Wellington celebrated its 150th birthday in style last night.
Kiwi chart-topper Dave Dobbyn was the star billing of the Capital 150 concert, performing his catalogue of hits on the steps of Parliament with the Orpheus Choir.
The show ended with a spectacular light and sound display.
The evening, organised by Wellington City Council, was one of many free public events that saw Wellingtonians out in force yesterday, including at tours around some of the capital's most significant national collections.
"Treasures of Wellington" continues today between 10am-5pm, opening the doors to more than 30 national institutions free of charge, including Parliament Buildings, Pipitea Marae and Te Papa Museum.
Wellington became New Zealand's capital in 1865, with Parliament officially sitting in the city for the first time on 26 July 1865.
New Zealand's capital was originally established by Governor William Hobson at Kororareka (Russell) in the Bay of Islands. After 1841 it was sited in Auckland.
A panel of Australian-based commissioners later designated Wellington the seat of Government because of its favourable geography, sheltered harbour and central location.