JOHN Wills has been appointed as interim chief executive of the Employers Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), effective immediately.

A concert this weekend features local performers including Jomba, Skapiti, and Siggy. It is part of an international awareness day to support the petition to the South African government to stop rhino poaching. The Waterfront, Marine Parade, Raumati Beach, 11 February.

The first performance of  jazz musician Mike Nock’s choral work Land of the Long White Cloud will be sung by the Orpheus Choir at Soundings Theatre,  Te Papa, 18 February. It’s a free concert and only expected to last about 10minutes.

CONRAD Smith, the new Hurricanes captain has rejoined the team after an extended RWC break, in time for the sellout pre-season game at Managatainoka this Saturday.

SIR Paul Callaghan a trustee of Zealandia, formerly the Karori bird sanctuary will give a talk about the vision and importance of the sanctuary for New Zealand. Rutherford House lecture theatre1, 5.40pm, February 13.

MORE than a dozen locals are showing and selling their art, at that well known art space, Betty’s Bar on Blair St, to fundraise for the Karunai Dhan primary school in India. From 5pm, February 10.

INTERNATIONAL astrologer Faye Cossar, a former Wellingtonian is visiting the city to conduct workshops and a public talk. Cossar is unusual in that she holds a Masters degree in astrology. February 14.

GREATER Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme continues this week with a daughter, mother, grandmother mountain bike ride at Belmont Regional Park on February 12 and an evening guided walk from East Harbour Regional Park on February 8.

SWIMMERS looking for a challenge can take up the long-distance summer swim challenge at Wellington City Council pools.
Participants have until April 30 to swim or aquajog 53 kilometres, the distance equivalent to doing a circuit of Lake Mead in Nevada.
The distance covered is recorded by pool staff and there are spot prizes along the way.

SOME of the world’s best skaters are in town for Bowl-a-Rama 2012, a week long celebration of skateboard culture.
The competition is at Waitangi Skate Park on February 11, but there are additional events throughout from February 8 to 12, including an art exhibition by local and international skateboarders at 15 Courtenay Place.

A new website has been created to make planning for safe outdoor activities easier.
AdventureSmart,org.nz provides safety information and support for those planning land, snow, water, boating and air activities.

SOMMERFEST, Wellington’s family-friendly food and beer festival, takes place in the Worser Bay Boating Club on February 26.
The annual festival offers a range of boutique beers matched with great food tastes.
Breaking with tradition this year there will also be margaritas from 5pm.