by Leviathan
There is one good side to this bus debacle – don’t jump down my throat just yet, hear me out. Read more »

by Lindsay Shelton
It’s been a bad week for the Regional Council. (The one that refers to itself as “Greater Wellington.”) It had to deal with scores of unplanned bus cancellations, and there was derision at its request to be told what’s wrong with its bus services. Then came its announcement that it was increasing the rates by 6.5 per cent, which was quickly followed by the discovery of something it had chosen not to mention: for Wellington city the increase was to be much more than that.
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by Lindsay Shelton
Wellington city councillors last week had a chance to reconsider their never-ending enthusiasm for approving annual rates increases. They debated the idea of saving a bit of money. And then voted not to save it. This week they’re facing the same issue in a more serious form – with yesterday’s sudden closure of the Central Library, they’ll need to set new priorities for spending, but they’ll have to realise that they can’t keep asking ratepayers to give them more money.
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Wellington.Scoop
Wellington’s Central Library was shut tonight indefinitely, after the city council yesterday received engineering advice about significant vulnerabilities in an earthquake. There’s no date for it to reopen. The carpark underneath the library has also closed. Read more »

Anjum Rahman, spokesperson for the Islamic Women’s Council of NZ

By Anjum Rahman
How does a heart break? Does it shatter into a million pieces? Does it split into two aching, throbbing halves? Does it break with a low keening wail or an earth-shattering scream of pain? Read more »

The Prime Minister in Christchurch. Photo from Christchurch City Council

by Jacinda Ardern
Many of you will know that this morning a contingent of community leaders met together at a refugee centre in Christchurch. It was an important opportunity for us to share the grief of New Zealanders directly with those who have experienced so much loss. Read more »

by Gillian Tompsett
By sanctioning the purchase of new diesel buses, the Greater Wellington Regional Council continues to undermine the government’s cornerstone strategic commitment to environmentally sustainable public transport systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more »

by Lindsay Shelton
It was six months ago that I discovered IAG wanted to get out of the home insurance business in Wellington. So this week’s news wasn’t a surprise. Read more »

by Alana Bowman
The legal fight to stop the rebuilding of Frank Kitts Park is over, and Wellington city councillors and Mayor Justin Lester are continuing with their plans to destroy the green amphitheatre and flatten the park. Read more »

by Daran Ponter
I get quite a few questions/knocks about the Airport Flyer. It’s a good service – frequent, relatively quick, and comfortable. But people have been raising issues recently. including: Read more »