I walk through Courtenay Place most days and I don’t usually enjoy the experience.  Buildings are run down, many premises are empty, vape shops are proliferating, the pavement is grimy, and rough sleepers are a sad reminder that our country’s support systems for our most vulnerable are failing.  Frankly it’s all a bit grim.

Sometimes when I see tourists heading that way I feel like warning them against it, because I feel ashamed.   This is not how we should feel about Welington’s premier entertainment area. 

If it’s bad for passers-by, it’s doubly bad for the businesses located along Courtenay Place, whose trade is suffering.

But rather than just moan about it, businesses are taking the lead to create something fresh and fun for the area, to entice a range of people to the area earlier in the day, and to improve the vibe.   They have good ideas, and we should support them. Courtenay Place is on our doorstep and it’s in all of our interests to see it succeed.  You can read more about this in this edition.

I recently attended a conference for independent community newspapers in New Zealand.  This was a chance to meet the owners, editors, journalists and sales people from around the country, and to hear about industry news and insights. 

It was encouraging to learn there is a huge range of newspapers, of all shapes and sizes, operating in the far-flung corners of Aotearoa.  All share a strong commitment to local news and supporting local communities.

I came away inspired.  Although we are in the midst of what seems like a very bleak time for media, it’s wonderful to see the variety of community newspapers operating and thriving, along with the green shoots of innovation that are working to overcome some of the challenges of operating in the global digital age.

It was also wonderful to bond with others who have been producing local news far longer than me – and surviving.  As someone who occasionally lies awake at 3am wondering if starting a local paper was a good idea, it’s reassuring to know your passion (or folly!) is shared by others.

Last month The Local hosted a group of readers to attend Circa’s production of Transmission: Beta.  It was a high-quality piece of theatre that had us both crying and laughing, but also challenged us to think about the way Covid has impacted people very differently, and unfortunately led to the splintering of society in ways we did not expect.

As we head into June, we look forward to Matariki: Aotearoa’s version of New Year.  Let’s hope this time of reflection and re-evaluation also results in a more positive direction for Wellington and Aotearoa.  We need it!