Latest news with #WellingtonCityCouncil
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Stars Align For Wellington's Matariki Ahi Kā
Press Release – Wellington City Council This years Matariki festivities begin with Mana Moana Pneke, a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon, running on weekend nights from 7-22 June. Welcome in the Māori New Year in style as the waterfront comes alive with Matariki Ahi Kā – a whānau-friendly celebration of fire,projections, performances, and kai. This year's Matariki festivities begin with Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon, running on weekend nights from 7-22 June. Matariki Ahi Kā will light up the waterfront every night from 6pm–9pm from 19-22 June, offering a self-guided experience that journeys through Past, Present and Future zones. Each zone will be marked with a tomokanga (entranceway) that embodies its kaupapa (purpose), guiding attendees through fire installations, large-scale projections, live performances, interactive storytelling, traditional Māori games, and kai from food trucks. Local talent will take to the Aroha and Takoha stages with acts including the Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club, Tom Knowles (reggae, roots), Rei (bilingual Urban and Electronic), Tui (soul, pop), and Awerangi (old-school jams). In a tribute to those who have passed since last Matariki, names submitted by the public will be projected onto a Memorial Wall on the side of Te Papa near the Solace in the Wind statue. Each evening of Matariki Ahi Kā, a ceremonial walk will start at 7.40pm from the Barnett Street car moving procession follows the journey of the Matariki whetū (stars). Visitors are invited to write down names, memories, wishes, and aspirations, and place these in baskets located at the Memorial Wall and Whairepo Lagoon before 7.30pm. These will be released into a ceremonial flame following the procession, sending them to the stars above. 'Matariki is a time to pause and reflect on the past year, celebrate our present achievements, and look forward to the future with renewed hope and aspirations. Here in Wellington, our Matariki celebrations emphasise the vital role of whānau and community in bringing us all together,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'We invite everyone – Wellingtonians and visitors alike – to join us in these special Matariki celebrations.' The celebration of Matariki and Puanga, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years. The rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) and the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) marks a time to reflect on the past, reconnect with whānau, share kai, celebrate, and look forward to the year ahead. Other events in the region at this time include Matariki events at Council's Community Centres, Wellington City Libraries and in the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. The WAITUHI Matariki flags will be on display in Frank Kitts Park from 18 June – 12 July. This year's WAITUHI Matariki public art series for the 8-flag poles is Te Kohinga Whētu: Collecting the Stars, by artist Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish). The Matariki exhibition opening 7 June in the Courtenay Place Light Boxes (77-97 Courtenay Place) is Tiaki by artist Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp (Ngāti Toa Rangatira Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama). Tiaki is a manaia, a bearer who connects the worldly and spiritual realms. Tiaki acknowledges the space between and overlapping people, atua, this place, its histories, and its presence. Event details: Mana Moana Pōneke 7-8 June, 14-15 June, 19-22 June 6pm–9pm Whairepo Lagoon Free event In the lead-up to Matariki Ahi Kā and during the long weekend, enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected on a water screen. The films this year have been curated by Israel Randell (Rarotonga, Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu) and are guided by the wise words of Moana Jackson's: 'In time, like te ao marama emerging out of te pō, mourning gives way to dreaming.' Matariki Ahi Kā Thursday 19 June – Sunday 22 June 2025 6pm–9pm Wellington Waterfront Free event Matariki Ahi Kā is an immersive self-led walking journey including fire, performances, projections, a ceremony each night to honour those who have passed away and to express hopes for the future, the Mana Moana Pōneke water screen, and kai. Find out more on Council's website: Matariki Ahi Kā and Mana Moana Pōneke are accessible. Toilets, including an accessible toilet are available. There is an unmanned drop-off point at the Te Papa main entrance. To avoid parking frustration during this busy time, we encourage everyone to walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport. Cyclists and e-scooters, please follow diversions or walk your wheels, and pedestrians take extra care due to the changes.
National Business Review
2 days ago
- Business
- National Business Review
New director for Wellington Airport
Infratil has appointed an Australian property executive, Bob Johnston, to the board of Wellington Airport. He will replace outgoing director Elizabeth Albergoni, who has served on the board since 2023. Johnston is already on the boards of Perth Airport and Australia's largest residential property developer, ASX-listed Stockland. Wellington Airport noted in a statement that Johnston had more than 30 years of international expertise in the property sector, including investment, development, project management and construction. He is currently the chief executive of ASX-listed property group GPT, and was previously the managing director of Frasers Property Australia (formerly the listed property group Australand). He has also held senior management positions with multinational construction and real estate company Lendlease, both in Australia and overseas. Dual-listed infrastructure investor Infratil owns 66% of Wellington Airport. The rest of the shares are owned by Wellington City Council. Infratil appoints four directors to the airport board and Wellington City Council two, including Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau. The latest appointment takes effect immediately.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties
By Julienne Molineaux of Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro Analysis - With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed "dysfunction" and a "shambles" at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer. Announcing the move, Brown said the "financial and behavioural challenges" facing the council represented a problem under the Local Government Act. Part of the issue, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claimed recently, was that there had been "way too much ideology and party politics". With the Green-endorsed current mayor Tory Whanau withdrawing from the next election, and former Labour cabinet minister Andrew Little announcing his mayoralty bid , it remains to be seen whether those partisan perceptions have diminished. But at the other end of the political spectrum, the ACT Party is actively recruiting candidates to stand at the 2025 elections using its branding and policy platform. The ACT website states clear policy positions for prospective candidates to campaign on. The Local Government Act, on the other hand, requires elected members to consult with people affected by their decisions and to do so with an open mind. Reinforcing this point, the Office of the Auditor-General says those managing public resources must avoid holding pre-determined positions: You are not required to approach every decision as though you have given it no prior thought, or have no existing knowledge or opinion. However, you are required to keep an open mind, and you must be prepared to change or adjust your views if the evidence or arguments warrant it. If ACT is successful in building a local government ticket nationally, this tension - and the kind of tensions recently at play in Wellington - could be seen in other councils. Political party affiliations in local government are not actually the norm. In 2019, winning councillors around New Zealand mostly left the affiliation section of their nomination forms blank (60 percent) or stated they were "independent" (18 percent). Only 3 percent of winning councillors were affiliated with a registered political party, and 4 percent with a local grouping or ticket. But the picture changes in our three largest councils: Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council and Wellington City Council. No winning councillors in those cities left the affiliation section blank in 2019, 38 percent ran on a local ticket, and 22 percent for a political party. And there are good reasons for local body candidates to run as party-endorsed or on a local ticket, as former local body politician Shirin Brown outlined in her PhD thesis on Local Boards in Auckland: shared costs, shared resources (such as party volunteers to deliver leaflets), shared expertise and brand recognition for voters. Importantly, a candidate with low name recognition can coat-tail on higher profile candidates on the same ticket, or the public profile of the ticket overall. Other research suggests the strategy works: in Auckland, at least, those who stand with a group affiliation are more likely to be elected than those who do not. In larger urban areas, with high populations and low levels of representation per capita, visible groupings of local government candidates make sense. Research reveals a major obstacle to voting in local elections is a lack of information about candidates and what they stand for. Once elected, though, there are questions about the cohesion of groupings. Shirin Brown found the ad-hoc nature of some local tickets for Auckland's local boards - formed for strategic election reasons but with little coherence or discipline once elected - sometimes collapsed once in office. In Auckland, ward councillors and the mayor have run with group branding, but there is little evidence of whipping along party, ticket or broad ideological lines. As a councillor for the Manukau ward (2016-2022), the late Efeso Collins stood for election as a Labour Party candidate, but he voted against some initiatives of the Mayor Phil Goff, a former leader of the Labour Party. Communities and Residents (C&R) councillors have mostly been aligned with the National Party, but have also included ACT and unaffiliated centre-right candidates. While they often voted against Goff, and earlier against Labour Party member Len Brown (mayor from 2010-2016), it wasn't always as a uniform block. Indeed, Brown's initiatives were simultaneously opposed by Cathy Casey (City Vision) on the left and Cameron Brewer (C&R) on the right. As this year's local elections approach, the Crown Observer for Wellington City Council, Lindsay McKenzie, has written candidate guidelines about political affiliations and their legal obligations to avoid predetermined positions. These cover the promises they make on the campaign trail as well as how they act once elected. They address the tension between the democratic act of signalling your values and policy positions to voters, and the requirement under the Local Government Act to make decisions based on local concerns rather than political affiliation. As McKenzie points out, having an open mind is not just an issue for party members. It also applies to those who stand as independents and adhere rigidly to policy positions they campaigned on. Irrespective of their affiliation, candidates in the upcoming local elections have a tightrope to walk - between declaring their values and policy positions, and being receptive to new information and perspectives once elected. Voters need to accept elected members may have access to information that was not available when they were campaigning. And the political media needs to give some leeway to councillors and mayors who change their positions.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Celebrates Sister City Canberra
Press Release – Wellington City Council HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navys flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ships company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against … Wellington will be buzzing with activity this week as Pōneke celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra. Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr will be leading a delegation to Wellington, to celebrate the partnership and cooperation between the two capital cities. 'This week's celebration reflects the strength and significance of our city's relationship with Canberra, further deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'Our partnership is a source of great pride and a key element in Wellington's international engagements, fostering a continued exchange of ideas, culture, and goodwill.' Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and growing ties between Canberra and Wellington. 'Our sister city relationship with Wellington is one of genuine friendship and mutual respect. It's built on a shared commitment to sustainability, creativity, and inclusive growth,' says Mr Barr. 'From climate action and urban planning to arts and innovation, our two capital cities face many of the same challenges and opportunities. This visit allows us to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and celebrate what we've already achieved together. 'It's also a chance to showcase the very best of Canberra – from our defence ties and creative industries to our thriving business and education sectors.' HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ship's company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against their New Zealand counterparts. Apart from these engagements, an agreement will be signed to foster closer cooperation between capital cities in the Pacific region, and a business mission from Canberra will meet with their New Zealand counterparts. The programme of activities aiming to further strengthen ties between the two capital cities includes: 5-9 June: Visit by the amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra. 5 June: A business delegation, including representatives from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and the Canberra Convention Bureau (responsible for attracting business events to the Canberra region), will attend an economic briefing organised by the Wellington City Council. 6 June: Signing of a tripartite agreement on regional cooperation between Wellington, Canberra, and the Fijian capital, Suva. 6 June: Ship's company from HMAS Canberra will volunteer at the Compassion Soup Kitchen from 10am to 12:30pm and participate in clean-ups from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington Zoo, Wellington Harbour (near the tugboat), and Owhiro Bay. 6 June, 9:00am-12:00pm: AFL match between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy at Rugby League Park, Newtown. 7 June, 10:00am-10:30am: Freedom of Entry parade through Wellington by around 250 Ship's company of HMAS Canberra. The parade begins at Queens Wharf Square, proceeds onto Jervois Quay, then turns onto Brandon Street. It continues down Lambton Quay, turning right and proceeding along Lambton Quay towards Parliament. Just before Bowen Street, the parade will be 'challenged' by the Wellington District Commander of the New Zealand Police (a symbolic exchange where they will ask for identification and confirmation of permission, which will be provided via the Mayor's charter). Following this, the parade will continue, with participants saluting VIPs on the dais at the Cenotaph. The route then continues along Bunny Street and Thorndon Quay, concluding near Pipitea Marae. 7 June, 1:30pm-3:00pm: Royal Australian Navy band concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Under the sister city partnership agreement signed in 2016, Wellington and Canberra committed to promote business collaboration, tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and the sharing of research and knowledge. Regular visits and the signing of agreements between their business chambers, screen industry organisations, zoos, conservation eco-sanctuaries, indigenous artist exchange programmes, and botanic gardens have enhanced city-to-city relations since then.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Wellington Motorcyclists stage sit in, protesting against new parking fees
Motorcycles in Wellington car parks protesting the new parking fees. Photo: Supplied/Lucy Morris Motorcyclists in Wellington are staging a sit in in Central Wellington on Tuesday morning to protest against newly imposed parking fees. The Wellington City Council have recently put in fees of $1 per hour for Motorbikes to park in car parks, with a daily cap of $6. Protest organiser Lucy Morris is revved up about the charges. "It will effect other motorist because having this mode of transport is attractive and efficient, it reduces congestion on the roads, it improves traffic flow, and having to pay for this is going to drive more people into less efficient modes of transport like single-use car rides," she said. The council implemented motorcycle parking fees despite many submissions opposing the changes. Morris told Morning Report they were maliciously complying with the council's sentiment, taking up car parks along the Terrace and Lambton key. When asked why motorcyclists should be exempt from parking charges, she said it was supposed to be a cost effective way to travel, and they already faced high fees. "We have extremely high registration fees in terms of ACC levies, so registering a motorcycle is about $480 a year. "[These charges] include scooters and mopeds which are largely used by people of lesser financial means, such as students, a lot of delivery drivers use them and they use this transport as a cost effective way of getting around." She said the money to pay the parking fees would take away from other areas. "In this cost of living crisis, having to find an extra, you know, $30-$35 a week is going to come out of somewhere." No other city in the country charged motorcyclists, she added. The protests may continue on June 10. Wellington City Council has been approached from comment. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
