news
New Zealand and Papua New Guinea outline defence cooperation framework
The July signing in Port Moresby sets out areas for expanded cooperation, leaving Wellington and Port Moresby to decide on the pace and focus of follow-up actions.
News
News · Wellington
The latest published stories from Wellington.
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Politics
Wellington Council Approves Housing Density Policy to Boost Supply
The updated zoning rules aim to increase housing supply and affordability but will also reshape Wellington neighbourhoods over the coming decade.
lifestyle
Wellington Earns Michelin Stars, Launches Festival Events, Reopens Library
Michelin stars, library visits and festival calls give visitors and participants timely local context.
Politics
Wellington Fuel Tax Referendum on November Ballot: Projected Costs for Drivers and Bus Route Changes
Voters will decide on a 10 cent per litre regional fuel tax increase that the Wellington Regional Council projects will raise NZ$28 million a year for specified transport projects.
Politics
Wellington Council Accelerates Housing Density Rules; First Approvals Coming September
A new planning framework aimed at unlocking apartment construction across the city will begin reshaping neighbourhoods within weeks, with council staff now fast-tracking applications under simplified consent pathways.
wellness
Wellington Chefs Master 5 Winter Recipes With Local Produce
Winter harvests from nearby farms give Wellington cooks simple ways to build meals around carrots, leeks and cabbage this month.
news
Wellington's Mid-Winter Developments Reshape Daily Life Across Capital
A cluster of planning decisions, community funding announcements and transport changes converging this week is reshaping daily life across the capital.
Politics
Wellington City Council Ward Boundary Review and Shifts in Suburban Voter Representation
Boundary adjustments mean residents in Tawa and Karori will cast votes in new wards that determine council seats on rates and transport funding.
news
Wellington's Libraries and Restaurants Hit New Milestones This Year
Recent milestones in visits, stars and economic figures reflect steps taken over recent months and years by local institutions.
Politics
Wellington Adjusts Infrastructure Levy Shares Starting July 2026
The legislation, effective from 1 July 2026, reallocates infrastructure levies across Wellington City Council and Hutt City Council ratepayers based on property values and development zones.
property
Wellington Renters Pay More Weekly Than Regional Homeowners' Mortgages
Wellington tenants pay weekly rents that exceed mortgage outlays in regional centres by margins that widened sharply through mid-2026.
property
Oriental Bay Prices Surge 14% as Wellington Waterfront Market Accelerates
Median sale prices in the coastal suburb rose 14 percent over the past 12 months to June 2026.
finance
Wellington's Sales and Employment Drop as Economic Pressures Mount
Data on business sales, jobs and consumer confidence illustrate current pressures on investment flows in the capital.
finance
Wellington's Events Boost Jobs, Attract Top Talent to Capital
Festivals, dining recognition and cultural projects intersect with employment trends in the capital.
property
Wellington's Rezoning Plan Unlocks Higher-Density Housing in Newlands
With Wellington’s new District Plan set to unlock higher-density housing, the northern suburb is quietly becoming a target for investors and first-home buyers.
property
Properties Sold Before Auction in Wellington: Why Vendors Accepted
Wellington vendors are accepting pre-auction offers to secure firm contracts amid lower winter clearance rates. See why sellers in Aro Valley and Brooklyn chose private treaty over bidding.
wellness
Breathwork Techniques for Instant Calm During a Stressful Day
Wellington residents are turning to targeted breathing exercises to manage midday tension amid packed schedules and urban demands.
finance
S&P 500 fell 0.43% as global markets retreat
Where the major indices, gold and currencies landed, and what the moves mean for Wellington investors and retirement balances.
Politics
Wellington Council Approves 4.8% Rates Rise for 2026 Water Network Repairs
The approved plan sets new rates levels from 1 July that will fund water network repairs across multiple Wellington suburbs.
news
Wellington Infrastructure Projects Suffer Delays, Cost Overruns Amid Economic Pressures
The city contends with economic headwinds that affect urban development while global counterparts manage comparable pressures through varied approaches.
wellness
Wellington's Protected Cycling Routes Draw Families to Parks Year-Round
Wellington's flat harbour paths and protected lanes now draw more families onto two wheels during the cooler months.
property
Kelburn Median Home Prices Hit $1.68 Million, Still Offer Value
Median prices at $1.68 million keep this established enclave attractive for buyers focused on long-term Wellington holdings.
Politics
Wellington Caps Residential Rates at 3.8%, Adds Low-Income Rebate
The programme caps average residential rates increases at 3.8 percent for the 2026-27 year while adding a one-off rebate for lower-income ratepayers.
news
Lyttelton Port Toxic Gas Incident: Worker Exposure Data
Two workers nearly died and four hospitalised in the Lyttelton fishing boat toxic gas incident. February hydrogen sulphide exposure traced to rotting fish waste at Antarctic Discovery vessel.
wellness
Walking Trails Wellington Town Belt: Local Secrets
Discover Wellington's best-kept nature walks. Local residents favour hidden Town Belt trails in Aro Valley and Brooklyn for winter exercise away from crowds.
wellness
Wellington Residents Discover 5 Proven Meditation Classes and Apps This Winter
Wellington offers several established options for residents looking to start or deepen a mindfulness routine this winter.
property
Wellington House Prices Surge While Unit Values Fall This Quarter
Median house values rose while unit prices eased in the June quarter, altering options for Wellington buyers and sellers.
Politics
Wellington Candidate Information Requirements Begin for 2026 Elections, Giving Residents More Detail on Local Contenders
Wellington residents will receive expanded candidate profiles covering positions on rates, housing and transport ahead of the October polls.