79-728: Downstage Theatre was a professional theatre company in Wellington , New Zealand, that ran from 1964 to 2013. For many years it occupied the purpose-built Hannah Playhouse building. Former directors include Sunny Amey , Mervyn Thompson , and Colin McColl . The Downstage Theatre Company was established in 1964 as a professional theatre company. The founders at the inaugural meeting in the Wellington Public Library on 15 May 1964 were actors Peter Bland , Tim Eliott and Martyn Sanderson , and restaurateur Harry Seresin. Sanderson believed in
158-636: A colonial outpost, and from there to an Australasian capital that has experienced a "remarkable creative resurgence". Wellington takes its name from Arthur Wellesley , the first Duke of Wellington and victor of the Battle of Waterloo (1815): his title comes from the town of Wellington in the English county of Somerset . It was named in November 1840 by the original settlers of the New Zealand Company on
237-407: A decision made by the insurer. Two of the buildings demolished were about eleven years old – the seven-storey NZDF headquarters and Statistics House at Centreport on the waterfront. The docks were closed for several weeks after the earthquake. Steep landforms shape and constrain much of Wellington city. Notable hills in and around Wellington include: Averaging 2,055 hours of sunshine per year,
316-520: A hub for information technology and innovation, with two public research universities. Wellington is one of New Zealand's chief seaports and serves both domestic and international shipping. The city is chiefly served by Wellington International Airport in Rongotai , the country's third-busiest airport . Wellington's transport network includes train and bus lines which reach as far as the Kāpiti Coast and
395-421: A lack of adequate and stable funding. The first locally-written production, in 1966, was Father's Day a dark social comedy by Peter Bland starring Pat Evison as the eccentric mother with two pregnant daughters. It was directed by Brian Bell who directed TV drama for New Zealand Broadcasting (NZBC) and it was the first commissioned play for its own cafe theatre. In 1968 a late night review called Knickers
474-665: A magnitude 7 quake, but as it happens slowly, there is no damage. During July and August 2013 there were many earthquakes, mostly in Cook Strait near Seddon. The sequence started at 5:09 pm on Sunday 21 July 2013 when the magnitude 6.5 Seddon earthquake hit the city, but no tsunami report was confirmed nor any major damage. At 2:31 pm on Friday 16 August 2013 the Lake Grassmere earthquake struck, this time magnitude 6.6, but again no major damage occurred, though many buildings were evacuated. On Monday 20 January 2014 at 3:52 pm
553-496: A major fault, the Wellington Fault , running through the centre of the city and several others nearby. Several hundred minor faults lines have been identified within the urban area. Inhabitants, particularly in high-rise buildings, typically notice several earthquakes every year. For many years after the 1855 earthquake, the majority of buildings were made entirely from wood. The 1996-restored Government Buildings near Parliament
632-400: A population density of 1,900 people per km . The urban area had a population of 201,708 in the 2023 New Zealand census , a decrease of 84 people (−0.0%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 11,595 people (6.1%) since the 2013 census . There were 97,143 males, 101,898 females and 2,667 people of other genders in 77,472 dwellings. 9.0% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
711-563: A population density of 743 people per km . This comprises 214,200 people in the Wellington urban area and 1,100 people in the surrounding rural areas. Wellington City had a population of 202,689 in the 2023 New Zealand census , a decrease of 48 people (−0.0%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 11,733 people (6.1%) since the 2013 census . There were 97,641 males, 102,372 females and 2,673 people of other genders in 77,835 dwellings. 9.0% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
790-411: A rolling 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the lower North Island 15 km east of Eketāhuna and was felt in Wellington, but little damage was reported initially, except at Wellington Airport where one of the two giant eagle sculptures commemorating The Hobbit became detached from the ceiling. At two minutes after midnight on Monday 14 November 2016, the 7.8 magnitude Kaikōura earthquake , which
869-494: A series of interconnected grid plans , expanding along valleys and lower hill slopes. The Wellington urban area , which only includes urbanised areas within Wellington City, has a population of 214,200 as of June 2024. The wider Wellington metropolitan area , including the cities of Lower Hutt , Porirua and Upper Hutt , has a population of 440,700 as of June 2024. The city has served as New Zealand's capital since 1865,
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#1732884036671948-528: A small professional company in Wellington performing challenging works in an intimate venue. Seresin owned the Walkabout coffee bar on the corner of Courtenay Place and Cambridge Terrace in Wellington, and the upper floor of the Walkabout is where the first Downstage Theatre productions were performed. Another founder was the Victoria University professor Donald McKenzie . In 1968 the company took over
1027-542: A status that is not defined in legislation, but established by convention; the New Zealand Government and Parliament , the Supreme Court and most of the public service are based in the city. Wellington's economy is primarily service -based, with an emphasis on finance, business services, government, and the film industry. It is the centre of New Zealand's film and special effects industries, and increasingly
1106-621: A time when New Zealand's population was 1.6 million. Wellington is at the south-western tip of the North Island on Cook Strait , separating the North and South Islands. On a clear day, the snowcapped Kaikōura Ranges are visible to the south across the strait. To the north stretch the golden beaches of the Kāpiti Coast . On the east, the Remutaka Range divides Wellington from the broad plains of
1185-506: A time) on the flat area at the mouth of the Hutt River . Within months that area proved swampy and flood-prone, and most of the newcomers transplanted their settlement across Wellington Harbour to Thorndon in the present-day site of Wellington city. Wellington was declared a city in 1840, and was chosen to be the capital city of New Zealand in 1865 . Wellington became the capital city in place of Auckland , which William Hobson had made
1264-619: Is the capital city of New Zealand . It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island , between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range . Wellington is the third-largest city in New Zealand, and is the administrative centre of the Wellington Region . It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state . Wellington features a temperate maritime climate, and is the world's windiest city by average wind speed . Māori oral tradition tells that Kupe discovered and explored
1343-424: Is a partner in the company MAP Film Productions, alongside McKenzie and producer/director Neil Pardington. She has appeared in short films directed by each, including Pardington's The Dig (which was invited to Cannes as part of a special NZ showcase) and McKenzie's darkly comic Ends Meat' . She also executive produced the short A&E (Accident & Eternity) in 2006, and co-produced For Good in 2003. Harcourt
1422-607: Is available between its harbour and the surrounding hills. It has very few open areas in which to expand, and this has brought about the development of the suburban towns. Because of its location in the Roaring Forties and its exposure to the winds blowing through Cook Strait , Wellington is the world's windiest city, with an average wind speed of 27 km/h (17 mph). Wellington's scenic natural harbour and green hillsides adorned with tiered suburbs of colonial villas are popular with tourists. The central business district (CBD)
1501-491: Is close to Lambton Harbour, an arm of Wellington Harbour , which lies along an active geological fault , clearly evident on its straight western shore. The land to the west of this rises abruptly, meaning that many suburbs sit high above the centre of the city. There is a network of bush walks and reserves maintained by the Wellington City Council and local volunteers. These include Otari-Wilton's Bush , dedicated to
1580-553: Is currently an acting technique tutor for The Actors Program, Auckland, New Zealand. She was the Head of Acting at Toi Whakaari, New Zealand Drama School, for seven years, and is widely acknowledged for her contributions to the school. As well as coaching NZ actors and casts, Harcourt has expanded her professional scope to include overseas actors in Australia and America, including Anna Sophia Robb and Carrie Underwood. As part of her role on
1659-460: Is notorious for its southerly blasts in winter, which may make the temperature feel much colder. It is generally very windy all year round with high rainfall; average annual rainfall is 1,250 mm (49 in), June and July being the wettest months. Frosts are quite common in the hill suburbs and the Hutt Valley between May and September. Snow is very rare at low altitudes, although snow fell on
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#17328840366711738-401: Is now part of the central business district. For this reason, the street named Lambton Quay is 100 to 200 metres (325 to 650 ft) from the harbour – plaques set into the footpath mark the shoreline in 1840 , indicating the extent of reclamation. The 1942 Wairarapa earthquakes caused considerable damage in Wellington. The area has high seismic activity even by New Zealand standards, with
1817-462: Is the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. While masonry and structural steel have subsequently been used in building construction, especially for office buildings, timber framing remains the primary structural component of almost all residential construction. Residents place their confidence in good building regulations , which became more stringent in the 20th century. Since
1896-584: The Chatham Islands . The Waitangi Tribunal has found that at the time of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Tama, and Ngāti Toa held mana whenua interests in the area, through conquest and occupation. Steps towards European settlement in the area began in 1839, when Colonel William Wakefield arrived to purchase land for the New Zealand Company to sell to prospective British settlers. Prior to this time,
1975-518: The City Gallery , and the former Post and Telegraph Building ; and the curves and vibrant colours of post-modern architecture in the CBD. Miranda Harcourt Dame Miranda Catherine Millais Harcourt DNZM (born 1962) is a New Zealand actress and acting coach. Harcourt's acting career began playing boy characters on Radio New Zealand in the early 1970s. She is best known for her role as Gemma in
2054-660: The National Archives , the National Library , New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa and numerous theatres. It plays host to many artistic and cultural organisations, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Royal New Zealand Ballet . Its architectural attractions include the Old Government Buildings – one of the largest wooden buildings in the world – as well as the iconic Beehive ,
2133-543: The Star Boating Club building in the early 1970s while the Hannah Playhouse was being built. Raymond Boyce MBE, a leading theatre set and costume designer, was on the board of Downstage when the playhouse was built, Boyce became design consultant to the architects Ron Parker and James Beard , influencing the design of the flexible stage area and auditorium. The Hannah Playhouse (seating) approximately 250 people
2212-457: The Wairarapa , a wine region of national notability. With a latitude of 41° 17' South, Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the world . Wellington ties with Canberra , Australia, as the most remote capital city, 2,326 km (1,445 mi) apart from each other. Wellington is more densely populated than most other cities in New Zealand due to the restricted amount of land that
2291-518: The Wairarapa Fault to the north and east of Wellington. It was probably the most powerful earthquake in recorded New Zealand history, with an estimated magnitude of at least 8.2 on the Moment magnitude scale . It caused vertical movements of two to three metres over a large area, including raising land out of the harbour and turning it into a tidal swamp. Much of this land was subsequently reclaimed and
2370-442: The nickname of "Windy Wellington". Legends recount that Kupe discovered and explored the region in about the 10th century. Before European colonisation, the area in which the city of Wellington would eventually be founded was seasonally inhabited by indigenous Māori . The earliest date with hard evidence for human activity in New Zealand is about 1280. Wellington and its environs have been occupied by various Māori groups from
2449-400: The 12th century. The legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe, a chief from Hawaiki (the homeland of Polynesian explorers, of unconfirmed geographical location, not to be confused with Hawaii ), was said to have stayed in the harbour from c. 925 . A later Māori explorer, Whatonga, named the harbour Te Whanganui-a-Tara after his son Tara. Before the 1820s, most of the inhabitants of
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2528-408: The 1980s TV drama series Gloss . Harcourt spent three years acting on the show, and her character was so despicable that people spat at and insulted Harcourt in public. Harcourt received a nomination in the 1989 Film and TV Awards for best actress for the role. Harcourt graduated from Toi Whakaari, New Zealand Drama School , in 1984. Harcourt was part of a PEP scheme under Darcy Nicholas at
2607-787: The Art and Culture Award at the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards . In the same year, she received the Award for Achievement in Film at the Women in Film and Television New Zealand Awards . In the 2023 New Year Honours , Harcourt was promoted to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit , for services to the screen industry and theatre. Harcourt is the daughter of Dame Kate Harcourt (née Fulton) and Peter Harcourt. Her younger brother Gordon Harcourt
2686-554: The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 , earthquake readiness has become even more of an issue, with buildings declared by Wellington City Council to be earthquake-prone, and the costs of meeting new standards. Every five years, a year-long slow quake occurs beneath Wellington, stretching from Kapiti to the Marlborough Sounds . It was first measured in 2003, and reappeared in 2008 and 2013. It releases as much energy as
2765-709: The Conchords , who went on to play in much bigger international venues and also made a TV series in the USA (BATS in 2001 and Downstage in 2002), and interactive production Apollo 13: Mission Control directed by Kip Chapman (BATS in 2008 and Downstage in 2010). Founding artistic directors Martyn Sanderson , Tim Elliott, Peter Bland. The director position of Downstage Theatre has had a variety of forms and titles. Further references can be found in 41°17′37″S 174°47′01″E / 41.2937°S 174.7836°E / -41.2937; 174.7836 Wellington Wellington
2844-504: The Mercer worldwide Cost of Living Survey. In 2019, Mercer ranked cities on personal safety, including internal stability, crime levels, law enforcement, limitations on personal freedom, relationships with other countries and freedom of the press. Wellington shared ninth place internationally with Auckland. In addition to governmental institutions, Wellington accommodates several of the nation's largest and oldest cultural institutions, such as
2923-463: The Mountain (Best Foreign Actress China's Golden Lion), Gaylene Preston's Home By Christmas (London Film Festival 2010), Yvonne MacKay's TV series Kaitangata Twitch (finalist for the 2010 Prix de Jeunesse, platinum winner WorldFest Houston), and Taika Waititi's Boy (Sundance 2010, winner Best Film NZFTV Awards 2010). Harcourt also teaches Professional Level – Teen Acting for Stage and Screen, as
3002-622: The Māori inhabitants had had contact with Pākehā whalers and traders. European settlement began with the arrival of an advance party of the New Zealand Company on the ship Tory on 20 September 1839, followed by 150 settlers on the Aurora on 22 January 1840. Thus, the Wellington settlement preceded the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (on 6 February 1840). The 1840 settlers constructed their first homes at Petone (which they called Britannia for
3081-531: The Wairarapa , and ferries connect the city to the South Island . Often referred to as New Zealand's cultural capital, the culture of Wellington is a diverse and often youth-driven one which has wielded influence across Oceania . One of the world's most liveable cities , the 2021 Global Livability Ranking tied Wellington with Tokyo as fourth in the world. From 2017 to 2018, Deutsche Bank ranked it first in
3160-594: The Wellington region were Whatonga's descendants. At about 1820, the people living there were Ngāti Ira and other groups who traced their descent from the explorer Whatonga, including Rangitāne and Muaūpoko . However, these groups were eventually forced out of Te Whanganui-a-Tara by a series of migrations by other iwi (Māori tribes) from the north. The migrating groups were Ngāti Toa , which came from Kāwhia , Ngāti Rangatahi, from near Taumarunui , and Te Ātiawa , Ngāti Tama , Ngāti Mutunga , Taranaki and Ngāti Ruanui from Taranaki . Ngāti Mutunga later moved on to
3239-542: The Willis Street Wellington Arts Centre directed by Colin McColl in a play. In 1990, a sponsored year at London's Central School of Speech and Drama led to an exploration of drama therapy in psychiatric institutions, with the deaf, and in prisons – the latter inspiring her collaboration with writer William Brandt for the solo play Verbatim , where Harcourt acted, solo, portraying nine characters, inmates' relatives, and victims' families. Harcourt
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3318-479: The board of Film New Zealand, she also helps to market New Zealand actors to overseas film-makers. Harcourt was the acting coach on a number of international and local feature films, including Bridge to Terabithia (Best Actress 2008 Young Artist Awards as well as Best Ensemble Cast) directed by Gabor Csupo, Jane Campion's Bright Star (in competition for the 2009 Palme d'Or), Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones and Heavenly Creatures , Jonathan King's Under
3397-554: The building was empty. The capital city is also the location of the highest court, the Supreme Court of New Zealand , and the historic former High Court building (opened 1881) has been enlarged and restored for its use. The Governor-General's residence, Government House (the current building completed in 1910) is situated in Newtown , opposite the Basin Reserve . Premier House (built in 1843 for Wellington's first mayor, George Hunter ),
3476-582: The capital in 1841 . The New Zealand Parliament had first met in Wellington on 7 July 1862, on a temporary basis; in November 1863, the Prime Minister of New Zealand , Alfred Domett , placed a resolution before Parliament in Auckland that "... it has become necessary that the seat of government ... should be transferred to some suitable locality in Cook Strait [region]." There had been some concerns that
3555-449: The cast included Grant Tilley , Anne Flannery and Susan Wilson . One review stated, "...more intelligently than we have ever seen it produced before." Wednesday to Come by Renée in 1984 directed by George Webby told a story of New Zealand's depression era through the lens of three generations of women. It was unique in the centring of women at the time. The cast included Jane Waddell, Dame Kate Harcourt and Davina Whitehouse . It
3634-425: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 62,259 (36.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 66,273 (38.4%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 24,219 (14.0%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 55,400, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 40,632 people (23.5%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
3713-425: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 62,484 (36.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 66,657 (38.4%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 24,339 (14.0%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 55,500, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 40,872 people (23.6%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
3792-640: The city and many other parts of the Wellington region during separate events on 25 July 2011 and 15 August 2011. Snow at higher altitudes is more common, with light flurries recorded in higher suburbs every few years. On 29 January 2019, the suburb of Kelburn (instruments near the old Metservice building in the Wellington Botanic Garden ) reached 30.3 °C (87 °F), the highest temperature since records began in 1927. Wellington City covers 289.91 km (111.93 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 215,300 as of June 2024, with
3871-421: The climate of Wellington is temperate marine , ( Köppen : Cfb , Trewartha : Cflk ), generally moderate all year round with mild summers and cool to mild winters, and rarely sees temperatures above 26 °C (79 °F) or below 4 °C (39 °F). The hottest recorded temperature in the city is 31.1 °C (88 °F) recorded on 20 February 1896 , while −1.9 °C (29 °F) is the coldest. The city
3950-641: The executive wing of Parliament Buildings as well as internationally renowned Futuna Chapel . The city's art scene includes many art galleries, including the national art collection at Toi Art at Te Papa. Wellington also has many events such as CubaDupa , Wellington On a Plate , the Newtown Festival , Diwali Festival of Lights and Gardens Magic at the Botanical Gardens. Wellington's urban area covers 112.71 km (43.52 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 214,200 as of June 2024, with
4029-493: The first time on 26 July 1865. At that time, the population of Wellington was just 4,900. The Government Buildings were constructed at Lambton Quay in 1876. The site housed the original government departments in New Zealand . The public service rapidly expanded beyond the capacity of the building, with the first department leaving shortly after it was opened; by 1975 only the Education Department remained, and by 1990
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#17328840366714108-489: The harbour is to the east of the Miramar Peninsula, and contains the dangerous shallows of Barrett Reef , where many ships have been wrecked (notably the inter-island ferry TEV Wahine in 1968 ). The harbour has three islands: Matiu/Somes Island , Makaro/Ward Island and Mokopuna Island . Only Matiu/Somes Island is large enough for habitation. It has been used as a quarantine station for people and animals, and
4187-399: The harbour. Wellington's status as the capital is a result of constitutional convention rather than statute. Wellington is New Zealand's political centre, housing the nation's major government institutions. The New Zealand Parliament relocated to the new capital city, having spent the first ten years of its existence in Auckland. A session of parliament officially met in the capital for
4266-682: The head tutor at Scots College Creative and Performing Arts School. In 1993, Harcourt received the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal , and in the 2002 Queen's Birthday and Golden Jubilee Honours , she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit , for services to theatre and the community. Harcourt has twice been awarded Best Actress at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards ( A Doll's House and Biography of my Skin ). She has won New Zealand Film and TV Awards for Best Short Film ( Voice Over ) and
4345-462: The more populous South Island (where the goldfields were located) would choose to form a separate colony in the British Empire . Several commissioners (delegates) invited from Australia, chosen for their neutral status, declared that the city was a suitable location because of its central location in New Zealand and its good harbour ; it was believed that the whole Royal Navy fleet could fit into
4424-461: The new name was at once adopted". In the Māori language , Wellington has three names: The legendary Māori explorer Kupe , a chief from Hawaiki (the homeland of Polynesian explorers, of unconfirmed geographical location, not to be confused with Hawaii ), was said to have stayed in the harbour prior to 1000 CE. Here, it is said he had a notable impact on the area, with local mythology stating he named
4503-579: The official residence of the prime minister , is in Thorndon on Tinakori Road. Over six months in 1939 and 1940, Wellington hosted the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition , celebrating a century since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi . Held on 55 acres of land at Rongotai, it featured three exhibition courts, grand Art Deco-style edifices and a hugely popular three-acre amusement park. Wellington attracted more than 2.5 million visitors at
4582-599: The protection and propagation of native plants. The Wellington region has 500 square kilometres (190 sq mi) of regional parks and forests. In the east is the Miramar Peninsula , connected to the rest of the city by a low-lying isthmus at Rongotai , the site of Wellington International Airport . Industry has developed mainly in the Hutt Valley, where there are food-processing plants, engineering industries, vehicle assembly and oil refineries. The narrow entrance to
4661-558: The region in about the 10th century. The area was initially settled by Māori iwi such as Rangitāne and Muaūpoko . The disruptions of the Musket Wars led to them being overwhelmed by northern iwi such as Te Āti Awa by the early 19th century. Wellington's current form was originally designed by Captain William Mein Smith , the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield 's New Zealand Company , in 1840. Smith's plan included
4740-449: The suggestion of the directors of the same, in recognition of the Duke's strong support for the company's principles of colonisation and his "strenuous and successful defence against its enemies of the measure for colonising South Australia". One of the founders of the settlement, Edward Jerningham Wakefield , reported that the settlers "took up the views of the directors with great cordiality and
4819-412: The two islands in the harbour after his daughters, Matiu (Somes Island) , and Mākaro (Ward Island) . In New Zealand Sign Language , the name is signed by raising the index, middle, and ring fingers of one hand, palm forward, to form a "W", and shaking it slightly from side to side twice. The city's location close to the mouth of the narrow Cook Strait leaves it vulnerable to strong gales, leading to
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#17328840366714898-548: The whole upper story of the Walkabout coffee bar building with a remodeling that was designed by B. Woods as the major project in his final year at the Wellington School of Design . It was a theatre restaurant, where people dined and saw a show in the same space. The Downstage Theatre Company continued to operate from the Walkabout coffee bar building until plans for a purpose-built theatre building were finalised. They moved to
4977-534: The world for both livability and non-pollution. Cultural precincts such as Cuba Street and Newtown are renowned for creative innovation, " op shops ", historic character, and food . Wellington is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region, being ranked 46th in the world by the Global Financial Centres Index for 2024. The global city has grown from a bustling Māori settlement, to
5056-489: Was "frightening in its stamina and emotional range". In The Guardian, reviewer Michael Billington praised Verbatim as "a remarkable solo show about violence.” Harcourt and her mother, Kate, appeared together in Flowers From My Mother's Garden , a collection of shared anecdotes, reminiscences and stories centered on their relationship and family, and co-written by Harcourt and her husband, Stuart McKenzie. The play
5135-561: Was 34.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 28,986 people (14.4%) aged under 15 years, 54,912 (27.2%) aged 15 to 29, 94,272 (46.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 23,541 (11.7%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 72.0% European ( Pākehā ); 9.8% Māori ; 5.7% Pasifika ; 20.5% Asian ; 3.6% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.1% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
5214-510: Was 34.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 29,142 people (14.4%) aged under 15 years, 55,080 (27.2%) aged 15 to 29, 94,806 (46.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 23,664 (11.7%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 72.1% European ( Pākehā ); 9.8% Māori ; 5.7% Pasifika ; 20.4% Asian ; 3.6% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.1% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
5293-571: Was a finalist as Best Actress ( Act of Murder and Gloss ) and as Best Supporting Actress ( Duggan and For Good (2003)). Harcourt has received the Media Peace Prize ( Verbatim ). She was also nominated for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress, a General TV Award, for Tangiwai in 2011. In 2014, Harcourt was named NEXT Woman of the Year in the Arts & Culture category. In 2018, Harcourt received
5372-404: Was also a pioneer of verbatim theatre in New Zealand, in creating Verbatim (1993), in collaboration with William Brandt and Portraits (1997) in collaboration with Stuart McKenzie. Performed in front of people convicted of violent crimes, Harcourt says Verbatim "was a reflection back at the people on the inside; what their mothers, their sisters and their children had said about them". The show
5451-563: Was an internment camp during World War I and World War II. It is a conservation island, providing refuge for endangered species , much like Kapiti Island farther up the coast. There is access during daylight hours by the Dominion Post Ferry. Wellington is primarily surrounded by water, but some of the nearby locations are listed below. Wellington suffered serious damage in a series of earthquakes in 1848 and from another earthquake in 1855. The 1855 Wairarapa earthquake occurred on
5530-532: Was centred between Culverden and Kaikōura in the South Island, caused the Wellington CBD, Victoria University of Wellington , and the Wellington suburban rail network to be largely closed for the day to allow inspections. The earthquake damaged a considerable number of buildings, with 65% of the damage being in Wellington. Subsequently, a number of recent buildings were demolished rather than being rebuilt, often
5609-508: Was commissioned by the 1998 International Festival of the Arts and has been staged in Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch. Harcourt's first short film as a director, Voiceover , written and produced by husband Stuart McKenzie, won Best Short Film at the 1997 NZ Film and Television Awards, and her first play as a director won several awards at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards including Best Actor and Best Set Design. Harcourt
5688-454: Was completed in 1973. Downstage published a quarterly magazine Act about theatre that included publishing play scripts. In 1973 Downstage supported the beginning of Playmarket , New Zealands agent for playwrights by allocating some staff time of Nonnita Rees plus office space. Act magazine continued with Playmarket picking it up in 1975 after Downstage decided they could no longer fund this activity. Downstage Theatre closed in 2013, citing
5767-517: Was re-presented by Downstage in 2005 again featuring Jane Waddell and Dame Kate Harcourt this time also with Dame Kate's daughter, Miranda Harcourt , directed by Geraldine Brophy . A number of plays started at BATS Theatre and then did shows at the Hannah Playhouse to accommodate demand and to reach a bigger and different Downstage audience. Well known examples are Indian Ink's Krishnan’s Dairy, (BATS in 1997 and Downstage in 1998), Flight of
5846-557: Was spoken by 96.3%, Māori language by 2.7%, Samoan by 1.7% and other languages by 23.4%. No language could be spoken by 1.6% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 34.4, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 26.9% Christian , 3.8% Hindu , 1.8% Islam , 0.4% Māori religious beliefs , 1.7% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.3% Jewish , and 1.9% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 57.7%, and 5.2% of people did not answer
5925-557: Was spoken by 96.3%, Māori language by 2.7%, Samoan by 1.8% and other languages by 23.5%. No language could be spoken by 1.7% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 34.4, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 26.9% Christian , 3.8% Hindu , 1.8% Islam , 0.4% Māori religious beliefs , 1.7% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.3% Jewish , and 1.9% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 57.6%, and 5.2% of people did not answer
6004-707: Was that 101,892 (59.0%) people were employed full-time, 24,063 (13.9%) were part-time, and 5,268 (3.0%) were unemployed. Wellington showcases a variety of architectural styles from the past 150 years – 19th-century wooden cottages, such as the Italianate Katherine Mansfield Birthplace in Thorndon; streamlined Art Deco structures such as the old Wellington Free Ambulance headquarters, the Central Fire Station, Fountain Court Apartments,
6083-515: Was that 102,369 (59.0%) people were employed full-time, 24,201 (13.9%) were part-time, and 5,283 (3.0%) were unemployed. Wellington ranks 12th in the world for quality of living, according to a 2023 study by consulting company Mercer. Of cities in the Asia–Pacific region, Wellington ranked third behind Auckland and Sydney. In 2024, Wellington was ranked as a highly affordable city in terms of cost of living , coming in at 145th out of 226 cities in
6162-425: Was the first place for Ginette McDonald's character Lyn of Tawa to have a public outing, Knickers also included Roger Hall , Steve Whitehouse, Cathy Downes and Paul Holmes . The first play in the Hannah Playhouse was Shakespeare's As You Like It in 1973 directed by Sunny Amey who was the director of Downstage at the time. The set was in traverse designed by Raymond Boyce featuring a central sloping disc and
6241-560: Was well received in New Zealand theatres, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival , and from the inmates themselves. Harcourt recollected one inmate, a year after the show, asking her where the other actresses were who had starred, having remembered the distinct characters that Harcourt portrayed solo so distinctly that he remembered them as separate, individual women. The Sunday Star-Times described Verbatim as "a small miracle of dramatic theatre". The NZ Times said Harcourt's performance
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