The Wellingtonian Editorial: Wellingtonian of the Year

OPINION: The accolade of Wellingtonian of the Year is not easily earned, because the field is so strong.

Wellington, the most energetic, exciting, colourful, progressive city in New Zealand, is fortunate to have so many capable, willing leaders.

If this wasn't so, we would never hold the annual international rugby sevens, the World of WearableArt Awards, the International Film Festival, the Cuba St Carnival and all the other events that make the city so special.

We wouldn't have hosted the All Whites v Bahrain World Cup soccer qualifier but for the vision of a core of innovative Wellingtonians.

On the sports front, the personality of the year was Ricki Herbert, coach of the successful All Whites and of the Phoenix team. But other sports stars, such as cricketer Iain O'Brien, disabled cyclist Paula Tesoriero and All Black Cory Jane, were also exceptional.

Two Wellington MPs who impressed us were Chris Finlayson and Grant Robertson.

Finlayson, the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, and for Treaty Negotiations, and the Attorney General, handled his portfolios with aplomb. Robertson, the Labour MP for Wellington Central, proved a hard-working local MP who cared about the community.

Some wonderful actors strutted their stuff in Wellington this year, none better than Miranda Harcourt and Ray Henwood, who showed their diversity and talent by performing solo shows to packed audiences.

Because Wellington is the centre of New Zealand politics, many pressing issues are debated here, from the water supply to roading, the waterfront to public transport.

Our city councillors had a mixed year. Some impressed not at all, some occasionally and some regularly. The jockeying for next year's city council elections has begun.

Councillors need to be kept honest and Wellington has plenty of people eager to protest, correct, shout and suggest.

The most effective of this group, we felt, were Frank Cook, who did good work keeping the council on its toes over the water supply, and Kent Duston, who had his say on issues ranging from the Mt Victoria brothel to the airport.

It was a traumatic year for many Wellingtonians because of the slaughter by the National Government of the adult community education programme. The grim effects of this will be felt next year.

No-one made more sense on this issue than Robyn Hambleton, Wellington High School's adult community education supremo.

Amazingly, none of these outstanding achievers is our Wellingtonian of the Year.

That honour goes to Hilary Beaton, who took over as director of Downstage Theatre in July and has turned its fortunes around.

Downstage has had a tough time, losing funding from Creative New Zealand and struggling with its programme.

Under Ms Beaton's stewardship, the programme has been revamped, and popular monthly music sessions added. The crowds have returned to Downstage and an iconic part of Wellington is back on its feet.

Last month Downstage marked its 45-year anniversary. Without Ms Beaton's leadership, there may not have been the same sense of optimism and achievement during those celebrations.

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