Mayor to Launch Wellington’s Biography Tonight

Mayor Kerry Prendergast will tonight launch Wellington: Biography of a city, a celebration of the capital’s civic history.

The idea arose from a policy initiative in 2003 supported by former Councillors Judy Siers and Sue Piper. The Council then commissioned the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to produce a book detailing the civic history of Wellington. The book has been written by local social historian, Redmer Yska.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast describes the history as fascinating and says anyone with an interest in Wellington will enjoy reading it.

"It really is a great read. Redmer Yska has done an amazing job documenting the history of city governance together with the human stories that Wellingtonians will relate to."

Following speeches by the Mayor and Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Mr Yska will give an account of the last few years of his work documenting the Council's expansive role in the city since 1870 and its relationship with central government, and most importantly, the people of Wellington.

"We believe it is an important story that should be told, a story that celebrates Wellington's history. This new history describes the linkage of pre-colonial Maori sites and their re-emergence on the newly developed waterfront. Waitangi Park and Kumutoto Stream are just two of these key sites," says Councillor Ahipene-Mercer.

A cocktail function has been arranged for the launch of Wellington: Biography of a city between 5pm and 7pm tonight at the Council Chamber in the Town Hall. Media are invited to attend.

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