Wellington, New Zealand Travel News

Wellington trains are expected to be back up and running by noon - just in time for the first in a series of "free Friday" afternoons.

In Spain for the last few weeks, I found myself thinking of home . As a visitor to two of Spain's small Balearic islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, I found myself comparing my visitor experiences with the experiences that tourists have when they spend time in Wellington.

New Zealanders are taking precautions after three swine flu-related deaths were confirmed over the weekend, but many say they are no more concerned about the H1N1 virus than the seasonal flu.

TODAY 36 YEARS AGO: Ty Dallas with a photo taken with Michael Jackson and two of his brothers backstage at their Wellington Town Hall concert on July 4, 1973.

ACCIDENTAL INFECTOR: Irihapeti Morrison, with mum Ruth Tame, infected others after being tested and told she did not have swine flu.

Wellington City Council's Strategy and Policy Committee last week considered its draft Long-Term Council Community Plan in light of community feedback and recent funding requests - agreeing on a plan that is likely to mean an average real rates increase for 2009/10 of 3.24 percent.

ACCIDENTAL INFECTOR: Irihapeti Morrison, with mum Ruth Tame, infected others after being tested and told she did not have swine flu.

Rimutaka Hill road on State Highway 2 between Wellington and the Wairarapa has reopened this afternoon as cold, snowy weather rolls up the country.

MODEL: Laura Scaife never even thought she'd make it into NZNTM's top 100. Relevant offers Laura Scaife's not quite at the point of hyperventilating.

The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in New Zealand has risen to around 70.

LIGHTS OUT: Garry McAvoy says he has been forced to restrict access to his glow worm caves.

Commuters on Wairarapa trains say the service is falling apart. In the past few months, some services have been half-an-hour late or been cancelled because of engine breakdowns.

Wellington City Councillors today voted to open Manners Mall to buses and extend Cuba Mall down to Wakefield Street - a proposal that will improve bus services, create new public spaces and better pedestrian links with the Lambton Quay area, Civic Square and the waterfront.

We're in a recession, but not because Bill English says so. What would he know? He's got a six-figure salary and little chance of being downsized.

Wellington.Scoop by Lindsay Shelton Theya ve changed the name of the Wellington Film Festival, and Ia m sad about it.

DAILY ABLUTIONS: Pipe rehabilitation specialist John Carson tries to flush out problems in the waste expressway under Eastbourne.

Wellington City Councillors will next week consider opening Manners Mall to buses and extending Cuba Mall down to Wakefield Street - a proposal that would improve bus services, create new public spaces and better pedestrian links with Civic Square.

Wild winter weather conditions bashing Cook Strait and the capital have seen ferry crossings cancelled, houses damaged and roads closed today.

Tuesday, 26 May 2009, 12:29 pm Press Release: 4pr 26 May 2009: Travelodge Wellington will re-open its doors in early June following a multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Hundreds of passengers delayed after Cook Strait ferry crossings were cancelled because of wild weather yesterday have been able to travel today.