Property Council Wellington Regional Committee Chair Melissa McGhie of Rolle Property, shares her views on embracing positivity in 2025 and the revitalisation of Wellington.
Let’s face it, 2024 wasn’t a great year for the capital city. The headlines constantly read of government staff cuts, a dysfunctional council and closures of businesses. What is different about 2025?
With a new year comes a time for reflection on the past year and setting the scene for the year ahead. Our regional priority set last year was “A city that is vibrant, open for business, and focused on sustainability and investment in essential infrastructure.” This priority continues into 2025 and a need for maintaining a positive outlook.
The hot topic of the day is Councils Golden Mile project and in particular the Courtenay Place precinct. A topic close to my heart as our office is located in the area and has been for the past 35+ years. I choose to make Wellington my home having moved here 15 years ago in the prime days of Wellington and Courtenay pl. A city you could never get bored in with the number of events to attend. We have seen this area go through many ups and downs but ultimately understand its full potential.
Council has finally set the vision for the Golden Mile and hopefully once works begin, the interest in the area will follow. Yes, you could focus on the negatives; the costs, social issues etc., however, every project needs to start somewhere and the businesses in the area have been in limbo for a long time and the majority just want them to get on with it.
Wellington needs to invest in Wellington. Reading Cinema sold to a local developer who first hand understands the impact this site has on the area can only be positive. They have committed to opening the site up as soon as possible which, once opened, will give a whole other demographic of users to the area.
I’m no economist but surely with interest rates reducing and the government restructures nearing an end, more people have certainty about job security and money, which will flow to businesses and morale for the city.
My quest to all Wellingtonians, and in fact property members, is to keep the conversation positive – we have had enough of the negativity the past few years and we all need a morale boost. Next time someone asks about visiting Wellington or holding a meeting there, tell them it’s a fantastic idea! Time the visit with one of the great festivals in the city; fringe, comedy, jazz, Wellington on a plate, WOW – just to name a few.
What are you doing to make our coolest little Capital city a place that is vibrant and open for business?
Author
Melissa McGhie
Director, Rolle Property
Melissa has been involved with the day to day management of various commercial buildings around the city and numerous projects for clients including new builds, seismic projects and fitouts. She volunteers her expertise to the Mary Potter Hospice Apartments Board as a director, Property Council Wellington Regional Committee as chair and is a representative on the Mayoral Business Advisory Group.