Editorial: Farewell Stratford Press - celebrating a community’s stories and people

There may be over 60 years between these two editions of the Stratford Press, but both put a spotlight on what's important - the people.

He aha te mea nui o te ao

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Most people know the above Māori proverb, and it’s translation - What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people

I’ve always liked that proverb, and it has always rung true for me, but the proverb has become even more meaningful for me over the past month or so.

Since the news broke that our community paper, along with 13 other titles owned by NZME, was to close, I have been thinking about the history of the Stratford Press, and what a community paper really is.

The answer, of course, is he tangata

This paper, or any community paper, is made up of the stories of the people. The good news stories that so many of you shared with us over the years, as well as the stories about facing challenges or hardship. Stories about how people have stood up for what they believe in, and stories about people who have challenged the status quo. Stories about people excelling, academically, in sport, in business or in other ways, and stories about people achieving great things,

Over the years, editions of the Stratford Press have been packed with photos of school events, Christmas parades, sport competitions, A&P shows, talent quests, church events, Anzac services, markets, Baldrick’s Big Day Out, the list goes on.

Looking back through the archives of the Stratford Press is like taking a beautiful stroll through our community’s history. From royal visits to business openings, school stories to Lions or Rotary Club fundraisers, the common theme has always been the people.

It is the people who have made this town all that it is. While the Stratford Press might not be here in the future to report on those great people doing great things, and there might be fewer photos of parades, services, school events and community fundraisers in print for future generations to look back at, the great things done by great people won’t stop happening.

So here’s to the future, thanks for all the memories, and thanks for making the Stratford Press all that it has been - full of the great stuff happening right here in Taranaki.

From Alyssa and myself, thanks for letting us be part of your stories.

Ilona

Ilona Hanne is a Taranaki-based journalist and news director who covers breaking and community news from across the lower North Island. She has worked for NZME since 2011.