About Wellington

Wellington is a great city to live and study in.

Wellington is the political capital of New Zealand. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot- like shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city’s major attractions are compressed into an area that’s conveniently walkable.

Wellington’s visitors come to browse museums, historic places and galleries, including the highly acclaimed national museum Te Papa.

A group of international students smiling and posing in front of a carved wooden tiki arch at a trailhead. They are outdoors with grassy hillside surroundings, dressed casually for hiking, with some making peace signs and thumbs up.
Residents of Kia Maia who are all International students enjoying a Chinese New Year celebration at a friend's home.

About Kia Maia

Kia Maia is a great “Home away from home”, and is situated at the heart of central Wellington, New Zealand.

Kia Maia is only a 9 minute walk from Lambton Quay and Victoria University.

Kia Maia is administered by an independent, non-profit board.

Residents of Kia Maia who are all International students enjoying a Chinese New Year celebration at a friend's home.
Group of six international students celebrating a birthday at Kia Maia, with a birthday cake on a checkered tablecloth, decorations, and a 'Happy Birthday' banner in the background.
A group of international students and friends smiling and posing for a photo in front of a white Victorian-style house with decorative columns and trim, in an outdoor setting with trees and a sunny sky.
Group of international students smiling, and posing, about to embark on an adventure to Matiu Somes Island
A group of international students sitting around a dining table filled with food and decorations, celebrating Christmas.
Kia Maia Alumni who have returned to reminisce about life in Kia Maia 50years ago. Here they are flicking through old photo albums.

Your hosts are Tim & Miliana Tovey-Raruve and Naomi Afoa.

Our responsibility is for the welfare of the students and maintaining an environment that supports successful study. We live on the premises and manage the hostel, overseeing the discipline which ensures Kia Maia meets its obligations to its residents.

A picture of Wellington Cable car on a beautiful sunny day

Meet the hosts

  • A photo of the Kia Maia managers Tim and Miliana Tovey-Raruve

    Tim and Miliana Tovey-Raruve

    New Wardens (August 2023)

  • A photo of Naomi standing in front of Kia Maia hostel

    Naomi Afoa

    Warden