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- π Labour Weekend: Diwali Fireworks, WellyFest & Amped Up
π Labour Weekend: Diwali Fireworks, WellyFest & Amped Up
Plus A Phoenix double header, Midge Ure, Reb Fountain, kitten cuddles, a 100-year-old steam crane + Lorna Shore's first-ever NZ show on Monday. Four days sorted! π
Kirstie and Steve
October 22, 2026
WellyBuzz π
Your Wellington Weekend Sorted
Labour Weekend: Diwali Fireworks, WellyFest & Amped Up 2026 π
A Phoenix double header, Midge Ure, Reb Fountain, kitten cuddles, a 100-year-old steam crane + Lorna Shore's first-ever NZ show on Monday. Four days sorted!
π Welcome
Kia ora Wellington! πΈ
Labour Weekend is nearly here - WellyFest takes over the bush in Wainuiomata, Devilskin headline Amped Up at Brewtown, the Phoenix men and women play a double header on Sunday, Diwali lights up the waterfront and Lorna Shore play their first-ever NZ show on Monday. The Wellington Heritage Festival kicks off Saturday too, with 160+ events through to 15 November. And on Sunday, Celebrity Solstice sails in to open Wellington's cruise season - the first of 54 ship visits scheduled through to early April. Let's get buzzing! π
π₯ Quick Picks
πͺ Wellington Folk Festival (Fri) - Folk, dancing and camping in the Wainuiomata bush.
πΈ Midge Ure (Fri) - Vienna, Fade to Grey and all the hits live at Meow Nui.
π₯ Amped Up 2026 (Sat) - Devilskin, Head Like A Hole and Tadpole at Brewtown.
β Hikitia turns 100 (Sat) - Tour the 100-year-old steam crane on the waterfront.
π± PΕneke Ngeru Rescue Market (Sat) - Kitten cuddles and stalls for a great cause in Island Bay.
πΆ Woof Market (Sat) - A dog-friendly market in Miramar - bring your pup!
π· Motown Day Party (Sat) - Soul classics all afternoon at Eva - almost sold out!
β½ Phoenix Double Header (Sun) - Women then men at Hnry Stadium - one ticket, two games.
πͺ Diwali Festival of Lights (Sun) - Food, dance, henna and harbour fireworks on the waterfront. Free!
π€ Lorna Shore (Mon) - The deathcore titans' first-ever NZ show at Shed 6.
π Travel heads up: No trains Sat-Mon - buses replace all lines. Allow extra time and check Metlink.
π½οΈ Food & Drink
El Horno - 30 Courtenay Place, Te Aro
The Horn is back baby! π Welly's little sangria-fuelled party bar has been a Courtenay Place fixture since 2008, and it's just been picked up by born-and-bred Wellingtonian Dane Robertson and his wife Libby - it was once their favourite bar.
Their plan? Bring back the glory days for a slightly older crowd, with weekly live music, cheaper drinks and a real focus on safety.
Think jugs of sangria and Millennial bangers. We're cheering for anyone giving Courtenay Place some love! π·
Open Thursday to Saturday from 7pm (sometimes Sundays - check their Instagram stories on the day).
@elhornowellington
π Events - What's On This Weekend
π
Thursday 22 October - Tonight!
ππΊ Hungary 1956-2026: 70 Years On
Mark 70 years since the Hungarian Revolution with a panel and the film Children of Glory.
Mark 70 years since the Hungarian Revolution with a panel and the film Children of Glory.
π Penthouse Cinema & Cafe, 205 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn | π Thu 6pm, panel 6:45pm, film 7:30pm | π° Panel & film free (registration required), nibbles & wine sold out
π» Fork & Brewer's 15th Birthday
The brewpub turns 15 with exclusive releases, a rebrew of their first beer, giveaways and beer cake.
The brewpub turns 15 with exclusive releases, a rebrew of their first beer, giveaways and beer cake.
π Fork & Brewer, 20A Bond Street, Wellington Central | π From Thu 4pm, continuing over the weekend (closed Sun)
π
Friday 23 October
πͺ Wellington Folk Festival 2026
WellyFest takes over the bush all long weekend - music, dancing, singing and camping. Tickets also available at the gate.
WellyFest takes over the bush all long weekend - music, dancing, singing and camping. Tickets also available at the gate.
π Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre, 562 Moores Valley Road, Wainuiomata | π Fri 3pm (gates) to Mon 12pm | π° Adult day pass $134.20, weekend $237.20 incl. fees, under 6 free | π All ages (under 18s with an adult 25+)
π¨ Cornelia Parker at City Gallery
City Gallery is back, with 50+ works by British artist Cornelia Parker, including Cold Dark Matter.
City Gallery is back, with 50+ works by British artist Cornelia Parker, including Cold Dark Matter.
π City Gallery Wellington, 67 Victoria Street (Te NgΔkau Civic Square) | π Daily 10am-5pm (Thu until 9pm) | π° Adult $25, concession $22, child $2 + booking fee
π Lloyd Jones in Conversation with Claire Mabey
One of Aotearoa's literary greats talks about his memoir, The Beaded Curtain.
One of Aotearoa's literary greats talks about his memoir, The Beaded Curtain.
π Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | π§ Fri 12:30pm-1:30pm | π° Refer to event link
π ABSOLUTELY pOsiTivEly COLONIAL!
A cheeky free walking play through PΕneke. Two shows only!
A cheeky free walking play through PΕneke. Two shows only!
π Starts at Te NgΔkau Civic Square, Wellington Central | π Fri & Sat 1pm sharp | π° Free, no registration
ποΈ The Indian Film Festival of NZ
The first-ever festival brings classic and new Indian cinema to Wellington.
The first-ever festival brings classic and new Indian cinema to Wellington.
π NASA Cinema, Massey University, Mount Cook | π‘ Fri 6:30pm to Sun 8pm | π° From $15, 20% off with code ACTIVE
πΈ Midge Ure - Catalogue: The Hits Tour
The Ultravox and Visage legend brings Vienna, Fade to Grey and more on the show's rescheduled date.
The Ultravox and Visage legend brings Vienna, Fade to Grey and more on the show's rescheduled date.
π Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π Fri 8pm | π° GA $94 + fees | π Under 18s with a parent or guardian
π Rhys Mathewson - The Up To Speed Tour
Taskmaster favourite Rhys Mathewson's two-hour mega show, including his award-winning 10th Rodeo.
Taskmaster favourite Rhys Mathewson's two-hour mega show, including his award-winning 10th Rodeo.
π Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro | π Fri 7pm | π° $32.75, concession $27.62 incl. fees | π R16
π After God
Michael Hurst stars in a new verbatim play about meaning, madness and metaphysics.
Michael Hurst stars in a new verbatim play about meaning, madness and metaphysics.
π Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | π Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 4pm | π° Adult $60, aged 30 and under $30 (+ fees)
π§ The Quickest Route to Salvation
The audience votes live to steer the story, with four possible endings. Strong language and flashing lights.
The audience votes live to steer the story, with four possible endings. Strong language and flashing lights.
π BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria | π Fri, Sat & Sun 7pm | π° Waged $25, unwaged $15 (+ fees) | π R13
π€ Symbiotic Metalfest 2026
Two nights of local metal with Vaegon, Dark Divinity, Exanimus and heaps more.
Two nights of local metal with Vaegon, Dark Divinity, Exanimus and heaps more.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π’ Fri & Sat 7:30pm | π° $30 per night + fees | π R18
π³οΈβπ PaekΔkΔriki Pride Festival - Rainbow in the Village
Beats by Bingo on Friday, then the World's Shortest Pride Parade and a dance party on Saturday.
Beats by Bingo on Friday, then the World's Shortest Pride Parade and a dance party on Saturday.
π Various venues, PaekΔkΔriki (Fri at Finn's; Sat dance party at St Peter's Village Hall, cnr Beach Road & Ames Street) | π Fri 7pm, Sat from 10am | π° Fri $10, most Sat events free, dance party $20/$30
π
Saturday 24 October
π₯ Amped Up 2026
Devilskin headline a huge day of rock with Tadpole, Head Like A Hole and more. VIP is sold out!
Devilskin headline a huge day of rock with Tadpole, Head Like A Hole and more. VIP is sold out!
π Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | π Sat 2:45pm (doors 2:15pm, last entry 9pm) | π° GA $119 + fees (second release, high demand) | π R18, cashless
β Hikitia's 100th Birthday Steam Up & Tours
Wellington's floating steam crane turns 100, with ship tours and her whistle singing out. Closed shoes needed.
Wellington's floating steam crane turns 100, with ship tours and her whistle singing out. Closed shoes needed.
π Hikitia, Taranaki Street Wharf (next to Te Papa) | π Sat 10am-4pm | π° $10, just turn up
π± PΕneke Ngeru Rescue Fundraising Market
Kitten cuddles, face painting, a sausage sizzle, baking and art - all for cats in need.
Kitten cuddles, face painting, a sausage sizzle, baking and art - all for cats in need.
π Island Bay Presbyterian Church, 88 The Parade, Island Bay | π Sat 10am-3pm | π° Free entry
π Wellington Cable Car: Unlocked
A rare Heritage Festival tour of the winding room and Cable Car Museum. Max 10 people, booking required.
A rare Heritage Festival tour of the winding room and Cable Car Museum. Max 10 people, booking required.
π Wellington Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central | π Sat 10am (departs 10:05am sharp) | π° Adult $45, concession $35 | π All ages (steep stairs to winding room)
πΆ Woof Market - Doggy Day Out
A whole market for your best mate - toys, treats, portraits and more. Leashed pups welcome!
A whole market for your best mate - toys, treats, portraits and more. Leashed pups welcome!
π Miramar & Maupuia Community Centre, 27 Chelsea Street, Miramar | π Sat 10am-3pm | π° Refer to event link for details
π In Conversation: Jamie Metzger & Leilani A Sio
Go behind the scenes of the Carmen Rupe exhibition with its curators.
Go behind the scenes of the Carmen Rupe exhibition with its curators.
π Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf | π Sat 11am-1pm | π° Waged $15, unwaged $10
π¦ Oh The Horror 2.0: Horror & Gothic Market
A spooky market for horror fans, goths and Halloween lovers. Heads up - some stalls have spicy items.
A spooky market for horror fans, goths and Halloween lovers. Heads up - some stalls have spicy items.
π Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt | π Sat 11am-4pm | π° Free entry | π PG-13
π· Paella & Pinot Pop Up at Ata Rangi
Paella cooked over fire and Ata Rangi Pinot by the glass. No tickets, just RSVP to [email protected].
Paella cooked over fire and Ata Rangi Pinot by the glass. No tickets, just RSVP to [email protected].
π Ata Rangi Winery, 14 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough | π Sat 12pm-4pm | π° Free entry, pay for food & wine | π R18
βͺ Erskine Chapel Open Day
See the award-winning restoration of this Category 1 French Gothic chapel. Please park on nearby streets.
See the award-winning restoration of this Category 1 French Gothic chapel. Please park on nearby streets.
π Erskine Chapel, 31 Avon Street, Island Bay | π Sat 12pm-3pm | π° Koha
π HYPE1 Wellington
A new 18+ day of live acts and DJs - Amapiano, Afro, R&B, Hip-Hop and more - with an after-party to follow.
A new 18+ day of live acts and DJs - Amapiano, Afro, R&B, Hip-Hop and more - with an after-party to follow.
π Outdoor venue TBA - check the link before you go | π Sat gates 1pm, finishes 10:30pm | π° GA $53.89, VIP $109, GA + after-party $71.50 incl. fees | π R18 (photo ID required)
πΏ Forest Giants, Fragrant Herbs & Birdsong - Guided Walk
A 75-minute stroll from pygmy pines to towering giants and the Herb Garden. Bookings required.
A 75-minute stroll from pygmy pines to towering giants and the Herb Garden. Bookings required.
π Wellington Botanic Garden (Founders' Entrance), 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn | π Sat 1:30pm | π° $10.25 incl. fees, free for Friends
πΊ Chance, Luck & Magic Release
Garage Project releases the new vintage of its award-winning wild beer.
Garage Project releases the new vintage of its award-winning wild beer.
π Garage Project Wild Workshop, 7 Furness Lane, Te Aro | π Sat 2pm-8pm | π° Free entry | π Licensed, all ages
π· Motown Day Party
Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye all afternoon. Almost sold out - be quick!
Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye all afternoon. Almost sold out - be quick!
π Eva, 31-35 Dixon Street, Te Aro | π Sat 3pm-8pm (last entry 5pm) | π° Fifth release $45 incl. booking fee (90% sold) | π 18+
π¬ Movie Night on the Lawn
Zootopia 2 on the lawn! Bring a picnic blanket - food trucks will have dinner sorted.
Zootopia 2 on the lawn! Bring a picnic blanket - food trucks will have dinner sorted.
π Anzac Lawn, Riddiford Gardens (behind the War Memorial Library), Lower Hutt | π Sat 5:30pm-8pm | π° Free
π΅π SIGLA 2026 - Celebrating Filipino Culture
Two nights of Filipino culture - a Cultural Night on Saturday and the Miss Philippines NZ coronation on Sunday.
Two nights of Filipino culture - a Cultural Night on Saturday and the Miss Philippines NZ coronation on Sunday.
π Wellington Indian Association Hall, 48 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie | π Sat & Sun 6pm | π° $26.55 per night, weekend pass $42.80 incl. fees | π Refer to event link
π Eats & Beats Concert
$5 meals, $1 drinks and live entertainment. Bring the whΔnau!
$5 meals, $1 drinks and live entertainment. Bring the whΔnau!
π Potters House Porirua, Level 3, 3 Hagley Street, Porirua City Centre | π‘ Sat 6:30pm | π° Free entry
π€Ό CPW Aftermath
New champ Dusty Bridges defends his title in a family-friendly night of live pro wrestling.
New champ Dusty Bridges defends his title in a family-friendly night of live pro wrestling.
π Belmont Memorial Hall, Belmont Domain (off Kennedy Good Bridge), Lower Hutt | π‘ Sat 6:30pm | π° Adult $16.58, child $10.25 incl. fees
π€ Get Rhythm - The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show
A heartfelt theatrical tribute to Johnny and June, inspired by Walk the Line.
A heartfelt theatrical tribute to Johnny and June, inspired by Walk the Line.
π The Opera House, 111-113 Manners Street, Te Aro | π’ Sat 7:30pm | π° $76.94 + handling fee | π Refer to event link
π» Orchestra Wellington - Revelations
A Natalie Hunt world premiere, Debussy's Nocturnes and Busoni's Piano Concerto with pianist Jian Liu and the Orpheus Choir.
A Natalie Hunt world premiere, Debussy's Nocturnes and Busoni's Piano Concerto with pianist Jian Liu and the Orpheus Choir.
π Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro | π’ Sat 7:30pm | π° Adult from $61.17 + handling fee
π€ Reb Fountain - Water for Gasoline Tour
Reb Fountain celebrates her new album with an expanded band featuring Dianne Swann and James Duncan.
Reb Fountain celebrates her new album with an expanded band featuring Dianne Swann and James Duncan.
π Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π’ Sat doors 7:30pm, Reb 9pm | π° GA $59.99 + fees | π Under 18s with a parent or guardian
π Burlesque Baby October
Some of Wellington's best new burlesque talent. These sell out fast!
Some of Wellington's best new burlesque talent. These sell out fast!
π The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Te Aro | π’ Sat 7:30pm (doors 7pm) | π° GA $34.05, front row $39.18 incl. fees | π RP18
π€ Long Live the Drag Parade - A My Chemical Romance Drag Show
The Black Parade turns 20! Welly's queens and kings perform every track of MCR's emo masterpiece - no skips.
The Black Parade turns 20! Welly's queens and kings perform every track of MCR's emo masterpiece - no skips.
π Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π£ Sat 8:30pm | π° GA $28.92 incl. fees (donation tickets from $16.58) | π R18
πΊ Atomic
Welly's longest-running club night, for the last time in 2026 - all vinyl New Wave and Synth Pop.
Welly's longest-running club night, for the last time in 2026 - all vinyl New Wave and Synth Pop.
π San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π Sat from 8pm | π° $20 door sales only | π R18
π Fright Night at the Museum 2026
Cobblestones turns Victorian Gothic after dark, with live scare actors. Under 14s with an adult.
Cobblestones turns Victorian Gothic after dark, with live scare actors. Under 14s with an adult.
π Cobblestones Heritage Village, 169 Main Street, Greytown | π Sat 8pm & 8:30pm sessions | π° $20 per person, group of 4 $60 (+ fees) | π R12
π
Sunday 25 October
πͺ Diwali Festival of Lights
Cultural performances, henna, stalls and vegetarian food, with fireworks over the harbour at about 8:50pm.
Cultural performances, henna, stalls and vegetarian food, with fireworks over the harbour at about 8:50pm.
π TSB Arena & Shed 6, Queens Wharf, Wellington Central | π Sun 2pm-8:30pm | π° Free
β΄οΈ Diwali Fireworks Harbour Cruise
Watch the Diwali fireworks from the water on East by West's electric ferry. Limited spots!
Watch the Diwali fireworks from the water on East by West's electric ferry. Limited spots!
π Departs Queens Wharf | π Sun 8:15pm (1 hour) | π° $35.53 incl. fees, under 3s free | π Not wheelchair accessible
π§Ί Harbourside Market
Fresh produce, food trucks and buskers on the waterfront.
Fresh produce, food trucks and buskers on the waterfront.
π Corner Cable Street & Barnett Street, Te Aro | π’ Sun 7:30am-2pm | π° Free entry
π Winedogs Martinborough
Sip and stroll the vineyard with your pup - wine for you, treats for them.
Sip and stroll the vineyard with your pup - wine for you, treats for them.
π Luna Estate, Puruatanga Road, Martinborough | π Sun from 10am (walk starts 11am) | π° GA $55, kids under 12 $10 (early tickets sold out)
π¨βπ©βπ§ HYPE1 Family Day
An all-ages, alcohol-free community day with music, food trucks, stalls, games and kids' activities.
An all-ages, alcohol-free community day with music, food trucks, stalls, games and kids' activities.
π Venue TBA - check the link before you go | π Sun 11am-4pm | π° Koha
β½ Wellington Phoenix Double Header
The Phoenix women take on Melbourne Victory, then the men host Central Coast Mariners - one ticket covers both!
The Phoenix women take on Melbourne Victory, then the men host Central Coast Mariners - one ticket covers both!
π Hnry Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea | π Sun 12:15pm (women), 3pm (men) | π° Family Zone from $25.55, Silver $33.73 incl. fees
π The Fabulous Carmen Rupe: Tea, Toasties and Trade
A seated talk by Walk Tours NZ on Carmen Rupe's Wellington years, from her coffee lounges to her mayoral run.
A seated talk by Walk Tours NZ on Carmen Rupe's Wellington years, from her coffee lounges to her mayoral run.
π Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library (NgΔ Pou Ruahine, Level 2), 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | π Sun 1pm | π° Free, no booking needed
πΆ KTS Saravedi Kondattam
A Diwali celebration with South Indian music and dance, then dinner for everyone.
A Diwali celebration with South Indian music and dance, then dinner for everyone.
π Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt | π Sun 4pm seating, show 4:30pm | π° Adult $44.30, child $28.92 incl. fees (under 5s free on a lap)
π OvO (Italy) NZ Tour
Italy's genre-smashing duo veer between noise rock, doom, sludge and electronica.
Italy's genre-smashing duo veer between noise rock, doom, sludge and electronica.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π’ Sun 7:30pm doors, 8pm start | π° $30 + booking fee | π R18
π
Monday 26 October - Labour Day Public Holiday π
π€ Lorna Shore - New Zealand Tour 2026
Deathcore giants Lorna Shore play their first-ever NZ shows, with The Acacia Strain and Organectomy.
Deathcore giants Lorna Shore play their first-ever NZ shows, with The Acacia Strain and Organectomy.
π Shed 6, Queens Wharf, Wellington Central | π’ Mon, doors 7:30pm | π° $132.43 + handling fee | π R18
π² Let's Go Te Ara Tupua Community Bike Day
Free bike checks, mechanic workshops and e-bike rides on the new Te Ara Tupua path. RSVP at freeride.nz.
Free bike checks, mechanic workshops and e-bike rides on the new Te Ara Tupua path. RSVP at freeride.nz.
π Honiana Te Puni Reserve, The Esplanade, Petone | π Mon 10am-2pm | π° Free
π¦ Wild Wellington NgΔ Taonga Taiao Waterfront Walk
Wildlife author Michael Szabo leads an hour-long nature walk along the waterfront. Meet 15 minutes early.
Wildlife author Michael Szabo leads an hour-long nature walk along the waterfront. Meet 15 minutes early.
π Len Lye Water Whirler, near Frank Kitts Park, Jervois Quay | π Mon 11am | π° Free, booking required
βοΈ Crime & Punishment Tour
Meet Wellington's earliest lawmakers, duellists, jailers and a criminal or two. Sturdy shoes needed.
Meet Wellington's earliest lawmakers, duellists, jailers and a criminal or two. Sturdy shoes needed.
π Bolton Street Cemetery Museum, lower Bolton Street, Thorndon | π Mon 2pm | π° $10.25 incl. fees, kids free | π All ages (not wheelchair accessible)
π Heads Up - Next Week
The NZSQ's final Wellington concert of the year includes Beethoven's String Quartet No. 11, Britten's String Quartet No. 3, Claire Cowan's Hansel & Gretel highlights and a new work by Sara Arain. The musicians introduce each piece, so whether it's your 1st or 40th chamber concert, all are welcome! πΆ
π Prefab Hall, 14 Jessie Street, Te Aro | π‘ Wed 28 Oct, 6:30pm | π° Under 18s $6.12, students $17.63, senior $49.87, adult $55 incl. fees
β
Welly Weather Watch
βοΈ Friday 23 Oct: Fine, light winds, then northerlies developing at night. High 19Β°C, low 13Β°C
π€οΈ Saturday 24 Oct: Partly cloudy, chance of a shower from morning, northerlies. High 17Β°C, low 13Β°C
β
Sunday 25 Oct: Partly cloudy, chance of an evening shower, northerlies. High 16Β°C, low 13Β°C
π§οΈ Monday 26 Oct: Occasional rain, northwesterlies becoming strong. High 16Β°C, low 13Β°C
Fine Friday, a few showers possible over the weekend, then rain and strong winds on Labour Day - so get your outdoor plans in early! (MetService, issued Wed 21 Oct.)
β¨ Extra Sprinkles
π Thank a Teacher, Help a Kiwi Kid
There's still time! Make a free card for a teacher who made a difference, online or in any Warehouse Stationery store. Each card means $2 to The Salvation Army (up to $50,000) for Kiwi kids' school essentials.
Make a card
There's still time! Make a free card for a teacher who made a difference, online or in any Warehouse Stationery store. Each card means $2 to The Salvation Army (up to $50,000) for Kiwi kids' school essentials.
Make a card
πΎ PΕneke Ngeru Rescue
This volunteer-run rescue cares for cats and kittens in need across Wellington, and kitten season means costs are climbing. Pop along to their Island Bay market on Saturday to help!
Market details
This volunteer-run rescue cares for cats and kittens in need across Wellington, and kitten season means costs are climbing. Pop along to their Island Bay market on Saturday to help!
Market details
Enjoy the long weekend Wellington - fingers crossed the weather plays along! π
NgΔ mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve π
NgΔ mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve π
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