Parking fee increase following adoption of Annual Plan

Wellington City Council has adopted its Annual Plan/Mahere ā-Tau for 2019/20, with changes to fees and user charges coming into effect 1 July 2019.

Wellington City Council provides parking to facilitate convenient access to the city by vehicle for residents, local businesses and customers.

A growing population and subsequent competing demands on the city’s street space (new cycleways, pedestrian-focused developments, priority bus lanes and construction sites) means that parking spots in the city are at a premium, while demand and the costs of maintaining the service continue to increase.

We need to make the best use of our limited street space and want to encourage more people to walk, cycle or ride public transport, instead of using private vehicle transport and parking.  

• Feedback from residents, retailers and businesses was that there is a lack of parking availability in the high-occupancy areas of the CBD. To maintain a healthy retail and commercial sector in the central city we have to be smarter and more effective in how we make the maximum use of limited parking spaces. Increasing fees in the central city will help us do that by quicker turnover and higher occupancy in the available parks.

• The fee increase proposal was part of the Council’s Annual Plan consultation. Residents were invited to provide feedback on the Annual Plan throughout May, which we do every year to give residents a say on the future of our city and the reasons changes are proposed. We also held a live question and answer forum where people could ask councillors and officers questions about the Annual Plan.

• The changes to the parking fees that were adopted by Council as part of the Annual Plan are as follows:

  • Limit free parking for Freyberg Pool and gym members to two hours per day, but with an additional two hours available at the hourly rate of $2.50 (increase $2.50 per hour).

  • Increase coupon parking, including suburban trade coupons (Monday to Friday) from $8.50 to $12, per day (increase $3.50 per day). The monthly rate would move from $135 to $200 (increase $65 per month).

  • Change the 60-minute free parking zone in upper Cuba St to 120 minutes metered parking.

  • Change the cost of metered parking on the city fringe from $1.50 to $2.50 per hour, seven days a week (increase $1 per hour).

  • Increase the cost of metered parking (Monday to Friday) from $3 to $3.50 per hour in the green zone and $4 to $4.50 per hour in the yellow zone (increase $0.50 per hour). See maps and zone descriptions here https://letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/parking

  • Change the annual cost of a resident’s parking permit from $126.50 to $195 (increase $68.50 per year).

  • Change the coupon exemption permit from $71.50 to $120 per annum (increase $48.50 per year).

  • These changes will make sure those who use our parking services pay for it. They will also support our city’s goals to encourage greater use of public transport and active modes of transport. Revenue from parking helps fund roading infrastructure work that would otherwise be funded from rates.

  • In addition to these fee increases we will be trialling the use of fixed cameras to improve enforcement of bus lanes, bus stops, clearways and broken yellow lines. This approach to enforcement is already in operation in Auckland and Christchurch and is expected to improve efficiency of enforcement as well as reducing health and safety risks for our parking officers in these areas.

  • The Annual Plan will be available on the Wellington City Council website from 26 July. In the meantime you can find the proposal here and the Council adoption of the plan here.

  • We are also reviewing the Parking Policy and the Mobility Parking Policy. You can have your say on the issues we need to think about and what principles could inform how we manage the limited parking here. Your feedback will help to inform the new draft policy that we will formal consult you on later this year.

Background info

• Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) is a joint initiative between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the NZ Transport Agency that will ensure our transport system supports how the people of Wellington want our city to look, feel and function. Supporting LGWM are a number of significant projects such as Planning for Growth and First to Zero, that will help define how our city changes to meet the significant challenges that we will be facing in the next 30 years.

• We are facing some challenges in the coming 30 years that will have a big impact on how we live in Wellington:

  • accommodating population growth

  • increasing economic activity

  • moving more people with fewer vehicles

  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions

  • improving air and water quality

  • protecting and enhancing the qualities of our city that make people want to live, work, play and invest in Wellington.

-wcc

Wellingtonians step up for their communities

The character shown by Wellington’s Muslim community in response to the Christchurch mosque massacres has played a large part in this year’s Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian (APW) awards.

Four members of the Muslim community have been acknowledged in the awards, three of them - Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi - in a joint award for their leadership.

“They went out of their way to promote understanding at a difficult time,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester. “The Kilbirnie mosque’s open day was brought forward several months to enable the Muslim community to show its appreciation to Wellingtonians.

“The Muslim community’s reaction to the Christchurch shootings, as epitomised by its leadership, provided an example of understanding and harmony that was noted throughout the world.”

Ibrahim Omer, the chair of ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, also became an APW winner.

“Following the Christchurch shootings, Ibrahim represented his community on the world stage,” the Mayor says. “He organised vigils, connected with Muslim refugee communities across the country, gave media interviews to international media and much more.”

Ibrahim, came to New Zealand from Sudan in 2010 after escaping an oppressive regime in Eritrea and started work in Wellington as a cleaner. He has also been a campaigner for the Living Wage movement, is a union organiser, and is a community representative on Newtown Union Health Service Board.

The other winners’ contributions to the community took many forms, including years of service to their communities, mental health causes, special projects and excelling in their chosen field.

“A city is set apart by its people. We wouldn’t be the special place we are today without the generosity and open hearts of many in their communities,” the Mayor says. “These awards are about acknowledging those who selflessly give so much – people who volunteer their time and effort, and go above and beyond to make our city a better place.”

2019 APW winners:

Barbara Mulligan

In November 2016, Barbara Mulligan instigated a project to mark the impact on Wellington of the 1918 influenza pandemic and some of those who died in November and December  that year.  She organised the cleaning of the gravesites in Karori Cemetery of some of the 740 who died between October and December 1918. At least 50 volunteers were involved in the clean-up, which took place from 2016 to 2018. 

Bruce and Dawn Patterson

Bruce and Dawn Patterson have been champions of Grenada Village since moving there in 1988.  Bruce has served on the Grenada Village Community Association Committee for 27 years, nearly all that time as chairman. Dawn has been on the committee for 28 years.

Greg Hyland

Greg Hyland has been an active volunteer and advocate for the Wadestown and Highland Park community.  Since 2011 he has been a Highland Park Progressive Association (HPPA) Committee member, and its president from 2013 to 2018.   He represents the HPPA and works closely with city officials on a project to conserve the local historical site - Fort Buckley. 

Jason Te Patu

Jason Te Patu is a tireless advocate for mental health and well-being, using his skills as a yoga teacher, mindfulness and meditation instructor. Originally from Whanganui, Jason is of Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent. He has represented New Zealand in springboard diving, aerobics and gymnastics, as well as pursuing a career in performance.

Melanie Heaphy

Melanie Heaphy is an icon in Island Bay where she lives with her husband Devon and their three children. Melanie has a long history of community work.  As a teenager, through Girls’ Brigade, she did her Duke of Edinburgh and Girls’ Brigade Queen’s Award, which included community service at Kilmarnock Rest home in Island Bay, and running groups of Girls’ Brigade kids.

Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi

Wellington was fortunate that its Muslim community showed strong and level-headed leadership in the wake of the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people died. Emotions were raw after the events in Christchurch, but throughout the country the reaction of the Muslim community leadership provided a shining example of unity and understanding, rather than finger pointing.

Ngarangi Pritchard

Ask any Wellington Māori māmā who’s had a baby in the past four decades who their midwife was, and chances are they’ll say Ngarangi Pritchard. Ngarangi, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngati Porou and Rongowhakaata descent, is one of Wellington’s most experienced, trusted and loved midwives. Her nursing and midwifery career has spanned more than 40 years and she has been instrumental in supporting Māori and Pasifika families to be confident as new parents.

Ray Henwood

Multi-talented actor Ray Henwood has been a mainstay of Wellington’s theatrical scene since the mid-1960s.  Originally from Wales, Ray moved to Wellington in 1962, aged 24. However it was not to work an actor, but to teach maths and science at Mana College. He then worked as a forensic toxicologist at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. While there he was partly responsible for the introduction of the breathalyser to New Zealand.

Susan Price

Susan Price made headlines this year when she gave away a landmark property that she and her parents had lovingly restored. Chevening, an apartment block at 90 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, was designed in 1929 by Llewellyn Williams, who also planned the Embassy Theatre. The neglected building, desperately in need of care, was bought by the Price family in 1979.

Warren Dion Smith

Hair, makeup and special effects artist Warren Dion Smith exudes talent and flair. Warren emerged from Waikato, where he was recognised early on by the Māori King Tūheitia Paki as a talented artist. He has really established himself in Wellington, where he has dominated as the pre-eminent hairstyle artist over the past 10 years, winning a succession of national and major regional titles.

-WCC

Onzo bikes will continue to roll in Wellington

Wellington City Council has extended the licence for Onzo to continue operating their ‘dockless’ bike hire system in the capital until the end of 2020.

Councillor Sarah Free, Portfolio Leader for Walking and Cycling, says the popularity of the Onzo bikes for short trips around town shows there is a demand for more transport options. 

“Over 110,000 trips were recorded during the six-month trial and the feedback shows that most people use the bikes because they are fast and convenient. The Onzo bikes have increased the access to cycling for many people who might not choose to own a bike.

“We’ve extended the Onzo bike licence to align with the e-scooter trial so we can look at these micro-mobility options together. It’s great to see the large uptake of these bikes as part of changing transport patterns – and that some people are choosing to use an Onzo instead of their car.”

The Council surveyed residents as well as Onzo users to find out what people think about the dockless bike share. While there were some concerns about pedestrian safety, most of the residents surveyed thought people using Onzo bikes were generally safe and responsible riders, and that the scheme should continue.

In the coming weeks, bike numbers will be back to what they were at the start of the trial (200) with another 100 bikes likely to be added later in the year.

The Council will be working closely with Onzo to discourage people from riding on footpaths and improve the availability of cycle helmets as part of the ongoing licence conditions.

“Footpaths remain an area where pedestrians have priority. We are continuing to plan for more separated bike paths and will be looking at whether e-scooters will be able to use these.”

Data from Onzo shows that the areas of constant high use on weekdays and weekends are Wellington train station and Victoria University’s Pipitea campus, where many people start and end their trips. From Monday to Friday, people are starting and ending trips along Featherston Street and the Golden Mile to Kent Terrace. The waterfront is reasonably busy during the week, however more trips are finished along the waterfront and Oriental Parade at weekends.

Onzo’s Wellington Fleet Manager Max Kempthorne says it’s great to see Wellingtonians embracing the bikes so quickly. “We look forward to continuing to offer an easy transport alternative in the capital.”

Council officers are likely to report back on the e-scooter trial in early 2020, and consultation and engagement on a micro-mobility transport policy for shared schemes including bikes would happen in the following 12 months. 

-WCC

Plastic is rubbish

Wellington City Council is supporting numerous events, organisations and initiatives this Plastic Free July to help change plastic habits for good.

For Plastic Free July 2019, Council will be trialling going single-use plastic bottle free in its five swimming pools, two gyms, four recreational centres, and the ASB sports centre.

Currently New Zealanders send 828,189,600 single-use plastic bottles to landfill per year, the equivalent of 165 Olympic swimming pools. Wellington City alone uses enough bottles annually to fill seven Olympic sized pools.*

Wellington City Council wants to reduce this number by encouraging pool, gym and recreation centre goers to consider alternatives to single-use plastic bottles through a creative campaign for Plastic Free July.

Meanwhile, from 1 July, Council-managed Harbourside Market will be providing shopping baskets at every stall, and mesh produce bags will be available as single-use handled plastic bags will no longer be allowed to be supplied by vendors.

We’re also proud supporters of the Great Kiwi Bottle Drive event, which will kick-off Plastic Free July early on Saturday 29 June with a chance for everyone to drop-off their empty bottles and cans in return for cash.

In 2017, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester led a campaign calling on the government to impose a levy on single-use plastic bags in an attempt to reduce their use – and is pleased to see this being implemented now.
“We got the ball rolling on getting rid of plastic straws around the waterfront, pushed hard for the abolition of single-use plastic bags, and we support and fund numerous organisations and initiatives committed to waste minimisation and single-use plastic reduction.

“These projects fit our vision of developing the capital as an Eco City by addressing the environmental challenges we have, and reducing the impact they have on our natural assets, to enable a more sustainable and resilient future for Wellington.” 

Councillor Iona Pannett who chairs the Wellington Regional Governance Group says that the Council is trying to reduce waste to landfill by 1/3 over the next 7 years.

“Plastic Free July is a great chance for Wellingtonians to look at alternatives to single-use plastics. Getting a reusable coffee cup or drink bottle for example is an easy way to save money and help the environment,” she says.

Other initiatives Council is supporting throughout Plastic Free July include:

• Southern Landfill will be running ‘Bags in the Wild’ landfill tours again to show first-hand the effects of discarded plastics on the environment. Tour bookings can be made by calling 04 383 4442 or email waste.education@wcc.govt.nz.

• There will be weekly competitions on Council’s Facebook page with prize packs for plastic free related challenges

• On-going support and funding for waste minimisation and environmental groups and initiatives like Boomerang Bags, Again Again, RefillNZ, The Formary, Bubble Busters, Ghost Fishing, and Sustainable Coastlines

• There is also a Plastic Free July page on the Council website with tips on how to reduce plastic and where to go for more information: wellington.govt.nz/plasticfreejuly

* Estimate based on https://www.bottledwater.org/economics/industry-statistics. On page 20 it lists consumption per capita and though New Zealand is not listed the lowest consumption is 24 gallons per year which is approximately 180 bottles (500 ml each).

-WCC

Matariki Sky Show set to go off – whale permitting

Last year we had a whale of a time as a tohorā/southern right whale visited the harbour, causing the inaugural Matariki ki Poneke Sky Show to be postponed for a week – but the coast looks clear for this year.

Matariki is all about celebrating the Māori New Year and giving respect to the land, sea and sky – so it’s fitting that the Matariki festival closes with a fireworks display in the sky above the harbour for all on land and sea to enjoy.

An estimated 200,000 people watched the Sky Show fireworks on their Matariki debut in July 2018 – and Mayor Justin Lester expects the same this year.

“Feedback from attendees last year was hugely positive about the capital’s main fireworks event being held around Matariki, and with an earlier start time of 6.30pm.

“Families with young children, and older citizens, were particularly pleased with the earlier timing of the event as it was more accessible for everyone to take part. There was also a general consensus that it being Matariki added to the enthusiasm of the crowd as they came together to celebrate a uniquely New Zealand event.”

Events Portfolio Lead Councillor Simon Marsh is hoping there won’t be a repeat of last year’s whale appearance until after the show.

“We wouldn’t blame Matariki the tohorā for coming back to enjoy the beautiful harbour and scenery of the city, but hope it’s not in the next couple of weeks. So much time and effort goes into organising these large-scale events, with teams of experts being coordinated to make sure everything runs smoothly and successfully – and we don’t want to put a whale in the works!” jokes Councillor Marsh. 

One of the expert teams involved in the running of the Sky Show is world renowned Artistic Pyrotechnic Designer of PyroStar International, Robert McDermott, who is organising the fireworks display for the 25th consecutive year – with 2 tonnes of firework materials and effects.

“Yes, I was a very young man when it started, but it’s been great to see the growth in a whole new generation enjoying the show. I’m always blown away by how many people turn up, but it’s a feel good thing – no matter what sort of day you’ve had you’ll go away happy.

“Now that we’re doing it for Matariki makes it even more special too, as it’s got more meaning and connects more with our identity as New Zealanders.”

Sky Show 2019

Saturday 29 June 2019, 6.30–6.40pm

Postponement date: Sunday 30 June, 6.30pm.

• Tune into The Breeze (94.1FM and 98.5FM) or More FM (99.7FM and 95.3FM) to listen to the soundtrack as you watch the show. To get the best synchronisation of sound and fireworks, listen on a terrestrial radio tuner to avoid streaming delays.

• The Sky Show 2019 soundtrack includes music from local artists Toni Huata, Rob Thorne, David Downes and WAI.

• For event updates check Facebook.

While on the waterfront, check out the exciting Pop-up Village by Kumutoto. Designer container stalls packed with homewares, art, gifts, clothing and accessories.

The Winter Underground Market Pop-up Village runs throughout June and July (19th June - 23rd July 2019).

-WCC

Ahi Kā reaches for the stars in Matariki celebrations

The Wellington Waterfront will be set alight Friday 21 June with ahi (fire), kai (food), and entertainment from over 30 musical groups, artists and performers for Ahi Kā – a celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Rob Thorne

Students from nine schools around the capital will form a stream of light around the waterfront that will launch Ahi Kā. They will parade around Whairepo Lagoon with lanterns they’ve created, acknowledging the life-giving streams that travel under our city and converge in the harbour, and are reflected by the seven to nine sisters above that form the Matariki star cluster.

There’ll also be music performers, kapa haka, dance, and poi demonstrations, as well as food trucks, toasted marshmallows, an outdoor cinematic event, art installations and light shows, plus street entertainers.

Mayor Justin Lester says making sure Matariki and Ahi Kā are major events in the capital’s diary is important as it reflects how the country is embracing tangata whenua and our combined history.

“We want Wellingtonians to come together at Ahi Kā, to celebrate the Māori New Year by reflecting on the past and what’s ahead, learning about what Matariki means, and experiencing some of the amazing local talent on show.”

One of the performing groups on the Matariki Stage is Taita Clubhouse – a place for at-risk young people, coordinated by former Upper Hutt Posse band member Bennett Pomana.

Bennett says taking part in Ahi Kā is a great experience for all involved – and is even more significant as they are part of the Matariki celebrations.

“The Taita Clubhouse is a creative space for young people to come to when life can be tough, it’s somewhere to be creative, escape, and be themselves. Having this as something to aim for has been a real motivator, and they’ve been practising really hard.”

Bennett says their music varies from pop to hip hop, and some is a bit of a mishmash – but it comes from the heart.

“They’re really excited about Ahi Kā and performing in public as they’re very passionate about what they do, and keen to achieve their goals – and this is one of them.”

Councillor Nicola Young, Associate Arts and Culture portfolio holder, says this is the perfect time for the event.

“This is a great celebration, and at this time of the year everyone can take part and enjoy the lights, entertainment, and festivities.”

For more information about the location, schedule and performers, visit wellington.govt.nz/matariki or https://wellington.govt.nz/events/annual-events/matariki/ahi-ka

-WCC

Royal New Zealand Ballet finds new home in Wellington CBD

The dancers of the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) now have a new home in a prime spot in the Wellington CBD with the blessing of their new rehearsal studio.

The blessing ceremony was held yesterday (Tuesday 4 June) at the building at 115 Wakefield Street, previously the Michael Fowler Centre carpark.

“I am delighted Wellington City Council can provide this space for the RNZB while the St James Theatre is being strengthened,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

“It is an investment in the RNZB as a critical part of Wellington’s culture infrastructure.

“It’s more than 60 years since the RNZB began to call Wellington home, and this rehearsal space means it will continue to call the capital home.

“The public will also have a special window on the ballet’s work with the activated space linking Jervois Quay and Wakefield Street.”

RNZB Executive Director Lester McGrath says they are pleased to be making the move to Wakefield Street and are grateful for the Council’s support in planning and building this new space.

“We are looking forward to creating dance magic in these new studios, starting with Bold Moves in July and August, and then our brand new production of Hansel and Gretel this Christmas.

“We are also looking forward to our ultimate return to the St James, with seismic strengthening complete and improved facilities for audiences and artists.”

The purpose-built dance studio features two rehearsal studios equivalent to the size of two of the studios within the St James Theatre, as well as areas for costume making, changing rooms and office staff.

Following the RNZB’s return to the St James Theatre – expected to be in 2021– the building could be re-purposed at the site, house other arts and culture activity, be moved elsewhere, or sold.

-WCC

A new co-operative space and partnership for National Library and Wellington City Council

A partnership between the National Library and Wellington City Council to develop library services was announced today by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin.

The Minister says since Wellington’s Central Library was closed, the National Library has been working with the Council to look at creative ways to deliver complementary services.

“Both share the goal of making sure people have access to knowledge. It’s great there’s going to be a new co-operative space, where some of Wellington’s Central Library services and collection can complement National Library’s open access research collections,” says Minister Martin.

National Librarian Bill Macnaught says the new space will be adjacent to the popular He Tohu exhibition. “National Library school group visitors will be able to use the new ‘bleachers’ mini theatre area for visits to He Tohu.”

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says Wellingtonians are missing the Central Library and this is one way this special collaboration can enhance library services to customers.

“We’re really excited to work together with the National Library for the benefit of Wellingtonians and all New Zealanders. The partnership with the National Library will form a part of the Capital’s replacement library services network,” says the Mayor.

The new co-operative space is expected to be open in September, offering customers a small collection of books and magazines to browse and borrow, access to digital content, free WiFi, and public PCs. A librarian will be on hand to answer questions and join up new members.

-WCC

Wellington Mayor delighted with Petone-Ngauranga design

Wellington City Council Mayor Justin Lester has welcomed the revealing of designs for a shared walk/cycleway between Petone and Ngauranga.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is seeking feedback on the design for the seaward side of State Highway 2 between the Hutt Valley and the city.

“We are seeing an increasing number of people commuting by bike from this direction, and the design, which looks fantastic, will only help boost those numbers by providing a safe place to ride,” the Mayor says.

“The planned new 5-metre wide path should help ease congestion on the highway, and obviously link with the improved walking and biking facilities this Council has developed along Hutt Road, and with the planned safer biking links through Thorndon Quay announced as part of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving programme last week.”

Wellington City Council is working with the Government and community to develop a connected citywide cycling network. 

Surveys have indicated 76 percent of the population over the age of 18 would consider cycling if there were protected bike lanes.

About 22 percent would prefer to bike to work, and the two main reasons preventing people from cycling are the lack of dedicated infrastructure and traffic safety concerns.

Councillor Sarah Free, who holds the Wellington City Council walking and cycling portfolios says the Petone-Ngauranga section will be a crucial part of Te Aranui o Pōneke(the Great Harbour Way).

“The design makes great use of the waterfront, and I am sure it will become a popular recreational route for families and other people wanting to pedal, scoot, walk and run by the harbour. It will be a fantastic attraction for out-of-town visitors too.”

Wellington City Council is developing two other key sections of Te Aranui o Pōneke at the moment in partnership with the Government – the new two-way bike path around Evans Bay, and the new walking and biking paths along the seaward side of Cobham Drive. 

- WCC

ASB Sports Centre throws a party this Sunday to celebrate five million people walking through its doors

On Sunday 26 May the ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie will host a party to celebrate five million people that have walked through its doors – and everyone’s invited.

The celebration will run from 9am-1pm, and will include free family activities, a sausage sizzle, cake, giveaways, and a ceremony with prizes at 11am.

The party will also celebrate the unique opportunities that the ASB Sports Centre has provided the community since it opened in 2011. During the ceremony there will be a prize awarded to a member of a sporting code that has contributed to the community of the ASB Sports Centre.

The Sports Centre partnership between ASB Bank and Wellington City Council began in August 2011, and since opening, the ASB Sports Centre has drawn an increasing number of people each year.

ASB Midlands regional manager Amanda Young says inviting the community to celebrate was a fitting way to recognise the feat.

“We’re proud to be supporting a venue that brings the local community together. Many of Wellington’s current and future sports stars have played at the ASB Sports Centre, and it’s an incredible achievement to have reached five million customers,” says Amanda.

Mornay Loubser, the Facility Manager, has been overwhelmed by the support and active participation shown by the community and various sporting codes.

“The mission of the ASB Sports Centre is ‘to get more people, more active, more often’.

“Reaching the five million mark is a real milestone for us, and highlights the importance and value our facility brings to Wellington and our sporting community.

“We are extremely grateful for the support the ASB Bank has given us over the past eight years. Without ASB Bank’s support the ASB Sports Centre would not have achieved what it has to date,” says Mornay.

Since opening in 2011, the ASB Sports Centre has hosted over 40,000 basketball games, 17,000 futsal games, 20,000 netball games, 8,000 volleyball games, and supported over 25 different sporting codes to get more people, more active, more often.  This has included many regional, national, and international events.

Through its ‘Youth in Sport’ programme, the ASB Sports Centre has also supported more than 85 schools, and seen more than 220,000 visits from school children from the Wellington region.

The ASB Sports Centre was originally established to provide a home for community sports (including minority sports) to enable athletes of all levels to participate in active recreation. The ASB Sports Centre was awarded the Outstanding Recreation Facility award New Zealand Recreation Association awards in 2017.

-WCC

Band Rotunda proposal announced

Wellington City Council is pleased to announce that, following a call for expressions of interest, it has accepted a redevelopment proposal for the Band Rotunda in Oriental Bay.

The successful proposal was submitted by Cheops Holdings, which will use sister company McKee Fehl Constructors to undertake the development, led by Maurice Clark.

The Band Rotunda building, a Wellington waterfront landmark since its completion in 1938, has been closed for some time as it needs extensive renovation.

The concrete slab between the upper and lower levels of the building has deteriorated and is unsafe, and the foundations are being affected by the sea.

A key aim of the process was to find a developer who is prepared to invest in the building to ensure its construction is long-lasting and suited to the marine environment. 

The Cheops proposal also maintains public access to the building and contributes to the heritage and urban design values of the area.

The City Council is negotiating terms and conditions with Cheops Holdings and hopes to conclude these within the next month.

“The Band Rotunda is one of Wellington’s most recognisable buildings but needed a lot of work to bring it up to modern safety standards,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

“It is wonderful that in this deal with Cheops Holdings we have been able to secure its future and it will remain one of the city’s landmarks.

“We are also delighted to retain public access and that the redevelopment will maintain the building’s heritage values and eye-catching charm.”

Maurice Clark, Managing Director, Cheops Holdings says: “The Band Rotunda is one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks. We are delighted to take-on the opportunity to restore and rejuvenate this much-loved site and bring vitality to Oriental Bay.

“After strengthening and upgrading, we hope to attract a premier hospitality operator, bringing a host of local community benefits and further enhancing our city’s hospitality offering.”

Cheops Holdings specialises in restoring and rejuvenating historic, underutilised buildings across Wellington for commercial, residential and hospitality uses. The company has an impressive award-winning redevelopment portfolio which includes the Press Hall precinct, Public Trust Building and 15 Stout Street.

“Wellingtonians will be delighted when the band rotunda is back in use; we’ve missed it,” says Councillor Nicola Young, the Council’s Portfolio Leader for Central City Projects.

“Maurice Clark has an outstanding track record in restoring heritage buildings, so he’s absolutely the right man for this project.”

-WCC

Library services return to Central City and Council Service Centre moves too

A new pop-up library to open on Tuesday 28 May will see library services returning to central Wellington for the first time since the closure of the Central Library in March 2019.

A new pop-up library to open on Tuesday 28 May will see library services returning to central Wellington for the first time since the closure of the Central Library in March 2019.

The new pop-up library at 12 Manners Street is co-located with the Wellington City Council Service Centre, which will be moving from its current location on Wakefield Street.

“After the Central Library closed unexpectedly, we grabbed the opportunity to quickly open a pop-up library alongside our new Service Centre location. Manners Street is the perfect spot for the first in our new network of library services for the CBD,” says Mayor Justin Lester.

The pop-up library and Service Centre space will be called Arapaki Manners Library and Service Centre. Arapaki are ornamental lattice-work, used particularly between carvings around the walls of meeting houses, and are unique because it takes two artists working together to complete every arapaki. The name was gifted to the site by Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika.

“I know how much Wellingtonians are feeling the loss of the Central Library. I want to assure people the Council is working hard to create the right combination of services and locations for pop-ups across the CBD to help fill the gap left behind. Arapaki is just the start.”

Arapaki will be home to roughly 7,500 items on the shelves at any one time. A small children’s collection will feature alongside a range of fiction, non-fiction and AV items, plus internet access computers and some casual seating. Library staff will be on hand to answer questions, process payments, register new customers, and provide support and advice on the wide range of online content available through our eLibrary.

All the services that are currently available at the Service Centre will continue to be available at the new location. These include free Wi-Fi, self-service computers and a payments desk.

Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, who holds Wellington City Council’s community facilities portfolio, says Arapaki will be a busy site, with a high collection turnover. “I would like to remind borrowers there is no need to wait until Arapaki is open to return items loaned from the Central Library before it closed. They can be returned to any of our branch libraries or the returns box at 101 Wakefield St.” 

Arapaki Manners Library and Service Centre will be open for Service Centre business Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, with extended hours for the pop-up library, which will be open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-5pm.

Additional pop-up libraries will be opening in the coming months. Details will be announced as soon as possible and people can keep up to date at wcl.govt.nz, and by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

What can I borrow from Arapaki?

Arapaki will be home to roughly 7,500 items on the shelves at any one time. A small children’s collection will feature alongside a range of fiction, non-fiction and AV items.

What else can I do there?

Internet access computers and some casual seating will be available. Library staff will be on hand to answer questions, process payments, register new customers, and provide support and advice on the wide range of online content available through our eLibrary.

Can I return items to Arapaki?

Yes. Items borrowed from Arapaki should be returned to Arapaki. Items borrowed from the Central Library before it closed can be returned to Arapaki, to any branch library or to the small returns box at 101 Wakefield Street.

Will you have activities available?

Arapaki is a relatively small space, so we need to plan carefully how we can best use it to provide activities. It is likely that we will review what activities and programmes we can offer once our entire CBD pop-up library network is up and running. Arapaki is just the start.

How many staff will work there?

15 library staff will work at Arapaki.

Why has it taken so long to open?

We’ve worked really hard to get Arapaki up and running as fast as we can. Arapaki is the first of our planned CBD pop-up library network. We’ve been able to set it up so quickly because we already had the site leased for our new Service Centre. We’ve had to make some changes to the space to make into a combined library and Service Centre and this has taken a few weeks.

When will other pop-up libraries open?

Arapaki is just the first in our proposed CBD pop-up library network. We’ll be announcing details of further pop-up locations in the coming months.

What’s happening with the Central Library building?

At this stage we are awaiting further engineering advice on what the options are for addressing the structural issues with the building.  It is likely there will be a range of options for how we approach this and we don’t know yet if this will include any kind of upgrading or redevelopment beyond the required remedial work.

-WCC