This Christmas, Kiwi Christmas Books is calling on New Zealanders to give a gift that lasts far beyond the holidays: a brand-new book, written and illustrated here at home.

The children’s book-gifting charity — which has donated more than 54,000 books to families in need since its inception — launched its annual campaign on November 1st. Donations will ensure that children in refuges, hospitals, transitional housing, foster care and other community support services will each receive a brand-new book of their own this Christmas.

The Kiwi Christmas Books campaign runs from 1 November – 10 December 2025.

• Donate a new children’s book through participating book stores, schools or workplaces.

• Or donate directly via the website: www.kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz

A huge plant stall of all varieties; and cakes, preserves, and lunches for sale (9.30-4pm)

Parallel Grooves Brings Wellington’s Creatives Together for a Beatmaking Showdown at Fishcube Art Gallery.

Parallel Grooves is inviting Wellington’s creative community to come together for an afternoon of music, collaboration, and friendly competition. On Saturday, November 15th, the Fishcube Art Gallery will transform into a hub of sonic experimentation for a Beatmaking Competition celebrating producers, artists, and music lovers alike.

Participants will have one hour per round to produce beats across three moods: hard, chill, and dancey. A provided sample will challenge competitors to flip and reimagine it in their own unique style.

A panel of some of Wellington’s top producers and artists will judge the final beats, with a $50 cash prize for the winner of each category.

Whether you’re a seasoned industry pro or just starting out, all are welcome to join for a laid-back day of creativity and connection in the Fishcube space. And best of all — entry is free.

Saturday, November 15th, 4–7 PM at Fishcube Art Gallery, 111 Dixon Street, Wellington.

For more information, media inquiries or entry email ish.strevens@gmail.com

On Sunday 16 November there is a holiday card drive to write cards for people spending the holidays in prison.

Come along and write a card to our whānau in prison. All materials provided, and there will be kai and music as well.

This event is led by the Prisoner Correspondence Network and People Against Prisons Aotearoa.

Kaicycle invites you to spend the afternoon at your local urban farm in Newtown this Sunday, to celebrate 10 years of collective climate action.

From a neglected and unloved plot of scrubland hidden behind the hospital, to the flourishing farm and educational hub we know and love today - Kaicycle couldn’t have done it without the immeasurable mahi of all the staff, volunteers, subscribers, donors and funders over the years. And now, it's time to celebrate!

There will be nibbles, cakes, tea and coffee, live music, speeches, farm tours, seedling giveaways, raffle prizes and more! So that we know how much cake to bake, please RSVP emailing event@kaicycle.org.nz.

Join the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ for an evening of updates and insights, and have your questions answered.

Research discoveries, and advances in prostate cancer treatments, and support services over the past decade are leading to dramatically improved outcomes for men and their families. With local Medical Oncologist Anne O’Donnell, PCFNZ will explore what these are, how they co-exist and how they may fit in the treatment pathway. Patients, families, whanau and health providers are invited to attend.

Entry is FREE, learn more at events.humanitix.com

Thursday, November 20th, 7-9pm, the Oaks Wellington Hotel, 89 Courtenay Place, Te Aro

After 15 years, the Aro Block Party is back!

Come on down and join the fun.

Music | Workshops | Food | Dance

Featuring:

Upper Hutt Posse, King Home Boy, Mumudub, Weka, Jjoyce, DJ Kerb, Nam Chucks, DJ Jess, MC Imon Starr. From 12pm.

All ages workshops from 10am: beatmaking/MCing, break dancing and graffiti/street art.

Like most of us, our community centre has fallen on hard times financially and we need your help. Please come, support and donate whatever you can, so we can keep the serving the community we love so dearly.

Come along to ‘Laureates line up’, a poetry reading event featuring nearly all living New Zealand Poets Laureate.

It’s been almost 30 years since John Buck created the Te Mata Estate Winery Laureate Award and Bill Manhire became our first Laureate. Both will be there to support an outstanding line-up of poets: Elizabeth Smither, Jenny Bornholdt, Michele Leggott, Cilla McQueen, Ian Wedde, Karl Stead, Selina Tusitala Marsh, David Eggleton, Chris Tse, and Robert Sullivan.

Fergus Barrowman, publisher at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Press, will MC the event. There will also be special readings to honour the late Vincent O’Sullivan and Brian Turner, shared by Vincent’s son Dominic and Brian’s partner, writer Jillian Sullivan.

This free event promises to be a highlight of Wellington’s poetry scene in 2025.

We’re excited to share that the top team from the Kapiti Equestrian & Vaulting Centre will be heading to Germany in 2026 to take part in a Vaulting Camp and compete on the international stage, proudly representing our region and New Zealand!

As part of our fundraising efforts, we’re hosting a White Elephant Sale on Saturday, 29th November from 10am to 1pm at the Kapiti Equestrian & Vaulting Centre, 13b Nimmo Avenue West, Waikanae.

It’s set to be a fun day for the whole family — with pony rides, a bouncy castle, food, market stalls, and even a chance for kids to try vaulting themselves!

We’re currently collecting quality unwanted items for the sale, so if anyone has treasures gathering dust, we’d love your donations. So far, we’ve received some amazing items — from a kayak, water ski, and barbecue to kids’ toys, home décor, plants, and much more. There’s sure to be a bargain for everyone!