WellingtonNZ

Wellington is a hive of innovation and creativity — so what better place to learn about AI for your business. You don’t have to be a tech expert to take advantage of the benefits of AI. Learn about harnessing this powerful tool at a free webinar. It will be hosted by Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele, founder of Fibre Fale and Young New Zealander of the Year 2025. A proud Pasifika technologist, Eteroa combines community connection with digital know-how, sharing real-world advice on how AI can help with everyday tasks like marketing, admin, planning and customer service. The webinar wraps up the Boost Your Business series, which has supported hundreds of small businesses across Te Whanganui a Tara to build capability, confidence and connections. WellingtonNZ is proud to support this mahi, in partnership with the Wellington Pasifika Business Network and Wellington Chamber of Commerce. It's part of our work to grow an inclusive, thriving regional economy. Sign up to be part of the kōrero and learn how AI can help save time, connect with customers and grow your business. https://lnkd.in/gGqcMw3T

If you live in, have visited, or even have a passing knowledge of Wellington, you've probably heard of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Aotearoa's national museum is the home of hundreds of thousands of precious taonga, and a cultural gem of the capital. This September, the museum opens its doors for a special evening of art, food, fun, and fundraising the Te Papa Foundation Gala. Guests can explore Toi Art, before enjoying handcrafted cocktails and a three-course dinner. There will also be a live charity auction presented by Webb’s, and performances from local musicians. If you can't go along, there will also be a digital auction online with some very Welly prizes (a year's supply of Whittakers, anyone?). All proceeds from the event and auction support Te Papa’s exhibitions, research, and education programmes, helping ensure the museum continues to thrive for generations to come. Buy your tickets for the 6 September event 👇 https://lnkd.in/gaz6WU5j

Sustainability is becoming a commercial advantage — and Wellington businesses are leading the way 🍃 WellingtonNZ’s Business and Innovation team has joined forces with Kiwibank and the Sustainable Business Network to bring you The Commercial Advantage of Sustainability — a practical event for businesses to learn about sustainability strategies that make sense. Hear from Mike Casey, founder of Rewiring Aotearoa, as he shares how electrification is helping Kiwi businesses cut costs and future-proof operations. You'll also gain real-world insights from local businesses already putting sustainability into action. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or already making strides, this is a chance to connect with like-minded leaders and explore how sustainable thinking can power business success. 📅 Don’t miss it – register now and be part of the conversation driving positive change. https://lnkd.in/gkGD-vUP

Wellington is in for a treat this summer, with music megastar Ed Sheeran returning to his “favourite city in the world” with his brand-new show, the ‘Loop Tour’ at Sky Stadium. Coming to the capital on 21 January, this will be his second gig in Wellington since 2023 when he performed to a sold out stadium of over 48,000 fans. WellingtonNZ Chief Executive, Mark Oldershaw says “We can’t wait to welcome Ed Sheeran back to Wellington for his brand-new show. Sheeran is a world-class artist and we look forward to hosting him again in our world-class city. His music resonates with people of all ages, and his concerts create unforgettable experiences for fans and families alike. We know he is a big fan of our city, so we’ll certainly be rolling out the welcome mat for his return. “As the nation’s creative heart, concerts like this bring a real buzz to Wellington, supporting local businesses and showcasing the best of what our city has to offer. We expect tickets will sell fast, given Sheeran’s strong fanbase in Wellington and beyond.” https://lnkd.in/gfWKQi5y

How do you plan your travel? While we'd like to think it's via a perfectly-curated website with an easy to use and aesthetically-pleasing design (*cough* WellingtonNZ *cough*), sometimes it’s as simple as texting that one cool friend who lives there and asking for their go-to spots. Well — what if it could be both? Introducing: Live like a local. This newly-created content series give you the best of Wellington, straight from the source. From notable fashion designers to award-winning restaurateurs, these are locals in the know. Find their picks of where to go to the city at the link below (and maybe keep them on file for the next time someone asks you "where should I go in Wellington?"). https://lnkd.in/gCrms2Yq

Last night, Wellington gave a uniquely Aotearoa welcome to Wrexham AFC The team and crew were welcomed with a pōwhiri at Upper Hutt's Ōrongomai Marae. Waiata, kai, and kōrero were shared in a moving ceremony that celebrated connection, culture, and communities coming together. Wrexham's arrival ahead of their much-anticipated Saturday match against Wellington Phoenix Football Club comes hot on the heels of a sold-out weekend of international rugby. Saturday’s game at Sky Stadium marks Wrexham’s first time playing on New Zealand soil, following their whirlwind tour of Australia — and adds another highlight to an already buzzing winter events calendar in the capital. Ngā mihi to Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa and Ōrongomai Marae for their manaakitanga and for hosting this special moment of cross-cultural exchange, and to Werk Agency for capturing the occasion. TEG Sport

If you heard a shout of celebration around Miramar this morning, it probably came from the Wētā FX office 🥳 The Wellington special effects company has secured two Emmy nominations for its work on the latest seasons of TV shows House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. Both nods were for Outstanding Special Visual Effects. The company has previously won four Emmys, and will be hoping to add to that number come September when the 2025 ceremony takes place. As a UNESCO City of Film, Wellington is a hub of world-class talent and creative technology. Congratulations, Wētā! https://lnkd.in/gCtim2pb

Back-to-back blockbuster matches are proving a boon for Wellington businesses 🏉⚽ Wellington cafes, restaurants, and bars have given a ringing endorsement to major sporting fixtures in the city. On 12 July the sold out double header for the All Blacks and Black Ferns sent tens of thousands through the central city before and after kick-off. This weekend, the buzz continues as Wrexham AFC takes on Wellington's own Phoenix at Sky Stadium in their only New Zealand match. The globally followed Welsh club, made famous by Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham, is expected to draw crowds (and possibly co-owner Ryan Reynolds 👀). WellingtonNZ Chief Executive Mark Oldershaw says packaging two major events like this creates powerful momentum for the city. “There’ll be international cameras here — and international attention,” he says. https://lnkd.in/gn4iykMi

The Wairarapa Business Summit is back on 31 July. Held at the Wairarapa Events Centre, it's a full day of insights, practical tools, and real conversations to help take your business further. WellingtonNZ's Business & Innovation team will be on the ground, connecting with the Wairarapa business community and sharing ways to support growth. Whether it's capability building or regional economic development, it's all about helping the area thrive. Planning to be there? Come say kia ora, have a kōrero, and join the conversation. https://lnkd.in/gQk6qpr9

Got a head for numbers and a heart for the arts? We're looking for a creative thinker with sharp analytical skills to step into an influential role measuring the impact of events in New Zealand’s most exciting region. If this sounds like you check out ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/giZKDgn8