WellAble

20/04/2026

UPDATE: 21 April, 10.10am

🏢 All of our facilities (hubs, libraries, pools, The Dowse, and reception at Laings Road) will reopen by 11am, with minimal services as staff have been supporting the community through the night.

🤳 Walter Nash Centre, Huia Pool and Te Ngaengae Pool are open now for anyone who needs to charge their phones or shower.

For further updates today (Tuesday 21 April) see http://hutt.city/alert or https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BFPuJh1Sw/

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UPDATE: 20 April, 10:40pm

Wainuiomata and Kōraunui Marae are also available for overnight welfare assistance.

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If you’re feeling unsure or just need a safe place to go, support is available across the Hutt tonight.

If it is safe to do so, please stay with family or friends.
Otherwise, the following community hubs are open 24/7:

➡ Kōraunui Stokes Valley Neighbourhood Hub
➡ Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
➡ Walter Nash Centre (Taitā)
➡ War Memorial Library (Central Hutt)
➡ Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub

These locations provide:
➡ Device charging
➡ Tea and coffee
➡ Needs assessments
➡ A safe place to rest
➡ If you’re able, take your small domestic pets with you

We encourage people to act early and quickly. Do not wait for official warnings if you are in a low-lying area and think you may need to evacuate.

14/04/2026

Are you caring for a neurodivergent tamariki or young person?

We’re inviting applications for a new pilot peer support programme designed especially for grandparent and whānau caregivers of neurodivergent children.

This programme offers small, disability-informed peer support groups, led by trained facilitators, where carers can connect, share experiences, and pick up practical, day-to-day strategies.

✅ Fortnightly groups (5 sessions)
✅ Online and in-person options
✅ In-person groups in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Rotorua
✅ Small groups (max 12 carers)

Places are limited. Applications close this Sunday 19 April.

👉 Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/261021873713856
📘 For more information: https://www.grg.org.nz/event/peer-support-for-wh%C4%81nau-carers-of-neurodivergent-tamariki/71

If you’re unsure whether this programme is right for you, we still encourage you to apply — our team is happy to chat and help you decide.

02/04/2026

EASTER BUSINESS HOURS

Alt Text - A business closure notice displayed on a dark chalkboard-style panel beside a bright Easter scene. The text reads: “We will be closed from 3:00pm Thursday 2nd April, reopening on Tuesday 7th April at 9:00am. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Easter.” Next to the sign, two fluffy rabbits sit in a basket surrounded by colourful decorated Easter eggs and spring flowers in a sunny outdoor setting.

01/04/2026

CLIMATE FESTIVAL PŌNEKE - 18 APRIL - 9 MAY

Event: Climate Festival Pōneke
Date: 18 April - 9 May
Location: Across the city

Description:
A three-week community-led programme of events, activations, and creative climate solutions designed to bring together organisations, communities, and individuals to accelerate climate action across Wellington. Interweaving emissions reduction and caring for te taiao, the Festival provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and connection, while highlighting local initiatives and success stories that inspire and enable further action toward a resilient future.
Programme Link:

24/03/2026

🗳️ Make sure your voice is heard / Rēhita pōti

Enrolling to vote is one way disabled people / tāngata whaikaha can have a say in the decisions that shape Aotearoa.

The 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026.

⏰ Enrolment closes 13 days before election day
➡️ Make sure you're enrolled by 26 October

You can enrol or update your details online using a NZ driver licence, passport, or RealMe.

👉 Enrol or update now:
https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online

👉 Get help or access alternate formats:
https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-help-to-enrol/enrolment-information-in-alternate-formats

alt text - An older couple sitting inside a voting location smile as a guide dog stands in front of them. Ballot boxes and election staff can be seen in the background.

24/03/2026

💛 Helping people get out and enjoy life

Did you know you can hire a range of mobility and accessibility equipment from WellAble?

We’ve recently received some lovely feedback from a customer:

"Our mum had a great day out at the fair, which would have been impossible without a wheelchair. The staff at WellAble went above and beyond with their service, efficiency, and kindness. They were so helpful—thank you so much."

Mobility equipment is about so much more than just practical support.

It helps people stay connected with their community and whānau, while maintaining independence and dignity.

Whether you need equipment overnight, for a weekend, a week, or longer—we’re here to help.

👉 Find out more: https://www.well-able.org.nz/hire
📞 04 298 2914
📧 info@well-able.org.nz

WellAble has a range of mobility equipment for hire in Kapiti including toilet frames, crutches, wheelchairs, knee scooters, knee walkers, shower stools, rollators, strollers, walkers, walking frames

22/03/2026

Wellington's Central Library/Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui - NOW OPEN!

Monday – Friday: 9am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9.30am – 5pm

Strengthened and reimagined, Wellington's central library/Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is a welcoming civic hub for reading, learning, and connection.

Explore books and digital resources, exhibitions, makerspaces, study and meeting areas, creative technology, children’s spaces, and a full programme of events, talks, and workshops. Visit the Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui website for more information -

Discover Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, Wellington’s central library and cultural hub. Explore books, archives, events, exhibitions, and spaces to learn, connect, and create.

20/03/2026

World Down Syndrome Day 2026 - Together Against Loneliness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB07h9WM5A8

Using disability-related words as insults is a thing of the past. Update your language to build a more equitable world for everyone. ...

19/03/2026

PACIFIC HEALTHY HOMES INITIATIVE

The Pacific Healthy Homes initiative aims to make sure more Pacific families living in South Auckland and Porirua have warmer, drier and healthier homes.

Pacific Healthy Homes (https://www.mpp.govt.nz/programmes-and-funding/health/pacific-healthy-homes/ connects older Pacific peoples and their families in these areas - particularly those who suffer from chronic health conditions - with local providers who can assess their homes and provide help with things like curtains, ventilation, heating, insulation, education, or minor repairs.

The initiative builds on Health New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Initiative and the Energy, Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme and is tailored specifically for Pacific communities.

Led by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, it is a collaboration with Sustainability Trust and Habitat for Humanity. The Initiative is accepting further referrals for Pacific whanau in Porirua through to June 2026. It is a free service for Pasifika 45yrs and over who have an eligible health condition and live in Porirua, to help them live in a warm and dry home.

Referrals are accepted from partnering agencies; self-referrals are also accepted.

If you are aware of anyone who may benefit from this programme, please contact Sustainability Trust on 04 830 7650, or email kathryn.kenning@sustaintrust.org.nz

Our programmes aim to create thriving, resilient and prosperous Pacific communities in Aotearoa. We have a range of funding available for Pacific communities, youth and established providers.

18/03/2026

WCC OPEN CONSULTATIONS Open Consultations

TRAFFIC RESOLUTIONS MAY 2026
Wellington City Council is asking for feedback on 6 proposed new traffic resolutions. A traffic resolution is the formal record of a decision made by a council to change how a road or traffic is managed in a particular area - for example, they may relate to bus stop or parking changes. Visit the consultation page to take our quick survey.
CONSULTATION CLOSES at 5pm, 23 March 2026. Provide feedback on traffic resolutions - https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/traffic-resolutions-may-2026

PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURES
There is a proposed road closure for the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon happening on Sunday 28 June 2026.
CONSULTATION CLOSES - The Council is seeking feedback by 4pm, Friday 27 March 2026. Provide feedback on proposed road closures - https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/provide-feedback-proposed-road-closures

DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY
The Council is reviewing its Development Contributions Policy. Development Contributions (DCs) are charges that help the Council to pay for new or upgraded infrastructure – such as roads, water, sewage, and community facilities – required to support new residential or commercial growth. We are proposing targeted changes to the existing current policy.
CONSULTATION CLOSES - Feedback is open until 2 April 2026, 5pm. Read more or Provide Feedback Here - https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/development-contributions-policy

Provide feedback on Traffic Resolutions until 5pm, 23 March 2026

17/03/2026

17/03/2026

NEW PROJECT FOR DISABLED RANGA TAHI INTERESTED IN SOUND AND MUSIC

Touch Compass has launched ORO: Resonance, a crip‑led co‑creation project for disabled rangatahi aged 16–30 who are curious about designing sound or music for performance. Participants will learn sound design skills in weekly online sessions and create a short original piece, which will later be developed into a dance‑theatre performance.

Who can participate: Disabled rangatahi aged 16 to 30
Format: Weekly online sessions
Registrations: Email admin@touchcompass.org.nz for the info pack and application form.