🐝 Welly Buzz: Ice Skating, Matariki Magic & More

Kia ora Wellington - mid-June is here, and we’re halfway to Matariki magic ✨
The nights are longer, the scarves are fluffier, and the soups are getting serious. But don’t even think about hibernating yet – this weekend is brimming with soulful gigs, delicious markets, and creative gems across the city.

And a big milestone to share – Welly Buzz just hit 12,000 subscribers!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of this buzzing little community. We’re so grateful you’re here.

Bundle up, grab your mates, and get amongst it 🐝

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

⛸️ Wellington Ice Rink – Skate under the stars with disco lights and winter magic at Queen’s Wharf. Back for 2025!
🎸 Come Together: Live Rust – A live tribute to Neil Young’s Live Rust album by NZ music stars.
🛍️ Matariki Market – Vintage finds, handmade taonga, art, and Y2K fashion - all by the waterfront.
🛍️ Brooklyn Community Market – Crystals, crafts, coffee, and a sausage sizzle (plus knife sharpening while you shop!).
🎉 Philippine Independence Day Celebration – Live performances, food, and Filipino pride in Lower Hutt.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week – Meet Minnie, the adorable puppy who brings endless happiness!
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – The fascinating story of Wellington’s cinematic beginnings!
🌟 Local Legends – 2 small biz gems to check out
📦 Buzz Box Poll – Help shape a new local gift idea!
🍽️ Food & Drink – 2 mouthwatering eateries to try
🎉 Events – What’s on across Wellington this weekend
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – A weekend of showers giving way to some sunshine!
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Discover how Arohanui Strings is hitting all the right notes in our community!

🐾 Pet of the Week – Minnie

Say hello to this week's furry legend, the utterly adorable Minnie! This tiny 1.5-kilo puppy brings endless happiness to Kylie and Matty. After the sad passing of their beloved Ella-Mae in July 2024, Kylie was inspired to write Ella-Mae the Show Puppy Crosses the Rainbow Bridge, a heartfelt book helping children navigate pet loss. While no new pet replaces a cherished friend, Minnie brings a new chapter of joy. Also from Kylie, look out for her upcoming My Kiwi Garden, an adorable book inspiring kids to love nature.

Got a pet that steals the show? 🐾 Nominate your furry, feathery, or scaly friend for Pet of the Week by emailing a photo and blurb to [email protected]!

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine - Wellington’s first cinema

Wellington’s first purpose-built cinema was the Kings Theatre on Dixon Street, opening in 1910. It launched the silver-screen era here – by 1914 it even hosted the Wellington premiere of Hinemoa (NZ’s first feature film), complete with a live orchestra. Not bad for a city that now streams everything on demand!

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gems to Check Out:

Possum Boutique (144 Lambton Quay)

A local favourite for over 10 years, this family-run store specialises in premium NZ-made possum merino knitwear - soft, warm, and made to last. These eco-friendly garments don’t shed microplastics, need minimal washing, and support native wildlife by helping control invasive possums. Pop in and discover the best in natural fibre luxury, right in the heart of the city.

Patina Jewellery (9 Riddiford St, Newtown)

Locally made, lovingly crafted. For 18 years, designer Christine Snoeijer has been creating bespoke silver and gold jewellery from her Newtown studio. Her pieces are known for their organic feel, minimalist design, and quiet elegance - all handmade on-site in the heart of this vibrant suburb.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Coco Kai Cafe (545 High St, Lower Hutt)

A warm ‘home-cooking’ café vibe on High St, Lower Hutt. Enjoy juicy burgers, hearty pastas or grilled chicken in a friendly setting. A great spot for a relaxed lunch or casual dinner with friends.

Baobab Café – 152 Riddiford St, Newtown

A beloved all-day café and garden bar serving truly nourishing fare - from buddha bowls, free-range egg dishes, hearty soups, crinkle-cut fries, nachos, lamb shank, and vibrant vegan options. Share a cozy courtyard moment while enjoying Friday-night live music: on June 13, Hanwho performs soulful tunes from 6:30 pm, with dinner and happy-hour specials from 5:30–9 pm 🥁🎶

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Arohanui Strings

Arohanui Strings is a Hutt Valley-based music programme offering free lessons in strings, brass, and woodwind to kids aged 6–18. Inspired by Sistema, it helps children gain confidence, discipline, and life skills through the power of music. Their work is 100% donation-funded, helping tamariki access opportunities they might otherwise miss.

👉 Learn more: arohanuistrings.org
💛 Donate: Givealittle – Arohanui Strings

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday, 13 June

🎸 Come Together – Live Rust
Neil Young’s legendary Live Rust album performed in full by an all-star NZ lineup – plus a bonus set of deep cuts and classic hits.
📍 The Opera House | 🕒 8:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ From $99 | All ages

🎭 Wāhine Auaha Festival
Six nights of short plays and stand-up by Wellington’s funniest and fiercest women – plus local art and fundraising for Women’s Refuge.
📍 Mana Little Theatre, Plimmerton | 🕒 Wed–Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm | 🎟️ $20–$25 | R12

🛍️ Matariki Māori Business Showcase
Celebrate Māori enterprise with a vibrant showcase of local creators, designers, and innovators as part of Te Papa’s Matariki events.
📍 Te Papa, Wellington | 🕒 Daily, 9am–6pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🍺 Dark Beer Week 2025
Garage Project’s legendary celebration of stouts, doppelbocks, and imperial brews is back – plus quizzes, flights, and favourites like Aro Noir and Cabbages & Kings.
📍 Garage Project Taproom, Aro Valley | 🎟️ Free | All ages licensed

🎤 Friday Laughs with Rhiannon McCall & Keegan Thomas
A top-tier comedy showcase headlined by Rhiannon McCall (7 Days, TVNZ, Viva La Dirt League) with rising star Keegan Thomas and a stellar local lineup.
📍 The Fringe Bar | 🕒 8pm–9:45pm | 🎟️ $25.81–$39.18 | R18

🌌 Hā: Matariki Event
A soul-soothing Matariki meditation guided by Jase Te Patu with taonga pūoro by Te Kahureremoa Taumata — a sacred night to breathe, reflect, and reset.
📍 Awhi Yoga, Johnston St | 🕒 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $28.92 | All ages

🎶 In The Shallows Winter Tour ’25
Lush harmonies and heartfelt indie-folk-pop from In The Shallows as they bring their fresh new sound and upcoming album to Raumati.
📍 Raumati Social Club | 🕒 7:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ Koha appreciated | All ages

🎸 Earth Tongue
Fresh from Europe and heading to Dark Mofo, this Berlin-based psych-fuzz duo brings their mind-bending, cult-favourite live show to Wellington.
📍 Meow Nui, Te Aro | 🕒 8:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $39 | R18

🎧 Birdparty Live with RadioActive.FM
A brooding, synth-driven live set performed in-gallery alongside the haunting short film Minimum Wage, part of RadioActive.FM’s Active Live series.
📍 Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt | 🕒 3:30pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎵 Livin the Dream
Kick back with local band Livin the Dream at Club Wairarapa – live music, good vibes, and dinner available from the Whatman Restaurant.
📍 Club Wairarapa, Masterton | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages licensed

🎶 Brazza!
Warm up your winter with Brazilian funk, classic covers, and original grooves from Brazza! – live and loud at The Rogue and Vagabond.
📍 Rogue & Vagabond, Te Aro | 🕒 9:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | R18

🎼 Concert à Quatre
A lunchtime escape into baroque beauty with soprano, recorder, cello, and harpsichord – from Monteclair to Dowland in a stunning cathedral setting.
📍 Wellington Cathedral of St Paul | 🕒 12:45pm–1:30pm | 🎟️ Koha $10 | All ages

🌠 After Dark: Matariki
Celebrate Matariki at Te Papa with live music, art, kai, hands-on workshops, and late-night kōrero – plus a first look at landmark exhibitions.
📍 Te Papa, Wellington | 🕒 7:30pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ Free | R18

🌌 Celebrate Matariki at Marsden
A community evening of kai, student performances, stargazing, crafts, and Matariki magic – open to all, rain or shine.
📍 Samuel Marsden Collegiate, Karori | 🕒 5:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌟 Tree of Remembrance
Visit Nairn Street Cottage’s heritage garden and honour loved ones by adding a star-shaped message to the Tree of Remembrance this Matariki.
📍 Nairn Street Cottage, Te Aro | 🕒 Fri 13 June – Fri 4 July, all hours | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🏋️ North Island Weightlifting Champs 2025
Top lifters from across the North Island go head-to-head in this 3-day Olympic weightlifting showdown. Big lifts, serious energy, and regional pride.
📍 Tawa | 🗓️ Fri 13 – Sun 15 June | 🎟️ Spectators welcome

🖤 Stolen Girlfriends Club Pop-Up Sale
The cult fashion label hits Welly for one weekend only - with exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
📍 115 Victoria St, Te Aro 🗓️ Fri 13 – Sun 15 June

💃 Friday Fiesta: Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba
Social dancing across two rooms – Salsa/Bachata with DJ Panda and Kizomba in Studio 2. BYO drinks and bring your best moves!
📍 Dancetopia, Mt Cook | 🕒 9:00pm–12:00am | 🎟️ $12 | R18

🛼 Roller Disco + Lesson
Skate the night away at this all-ages roller disco! Join a 50-min lesson beforehand to boost your skills. Skate hire available.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua | 🕒 6:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $15–$20 + $5 hire | All Ages

🎶 Sunny Siide Up: SorchaLula Live
Get swept up in SorchaLula’s deep, genre-bending set with live visuals and a stacked local DJ lineup. Dancefloor energy guaranteed.
📍 St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 🕒 6:00pm–10:45pm | 🎟️ $20 online / $25 door | R18

🎨 Midwinter Art Exhibition & Market
A week-long exhibition and two-day art + craft market celebrating midwinter with works from artists across Aotearoa. Coffee, kōrero, and creative magic.
📍 Thistle Hall Gallery, Cuba St | 🕒 10–15 June (10am–6pm; closes 2pm Sun) | 🎟️ Koha entry | All Ages

💃 iDance Wellington 2025
One of NZ’s biggest dance comps is back! Kick off with a Friday night party, then watch dancers battle it out on Saturday at this high-energy celebration of movement.
📍 Wellington Indian Association, 48 Kemp St, Kilbirnie | 🕒 Fri 13 – Sat 14 June | 🎟️ Details TBC | All Ages

🌌 Puanga – Wellington Youth Choir x Horomona Horo
Experience an evocative choral journey through te reo Māori and taonga pūoro as the Wellington Youth Choir marks the Māori New Year with Puanga. Featuring acclaimed artist Horomona Horo.
📍 2 Hill St, Thorndon | 🕒 7pm | 🎟️ Tickets via Humanitix | All Ages

Saturday, 14 June

⛸️ Wellington Ice Rink
Skate under the stars at Queen’s Wharf with disco lights, themed nights, and winter magic for all ages – back for 2025!
📍 Queen’s Wharf | 🕒 Sat 14 June–Sun 13 July, 10:00am–10:00pm | 🎟️ From $16.58 | All ages

🛼 Taylor Swift Fundraising Roller Disco
Skate to Taylor’s biggest hits at this fun Upper Hutt fundraiser! Entry includes skate hire — dress up and roll into the weekend.
📍 4A Railway Ave, Upper Hutt | 🕒 6:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $15 inc. skate hire

🎤 Moce Mada – Pacific Connection Farewell Concert
A powerful night of harmony as Pacific Connection bids farewell before heading to the Barbershop Harmony International Convention in the USA.
📍 Alan Gibbs Centre, Wellington | 🕒 7:00pm–10:30pm | 🎟️ $22.20 - $32.97 | All ages

🛠️ Apprentice of the Year Competition (Lower North Island Regionals)
Witness local apprentices tackle a live building challenge with free entry, coffee, and snacks to enjoy. 📍 CARTERS Porirua | 🕒 Kicking off 9AM | 🎟️ Free

🧵 Matariki at the Museum: Pōhutukawa Memory Bracelets
Create a meaningful bracelet to honour a loved one and learn the story of Pōhutukawa, the Matariki star of remembrance.
📍 Wellington Museum | 🕒 10:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🧺 Wairarapa Farmers' Market
Local produce, crafts, food trucks, live music, and giant Jenga – all set in the scenic Solway Showgrounds. Dog- and kid-friendly too!
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕒 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌊 Mana Moana Pōneke
Indigenous short films projected on water at Whairepo Lagoon — a stunning, immersive celebration of Māori and Pasifika storytelling.
📍 Frank Kitts Park, Waterfront | 🕒 Sat 14 & Sun 15 June, 6:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎤 Jerome Chandrahasen: On Words
Linguistic laughs and classic Kiwi banter from NZ comedy veteran Jerome Chandrahasen – back for two nights only.
📍 The Fringe Bar | 🕒 Fri 13 & Sat 14 June, 6:30pm–7:25pm | 🎟️ $23.25–$36.61 | R18

🌿 Mānawatia a Matariki
Join master weavers for a hands-on raranga workshop at Ōtari – learn to weave whetū (stars) and create taonga to mark Matariki.
📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush | 🕒 3:00pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58–$34.05 | All ages (10+ recommended)

🛍️ Matariki Market
Discover vintage gems, handmade taonga, Y2K fashion, pounamu, streetwear, and original art – all under one roof by the waterfront.
📍 Wharewaka Function Centre | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎹 Elton John vs Billy Joel – NZ Tribute
It’s Piano Man vs Rocket Man! Cam and Sam bring their award-winning Elton & Billy tribute show to Upper Hutt for one dazzling night of epic tunes, duelling pianos, and sing-along classics.
📍 Upper Hutt Cossie Club | 🕗 8:00pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ Call 04 5290009 to book | All ages

🛍️ Brooklyn Community Market
Crafts, crystals, coffee and a sausage sizzle — plus knife sharpening while you shop.
📍 Brooklyn Community Centre | 🕛 12–4pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🌱 Montessori at Otari – Open Day
Explore a magical early childhood setting beside native bush. Meet the team, tour the space, and learn about their unique Montessori approach for tamariki aged 0–6.
📍 Otari Montessori School | 🕙 10:00am–12:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🕺 Atomic – All Vinyl Club Night
New Wave, Synth Pop, and New Romance spin til 4am! Welly’s longest-running club night returns—on vinyl, of course.
📍 San Fran, Cuba St | 🕗 8:00pm–4:00am | 🎟️ $15 cash door sales | R18

🌳 Back to The Future – Guided Walk
Explore the past and future of tree guardianship on this gentle downhill stroll through the Botanic Garden.
📍 Meet at Cable Car Entrance | 🕜 1:30pm | 🎟️ $5 cash (free for Friends) | All ages

🕹️ Mean Market
Retro arcade games, 80s tunes, winter brews, and indie makers take over Mean Doses for one day only.
📍 Mean Doses Taproom, Tory St | 🕐 1–6pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🤣 Andrew Hamilton: Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison
Award-nominated comedy from a man who turned four months behind bars into four stars on stage.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕕 6pm & 8pm | 🎟️ $35 | RP18

🏰 Bouncy Castle Fun Day
Indoor bouncing fun for kids aged 2–11, with castles, obstacle courses, soft play, games, and a colouring competition. Two sessions available!
📍 Paraparaumu Memorial Hall | 🕒 10:30am–12:30pm | 🎟️ Cash at door | Ages 2–11

🎉 Philippine Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Filipino culture with live performances, food, music, and more at this vibrant community event hosted by Bulwagan Foundation Trust and FilCoro Choir.
📍 Lower Hutt Event Centre | 🕒 10:00am–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🚲 Free Ride: Matariki Bike Bash
Dress up your bike and join this community Matariki celebration with DJs, lights, kai, and a roaming photo booth in Lower Hutt.
📍 9 Daly St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 5:00pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🍕 Detroit Pizza Launch Party
Salty’s is dropping their new Detroit Deep Dish menu with flash tattoos, live tunes by Simon Donald, giveaways, and good vibes by the beach.
📍 Salty’s Diner, 44 Seaview Rd, Paraparaumu Beach | 🕒 from 12:00pm | 🎟️ Free | R18 for bar access

♻️ Electronics Drop-Off Day
Clear out your e-waste at this convenient drive-thru event – staff unload everything, and proceeds support Variety – the Children’s Charity.
📍 Airport Retail Park, Rongotai | 🕒 9:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free (charges for some items)

💃 Being Breathed: Somatic Dance
A soulful Saturday morning of intuitive movement guided by breath and rhythm. Wraps with snacks and sunshine before a winter pause.
📍 Te Whaea, Newtown | 🕒 10:00am–11:30am | 🎟️ Tickets via Humanitix | R16+

Sunday, 15 June

🎷 Sunday Jazz at The Undercurrent
Sink into swing with live jazz and wine in one of Welly’s coziest hidden spots.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕞 3:30–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | All Ages

👾 Sci-Fi Sundays at Space Place
Planetarium screen. Popcorn. Cult classics. This Sunday: Galaxy Quest
📍 Space Place, Carter Observatory | 🕕 6–8pm | 🎟️ $25 | All Ages

🎹 John Chen in Concert
Internationally acclaimed Kiwi pianist returns with an all-French programme of romantic and post-romantic brilliance.
📍 St Andrew’s on The Terrace | 🕒 3–5pm | 🎟️ $44.30 / $10.25 (U26) | All Ages

🎭 Musical Theatre Quiz Night
Calling all drama kids and Broadway buffs! A dazzling quiz night with costumes, performances, prizes, and theatre chaos at The Fringe Bar.
📍 26 Allen St | 🕢 7:30–10pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | R18

🎻 Violin & Accordion Recital – AOTANGO Duo
A mesmerising blend of tango, baroque, Balkan folk, and jazz from world-class violinist Andrew Beer and accordionist Grayson Masefield. Part of the Mulled Wine Concert Series.
📍 St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 🕝 2:30–4:15pm | 🎟️ $35 / $15 student | All ages

👗 Sustainable Fashion Market – My Walk in Wardrobe
NZ’s biggest preloved fashion market hits Lower Hutt! Expect vintage gems, closet clearouts, and handmade threads in every size.
📍 Lower Hutt Event Centre | 🕙 10am–2pm | 🎟️ Gold coin entry | All ages

🎬 Sci-Fi Sundays: Ghostbusters
Catch the classic supernatural comedy on the planetarium dome.
📍 Space Place at Carter Observatory | 🕒 6:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ $25

🌌 Waypeople – A Sonic Journey at Lōemis
Ancient wisdom meets avant-garde sound in this mystical music-theatre experience. A poetic voyage through Ursula Le Guin’s Tao te Ching, set to live jazz, guzheng, shadow art and light.
📍 Hannah Playhouse | 🕢 7:30pm–8:40pm | 🎟️ From $27 | All ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz – Bert Henderson Quartet
A fiery fusion of jazz, soul, and bluegrass featuring bassist Bert Henderson and an all-star crew. Free tunes, cold brews, and that classic Rogue Sunday vibe.
📍 Rogue & Vagabond | 🕔 5:00pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages (licensed)

🧸 Wellington Toy Fair
A nostalgic haven for toy lovers! From Matchbox cars to model kits, discover treasures that’ll spark memories and delight collectors young and old.
📍 Naenae College, Lower Hutt | 🕚 11:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ $4 Adults / $2 Kids / $10 Family | All ages

🐾 Greyhound Meetup & Sausage Sizzle
A friendly gathering for greyhounds and their humans — stroll, chat, or just mooch in the paddock. Sausage sizzle provided, rain or shine!
📍 101 Valley Rd, Paraparaumu | 🕒 10:30am | 🎟️ Free, please bring something small for a shared lunch

🌧 Welly Weather Watch

🌧 Friday: A few showers, widespread and heavier in the morning. High 12°C, low 8°C
🌧 Saturday: A few showers, mainly from afternoon. High 11°C, low 7°C
🌦️ Sunday: Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower. High 12°C, low 8°C

That's the buzz for this weekend! We hope you have a fantastic time exploring our beautiful city, supporting local gems, and maybe even catching some live music or diving into art. Stay warm, Wellington!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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