Community projects
Community projects
<< Back to Community projects main page
Fostering communities that are connected and cohesive
Community services advisers work with communities on projects that build a sense
of connectedness and local pride and belonging. Some projects are neighbourhood
based and others draw people from across the city.
Examples of projects are:
- community-led clean ups of neighbourhood reserves
- family fun days
- living history events that let people share and hear the stories of people
living locally
- residents, businesses and groups working together to create a piece of artwork
- communities joining together to plant trees or to celebrate the unique heritage
of a particular area.
 |
| Blockhouse Bay project workshop |
|
Blockhouse Bay living history
This ongoing project in collaboration with the Mental Health Foundation invites
older people and their families in the Blockhouse Bay area to share stories and
experiences in multimedia formats. This local pride and belonging project was launched
on 15 November 2008.
Orakei community mural
The purpose of this project was to increase community connectedness, develop
a sense of pride around the community centre and for the local Orakei area, and
increase collaboration among community groups, schools, businesses and residents.
Four community engagement meetings at the Orakei community centre enabled people
from across the Orakei community to share their ideas for the mural. Then the mural
creation day took place on Saturday 26 July 2008.
 |
| Orakei mural |
|
The unveiling of the mural in August was attended by residents who helped create
the mural, community group leaders, representatives from local schools and other
key stakeholders. A kaumatua from Orakei Marae blessed the mural and several participants
gave speeches about their experience of contributing to its creation. Speakers ranged
in age from 10 to 85 years.
The legacy that this project delivers is not simply that of a beautiful community
artwork. It is a legacy of goodwill among neighbours. Local children now stop in
at the community centre on the way home from school to show off their painting in
the mural. English language students who use the community centre "read" the mural
for their studies. The lasting benefits of this project help continue to contribute
to a stronger and healthier community in Orakei.
The mural produced by the community is now a permanent feature at the Orakei
community centre.
Family fun day and youth expo in Otahuhu
The Otahuhu family fun day and the Otahuhu youth expo are becoming established
as highlights in the local calendar. Organisations across Otahuhu collaborate to
make the summertime family fun day an event that showcases the range of services
and activities available to people living and working in the area. The youth expo
lets students participate in interactive workshops and learn about career, recreation
and youth service opportunities. Both events give the people of Otahuhu a chance
to share their vision for the community.
 |
The Silver Sneakers performing (top)
and an information display. |
|
Contact us
if you would like more information.
International day of older persons 2008
International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) was on 1 October 2008. IDOP celebrates
older people and active ageing. Auckland City Council community advisers, community
centre managers and libraries worked in partnership with Age Concern, St John, Auckland
District Health Board and SPCA Outreach Therapy Pets to make this a day of local
celebration and learning.
At Avondale community centre 250 people attended a variety of performances and
then a celebratory morning tea. Sandringham community centre hosted 50 people to
morning tea and a discussion on health topics. Over 400 people attended a programme
of diverse and exciting activities, information sharing and performances at the
Onehunga community centre.
After an outing to the movies, Orakei community centre held an afternoon tea
and indoor bowls. Panmure community centre and library hosted a Devonshire tea,
craft activities, old time sing along, information displays and cultural performances.
In Glen Innes community groups including Accident Compensation Corporation, Selwyn
community trust, Communicare, Ka Mau Te Wero charitable trust, Housing New Zealand
and the Glen Innes community library ran a four day event. Activities included an
information expo, craft workshops and performances involving the diverse communities
of Glen Innes.
Contact us if you would like more information.
Published December 2008
