The event takes place on Friday, March 20 at the hall on Mentor Lane in Cannons Creek, with community members encouraged to come along, support local vendors and enjoy the atmosphere.

The market features a range of Pacific foods and goods for sale, with stallholders from across Porirua’s Pacific communities. Organisers say the night markets are designed as a welcoming space where families and residents can gather and celebrate Pacific cultures.

Greetings shared by organisers reflect the city’s diverse Pacific population, including Cook Islands, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, Fijian, Niuean, Kiribati and Solomon Islands communities.

Porirua has one of the largest Pacific populations in New Zealand, and community events such as the night markets help celebrate Pacific identity, languages and traditions across the city.

Several Pacific Night Markets are planned throughout 2026, with the Cannons Creek event kicking off the year’s programme.

Residents can attend the market in the evening, try Pacific food, support local stallholders and connect with the community.

Originally planned for an outdoor setting, the event has been moved indoors due to weather concerns. Organisers say the venue change won’t dampen the Christmas spirit, with a full programme of carols, crafts, and community cheer still on offer.

Popular entertainer Nick Tansley will lead the crowd in singing classic Christmas carols, while local stallholders will be selling kai and gifts, perfect for those looking to support local and pick up some last-minute presents.

There will also be plenty of fun for tamariki, including craft activities and face painting.

Kirihimete in the City is a free, family-friendly event aimed at bringing the community together to celebrate the festive season.

Getting to the venue is easy, with public transport options including nearby train and bus stops. Free three-hour parking is available at Te Rauparaha Arena, with additional on-street parking in the city centre, which is also free on weekends. Seven accessible carparks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends and whānau, and to download the carol song list in advance to sing along.

Haerenga means journey. Whakapakari speaks to strengthening, maturing, and developing people. Together, haerenga whakapakari, reflects the heart of Mana Arts Society.

This exhibition is a creative journey through our landscape – land, sea, people, and the feeling of space that connects them. It showcases the diverse voices of local artists, each growing in confidence and sharing their talent, knowledge, and vision.

Through art, Mana Arts Society fosters pride, inclusivity, and connection – strengthening the creative heartbeat of our community.

What: Haerenga Whakapakari: A Journey through our landscape

Where: Pataka

When: 24 October to 7 December 2025

The Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines will have extra capacity before and after the game.

A special Wairarapa Line service will run after the game, expected to depart approximately 30 minutes after the match finishes.

Core bus routes will have increased capacity, and the East-by-West ferry will be running at standard operating times. 

Metlink recommends using a Snapper card to tag on and off, instead of cash, to access cheaper fares.  

Plan ahead and travel early on game day using the latest travel information on the Metlink app, website, or by calling 0800 801 700. 

Traffic news at: www.trafficfox.co.nz

The burger is part of the annual Visa Wellington On a Plate festival, running from 1 to 31 August 2025, and draws inspiration from Ravikumar’s childhood memories of his grandmother’s cooking. He began his culinary journey at just five years old, making omelettes for his family and discovering a lifelong calling.

“Food is love. It’s always been about bringing people, families and communities together through food, culture and connection,” said Ravikumar.

Gran’s Table is a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother’s cooking and features Chennai-style vellai chicken kurma, with masala omelette, kachumber salad, Kāpiti Kānuka Smoked Havarti, mint coconut chutney and spiced green banana crisps in a Pōneke Bakery coconut milk bun. It’s served with karam podi fries and mango ooruga mayo.

Since the competition began, over 2,800 of these burgers have been sold, with Ravikumar working up to 18-hour days to meet demand.

The burger is one of five finalists selected from more than 180 entries, all interpreting this year’s theme, Food is Love. Each finalist crafted dishes steeped in cultural heritage and emotional connection, offering everything from traditional Māori boil-ups to Malaysian laksa-inspired burgers.

Ravikumar praised the spirit of Wellington On a Plate, noting the generosity and passion of the people involved.

“The people are hardworking, passionate and generous — supporting from behind and out front for their love of food and diversity. That’s what makes us stronger as a city,” he said.

Winners of Burger Wellington will be announced at the close of the festival. Locals can still try Gran’s Table until 31 August at Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café.

For tickets and details, visit visawoap.com.

Event Manager Tania Carr said the sold-out show exceeded all expectations. “The performances were phenomenal; it was really hard for the judges because of the exceptional talent on show.”

The annual community showcase highlighted the depth of local talent across age groups and disciplines. Malakai Asiata lit up the stage with a powerful Samoan war dance, earning top honours in the 5-12 year dance category and electrifying the audience.

“It was awesome to see these new acts along with some of the favourites from last year perform,” said Carr. “Special mention goes to Kōtuku as Supreme Winner with their reggae band. Their stage presence was amazing – they worked the crowd, and as well as their obvious talent, they impressed with their charisma and confidence.”

Returning judges Ainslie Allen, Aroha Davidson and Fredwyn Kisona faced the tough task of picking winners from an impressive field of finalists. Carr emphasised the importance of community support in making the event possible.

“Like any community event, Porirua Has Talent relies heavily on sponsorship and community support,” she said. “We feel so much aroha for everyone who helped us bring this to fruition for the second year running. It takes a village to create a top-class talent show and we are so grateful to everyone who backed us.”

Winners of Porirua Has Talent 2025

• Supreme Winner: Kōtuku (Reggae band, 13–25 Group category) – Sponsored by Black Grace
• Vocals/Musician 5–12 years: Willow Hunkin, Hexyle Cram Rivera, Caleb Jackson
  • Runners-up: Alina Babko, Tania Tipuna
• Vocals/Musician 13–25 years: Cortearz Howell, Carmelle Cohen-Ronen, Sophie Taylor-Edwards
  • Runners-up: Helmy Esera, Zung Lahtaw
• Dance 5–12 years: Malakai Asiata, Danielle Gracie, Celeste Richards
• Dance 13–25 years: Sage Ngātai Skipper, Emily Love, Olivia Murphy
• Group 5–12 years: SWIS, The Blue Roses
• Group 13–25 years: Kōtuku, Riot Boyz, Chelsea & Sophie
  • Runners-up: White Widow, Pandora & Arahia

Running from 7:45am to 9:00am, the event is open to all ages and abilities, emphasising enjoyment and community over competition. Participants can walk or run at their own pace, making it an ideal way to kick off the weekend surrounded by nature and friendly faces.

The course follows the historic Old Coach Road, a compacted gravel track dating back to the 1870s, now a scenic route alongside Kenepuru Stream. Sheltered by mature trees, the track winds through a quiet valley, providing a calm and car-free environment. A brief narrow section near the 2km mark requires single-file passing, but the overall route is gentle and accessible.

“It’s not about winning or being the fastest, it’s about being part of something,” organisers say. “Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out for a stroll, everyone is welcome.”

No registration fee is required, but newcomers must register online before their first event to receive a timing barcode. Bringing this barcode each week ensures participants can track their progress.

Dogs are welcome, limited to one per adult on a short handheld lead. Children under 10 must be accompanied within arm’s reach of an adult, and there are no toilet facilities on-site, so participants are advised to plan ahead.

After the event, many attendees head to Get Fixed at Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, for coffee and conversation, adding a social touch to the morning.

Volunteers are also needed weekly, with roles available for those completing Duke of Edinburgh awards or looking to give back to the community. Interested individuals can contact organisers via porirua@parkrun.co.nz.

Upcoming dates include 23 and 30 August, and 6, 13, and 20 September.

Many young people from Porirua have registered for this year’s Open Day, giving local students and their families the opportunity to discover everything Victoria University offers right here in Wellington.

The event offers the prospective students a chance to attend sample lectures, explore the University’s campuses, and get a feel for life as a student in the capital.

Local retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses are also getting involved, offering discounts and giveaways to visitors. Iconic Wellington landmarks will be lit up green to mark the occasion, contributing to what is shaping up to be a city-wide celebration.

Director of Marketing and Communications David Lewis says that while attracting prospective students to Open Day is a key focus, this year’s event is about showcasing the full Wellington experience.

“With local businesses getting involved, and major events like Beervana, the New Zealand International Film Festival, and Wellington On A Plate taking place the same weekend, this year’s Open Day is as much a celebration of the city as it is of the University.

“Victoria University is one of Wellington’s largest employers, and our students contribute significantly to the city’s economy and vibrancy. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the young people here for Open Day, exploring their future options and experiencing Wellington.”

In partnership with Accord Group Hotels and Grabaseat, the University has also provided fantastic travel and accommodation discounts to help bring visitors to the capital.

The event is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to attract and engage prospective students while supporting the Wellington scene. Open Day 2025 is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of future students in recent years. Registrations remain open for those wishing to attend.

Titled Peace Through Printmaking, the Wānanga workshops aim to empower Porirua residents to express themes of peace and community through the traditional art of linocut printmaking. Local participants will have the chance to explore the medium in a creative and supportive environment under the guidance of Featherston-based printmaker Aaron Potaka.

The initiative, supported by the Porirua Creative Communities Scheme and Gordon Harris Art and Graphic Stores, is open to all Porirua residents at no cost. Each workshop is limited to 20 people, and early registration is encouraged by emailing optiv101@gmail.com with a name, contact details, and preferred workshop day and venue.

The programme runs from 2 to 5 September at the following locations:

• Tuesday, 2 September: Mungavin Hall Supper Room, 10am–4pm
• Wednesday & Thursday, 3 & 4 September: Tireti Hall, 10am–4pm
• Friday, 5 September: Ngāti Toa Hall, 10am–4pm

Participants will learn techniques and studio etiquette while creating a linocut printing plate. Each attendee will produce an edition of five paper prints suitable for framing, along with prints on textiles.

Organisers hope the workshops will foster a spirit of respect, care, and peaceful expression in Porirua.

The event promises a feast for the senses, with beautiful blooms, intricate exhibition displays, and a marketplace offering plants, produce, preserves, and raffles. Workshops and a café will add to the festival atmosphere. Entry is $5 for adults, with children admitted free.

The show opens to the public on Saturday 30 August following an official ceremony at noon. Visitors can explore exhibits from 12.15pm to 5pm, with Sunday’s programme running from 10am to 3pm. Sunday highlights include the children’s ‘Trash to Fash – Recycled Runway!’ parade at 12.30pm, followed by prizegiving and raffle draws at 1pm.

Exhibitors, including the general public, school groups, and community gardeners, can stage their entries free of charge on Friday 29 August from 4pm to 9.30pm, or on Saturday 30 August from 7am to 10am. Late entries will be displayed for exhibition only. Judging begins promptly at 10am on Saturday.

Entries must be brought in via the Norrie Street loading bay. Full details on categories, deadlines, and rules are available in the 2025 Show Schedule.