Opinion from Inner-City Wellington
It is vital that any redesign of Te Ngākau – Civic Square recognises that inner-city residents now make up the largest suburb in Wellington in terms of population (in the smallest area of land in Wellington) and, as this population is expected to grow considerably, it is essential that, as well as being developed as the Civic heart and cultural hub of the city, the Square can also be seen as the heart of the inner city community. Key to this is retention of outdoor space, especially green space, and inclusion of surrounding internal community amenities at ground floor of ‘new’ buildings. Read more »

Report from RNZ
Some families in emergency housing are reporting their children are becoming emotionally distressed because of their living conditions. Demand for emergency accommodation has escalated last year with the number of emergency housing grants increasing by half. Read more »

News from VUW
A prize-winning professor with an international reputation in public health is to be the new Dean of Te Wāhanga Tātai Hauora — Wellington Faculty of Health at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington. Read more »

Press Release – Jordan Harcourt-Hughes
Mindfulness is increasingly being recognised as a practice that can support health, wellbeing and stress management techniques. From February, Kāpiti locals will have the chance to explore mindfulness through art and creativity, with workshops running out of the studio of Kapiti artist Jordan Harcourt-Hughes. Read more »

Press Release – Upper Hutt City Council
Upper Hutt Libraries is starting its 2021 programme of speakers with an author talk, hosting Angela Robertson on Saturday, 30 January, 2.00 pm at its Central branch. The afternoon event marks the launch of a series of events focussed on celebrating writers, local community stories, and storytelling. Read more »

News from NZ Government
The Government has approved an exception class for 1000 international tertiary students, degree level and above, who began their study in New Zealand but were caught offshore when border restrictions began. The exception will allow students to return to New Zealand in stages from April. Read more »

News from Kāpiti Coast District Council
A two-year pilot programme with a strong focus on Ōtaki rangatahi aged between 15-24 has received $995,000 from the He Poutama Rangatahi initiative, a fund managed by the Provincial Development Unit. Read more »

News from Upper Hutt Repair Cafe
This Saturday Upper Hutt Repair Café is celebrating a year of serving the Upper Hutt community and educating locals on repair skills through regular events. Now a registered charity, the volunteers have established themselves as an Upper Hutt staple and centre for repair education. Read more »

Press Release – Greater Wellington Regional Council
Kaitoke Regional Park will be everybody’s big backyard this Saturday as the council hosts Whānau Summer Day, a free event for the family. Read more »

News from NIWA
NIWA’s flagship research vessel Tangaroa leaves Wellington today on a six-week voyage to Antarctica, making it one of the few full scientific expeditions to the continent since the global outbreak of COVID-19. Read more »