Latest fromWellington Region

<i>Lonely Planet</i> takes shine to Wellington (+photos)
Wellington is voted the fourth top city in the world to visit next year, but Auckland misses out.

Picnicker hit by car dies
A woman has died after being hit by a suspected drink-driver when she and a friend stopped for a roadside picnic yesterday.

Drink-driver crashes into picnic
A drink-driver lost control and hit two women who had stopped for a roadside picnic yesterday morning. Witnesses said the car's skid marks measured more than 100m.

Cameron in talks with Weta over <i>Avatar</i>
Sequels to James Cameron's blockbuster film Avatar look set to be shot in Wellington, with the acclaimed director in talks with Weta Digital.

McCarten taking on Mana
Contesting the Mana by-election will provide a clear alternative for voters and put pressure on the major party candidates to respond, says Unite Union leader Matt McCarten.

Matt McCarten to stand in Mana
Veteran political organiser Matt McCarten has announced he will contest the Mana by-election.

Hobbit studio confirms it is looking abroad for filming locations
Warner Brothers have confirmed that they are considering alternative locations in which to film the two Hobbit films.

Simon Bowden's favourite things
The Arts Foundation's Simon Bowden says we can learn something from the US when it comes to cultural philanthropy.

Funding to trial new killer traps announced
Possums, rats and stoats have something new to fear after the Government and the Green Party today announced $4 million in funding to trial self-resetting traps.