At The Storehouse in Pookeno, people gather around a community kitchen, tend to the community garden, and build new skills through employment programmes. Alongside initiatives like the Men's Shed, the organisation brings people together to connect, support one another, and feel part of their community.
At Tuaakau Youth Centre Charitable Trust, food and free Wi-Fi might bring young people through the door, but it's the relationships that keep them coming back. Through music, dance, art, and mentoring, rangatahi are discovering their strengths, building confidence, and developing their leadership skills to support others in their community.
These are just two of the stories featured in Creativity Lives in Waikato, a storytelling series celebrating ten community groups from across Waikato district, delivered in partnership between Waikato District Council and Creative Waikato.
The series celebrates community groups using creativity to strengthen their communities. From preserving culture and supporting rangatahi, to restoring local environments, creating opportunities for local makers, and strengthening community connections, the stories highlight the many ways creativity enriches communities across Waikato district.
While each organisation is different, a common thread runs through every profile: people and community wellbeing are at the heart of their mahi.
Waikato District Council Community Led Development Advisor Lianne Van Den Bemd said the project was an opportunity to celebrate the people making a positive difference across Waikato district.
"Every community has people quietly making a difference. This series is about recognising that mahi and celebrating the volunteers, leaders, creatives, and organisations who help make Waikato district a more connected and supportive place to live.
"We're proud to partner with Creative Waikato to help share these stories and shine a light on the people behind them."
Scott Granville, Creative Development at Creative Waikato, said it was a privilege to be part of the journey.
"These organisations are varied not just geographically, but in the services they provide. From environmental groups and rangatahi support to established arts spaces and cultural organisations, each one uses creativity in its own way to support the community.
"What stood out was how important the people are in making these places special. They spoke with such heart and wisdom about their mahi, and it was a privilege to help capture and share their stories."
The organisations featured were selected to showcase a diverse range of communities, creative practices, and community initiatives, while supporting greater visibility of creative activity in parts of Waikato district where participation and opportunities can be less visible. The project also recognises the important contribution of the wider arts sector across the district.
People are encouraged to read the profiles, attend events, volunteer, share the stories, or contact the organisations directly to find out how they can get involved.
The organisations featured are Onewhero Society of Performing Arts (pictured above), Tuakau Youth Centre Charitable Trust, Tamahere Country Market, The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, Fafine Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu, Environment Action Tuakau, Meremere Puutaiao Society, The Storehouse, Tainui Waka Tourism, and Tamahere Christmas Festival.
The stories are available on Creative Waikato's website: https://kotahitangagallery.nz/creativity-lives-in-waikato/organisations
The stories will be published progressively across Waikato District Council and Creative Waikato's social media channels over the following months.
