Wellington City Council

Hey Wellington! 📣 Big decisions are on the table, and we need your input. From how we manage insurance and investment risk to the future of our city’s water services, Wellington City Council is consulting on key issues that will shape the future of Pōneke: ✅ An amendment to the Long-term Plan (LTP) and updates to the Annual Plan - exploring options to manage investment and insurance risks.     💧 Water services reform - The way water services are delivered in New Zealand is changing under new government requirements and we want to know what you think is the best way forward for Wellington.  🔧 What's up for discussion?  Water Services Delivery 💧 We want to know what model we should use to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. What’s the best way to ensure sustainable and reliable services to you? Managing Risk 💼 With an insurance gap of between $1.8 billion and $2.6 billion and most of our investments exposed to the same local risks, should we rethink how we manage investments by reducing borrowing, scaling back, stopping or delaying upgrades and developments? We could also create a diversified investment fund, by selling some of our ground leases, as a form of self-insurance for disasters. Annual Plan Changes 💸 This includes a proposed 12.2% rates increase and other smaller changes to fees and charges.  These decisions will shape Wellington for years to come, so your feedback is critical! Whether it’s about our water services, financial risks, or rates, make your voice heard.  Social media comments don’t count as formal feedback ⚠ to ensure your submission is considered by the Mayor, Councillors, and Pouiwi, please submit your feedback via Let’s Talk, at the links below.     📅 Consultation is open until 21 April 2025. Have you say on Local Water Done Well 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsRuDg72     Have your say on the Long-term Plan 2024-34 Amendment and Annual Plan for 2025-26 👉 https://lnkd.in/gNtWNeff  Or, find out more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCy8533c  Your city, your say! Let’s shape Wellington together 🌍 #OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke 

🌱 A dream job foraging for seeds in Pōneke? Yes, please! Valissa Williamson has found her perfect fit as Wellington City Council’s only Plant Propagation Technician. Her mahi takes her deep into our reserves, across coastlines, and up the hills of Wellington, searching for native seeds that will one day grow into the trees, shrubs, and greenery that make our city wild and beautiful. 🌿 “I have the most rewarding job. I get to wander the hills in our native reserves and coastlines to eco-source native seeds. My role is to propagate over a hundred different native species. It’s a real privilege to contribute to our local environment, I absolutely love it.” Why does this work matter? 🌳 Native replanting helps rebuild ecosystems and increase birdlife 🤝 Collaboration with 100+ volunteer groups strengthens community conservation efforts 🌏 Eco-sourcing seeds ensures we protect and preserve the unique ecological identity of Wellington Whether she’s foraging in Tawa, mapping seeds with a purpose-built Council app, or guiding community nurseries, Valissa is helping to shape the future of Pōneke’s natural environment. And she’s not alone, our Council teams, volunteers, and communities all play a part in protecting our city for future generations. At Wellington City Council, we’re kaitiaki for our people, places, and environment. If you’re looking for work that makes an impact, maybe you belong here too. Find out more about #WorkingForWellington 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAU8rqzx Or, read the full story on Our Wellington 👉 https://lnkd.in/gd8P2-iS #WorkingforWellington #OurWellington #TōtātouPōneke

Why work for Wellington❓ One of the best things about working at the Council is the people. We’re passionate, committed, and care deeply about our city and community. Every day, we see how our mahi makes Pōneke a better place to live, work, and play, whether it’s through our libraries, parks and gardens, pools, or streets. At Wellington City Council, we’re kaitiaki for our people, places, and environment, protecting them for future generations. Our team is supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. Like our city, our mahi is diverse and exciting, and we’re always looking at how we can be more creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Maybe you belong here too? Learn more about #WorkingForWellington 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAU8rqzx #WorkingforWellington #OurWellington #TōtātouPōneke

The Thorndon Quay upgrade project is more than halfway to the finish line! 🚧🎉 We’re on track to have everything done by late July, and the hard mahi to date is really starting to show. Thorndon Quay is a key route for locals and commuters, serving the busiest bus route outside the city centre, with over 10,000 bus passengers and 1,300 cyclists daily. With Wellington’s population set to grow, this upgrade will help improve the route for everyone who relies on it now and in the future. We understand this work has caused some disruption, and we appreciate the patience of our community. We recognise the challenges - it’s a big project! - and it can feel like a long journey. But the end goal is worth it: a safer, more efficient, future-focused route for everyone who travels this busy stretch for work or play. When construction is done and dusted, Thorndon Quay will have: 🚌 Peak-hour bus lanes to make travel by public transport quicker and more reliable for thousands of commuters 🚴 A dedicated, two-way bike lane to help cyclists move more freely with less hazards along the way 🚶♀️ Five new signalised pedestrian/bike crossings, two of which will be raised for added safety 🌱 Improved lighting, planting, and cultural design elements developed in partnership with mana whenua These changes not only look great, they’ll also make a huge difference in how we move around Wellington, with a more connected and safer route for everyone. For those travelling there in the coming months, please take extra care around work zones and follow any signage or instruction from the crews for your safety. Ngā mihi to all those travelling through and sticking with us, that finish line is getting closer! Learn more about the project below 👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/gvJdVhrv #OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke

Building bridges between business and Council 🏙️ Wellington’s central city is evolving, and with change comes both opportunity and challenge. That’s where Prak Sritharan, our Central City Manager, steps in. As a business owner and Council advocate, Prak understands both sides of the conversation. He’s using his on-the-ground experience to support businesses, champion their needs, and help them navigate the city’s transformation. 💡 “When you’re on the outside of the Council, it’s easy to have preconceived notions about how things work. My role is to help businesses understand the process while ensuring their ideas and concerns are heard.” From launching the Courtenay Place precinct plan to working alongside businesses impacted by major infrastructure projects, Prak is dedicated to making sure the creative capital thrives. At Wellington City Council, our people are driven by purpose, we care deeply about our city and the communities that make it thrive. Prak is passionate about making a difference, just like the rest of our team. We’re a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to create change. Curious about the mahi happening in our central city? Explore the transformation here 👉https://lnkd.in/gFeT-C4f Want to be a part of something bigger? See what it’s like to work with us 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAU8rqzx #WorkingforWellington #OurWellington #TōtātouPōneke

We all know, and mostly love, Cuba Street, but did you know it’s named after a settler ship, not the country? 🤔 The Cuba arrived in 1840, and the rest is history! 🏛️ Even in the 1800s, Cuba Street was a hub of activity! Early settlers turned it into a hub with markets where locals sold produce, along with dressmakers, grocers, and butchers setting up shop. By the late 1800s, Cuba Street had become an important part of the city, with businesses like Te Aro House and Nees (now J.J. Murphy’s) setting up shop. Today, over 40 heritage buildings still stand on the street, many of which have stood the test of time. But Cuba Street as we know it almost didn’t happen! When the tram tracks were removed in 1967, the street was pedestrianised, but only as a temporary trial. It was a bold change, and not everyone was on board at first. But as businesses saw the benefits and people embraced the space in a new way, the temporary change became permanent. In 1969, Cuba Mall was officially established, and of course, it wouldn’t be Cuba Mall without the Bucket Fountain, which arrived soon after! 💦 Looking back, it’s hard to imagine Cuba Street any other way. But at the time, these changes were new and uncertain. That’s the nature of a city, it’s always evolving. The places we love today were once just ideas, shaped by the people who live here and the way they use the space. Read more about the history of Cuba Street in the Our Wellington story below 👇 https://lnkd.in/enX6N7H7 #OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke

Can’t beat Welly on a good day? Try can’t beat Welly, full stop!☀️🌊 Sam captured the capital in its absolute element, blue skies, a buzzing waterfront, and Wellingtonians doing what they do best... making the most of our incredible city. From lunchtime dips at Oriental Bay to golden hour strolls along the waterfront, there’s nowhere else quite like it. Some say the city is slowing down, but this tells a whole different story. The energy, the people, the vibes... Wellington isn’t just alive, it’s thriving! 💙✨ Big thanks to Sam Pietras and Create Now for capturing the magic and sharing it with us! If you needed a reminder of why we love this city, here it is! Watch the video below see for yourself 👇 #OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke

What’s it like to work at Wellington City Council you might ask? It’s more than just a job, it’s a place where you can make an impact, feel supported, and grow. Here’s what #WorkingForWellington means for our people: Fair pay & leave 💰 We’re a Living Wage employer with competitive salaries and a range of leave options to support your work-life balance, i.e five weeks of annual leave! Flexibility that works for you ⏳ Whether it’s hybrid working, flexible hours, or job-sharing, we help you work in a way that suits your life. Wellbeing matters 💙 From free flu jabs to employee discounts, social clubs to wellbeing programmes, we prioritise your health and safety. A workplace with purpose 🌏 Our people are proud of the mahi they do, helping shape Wellington’s future every day. Learn & develop 📚 With over 120 online courses, workshops, and training programmes, we invest in your growth. Upskilling & career progression 🎓 From mentorships to professional development funds, we’re here to help you take the next step. A culture of learning 🤝 Whether you’re early in your career or an experienced pro, you’ll have opportunities to grow in a values-driven environment. Here, you don’t just do a job, you build a career with impact. Maybe you belong here? Find out more about Working for Wellington 👉 https://lnkd.in/g6kK68zQ #WorkingforWellington #OurWellington #TōtātouPōneke

Exciting news for Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall! 🎉 Construction is well ahead of schedule, with completion now due for July 2026, eight months earlier than expected! This means we’ll have this iconic venue back in action sooner, and up to $17.5 million of the budget will be returned to the Council. Plans for front-of-house facilities are also on track. These will be built on part of the old Municipal Office Building site, staying within budget and using existing foundations to keep costs down. Discussions continue with Precinct Properties about a larger development, which could include hospitality, retail, and office space. Meanwhile, Te Ngākau Civic Square is coming back to life and will reopen in March 2026 with: ✅ Te Matapihi Central Library reopening (on time and on budget) ✅ City Gallery strengthened and reopened ✅ Basement strengthening and new services installed ✅ The plaza redeveloped, landscaped, and reopened ✅ CAB and MOB demolition completed, with the site cleared By the end of 2025, Wellington City Council will move back to 68 Jervois Quay, taking the Council back to the Te Ngākau neighbourhood to play a key role in reactivating the area. The Te Ngākau Precinct Development Plan will be finalised in July 2025, setting the vision for the area’s future. Wellington is getting its heart back! 💙 Read more about this exciting news 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wR8kQ #OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke

Ever seen a Glambot at the Oscars? 👀 We made our own, WCC style! ✨The award for Best Supporting Role in Keeping the City Running goes to… everyone featured! 🏆 From parks to planning, libraries to lifeguards, and everything in between, this is what #WorkingForWellington looks like. Our people make a real impact across our city, and we’re proud to celebrate them. Want to be part of it? Learn more and explore opportunities below👇https://lnkd.in/gAU8rqzx #WorkingforWellington #OurWellington #TōtātouPōneke