The Wellington City Council arts centre will include studios, arts offices, exhibition opportunities, hireable creative spaces, residencies and public programmes.

Toi Pōneke has supported Wellington artists for more than 20 years across film, visual arts, literature, theatre, dance and music.

The council says Toi Aro will continue that work from its new Market Lane premises, with a focus on practical space and support for the creative sector.

The new site was blessed this morning, and the name Toi Aro was gifted by mana whenua kaumātua Dr Te Taku Parai and Kura Moeahu.

The council says the centre has been designed to be inclusive and physically accessible, and will operate as a Tiriti-led facility grounded in mana whenua kawa and tikanga.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says the centre will support artists at different stages of their careers.

“Toi Aro will be a catalyst for the growth and development of Wellington artists,” Little says.

The name Toi Aro acknowledges Te Aro Pā whenua, its history, pūrākau, surrounding taiao, gardens and cultivations, and hapū Ngāti Haumia and Ngāti Tūpaia.

Toi refers to the arts, skill and excellence. Aro means to face, turn toward, or give attention to.

Holden Hohaia, speaking on behalf of Te Aro Pā whānau, says whānau were included in the planning and cultural integration of the new centre.

“This acknowledgement of whakapapa, history, and whenua is important to us,” Hohaia says.

“We look forward to continuing to support and uplift the artists of Wellington as this new creative space begins its journey.”

The redevelopment follows Wellington City Council’s Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy Action Plan 2021-2023, which included further development of Toi Pōneke’s role in supporting the arts and creative sector.

The council says it has worked with Wellington’s creative community over the past four years, including Toi Pōneke users, staff, mana whenua, tangata whenua and the wider arts sector.

Bookings for hireable spaces open on June 10. Applications for two arts offices are open now.

More information is available on the Toi Pōneke website. The new Toi Aro website is expected to go live from mid-June with details of events and activities at the Market Lane premises.

Wellington Water and Wellington City Council released a recovery road map on Wednesday, saying major recovery works are expected to be complete by November.

But the timeline confirms the plant will not return to full treatment this year. Secondary treatment, including biological treatment, is expected to restart in November, but Wellington Water says the process will take time to stabilise before the plant is fully restored.

The plant has been operating in a limited capacity since February 4, when flooding caused a major failure at the Moa Point facility.

Since then, wastewater has been screened and sent through the 1.8km long outfall into Cook Strait, without the full biological treatment and ultraviolet disinfection normally provided by the plant.

During heavy rain, wastewater may still discharge through the short outfall pipe at Tarakena Bay.

Wellington Water says those discharges are expected to reduce as more wastewater can be pumped through the long outfall, but they may still occur while recovery work continues.

The recovery programme involves nearly 30 separate projects, which Wellington Water says must be carefully sequenced before plant systems can be safely brought back online.

The update also confirms work is continuing on a hydraulic design issue identified after the February flooding.

A hydraulic report found the bypass system’s flow capacity appeared to be substantially less than the original stated design capacity.

That issue is separate from the immediate recovery work and is expected to remain part of the longer-term repair programme.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little said the road map would give residents, businesses and south coast users “greater visibility and confidence” in the recovery.

“The failure of the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant has caused massive disruption to people, communities and businesses who are connected to the south coast,” Little said.

“This is a turning point for the recovery of Moa Point. We know the road ahead to recovery, and local communities, businesses and people who use and enjoy the south coast can at least look forward with a degree of certainty about when the plant will be fully restored.”

Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker said November was a key milestone for the community to track.

“We’ll report against these milestones so people can track progress and hold us to account,” Barker said.

“A key date for the community to hold us to is November, when major recovery works are expected to be complete and we’ll be able to start sending wastewater through full treatment processes.”

Barker said every effort was being made to restore the plant “as quickly and safely as possible”.

“We know every additional day the plant is not fully operational makes a difference,” he said.

Greater Wellington Regional Council has said Wellington City Council holds the resource consents for discharges from the plant. Wellington Water maintains the plant, with operational support from Veolia.

Greater Wellington says Wellington City Council, Wellington Water and Veolia are responsible for operating and maintaining the plant and ensuring it complies with consent conditions.

The ongoing discharge has affected south coast residents, swimmers, divers, fishers, marine businesses and people who gather kaimoana.

LAWA continues to advise people not to collect or eat kaimoana between Ōwhiro Bay and Breaker Bay. People are also advised to check current water quality warnings before swimming or using the south coast.

Wellington Water says it will report against the recovery milestones as work continues.

Residents can check beach and water quality updates at LAWA.org.nz, follow Wellington Water updates, or report pollution incidents to Greater Wellington on 0800 496 734.

The university is New Zealand’s only official nominator for the global environmental prize.

Its nominees are AgriZeroNZ, Critical., KiwiEconet, Mountains to Sea Wellington Trust, Mushroom Material and Sea Cleaners.

Andrew Wilks, Manutaki, director of sustainability at Victoria University of Wellington, said the university was proud to help take New Zealand climate solutions to an international stage.

“There were remarkable applications again this year, but Vic Uni is excited to elevate these six New Zealand solutions to the world stage through The Earthshot Prize because every single one has the power to change the world,” Wilks said.

“They’re affordable, immediately scalable, and could create true global transformation.”

The Wellington connection includes Mountains to Sea Wellington Trust’s Love Rimurimu project, which is working to restore declining kelp forests in Wellington Harbour through science, community action and Indigenous partnership.

The project also supports hands-on education and open-source knowledge sharing, helping communities better understand and care for the harbour environment.

Other nominees include AgriZeroNZ, a public-private partnership that invests in tools to help farmers reduce agricultural emissions while staying profitable and productive.

Critical., a Māori-led clean-tech company, is transforming hard-to-recycle plastic waste into Cleanstone, a circular building material made in Aotearoa from 100 percent reclaimed plastic waste.

The company is also developing compact microfactories to help communities turn local waste into materials, jobs and circular economic opportunities.

KiwiEconet, developed in Southland, is a 100 percent natural and organic jute fibre netting designed to replace plastic wrap used for baling hay and silage.

The netting is biodegradable and edible by livestock.

Mushroom Material has developed mycelium-based pellets as a biodegradable alternative to expanded polystyrene packaging.

The company says the pellets are designed to work with existing moulding equipment, making it easier for the packaging industry to shift to a sustainable option.

Sea Cleaners operates purpose-built vessels that intercept plastic pollution before it disperses beyond recovery.

The group removes millions of litres of waste from waterways each year and is expanding into the Pacific through an island-led clean-up network.

The Sustainable Business Network encouraged applications for nominations from its Next List, which features innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations that were finalists in its Sustainable Business Awards.

Mushroom Material and Critical. were successful nominees from those recommendations.

James Griffin, general manager at Sustainable Business Network, said the nominations showed sustainable innovation was already emerging across Aotearoa.

“What’s exciting about these nominations is that they show world-class sustainable innovation is already emerging in Aotearoa New Zealand, not as distant ideas, but as practical, scalable solutions solving real problems right now,” Griffin said.

“We’re thrilled to see Critical and Mushroom Material nominated for the world’s most prestigious environmental award. Both were selected because they’re on our Next list, which exists to help elevate the innovators building tomorrow’s economy today.”

The Earthshot Prize Trust, led by Prince William, awards £1 million to each of five environmental solutions every year.

The prize recognises work across five goals, known as Earthshots: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean our Air, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix our Climate.

In 2023, Sea Forest Ltd, one of Victoria University of Wellington’s nominees, was named among the 15 global finalists for the prize.

The 2026 finalists are expected to be announced in September, with winners to be named at the awards ceremony in Mumbai in November.

The Oscar-qualifying festival has announced a national programme featuring 49 feature films, 26 short films and 12 immersive projects, with screenings and events running from June 24 to Aug. 10 across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and the Virtual Cinema.

This year’s programme includes 28 world premieres across film and immersive storytelling, including 14 New Zealand world premieres. The line-up covers stories of whānau, resistance, conflict, environmental collapse, creativity, Indigenous knowledge, survival, music and human connection.

Among the New Zealand world premieres is Ranginui: Call of the Ice, directed by Julia Sartorio. Set in Antarctica during winter, the film follows Māori astronomer Rangi Matamua and language expert Mataia Keepa as science and mātauranga Māori meet in one of the world’s harshest environments.

Another New Zealand world premiere, Feather Strength, directed by Jon Earle, was made over more than a decade. The documentary follows Earle’s family life and the realities of raising a daughter with profound developmental disabilities.

The programme also includes a French focus supported by Institut Français and the Embassy of France in New Zealand, with films including Inside Gaza, Collapse, Cagnat, Drawing or Nothing and If You Don’t Like It, Look Away.

Wellington audiences will be able to attend screenings at The Roxy Cinema in Miramar from July 15 to 26. The wider festival also includes Auckland screenings from June 24 to July 12, Christchurch screenings from July 31 to Aug. 2, and nationwide Virtual Cinema screenings from July 27 to Aug. 10.

The full programme and tickets are available at docedge.nz.

The off-peak Snapper fare discount has also been reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent.

Metlink says the increase follows Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Annual Fares Review, which is used to keep fares in line with inflation and operating costs.

The council says the review helps ensure passengers contribute a balanced share toward running and improving the network, alongside ratepayers and funding partners including the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Greater Wellington Public Transport Committee chair Ros Connelly said the council agreed to raise fares earlier this year to respond to cost pressures and revenue loss.

“We resolved to raise fares prior to the current conflict in the Middle East to mitigate cost pressures and address revenue loss,” Connelly said.

“Since then, the cost of diesel has skyrocketed, costing Metlink an extra $200,000 a week.”

Connelly said Metlink understood the cost-of-living pressure facing households.

“However, even with the inflation-adjusted fares, using public transport saves personal fuel use and contributes to the running of the whole network.

“We are also having to balance fiscal responsibility and funding constraints with affordability, ensuring our fare revenue meets targets set by NZTA.”

From May 15, the cost of a three-zone trip increased by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for people travelling to the CBD from suburbs such as Miramar or Karori.

For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the adult Snapper fare rose by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.

Wellington passengers can check updated fares for their route through the Metlink Journey Planner or fare information at metlink.org.nz.

Despite the defeat, the Phoenix capped off a record-breaking campaign with the club’s first appearance in an A-League Women grand final, cementing their rise as one of New Zealand football’s biggest success stories this season.

Melbourne City took control early, with Matildas striker Holly McNamara scoring twice before halftime. Fellow Australian international Leticia McKenna added a third shortly after the break, putting the hosts firmly in command.

The Phoenix refused to fold. Makala Woods gave Wellington hope early in the second half, tapping home after goalkeeper Malena Mieres failed to hold a header from Mackenzie Anthony. The visitors pushed hard for another goal but could not break through City’s defence again.

Phoenix coach Bev Priestman said her side failed to show their best in the opening half but was proud of the response after the break.

“When you’re not at your best a team like City can punish you,” Priestman said post-match.

“What I am proud of is in the second half we gave a much better account of ourselves. We never gave up, which I think is important, but it wasn’t our best night.”

Priestman said the experience of playing in a grand final would help the young squad grow.

“These are the moments that make players and make clubs depending on how you respond,” she said.

“I’ve got no doubt that dressing room will respond in the right way and push on.”

The match also featured the first use of VAR in A-League Women grand final history. Melbourne City appealed for a penalty just four minutes into the game after Bryleeh Henry went down in the box, but the decision not to award a spot kick was upheld after review.

Wellington created several chances throughout the night. Brooke Nunn, Grace Jale and Pia Vlok all threatened before halftime, while Woods and Anthony sparked a much stronger second-half performance as the Phoenix chased a comeback.

The result ends a remarkable campaign for the Wellington side, which exceeded expectations under Priestman and captured support across the capital and beyond.

The arrived in Wellington on Sunday morning and will celebrate the season with supporters at Fraser Park later in the day.

Thai Festival: Sawasdee New Zealand, 70 Years of Friendship will be held at the Michael Fowler Centre from 10am to 4pm on May 16.

The free, all-ages event is being organised by the Royal Thai Embassy alongside Thai communities across Aotearoa.

Festival-goers can expect traditional Thai cultural performances, Khon mask performances, authentic Thai cuisine, fruit and vegetable carving demonstrations, guided meditation sessions and traditional Thai massage experiences.

A Muay Thai workshop is scheduled for 2pm, while exhibitions throughout the day will showcase Thailand’s intangible cultural heritage and royal-endorsed traditional Thai attire.

The official opening ceremony begins at 10.45am.

His Excellency Mongkol Visitstump said the festival marked an important milestone between the two countries.

“This event is a milestone activity marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and New Zealand,” he said.

“We warmly invite you, your family, and your friends to join us in this special celebration and experience the rich traditions and hospitality of Thailand.”

Visitors will also be able to take part in a Thai quiz, giveaways and a lucky draw featuring hotel accommodation packages, Thai food vouchers and massage prizes.

Organisers say the event aims to celebrate the long-standing friendship and cultural connections shared between Thailand and New Zealand.

The Phoenix face the four-time champions in Melbourne on Saturday night, with kickoff scheduled for 6.15pm NZT. It will be the club’s first appearance in an A-League women’s grand final and the first time a New Zealand women’s side has competed for the title.

Head coach Bev Priestman said the occasion meant more than silverware for the club.

“As the only professional women’s football team in New Zealand, we want to put women’s football in New Zealand on the map,” Priestman told media before the team departed Wellington Airport.

“It’s not just about representing Wellington, it is about representing New Zealand.”

The Phoenix booked their place in the decider after defeating Brisbane Roar FC 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, with forward Makala Woods scoring twice in extra time in front of 5,923 fans at Porirua Park.

Priestman said the challenge now was ensuring her side recovered emotionally and physically after the dramatic semi-final win.

“We’ve got to be careful that the last game doesn’t become our final,” she said.

“Finals football is about turning up fresh, hungry and enjoying the moment.”

The Phoenix squad remains unchanged for the grand final, led by captain Mackenzie Barry and Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson. Midfielder Macey Fraser and forward Grace Jale are also expected to play key roles against a Melbourne City side that finished top of the regular-season table.

City earned hosting rights after beating rivals Melbourne Victory FC 2-0 on aggregate in their semi-final.

The Melbourne club is chasing a record-equalling fifth championship and could complete a rare treble after already securing the Premiers’ Plate this season.

City have been boosted by the return of Danella Butrus from injury, although several players remain unavailable because of international duty and suspension.

The Phoenix will again be without captain CJ Bott, who is pregnant, while Tessel Middag, Sabitra Bhandari, Alyssa Whinham and Emma Main remain sidelined through injury.

For the first time, video assistant referee technology will be used in a Ninja A-League grand final.

The match will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport, Sky Open and streaming platforms Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.

The Dome Under Film Festival, known as DUFF, will run from May 14 to 16 at Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place.

The Wellington screenings mark the festival’s Aotearoa New Zealand debut. Space Place will present “Best of the Fest” sessions featuring eight films from Museums Victoria’s 2026 festival line-up, including award-winning and highly commended entries.

Fulldome films are created specifically for planetarium screens, surrounding viewers with 360-degree visuals and sound.

Organisers say the programme showcases some of the best immersive cinema from across Australasia and beyond.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $18 for children per session. Entry also includes access to Space Place galleries and telescope viewings on clear nights.

Space Place thanked Museums Victoria for helping bring the festival to Wellington.

Last week, Year 10 and 11 German students attended a cultural presentation from Year 13 student Marek Smutek and his exchange partner Jacob, who recently visited from Munich.

Over the summer holidays, Marek spent six weeks in Germany living with a host family and attending high school in Munich as part of the New Zealand–Germany exchange programme. The initiative has offered Wellington College Year 12 students the chance to experience German language and culture since 1989.

Jacob later travelled to New Zealand, spending six weeks at Wellington College and experiencing Kiwi life before returning home to Germany.

The programme aims to strengthen cultural understanding between New Zealand and Germany while encouraging students to learn languages and engage with different cultures.

Teachers said opportunities like the exchange help students develop confidence, broaden their world view and create lasting international friendships.