News
Resource consent granted (media statement)
28 November 2025
Green light for Fale Malae and Frank Kitts Park redevelopment
The Fale Malae Trust and Wellington City Council are celebrating the approval of resource consent for the redevelopment of Frank Kitts Park, including the long-awaited Fale Malae.
The approval follows years of planning, design, strong relationships, and advocacy.
Fale Malae Chair Adrian Orr says Pasifika communities across Aotearoa will be celebrating this decision by the Hearing Commissioner, which recognises the importance of our identity as a Pacific nation.
“We’ve been working on this for a long time, and the approval of our resource consent is both significant and uplifting.
“The Fale Malae has always been about creating a place that reflects who we are as a proud Pacific nation – a home for Pacific culture, learning, connection and celebration. Knowing that we can now move from aspiration to delivery is deeply meaningful.”
Fale Malae Patron Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban says the Trust is grateful for the support it has received over the years from Pasifika leaders, government partners, mana whenua and the Wellington community.
“Our people have carried this vision with patience, persistence and hope. Today’s announcement honours that commitment and brings us much closer to a space that future generations will be proud to call their own.”
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says the approval is a good sign for the Fale Malae venture.
“I congratulate the Fale Malae Trust for achieving this important milestone and wish them well with their fundraising efforts. Once it is developed the Fale Malae will be a real asset for our Pasifika communities and our waterfront.”
With consent granted, the Fale Malae project now moves into its next phase of fundraising and detailed design, while the Trust and Council work together to advance planning for construction in the future.
Reported by Pacific Media Network and Scoop on 28 November 2025.
Article in The Post
6 June 2025
Fale malae now in hands of public and philanthropists
“Advocates of the fale malae that will be built on Wellington’s waterfront are preparing to rally philanthropic support so the project can continue, and have doubled down on their commitment to its fruition despite the Government de-funding it.”
By André Chumko. Published by The Post on 6 June 2025.
Read the full article on The Post website.
Article and news clip by 1News
3 June 2025
National Music Centre taking shape beneath Wellington Town Hall
Minister Goldsmith is quoted: “ “When the business case and consents are ready, then we can revisit the funding of the [fale malae].” “
By 1News Reporters. Published by 1News on 3 June 2025.
Read the full article and view the news clip on the 1NEWS website.
Article and interview by Pacific Media Network
27 May 2025
‘Hard mahi ahead’: The fight to keep Fale Malae's dream alive
“The Government’s unexpected funding cut to Wellington’s Fale Malae has put pressure on the future of the Pacific project.”
Article by 'Alakihihifo Vailala. Published by Pacific Media Network on 27 May 2025.
Read the article and listen to the full interview on the PMN website.
2025 Fale Malae Development Scholarship (media release)
29 November 2024
Empowering Pasifika students to shine with new scholarship and dedicated space
Pasifika students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington have a bright future ahead of them with the launch of a new scholarship and the opening of a dedicated student space on campus.
Te Herenga Waka and the Fale Malae Trust, supported by Grant Thornton, have launched the 2025 Fale Malae Development Scholarship, offering Pasifika undergraduate students an opportunity to apply for six $15,000 scholarships to pursue postgraduate study.
Fale Malae Chair, Adrian Orr, who is of Cook Island descent, praised the launch of the scholarship aimed at supporting and inspiring Pasifika students.
“We understand the important role that access to higher education plays in shaping future opportunities. This scholarship will help remove some of the financial barriers for Pasifika students,” he says.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Chancellor John Allen says the University is part of the economic backbone of the broader Wellington region, providing education, employment and a place for connection and collaboration.
“We are very proud to announce this new scholarship, which will help support our Pasifika students to thrive and learn with us.
“Alongside the addition of a new study space for Pasifika students on our Kelburn campus in October 2024, this scholarship provides another strong pillar of support and belonging for our Pasifika family at Te Herenga Waka,” he says.
The Fale Malae at Frank Kitts Park continues to move forward, with Wellington City Council voting this week to retain the project in its Long-term Plan, marking an important milestone for the Trust.
Hon Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, Te Herenga Waka’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Pasifika, and Patron of the Fale Malae Trust, highlights that the Fale Malae will provide a space for all to celebrate New Zealand’s identity as a Pacific nation, while empowering our future Pacific generations to come together, connect with their heritage, learn and shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Applications open 29 November 2024 and close 28 February 2025.
Further details are on Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s scholarship page.
Letter to Editor of The Post
13 November 2024
Push Forward
Wellington’s financial situation requires serious attention, but we can’t afford to take our eye off the future. It’s crucial that council’s long-term plan retains projects that drive growth and long-term prosperity for Wellington.
The Fale Malae is one of those projects – an iconic, nationally significant institution for New Zealand, located on the capital’s waterfront. The economic, cultural, and social benefits to both Wellington and Aotearoa are immense.
The Fale Malae speaks to our identity as a Pacific nation. It will be a place for storytelling, performance, education, and cultural activities on Wellington’s under-utilised Frank Kitts Park.
The Fale Malae Trust is asking the Council for a space to bring this vision to life – a space that’s currently occupied by an underground carpark that’s slated for future demolition.
Councillors previously voted 17-1 in support of the Fale Malae because they know it will help activate our waterfront and drive growth and prosperity for the city.
Now is the time to push forward, not backwards.
Adrian Orr, Fale Malae Trust chair