“Collabor-action” at the heart of new storyboards at walter nash park

The Taita community will see a new addition to Walter Nash Park – 14 new storyboards designed to enhance physical activity and community connection.

These interactive storyboards, created in partnership with community organisation Common Ground, aim to bring local stories and movement into everyday life.

The spark came from community insights gathered by Hutt City Council in 2017, where locals shared their aspirations for how they envisioned Walter Nash Park thriving. Those conversations highlighted a desire for Healthy Families Hutt Valley to transform the park into a more vibrant and meaningful space for tamariki and whānau.

Systems Innovator Charlie saw this as an opportunity to support the community in fulfilling a number of their aspirations and creating playful habits close to home while also encouraging whānau-based physical activity.

“Walter Nash Park is surrounded by young whānau from all walks of life and a number of kura (schools) and ECE centres, making it the perfect location to share pūrākau (Māori storytelling) and strengthen connections to culture, creating a space where everyone can thrive," explained Charlie.

Our community came together to celebrate the launch of the storyboards, with award-winning author and storyteller Moira Wairama reading the first pūrākau – The Taniwha of Wellington Harbour.

With the support of Healthy Families Hutt Valley, Common Ground will act as kaitiaki (guardians) of the storyboards.

“This gives our community autonomy over their wellbeing and ensures the stories remain reflective of the evolving narratives within Te Awa Kairangi,” says Charlie.

A big thank you to everyone involved, and to Community Weaver, Whaea Sue and the Common Ground team for hosting the opening event.

“Such a wonderful day was had by all - collaborACTION was what made it happen,” noted Whaea Sue.

Healthy Families Hutt Valley is focusing on creating environments that encourage and enable everyone to engage in regular physical activity. Emphasising a community-led approach and drawing on mātauranga Māori, our aim is to collaborate with communities for equitable opportunities for physical wellbeing, strengthen local leadership and support a more active Hutt Valley.

We would like to acknowledge the passing of Mohammad Alkonn, a beautiful nine-year-old boy of Syrian descent who was a frequent visitor to Walter Nash Park. His cheeky and inquisitive nature will be remembered by all those who crossed his path. Moe mai rā, haere atu rā.