Venues Wellington is committed to being a sustainably responsible business. We’re reducing the environmental impact of events by improving core operations and partnering with local organisations.

Our vision

WellingtonNZ and Venues Wellington’s core operations must be sustainable and resilient to thrive in the long term.

We pledge to focus on four pillars to create holistic sustainability within our organisation. They are our people, culture and values, environment, and business.

What we’re doing

Venues Wellington has identified waste as having the largest impact on our environment from hosting events, and our goal is to provide solutions to our clients so they can run zero-waste events.

EarthCheck

WellingtonNZ is a part of EarthCheck, the only global benchmarking and certification programme for sustainable travel, tourism and events. The certification provides a framework for our organisation to achieve decided outcomes for sustainable tourism and events. 

Our venues have just achieved bronze accreditation and we are working towards achieving silver.

A graphic poster that says "EarthCheck Bronze Benchmarked 2021" in white on a brown gradient background with a circle made of blue leaf shapes above.
The Michael Fowler Centre, a performance venue, lit up with blue and purple lights at night.
Looking up to the stands and roof of the St James Theatre, the red seats and gold fixtures can be seen, as well as the very large light on the roof.
The Orchestra Wellington performing at the Michael Fowler Centre to a full audience.

Sustainable partnerships

We work with local suppliers committed to reducing their environmental impacts in the areas of waste, water and energy. 

Their supply chains have responsible social and environmental practices where possible and they are committed to giving back to the community. 

Exhibition Hire Services

Exhibition Hire Services have a great range of reusable products available to support you in minimising event waste. 

SSC Hospitality Experiences

SSC is committed to sourcing the best products such as free-range meats and eggs, sustainable seafood, compostable packaging and fair-trade products.

NOSH Catering

NOSH constantly reviews its processes and procedures and looks for ways to improve sustainability measures. 

NW Group

NW Group aims to follow and promote good sustainability practices, to reduce the environmental impacts of all activities and to help clients and partners to do the same.

Waste minimisation

We work closely with Sustainability Trust and Method Bins in Wellington to ensure we’re diverting waste from landfill and into recycling or compostable facilities.

What we plan to do next

Soon we will be:

  • Reviewing and developing venue-specific waste policies to align with Wellington City Council’s Waste Bylaw.
  • Working alongside Wellington City Council to reduce our carbon footprint in our venues. 
  • Advocating on the Wellington Wash Facility Advisory Group, with the long-term goal of providing a sustainable cup solution for large venues in Wellington.

Downloads

Venues Wellington Sustainability Strategy [PDF, 143KB]

Sustainability Guidelines for Venue Hire Agreement [PDF, 1.04MB]

Wildly Sustainable Statement [PDF, 248KB]

Our venues

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Looking up to the stands and roof of the St James Theatre, the red seats and gold fixtures can be seen, as well as the very large light on the roof.

St James Theatre

Home of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the St James Theatre is the jewel in the crown of Wellington’s flourishing theatre scene.

The exterior of The Opera House in Wellington at night. People are walking in and out of the front doors and the top two stories of the building are lit up in red-coloured spotlights.

The Opera House

The Opera House in Wellington is more than just a beautiful building. It is a witness to the cultural and historic development of New Zealand’s capital city. It plays host to a variety of events and is Wellington’s home of comedy.

Michael Fowler Centre lit up in celebration of the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern's announcement of a baby girl. with bright yellow lights reflected onto the waterfront and into the sky at nighttime.

Michael Fowler Centre

The Michael Fowler Centre is a landmark of Wellington’s cultural and civic scene. It is a modern and versatile venue that hosts concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and other events.

Looking across the waterfront at the TSB arena and Shed 6, 3 large sheds painted white and 1 painted black. The city centre buildings can be seen behind.

TSB Arena

The TSB Arena is Wellington’s biggest indoor venue. It’s a go-to venue choice for conferences, public exhibitions, international concerts and indoor sporting events.

Looking across the waterfront at Shed 6, a building on the Queens Whard with large doors and the Shed 6 sign.

Shed 6

Shed 6’s pillarless floor and retractable and soundproof walls, and combined with the TSB Arcade make it a truly versatile and flexible venue.