OPINION: No paper without people

HEROES: Wairarapa Midweek has been full of triumphs - such as the Qualtrough Family, animal rescuers and founders of The Q's Zoo animal rescue centre.

This will be our final issue of Midweek for the year -- and it's certainly not been a dull 2015.

We've had headstone designers, placenta burials, bellydance, upcycled dolls, folk music, humanitarian projects, young women in the military, chess prodigies, disabled athletes and animal rescues. A small cross section of a vibrant, creative, generous community.

When I think back on the year, one word comes to mind: triumph.

For me, working in the role of editor for the past six months has felt like a personal triumph. Beforehand, for many reasons, I had been considering leaving journalism. When the job offer came up, I was petrified -- managing a whole newspaper, singlehandedly?! But, I don't think it's gone too badly. So, thank you to my boss, Andrew Bonallack, for this opportunity and my predecessor, Gerald Ford, for teaching me everything I know!

But I digress -- the real triumphs are the ones in the paper.

There's been those who have triumphed creatively -- the children's writers/illustrators, novelists, upcycled fashion designers, artists, photographers, award-winning actors and directors and Elaine Hurndell's spectacular monuments.

Those who had triumphed over adversity -- Rheegin Anderson-McKenzie, who overcame a troubled past to become a leader in Makoura College's Services Academy. Vanessa Connell, a talented dressage rider with cerebral palsy. Ezra Stobbart, who bravely shared his experiences of depression and suicide attempts.

Those who triumph by standing up for others. The Tanner and Bockhop families for their work with earthquake and cyclone-ravaged communities overseas. Carole Wheeler for her flax baskets for parents who have lost a baby; the Wairarapa Resource Centre volunteers who clean houses of those who died alone. Featherston's Rebecca and Matt who have channelled their grief for their son Isaac into helping children with cancer.

And the Qualtrough family, who put their whole hearts and thousands of their own dollars into turning their home into a sanctuary for abandoned animals. Nothing short of heroic.

I've heard some scoff at community newspapers. "Real journalism" is all about chasing fire engines and busting corrupt financiers. As George Orwell put it, "Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed -- everything else is public relations".

But there's a side of journalism that delights in the ordinary. In the everyday folks you pass by in the street but who have adventures worthy of Hollywood. Those who work regular jobs, but have game-changing ideas and eccentric passions. And those who have only a modest income but give everything towards making their community a more loving, accepting place to live.

These are the stories that exist alongside the tales of corruption, murder and firery car wrecks -- stories of role models, battlers and unsung heroes. For what is most important in life? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It's people, it's people, it's people.

Merry Christmas, Wairarapa. I look forward to hearing more of your triumphs in 2016.