PHOTO: Despite its artsy reputation, Wellington still doesn’t have a stadium or arena that meets the technical, acoustic, or capacity needs of today’s world-class touring acts. LORDE. PEOPLE
Wellington – the so-called cultural capital of New Zealand – has been snubbed yet again by one of our biggest global music stars. Lorde’s newly announced Ultrasound World Tour features just two Aotearoa stops: Auckland and Christchurch. Wellington? Not on the list.
And the truth hurts. 💔 But it also begs the question…
Why is our creative capital always overlooked when it comes to major live music events?
The answer is simple: Wellington lacks a true first-class, large-scale concert venue.
And artists – like Lorde – are voting with their feet. 👟
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📉 Wellington: A Capital Without a Crown
Despite its artsy reputation, Wellington still doesn’t have a stadium or arena that meets the technical, acoustic, or capacity needs of today’s world-class touring acts.
Here’s what we’re dealing with:
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🏟️ TSB Arena – Too small, poor acoustics, and dated
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🎶 Michael Fowler Centre – Great for symphonies, not stadium-level gigs
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🏚️ Opera House – Heritage charm, but not fit for modern productions
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❌ No major indoor venue with 10,000+ seats = no chance for top-tier acts
🎵 The Cost of Inaction: Missed Gigs, Lost Dollars
Lorde’s snub is just the latest in a long list of global and national artists bypassing Wellington.
It’s a trend that’s costing the capital more than just pride:
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💸 Lost tourism revenue
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🚫 Fewer job opportunities in event production
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🧑🎤 Shrinking support for local talent and promoters
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💔 Frustrated fans who travel (or miss out)
🏗️ What’s the Hold-Up?
Wellington has flirted with the idea of a modern indoor arena for years — but plans have repeatedly been delayed, paused, or abandoned altogether.
Meanwhile:
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✅ Auckland has Spark Arena
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✅ Christchurch is getting Te Kaha Stadium
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❌ Wellington has… a wishlist
For a city that prides itself on creativity and culture, this is becoming an embarrassing blind spot.
🎯 The Solution is Clear
To bring back major artists — and to give our local music scene the infrastructure it deserves — Wellington urgently needs:
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🔨 A new, modern 10,000–15,000 seat concert arena
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💰 Long-term investment from both public & private sectors
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🎟️ A commitment to reclaiming our status as the music heart of Aotearoa
💬 Final Word
Wellington can’t keep calling itself the cultural capital if it can’t host its own stars.
Lorde’s latest snub is more than a tour schedule — it’s a wake-up call. ⏰
The people are ready. The demand is there.
But until the venue exists… Wellington stays off the list.