The Wellington Tamil Society (WTS) was formed in 1983 by a small group of Tamils living in the Wellington region as with some other Tamil Societies around New Zealand and many across the different parts of the world in response to the major ethnic violence directed towards the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka. From small beginnings, the Society has grown to represent close to 200 families living in the Greater Wellington region and provides a range of services to its members.

The constitution of WTS lists the following as its objectives:

1. To foster the advancement of Tamil Culture, Language, Literature and goodwill among Tamils in New Zealand and other parts of the world;
2. To support all attempts by Tamils in Sri Lanka to achieve their legitimate aspirations, within the framework of human rights and the right of self determination;
3. To foster harmonious links between Tamils and other sections of the New Zealand Community; and
4. To aid Tamils and others affected either due to economic, political or social reasons in any part of the world.

In 2008, WTS celebrated its 25 years of existence in New Zealand with a grand silver jubilee function covering a cultural program and a dinner-dance.