Wellington nightlife is struggling, spending in bars has halved
Wellington's hospitality sector is facing a significant downturn, with bar owners reporting halved revenues due to the cost-of-living crisis and remote work trends. Business owners are struggling to maintain operations as patronage declines and operational costs rise.
Why it matters
It illustrates the broader economic challenges facing urban nightlife and local hospitality businesses in a post-pandemic, high-inflation environment.
Bar and brewery owner Tim Ward says he's even taking his venues' laundry home to wash instead of spending money on a service.
Bill Hickman Journalist 15 October 2026 5 min read Caption: People used to flock to listen to bands play at bars like Mighty Mighty - "that's just gone now". Photo credit: Courtesy Mighty Mighty Facebook Wellington bar owners say they're cutting costs and looking to big events to ward off the effects of a steady decline in takings.
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