our LTP community
investments we are planning to make. pop-up tour.
14 15
Tō tātou hāpori Our community
“Pōneke is really unique – we have some Many people know what’s in store for them Adam says it’s a reasonably physical role,
Meet our Park Rangers
amazing intense forest that we can just when they walk through their office doors you must be adept at using power tools and
walk to! on any given day. But Adam, on the other machinery, and think quickly on your feet.
As a rule, Katie doesn’t spend too much
hand, can’t easily predict where his job will
time on the phone at work. The 25-year-old “On any given day, I may get calls that take In one day, he is called to cordon off a small
take him.
is more likely to be out and about offering me out to five different parts of Wellington. slip on the Skyline Walkway. Armed with
gardening advice, ensuring outdoor public Sometimes there’s emergencies and we have A father-of-two, the 39-year-old is Park caution tape, he gets the job done, chopping
events run smoothly, and chatting to to go and handle a situation, like fallen trees Ranger for Wellington’s western suburbs. away overgrown branches obstructing the
community conservation volunteers. or broken glass. track on his way.
“It’s very reactive in the job and it’s usually
Katie is one of Wellington City Council’s “Then there’s the more everyday stuff, like something different every day,” he explains. Before leaving the track – and while
five Park Rangers, caring for the city’s many community groups asking for advice on “We get jobs coming in from the public demonstrating an impressive ability to
parks, reserves, and open spaces. weed control or on what plants are best for via the Contact Centre, or internally from handle a four-wheel-drive on seriously rocky
certain terrain.” Council staff.” terrain – he checks all signs are visible so
But on one particular day, a phone call took
people using the walkway by foot or bike
centre stage. On the other end of the line
can find their way.
was a woman who had become lost while
cycling a trail. He’s then called by Mountains to Sea, one
of the many community groups the Park
“She called our Contact Centre and was put
Rangers support by helping them achieve
through to me,” says Katie. “I talked to her
their restoration and environmental goals.
until she was safely out. It was mostly for
They’re after a tarp for work they are doing
moral support – fortunately she ran into
at Karori Cemetery. No worries! Adam says
other cyclists who helped her – but I stayed
he’ll drop one off.
on the phone until she was out of the woods
to make sure she was okay.” His next stop is to check out a reserve which
is being used as a dumping ground.
Katie, who uses they/them pronouns,
says, “probably half the job is dealing with “This probably isn’t the most glamorous
people”. And that’s the way they like it. part of the job, but it is important. We’re
here to help ensure people can enjoy our
“The people are the eyes and ears of our
parks safely.”
parks so it’s good to connect with the
community. There are people from long- Adam, who studied conservation and marine
standing restoration groups, predator-free biology, says the Park Rangers also make sure
champions, and those who tend community freedom campers follow the rules, remind
gardens. Some have been volunteering for dog walkers of guidelines, and issue permits,
a decade or more and you can really see the as well as checking health and safety plans,
work they’ve achieved.” for events held in public parks.
Originally from New Hampshire in the USA, “There’s definitely repetition but it’s never
Katie studied biology and public health. the same – that’s what I like about the job.
They love the diversity of their job and You get to see some really cool parts of
simply put, they think their adopted home Wellington. We’re so lucky to have such a
city is “remarkable”. green city with an amazing track network.”
16 17Ngā mahi whakangahau
Put it on the calendar
Check out some of the Egg-cellent Adventure – Kids Go Free An Evening with Marlon Williams
9am-5pm, Fri 2 April – Tue 6 April | 7.30pm, Sat 3 April | The Opera House
exciting events the Council is ZEALANDIA
Kiwi country crooner Marlon Williams
supporting over the autumn Make the most of Easter weekend by visiting heads back to Wellington for a second show
months. For more, visit beautiful and rare native species amongst as part of his solo tour of New Zealand.
lush forest tracks and trails. Pick up a
wellington.govt.nz/events special Easter map and join the hunt for a
Kids’ Night Walks at ZEALANDIA
series of 'eggs’. Return your map for a free
Starts at dusk, Sun 4 April – Sun 26 Sept |
chocolate treat and take part in some cool
ZEALANDIA
Make sure to check online conservation activities! Plus kids go free
For all events, please make sure to go Bring the family on a special treat. Be guided
during this weekend. Entry costs apply for
online for the latest Alert Level status, through the home of little spotted kiwi,
adults. visitzealandia.com
as well as checking the event's website tuatara and glow worms amongst over 40
or social media page for up-to-date rare native wildlife species in New Zealand’s
The Super Cable Car Easter Egg Hunt most accessible wildlife sanctuary.
venue and entry information.
9am-5pm, Fri 2 April – Mon 5 April | visitzealandia.com
Wellington Cable Car
Pick up your Easter Quiz from the Lambton
The Wiggles Wellington International Pride Parade
Quay Ticket Office and enjoy an egg-
10am & 1pm, Thurs 1 April | Michael From 6pm, Sat 10 April | Courtenay Place to
citing journey with us on the Cable Car
Fowler Centre Odlins Plaza, Wellington Waterfront
while finding out your answers. On each
Hot potato! The Wiggles and all their Wiggly Join the Pride Parade and celebrate the
day, the first 50 Easter Egg Hunters to
friends are jumping in the Big Red Car and LGBTQI+ community in the capital with
return your completed quiz to our staff at
bringing their brand new Wiggle Fun Tour fun and colourful floats and festivities
Lambton Quay will receive an Easter treat.
to Wellington. embracing the city’s inclusion, diversity and
wellingtoncablecar.co.nz
talent. wipp.nz
Anzac Day
Tuatara Open Late Peachy Keen Sun 25 April | Various locations | Free
5-10pm, Thurs 1 April | City Gallery
Hurricanes v Crusaders
Sat 3 April | Basin Reserve 6am: Dawn Service,
Wellington | Entry by donation 3.35pm, Sun 11 April | Sky Stadium Pukeahu National War
Wellington's newest festival is a celebration
Art, music, film, talks, beer, wine, and food. It’s round 7 of Super Rugby Aotearoa and Memorial Park, Buckle Street
of women in music. Peachy Keen will
Enjoy this ever-changing programme of the Canes take on the reigning champs 9am: Wellington Citizens’
bring some of the most iconic and well-
late-night events on the first Thursday of the in an early kickoff at Sky Stadium. Wreath Laying Service,
known female artists in New Zealand
month. citygallery.org.nz hurricanes.co.nz Wellington Cenotaph, corner of
music, alongside some of the coolest Lambton Quay and Bowen Street
up-and-comers, to the Basin Reserve on
11am: National Anzac Day Service,
Easter weekend. sopeachykeen.com Wellington Opera: Don Giovanni
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park,
Sat 17 April – Sat 24 April | The Opera House Buckle Street
Take a journey of musical and theatrical 2.30pm: Wreath Laying Service at
discovery with Mozart’s masterpiece Ataturk Memorial, Tarakena Bay
Don Giovanni, performed by a dynamic
New Zealand cast. wellingtonopera.nz
18 19School holiday fun City Gallery Seniors Hurricanes v Highlanders Jersey Boys
Sat 17 April – Sun 2 May | Capital E 11am, Wed 21 April, Wed 19 May 7.05pm, Fri 30 April | Sky Stadium Fri 21 May – Thurs 3 June | The Opera House
City Gallery | Free
Join in on holiday fun with Capital E The Canes take on the Highlanders in this The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four
these school holidays. For tiny tots, check Join us for a free guided tour of our current round 10 clash in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Seasons is finally coming to Wellington in
out puppet show, The Tree Friends, by exhibitions for visitors aged 65+, followed hurricanes.co.nz an utterly wonderful show full of vitality,
String Bean Puppets, investigate sound in by complimentary morning tea. No prior pace and power. Oh, what a night of
quirky workshops or come along to play knowledge of contemporary art needed. magical memories!
City Gallery Family Day
in SoundScapes at PlayHQ. For children citygallery.org.nz
Sat 1 May | City Gallery | Free
aged 8+, check out creative technology in
Our popular Family Day returns with fun art Lōemis
some outstanding workshops in the digital Level Up Workshops
activities for the whole whānau, on the last Sat 12 June – Mon 21 June | Various venues
studios. Check out the full programme and 9am–12pm & 1pm–4pm, Wed 21 & Thurs 22 Saturday of the school holidays. Join us for A mystical winter offering staged during the
details at capitale.org.nz April | Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf
hands-on art making, games, and a photo darkest nights of the year – Lōemis festival
Learn the basics of making your very booth. citygallery.org.nz showcases a vibrant array of new shows,
Seasons own games at NZ Games Festival’s Level bespoke food events, installations and craft
10am & 1pm, Mon 19 April – Sat 24 Up workshops. These workshops cover workshops, culminating with a fiery solstice
April | Circa One Mother’s Day at the Cable Car
many facets of game development like procession. For information and tickets visit
8.30am–7pm, Sun 9 May | Wellington
Capital E National Theatre for Children programming, character design and loemis.nz
Cable Car
presents: SEASONS. Journey into nature’s gameplay design, with classes for ages 8-12
world of living creatures, colours, and sounds. and 13-16. Explore the line-up and book All mums travel free when accompanied
by fare-paying child or children. Come on Yotam Ottolenghi – Flavour of Life
$10 per person, under-2s free. Book at at capitale.org.nz
kids young and old, here is a great addition 7pm, Tues 15 June | Michael Fowler Centre
capitale.org.nz
to your Mother's Day gift while you spend Yotam Ottolenghi needs no introduction to
quality time together! Grab a loving photo the foodies out there. The man who turned
NZIA City Talks with your mum anywhere at the Cable Car sumac, pomegranate molasses and tahini
Mon 19 April, Mon 17 May | City Gallery | Free and tag @wellingtoncablecar to be in the into pantry staples will share his food
Be inspired by and learn about the role of chance to win a Mother’s Day Hamper. philosophy and culinary tips live.
architecture in our lives at this ongoing wellingtoncablecar.co.nz
series presented in partnership with New
Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington
Royal NZ Ballet presents Giselle
Branch. citygallery.org.nz
Wed 12 May – Sat 15 May | The Opera House
Capital E. Credit: Stephen A'Court Romantic, mystical, and lyrical, the Royal
Gallery Babes New Zealand Ballet’s Giselle is a timeless
11am, Tue 20 April, Tue 18 May, Tue 15 June Parris Goebbel presents The Royal production of one of ballet’s great stories.
City Gallery | Free Family NZ Tour rnzb.org.nz
Bring the baby and enjoy a tour of our 7pm, Thurs 29 April | The Opera House
exhibitions. Gallery Babes is best suited to
After performing around the globe alongside
those with babies up to 12 months. Spaces
Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez,
are limited for this popular tour, so booking
the Kiwi legend Parris Goebel finally brings
is essential. citygallery.org.nz
her award-winning dance crew The Royal
Family to Wellington.
20 21Keeping the capital moving
If the phone’s not ringing, that’s generally a “And no one writes in to tell us about a “It goes to show that level of commitment The bulk of the Council’s roading work is
good thing for the Wellington City Council good job we’ve done,” he laughs. to that duty of care,” says Brad. delivered by two main contractors, Fulton
Transport and Infrastructure team. Hogan in the southern city and CBD, and
“We’ve long since adopted a mantra that “They love what they do, and they have
Downer in the northern part of the city.
The team plays a crucial role in the capital, says when things are quiet, we're doing a that feeling that they’re making a real
maintaining a whopping $1.6 billion worth good job. When we start getting calls, that’s difference to our city.” Brad says the costs of road maintenance
of city assets, including looking after when we might have a problem.” continue to increase, but the level of service
The team is in charge of everything from
700km of roads and 2000km of footpaths. expectations stays the same.
The team has 70 members – many of whom large projects such as the Cobham Drive
“Yeah, it’s a big job,” says Brad have been with the Council for decades. cycleway, down to individual intersections “A good example is people really like asphalt,
Singh, the Council’s Transport and Fourteen of them have been at WCC for and resilience work. but they don’t like chip seal. What people
Infrastructure Manager. more than 20 years, and one has racked up might not realise is that chip seal is a third of
That means all the road surfaces across the
more than 50. the price of asphalt.
city, all the footpaths, the drains, the street
cleaning, the vegetation management. “The cost per kilometre for maintaining
Wellington's roads is the highest for any
Then there’s the emergency response work,
council in New Zealand.”
draining any flooding, and cleaning up
after storms. Brad says he is “massively proud” of the team,
who receive about 25,000 enquiries a year.
They also manage all work undertaken
by third parties on the city’s roads, which “It’s a team of dedicated public servants. This
means traffic management, safety checks, is not a job that’s done just for the money, it’s a
and various inspections. service to the community that they’re doing.
Finally, there’s the event management “And they’re thrifty. They understand we’re
work they do – closing roads, providing dealing with public money, and at the end of
bins, cleaning up afterwards. the day we’re all ratepayers.”
All of which has to be done with as little
disruption as possible.
“We realise that life can’t just stop,” Brad
Summer work
Over the last six months:
says. “People still need to be able to catch
their bus, they still need to be able to do the • 14km of our streets and roads
school run, they still need to be able to get have been resurfaced
to work.
• 12km of footpaths have been
“We have to minimise any disruption, and resealed
that involves a lot of planning.” • We worked at 460 locations
The central city is also “super busy” • Around $7 million was spent,
with earthquake work on buildings, jointly funded by the Council and
plus Wellington’s famous hills play their NZ Transport Agency
part, too. • Find out more at wellington.govt.
nz/resealing
22 23Mahi toi Capital arts
Coming up at Toi Pōneke Gallery Bailee Lobb In Bathing, Bask Coming up at City Gallery Wellington
Sat 8 May – Sat 29 May
Clayton Morgan TerraObscura Marianna Simnett CREATURE About City Gallery Wellington
Sat 10 April – Sat 1 May Bailee Lobb is a performance and installation Thurs 4 March – Sun 11 July Be inspired by incredible contemporary
artist who works with colour, soft structures,
TerraObscura is a new exhibition of Horror meets fairy tale in Berlin-based art at City Gallery Wellington.
and movement to create immersive and
photography from emerging artist Clayton artist Mariana Simnett’s first New Zealand Showcasing both New Zealand and
playful interactive environments. She is
Morgan. This exhibition has come from show. Visceral and theatrical, her large-scale international artists, the gallery
creating a series of new colourful works
“contemplating what it means to be in a video and sculptural works tell wicked tales offers a busy and exciting calendar of
for In Bathing, Bask that together form a
slowly unfolding catastrophe called – Global of transformation with a cast of children exhibitions and events – from films and
stimulatory playground for interactive fun,
Warming”. The work uncovers how this and mutant beasts. Experience this talks to live music and more. After your
sensory play, and self-regulation.
awareness correlates to the psychological "breathtakingly good" show in the flesh. visit, be sure to stop in at the beautiful
experience of the uncanny – an unsettling Below Gallery Shop or enjoy delicious food and
Bailee Lobb
and anxious feeling due to something Raspberry Jelly and Big Blue, 2021. coffee at sunny Nikau café, next door.
Every Artist
strangely familiar in an unfamiliar context. Sat 27 March – Sun 25 July Visit citygallery.org.nz
Art history is too important to be left to art
About Toi Pōneke historians. Local, national, and international
artists remap, rethink, queer, and even
Toi Pōneke Arts Centre is a home away
gamify the history of art – often through
from home in the heart of Wellington
subverting traditional tools of art history
for the artists and creators who
such as charts, diagrams, and books.
make up our city's vibrant creative
community. Toi Pōneke exists to:
connect, support and grow Wellington's
Need help fixing
creative communities; facilitate artists'
and creators' learning and career
development; provide a friendly,
safe space and great facilities; spark
experimentation and innovation by your bike?
bringing artists together.
Visit toiponeke.nz Visit the friendly experts
at Bikespace to learn how
to fix your bike for free.
Right
Marianna Simnett Find us on Facebook
Blood In My Milk, 2018.
@WellingtonBikeSpace
24 25Tautaiao Eco city Brad
Through the tunnel in Seatoun, Brad
Fiona
Fiona, also a Seatoun resident, has been
Wellington City Council is running Para and his whānau are using a traditional getting to know her Bokashi bin.
Kai, a year-long initiative which sees 450 compost bin.
In it goes the food scraps that produce a
households on the Miramar Peninsula trial “It’s pretty straight forward. We just dump fermented material, which is then buried
one of three different composting methods. the food scraps in and every once in a while in the ground to allow for the composting
We checked in with three residents to see we give it some water or some grounds process to finish.
how they were getting on. from the coffee machine and mix it up.
“It’s great because the kids can get involved
“Time and heat does the work, then and being part of the trial has promoted
Ashleigh
whenever I need to do some planting loads of great conversations about
Cats and caterpillars were once the only pet
or want to refresh the garden I use the decomposition, reducing food waste, doing
critters roaming Ashleigh’s Miramar yard,
compost on everything from fruit trees our bit for the environment, what lives in
but now she’s also the proud guardian of a
to native bush.” the soil, and much more!
clew of worms.
Brad says the nutrient-rich compost “The liquid that comes out of the Bokashi
has hugely improved the quality of his system is fairly potent. We have been
sandy soil. diluting it and watering it on the plants.”
Everything from leftovers and paper Fiona says composting has reduced her
napkins to broken-down cardboard household waste by half.
boxes and green waste can go into the
“We have been really surprised by how
compost bin.
Ashleigh much we actually threw out before, and
“We’re putting out less waste and buying we’ve been saving a lot on rubbish bags."
A keen gardener, Ashleigh was only too happy less compost so it’s a win-win,” Brad says.
So would she recommend a Bokashi bin
to take part in the trial and says she and her
“Once you figure out how composting can to others?
partner are loving their new worm farm.
work for your household, it just makes
“Absolutely! It's so satisfying to put food
“It’s so easy! You get the bin and some total sense.”
waste to a good use instead of it contributing
instructions, put it together and give the
to global warming in the landfill.” Samuel, Amelia, Fiona, and Alex.
worms a little bit of time to get used to their
new home.
“We have a container on the bench for all Kerbside collection The collected food waste is delivered
the things they can eat and every couple to the Capital Compost facility at
of days we lift the lid to see how they are While the home composters are hard at
the Southern Landfill and turned
getting on. Any cuttings from my garden work in their own backyards, the kerbside
into compost.
also end up in there.” food waste collection being trialled by 500
households is also going strong. The results from the trial will be used
Ashleigh says thanks to the worm farm, to inform a city-wide solution for
their rubbish bin isn't nearly as full as Preliminary results show that
food waste.
it once was, and the worm tea has been participating households are diverting
an average of 3 kilograms of food waste For more information about our home
wonderful for her garden and indoor pots.
per week from landfill, and have diverted composting and kerbside food waste
“Our pet worms are providing nutrients for approximately 16,442kg combined since collection trials visit wellington.govt.
my plants and saving food from going to the Para Kai launched in mid-October 2020. nz/foodwaste
Brad
landfill. We should all have a worm farm!”
26 27Getting your garden ready for autumn
Warm soil and cool air, the perfect
conditions for your garden to
grow, bloom and flourish this
Capital Compost
autumn. We had a chat with one
of our Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
gardeners, Dale Such, to get his
Each batch is tested and made top tips on how to prepare your
locally from recycled green waste. gardens for our autumn weather.
Our bulk range includes: compost, “At the Botanic Garden, we normally spend
garden mix, veggie mix, lawn mix, autumn catching up with growth from the
summer – cleaning up our lawns, trimming
mulch and potting mix, ultra soil
hedges and climbers, and pruning trees. It
and top soil. is also a good time to cut back your roses so
that they can begin to re-bloom.”
Call 0508 To Grow (0508 86 4769) for information with the over-grown plants, because any
on where to buy and delivery options. Generally, most weeds haven’t grown
little piece you leave behind will grow back.”
much around this time of year. Dale’s
recommendation is to start mulching your Autumn brings the best growing conditions
This product has met the Ministry of Health requirements for use in commercial and
domestic plant growth. All our products meet New Zealand’s standard NZS4454:2005
garden at the start of autumn to help keep for those new plants you’ve always wanted
the moisture in the soil and cover the weed to add to your garden. Use this time to
seeds. You don’t want those weeds to grow prepare the soil by digging over and adding
as it starts to get wet. compost. It is also the best time for planting
berries, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
It’s important to keep your garden hydrated,
beetroot, onions and salad varieties.
especially after the dry summer weather,
says Dale. And don’t forget your indoor plants! Here’s
your reminder to give them a water, clean
“We recommend using AquaTurf, an
and trim. Autumn can bring mealy bugs and
approved and safe wetting and re-wetting
mites which can be easily removed with a
agent, which will help you not only conserve
little bit of diluted methylated spirits.
your overall water usage, but also keep your
garden hydrated and encourage growth in Dale’s final tip? “Sit back and enjoy the work
trouble areas.” you have done over the summer and watch
everything bloom in the second flush.”
Now is also the time to clean up any
overgrown areas in your garden before Send in your horticultural questions
it becomes too wet to remove weeds or If you have any questions about gardening,
overgrown perennials, says Dale. “Don’t be email treehouse@wcc.govt.nz and our eager
afraid to remove a few centimetres of soil team of gardeners will get back to you.
28 29Ngā huihuinga o te Kaunihera,
ngā komiti me ngā poari ā-hapori
To SwimSafe, Council, committee and
community board meetings
join SwimWell
All Council and Committee meetings are live Meeting dates and locations sometimes
streamed via our YouTube page, so please tune need to change, so please check final
in at youtube.com/WgtnCC details at wellington.govt.nz/meetings
You are also welcome to attend any meeting or phone 04 499 4444.
listed here, depending on the COVID Alert Level.
Wednesday, 7 April Tuesday, 18 May
9.30am – Council Controlled Organisations 9.30am – Regulatory Processes Committee
Subcommittee
Wednesday, 19 May
4pm – Youth Council
2pm – Grants Subcommittee
Thursday, 8 April 4pm – Youth Council
9.30am – Strategy and Policy Committee
Thursday, 20 May
7pm – Tawa Community Board
9.30am – Annual Plan/Long Term Plan Committee
Free
reusable
Wednesday, 14 April
9.30am – Regulatory Processes Committee
Tuesday, 25 May
5.30pm – Accessibility Advisory Group
6pm – Pacific Advisory Group
swim nappy
Wednesday, 26 May
for under 3s Thursday, 15 April
9.30am – Council
9.30am – Strategy and Policy Committee
Thursday, 27 May
Wednesday, 21 April
9.30am – Annual Plan/Long Term Plan Committee
9.30am – CEO Performance Review Committee
4pm – Youth Council Wednesday, 2 June
9.30am – Council Controlled Organisations
Thursday, 22 April
Subcommittee
9.30am – Strategy and Policy Committee
4pm – Youth Council
Thursday, 27 April
Thursday, 3 June
5.30pm – Accessibility Advisory Group
9.30am – Strategy and Policy Committee
Wednesday, 28 April
Tuesday, 8 June
9.30am – Council
Grow your little one’s confidence
9.30am – Regulatory Processes Committee
Wednesday, 5 May
Wednesday, 9 June
4pm – Youth Council
9.30am – Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee
in the water and teach them Thursday, 6 May
7pm – Makara/Ohariu Community Board
6pm – Pacific Advisory Group
Thursday, 10 June
swimming skills for life.
Monday, 10 May 9.30am – Annual Plan/Long Term Plan Committee
5pm – Environmental Reference Group 7pm – Tawa Community Board
Wednesday, 12 May Monday, 14 June
6pm – Pacific Advisory Group 9.30am – Wellington Region Waste Management
and Minimisation Plan Joint Committee
Thursday, 13 May
5pm – Environmental Reference Group
9.30am – Strategy and Policy Committee
7pm – Tawa Community Board
swimwell.nz
All meetings take place at Council, 113 The Terrace,
or in the suburbs for community board meetings.
30 31Te Koromatua me ngā Kaikaunihera Motukairangi/Eastern Ward
The Mayor and Councillors
The people who represent you
Wellington City Councillors are elected by Wellington
residents every three years. Their role is to represent the
Sarah Free Deputy Mayor Sean Rush Teri O’Neill
views of residents and help the Council make the best Sarah.Free@wcc.govt.nz Sean.Rush@wcc.govt.nz Teri.ONeill@wcc.govt.nz
decisions for the city. Not sure which ward you’re in? Chair
Long Term Plan and
Portfolio Leader
Associate Urban Development
Portfolio Leader
Natural Environment
Annual Plan Committee Infrastructure Associate Community Well-being
Visit wellington.govt.nz/wards Portfolio Leader
Governance
Associate Transport
Citywide Paekawakawa/Southern Ward Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward
Andy Foster Mayor Fleur Fitzsimons Laurie Foon Iona Pannett Nicola Young Tamatha Paul
Mayor@wcc.govt.nz Fleur.Fitzsimons@wcc.govt.nz Laurie.Foon@wcc.govt.nz Iona.Pannett@wcc.govt.nz Nicola.Young@wcc.govt.nz Tamatha.Paul@wcc.govt.nz
Chair Chair Portfolio Leader Portfolio Leader Portfolio Leader Portfolio Leader
Council Grants Subcommittee Waste Minimisation Associate Urban Development Arts, Culture and Events Climate Change
Portfolio Leader Portfolio Leader Associate Economic Development Associate Urban Development Associate Community Well-being
Transport and Urban Development Community Well-being Associate Economic Development
Takapū/Northern Ward Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
Jenny Condie Jill Day Malcolm Sparrow Diane Calvert Rebecca Matthews Simon Woolf
Jenny.Condie@wcc.govt.nz Jill.Day@wcc.govt.nz Malcolm.Sparrow@wcc.govt.nz Diane.Calvert@wcc.govt.nz Rebecca.Matthews@wcc.govt.nz Simon.Woolf@wcc.govt.nz
Chair Chair Chair Chair Portfolio Leader Portfolio Leader
Council-Controlled Strategy and Policy Committee Regulatory Processes Committee CEO Performance Review Committee Community Engagement Sport and Recreation
Organisations Subcommittee Portfolio Leader Portfolio Leader Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee Associate Community Well-being
Portfolio Leader Māori Partnerships Associate Resilience Portfolio Leader
Associate Transport Associate Community Well-being Economic Development
32 33You can also read
