Last Sunday my family found ourselves unexpectedly home early from a class noho marae. So we ended up doing a cycling trip to the Empire Cinema in Island Bay to see Encanto Reo Māori. Because the cycleway connection in Berhampore is only half built, we took a short-cut from our home in Berhampore to get to the Parade. The kids were very keen, as they always are, to get their “bikes on the road.”
These streets from Adelaide Road in Berhampore to the Parade in Island Bay, Tapu te Ranga, are another group of city streets built above waterways.
The Pae Kawakawa stream starts near Macalister Park and runs along these roads with feeder streams in Mornington and Southgate as well.
The last decade has seen a fierce debate about the role of cycleways in our city’s overall transport infrastructure. Those opposed present them as a luxury for a small number of people at high cost while inconveniencing others. Those supportive point out the potential cycle mode share (over 50% in some overseas cities) and the huge improvements this level of cycling can make in health, our city’s liveability, and climate change.
Biking around the bays is a stunning ride. But it could be ruined if traffic trebles. Cyclists will be forced off the road. Next Wednesday, Wellington City Councillors vote on a proposal to develop Shelly Bay, permitting a giant housing and shopping development. But there’s no plan to upgrade Shelly Bay Road. That could mean 3-4 vehicles every minute along a narrow road, trying to pass on blind corners. Cyclists could be expected to share a 1.5 metre path with pedestrians.
Expensive new plans for Victoria Street have failed to consider cyclists. Why do the concept plans show that the street will be rubbish for people on bikes?
The City Council has committed $11million to fast track a re-design of three blocks of the street, between Dixon and Abel Smith Streets.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the Wellington City Council will vote on a motion lodged by Councillors Nicola Young and Paul Eagle that could delay the development of the Island Bay Cycle Way (Section 1 of the full route to the city) indefinitely.
Though I’m only occasionally asked about it, I’m aware of an underlying question in the cycling community about “why isn’t there more evidence of progress for cycling under a ‘green’ mayor?” Questions are also occasionally asked about how this all fits with overall transport planning
Is this hypocrisy? The NZ Transport Agency refuses to provide money to build a cycleway on the edge of the harbour from Petone to Wellington. But the Agency says that more of us should be riding our bikes and leaving our cars at home.
Amongst all the details of new roads and ramps and car parks, there’s some enthusiasm about cycling and walking in the Regional Council’s new ten-year plan for transport from Ngauranga to Te Marua.
In particular, there’s a strong recommendation for a good quality cycling and walking route between Ngauranga and Petone. Regional Council chair Fran Wilde says it is one of the major projects in the plan.
Kia ora St John’s whānau, I hope you’re keeping warm, as we feel the brink of snow! This Sunday we unpack the next two priorities of our Vision Refresh: Priority 5 – Discipleship: A Distinctive Community that Integrates Newcomers into Meaningful Pathways of Growth Priority 6 – Tradition and Innovation: Authenticity over Trend Our St J’s Kids and youth will start at 10am in the St John’s Centre in their peer groups. And then they will come across to the church so we can all celebrate the meal of Communion together. After the service we will all share morning tea and coffee in the St John’s Centre. And we have our final Souper Sunday of the winter season (see details below). If you can’t gather in the city, and you want to join the worship service via Zoom, here is the link to access the live-stream: Link to Zoom Service If using your phone: dial 04 886 0026 (Meeting ID: 370 260 759#, Passcode: 1560107#) This is the link to the printable Service Sheet: Printable Service Sheet OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT... SOUPER SUNDAY Souper Sunday is this Sunday (9th August). This will be the last Souper Sunday for the Winter. Please join us after morning tea for delicious hot soup. No charge but we would appreciate something small to have with our tea/coffee after soup. Thank you for your contribution. CREATION CARE Come and join in this tree planting with a team from Church on the afternoon of Sunday 9th August. Tawatawa Reserve in Owhiro Bay Meet at the Tawatawa sign board and map, just up the hill from the car park on Murchison Street. Please dress warmly, bring strong footwear that can get muddy, and gardening gloves if you have them. If rained off we will postpone to the 16th of August. PRESBYTERY GATHERING Twice a year, Presbytery Central holds their Gathering. We’re looking forward to gathering again as Presbytery Central on 15th August 2026, this time exploring what it means to be Presbyterian in today’s world. Centred on the theme Cooperation – working together, this Gathering will celebrate our shared identity, tell stories of collaboration from around the Presbytery, and consider how we can faithfully serve God’s mission together in Central New Zealand. We are honoured to welcome Right Rev Peter Dunn, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, as our keynote speaker. Peter will reflect on the strengths of our Presbyterian tradition and the opportunities before us as we seek to be churches that are connected, discerning, and hopeful. Throughout the day we’ll hear inspiring stories of cooperation between congregations, ministries, and communities, before concluding with a panel conversation featuring Peter, Rev Erin Pendreigh, and Rev Allister Lane, exploring what it means to be Presbyterian today and where God may be leading us next. Join us at St Alban’s, Palmerston North, from 10:30am on Saturday 15 August 2026, for a day of worship, encouragement, conversation, and vision as we reflect on Our Story. Our Calling. Our Future. Whether you’ve been part of the Presbyterian Church for decades or are newer to our community, this Gathering is an opportunity to reconnect, learn from one another, and be inspired for the journey ahead. Details and Registration SCOTS FOUNDERS SERVICE On Sunday 23rd August, 4pm we host the annual Founders Service with all our friends from the Scots College community. You are welcome to come and be part of this worship, as we celebrate the vision of those who started the Church Schools and for the enduring legacy of Christian influence in our city. RECITAL: ROSE LIGHT & GABRIEL BAIRD Monday, 24 August at 7:30pm at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Kelburn for a spectacular evening of chamber music. Rose studied violin in Wellington at the NZ School of Music prior to moving to Austria, returns for this recital alongside pianist Gabriel Baird. Time: Doors open at 7:00pm | Concert begins at 7:30pm Tickets: $35 Adult / $25 CSC & Under 24 (Cash sales may be available at the door) https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/rose-light-gabriel-baird-recital-wellington/wellington St Johns Church Camp is back! (Only happens every second year!) Join us 18–20 Sept at Forest Lakes, Ōtaki for two nights of faith, fun, connection, and relaxation. Expect: worship, Bible reflections, great chats, games, fully catered meals, awesome company, and unforgettable moments (including Dave Wood’s legendary bonfire). Take a break from the busyness of life, grow deeper in your faith, and connect with your church whānau. Don’t miss it! You can now register HERE Church Camp OFFICE HOURS St John’s Office is closed on Mondays. All functions of the office will be available the other working days of the week. Check out more of what’s happening at St John’s on the website: https://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/upcoming-events The St John’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-In-The-City-Wellington-197057586974092/ The Facebook group created as a safe space just for our St J’s Whānau: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18qCo6CmJP/?mibextid=wwXIfr Mā te wā Allister
Above: Thumbs up to Ma’a Nonu, who will wear the #23 jersey for the Sharks against the All Blacks on Wednesday at 5.00am at Durban. Monday morning edition (updates expected): It’s school finals week in Wellington, with the schoolgirls finals at Porirua Park on Wednesday evening, Premier 2 and lower grade boys college finals at...
Wellington College were pushed hard by Rathkeale College in their Premiership First XV final today. They will meet St Pat’s Silverstream in next week’s final. More below. Photo: Andy McArthur. By Steven White, Scott MacLean & Adam Julian Wellington College and St Pat’s Silverstream will meet in next weekend’s Premiership final at Porirua Park following...
Imperial Service Order, Fellow Royal Geographic Society Our Great Grandfather James Stewart Mackenzie was born on March 10th 1849 in Edinburgh to David Stewart and Rebecca (nee Noble) Mackenzie. James...
