Yep, here in Oz (Victoria) the scene is struggling. You see some glimpses trying to keep it going but it is rare.

Sometimes it feels like all we have is King Gizzard occasionally and then nothing but DJ's and cover bands to fill the gaps at the local RSL. Places like The Croxton still put on a great spread however.

It has been about 8 years since I was last in Wellington, it seemed to still have some stuff going for it but it was also clear that the decline was setting in.

Strong disagree. There are many venues playing local bands in Melbourne all the time. The Retreat, the Corner Hotel, Workers Club, the Esplanade, Northcote Social and Northcote Theatre, Billboards.

I can't speak to what the scene was like 10 years ago, but to say that its rare feels very wrong to me.