Work on refurbishing the Lady Norwood Begonia House will start next month, Wellington City Council announced on 7 October. The work will begin with removing plants to make way for the improvement works.
Continued on page 2.
The Lady Norwood Begonia House and Rose Garden.
Wellington City Council.
Photo:
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
www.independentherald.co.nz
REPORTER
Frank Neill
herald@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
NATIONAL
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
SALES
Steve Maggs steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
SALES
Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152
CLASSIFIED SALES
classifieds@wsn.co.nz
First step is removing plants
Continued from page 1.
The tropical end of the Begonia House will be closed from 1 November to allow the plant collection to be removed safely.
This news is “fantastic,” says Mazz Scannell, the President of the Friends of the Botanic Garden.
“I’m thrilled,” she adds.
The Friends led the movement to Save the Begonia House following an earlier Wellington City Council decision that demolishing it was the “preferred option”.
However the Council later decided to budget $11 million to provide “minimum remedial works”.
Detailed design and consenting for construction works is now being progressed by the Council.
In addition to restoring the 65-year-old building to an appropriate working order, the project will include replacing all the glass, replacing and repairing parts of the glasshouse structure, as well as refurbishing the public toilets, café, kitchen, old shop space and staff facilities.
Manager Wellington Gardens Bec Ramsay says building design and project planning has been a collaborative effort between staff and project partners given the unique nature and purpose of the building.
“Moving logistics for this significant plant collection are well underway behind the scenes,” Bec says.
“Refurbishment of the Begonia
House through targeted remediation will preserve the site’s heritage, and build on the future of this vibrant space for plants, people and events.
“The logistics of the project considers a range of factors, including how we protect our plant collections, manage propagation and co-ordinate the removal and eventual reintroduction of plants once the space is completed, alongside thinking about opportunities to enhance how visitors experience the space.”
The next phase will see the remaining floral displays moved in January, and construction works starting in February, with the goal of fully reopening in May 2027.
The Picnic Café will be closed temporarily from about June to August 2026 with a coffee cart in place for the interim.
This project is being delivered alongside the Friends of Wellington Botanic Gardens and other project partners.
The Friends are a community group of volunteers who are currently focusing on their fundraising efforts and creating some exciting opportunities for donors, Mazz Scannell says.
“As part of the welcomed remediation plans, we are partnering with Council kaimahi to help deliver some of the enhancements that will ensure the Begonia House continues to be the much-loved, interesting and well frequented space it has been for decades.
“We’re madly fund-raising at the moment,” Mazz says.
“The Friends are hoping to raise $1 million to make the Begonia House a nicer place.”
Currently they have raised more than $400,000.
Donations will fund internal and external lighting, upgraded fittings, exterior landscape work, events spaces and “the final touches to this much-loved place”.
People can help by making pledges or they can ask questions, by emailing wbgfriends@gmail. com.
A group of 800 donors is being sought to contribute $1,000 each in recognition of the 800 panes of glass in the conservatory.
Donors’ names will be etched on a glass wall in the foyer, a lasting tribute to their support. Names will be listed in order of donation, so early supporters will be displayed at the top.
People can also donate a smaller amount by visiting givealittle. co.nz/cause/save-the-begoniahouse or by depositing into the bank account Friends of the Wellington Botanic Gardens (Inc) 02 0500 0080203 02.
“Together, we can ensure the Begonia House continues to be a place of beauty, history and community for generations to come,” Mazz says.
The Lady Norwood Begonia House was opened in 1960. It was built and extended with significant donations from the Norwood family. Sir Charles Norwood was a successful businessman, philanthropist and Mayor of Wellington.
An estimated 238,000 people visit the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Café and Begonia House each year.
consternation.
I recently hosted a meeting which included local property developers and representatives from the City and Regional Councils. The background for the meeting was the need to ensure all people involved in providing more housing in our electorate, whether it be those building them or those regulating and permitting that building, understand the issues which govern the ability to build the houses everyone agrees we need.
There are essentially two types of development; greenfields and brownfields. Greenfields means building on currently undeveloped land, typically ex farmland on the edges of current urban areas, where infrastructure like sewers, water supply and other essential services don’t exist are usually built by the developer.
Brownfields development means rebuilding on existing sites, and there has been considerable discussion in recent times around how much intensification should be allowed in existing suburbs, especially changing of height limits to allow for more apartments.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages; the Regional Council in particular see their role to prevent more
As an electorate MP, I get the opportunity to attend many events, and last weekend’s variety of activities was reasonably typical. It included the opening of the Khandallah Bowling Club, a book fair in Karori, pubs, cafes and a church service. These are great opportunities to listen to people who are not engaged in politics or government and get their observations and views on what’s happening locally and around the world. One observation is that people are very concerned at the state of the world and looking for leadership and reassurance that someone is looking after their, and the country’s, best interests. It does make me realise how what happens in the US resonates loudly here, and the seemingly endless stream of almost unbelievable news from that country does cause
runoff and other material ending up in our harbours, especially the Porirua harbour in the case of development north of Johnsonville and Newlands. The Wellington City Council are concerned that the existing infrastructure cannot handle the pressure it comes under when new housing areas are developed. Existing infrastructure is aging and needs upgrading across our city, as evidenced by recent pipe failures. An advantage of intensification of existing areas means more people, therefore more ratepayers to pay for those upgrades.
Combined with high cost of living, rate rises, and unemployment here, there is definitely a feeling that someone needs to stand up for New Zealand and give hope that life will get better.
The basis of this is that everyone will be fairly treated, and not only those with loud voices and lots of money and influence, will get to call the shots.
Developers of course need to make a profit, and wish to keep their compliance costs as low as possible. Many believe the Resource Management Act is too cumbersome. We as government for our part have undertaken to rewrite that act.
The feedback was good, but the success will be when there are sufficient affordable houses to meetdemand. That is certainly my goal as your MP.
That, and of course having a vibrant and functioning Johnsonville Shopping Centre we can all be proud of.
There’s plenty to be getting on with.
That is a very reasonable expectation. It deserves also to be combined with a belief that decisions will be backed up with good research that works out the long-term effects of changes, so we don’t get landed with another leaky building disaster or the like. We will have a new mayor and city council next week; here’s hoping they get out and about and listen to folk whose voices are not loud but know what they are talking about!
Mazz Scannell, the President of the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden, making her presentation to Councillors at the meeting where they decided not to make demolition of the Begonia House the Council’s “preferred option”. Photo: Supplied.
Road safety initiative launched
By Frank Neill
A new road safety initiative has been launched in Newlands.
Called Campaign Against Road Slaughter (CARS), it is holding its first public meeting at the Newlands Community Centre from 4pm to 5pm on Friday 10 October.
Local resident Scott Radvan has launched CARS, with the aim of keeping pedestrians safe from injury and drivers safe from being traumatised.
“I moved to the area recently and I have had several near misses on the road as a pedestrian.
“A pedestrian crossing near here [the community centre] has been a concern of mine.
“I was nearly struck by a car nearly every day,” Scott says.
“So I started taking things into my own hands.
“I just started holding my hands up for cars as they came around the corner.
“Cars started slowing down.
“And other people noticed. People started talking about it. People go home and tell their partners. They talk about it at work.
“The community noticing and talking about it has already made a change in the last two weeks.
“They feel a bit safer out there lately.”
The problem is that “people out on the roads are not concentrating in their cars these days,” Scott says.
“It’s human nature in a way to be distracted in our vehicles.
“The thing that is fundamental is that the driver is surrounded by a metal box.
“Pedestrians are going to lose every time and drivers are going to be traumatised,” Scott says.
“A friend of mine in Australia launched a similar campaign.
“He called it Citizens Against Road Slaughter.
“I changed it to Campaign Against Road Slaughter. The acronym for that is C-A-R-S – cars.”
The aim of Friday’s first CARS meeting is to aggregate ideas from the community about road safety and for “practical improvements around the community.
“I want to hear everyone’s voice.
“It’s not about me, it’s for the community.
“I think it’s a very important time to be doing it as the Mayoralty race speeds up,” Scott says.
Correction
In last week’s “Independent Herald” we printed the incorrect name of the Football club whose first team has won promotion to Capital 1.
In the last paragraph of the article entitled “Successful season for Wgtn United” the article said that North Wellington had won promotion. It was, in fact, Wellington United that won promotion.
The caption with the photo also said that Ollie Greig was in action for North Wellington, when he was in action for Wellington United.
The “Independent Herald” apologises for these two errors.
Christmas fair
The Newlands Community House Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday 1 November, running from 10am to 3pm.
All proceeds of the fair will go to the Newlands Foodbank.
The fair will include indoor plants and seedlings, hand sewn crafts, knitting, greeting cards, candles, food and much more.
Photo: metlink.org.nz
Great Gatsby coming to Wellington
“The Great Gatsby” is being brought to Wellington in a show directed by Karori resident Catherine McMechan.
Wellington Repertory Theatre is presenting F Scott Fitzgerald’s famous story, adapted for the stage by New Zealand playwright Ken Duncum in the 100th anniversary year of the classic novel’s publication.
The production opens on Wednesday 29 October and runs to 8 November at the Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street.
Two local actors feature in the show – Karori resident Kevin Hastings as the older Nick, and Wadestown resident Lydia Verschaffelt as Jordan.
Set early in the prohibition-era Roaring Twenties, “The Great Gatsby” portrays the extravagant lifestyle of old and new money New York City and Long Island, and its seedy underbelly with gangsters, bootleg liquor and intractable social divides.
The story is narrated by Nick Carraway and sees him drawn into this decadent and hedonistic world and captivated by his mysterious millionaire neighbour Jay Gatsby who is chasing his dream, until he is disillusioned by the events that unfold.
Ken Duncum’s adaptation brings it to life in a way that is faithful to the novel but also makes for compelling theatre, including
some of the iconic music and the dancing of the period, Catherine says.
“In bringing this adaptation to the stage we hope to give audiences a better understanding of a story that is often misunderstood, thanks to a superb script that focuses on the drama and the tragedy behind the glitz and the glamour.”
Playwright Ken Duncum, who has written extensively for theatre and television and is Director of the MA Scriptwriting programme at the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington, has indicated his aim was to make this adaptation “light on its feet”.
Wellington Repertory’s production aims to do justice to this intention, but with a cast of 14, supported by a stellar production team, they also aim to create the aesthetic audiences will expect of “The Great Gatsby”.
Tickets are available at www.wellingtonrepertory.org.nz.
A scene from the Wellington Repertory production of “ the Great Gatsby”. Photo: Supplied.
A scene from the Wellington Repertory production of “ the Great Gatsby”. Photo: Supplied.
Wrights Hill Fortresss open day
Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be opened for public inspection again on Labour Day, Monday 27 October.
The World War Two coastal battery will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.
This event will be one of the official functions of Wellington Heritage Festival.
People are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements on Labour Day.
The walk usually takes about one hour. “Bring a torch with you for some fun,” the event organisers say.
Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet.
They will see the engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10-metre-long gun barrel.
On show will be historic photos, and some military weapons.
A DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well.
There will also be blank firing under strict supervision outside for a small charge.
Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment.
In the early 1960s the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese. Admission is cash only (no EFTPOS). Entry is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child.
All proceeds from the ticket sales go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress.
Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street and Wrights Hill Road.
There is limited car parking at the summit of the Hill. Try walking from the base of the hill. Please wear strong footwear.
A BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks will be on sale.
People with enquiries can phone 04 476 8593, and the fortress has a website, www. wrightshillfortress.org.nz.
British and Irish films at Light House Cinema
The very best of British and Irish cinema is heading back to Light House, with the Intrepid British and Irish Film Festival running from 30 October to 19 November.
Tickets are on sale now, and this year’s lineup features a fantastic mix of titles starring British and Irish legends. Here are just a few of the films we’re looking forward to:
Having starred in the smash-hit Conclave, which had its NZ premiere at last year’s Festival, Ralph Fiennes returns in The Choral, a moving drama from the awardwinning team behind The History Boys and The Lady in the Van. Fiennes plays a chorus master who helps a crop of teenagers discover the joys of singing, as they grapple with their impending conscription into the army during WWI.
Based on the acclaimed book, The History of Sound sees Paul Mescal (Aftersun, All of Us Strangers) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers) play star-crossed lovers in this sweeping, moving and tender romance from Oliver Hermanus (director of the 2022 Bill Nighy film Living).
Also based on a critically acclaimed book, & Sons follows Bill Nighy as an aging literary superstar attempting to repair his relationship with his estranged sons in this original and entertaining drama co-written by Oscarwinner Sarah Polley (Women Talking).
The legendary Brian Cox makes his directorial debut with Glenrothan , a compelling family drama set in the stunning Scottish Highlands and co-starring Alan Cumming. Glenrothan explores the complexities of familial bonds, set against
the proud and timeless tradition of whisky making.
This Irish crowd-pleaser Four Mothers takes place over a chaotic weekend, as novelist Edward has to juggle his burgeoning career with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies.
Beat the Lotto is a rip-roaring tale about the mathematician who, along with a ragtag syndicate, plotted to fix Ireland’s National Lottery in 1992, captivating the nation and sparking rabid debate.
That’s just a taste of the stellar line-up on offer this year, which includes 23 films in total. To browse the full selection, pick up a copy of the programme from one of our cinemas, or view films and book online at lighthousecinema.co.nz. You can also book by giving one of our friendly staff a call, they’ll be happy to help.
Inside the Wrights Hill Fortress. Photo: supplied.
Local history – Wadestown tramway
By Felicity Wong
A week ago Standard and Poors, the rating agency (S & P) sounded a warning about Wellington City’s debt.
It’s report said: “Wellington City’s total tax-supported debt reached 298% of operating revenue at the end of fiscal 2025, representing a steep increase from prior years, and is now among the highest of New Zealand local councils. New Zealand councils are some of the highest indebted sub-national governments that we rate in the world.”
It’s not good, and Mayoral candidates place different emphasis on what the response should be.
In 1910 the then Mayor, Dr Newman, spoke to a gathering of a hundred people when he drove a large pick into a stony bank in Goldie’s Brae, Wadestown.
It was the beginning of work for a new tramway from Thorndon to Wadestown.
Although there had been many delays, “they had been altogether to the good of the residents, ” he said.
The route which had been finally decided upon would be 7,000 pounds cheaper than the one first sanctioned along the main Wadestown Road, and consequently the interest charge would be less.
“Money was cheaper now and when the debentures were floated the interest would be 4% instead of 4½% which would have had to be paid if the money had been raised some months ago,” the Mayor said.
Several councillors in attendance called
instead for the Government to provide the funding for the tramway, in something of an early “city deal” (these days being floated for social housing costs).
The Mayor also talked about the beautiful route to Wadestown and its harbour views which would induce many tourists to travel on the tramway.
The altered route would travel through “more profitable territory” where residents lived, rather than the previously proposed Wadestown Road route up through the unoccupied town belt.
The Mayor looked forward to the present work being “merely an installment” with the Wadestown tramway eventually being extended to “Crofton, Khandallah and Crewswick” where there were large areas of building land for suburban development.
The Mayor explained that the “heavy cutting” would be tackled first which would take a considerable time to complete then they would “go on with the track proper”.
A councillor commented on the persistence of the Wadestown residents and the early pessimism when he was first elected which had all but disappeared with the new route having been decided upon.
The Mayor said he hoped the residents would be loyal to the tramway and if they were then “the rates would not be heavy”.
“The more they rode, the less they would have to pay,” he said.
The Chairman of the Wadestown Memorial Association presented the Mayor with a miniature silver pick as a memento of the inauguration of the project and three cheers were “readily given” to the Mayor.
SUPERIOR TREE MANAGEMENT
The route of the tramway was up Park Street, right into Grant Road, cutting across Featherston Terrace (now called Newman Terrace), along Goldie’s Brae, then up crossing Watt Street and through a trench (now Lennel Rd), up to Wadestown’s post office at the village shops.
The newspaper outlined the difficulties with the project.
Heavy earthworks would be required for much of the route, plus purchases of private property and the relocation of sewers and water mains.
The new tramway would avoid Wadestown Road, originally the driveway to a private house called “The Grange”.
The large two story home belonged to William Barnard Rhodes (1807-1878), an early pastoralist, merchant, and an “independent” politician.
“Barney” Rhodes had arrived in Wellington
in 1839 and settled in the area in 1849 when he purchased the land (later to become Wadestown) as a sheep run.
He was reportedly a frugal man who participated in physical labour, and he put those talents to good use becoming one of the richest men in the country.
He became an MP for the seat of Wellington Country (1863-55) and for Wellington City (1858-66).
His splendid house, built in 1865, was located near the present intersection of Wadestown Road and Sefton Street.
After Rhodes’ widow died in 1916, it was owned for a while by Katherine Mansfield’s father (Sir Harold Beachamp).
The house was demolished in 1929 and the area subdivided as the ”Highland Park Estate”. Some of Wellington’s finest quality homes were built in that enclave from the 1920s on.
Many local Wadestown streets were named after the Rhodes family including Barnard, Sefton, Anne and Sar Streets.
Wadestown Road and The range in 1890. Photo: National Library.
Summerset Boulcott Open Day
Just a short drive from Wellington, Summerset Boulcott is a vibrant retirement village located in the sought-after suburb of Boulcott, in the heart of Lower Hutt. The village offers beautifully appointed villas, apartments, serviced apartments, and a range of care and specialist dementia care living options.^ The village centre features resort-style facilities and a resident bar with picturesque views over the golf course.
Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valley and lush greens, while being close to supermarkets, medical centres, shopping centres, golf course, Hutt River walkway, and convenient motorway access to Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast.
There are a range of brand-new one and two-bedroom independent apartments available, with two-bedroom apartments starting from $751,000.*
Come along to our Open Day and see why our residents love the Summerset life. Love the life you choose.
The moment we arrive at Cochran Hall, home to KAT Theatre, we are transported back to the dark world of London in the 1880s. Dark but beautifully drawn back walls (credit to Brian Scurfield), a stage set in the round mimicking an early medical teaching hall and a group of almost identically dressed actors greeting the audience.
KAT Theatre is a home of quality drama and this production does not disappoint, featuring some excellent on-stage performances supported by a strong production team. If you haven’t yet been along to Cochran Hall to witness this version then do so – you’ll be thinking about it long after the curtain falls.
“Jekyll and Hyde” is an adaptation by Neil Bartlett of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella, “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde”. Stevenson’s portrayal of good and evil in one person is universal in time and cultures, which is why the story still resonates with each new telling and adaptation.
Bartlett’s version, written in 2022, overlays this central theme with a critique of the patriarchy of London in the 19th Century (and beyond?). He does this by creating a new character – a female Dr Stevenson (revolutionary at the time) and using her as the detective, solving the “strange case” of Mr Hyde.
Director Tanya Piejus’s decision to set this production in the round wonderfully pays off. The audience is treated to an immersive theatrical experience (particularly so in the harrowing second act).
The lighting transitions as we are taken on the journey to uncover the truth (credit to Jamie Byass and Leb Foden) are well executed and help to ensure audience immersion, while the soundscape (Simon Hope) is spot
on and supported by sounds created by the male chorus.
Mention must also be made of a remarkable door which, with some clever dressing, takes us from the slums to the sumptuous. The stage manager (Jillian Carpenter) would have been as busy as the cast.
The costumes (full credit to Archana Sahani and team) helped to ground the action firmly in the Victorian era and supported the dark tone of the production. Apart from a splash of colour in the men’s ties and cummerbunds everything was black, white and grey.
The three ladies were dressed as suited their positions whilst the men were near-identical, helping to reinforce the image of a united patriarchy. The only exception to this was in hairstyles with one or two being strangely out of place in an otherwise 1880s London. In a production which had so faithfully created a sense of time and place, from setting through to costumes and props (well done Lynn Coory) this hint of modernity slightly grated.
The play moves from the ‘now’ to a series of flashbacks as Dr Stevenson (powerfully played by Ruth Corkill) and her two collaborators ‘the girl’ (Hyde’s first victim, a minor part in the novella here given real weight by Gracie Voice) and the hospital matron (a tour-de-force by Julia Harris) seek to unravel what is going on.
We really feel the weight of the male world trying to prevent this trio from uncovering the evil at the heart of London. They remain steadfast – at times the only still characters whilst the male chorus descends into near-feral violence.
Theirs is the voice of reason and justice; unrelenting as the men who dominate London society close ranks against them. If the men on stage overdose on emotion,
the women counter with calm certainty.
The playwright’s decision to have a male chorus, each actor playing a particular character from the story but also creating a surreal army of male privilege which shields and echoes Jekyll/Hyde, is effective and unnerving.
Piejus utilises this chorus well with each actor bringing an intensity which feeds into the building tension and horror. Their vocal as well as physical acting are pivotal in creating the nightmare which unfolds.
Dr Utterson is Jekyll’s friend, and his sorrow and horror in discovering the truth is palpable (credit to Ben Wakefield for this portrayal).
Messrs Enfield, Lanyon and Newcombe (Oliver Mander, Philip Rossiter and Alex Robertson) are all at once haughty, sneering and grotesque.
Given that they give their names to the title we see surprisingly little of either Jekyll or Hyde during Act 1, but this is more than
compensated for in Act 2.
The distinction between the two personalities is superbly portrayed (full credit to Floyd Norman who must have been exhausted by the curtain call).
Act 1’s Mr Hyde is a truly vile creation, distinguished from the more urbane Dr Jekyll by some excellent physicality aided by little more than a hat.
Slightly jarring was playwright Bartlett’s decision to incorporate a song from the 1940s into what is otherwise a world firmly set in the Victorian period, and I felt the play gave us too much ‘Hyde’ and not enough ‘Jekyll’, particularly in Act 2 which at times risked becoming too overpowering in its anger. We needed to see more of the urbane, pleasant, albeit privileged Jekyll fully to appreciate why his friends could not accept that he was also the depraved and evil Hyde. That is a minor quibble, however. This production is well worth going to. The season finishes this Saturday, 11 October.
Karori travel info evening
A free travel information evening with Wendy Wu Tours will be held at the Karori Community Centre on Wednesday 22 October.
Known for their fully-inclusive, expertly guided tours, Wendy Wu Tours take the stress out of travel while unlocking some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
From the cherry blossoms of Japan and the wonders of China, to the treasures of the Middle East, the Four Stans and Africa, a special Women’s only tour in September 2026 titled Dreaming of Africaand the colourful landscapes of South East Asia, Central and South America, there’s a journey for every traveller.
People at the event will discover: award-winning tours designed for ease and comfort; fascinating destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas and more; and insider tips and first-hand knowledge from the Wendy Wu team.
Exclusive offers will be available on the night.
“Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply curious to learn more, this is a relaxed, no-obligation evening designed to inspire,” the event organisers say. Light refreshements will be served. Spaces are limited so people need to reserve a seat by emailing zaheda.davies@ nztravelbrokers.co.nz.
Latest NZCT grants
By Frank Neill
Three organisations that operate in the “Independent Herald” circulation area were recipients of grants in the latest round of the New Zealand Community Trust’s disbursements.
M kara Model School was provided with $848.70 for travel costs.
The Onslow Athletic Club was granted $5,287.54 for throwing equipment and
coaching.
Wellington Girls College received $10,000 for equipment.
The trust disbursed $865,081.49 in the latest round of funding, announced on 2 October.
One gaming venue in the “Independent Herald”’s circulation area contributed to these grants – The Pickle Jar in Karori. It was one of 17 gaming venues in the greater Wellington region that contributed.
Ruth Corkill, who plays Dr Stevenson, Gracie Voice playing Hyde’s first victim, and Julia Harris who plays the hospital matron in KAT Theatre’s production of Jekyll and Hyde.
Photo: Brian Scurfield.
Tatyana Kulida’s philosophy on art
Stepping into a world unlike every day Wellington one enters Anthesis Atelier, a workshop and teaching studio of Tatyana Kulida.
Renaissance artists ran a studio where they created custom works for their patrons and trained apprentices: an ‘Atelier’ meaning ‘workshop’.
Anthesis Atelier is just like that magic place from ages ago offering space for clients to sit for portraits and students to train in the atmosphere of artists’ own environment.
Lighting is arranged, working tables offer space for grinding pigments and guilding frames, multiple work stations host a still life or a portrait. The place is truly multidisciplinary facilitating figure model, sculpture, material handling, master copy and live painting.
Over her 10 years in New Zealand, after being classically trained in Florence Italy, Tatyana has grown the space with her prolific art practice, antique objects, flowers, love of teaching and a lot of lively energy enthusing one to create the moment they enter this sacred space.
Tatyana taught at the Florence
Academy of Art upon graduation and is now offering the Classical method of drawing and painting right here in Wellington. The commitment to working from life stems from the philosophy that making art has to do more with interaction with life and less with producing a product to sell.
When it comes to custom work, portraiture is Tatyana’s specialty. She has painted notable New Zealanders: Sir Patrick Hogan with Zabeel, Sir Bill English, Mark Dunaitchik, and international personalities and the late Dame Jane Goodall. Tatyana is a member of the Portrait Society of America and a recipient of international awards. Her work is in two public collections in the USA and has been collected by the Canterbury Museum and Aratoi Museum of Art and History.
To experience the magic of creation, or inquire about a custom portrait or classes, Atelier is open to the public Fridays 11-4 pm and by appointment, with regular classes Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
www.TatyanaKulida.com www.AnthesisAtelier.com @tatyanakulidapaintings on Instagram
UK comedian John Bishop comes to Wellington
On 2 October 2000, John Bishop stepped onto the stage at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester to perform his first ever comedy gig in front of just a handful people. John was working by day in the pharmaceutical industry, but that night, as he picked up the mic and performed for the very first time, he changed his life forever.
Now, a quarter of a century later, the comedy superstar is embarking on his tenth stand-up tour John Bishop: 25 Years Of Stand Up, to celebrate his incredible 25-year career.
He brings his show to Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre 23 November.
John Bishop said: “I can’t believe that it will be 25 years since I first performed at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester. It’s been a rollercoaster!
Since that first gig in October 2000, John has achieved so much in his incredible career. Within three years John was playing to sold out arena audiences across the
country and released the fastest selling stand-up DVD in UK history.
He has achieved huge success with a number of his own comedy, entertainment and documentary T V shows including: John Bishop’s Australia, John Bishop’s Britain, John Bishop’s Only Joking, The John Bishop Show, The John Bishop Christmas Show and John Bishop’s Gorilla Adventure, and four series of the critically acclaimed John Bishop: In Conversation With… which saw him chatting one to one with some of the biggest names in entertainment, music and sport.
Last year, John starred in the UK & Ireland tour of Mother Goose with Ian McKellen, which included a hugely successful run in London’s West End.
Earlier last year, he embarked on a major sold-out international tour – Back At Ithis first stand-up show in two years, which culminated at the London Palladium in April 2025. The tour includes legs in Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
FEE THOMPSON STUDIO/GALLERY Artist in Residence is open Tues–Fri 9.00am3.30, Sat 9.00am-2.00pm
UPPER HUTT ART TAIL 11th/12th October, 10am - 4pm. Join us for a weekend packed with creativity and inspiration. Find us on social media. Scan the code below for more information.
LOWER HUTT ART TRAIL 18th and 19th October, 10.00am4.00pm. The event will feature over 50 artists from across the Lower Hutt Region, from Taita to Eastbourne. For more information go to www. lowerhuttarttrail.co.nz
LIFE DRAWING
Life Art Class 5.307.15pm Wednesdays, Untutored. St Andrew’s on The Terrace. Entrance lane at right of church. $15.00 waged / $9 unwaged. Or if you bring a friend it’s $8 each.
Artist: Joe Zhou
Voting for affordability or wasteful spending
By Tony Randle
Every election season is full of promises. Candidates talk about what they’ll do if elected. But the best way to predict what they’ll do is to look at what they’ve already done. Here are 10 key Council votes that highlight the way the elected members of this Council, in practice, voted.
Speed Management Plan
In April 2023, councillors voted 13–5 to consult on slashing most urban speed limits to 30 km/h.
However, my independent scrutiny uncovered a major error in the supporting analysis, which showed our roads are safer than claimed. This stopped the plan in its tracks.
Reading Cinema Bailout
In October 2023, the council voted 10-6 for a multimillion-dollar deal to underwrite the strengthening of Reading’s Courtenay Place cinema with ratepayer funds. After six months and tens of thousands of dollars, the Reading Deal fell through, mostly because of a huge public outcry.
Karori Cycleway
In December 2023, the Regulatory Committee forced through the Karori Cycleway Project irrespective of two-thirds of public submissions opposing it. Residents voiced legitimate concerns including loss of parking at the Botanic Garden and throughout Karori. None of this mattered to those in the Team Tory dominated committee who voted it to go ahead.
District Plan
Independent commissioners spent over a year reviewing the District Plan and their recommendations were modest and sensible: minimum setbacks for new developments and a small increase in character protection areas.
But council voted 11–6 to reject these recommendations. It wasn’t about evidence or balance. It was ideology – Councillors discarding commissioners’ recommendations because they didn’t align with what their bloc wanted.
Airport Shares Sale
In June 2024, most Councillors opposed the sale of Airport Shares but the Mayor, with the help of officer legal advice and the threat of the Long Term Plan (LTP) failing, forced the sale of Wellington Airport shares through with a narrow 9–7 vote.
Notice of Motion to NOT sell the Airport Shares
After an outcry from the public, businesses
and community leaders, a Notice of Motion to reverse the Airport Share sale decision was passed by 9–7 … the narrowest possible margin.
Passing this Notice of Motion also blocked the capital funding from the sale, requiring an LTP amendment to cut hundreds of millions from the capital programme.
Golden Mile Redevelopment
The first stage of the Golden Mile Project aimed to pedestrianise and restrict vehicle access along Courtenay Place. But for many businesses, this wouldn’t be revitalisation, it would be a death sentence.
Despite these objections councillors voted 11–7 to re-endorse the Golden Mile redevelopment.
Demolish the City-to-Sea Bridge
The City-to-Sea Bridge is one of Wellington’s most recognisable landmarks. But when officers claimed it was unsafe, strengthening options were barely considered and the Council voted 11–6 to demolish it at a cost of $36 million.
The only reason the bridge still stands is because ratepayers and community advocates challenged the decision through the courts. Its fate hangs in the balance.
Reconfirm building more cycleways
The Council majority reconfirmed their support for the Cycleway Programme when they voted 5-13 against the lowest cost option as part of the LTP Amendment.
Of all the initiatives imposed by this Council, none are more reviled by communities as the removal of car parking for cycleways. This vote shows the majority of councillors are determined to spend another $69 million attempting to make Wellington a cycling city without cars.
Organics Collection Plant
In August 2025 and already knowing the city’s sludge minimisation project would run tens of millions of dollars over budget, councillors approved 12-4 a new organics processing scheme that will cost $22 million every year to operate. This single decision will add more than 5% to most households’ rates bills to fund another expensive new green scheme.
The pattern is unmistakable
Looking back at how councillors running for re-election voted reveals three groups:
Whanau, Laurie Foon, Rebecca Matthews, Geordie Rogers, and John Apanowicz. They voted as a bloc on all ten decisions.
McNulty and Nureddin Abdurahman. They mostly voted with the GAG, except for selling the Airport Shares which was against their own party policy.
Calvert, Nicola Young, and Ray Chung. We voted for affordability and fought for Wellingtonians when consultation was ignored.
Standing together for mental health
As New Zealand marks Mental Health Awareness Week Rotary Clubs across Wellington are shining a light on the importance of supporting young people through their “Lifting the Lid on Youth Mental Health”programme.
Since launching in 2022, the initiative has reached every secondary school and college in the Wellington region, offering practical support for students and teachers.
In that time, almost1,300 young peopleexperiencing mental health challenges have been assisted.
“The difference we’ve seen since starting the programme has been incredible,”saysDavid Shackleton, Chair of theLifting the Lidprogramme.
“We know that behind every number is a real young person, a family and a teacher who just wants the best for them.
“Rotary is committed to being there for
our young people when they need it most.”
The programme is made possible thanks to the generosity of local Rotarians, charities and everyday people who care deeply about youth wellbeing.
Each year, almost$100,000must be raised to keep “Lifting the Lid”running and ensure schools have the tools to help students facing issues such as bullying, self-harm, anxiety, eating disorders and even suicide.
“This is truly a community effort,”David says.
“Every donation, large or small, goes directly into making a difference in the lives of our rangatahi and the teachers who support them.”
Anyone wishing to support this proven and much-needed programme can do so by making a donation at www.liftingthelidwellington.co.nz.
Level 1 water restrictions in place
By Frank Neill
Wellington City is now on Water Restrictions Level 1.
This means that households can only use sprinklers every second day and only between the hours of 6am and 8am, and 7pm and 9pm.
People who live in even numbered houses can only use sprinklers on even-numbered dates and people who live in odd numbered houses on odd numbered dates.
The reason for the time frames is that it helps limit water evaporating in the heat of the day, spreads the load of daily water
demand, and helps manage daily supply levels.
During level 1 restrictions people can use handheld watering devices any time, on any day, so long as they don’t leave them unattended.
The restrictions are needed due to leaks in the aging network (which Wellington Water is working hard to find and fix), population growth and the fact that Wellingtonians use on average more water than any other metropolitan region in Aotearoa. Wellington’s water use adds up fast, getting up to 205 million litres per day in summer and dipping into stored water.
Cr Tony Randle. Photo: Supplied.
What’s cool in the
Wairarapa
Get set for the Wairarapa Bookshop Hop
Once a year, the best booksellers in Wairarapa region unite for the Wairarapa Bookshop Hop - a day that celebrates bookshops and the readers who support them.
This Saturday 9am -6pm the Hop has 13 fantastic new and second-hand bookshops, all within an easy 30 minute drive of each other, and some just a 30 second walk apart! From rare treasures to the latest releases, it’s a bookworm’s dream.
It’s easy to hop! Collect stamps from 13 participating bookshops. Simply pick up a cute pocket-sized Bookshop Hop Passport from the first store you visit and start collecting stamps with any purchase, not just books. With a chance to win a share of $1,000 in bookshop vouchers as well as special prizes, offers and events at stores along the way the Hop is an engaging celebration of books.
A coastal retreat at discounted tariffs - perfect for groups of up to 57 people!
This winter why not get a group together and head to Glenburn Station in the Wairarapa? They have 5 houses that can sleep up to 57 people and 3 of the houses are within walking distance. There is currently a discount on group bookings.
One of the Wairarapa’s main attractions is Honeycomb Rock, a large, distinctive outcrop known for its unusual pitted appearance can be seen, or climbed, on the coastal walk. This walk makes an iconic Wairarapa day out. The 11km of pristine Pacific coastline along the boundary of the farm is one of of the walk’s key features.
Glenburn Station offers a range of accommodation, making it the perfect retreat for friends, families and couples. Five holiday houses ranging from the
large Station Homestead sleeping up to 16, Shepherd’s Rest sleeping up to 11, and Bach) both sleeping up to 10 and Cook House sleeping up to 16. Beachcombers Bach sleeps 6 at the north end of the property.
While walking the route, visitors can spot the seal colony and check out the remains of a 1960s shipwreck.
With rolling farmland, pristine coastline and quiet walking tracks, Glenburn Station is the perfect place to relax, recharge and escape the daily grind.
Visitors are welcome to stay in the range of accommodation options available in this rural slice of paradise. Glenburn Station is east of Martinborough but access is from Greytown.
Finding out about the life and times in the early Wairarapa
Find out about William Hastwell, the man who got Wairarapa moving, in our new exhibition. What must it have been like to make sure the mail got through the hazardous ranges through rivers and howling winds?
Our recently installed exhibition tells the story of how he built the biggest transport business in the lower North Island in the late 1800s.
You can see the original stables and the cobbles that were the foundation of his business and get your photo taken in the Glass Coach or the replica stagecoach. The history really does come alive at Cobblestones but why not also bring a picnic to enjoy in our extensive gardens.
Explore the old one classroom school, the original church, built and shared by all the different denominations, the tiny cottage that was home to a family with ten children.
woolshed. You can even ride the 1955 Fire Engine on open days. Enjoy experiencing our New Zealand Heritage.
Cobblestones is part of the famous Festival of Christmas in Greytown, an ideal place for a cosy winter weekend.
days, and winter opening hours check Cobblestones Facebook page or our website www.cobblestonesmuseum.org.nz.
Greytown Butcher y k nows how to win awards –sausages are their specialty
Established in 1873, Greytown Butchery is still operating in the same historic building and keeping old butchering traditions alive.
ed the Butchery Building’s 150th year, with its establishment when Greytown Butchery first opened, by original owner, Sam Haigh.
Participating bookstores are:
The Love of BOOKS, Mr Feather’s Den, Oddities & Delights, Messines Bookshop - Military History, The Dickensian Bookshop and Tea Rooms, Chicken and Frog Bookstore
Masterton
PaperPlus Carterton
Bookshop; Hospice Wairarapa Bookshop
Books & Post
While staying at our range of accommodation enjoy time on our
It’s no wonder they consistently win awards with their multi-award winning sausages, having so far clocked up 25 awards in the last 18 years.
Greytown Butchery has recently won their 25th award at the annual Great New Zealand Sausage Competition. Ironic ally it was the Sausage Competition’s 25th year running.
Greytown Butchery have also mark-
Artisan butcher Gavin Green and Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic and popular business into a gourmet, European-styled butchery.
It prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match. Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your goods –there’s always plenty to choose from!
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF BUTCHERING BEEF FLAVOURED
renowned coastal and Honeycomb Rock walk
Pinball Shoppe
Major play features locals
By Frank Neill
A major new play “Out the Gate” featuring five local actors and in the production team is coming to Wellington.
Actor Brooke Wharehinga lives in Johnsonville, actor Angie Meiklejohn lives in Thorndon, as does lighting designer Janis ChongYan Cheng, co-producer Lisa Maule lives in Newlands and choregrapher Tanemahuta Gray was brought up in Kelburn.
“Out the Gate”is a layered, embodied and communal response to the stories that follow people in the prison pipeline as they transition back to wh nau and hapori.
It features an ensemble of more than 16 performers, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system
In 2024 Te R kau secured Health Research Council funding to present a play based on the TIAKIproject – kaupapa M ori led research that asks: “what happens to M ori following their release from prison and what do they need to thrive?”
“Out the Gate”is the community-facing distillation of that research.
The creative team has translated key themes from participants’ lived experience into dramatic form so communities, service providers, policymakers and wh nau can engage with the findings in an immediate, embodied way.
A companion podcast, drawing on rehears-
al conversations, interviews and material from TIAKI, will be released in 2026.
The core message is practical and humane: with appropriate support, people can change their lives and reconnect with wh nau.
The play interrogates how institutions, policies and colonial legacy shape disproportionate outcomes for M ori.
It calls out racial bias and intersectional disadvantage and insists that artistic practice can generate greater public understanding and pressure for systemic change.
Some of these men and women have been in 35 to 40 foster homes.
The statistics around that are horrible. A lot of those people then end up going to jail.
Who helps them, how do they make their way through that quagmire of early institutionalisation?
The play “is designed to help stop our people going to jail,” the play’s Director Jim Moriatory says.
“Out the Gate”, which is written by Helen Pearse-Otene, will tour marae, community venues and tertiary spaces across the lower North Island through to 15 November.
It will premiere at P taka Art + Museum in Porirua at 7pm on 29 October and will run for four nights from 12 to 15 November at 7pm at Massey University Mount Cook campus.
Tickets are available atwww.terakau.org/ out-the-gate.
Notes on a poem at Tawa Library
Te Wiki Kaum tua Seniors’ Week library events wrap up with Notes-on-a-Poem on Friday 10 October.
Held at Te TakapŪ o Patukawenga (Mervyn Kemp) TawaLibrary, this event runs from 11am to noon.
Take a trip down memory lane as library staff recite poetry classics accompanied by original music.
Staff will also explore the poems and the poets who created them, and suggest book matches to enjoy with a favourite verse in mind.
Wellington City Libraries runs a Books at Home Service.
“If you or someone you know are perma-
LOCAL TRADES TRUST A
nently unable to get to the library due to age, illness or impairment, we can bring the library to you,” Wellington Libraries says.
“Our librarians provide a free and friendly service, with a selection of library items tailored to your reading, listening or viewing tastes.”
Items are regularly delivered by volunteers. A short-term service for the temporarily housebound is also available.
To find out more about joining or volunteering contact Books at Home Service, phone 8014044,email housebound@wcc. govt.nz.
For more information visit https://www. wcl.govt.nz/services/accessibility/.
Most of the cast during a rehearsal for “Out the Gate”. Photo: Frank Neill.
ON... WHAT’S
Don't Chuck It. Fix It!
Ngaio Repair Cafe is free, open Saturday 18 October,10am - 1pm, Ngaio Union Church, corner Crofton Road and Kenya Street.
Join Onslow Fibrecrafts
To knit, spin, weave, felt, sew, embroider and learn new skills. Every Tuesday morning in Johnsonville. First meeting free. Phone Elizabeth 049705348
“Jekyll & Hyde”
Cochran Hall
Khandallah
The privileged male world seen through a female lens. Final performance this Saturday. Book through https://kat-theatre.org.nz/ bookings
Karori Repair Cafe
Need advice about Windows 10 ending? Need your computer or something else fixed or mended? Sunday 12th October, Karori Community Centre 10am-1pm. (021) 045-8767
What youth want from councils
As local council elections draw near, a new youth-led report is calling for candidates to put affordability, inclusion and community connection at the heart of their campaigns.
“Stronger Together: Community Visions for Our Cities” – launched on 6 October by the Social Change Collective – captures hundreds of voices from Wellington and Auckland.
It sets out a shared vision for cities that are affordable, connected, inclusive and future-ready.
The Stronger Together campaign was established to re-energise local democracy and make it meaningful for young people.
In the 2022 local elections, only 32% of 21 to 25-year-olds in Wellington voted – a reflection of how disconnected many feel from council decision-making.
At the same time, local government has become increasingly polarised and fuelled by hostility, misinformation and scare tactics that drive people apart.
“Young people are ready to lead a new conversation about what our cities can be,” says Ethan Reille, Chair of the Social Change Collective and spokesperson for the Stronger Together campaign.
“Local government should be a space for ideas, not intimidation.
“The culture of fear and hate
that’s crept into our councils has alienated people, especially young people. This report shows there’s another way forward: through care, collaboration and courage.”
The report identifies four shared themes voiced across both cities:
1. Affordability and Livability –housing and wages that reflect the real cost of living.
2. Connected and Caring Communities – investment in local facilities, libraries and parks that bring people together.
3. Inclusive and Trusted Democracy – protection of M ori wards and genuine youth representation in council.
4. A Positive and Future-Ready Approach – climate-ready neighbourhoods and a culture of creativity, innovation and hope.
From these discussions, six clear priorities emerged for incoming councillors and candidates: affordable, liveable cities; accessible, safe transport; inclusive democracy; connected third spaces; vibrant local culture; and climate-ready neighbourhoods
The report offers a timely reminder that rebuilding trust in local democracy starts with changing how we talk about and practice politics, Ethan says.
“If councils want to reconnect with communities, they need to stop talking at people and start
working with them.
“Our generation isn’t cynical about politics, we’re cynical about being ignored. But we still believe in what local democracy could be.”
“Stronger Together: Community
Visions for Our Cities” is a call to action for leaders and candidates to put care, connection, and creativity back at the centre of local government, and to build cities that reflect manaakitanga, sustainability and belonging.
Young photographers competition
Young Wellington photographers have the opportunity to enter a competition currently being run by Capital E.
The N ku to Ao Capital E Young Photographers Competition is open to people aged from eight to 18 years who live in the Wellington Region.
The theme of the competition is “Ako Kori Hanga, Learn Play Create.”
The challenge is to capture one, two or all three of these ideas in a single image.
The judges will be looking to see how photographers bring this theme to life in a unique way.
Photos will be judged in three age categories – eight to 10 years, 11 to 13 years and 14 to 18 years.
Entrants can take photos on any device, including a DSLR
camera, point-and-shoot camera, GoPro or a smartphone. The winner will receive a prize pack that includes a Canon EOS R50 mirrorless camera with a 18-45mm lens valued at $1,469 and artist fees to the use of the photo. Each winner will meet with theWheakoP neke Experience Wellington Retail and Design team to transform their winning photo into a retail product that will be produced and sold in the Wellington Museumshop, learning how a creative passion can makea viablecareer. Entries in the competition close at 5pm on Sunday 7 December.
For more information and to enter the competition visit https://www.capitale.org.nz/ young-photographers-competition.
Precious stone (8)
Surpass (3,2)
Alfresco (4,3)
Respond (5)
Controls (9)
Los Angeles suburb (9)
Endeavour (7)
Curves (5)
Plaid (6)
Academy award
(5)
Voting closes on Saturday
By Frank Neill
Voting in this year’s local body elections closes very soon. The final time people can lodge their votes is noon on Saturday 11 October.
Twelve candidates will be seeking to become Mayor of Wellington.
Two of the candidates – Diane Calvert and Ray Chung – are currently Wharangi/ Onslow-Western Ward Councillors.
They are the only two current Councillors standing for the Mayoralty.
The other 10 candidates are Lex Baker, Scott Caldwell, Rob Goulden, Josh Harford, Kelvin Hastie, Andrew Little, Donald McDonald, William Pennywize, Joan Shi and Karl Tiffenbacher.
All three of the current Takapū/Northern Ward Councillors – John Apanowicz, Ben McNulty and Tony Randle – are standing for re-election.
They are among the seven candidates who have been nominated for the three seats. The others are Andrea Compton, Mark Flynn, Michael Hill and Joan Shi.
All three of the Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillors – Diane Calvert, Ray Chung and Rebecca Matthews – are standing for re-election.
They are among the eight candidates who have been nominated for the three seats.
The others are Ray Bowden, Lily Brown, Joy Gribben, Kelvin Hastie and Guy Nunns.
Three nominations have been received for the one vacancy on the Te Whanganui-a-Tara M ori Ward – Te Paea Paringatai, Matthew Reweti and Tory Whanau.
Four people have been elected unopposed as members of the M kara- h riu Community Board – Darren Hoskins, Chris Renner, Wayne Rudd and Hamish Todd.
There are six seats on this board and a by election will need to be held to fill the two vacant seats.
Wellington City Council says this will take place early next year.
Eleven candidates have been nominated for the five vacancies on the P neke/Wellington Constituency of the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
They include current Regional Councillor Simon Woolf, who is a Karori resident, and the current Chair of the Council, Daran Ponter.
The other nine candidates are Sarah Free, Glenda Hughes, Alice Claire Hurdle, Tom James, Tom Kay, Mark Kelynack, Belinda McFadgen, Henry Peach and Yadana Saw.
Shamia Makarini has been elected unopposed to the Regional Council’s Te Upoko o te ika a M ui M ori Regional Constituency as the only person nominated.
This election uses the Single Transferable
Council advisory group applications open
Wellington City Council Advisory Group applications are now open.
The Council has five advisory groups that help to shape Council decisions by providing strategic advice based on lived experience. The five groups are:
pui Rainbow Communitiessory Group.
The groups provide strategic, identity-informed advice to Councillors and Council officers.
Their insights help shape inclusive, future-focused decisions that reflect the diverse needs of Wellington’s communities.
They also contribute collectively to the Strategic Advisory Panel which meet three to four times per year, and provides intersectional advice on major Council initiatives. Find out more and how to apply at wellington.govt.nz/advisory-groups.
Best human rights idea wanted
The best human rights idea submitted to Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand by a person under the age of 25 years will win $9,000.
The Gary Ware Legacy Award is an Amnesty funding programme designed to empower young people with a passion for protecting and promoting human rights.
The award has been offered annually since 2020 and is available for people under the age of 25 in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Applications are currently open at amnesty.org.nz/award, with a deadline of 31 October.
The award is given to a person or group with passion, an idea and a plan for changing the world for the better. Previous winners have used the money to make a documentary about human trafficking in Aotearoa, support young
Vote system (STV). Under STV, voters rank their preferred candidates by placing a ‘1’ in the box next to the candidate they most prefer, a ‘2’ beside the candidate they next prefer, and so on.
People can rank as many or as few candidates as they like. They don’t have to rank them all.
A detailed explanation of how STV works can be found at stv.govt.nz.
There are also two referenda people can
vote on.
They will decide whether
and
retain their M
election.
The result of these referenda will be binding.
There are more than 50 orange voting bins around Wellington where people can drop off their voting papers.
They are located at supermarkets and libraries, as well as other locations.
people across the country who have refugee backgrounds, run an art exhibition about the displacement of Banaban communities for phosphate mining, help Uyghur people who have fled to Türkiye, and more.
Gary Ware was a passionate human rights advocate who inspired generations of young people to get involved in the work of Amnesty International during his lifetime.
Gary’s granddaughter Neve Kortegast says: "This legacy award is really special to me, as my grandfather was a passionate activist with a big heart.
“I’m really excited to be on the judging panel this year and to see the creativity, passion and ideas of Aotearoa’s rangatahi.”
Neve says she hopes the winner of this award will go on to make a positive impact of their own.
Saturday 18 October 2025
Wellington City Council
Greater Wellington Regional Council
ori Wards for the 2018
A special bin where people can lodge their votes. Photo: Wellington City Council.
Heritage Gold
Petone’s Newest Antique & Estate Jewellery Bullion, Coin, and Watch store
We Are Always Buying & Selling Instore
Find Us
Imperial Park, Unit 81, 41 Bouverie Street, Petone, Lower Hutt.
Wanted to Buy
Please come and see us instore with your items for an on-the-spot appraisal and offer. If you are in any doubt, please bring the items in for us to look over.
Gold Jewellery
All Worn or Broken, Modern or Antique/ Estate Jewellery
Gold and Silver coins and bars
Any type and size.
Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 2:30pm Thursday: 9:30am - 6pm
Open Occasional Saturdays check at www.heritagegold.nz
Antique & Estate
Jewellery
All Coins and Banknotes
All packaged coins and sets, silver and world coins and banknotes.
NZ’s Most Exquisite Range in Gold and Silver. We have Rings, Chains, Pendants, Brooches, and more! sets, silver an s. e the items r ba P ars
Bullion Coins and Bars
Gold and Silver coins and bars.
Watches
Any Condition. Omega, Rolex, Tudor, Longines, and other watches.
Enter Imperial Park, turn right, go straight on to the end, and you ’ll see us. to suit a ran f d Watches
or
Investment grade, Verified and Certified, and in a range of sizes to suit a range of budgets.
We Specialise in Buying & Selling all kinds of Jewellery, Bullion, Coins and Banknotes, Silver and Gold items, and Watches. Fully licenced with over 50 years industry experience.
