Wellington Fale Malae gains momentum

^{Fale Malae concept. Photo: Fale Malae Trust}

The Fale Malae Trust has applied for resource consent to build its iconic cultural landmark  on the southwest corner of Frank Kitts Park, in the capital. This marks a major milestone in the development of the Fale Malae project and revitalising Wellington’s much-loved waterfront.  

The vision is to create a world-class cultural institution that delivers immense economic,  cultural, and social benefits to the capital and the nation.  

In 2024 Wellington City Councillors voted 16 – 2 to retain the Fale Malae project in the  Council’s Long-term Plan.  

Fale Malae Trust Chair Adrian Orr said the Trust is encouraged by the support it has  received for the project.  

“Our application quantifies the significant social and economic value the Fale Malae will  bring – both to Wellington and to New Zealand’s presence on the international stage.”  

“It will be a space to celebrate New Zealand’s shared Pacific heritage, empower the next  generation, and strengthen Aotearoa’s ties with the Pacific region”, says Mr Orr.  

Fale Malae Trust Patron Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban says the project will position  Wellington as a regional epicentre for Pacific storytelling, performance, education, and  economic development.  

“The Fale Malae is more than just a building – it will be a space where people of all ages and  backgrounds can come together to celebrate the contributions of Pasifika communities to  Aotearoa New Zealand as a proud Pacific country.”  

The Trust is now focused on the next phase of engagement and will be back in front of the  Council to secure landowner approval in June as it works to deliver a Pacific cultural  landmark in the heart of the capital.