Is Wellington a dying city?

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The Prime Minister, in a speech in Auckland last week, said that Wellington was a dying city. All it had was the government, Victoria University and Weta Workshops. However, he has now apologised and said that of course Wellington is not dying. It is an exciting city.

Many Wellingtonians – especially the Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown – say that Wellington is a wonderful city. It is the home of the national museum of New Zealand – Te Papa – as well as the NZ ballet, opera, drama school, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. It has a beautiful harbour. It has a busy downtown area because so many people work in the central city. They walk to shops and cafes at lunchtime. The city also has a good public transport system – trains and buses – to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

The economic growth of Wellington has been 1.5% for the last 5 years, whereas the growth for the whole of New Zealand for the same period was 0.4%.

The Prime Minister lives in Auckland and it is true that Auckland is growing fast but it is not the only city in New Zealand.

Vocabulary

• The government – people who work in Parliament and in the public service e.g. education, justice etc.
• Weta workshops – designed many of the characters in Lord of the Rings
• apologised – said he was sorry
• Wellingtonians – people who live in Wellington (compare Aucklanders)
• drama – theatre
• whereas – in contrast

Questions

• What other things make a city interesting?
• If you live in Wellington, do you agree that it is an exciting city? Why or why not?

25 thoughts on “Is Wellington a dying city?”

  1. I totally agree Welly is a lovely and exciting city. The atmosphere, culture, landscape and people are excellent there. I personally believe it is a typical city which represents New Zealand as it is quite different from other cities in the world. Love Welly!

  6. I think it’s very nice city, because there are many interesting things in Wellington. I want to know about this city more and more.

  13. I agree that wellington is amazing city. For me living here is better then any other places. its really nice and relax city also people here are lovely and friendly. Wellington is the best city to live in.

  15. Without any doubt Wellington is a very special city in the world which is very different from other modern urban place. It keeps the local Mori culture and people live here can enjoy quiet good art environment .

  17. I agree the Wellington is one of wonderful city all over the world. Nice people,beach and culture.
    lovely Wellington

  20. Wellington is a nice city. i found many good new experiences here, the people are really nice, the air is so fresh, the public transportation are great. well except for the weather, but overall Wellington is a really nice city.

  21. wellington is not a dying city, it’s a beautiful capital of new Zealand. simple life, no more noisy and crime.
    this city near the sea, so many activities on the sea will be interesting. And there are many library can be used. full-equipment.

  23. Wellington is a lovely mountainous city, it owns beautiful screens of beaches, mountains and parks. It offers us wonderful living condition. I love it very much!

  24. Wellington is a lovely mountainous city, it owns beautiful screens of beaches, mountains and parks. It offers us wonderful living condition. I love it very much!

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