Our local history
Back in 1865 some super wise person took it upon themselves to make it the capital (perhaps driven by the likes of the sheltered harbour and central location, buts let us not admit that in public!).
Parliament convened there for the first time on 26 July that year. And over subsequent decades Wellington has grown to become the hub for government departments, and many national and international companies.
Since the 1990s our city has also embraced a creative identity, cultivating arts, culture and an ever-growing film and media presence.
The Wellington Economy
Wellington’s economy today is strongly service-based, government, public administration, finance, business services, education, health, and of course as mentioned the film industry.
The wider region contributed a GDP of roughly NZ$43.3 billion, with one of the highest GDP-per-capita levels in the country.
However, as we all know, the city has recently faced headwinds. In the year to 2025, some 177 businesses shut down, reflecting a shrinking local economy and rising concerns about business viability, especially in the SME market (that traditional support for the bigger players along with Government departments).
Employment levels have dipped, coinciding with reduced business counts. A recent 2024 survey of business leaders highlighted widespread pessimism about economic prospects in the near term.
In response, local authorities are actively working to diversify the economy, with renewed emphasis on growing tech, screen (film/media) and innovation sectors under the Wellington Regional Economic Development Plan (REDP).
