🐝 WellyBuzz – Friday, March 7, 2025

Hey Wellington! 🌞

Welcome to another edition of your favourite weekly buzz! We're all about keeping you connected to the very best of this wonderful city – from epic events to hidden gems, and everything in between. So, grab your coffee, curl up, and let's jump into the weekend!

To kick things off, check out our Newtown Festival Highlights reel below from last Sunday 🎶🎭 What a day it was! 🎉 From incredible live music and delicious street food to vibrant performances and local artisans, Newtown Festival brought the energy once again! 💃✨

🔥 In This Week's Buzz:

• 🕰️ Welly's Time Machine – A blast to the past 🏛️

• 🌟 Local Legends: Businesses you need to know about 🏪

• 🍽️ Food & Drink – New! Local eats and treats 🥂

• 🎭 Events: Your Weekend Lineup – Fun, art, and everything in between 🎤

• 🎉 Extra Sprinkles: Shoutouts to our community heroes 💛

• 🌤️ Welly Weather Watch – Your forecast for fun! ☀️

🎉 Poll Results: You Asked, We Listened!

Thanks to everyone who voted in last week's poll! The results are in, and Food & Drink was the clear winner with 50% of the votes. So this week, we've added a delicious new section highlighting local eateries and cafés! Let us know what you think at [email protected] 💬

🕰️ Time Machine: Lambton Quay Then & Now

Take a trip back to the 1920s with this comparison of Lambton Quay. In the top image, we see bustling streetcars and Sowman’s Tobacco Store, a lively spot in the heart of Wellington. Fast forward to today, and the street has transformed into the modern cityscape we know, with sleek buildings and busy pedestrian pathways.

The New Zealand Railways Booking Office once stood proudly at the intersection, but today, it’s part of the evolving skyline. A quick stroll down Lambton Quay shows just how far we've come, while still holding onto our rich history.

🌟 Local Legends: Two Wellington Businesses You Need to Know 🏪

🌟 Sustainability Trust 🌱

Location: 2 Forresters Lane, Te Aro

Looking to make your home greener and your wallet happier? The Sustainability Trust is your go-to spot! This social enterprise helps Wellingtonians create healthier homes and reduce waste with eco-friendly products, energy advice, and home assessments. Their friendly team can help you with everything from home insulation to composting! Plus, they run awesome workshops where you can learn practical skills like making beeswax wraps, growing veggies, or fixing your bike. Drop by their EcoShop for eco-friendly goodies that make sustainable living super easy! 🌱♻️

🌟 Capital E 🎮

Location: 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington

Looking for a fun, creative day out with the kids? Capital E is Wellington's hidden treasure for families! This innovative space offers two amazing experiences: PlayHQ, an interactive digital playground where kids can explore ever-changing tech installations, and captivating live performances designed just for young audiences. Their school holiday programs are legendary, with workshops in animation, music-making, and storytelling that spark imagination and creativity. It's the perfect rainy day activity that kids love and parents appreciate for its educational value! 🎭🎨

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🍽️ Food & Drink: Wellington's Tasty Treasures 🥂

🍴 Highwater Eatery 🥂

Location: 54 Cuba Street, Te Aro

One of Cuba Street's brightest stars, Highwater Eatery combines ethical eating with mouth-watering flavors! This sustainable restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, zero-waste practices, and natural wines. Their ever-changing menu showcases the best local produce in creative, delicious ways. Try their house-made sourdough (baked fresh daily) with cultured butter – it's simple but absolutely divine! With its relaxed vibe and commitment to both taste and planet, Highwater is the perfect spot for a guilt-free treat. 🌿🍷 Check out their menu here.

☕ Flight Coffee Hangar ☕

Location: 119 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Need a place to fuel up? Flight Coffee Hangar is the spot for fantastic coffee and inventive brunch options. Located on Dixon Street, this cosy eatery started as a roastery and has since grown into a must-visit spot for those who appreciate great coffee and delicious meals. Their menu features twists on classic brunch favourites, with options like Belgium waffles topped with roasted plums, mascarpone, and rhubarb syrup, or a hearty brekky burrito packed with chorizo, avocado, and scrambled eggs.

The coffee here is brewed to perfection by their skilled baristas, and the vibe is relaxed – perfect for catching up with friends or getting your caffeine fix before you start your day. Whether you’re vegan or not, there’s something for everyone at the Hangar.

Tip: Don't miss their house made granola – it’s a perfect combo of crunchy goodness and sweet fruit! 🍽️☕

☕ Picnic Cafe ☕

Location: Botanic Garden, Wellington

Looking for a cozy spot to relax? Picnic Cafe in the Botanic Garden offers a peaceful setting for enjoying hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches. With a menu packed full of local ingredients, their signature Big Picnic Breakfast and smoked salmon nicoise salad are standout choices. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a savory meal, Picnic Cafe has something for everyone.

The friendly vibe and beautiful garden views make it a perfect spot to unwind, whether you're grabbing a coffee or enjoying a full meal.

Tip: Don’t miss the Rhubarb & Apple Crumble – it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! 🍓🍽️

🎵 Vinyl Bar 🎶

Location: 66 Courtenay Place, Wellington

Looking for the ultimate retro party experience? Vinyl Bar is Wellington’s top spot for nostalgic tunes and vibrant vibes. Spinning the best hits from the 60s to the early 2000s, this bar offers an unmatched atmosphere for those who love to dance and unwind. Whether you’re enjoying a drink with friends in the secret courtyard or exploring their extensive record collection, you’ll feel right at home.

They serve a great selection of back-shelf spirits, local draft beers, and tasty nibbles, making it the perfect venue for after-work drinks or a fun night out.

Tip: Check out their legendary party nights—you’ll leave as a die-hard fan! 🎧🍻

🎉 Weekend Events: What's On This Weekend!

Friday 7 March

🎶 Groove Armada NZ Tour 2025
Location: TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm. Catch global dance legends Groove Armada live at TSB Arena, performing their biggest hits and iconic anthems. Don't miss the electrifying night, with support from General Lee! R18. 🎧. Get your tickets here.

🎭 NZ Fringe Festival 2025
Location: Various Wellington Venues
The NZ Fringe Festival continues with an exciting lineup of local and international performances. Don’t miss out on this celebration of creativity and bold artistic expression! 🎉

🎭 Richard III
Location: Muritai School, Eastbourne
Dates: 6–8 March, 7:30pm. Shakespeare’s Richard III is on stage in Eastbourne with performances throughout March. Tickets available now! 🎟️

🎭 The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
Location: Te Auaha Gallery, 65 Dixon Street, Wellington
Dates: 6–8 March. Experience an elegant dance exploration by Lucy Marinkovich and Michael Parmenter, inspired by the darkness of the night. Tickets available for all ages. 🌙🩰

🎬 Porirua Movie Night: Tinā
Location: Pauatahanui School, Porirua
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Enjoy a fun community movie night with a screening of Tinā and snacks, followed by a tour of the Pauatahanui Community Emergency Hub. Free entry, but booking required. 🎥🍿

🎭 Operatunity Presents - From Phantom to Les Mis
Location: Carterton Events Centre, Carterton
Time: 11:00am – 12:45pm. Enjoy iconic musical hits from Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and more, performed by top talent including Russell Dixon and Kate Lineham. Tickets include complimentary morning tea! 🎶

🍺 Rare Beer Challenge
Location: 7 Leeds St, Wellington
Time: 3:00pm. Join Fortune Favours and top NZ breweries for a fundraiser featuring unique rare beers brewed with unusual ingredients. A fun way to support Rare Disorders NZ while sampling one-of-a-kind brews. Cheers! 🍻

🍻 International Women’s Day Celebration
Location: Waitoa Bar, Victoria Street, Wellington
Time: 4:00pm. Join us to launch our Pink Boots Society Beer in celebration of women in brewing! Enjoy guest taps from female-led breweries, live music by Hoot’n’Annies, and support a great cause. Raise a glass and toast to women in craft beer! 🎶🍺

🎶 Live Music - Luca Joass
Location: Get Fixed Bicycle Cafe, Porirua
Time: 6:00pm. Catch Luca Joass live with acoustic renditions of classic rock, modern pop, and his own original tunes. Free admission for all ages! 🎸🎤

🎉 Epuni School Twilight Gala
Location: Epuni Primary School, Lower Hutt
Time: 4:00pm – 7:30pm. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with food, games, raffles, bouncy castles, and live entertainment at the Epuni School Twilight Gala. Free entry for all ages! 🎪🎶

🎶 Vera Ellen - Supported by Greta O'Leary
Location: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, Wellington
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Catch Vera Ellen live as she kicks off the Rongo Rehutai series at Te Papa. Enjoy an evening of top New Zealand talent with support from Greta O'Leary. All ages welcome! 🎤🎸

🎶 Velvet Soul
Location: The Rogue and Vagabond, Wellington
Time: 9:30pm. Join Little Luey T and The Velvet Tones for a soulful night at The Rogue and Vagabond, featuring smooth vocals and classic soul hits. Free entry, R18. 🎤🎶

🎶 The Bitter Brothers Album Launch and Concert
Location: Abandoned Taproom Petone, Lower Hutt
Time: 8:00pm – 10:15pm. Join The Bitter Brothers for an unforgettable album launch night at Abandoned Taproom! Enjoy their mix of original and traditional folk music, with the new album available on vinyl and CD. General Admission tickets available. 🎸🎤

🍷 Palliser Sunset Fridays
Location: Palliser Estate Wines, Kitchener St, Martinborough
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a relaxing evening of live music, Italian-inspired food, and fine Palliser wines in the beautiful Palliser Estate courtyard. Free admission, all ages welcome! 🍇

🏅 NZ Rural Games
Location: The Square, Palmerston North
Dates: Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm. Join the fun at the NZ Rural Games with 20 championships including timbersports, sheep shearing, axe throwing, and kids' activities like tree climbing and pony kart rides. Free entry, food trucks, and plenty of action all weekend! 🍂🏆

Saturday 8 March

🤘 Bogan Day Out!
Location: Brewtown, 27 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt
Time: 12:00pm – 8:00pm. Get ready for an action-packed day celebrating all things Bogan with live music, a BBQ competition, mullet contest, car displays, and more! 🤠🎸

🍻 Sausage and Cider Festival
Location: The Welsh Dragon Bar, Wellington
Time: 11:00am. Celebrate cider and sausages at the Sausage and Cider Festival with craft ciders from NZ, delicious sausages, live music, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Free entry, come enjoy the vibes! 🎶🌭🍏

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night – Free Family Fun!
Location: Southward Car Museum, Paraparaumu
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Join us for a cozy outdoor movie night at Southward Car Museum after the Kite Festival in Ōtaki! Enjoy a free screening of Elemental, with food trucks on-site. Bring a blanket and relax with the whole family! 🍿🎥

🌍 Afrika Bazaar
Location: Hillary Ct, Naenae, Lower Hutt
Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm. Experience the vibrant flavors and cultures of Africa with food, music, and arts at the Afrika Bazaar in Naenae. A celebration of African heritage for all ages! 🎶🍴

🎶 Y.CV 369 & Mokomoko and the Shwayliens
Location: St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki
Time: 7:00pm. Join Y.CV 369 for the debut of his new single “Only One Day” with support from Mokomoko and the Shwayliens. R18. 🎤

🏃 XTERRA Wellington Festival
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, Raumati
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm. Join the ultimate offroad triathlon and trail running festival, featuring events for all ages, from mountain biking to duathlons and more. Experience Wellington’s stunning coastal terrain! 🌊🚴‍♂️

🌈 Wellington Pride Parade
Location: Courtenay Place, Wellington
Time: 5:30pm – 11:00pm. Celebrate diversity and creativity at the Wellington Pride Parade with vibrant performances and energetic crowds. Free admission for all ages! 🏳️‍🌈

🎻 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Timeless Beauty
Location: Carterton Events Centre
Time: 7:30pm. Experience an enchanting evening of Baroque music with Handel, Locke, and Telemann, featuring powerful orchestral works and a dynamic performance. Tickets available for all ages. 🎶✨

🌈 Out at the Zoo – Wellington Pride Festival
Location: Wellington Zoo, Newtown
Dates: Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm | Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm. Celebrate diversity with live performances, drag shows, kapa haka, face painting, rainbow snacks, and more at Wellington Zoo. Join the fun and support Aotearoa’s rainbow communities! 🌟🦄🎤

🌱 Tapu Te Ranga Island Bay Community Pātaka Kai Opening
Location: Island Bay Library, Wellington
Time: 6:45am – 9:00am. Join us for the blessing and opening of the Pātaka Kai at Island Bay Library, followed by kai and coffee at the Community Centre. Bring some food to share or help stock the pātaka. All are welcome! 🍞🍎

🎃 Creepy Cute Market
Location: Thistle Hall, Cuba St, Wellington
Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm. Explore a wickedly fun market where spooky meets sweet! From eerie art to ghoul-inspired fashion, find unique gifts and support local artists. All ages welcome! 🎨👻

🍽️ Dinner & A Show
Location: The Grill Restaurant, Masterton
Time: 5:30pm – 10:00pm. Enjoy a 2-course dinner followed by a night of laughter and jaw-dropping hypnosis with Rob Young. A one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget! R16. 🍷🎭

🎉 Kilbirnie Rec Centre Community Event
Location: Kilbirnie Rec Centre, Kilbirnie
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm. Enjoy a FREE community event with inflatables, volleyball, skateboarding, roller skating, and more at Kilbirnie Rec Centre! Plus, don’t miss the sausage sizzle! 🌭🎉

🎤 Comedy on the Coast
Location: Kapiti Playhouse, Paraparaumu
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm. Laugh out loud with Patch Lambert and a stellar lineup including Nathan Bond, Therese Angland, and more. A night of hilarious comedy hosted by Lorraine Hamilton. R16. 🎭😂

🍷 Chill Vibe Afternoon
Location: Big Sky Wines, Martinborough
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Join us for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting, live music, and delicious food at Big Sky Wines and Equilibrium Makers. Family and dog-friendly event with wine, bubbles, and food truck treats. Free admission! 🎶🍇

🪁 Ōtaki Kite Festival
Location: Ōtaki Beach, Ōtaki
Dates: Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm | Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm. Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family with spectacular kites, live entertainment, market stalls, and kids’ activities at the Ōtaki Kite Festival. Free entry, bring your own kite or buy one on-site! 🌈🪁

🍏 Pick Your Own Apples at Molewood Orchard
Location: Molewood Orchard, Greytown
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Head to Molewood Orchard in Greytown for a fun family day of picking fresh apples and pears. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful orchard setting. Free entry, pay per kg for the fruit! 🍎🌳

🎤 Hoea! A Showcase from FestPAC 2024
Location: PĀTAKA Art + Museum, Porirua
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm. Experience a captivating showcase of movement, taonga puoro, and spoken word from artists who represented NZ at FestPAC 2024 in Hawaii. Free admission for all ages. 🎶🌺

🚴 Cliffhanger 6.1Km Sealed Hillclimb
Location: Tupurupuru Te Wharau Road, Carterton
Dates: Saturday & Sunday. Join the 24th Annual Cliffhanger Hillclimb for 2 days of thrilling racing on roadbikes, trackbikes, and sidecars. Early registration discounts available. Camping and food trucks on-site! 🏁🚴‍♂️

🎶 Ska Party with Ska Pai
Location: MOON 1, Wellington
Time: 7:30pm. Join Ska Pai and special guests Skarpakazoo for a high-energy ska punk night! Enjoy live music, our bi-annual pie dancing competition, and plenty of fun. Dress up, dance, and celebrate unity! 🎤🖤🤍

Sunday 9 March

🎉 Sky Stadium 25th Birthday Celebration
Location: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Time: 11:00am. Celebrate Sky Stadium’s 25th birthday with activities for all ages, including behind-the-scenes access, on-field drills, bouncy castles, face painting, and more! Free entry and parking. 🎈🏉

🎬 Vivienne Westwood: Do It Yourself!
Location: Te Papa Museum, Wellington
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm. Watch the documentary on Vivienne Westwood's legacy, fashion impact, and activism at Te Papa. Free entry to Te Papa, tickets required for the screening. 🍿✨

🎶 Seaweed Fest Farewell with Sea Shanties
Location: Worser Bay Boating Club, Wellington
Time: 5:30pm. Join the Wellington Sea Shanty Society for a rousing farewell to Seaweed Fest, accompanied by seaweed-inspired gins from ImaGINation. Don’t miss out on this fun, final event! 🎶🍸

🌾 Open Farms Day at Mangaroa Farms
Location: Mangaroa Farms, 98 Whitemans Valley Road
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm. Join us for a fun-filled day with local food, live music, garden tours, kids' activities, and more at Mangaroa Farms! Don’t miss the famous smoked lamb buns and our signature BBQ. Book garden tours in advance! 🍽️🎶🐑

🎉 Trust House Children’s Day
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm. Enjoy a fun-filled day with activities and learn about local community organisations supporting children. A great event for the whole family! 🌟🎨

🌿 Wild Wellington at Zealandia
Location: Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, Karori, Wellington
Time: 4:00pm – 7:15pm. Join author Michael Szabo for a kōrero about his new book Wild Wellington, followed by an exclusive after-hours tour of Zealandia to experience the dusk chorus. Tickets available for the talk only or with the tour. 🦜📚

⚽ Ninja A-League – Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney
Location: Porirua Park, Porirua
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Support your Wellington Phoenix women as they take on Western Sydney Wanderers in an epic match at Porirua Park. Be there at 4:00pm for the action! 🙌⚽

🌊 Seaweed Fest 2025: Whānau Festival Farewell & Snorkel
Location: Worser Bay, Wellington
Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm. Celebrate the end of Seaweed Fest with snorkelling, sandcastles, seaweed tours, art-making, and sea shanties at Worser Bay. Bring your whānau for a day of fun by the beach! 🌊🏖️

🎶 Summer Sunday Sessions
Location: The Vineyard Cafe at Margrain Vineyard, Martinborough
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Relax with live music, great food, and a glass of Margrain wine every Sunday afternoon at the vineyard. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the sunshine! 🎤🍷

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market
Location: Otaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm. Explore local arts, crafts, produce, and food trucks at this vibrant outdoor market. With everything from pre-loved clothing to delicious snacks, it’s a perfect Sunday outing. 🎨🍯🎶

💃 Bailamos Bachata! Latin Dance Party
Location: Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Join the fun at Wellington's favourite Bachata dance party! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, enjoy a free Bachata lesson followed by a lively social. Food and drink purchases at the venue support the event. 🕺🎶

🌤️ Welly Weather Watch:

Friday 7 March: Cloudy with sunny breaks in the afternoon, perfect for after-work fun! 🌞 Max 19°C

Saturday 8 March: Partly cloudy with afternoon rain – bring your umbrella! 🌧️ Max 20°C

Sunday 9 March: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers – cozy indoor plans anyone? 🌧️ Max 17°C

💚 Extra Sprinkles: Wellington Women's Refuge 🌱

This week, we're highlighting Wellington Women's Refuge, an amazing organization providing support to women and children experiencing family violence. For over 40 years, they've offered safe housing, advocacy, and practical help to those in need. Their dedicated team works 24/7 to ensure women and children can access safety and support when they need it most. 💜🏠

Want to help? Consider donating household items, toiletries, or non-perishable food. Volunteers are always needed for their op shop, and financial contributions help keep their essential services running. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Wellingtonians. 🙌❤️

Visit their website to learn more about their services or how you can contribute to their vital work. 💚

📬 Stay buzzing Welly!

Ngā mihi nui,

Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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