Wellington region celebrates Open Days at Whitireia and WelTec and Kāpiti Coast community awards

Whitireia and WelTec held three Open Days across their regional campuses in Porirua, Petone and central Wellington in August, offering interactive hubs, health checks, virtual‑reality IT showcases and hands‑on hospitality workshops. Marketing Manager Rebecca Davidson said, "It was fantastic to have all of the Open Days take place in one month uninterrupted by COVID," and Executive Director Mark Oldershaw added that the events were timed to reinforce the institutions' role as the regional provider of skills‑based training.

The Kāpiti Coast District Council, in partnership with Wellington Airport, presented the 2026 Kāpiti Good Sorts and Regional Community Awards at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti. Mayor Janet Holborow noted that 32 nominations reflected the district’s strong volunteer spirit. Awards recognised individuals such as Noella Squire, Emma Upton and Ricki Baker, who received a Mayoral Award for his service to iwi and the wider community.