Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Where can I find information about the local histories of Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara?

Photo of the artwork 'Tāwhirimātea and children' by Cliff Whiting. Taken at Lobby of MetService, Botanic Gardens, Kelburn.

Image: Tāwhirimātea and children, Cliff Whiting by Maribeth Coleman. Collection: Wellington City Libraries Recollect. Reference 50012-140-03.

Legends tell how Kupe chased a Wheke (octopus) from Hawaiki to the Cook Strait, where he discovered Aotearoa. Over the centuries, different groups of Māori, Pākehā settlers and migrants have lived in the Wellington area.

Close up of statue on Wellington waterfront. It shows Kupe, his wife Hine Te Apārangi, and his tohunga (priest) Pekahourangi.

People of Wellington

Here are some sources you could look at if you'd like to find out about individual people or groups of people from Wellington.

Learn about people of Wellington
1975 photo of Parliament House and The Beehive in the final stages of construction.

Places of Wellington

There are many places that are significant to Wellington. Use the resources in this section to find out about their histories.

Learn about places of Wellington
1981 black and white photo of Springbok Tour protestors on Hill Street, Wellington. Police are alongside.

Events of Wellington

Lots of things have happened that have had an impact on Wellington. The following resources explore these events and can offer some different perspectives.

Learn about events of Wellington
Six cartoon characters site around a table using a tablet, laptop and books.