Wellington families face a challenging winter as school holiday programmes cut capacity due to severe staff shortages. Many popular kids’ activities have reduced sessions or cancelled entirely, forcing parents to find alternative childcare solutions.
The government’s 2026 budget cuts threaten Wellington’s museum and arts sector with closures, entry fees, and reduced programming. Local cultural institutions face an uncertain future as funding disappears.
Te Papa is undergoing its biggest technological transformation in decades with a $15 million investment in digital arts infrastructure. The changes include AI-powered exhibitions, VR experiences, and fully digitised collections launching from July 2026.
