Welcome to Wellington, NZ!

Has anyone had an encounter with tall brown homless guy, wearing green jacket and holding a microphone? Pretty much followed the family from new world to Frankitts Park, he was saying some pretty weird shit and was quite intimidating. We walked in multiple directions trying to loose him but we couldn't and at one point he looked like he was going to follow my partner and 2 daughters into a public toilet until I jumped in front of him and the door. We stopped by some security guards and they called for more staff and the police. When the police turned up he finally left us then a member of the public came over and told the police he was back and the park so they took off there. Put a bit of a downer on the night as we were constantly looking over our shoulders and kids were terrified.

My partner and I are visiting for the weekend in mid February. We're looking for some activities beyond Te Papa, Weta Studios, the Zoo etc.

We're in our early 40's, able bodied and active/adventurous. It's our Anniversary but don't need to do anything overtly/obviously romantic. We're not interested in anything like an escape room or frightening/scary. Thank you for any suggestions!

That fireworks display for Lunar New year's was way better in everyway than the (western) new years display!

It was longer, and more variety, better time of night (but still dark enough) 10/10!!

Who organised that, they need to be in charge of both displays moving forward

In the cbd right now and there's some hella loud banging rumbling noises, anyone know what's going on?

Hi there, after going bouldering with my uncle in Nelson I have taken a liking to the sport and was wondering where in Wellington is best to pursue it. I have done rope climbing at Fergs as a kid but no bouldering. From the look of some previous posts it seems like Faultline is the better spot to climb at but all those posts are more than half a year old so I was wondering if that was still the case?

Thanks :)

Hey I am visiting Wellington for a bit and I’m going to be trying these food places

Kc Cafe And Takeaway Morteza Kebab Salut Pies Friendly Bakery And Cafe

Any other places in the same vein I should try as well, and are there any here you would not recommend? For those that like these places, what would you recommend off the menu? For kc cafe I was thinking of getting roast duck on rice

It feels like I keep hitting a wall. I’ve viewed several two-bedroom houses in Lower Hutt, found one I liked, applied, and felt like I had a strong chance—only to be told a few days later that I was unsuccessful and the place had been rented. Same cycle repeat.

What am I doing wrong?

I’m a single man with a stable job and can comfortably afford rent and expenses. Right now, I’m flatting, but I used to own my own home before losing it due to a separation. At the time, living with others was crucial for my mental well-being, and it truly helped me get through a tough period. Now that I’ve healed and have a positive outlook on life, I’m ready to find a place to call home and be myself again.

I’ve been upfront about my situation with agents and landlords, but am I being denied because I currently live in a flat? Am I being too honest and hurting my chances?

Would appreciate any advice or insights—what could I do differently to improve my chances?

As per title post, has anyone come across the new V grape in Welly yet ?

I've heard rumors of a new restaurant, $30 for bottomless chicken wings on Wedneaday? I dearly miss Tequila joes and this could be a suitable alternative. Anyone know the name of the place?

Hi, just moved into bason apartment and they have power and water under easypowor but the number to call requests counting from a laneline and I need a power card to text ... online won't let me log in.. if it's even the right website..

I got the keys Friday afternoon and flat mates made it so I had to push hard to move my things out by end of today and now I can't shower or cook food cause it's Saturday and no emails or calls working.

Really need help

Hello,

We (two parents, two kids in primary school) grew up in Paris, moved to Montreal and are now considering moving to Wellington. When we left Paris for Montreal, we went from a city in the process of being less car-centric to a city that wasn’t as far along in that journey. While Montreal has improved in that regard over the last few years, I worry that a move to Wellington would again set us back a few years.

By car-centric, I am not just talking about the alternatives to the car, although bike paths and public transport are an important part of it. I also consider the culture: do most people living in the city consider it an absolute right to be able to drive everywhere and every attempt at reducing the dominance of driving is seen as a “war on cars”? How is the public discourse?

For instance, in Montreal, pedestrian killed by cars are considered an unfortunate but acceptable reality. Police is in general quite lenient when it comes to people speeding, rolling stop signs, etc. And that is despite one of the largest cycling network in North America.

New-York has an extensive rail network and few people drive in Manhattan, yet the public space devoted to cars seems disproportionate to me and cycling remains dangerous.

I’d love to have my kids be able to walk or bike to school / their friends’ house without worrying about them being run over.

So, for those of you who have experienced other cities, how would you rank Wellington now and in the near future?

Thanks.

Kia ora Welly,

I posted this on r/NewZealand but I'm not sure how active the page is so thought I'd also post here.

'm wanting microwave advice and thought I'd ask local because a lot of the online advice is for brands we don't have in NZ.

What type of microwave do you have and are you happy with it?

My reliable old Kambrook is starting to give up after 10 years of service and it's time to find a new one but there are so many mixed reviews and old reviews that I'm struggling.

I'd prefer a microwave with a turntable instead of a flatbed and am mostly looking at either a Sharp or Panasonic but wanted some opinions.

Any advice/recommendations?

Cheers.

Unfortunately, there's a caviat. As there is. I want it to meet several criteria. I want to be able to have a clear view of the Sunset over the Ocean. It needs to be near somewhere that has a really nice restaurant to take her too first. Aforementioned restaurant needs to have Gluten Free options. Hopefully the restaurant is also within walking distance of the beach.

And needs to be within the Wellington region, so pretty obviously on the west coast, but Otaki would be the limit of how far north I want to go. So ideally closer.

Gonna sound so dumb, but it's because a while ago playing Stardew Valley and made a big fuss about needing to go to the beach at sunset to see some event together. And proposed in game.

I want to recreate this for her.

Any suggestions would be amazing, thank you.

Hi, I've been taking a (slightly enforced) break over summer as my previous contact ended in December and now looking to start back. I've been offered a permanent role as a project manager but prefer contract (been doing it 20 years) but there don't seem to be many about (i'm a highly experienced banking whore, no government experience). Do the recruitment consultants on here think the market will pick up early this year or is 2025 going to be a tough one for contractors?

I know about government cuts and people finding it hard to get jobs but I'm interested to hear what recruiters are feeling as the ones I speak to are quite positive and I think they are just being sales people.

Thanks

Travelled to Kapiti on transmission gulley and saw a sea of red pine trees! Then it carried on along the roadside in what looked like a noticeable clear line.

Does anyone know why they’ve turned red? Googles answer of it being Mānuka trees nearby doesn’t feel quite right, it doesn’t look organically done - but I’m ready to be told I’m wrong!

Heaps of stuff to entertain the kids.

Kia Ora everybody. Does anybody know where I can find a Moccamaster Select to buy in store?

Hey r/wellington folks. Please use this daily topic to vent, moan, whinge, rant, and sulk about whatever you like. Wellington related, life related, job related whatever. If you are someone who doesn't want to read moans and rants, don't come in here!

Vent away!

Please note that rant/vent posts that are created elsewhere (not as comments in this topic) will be removed and the users asked to post in here. Do the community a favour and post in here in the first place.

This is a chance to have a chat about Wellington, life, whatever you like. Feel free to speak your mind! Share your thoughts and get opinions. Good, bad, mundane, exciting, it's all welcome. The community is here for you.

Please throw some upvote love towards the topic and leave a few kind comments for your fellow Wellingtonians. Every bit helps and you will get it back when you need it most.

Fancy a good old rant instead? Do it in our daily rant thread.

New to this subreddit? Our wiki has lots of good info on getting around Wellington, what to do when you visit, where to eat and more.

Please remember to use the search function if you are asking something we probably get asked daily.

❤️ Have a cracking day ❤️

Zephyr, the r/Wellington automod

Kia ora, my restricted test is in Porirua on Tuesday and I was wondering if anyone has the details of the route? I practiced it with an instructor just the other day but would like to practice it once more with my dad.

I get quite nervous on the motorway due to the speed so, any other tips and advice would also be greatly appreciated!

Hey all,

Got quoted $500 (300 labour, 200 materials) by a plasterer to fix a dent in my wall. The mark is approximately 20cm in diameter. It does not actually puncture through the wall but is a concave dent.

Is this a legit and fair quote? I have next to zero experience with this sort of thing.

Thanks

Kia ora all, i'm looking at doing an overnight trip to Matiu/Somes island, but they don't allow camping at the moment and both cabins are over $200 a night (can only book out the whole cabin, not just a bed) which is not cool for me as a solo traveller lol. I'd be super keen to join a group that's heading out and split the cost, or if there's a few other people keen we could make a group? Reach out if you'd be keen, would love to hear from you xx

Hi all,

I’m 32 from the USA and need to decide within the next three weeks whether to use my New Zealand Working Holiday Visa (I will have full working rights and can work for any employer for up to 12 months)—since I won’t be eligible for one again as I'm too old.

My background is in project management, software implementation, environment, health & safety, and healthcare administration (I've been lucky to gain work experience in 11 countries onsite and work with teams in 65 countries remotely). I was initially planning to job hunt in Wellington, hoping to secure a contract role (even a short term entry level gig would suit just fine), but after reading about the current job market, I’m seriously reconsidering. It seems like the job market is struggling, and I’m wondering if it’s too risky to go at this point.

A few key concerns:

• I’m not keen on farm work or shared dormitory accommodation for a year.
• I previously landed a corporate role in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.
• I don't need a highly paid corporate gig, I’m open to different types of jobs, but I have no experience in hospitality or blue-collar work which could be a challenge in landing something.
• It seems like the job market in Wellington is weak—would it be a smarter decision to go back to the US and find work there instead?

I’d love to hear from anyone with insights into the Wellington job market or similar experiences. Would it be a huge risk to come to NZ and try to find work, or is it worth the effort? Right now, I’m leaning toward not going, but I don’t want to regret passing up this opportunity. I'm massively indecisive on this...

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Edit/Update: I sincerely appreciate everyone taking the time to respond and for providing a reality check on the current job market. While I’m quite disappointed, based on the feedback I’ve received, I’ve decided its probably best to not to come to Wellington (unless an opportunity presents itself); I'll search other locations, and if the job market looks at least okay, I’ll take the gamble—if not, it’s probably best to head back to the U.S.

I’m currently in Cambodia, and flights to New Zealand are $1,000+ USD, so it’s a big decision. I also realize now that many people are struggling, and I genuinely hope things improve soon. I really appreciate the insight and hope I don’t come across as insensitive to those facing challenges.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Hi I am looking for some groups/events where I can dine out in the city. I want to explore new cafes and restaurants but I really don't want to go alone. Does anyone know of events or groups I can join? I have been searching for these kind of events for so long.

My father in law has recently retired, in his spare time he's been cultivating some native banzai trees, mostly kowhai, rata and pohutukawa is in the works.

Is there a local club or association where people and get together and discuss their craft?

19M I don't have car and really wanna go. Please.

Well well well...

"Public servants across the sector worked from home an average of 0.9 days a week, and the most common day to work from home was Friday, according to the commission"

https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360565952/working-home-least-once-week-one-third-public-servants

I bet the next step will be to target the agencies who might be a little higher or some other bollocks.

EDIT, the actual data can be found at the link below. Note that 55 percent of public servants do not typically work from home, or only do so infrequently 

33 percent of public servants typically work from home either 1 or 2 days per week 

https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/research-and-data/workforce-data-working-in-the-public-service/workforce-data-conditions-of-employment