Te Aro Hā secures $150,000 FUNDING
18 June 2026
Te Aro Hā – Courtenay has welcomed Wellington City Council's decision to invest $150,000 through the City Growth Fund to support the first stage of revitalising the Te Aro – Courtenay precinct.
Approved by Council on 18 June 2026, the funding will help deliver visible improvements across the precinct over the next 12 months and support Te Aro Hā – Courtenay's vision of creating Aotearoa's premier creative and entertainment district.
The funding is an important step towards delivering Te Aro Hā – Courtenay's long-term vision for the precinct as a vibrant 18-hour neighbourhood. The masterplan identifies four distinct quarters, each with its own unique character, and seeks to strengthen these through targeted investment, creating a precinct that is welcoming, creative and active throughout the day and into the evening for Wellingtonians and visitors alike.
The initial programme will focus on practical improvements that encourage further private investment and help restore confidence in the area, including:
refreshing building facades through cleaning, repainting and lighting above and below the canopies
identifying impactful public realm improvements such as lighting, landscaping, creative installations and other interventions that bring more life and vibrancy to the precinct
planning strategic activations within the precinct.
The funding forms part of a co-investment model, with Council's contribution helping unlock additional investment from building owners and other partners to accelerate improvements across the precinct.
Te Aro Hā – Courtenay brings together leaders from Wellington's property, design, construction and creative sectors who have been working with mana whenua, businesses and the wider community to develop a long-term vision for the area. The goal is to build on Courtenay's existing strengths to create a world-class creative district and a place that is vibrant, welcoming and active throughout the day and into the evening.
The organisation will now begin delivering the first tranche of improvements while continuing to work with building owners, businesses and the community to build momentum and breathe new life into Te Aro – Courtenay.