Firefighters have contained a house fire in the Wellington suburb of Kelburn and are working to fully extinguish it
Firefighters tackling the blaze earlier created a curtain of water to protect closely-set neighbouring homes from the flames
Flames could be seen coming through the roofing iron of the home
The force of water from firefighters' hoses lifted sections of the roof
exposing blacked beams in the attic spaces above the structure
Fire and Emergency said there was some smoke in the area and affected people should keep doors and windows shut and turn off air conditioning
A family who lives a door down from the house has been evacuated from their home
A woman said she saw flames and smoke soon after she woke from a nap
After being told to evacuate by Fire and Emergency she said she was able to scramble to collect a few essential documents and clothes before fleeing her home
The woman and her family were hopeful they will be able to return to their home later in the evening
A police officer told residents there was no indication of any people in the building
Nearby residents Penny and Ethan smelled burning from across the valley and when they looked outside saw "huge sheets of smoke and flames through a flat window about 150m away"
Local resident Julie said it was her impression that the house had been empty for a few months
Matt who mowed lawns at nearby properties said he saw the smoke and came to check it out
"Just a lot of flames coming out one side of the house
all the fire brigade working hard to get it all under control."
Fire and Emergency said crews were alerted about 2.40pm
down a steep bank above Aro Valley and off Plunket Street
was well ablaze when RNZ reporters arrived at the scene mid-afternoon
People are advised to avoid the area to allow crews to put out the fire
while parents earlier were guiding school children homeward over a maze of hoses crisscrossing the street above the property
An investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out
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A shade cloth and turf were damaged at Kelburn Normal School in Wellington after fireworks were used
A Wellington primary school has been damaged by fireworks overnight, leaving the local community shocked and upset.
Kelburn Normal School principal Andrew Bird said they arrived this morning to find a shade sail had been completely burned, wrecking the artificial turf below.
“The shade cloth has caught fire and burnt away from its anchors and fallen on to the turf and ... actually melted the turf.”
They found a pile of sparklers and a lighter left behind, Bird said.
The incident has been reported to police. There were no cameras so, Bird didn’t know who was responsible or exactly when it happened.
“We’ve had no feedback from the community in terms of if anybody saw anything.”
Bird said the shade sail created a place for kids to be outside away from the heat of the sun and the turf was by the Year 1 and 2 classrooms and flowed through into the junior playground.
The area has since been cordoned off with cones and tape.
“It’s a beautiful school, we’re very proud of it so, it’s a bit upsetting”, Bird said.
He was not sure how much the damage would cost.
“We’ll get a new one and we’ll replace it but at the same time, when our focus is supposed to be on bringing out the best in the children and we’re kind of spending time on cleaning up other people’s destruction, it’s both frustrating and distracting .”
The school community was shocked, Bird said.
He wanted the community to be able to use the school’s facilities and said most people did so responsibly.
“As for any school that’s coming into the summer, it’s really important that people are looking after their local school and keeping an eye out for anything.”
The school asked anyone who heard or knew anything to get in touch.
Earlier this month Fire and Emergency community education manager Tom Ronaldson said fireworks caused unwanted fires and the toll could be significant.
“Since 2019 we have seen 676 fires caused by fireworks, 513 of which were vegetation fires,” Tom Ronaldson says.
“One fire caused by fireworks is too many. It is a preventable fire we have to attend. It is also a totally unnecessary fire that may take our crews away from another emergency.”
Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.
A quad bike crash in rural South Canterbury has left one person dead.
Photo / SuppliedVictoria University of Wellington is selling off two dozen properties with a combined value of more than $20 million to help clear its large deficit
The vacant Kelburn properties range from move-in-ready student accommodation to dilapidated staff offices
Victoria University director of campus operations Simon Johnson said the decision to sell the properties
The university had spent the interim period working through the “required processes” to ready the portfolio for sale
He said the proceeds would be used to reduce the university’s $33m deficit
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OneRoof’s calculations show the combined rateable values of the properties were in excess of $20m
Some of the properties have changed status such as a house being bowled from the site or being separated from another dwelling and the rateable values had not been updated to reflect this
Bayleys has been appointed to sell the portfolio individually
Some of the 24 properties are on combined titles and have to be sold together
Bayleys Wellington general manager Grant Henderson said it was a rare offering as a large portfolio of properties
especially in highly regarded suburbs such as Kelburn
“It’s just an amazing opportunity for the right buyers
It’s such a great mixture of property across the board in some fantastic locations.”
Inside one of the Adams Terrace properties
The portfolio being sold off includes student accommodation and former university office buildings
He did not expect the diverse range of properties scattered around Kelburn to be picked up by a single developer
but said it would likely be bought by different purchasers depending on their needs
“We wouldn’t be imagining anyone would be buying them – Mount Street
Waiteata [Road] and Fairlie [Terrace] – as a parcel because there would be no need to because they are geographically streets apart so there’s no advantage in owning them all,” Henderson said
The only properties that might be bought together as a strategic purchase were the student rentals on Adams Terrace
A row of eight houses with a total of 43 bedrooms on Adams Tce has been used as student accommodation and has a combined RV of $5.25m
and neighbours a pair of residential rental properties on a large 3653sqm of land also on Adams Tce
Henderson said these two properties were the most complex because they could not be sold individually even though they each had multiple houses on them
• 24-40 Adams Terrace: Eight rental properties used as student accommodation on 1009sqm of land in one title
• 42-58 Adams Terrace: Two houses used as student rental accommodation and a car park on a 3650sqm section in one title
• 73 and 75 Fairlie Terrace: Run-down single bay and double bay villas on 341sqm and 316sqm sections
Used as office many years ago and need full renovation to be habitable
• 49 Rawhiti Terrace: 476sqm empty section
• 3 Waiteata Road: 1930s character office that could easily be converted into a family home
• 15 Mount Street: Two-storey weatherboard character office building that could be converted into family home
“The eight you must buy together as one lot so you will be tendering on all of them
The other houses on the piece of land [marketed as a development site] must be sold as another lot.”
Henderson said the student accommodation on Adams Terrace could appeal to institutional buyers needing to house people because they were move-in ready and had the potential to be split back into their individual titles
An aerial view of some of the properties on offer
Meanwhile a 1930s home at Waiteata Street was the one property more like a home in its current state than any of the others being sold
and would be the easiest one to convert back into a family home
“Waiteata still maintains its original character – it’s a Spanish revivalist
beautiful feature staircase and a working kitchen
go ‘yip I’m renovating it and tidying it up and living in it as a home’.”
The other villas including one on Mount Street
had been used as office spaces by the university and had “rudimentary kitchens and bathrooms”
The most run-down of these were the single-bay and double-bay villa at 73 and 75 Fairlie Terrace
The uninhabitable villas were last used as office space many years ago and needed full renovations
“It will require some inventive person to get in there and understand how they are going to modify the floorplates and just do internal modifications back to what they would have been originally I suppose.”
Wellington’s derelict Reading Cinema complex is also up for grabs
The 14,964sqm holding is in the heart of the capital's CBD
he said they were all in “fantastic” Kelburn locations and all had potential to be restored back into lovely homes
A 476sqm bare section on Rawhiti Terrace was also up for grabs after the home on it had been bowled
Henderson said it was surrounded by beautiful
substantial homes and could appeal to someone who wanted to build on it
Some of the properties were also zoned as special purpose education and it would be up to the new buyer to convert it back to residential use
Bayleys was unable to give a price indication on how much they would sell for and was instead inviting people to make offers via the tender process
“The great news is that the end user of this is going to be able provide more housing in Wellington
more homes for people to live in because it was all geared towards students – but now that it’s not fit for purpose for the university’s purposes – it now opens it up to a whole new range of buyers and needs in the city which is fantastic.”
Meanwhile the deserted Reading Cinemas building on Courtenay Place and adjacent landholdings on Tory
Taranaki and Wakefield Streets is also for sale
The property was listed for sale in July after a deal involving Wellington City Council purchasing the land for $32m collapsed
declined to answer OneRoof’s comments about the listing
the marketing blurb described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to own 1.5ha of flat development land in Wellington’s CBD
the Herald revealed a large parcel of land in Lyall Bay near Wellington Airport had been bought by interests linked to Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh for $105m
but it had previously been reported that Jackson had shown interest in building a film museum on the land
- Victoria University's Kelburn properties are for sale by tender, closing September 25
A treasured school bell has gone missing from a Wellington school
Kelburn Normal School staff shared a post to Facebook that their "beloved school bell" was stolen from school grounds
The bell - which has been part of the school for more than 100 years - was more than just an object to the school
whānau and staff who have been part of our kura over the years
"It is deeply upsetting to have something so significant stolen from us."
Recently installed security cameras captured the theft on Tuesday evening
but it was not clear who the perpetrators were
The school has had previous issues with vandals
with some damage costing thousands in repair costs
Principal Danielle Sanders said she was shocked when she realised the bell had been taken: "It's just one of those things you don't think people would take."
Sanders called on the people who took the bell to return it to where it belongs
"Even though they might think they can get a lot of money for it
it's probably not worth much - but it's worth a lot to our community," she said
Anybody with information on the disappearance of the bell is encouraged to get in touch with Kelburn Normal School
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Break-ins at two Ōtara schools and a local preschool have led to calls for more security patrols and community vigilance
Just days after a high school club finished their mural
they discovered it had been covered in graffiti
"It's also such a hard way to end the term
really disheartening for our kids to come into school," one principal says
The Education Review Office says bad behaviour in schools has reached critical levels
with teachers seeing fighting and vandalism every day
The office is calling for national action to rein in the… Audio
A man has been arrested following a string of burglaries from churches in which historical items were taken
Emergency services have contained a house fire in Wellington’s Kelburn after it sent smoke billowing across the suburb
Fire and Emergency NZ crews battled to put out the blaze after being alerted about 2.40pm
Police were notified about 3.40pm and were assisting with traffic control in the area
Bystanders were seen watching as smoke engulfed the cottage
Newstalk ZB reporter Ethan Manera was at the scene and said at least seven fire appliances were responding
Fire and Emergency said five crews were still on site working to fully extinguish the fire
“People are advised to avoid the area to allow Fire and Emergency crews to work,” they said in a statement
keep your doors and windows shut and turn off your air conditioning.”
No one was in the building and Wellington Free Ambulance told the Herald no patients have been transported for further treatment
A quad bike crash in rural South Canterbury has left one person dead
Power is out for about 50 properties in the central Wellington suburb of Kelburn
Wellington Electricity said it was still trying to determine the cause
but power should be back on by just before 3pm this afternoon
The affected area included Fairlie Terrace
Victoria University said some of its Kelburn campus buildings were without power
but it could not confirm the impact on classes
Nobody was living in a million-dollar, century-old Wellington home that was damaged in a fire yesterday.
Police today confirmed that the building on Plunket Street
was unoccupied and untenanted when the fire began
According to OneRoof, the property’s most recent RV was $1.4 million in 2021
It was then sold in April this year for $1.1m
The house was originally built in the early 1900s and was not sold for nearly 100 years until 1998
Emergency services flocked to the scene on Tuesday as a blaze at the house sent smoke billowing across the suburb
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said crews were able to contain the fire by about 6pm
“Several crews remained on site overnight to ensure there were no flare-ups
and those people were able to return to their homes last night.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way
Photos taken today show gaping holes in the roof following the blaze
Police and Fenz staff can be seen on the property
with tape strung across an entrance to the building
Newstalk ZB reporter Ethan Manera was at the scene yesterday and said at least seven fire appliances responded
No one was in the building and Wellington Free Ambulance told the Herald no patients had been transported for further treatment
Fenz advised Kelburn locals to avoid smoke from the smouldering building
“People are advised to avoid the area to allow Fire and Emergency crews to work,” it said in a statement
Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime
She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 10 years
Fire and Emergency say investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in a Wellington suburb on Tuesday
Fire crews were called to the blaze that ripped through a home on Plunket Street
A spokesperson said firefighters had to work to prevent the spread of the fire to the closely set neighbouring properties on a steep section in the hilly suburb
They said there were no injuries in the fire and crews remained at the property until around 5am today to monitor for flare ups
At the height of the fire flames could be seen coming through the roofing iron of the home
A local resident told RNZ it was her impression that the house had been empty for a few months
People were advised to avoid the area to allow crews to put out the fire
while parents guided school children homeward over a maze of hoses crisscrossing the street above the property
People should keep doors and windows shut and turn off AC as smoke has filled the surrounding neighbourhood
Emergency services are responding to a house fire in the Wellington suburb of Kelburn
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Police said emergency services were called to a Mahia Rd property just before 10am after a report of a person seriously injured
Mairehau house fire: Firefighters battle two-storey house blaze 10 patients were assessed and treated by our crews in total
Auckland commuters face a chaotic morning after two highways leading into the central city have been majorly disrupted by crashes
NZ film industry faces uncertainty over US tariff
ongoing decline in livestock numbers and questions over longer sentences reducing reoffending
Reporter Sierra is at Magnificent Moa Day where experts are revealing their incredible 3.6 million year-old find
Emergency services are attending the fire at a McDonald's on Pakuranga Rd
A video of a dog abuse incident is circulating on social media
showing a dog swinging in the air and slamming into the ground on a walk in Manurewa
A memorial tree has been planted at the entrance of St John’s bush in honour of slain American entomology student Kyle Whorrall
Victim of abuse is wanting a judicial review
Goodman Group is upgrading Highbrook Crossing to add retail
dining and public space to New Zealand’s largest business park in East Tāmaki
where hip hop crews from all over the world are battling to see who’s the best
and Parliament tackles alcohol and mental health
The Coleman family has been melting down precious metals for more than 40 years
This is the first time they've shared inside their multi-million dollar gold and silver operation
The Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking in the Newstalk ZB studio to talk all the big politicial issues
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was joined by Deputy PM Winston Peters and Minister of defence Judith Collins to make a pre-budget defence announcement
and 3D-printed limbs help child amputees in Gaza
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to be joined by Defence Minister Judith Collins and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters make a pre-Budget defence announcement
Neighbours heard explosions as a fire ripped through a Mt Roskill house
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Australians vote early and insurance companies brace for claims
Megyn Cordner and Lucas Prince started their business from the back of a van in 2022
Andrew Che lost his life savings after sending it to the wrong account
Barclays Bank has refunded his money after a prolonged battle for compensation
Aerial footage reveals the scale of flooding across areas of Canterbury after a destructive weather system hit the region and prompted a state of emergency
North Shore real estate agency chief responds to a Real Estate Disciplinary Tribunal decision
Mark Mitchell provides an update on the state of emergency in Christchurch and Selwyn
A possible mini tornado was spotted about Auckland Harbour as the latest band of wild weather hits the city
Fire and Emergency NZ said it responded to more than 30 callouts overnight
more Kiwis turning to methamphetamine and Drs are back at the negotiating table
NZSA chief executive Oliver Mander speaks about CEO pay in 2024
Waiwhetu woman Julie Paterson heard 'a loud cracking'
and saw a tree branch falling towards her during Wednesday's storm
Heather Keats updates the powerful system battering New Zealand
breaks down why Wellington is under a rare red warning with extreme winds
and Local MP Hon Nicola Grigg speak to the media on the local state of emergency in Selwyn
Gisborne locals and health workers marched to Heipipi Park
where speakers highlighted what they say is a regional health crisis
NZ Herald Live: Simeon Brown talks to media
Dame Susan Devoy’s career has been nothing if not lane-changing
she became a mother of four - four boys no less
Five years of being both revered and reviled as Race Relations Commissioner
she trialled kiwi fruit packing in the Bay of Plenty
before yet another left turn - becoming a popular contestant on Celebrity Treasure Island
Dame Susan Devoy has now added author to that list
with the publication of an engaging and refreshingly honest memoir
The book reveals Devoy's down-to-earth and driven nature
it also explores the difficult times she has faced and fallibilities any reader could relate to
On Saturday, October 17, Devoy is appearing in her hometown Tauranga as part of Escape Festival
‘The little festival with big ideas celebrates thinkers and storytellers with literary talks
and performances across downtown Tauranga venues
Dame Susan Devoy joins Culture 101 to share some of her cultural favourites
Her favourites include local artist Linda Munn
crochet extraordinaires Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole
and another regional book festival she recently attended The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival
We also suspect her of having an affection for ‘Devoted’
a portrait of Devoy completed recently by artist Tim Christie for Pōneke squash club
Hand-assembled by members using over 1000 squash balls (many retrieved from inside the club’s ceiling)
viewed from a distance through an installed stringless mini squash racquet with a special lens
making up an iconic photographic image of Devoy playing squash
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While the number 13 might be unlucky for some
in some cultures it's actually a very positive thing and can be a sign of good fortune
the number 13 is significant this year as the festival is set to bring their thirteenth party to the iconic grounds of Kelburn Castle near Largs
Following on from the more inclusive and diverse lineup we saw from the 6000 capacity festival in 2022
the festival continues in the same vein with most of the headliners made up of women
This year's headliners cover all manner of genre from hip-hop and electronica to funk
From the first wave of the lineup announcement
the Square Stage is set to host the likes of Dutch-New Zealand cosmic blues trio My Baby
and two-times SAY Award-shortlisted nominee Kobi Onyame
The electronic-focused Landing Stage is set to welcome everyone from Radioactive Man and Rival Consoles to DJ Flight
Lezzer Quest and SAY Award winner Auntie Flo
will host a melting pop of feel-good sounds
with live sets from the Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble
Werkha and Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange
Dar Disku and the inimitable Karen Nyame KG; often referred to as the “goddess of rhythm”
her sound covers everything from afrobeat and gqom to r’n’b and more
Meanwhile, over on The Pyramid Stage
you’ll find a whole host of exciting talent
Our headliners this year are our most eclectic yet
with two SAY Award nominees and one SAY Award winner topping the bill
Friday brings the breathtaking r’n’b and soul of Aberdeen’s AiiTee who’ll be accompanied by her full live band; Saturday will make way for the matter-of-fact lyricism of electro-post-punk siblings Comfort
while Sunday will see the stage go out with a bang as the mighty Sacred Paws help us see out the festival with their infectious brand of jangly guitars and afrobeat rhythms
we’re delighted to welcome Edinburgh-based rapper Psweatpants back to Kelburn
following a brief cameo with Nova last year
He’ll be joined on the Friday night by the talents of The Honey Farm’s Bee Asha and hip-hop harpist Queen of Harps
Saturday will bring the gorgeous tones of singer-songwriter Djana Gabrielle and the country-pop stylings of Hailey Beavis
headlined our stage back in 2019 with Bossy Love
Joining Sacred Paws on the Sunday will be the beat poetry of Acolyte
the dripping-in-sunshine pop grooves of NANI and the coldwave synths of Casual Worker
with a few more treats still to be announced
Kelburn Garden Party takes place at Kelburn Castle
For more information on this year's festival and tickets, head to kelburngardenparty.com
VisitMeetBusinessScreenVenuesOpen searchWellingtonEat & DrinkGraze Wine BarLocation95 Upland Road
Graze is a sustainably focused wine bar that’s sure to become your new local
Graze is a village wine bar in the hills of Kelburn
What was once a neighbourhood butcher shop is now a meat-free restaurant
serving small plates in an intimate and welcoming space
Perch up at the bar or in a window-side seat to enjoy a meal filled with love for both food and the planet
Kelburn village’s slower pace and peaceful atmosphere is a fitting environment for Graze
Often filled with locals on their way home
the 22-seater bar meets relaxed restaurant is the perfect mix of casual and quirky
Its laid-back attitude makes it easy to pop in for a quick drink and snack
but the interesting menu means many end up staying for a full meal
Owned by husband and wife Max Gordy and Stina Persen
the duo have poured their hearts and souls into every aspect of the restaurant
Graze has a concise and considered pescatarian menu
written on a blackboard for both flexibility and to avoid printing paper menus
green surroundings mean there’s plenty of opportunity for foraging ingredients
Using only sustainably caught fish and seafood means the dishes are fresh and bursting with flavour
Locally-grown vegetables are used in new and unusual ways
In-house pickles and preserves are the perfect accompaniment (and double as a colourful shelf decoration)
A range of New Zealand wines are available by the glass
showcasing many of the country’s smaller and lesser-known vineyards
Most of the varietals on offer are organic or biodynamic
Max and Stina’s focus on sustainability and low waste extends to the restaurant’s fit-out
Food is served on quirky mismatched plates sourced from local op-shops
Diners sit at tables made from recycled floorboards and on seat covers made of old jeans
Above are colourful light shades rescued from the Tip Shop
A retro sign of a smiling cartoon butcher on the wall welcomes you as you enter
Rosella Wine BarWith a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean
this Mount Victoria charmer is a quality dinner choice
The Runholder offers an exquisite hospitality experience in Martinborough
Oikos Hellenic CuisineYou’ll feel like you’re part of the family at this Greek restaurant in the suburbs
ApachèA modern take on popular Northern Vietnamese hawker street food
Noble Rot Wine BarBehind a distinctive red brick façade on Swan Lane
you’ll find exceptional cuisine and a vast wine collection
Chaat StreetFinger-lickin’ good Indian tapas will open your mind and fill your belly
KisaInspired by Middle Eastern cuisine with a large Turkish influence
and part community hub — this tavern with a secret garden is an oasis in the city
DamascusDamascus is serving up authentic Syrian food and a taste of home in central Wellington
MargotYou’ll feel right at home at this cosy Newtown spot that’s part restaurant
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The independent festival at Kelburn Castle on the west coast has a bit of everything – a magical woodland setting
a pavilion with genuine plumbed-in toilets
and a host of stages across the site presenting live bands and DJs from around the world
Osunlade and drum 'n' bass legend Dillinja top the DJ list
Bristol hip-hop duo The Allergies and trad crossover legends Shooglenifty lead the live section of the Kelburn lineup
Over in our little corner of Kelburn, we're delighted to announce the first wave of acts for our takeover of the Pyramid Stage. Heading the list is TAAHLIAH, the Glasgow producer and songwriter responsible for our Scottish Album of 2024, Gramarye
TAAHLIAH is joined by psych-post-punk duo Man of Moon
There's also hip-hop from prolific producer Supermann on da beat as well as PAQUE
following up his cameo with Leif Coffield on our stage last year with a full set in 2025
There's synth-pop from Both Hands and Possibly Jamie
There's lots more to come as we complete the lineup for our Pyramid Stage takeover – keep an eye on our socials for the latest
with collaborations and takeovers from the likes of EHFM
Rebecca Vasmant's label Rebecca's Records and plenty more to come
Kelburn Garden Party 2025 takes place at Kelburn Castle, near Largs, 3-7 July. Tickets are on sale now via kelburngardenparty.com
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Temperature data for December 1927 at Kelburn have been added to the NIWA Climate Database
Temperature data for December 1927 at Kelburn (agent number 3385) have been added to the NIWA Climate Database
Kelburn is one of the sites used to create the 'Wellington' record for the NIWA seven-station temperature series
For all NIWA media and website related enquiries please visit the contact page
A chemical spill at Vic uni has meant Police have closed intersection of Kelburn Parade
Fairlie Tce and Glasgow so alternative routes recommended in meantime
Emergency services are responding to reports of a chemical leak in Central Wellington this evening
Police have evacuated about 50 people from a roughly 200m perimeter around the area since the first reports were received shortly before 9pm
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were responding to a “hazardous substance” on Salamanca Rd in Kelburn this evening
”We have set up a command point and are investigating
“At this stage the substance has not been identified
People are asked to avoid the area around the intersection of Salamanca Rd and Kelburn Parade
A police spokesperson said: “cordons are in place on Salamanca Rd in Kelburn as emergency services respond to a potential gas leak”
A Northland resident was travelling home on the bus when it was pulled over by police
said: “We’ve just been told there was a massive gas leak along either Upland or Salamanca road and a few people have fallen over because of it
“Both cops and fire were there blocking the road off.”
Anyone in the area that is feeling unwell should call 111 without delay
The emergency response is unfolding less than 1km from where several people in a Victoria University science lab were evacuated at the end of January following a chemical leak
including a Hazmat unit and a command unit
rushed to Victoria University on January 28 after an incident at its Kelburn campus
Fire and Emergency shift manager Chris Dalton told NZME an alarm had gone off at the university
“People at the university reported strange smells and banging noises coming from one of the science labs
It appears to be some sort of reaction,” Dalton said
Public health staff also attended the incident
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news
Home » Mattress Reviews » Sealy Hybrid Performance Copper II and Kelburn II Review
Sleepopolis may earn a commission on sales through our affiliate links in this article. This commission allows us to run our testing lab and continue to bring our readers the most comprehensive information on sleep and related products. See our disclosures
Editor’s Note: The Muse mattress is no longer available, but I recommend checking out our Sealy Posturepedic mattress review
I’ll be digging into the middle level of the Sealy Hybrid Line
Situated between the Essentials (least expensive) and the Premium (most expensive)
the Performance combines gentle foam with a Tempurpedic pocketed coil system for a sleep that aims to be as pressure-relieving as it is supportive
and sinkage to figure out if it might just be the mattress of your dreams
I should note that this write-up is going to be a little different than my other Sealy Hybrid ones because the Performance comes in two models: the Kelburn II and the Copper II
which I’ll be breaking down throughout the assessment
Continue reading below for my Sealy Hybrid mattress review. Don’t have time to read it all? Click here to skip to the bottom and check out my review summary.
the Sealy Hybrid Premium comes in two different variations
so I’m going to walk you through their individual constructions below
The Kelburn II is built with four layers of gentle foam and pocketed coils
When compared to its mattress comrade the Copper II
thanks to an additional layer of Sealy’s Cushion Extra Soft Foam
the Copper II is a slightly firmer bed than the Kelburn II
the Copper employs an extra layer of firm support foam as well as a thin base of high-density poly foam
While these changes may not seem drastically different
they do contribute to the bed’s totally unique feel
the Kelburn and the Copper feature nearly identical constructions
with soft foam top layers up top supported by a Tempurpedic pocketed coil system below
each bed features a section that’s unique to them
as seen in either the Extra Soft Foam in the Kelburn or the Sealy Support Foam in the Copper
the addition of these layers helps to transform the mattresses into two unique models
deep sinkage feel while the Copper has just a bit more bounce
Perhaps one of the most noticeable difference between the two beds is their price
While a Queen size Kelburn comes in at $1,300
After taking a look at the constructions of these Sealy beds
let’s chat about their different firmness levels and feels
As I applied light force to the Kelburn II
I found that I was immediately interacting with the thick knit cover and the soft foams up top
My hand sank snuggly into the bed and I felt some quality pressure relief
I began to experience the bounce of the mattress as I encountered the pocketed coil support system
Pressing into this bed with a little hand pressure
the first thing I felt was the contouring of the memory foam in the comfort layer
As I placed both hands on the mattress and added more force
I met the firmer transition layer and the pocketed coils
which lifted me up and out of the structure
Since folks of different sizes and body types are going to feel firmness differently
I decided to invite three other testers to help me figure out the firmnesses of these Sealy beds
We each stretched out on the two mattresses
decided on our individual firmness ratings
averaged them together and then compiled them on the graph below
While feel is always going to be a personal thing
this will hopefully give you a better sense of the firmness you can expect from these beds
my testers gave the Kelburn II an average firmness rating of 6
When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness
it’s clear that this bed is just a touch below medium firm
I personally gave the bed a 5 as I found its combination of gentle foams produced quite a soft feel
You’re likely to really sink into this structure
with the foams working to provide pressure relief at the shoulders and hips as well as along the spine
the pocketed coil system does do a good job of supporting the sleeper so you won’t feel too stuck in the mattress
my testers also gave the Copper II an average firmness rating of 6
which sets it as just a smidge below medium firm
as I found its extra transition layer brought some firmness to the mattress
While you’ll still sink into the Copper II for satisfying pressure relief
is going to curb some of this and place you more on top of the mattress than in it
I should note that I am lying on the Firm Copper II
we’re going to chat about these beds’ pressure
or more specifically where pressure points are likely to form while lying on top of them
To give you an idea of where these tension spots might crop up
I placed a pressure map on top of each mattress and rested on my back
You can see the results on the images below where pressure is represented from blue (low pressure) to red (high pressure)
I felt as though my weight was evenly distributed across the surface
I could feel myself sinking pretty deeply into the layers of memory foam up top
which provided my lumbar region with some fantastic pressure relief
Given the slow response to pressure of all these materials
I did find it a tad difficult to move around the mattress
Edge Support – Scooting close to the side
I felt extremely secure thanks to the additional layer of edge support coils in the Tempurpedic pocketed coil system
These springs lifted me up and out of the structure
allowing me to use the entire surface area of the bed
I’d say the Kelburn II could make a great pick for anyone who sleeps with a partner
Side – Turning onto my side, I felt a lot of great relief from this mattress. As I mentioned up top, I found this bed to have a firmness of about 5/10, which tells me it’s a pretty soft structure perfect for side sleepers
This is because gentler mattresses do a great job of cushioning the shoulders and hips
I could really feel myself sinking into the mattress
which makes sense considering the 4.5” of gentle foam up top
I could feel these materials filling in the space at my lumbar region for some nice pressure relief
I didn’t feel stuck in the mattress and found it easy to move around and change positions
Edge Support – Scooting as close to the side as I could
Like the other Sealy Hybrid mattress I’ve reviewed
the Copper II features an extra layer of edge support coils
which help to bolster the sleeper across the entire surface area of the mattress
I think the Copper II could be a potentially great fit for couples
I continued to feel a lot of comfort from this mattress
Though this is the “Firm” version of the bed
thanks to the thick layers of memory foam up top
These materials hugged my shoulders and hips
providing them with excellent pressure relief
As these spots are typical problem areas for side sleepers
I’d say this bed could be great for those who doze primarily on their sides
Stomach – As I landed on my stomach, I began to feel a bit of discomfort as my hips sank out of line with my shoulders. Stomach sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses that keep the spine in a nice
so this bed might be a touch too soft for them
strict stomach sleepers should check out the firmer Sealy Hybrid Essentials
In this next section, we’ll be taking a look at the Performance’s motion transfer, or the amount of disturbance detectable from one side of the bed to the other. While this test will be important to all sleepers, it’s especially relevant for those who share a bed as it’ll let you know just how bothered you’ll be by their movements in the middle of the night
8 inches and 12 inches and measured the disturbance it caused: the bigger the lines
FYI: Each drop is meant to symbolize a different movement you’re likely to experience in bed
from tossing and turning (4”) to getting out of bed (8”) all the way to full on jumping (12”)
These are pretty fantastic motion transfer results
which tell me that you shouldn’t be too bothered by your partner’s tossing and turning
The soft foams up top do an excellent job of dampening movement across the surface while the individually wrapped coils in the core help to disperse this motion even deeper into the structure
the Copper II has really solid motion transfer
Though the addition of the transition support layer does make this a slightly firmer bed
the soft layers of foam work to target and absorb any movement along the surface
most people want to know whether they’ll feel like they’re sinking “into” the mattress or laying “on top” of it
I placed four balls of varying sizes and densities (a 6 lb medicine ball
and a 100 lb medicine ball) on the Performance mattresses and measured how much they compressed the surface
which isn’t that surprising when you consider the thick layers of foam that overlay the pocketed coil system
You’re likely to really sink into this bed as the materials contour to the curves of your body
you might feel like you’re more “in” the Kelburn than “on top” of it
While featuring less sinkage than the Kelburn
the Copper II still boasts a lot of the stuff
You’ll likely sink through the comfort and contour layers for some pleasant pressure relief
but will find that the transition support layer and pocketed coil system keep you buoyed on top of the mattress
Just getting started? Begin your mattress search with my mattress reviews breakdown.
If you’re convinced one of these Sealy Hybrid Performances is the right mattress for you
the size and pricing information for the beds are below
Please note that these prices reflect standard pricing at time of publication
Now that we’ve looked at these two Sealy Hybrid Performances side by side
let’s take a moment to go over some general pros and then a few cons so you can figure out which one is right for you:
Click the link for more information on the Sealy Hybrid Performance Copper II and Kelburn II from Sears
The Kelburn and the Copper feature nearly identical constructions
one of the most noticeable differences between the two beds is their price
Each bed also features a section that’s unique to them
Both of these Sealy hybrid mattress models feature memory foam that sleeps cool
Sealy does not sell directly to the consumer
if you are interested in purchasing one or trying out the feel
Take a look at our mattress performance rating for the Sealy Hybrid Performance mattress line below
Scotland’s most magical and vibrant independent festival
returns in 2025 to celebrate its 15th edition
Nestled at the foot of a stunning Scottish glen
Kelburn is more than just a festival—it’s an immersive adventure where music
will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of music
with surreal interactive experiences and pioneering art installations woven throughout
Kelburn continues its legacy as a one-of-a-kind gathering
Today’s line-up announcement features over 90 international and homegrown artists across 5 of its 8 stages
Making her Scottish festival debut on Kelburn’s flagship electronic stage
Peruvian producer and singer-songwriter Sofia Kourtesis brings her euphoric electronic soundscapes as heard on her critically acclaimed Ninja Tune album Madres
While Romare (Live) delivers his first-ever Scottish live show of sample-driven beats and dancefloor innovator Auntie Flo returns with two unique sets—Live AV and Biosonic ‘Plants Can Dance’ performance
a true pioneer in the world of soulful house
Drum & bass legend Dillinja is set to deliver a signature high-energy set
while trailblazing DnB star Mandidextrous brings their hybrid bass sound
OK Williams makes a welcome return to Scotland
with EMA and For Mankind (DJ Dribbler’s new alias) adding to the mix
which celebrates a dynamic mix of live music from around the world
South African masters of Psychedelic Afro-pop
arrive from Soweto to make their Scottish debut after wowing audiences at Glastonbury and WOMAD last summer
the cult Scottish pioneers of ‘acid croft,’ return for a special performance
Festival favourites The Allergies are also set to deliver their signature blend of funk
while She Drew The Gun takes the stage following the release of their latest album
The Viewpoint Stage—known for its breathtaking setting and eclectic programming – welcomes tastemaker Jamz Supernova
alongside Osunlade’s Afro-house grooves and Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble
headlining her Rebecca’s Records label takeover
while NTS Radio mainstay and Numbers label signee Shy One and legendary Berlin electronic duo Session Victim add to the eclectic lineup
For those seeking fresh talent and underground sounds
The Pyramid Stage—curated by The Skinny—spotlights the next wave of Scottish music
Scotland’s hyperpop and club music sensation
while Man of Moon returns with their psychedelic post-punk soundscapes
following the release of their latest album
Kelburn’s 15th edition celebrates global sounds and underground talent
an all-female Afro-Brazilian percussion group
while Raz & Afla blend West African percussion with deep electronic grooves
Scottish-Latin collective Omega Nebula will deliver a hypnotic fusion of jazz
an Ullapool-based collective known for its micro-parties
as well as Headset’s 10th birthday showcase
A core part of Kelburn’s ethos is its dedication to supporting local labels
providing a platform for Scotland’s most exciting grassroots talent to showcase their work
This spirit of cross-pollination shines through in special takeovers from Hobbes Music
and fresh perspectives in a truly unique setting
where art and nature collide in unexpected ways
At the heart of this creative playground is the Neverending Glen
an evolving open-air exhibition where the landscape itself becomes part of the artwork
This year’s residency programme brings new installations
and surreal encounters hidden within the glen’s ancient trees and winding pathways
or a moment of quiet reflection by a waterfall
the glen invites festival-goers to slow down
and experience art in its most organic form
said: “This year marks the outrageously juicy 15th edition of Kelburn Garden Party
and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible journey we’ve been on
Kelburn has become a beacon for the best emerging creative talent in Scotland and beyond
and a desire to create wonder over financial gain
It’s more than a festival—it’s a magical sensory adventure through the glen and gardens
where kindness and compassion are nurtured and fiercely protected.”
said: “Kelburn’s music and arts programme is a labour of love
championing emerging talent alongside exciting international guests
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our booking
with artists from all five continents joining forces with Scotland’s best
offering them a unique space to create and exhibit in an ancient natural setting.”
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Early temperature measurements were made at a site in Thorndon
but the site was relocated in 1928 to Kelburn: 120m higher
In Wellington early temperature measurements were made at a site in Thorndon
but the site was relocated in 1928 to Kelburn
The Kelburn site is colder because it is about 120m higher than the Thorndon site
This illustrates why we sometimes need to adjust climate data
Temperature measurements have been made in the Wellington City area since 1862
but the measurement site has been moved several times
It is well known that some parts of Wellington are colder than others
so the ‘Wellington’ temperature depends on where it is measured
This graph shows annual temperatures at three Wellington sites: Thorndon (3 metres above sea level), Kelburn (125 metres above sea level), and Wellington Airport (4 metres above sea level), as recorded in the NIWA Climate Database.
the well-understood physics of a temperature decrease with height (the “lapse-rate” effect) is the primary cause of the differences
Kelburn is about 120m higher in altitude than Thorndon or Wellington Airport
we have measurements from both Kelburn and Wellington Airport
This shows clearly how both sites fluctuate up and down in unison from year to year – the trend is similar even though the absolute temperature reading is different
if one measurement station is closed (or data are missing for a period)
it is acceptable to replace it with another nearby site provided an adjustment is made to account for the average temperature difference between the sites
These adjustments are based on accepted international practice
Climate scientists compare and calculate the differences between climate stations
This graph shows the annual temperatures at the same three sites
but with Thorndon and Wellington Airport adjusted to match the Kelburn record
Where there is an overlap in time between two records (such as Wellington Airport and Kelburn)
it is a simple matter to calculate the average offset and adjust one site relative to the other
Wellington Airport is +0.79°C warmer than Kelburn
which matches well with measurements in many parts of the world for how rapidly temperature decreases with altitude
Thorndon overlapped with Kelburn for just 29 days
we have applied the same offset to Thorndon as was calculated for the Airport
for the NIWA seven-station temperature series we use a more sophisticated technique comparing records from several sites across the changeover period
See our technical notes for more detail.
The final “adjusted” temperature curve can be used to draw inferences about Wellington temperature change over the 20th century
The raw temperature records must be adjusted when sites are moved to different locations around the Wellington area
Over the 100-year period from 1909 to 2009
the least squares linear trend for the composite 'Wellington' annual temperature record is +0.79 ºC
with an associated 95% confidence interval of +0.49 ºC to +1.10 ºC
For all NIWA media and website related enquiries please visit the contact page.
VisitMeetBusinessScreenVenuesOpen searchWellingtonSee & DoWellington Cable CarLocation 280 Lambton Quay
Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital
the Cable Car has trundled up and down the Kelburn hillside
The five-minute trip has become a Wellington must-do for tourists
the bright red Wellington Cable Car departs from Lambton Quay and makes its way up into the hills of Kelburn.
The 612m journey travels through three tunnels and over three bridges
Once you’ve reached the top you’ll have risen 120m above sea level
The views of the city below and harbour and hills beyond are
A milestone in engineering when it opened in February 1902
this is New Zealand’s only remaining funicular railway
the two red cable cars have traversed the hill many times a day for over one hundred years
As you travel from the city centre to the Kelburn terminal make sure you check out the LED light installations by Angus Muir. Each of the two tunnels has 60 arches of light strings, which synchronise with a computer program. The program allows the Wellington Cable Car team to choose different patterns and put on special displays for events, such as the Pride Rainbow, Matariki Stars, New Zealand flag, and plenty more.
pause to take in the panoramic views from the nearby lookout
Then head into the Wellington Cable Car Museum
It tells the story of how Wellington’s most iconic transport system developed
you’re greeted by the ‘Relentless Red Rattler’
the cable car unit gained its nickname because of the rattling noise it produced when going up and down the hill.
A detailed Lego display of the whole cable car route complete with houses
There’s also a selfie wall where you can pretend you’re standing in the Cable Car tunnel — complete with twinkling LED lights.
This beautifully restored cable car was used in the early 1900s
It’s an elegant piece of machinery that evokes an earlier time of technological progress and late Victorian innovation
The ground floor is home to the winding machine room
This was fully operational from 1930 to 1978
It served as the nerve centre of the cable car system
Here you’ll see the machinery once used to haul the cable cars up the hill to the summit
and technology in the museum is fascinating
The return journey back to Lambton Quay completes the experience
you can enter the Wellington Botanic Garden directly beside the Kelburn terminal
East By West FerriesExperience Wellington from the water
explore the eastern bays and an island nature reserve on the city’s only harbour ferries
Switched on BikesPedal through the streets with the greatest of ease
The hills are no problem with a Switched on Bike
Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore
Te Nukuao Wellington ZooThe first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world
Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does
Drink in the views at Maranui CaféHearty breakfasts come with a side of incredible views and retro décor at this quintessential Wellington experience
Brewtown Upper HuttThe ultimate destination for craft beer
plus 4,500 square metres devoted to entertainment
Trail and a treat: Outdoor combos in WellingtonThe city’s hills
and trails offer much opportunity to experience nature
Fuel your adventure with a stop-off at one of the excellent eateries offers nearby
Carlucci Land Mini GolfPay a visit to Carlucci Land just 10 minutes from the central city to discover why this 18-hole mini golf course has become a Wellington landmark
Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space PlaceSpace Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium
Willis LaneDelve below ground and find a bustling world bursting at the seams with entertainment and places to eat
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