Wellington Mayor Justin Lester speaks about the launch of the Wellington Monopoly board.
Fancy a house in Oriental Bay? Now's your chance.
The Wellington beach is about to become one of the most coveted spots on the Monopoly board, as it and Lambton Quay replace Mayfair and Park Lane in the dark blue squares in a new version of the iconic game.
Lambton Quay. Photo/Mark Mitchell
The Wellington Monopoly board was unveiled this afternoon at Freyberg Beach along Oriental Parade, which the classic character Uncle Pennybags arriving in a helicopter.
Mayor Justin Lester was on site to welcome Mr Monopoly for the launch of the game, which includes other defining Wellington streets and natural landmarks on the board such as Te Papa and the world-class conservation area, Zealandia.
Coming in lowest place in the brown squares on the board were the Botanic Gardens and the National War Memorial, while Hutt River, Wellington Waterfront, and the Mount Victoria lookout took the light blue squares.
Other notable landmarks included Queensgate shopping centre, Embassy Theatre, and the Beehive.
Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, Wellington. Photo/Mark Mitchell
"We received overwhelming input and engagement from the game's biggest fans in New Zealand, allowing us to create a board that encompasses the essence of Wellington's spirit," Winning Moves managing director Reid Herbert said.
People can now rent, buy, and own Weta Cave, Wellington Zoo, QT Museum Wellington, and Westpac Stadium.
Speaking to gathered media and members of the public, Herbert said it was "about time" Wellington got its own board.
"For too long Wellingtonians have been living in London's shadows."
Zealandia conservation area. Photo/Mark Mitchell
Since May, a national campaign asked fans to suggest top properties for the game.
The game is now for sale around New Zealand.
Wellington Zoo. Photo/Mark Mitchell
Lester said they were expecting to see Newtown or Johnsonville - his "home patch" - on the board.
He said Wellington getting recognised in the game was "without a doubt" the highlight of the past year, which included earthquakes and Lester getting in a car crash.
"Farewell Mayfair, good riddance, and welcome to Oriental Bay."
The very first edition of Monopoly hit shelves in 1935, and has been played by more than one billion people since then. Today it is played in 114 countries and in more than 47 languages.
