Go-ahead granted for long-awaited Fale Malae in Wellington

Wellington’s long-planned Fale Malae, as part of the wider redevelopment of Frank Kitts Park, has been given the green light, with resource consent now formally approved.

The decision follows years of planning, design work and advocacy by the Fale Malae Trust, Wellington City Council, mana whenua and Pacific leaders.

Fale Malae Trust Chair Adrian Orr says Pacific communities across Aotearoa will welcome the Hearing Commissioner’s decision, describing it as a recognition of the country’s Pacific identity.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time, and the approval of our resource consent is both significant and uplifting,” he says.

“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 project has been sustained through enduring support from Pacific leaders, government partners and the Wellington community.

The Fale Malae will be a Pacific place that enables collaboration, a place to host and showcase New Zealand on a global stage and support the foundations of economic innovation. Photo/Fale Malae Trust

“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 consent marks a critical development for the project.

“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.”

Watch Adrian Orr's full interview (in May this year) below.

With consent granted, the project moves into its next phase of fundraising and detailed design, with the Trust and Council working together on construction planning.

In May, PMN News reported that the Wellington cultural project remained on track despite the Government’s abrupt decision in Budget 2025 to halt all remaining funding.

Funding of $10 million was originally granted by the government in Budget 2020, but only $2.7 million had been spent, and this year’s $690,000 contribution had been cut.