It's only a few days until New Year's Eve - and it's the first time the Courtenay Carnival will come to life!  It would be wonderful if inner-city residents got behind this event - coming along on your way to or from the waterfront to be part of the fun - and even going the extra mile to dress up (there's a big prize!). Here's some recent information about the Carnival.

ROAD CLOSURE
Courtenay Place will be closed between Cambridge Terrace and Tory Street from 6am on Tuesday until 6am on New Year's Day. Blair and Allen Streets will also be closed.  

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Entertainment: Starting with family focused performers, characters & activities, followed by live bands, DJs, circus acts, drag queens, roving performers & some of New Zealand’s top music artists. This will be an all Inclusive community event. 

• Street Festival & Outdoor Dining: Courtenay Place will transform into a lively strip with local businesses expanding their dining areas onto the street. 

• Best Dressed Competition: Embrace the theme and compete for the best costume prize. The more creative and extravagant, the better! 

• Safe and Secure:
  With controlled entry points, licensed outdoor areas, and crowd management, you can party with peace of mind knowing safety is a top priority. 

• Celebrate Wellington’s Spirit:
  This event isn’t just about New Year’s Eve—it’s about celebrating Wellington’s unique spirit and creating a new tradition. Be part of The Biggest Dress-Up Party in Aotearoa and start your year by bringing together creativity, diversity, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

Let’s make history together! 

For more information contact: courtenayprecinct@gmail.com

INFORMATION FROM THE WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL

The WCC website  
https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/events-and-festivals/new-year

• We encourage event goers to travel on foot from Courtenay Place to the waterfront via Tory Street, and from the waterfront to Courtenay Place via Taranaki Street.” 

More information:
https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-information/our-wellington/2024/12/courtenay-place-staying-safe-for-the-summer 

Rubbish collection
There will be earlier collections for rubbish, recycling and cardboard on Tuesday 31 December.
Residents have been advised to put out items to be collected by 10am if within the street closure cordon of lower Courtenay Place (up to Tory Street), Blair Street and Allen Street. Residents on the block of Courtenay Place between Taranaki Street and Tory Street, and Tory Street from Wakefield Street to Forresters Lane are also welcome to put their rubbish out before 10am.

https://wellington.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/when-to-put-out-your-rubbish-and-recycling/city-cardboard-collection or https://wellington.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/when-to-put-out-your-rubbish-and-recycling/suburban-and-inner-city-collections 

Street Closure for Courtenay Place

• From Cambridge Terrace to Tory Street including Blair and Allen Street

• Closure period: 6 AM Tuesday to 6 AM Wednesday.

• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout

• Buses will be redirected down Kent/Cable and Cambridge/Wakefield St and Metlink will publish information

• Stages and equipment will be cleared by 6 AM on Wednesday when the road closure ends. 

 On-Site Services

• Headquarters: Located at the old Chemist at 43 Courtenay Place, serving as an information point for the public. Police are welcome to use this space as their base.

• Increased Police presence

• Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA): Stationed down Blair Street.

• Take10: Regular location on Taranaki Street.

• Security Presence: Security teams will be active throughout the event.

• Hapai Ake: Will be around the city throughout the evening (operating throughout the summer holiday period, excluding stat days) focused on the perimeter of both events.

Alcohol-Free Zone 

While bars will be offering alcohol, this is not to be consumed outside of the venues as Courtenay Place will remain an alcohol-free zone throughout the Courtenay Carnival. 
See the alcohol-free zone here: Wellington Liquor Ban Area. Police are responsible for enforcing this ban.