Volunteer Jack Li at Waipapa Stream
Waitematā Local Board funded many projects and activities in the first half of 2022. People involved in just a few of these initiatives have shared their experiences.
Waipapa Stream Restoration in Parnell
Waitematā Local Board helps fund local initiatives of the Kaipatiki Project such as working with local volunteers to undertake weed control and plant native plants. The board also funds contractors to reach hazardous areas that are inaccessible to volunteers.
Jack Li is one of the dedicated volunteers involved in this project. He looks after the trap lines along the Waipapa Stream area and thoroughly enjoys learning about New Zealand’s flora and fauna, as well as the threats of pest plants and animals.
“I first heard about the project through my work in Parnell with the Natural Environmental Defence Foundation, an organisation that educates Chinese people about nature,” says Jack.
“Many immigrants wouldn’t know that possums are pests in New Zealand.”
Jack has encouraged more volunteers to join the project by using his video and photography skills to spread the word. His videos also show the purpose and importance of pest control.
The trap library at Parnell Community Centre continues to loan traps to the local community. A weeding bee was held in March and another in May, and volunteers continue to monitor water quality in Waipapa Stream.
A community planting day is being held on Saturday 25 June, everyone is welcome.
First prototype from Six Sticky Dots
Young Enterprise Scheme
The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) supports initiatives which encourage Year 12 and 13 students from local schools to turn creative ideas into real businesses with genuine products and services.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Young Enterprise Trust, and Auckland Unlimited. The funding from the board supports the delivery of the overall YES programme, including the Kick Start days which happened in February 2022.
121 students are participating in the programme, including Selina Ji, a Year 13 student from St Mary’s College. Selina and her team of three others have started a business called Six Sticky Dots. They are creating durable waterproof brail labels, which can be used by the blind community on everyday household items such as shampoo and conditioner.
“One of my teammates had noticed most products are not designed to be accessible for blind people, so we did some research and made contact with The Blind Foundation, who said there is a real need for reusable labels,” shares Selina.
YES gave Six Sticky Dots useful feedback during the pitch day.
“The people we pitched our business idea to gave us some useful advice about how we could expand the business, for instance labels for milk bottles.”
They also provide students with an online platform to market and sell their products.
Ema Barton at Roundhead Studios
Songwriters 4 Climate Action
Songwriters 4 Climate Action is a project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support and inspire them to write or develop songs and artwork that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action.
Waitematā Local Board provided funding to the Songwriters 4 Climate Action group to hold two workshops with around 12-15 attendees at each workshop and record an album of songs at Roundhead Studios.
“The aim was always to create songs to a professional standard to use to spread awareness, inspire others, and show different perspectives,” says Founder of Holding Space Aotearoa, Ema Barton.
“A big thank you to the Waitematā Local Board for supporting this project at an early stage.”
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