🐝 WellyBuzz: Fireworks, Fairs & ‘Simply the Best’ Weekend in Wellington

Happy spring weekend, Wellington! 🌼
There’s no slowing down - the waterfront’s shaking to High Tide Festival, Tina: The Ultimate Tribute rocks The Opera House, and Sky Stadium roars with the Wellington Phoenix Double Header. Add fireworks in Ōtaki, vintage fairs in Kelburn, and a Sunday filled with jazz, Japan, and community markets - it’s shaping up to be simply the best kind of weekend.

We’ve also added something new this week! 🚢 It’s cruise-ship season, so you’ll now find a list of scheduled arrivals to help you plan around the crowds - or head down to welcome our visitors. Thanks to subscriber Arlene for the great idea, and to our friends at ViewFromTheRoom.com for sponsoring this week’s edition and helping us keep WellyBuzz free.

🔥 9 Quick Picks This Weekend

🌙 Upper Hutt Night Market – 80+ stalls, 20 food trucks & live tunes from The Shenanigans light up Trentham (Fri)
🎤 Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Celebrate Tina Turner’s powerhouse hits Simply The Best, Proud Mary & more at The Opera House (Fri)
🩰 Royal NZ Ballet: The Nutcracker – A Kiwi twist on the Christmas classic at St James Theatre (Thur–Sat)
🎆 Fireworks Extravaganza, Ōtaki – Bonfire, rides & fireworks light up Haruātai Park (Fri)
🍻 High Tide Festival 2025 – Waitangi Park’s waterfront becomes a multi-genre dance fest (Sat)
⚽ Wellington Phoenix Double Header – Women v Canberra & Men v Auckland FC at Sky Stadium (Sat)
🎪 St Michael’s Kelburn Fair – Vintage stalls, live music & food raising funds for good causes (Sat)
🐑 Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day – Animals, raffles, food trucks & live music for the whānau (Sat)
🏮 Hutt Japan Day – Taiko drumming, food & cultural performances in Lower Hutt (Sun)

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – A waterfront dog who captured Wellington hearts
🌟 Local Legends – A hidden apothecary in Otaihanga
🍽️ Food & Drink – Sweet Buenos Aires bites in Te Aro
🎉 Events – The best of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday across the Wellington region.
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Spring’s finicky forecast
💝 Extra Sprinkles – A community project growing good in Lower Hutt

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Paddy the Wharf Dog

In the 1930s, a friendly Airedale named Paddy became Wellington’s most famous waterfront wanderer. Originally given to a little girl named Elsie, daughter of a seaman, the terrier (then called Dash) would visit the wharves regularly to greet her father’s ship. After Elsie’s death in 1928, the grief-stricken dog began roaming the docks, hopping trams, taxis and even ships - cabbies and watersiders made sure he was always fed and licensed. Paddy’s adventures took him to ports across New Zealand and even up in a Gypsy Moth biplane. When he passed in 1939, the city mourned; black taxis formed a procession, and a bronze drinking fountain still stands on Queen’s Wharf in his honour.

🌟 Local Legends – NZ Native Oils (140 Otaihanga Rd, Kāpiti)

Tucked down a quiet Otaihanga road sits NZ Native Oils, a tranquil boutique where nature’s healing takes centre stage. Founder Maria Brocklebank and her team distil mānuka and kānuka oils on-site, crafting balms, aromatherapy blends, and skincare that harness the power of Aotearoa’s native plants. Step inside and you’re greeted by a gentle water feature, timber shelves lined with handcrafted potions, and lush greenery – more sanctuary than store.

Sustainability is central (bring your bottles for refills!) and even pets are pampered with their natural dog-care range. It’s a serene local gem where rongoā Māori and European herbal wisdom meet – a true celebration of community, wellbeing, and connection to the land.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Aurora Argentinian Bakery (Bakery at 44 Manners St & Cafe at 43c The Terrace, Te Aro)

If you haven’t discovered Aurora yet, your sweet tooth is in for a treat. This unassuming Argentinian bakery on Manners Street serves up the real deal in South American pastries – think medialunas (buttery croissants with a hint of citrus), indulgent dulce de leche–filled alfajores, and robust empanadas that transport you straight to Buenos Aires. Run by a local Argentinian family, Aurora keeps things authentic and heartfelt. Regulars rave about the perfectly flaky facturas and strong coffee that’s “just like abuela made.” It’s cozy, it’s friendly, and it’s the only place in town where a cheeky mid-morning yerba mate and chipa (cheese bread) feel like a mini vacation. Pro tip: Grab a box of assorted pastries for your office and instantly become everyone’s favorite colleague.

🚢 Cruise Ship Arrivals at the Waterfront

It’s cruise season in Wellington - time to welcome visitors (and plan your waterfront strolls accordingly!).

✨ Sponsored by ViewFromTheRoom.com
Ever booked a hotel and crossed your fingers for a good view - only to end up staring at a carpark wall? ViewFromTheRoom.com lets you peek through the window before you book. Real travellers upload real photos from their actual hotel rooms around the world - from Sydney skylines to Santorini sunsets.

It’s strangely addictive… and might just change how you travel.

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Thursday 6 November:

🎸 Cowboy Junkies – Live in Wellington
The legendary Canadian band brings their atmospheric blend of folk, country, and blues to The Opera House for an intimate, career-spanning performance. Expect timeless classics like Sweet Jane and tracks from their acclaimed 2023 album Such Ferocious Beauty.
📍 Opera House, 109 Manners St | 🕢 7:30 pm | 💰 From $99 | 🎟️ All Ages

Friday 7 November:

🌙 Upper Hutt Night Market
A vibrant community evening with over 80 artisan stalls, 20+ food trucks, and live music from local band The Shenanigans - perfect for a family night out.
📍 RACE Trentham, 10 Racecourse Rd, Trentham | 🕗 6:00 pm–10:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎤 Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Celebrate Tina Turner’s powerhouse hits - Simply The Best, Proud Mary, and more - in this electrifying live tribute starring Caroline Borole.
📍 The Opera House, 109 Manners St | 🕗 8pm | 🎟️ From $66 | 🎟 All Ages

🩰 Royal New Zealand Ballet: The Nutcracker
A magical new production of the beloved Christmas classic - from Kiwi beach nostalgia to the snowy Southern Alps, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
📍 St James Theatre, 77–87 Courtenay Place | 🕗 7:30 pm | 🎟️ From $65 | 🎟 All Ages

🏛️ Featherston Heritage Festival 2025
Featherston becomes a living museum for one weekend - with heritage tours, WWI and WWII talks, fine dining, ghost stories, and open historic sites across town. A must for history lovers.
📍 Featherston, Wairarapa | 🗓️ Fri–Sun | 💰 Various prices | 🎟️ All Ages

🎭 The Great Gatsby
Step into the 1920s Jazz Age with this stylish New Zealand adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic - love, ambition, and excess come to life on stage.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee St, Te Aro | 🕗 7:30 pm–10:00 pm | 🎟️ From $19.90 | 🎟 PG

🎭 Monument
A sharp, witty political dramedy dubbed “Succession meets Barbie” - exploring power, image, and women in leadership through a tense encounter between a young PM and her makeup artist.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 🕗 7:30 pm–9:00 pm | 🎟️ $30–$60 | 🎟 All Ages

🎭 Messy
A darkly funny new play about two post-uni flatmates juggling art, work, and mental health in the messy grind of creative life.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce | 🕗 7:00 pm–7:50 pm | 🎟️ $15–$25 | 🎟 R16

😂 Friday Laughs with Kajun Brooking & Patch Lambert
Wellington’s favourite weekend comedy night returns - sharp punchlines, top local comics, and full Friday night energy at the Fringe Bar.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕗 8:00 pm–9:45 pm | 🎟️ $24.79–$35.59 | 🎟 R18

🕵️ Murder Mystery Interactive ‘Great Gatsby’
Step into the roaring 1920s for a hilarious interactive whodunnit where you become the detective - glamorous costumes, comedy, and Gatsby-themed intrigue await.
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, 34A Raumati Rd, Paraparaumu | 🕗 7:00 pm–9:30 pm | 🎟️ $43.55–$53.80 | 🎟 All Ages

🎆 Fireworks Extravaganza – Ōtaki
Ōtaki’s biggest night of the year lights up Haruātai Park with a huge bonfire, live music, food stalls, kids’ rides, and a spectacular fireworks display.
📍 Haruātai Park, Mill Rd, Ōtaki | 🕗 6:30 pm–9:30 pm | 🎟️ $5–$8 (preschoolers free) | 🎟 All Ages

🎃 Scarehorn! The Airhorn Halloween Special
A frightfully funny Halloween comedy showcase with top local performers, spooky sketches, and ghoulish laughs hosted by Booth the Clown and Jak Darling.
📍 Newtown Community/Te Whare Hapori o Ngā Puna Waiora, Corner Rintoul & Colombo Sts | 🕗 8:00 pm–9:30 pm | 🎟️ $18–$30 | 🎟 R18

🎤 Will McClean Live at Parrotdog
Wellington’s own Will McClean hits the Parrotdog stage with his full live band, blending soulful hip-hop, jazzy grooves, and poetic storytelling - joined by Fine Wine Social Club. A free gig bringing deep grooves and good vibes to Lyall Bay.
📍 Parrotdog, 60/66 Kingsford Smith St, Lyall Bay | 🕗 8:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟️ R18

Saturday 8 November

🎧 High Tide 2025 | Wellington
Wellington’s waterfront transforms into a seaside festival paradise with world-class DJs, live acts, and coastal vibes - summer officially starts here.
📍 Waitangi Park, 107 Cable St | 🕐 1:00 pm–10:30 pm | 🎟️ $119 | 🎟 R18

🚗 Cars & Coffee – Grenada North
Gearheads unite! Wrap Innovations hosts another epic Cars & Coffee meet-up featuring cool rides, raffles, merch, snacks, and a convoy cruise to Kāpiti afterward.
📍 Unit 22 / 16 Jamaica Dr, Grenada North | 🕙 10:00 am–1:00 pm | 💰 Free | 🎟️ All Ages

🌃 Queensgate Night Market
Lower Hutt’s bustling evening market returns with street food, artisan goods, and live entertainment - a perfect mix of flavour, fun, and family vibes.
📍 Queensgate Shopping Centre, 45 Knights Rd, Lower Hutt | 🕗 5:30 pm–11:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🥕 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Enjoy a relaxed Saturday morning with live music, local produce, artisan goods, and great coffee under the redwoods at Solway Showgrounds.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton | 🕘 9:00 am–1:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Make Some Noise – Choral Music That Matters
Supertonic Choir performs a powerful night of contemporary choral works tackling social justice, indigenous voices, and climate action through music that truly matters.
📍 Lower Hutt Town Hall, 30C Laings Rd | 🕗 7:30 pm–9:30 pm | 🎟️ $25–$30 | 🎟 All Ages

⚽ Wellington Phoenix Double Header
Two huge matches, one massive day! Catch the Wellington Phoenix Women kicking off their season against Canberra United, followed by the first men’s derby of the season as the Phoenix face Auckland FC.
📍 Sky Stadium | 🕓 Women 4:00 pm / Men 7:00 pm | 💰 Tickets via Sky Stadium | 🎟️ All Ages

🎸 Guns 2 Roses – World’s Best Guns N’ Roses Tribute
The UK’s longest-running and most notorious Guns N’ Roses tribute band brings Appetite for Destruction and GNR’s greatest hits to Wellington for one epic night only.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St | 🕗 8:00 pm–11:55 pm | 🎟️ $55 | 🎟 R18

🍷 Christmas Sip & Shop at Solway Park
Kick off the festive season with local stalls, Christmas treats, and holiday drinks in a relaxed afternoon of shopping and cheer at Solway Park.
📍 Copthorne Solway Park, 230 High St, Masterton | 🕛 12:00 pm–4:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🏒 Richter City Roller Derby: NZ vs Australia
Get ready for a high-energy night of roller derby action as Richter City’s A Team faces Team Australia, followed by Team NZ’s Training Squad taking on Australia’s reserves. Expect big hits, fast wheels, and fierce pride on the track.
📍 Kilbirnie Rec Centre | 🕔 5:00 pm–9:00 pm | 💰 see web link above | 🎟️ All Ages

🎭 Out The Gate
Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu presents a powerful Theatre Marae work exploring incarceration in Aotearoa - blending performance, music, and kōrerō in a moving community production.
📍 Wainuiomata Marae, Parkway Extension & Wellington Rd, Lower Hutt | 🕖 7:00 pm | 🎟️ $15.90–$50 | 🎟 R16

🎪 St Michael’s Kelburn Village Fair 2025
A lively community fair with vintage stalls, books, food, face painting, and live music - all raising funds for Gaza aid, the Wellington City Mission, and St Michael’s rebuild.
📍 St Michael’s Anglican Church, 81 Upland Rd, Kelburn | 🕙 10:00 am–2:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎧 Loop Electronic: Tour 001 – Wellington
A high-energy night of deep grooves and melodic techno featuring Sanoi, Dylan C, Zuke and Libby K as Loop Electronic launches its new label tour in the capital.
📍 Moon, 167 Riddiford St, Newtown | 🕙 10:00 pm | 🎟️ From $45 | 🎟 R18

🌏 Kia ora, g’day, hello! Global Hangout for Rangatahi
Connect with new friends from Wellington, Melbourne, and Kentucky in this online hangout exclusively for ages 11–15. Join games, chats, and cultural exchanges to discover how teens live abroad - from food and slang to school life. Hosted by Wellington City Libraries and friends overseas, with a travel kit of souvenirs and snacks for every participant.
📍 Online (Microsoft Teams) | 🕐 1–3 pm | 💰 Free – bookings essential

🥊 Battle at Brewtown 2025
Upper Hutt’s ultimate boxing showdown returns - 20+ bouts of Trans-Tasman action, live DJs, ice-cold brews, and food trucks bringing knockout energy all day long.
📍 Brewtown, 27 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕛 12:00 pm–6:00 pm | 🎟️ $10–$40 | 🎟 All Ages (Licensed)

🏀 Tokomanawa Queens vs Pouākai | Inclusion Round
A feel-good afternoon of basketball celebrating diversity and inclusion in partnership with Autism New Zealand - live music, giveaways, and top-tier Tauihi action. Rapid League kicks off at 2pm followed by the Tauihi game at 3pm.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua | 🕑 2:00 pm (Doors 1:15 pm) | 🎟️ $10.20 - $25.30 | 🎟 All Ages

💃 Afternoon Tease
A cheeky blend of burlesque and afternoon tea - enjoy a tiered stand of treats, tea or coffee, and a lineup of dazzling performers in a playful, elegant setting.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕑 2:00 pm–4:30 pm | 🎟️ $65–$70 | 🎟 R18

🎤 Pop Goes My Heart
Olivia Dreams and Wellington’s drag superstars serve up a POP! showdown - DANCE POP vs EMO POP vs K-POP - in a high-energy night of glitter, beats, and pure joy.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba St | 🕤 9:30 pm (Show 10:00 pm) | 🎟️ $16.58–$34.05 | 🎟 R18

😂 Saturday Laughs with Kajun Brooking & Sera Devcich
Petone’s Abandoned Taproom hosts another night of stand-up gold with the quick-witted Kajun Brooking and award-winning Sera Devcich - plus surprise guests bringing the laughs.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, 38 Fitzherbert St, Petone | 🕗 8:00 pm–9:30 pm | 🎟️ $25.81–$39.18 | 🎟 R18

😂 Saturday Laughs with Opeti Vaka & Alayne Dick
Two hours of sharp Kiwi comedy with rising star Opeti Vaka (2026 Billy T Award nominee) and the brilliantly bold Alayne Dick performing her hit Purple Is the Gayest Colour. Expect laughs, chaos, and pure Aotearoa energy.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕗 8:00 pm–9:30 pm | 🎟️ $25.81–$39.18 | 🎟 R18

🎶 Hobnail and Friends
A foot-stomping night of Celtic, folk, and country with Hobnail joined by Wayne Mason, Alan Norman, and Nicola Mitchell for Rob’s birthday celebration gig.
📍 St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 🕢 7:30 pm–11:00 pm | 🎟️ $34.05 | 💃 All Ages

🐑 Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day
A classic rural fair packed with adorable animals, school competitions, raffles, food trucks, crafts, and live music - perfect for the whole whānau.
📍 Pāuatahanui School, 12B Paekakariki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui, Porirua | 🕙 10:00 am–2:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🎻 Cotton Daisy Backstep
Old-time Appalachian “hillbilly” tunes meet Kiwi folk in this lively night of banjos, harmonies, and storytelling. Expect toe-tapping rhythms, soulful vocals, and a vintage Americana vibe.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕗 7:30pm | 💰 $23.25 | 🎟️ All Ages

👻 Featherston Ghost Stories
Gather your courage for haunted tales and eerie encounters at The Dickensian Bookshop. Paranormal author Denver Grenell shares ghostly stories from Featherston’s past - told by candlelight.
📍 The Dickensian Bookshop, 63 Fox St, Featherston | 🕙 10:00pm–11:55pm | 💰 $23.25 | 🎟️ All Ages

🚶‍♀️ Pencarrow Lighthouse Open Day
Explore Aotearoa’s first lighthouse - usually closed to the public - with guided stories on its history and construction. Walk or cycle the scenic coastal route to this iconic landmark.
📍 Pencarrow Head, Eastbourne | 🕚 11:00 am–2:00 pm | 💰 Suggested Koha $10 | 🎟️ All Ages

🪫 Porirua E-Day: Electronics Recycling
Drop off old electronics for safe recycling - from laptops to washing machines - supporting Variety, the Children’s Charity.
📍 Elim Christian Centre, 11 Heriot Dr, Porirua | 🕘 9:00 am–3:00 pm | 💰 Free (fees for large items) | 🎟️ All Ages

🎨 Pop-Up Pottery Market
Browse handcrafted ceramics by over 20 Wellington Potters’ Association members in the beautiful Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Perfect for unique gifts and local art lovers - part of Ceramicus 2025!
📍 Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕙 Sat & Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🎨 Stay Creative Market Vol. 3
Local artists and makers take over Garage Project Aro Valley for a day of creativity - vintage finds, vinyls, jewellery, art, donuts, and tunes.
📍 Garage Project, 68 Aro St, Aro Valley | 🕙 10:00 am–3:00 pm | 💰 See link above | 🎟 All Ages

Sunday 9 November

🎌 Hutt Japan Day 2025
Celebrate Japanese culture with music, food, art, and taiko drumming as Hutt marks 30 years of friendship with Minoh City, Osaka.
📍 Lower Hutt Town Hall, Dowse Square, & Dowse Art Gallery | 🕚 11:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟️ All Ages

🎪 Raphael House Steiner School Fair 2025
A magical community fair celebrating creativity, education, and connection - with crafts, food, music, games, and student displays.
📍 Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School, 27 Matuhi St, Tirohanga | 🕙 10:00 am–3:00 pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎺 Air Force in Concert featuring Hollie Smith
The RNZAF Band’s grand annual concert returns - this year starring powerhouse vocalist Hollie Smith. Expect a stirring mix of brass, soul, and orchestral brilliance in a night of pure musical magic.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield St | 🕝 2:30 pm | 🎟️ From $29.99 via Ticketmaster | 🎟 All Ages

🐎 Christmas at the Races
Kick off the festive season in style with a thrilling afternoon of racing, great food, and free entry at Tauherenikau Racecourse.
📍 Tauherenikau Racecourse, Featherston | 🕐 1:00 pm–5:00 pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟️ All Ages

🧘‍♀️ Kāpiti Wellbeing Fair
Discover local wellness at this community fair featuring over 20 stalls, free talks, and nourishing food and drink options.
📍 St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 🕙 10:00 am–3:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎄 Porirua Community Craft Market
Get festive early at this bustling Christmas market, packed with over 50 stalls of handmade gifts, crafts, and local goodies - perfect for ticking off your holiday shopping list.
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana St, Porirua | 🕚 11:00 am–4:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🎸 The Wellington Calling Open Mic: Featuring The English Locust!
Whisky & Wood’s open mic night returns - an evening of creativity and community featuring local artists and headliner The English Locust, blending folk and delta blues.
📍 Whisky & Wood, 60 Cambridge Terrace | 🕠 From 5:30 pm | 💰 Koha | 🎟️ All Ages

🪔 Diwali Show 2025
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a dazzling evening of music, dance, and vibrant cultural performances hosted by the Indian Cultural Society. Enjoy traditional flavours, community spirit, and festive joy.
📍 119 Nelson St, Petone | 🕓 4:00 pm (Doors 3:15 pm) | 💰 $10 (cash only at door) | 👧 Under 12s Free

🎪 Worser Bay School Fair
A Wellington classic - the “World Famous in Wellington” Worser Bay School Fair is back! Expect food, fun, fashion, and plenty of community spirit at this family favourite overlooking the sea.
📍 Worser Bay School, 168 Seatoun Heights Rd | 🕚 11:00 am–1:30 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz
Ease into your Sunday with smooth jazz from The Undercurrent All-Stars in a cozy, book-lined setting.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕒 3:30 pm–4:30 pm | 💰 $16.20 | 🎟️ All Ages

🧵 Ōtaki Craft Market
A lively outdoor market packed with handmade crafts, local produce, and food trucks serving everything from hangi to waffles.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway | 🕙 10:00 am–2:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🎪 Roseneath School Market Day
A fun-filled community market with clothing, books, toys, bric-a-brac, and a cosy café serving tasty treats. Perfect for bargain hunters and families alike.
📍 Roseneath School, 13 Maida Vale Rd | 🕚 11:00 am–2:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🧶 Waikanae Beach Monthly Indoor Market
Start your Christmas shopping early at this friendly community market filled with handmade gifts, local honey, crafts, and children’s toys - a perfect day out on the Kāpiti Coast.
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall, 22a Rauparaha St | 🕙 10:00 am–1:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🎺 Sunday Jazz Club
Ease into your Sunday with smooth, live jazz at Parrotdog Bar - featuring rotating local talent every second week.
📍 Parrotdog Bar, 60–66 Kingsford Smith St | 🕒 From 3:00 pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟️ All Ages

💃 Bailamos Bachata! Latin Dance Party
Wellington’s favourite monthly bachata social returns with free lessons, sensual beats, and an open, welcoming vibe for all levels.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith St | 🕕 6:00 pm–9:00 pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟️ All Ages Licensed

⛅ Welly Weather Watch

🌧️ Friday: Occasional rain, clearing to fine in the morning. High 19°C, low 13°C.
☀️ Saturday: Fine. Northerlies. High 18°C, low 13°C.
🌤️ Sunday: Partly cloudy. Northerlies. High 18°C, low 14°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week: Common Unity (Lower Hutt)

This week we’re shining a light on Common Unity, a grassroots community trust in Lower Hutt turning local ideas into action. At their bustling “ReMakery” hub, volunteers and whānau: Grow kai, Sew & upskill, and Feed & nourish – running a community kitchen and café where surplus food is shared, not wasted. Support them by donating, volunteering, or visiting their Remakery (13 Britannia St, Petone) to buy upcycled products made with heart. Learn more: commonunityproject.org.nz

Line up your layers, your mates, and your snapper card - we’ll see you at the waterfront and on the Kapiti coast. Have a good one, Pōneke.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve