Render of Te Matapihi, Wellington City Council

We’re moving to Wellington’s new central library, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, in early 2026.

Located in the central city and opening out onto Te Ngākau Civic Square, Te Matapihi will be an integral part of Pōneke. It will be a hub for library services, exhibitions and cultural experiences, and will house City Archives and Nōku te Ao Capital E.

Originally called Capital Discovery Place, Nōku te Ao Capital E first opened in 1992 in a custom-designed building under the City to Sea bridge. After calling Te Ngākau Civic Square home for 21 years, our building was deemed earthquake-prone in 2013 which led to us relocating to our current site at Queens Wharf.

After 11 years, we are thrilled to be returning home to the Te Ngākau Civic precinct which holds such a special place in our hearts, as well as in the hearts of many who grew up or raised tamariki in Pōneke in the 1990’s and 2000’s. 

Opening of Capital Discovery Place, 1992 | ©️Wellington City Council Archives, 00557-505-10

Learn more about our move to Te Matapihi.

You can keep up-to-date with the project on Wellington City Councils website.