Ten years of Tomboy comes to an end
First dates evolve into marriage and babies, and watching kids be born and grow up. A decade of Tomboy moves on. READ MORE.
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NEWS BRIEFS – August
Ringing bells
Mt Victorians may have been surprised to suddenly hear the bells of the Carillon once more in July.
Sydney-based carillonist Isaac Wong performed a programme of French Baroque arrangements including ‘Le Sauvages’ and ‘Andante’ on Saturday 18 July, and music favourites from films like Harry Potter and Interstellar on Sunday 19 July.
Residents can look forward to recitals from visiting carillonists on the third weekend of every month at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Concerts will feature a variety of music, including classical, jazz, contemporary works, traditional hymns, and popular arrangements.
Recitals are 30 minutes long and begin at 2pm on Saturdays and 12pm on Sundays.
Amalgamation feedback
More than 3000 people submitted their views to the Wellington City Council on a proposed amalgamation with neighbouring councils.
The council says it is now reviewing and analysing the feedback, and a summary will inform the Mayor and Councillors to help inform their decision-making as they consider whether to support submitting a Wellington region proposal.
The council also scheduled two public forums on 29 and 30 July for people to speak in person.
The council emphasised that the Government’s tight deadline mean formal consultation was not possible.
“If a Wellington region proposal is accepted and progressed through to detailed design, we expect to consult with the community at that next stage.”
Michelin star in Mt Victoria
Foodies in Wellington are rejoicing after three restaurants in the city were awarded Michelin stars in the very first assessment by the esteemed Michelin Guide in Aotearoa – including one for Mt Victoria’s own Ortega Fish Shack in Majoribanks Street.
Logan Brown and Jano Bistro were the other two Wellington awards, out of the 14 restaurants given stars in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
On its website, Michelin describes Ortega: “With a nautical ambiance, Ortega focuses on seafood prepared in diverse styles. The menu draws from global influences to highlight the natural qualities of fresh ingredients.”
Ortega staff described the news on social media as “pretty damn epic!”
“Such things have always seemed far outside the realm of our colourful yet humble little world.”
They went on to thank staff past and present.
“Ortega is very much a team effort. For our amazing team who show up and pour each their individual love into the place every day, this is such beautiful recognition. And for our amazing employees past who left each their unique impression, this is as much yours!”
New water bills on their way
The first separate water bills issued by new water entity Tiaki Wai will start arriving with residents this month.
Tiaki Wai took over responsibility for the delivery of water services from councils on 1 July 2026. Water charges are being removed from council rates bills, and will be billed by Tiaki Wai instead. Bills for Wellington City Council properties are going out from 29 July 2026.
The way water is charged will remain the same in year one, according to the agency.
“This year, Tiaki Wai water services charges are calculated in a similar way to how councils calculated them previously, using a mix of fixed charges and charges based on the capital value of your property.
“Over time, Tiaki Wai plans to move to a single regionwide pricing system, where charges are consistent across the region. There will be public consultation before decisions are made.”
According to the calculator on the website, a house valued at $1m in Wellington City would pay $2,550 a year for water charges.
