From fixing bikes and learning screen acting to getting help with forms and meeting new people, a free programme recently gave Ōtāhuhu locals new ways to connect, learn and get involved.
Desire Paths, led by We Should Practice, brought free activities and practical support to Ōtāhuhu from June to July, with sessions held at Ōtāhuhu Town Hall, the Ōtāhuhu Markets and around the Ōtāhuhu Food Court.
Supported by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board through its Local Grants programme, alongside a Quaker Peace & Service Aotearoa New Zealand (QPSANZ) Local Peace Grant, the project gave locals the chance to try something new, build skills and connect with others in their community.
The programme included screen acting, dance, knitting, bike maintenance with local mechanic David Benson, recycling and can collection, as well as practical admin and form-filling support.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair Kaea Walter Inoke-Togiamua says the project is a good example of what local funding can help make happen.
“I like that this project gives people lots of different ways to get involved. You might come to fix your bike, learn something new or just have a chat — and all those things help build a stronger community.
“The Local Board is proud to support local providers who understand what our community needs and can turn that into practical, grassroots opportunities.”
A few snapshots of Desire Paths. Image creidt: We Should Practice.
For We Should Practice, the project was about creating informal opportunities for people to connect. Early sessions saw locals and visitors stopping by to have a kōrero, get their bikes checked, work on forms, learn new skills and share their ideas about Ōtāhuhu.
We Should Practice Director and screen actor, Louise Tu’u shares, “ Desire Paths provided Brent Harris and myself us as locals, to practically offer classes in a concentrated month, teaching our specialties of contemporary dance ( Brent) and acting for me, to other locals, for free. Massive thanks to the Mangere-Otahuhu local board and the Quakers for giving us this opportunity."
The next Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Grant round opens 11 January–20 February 2027, for projects starting from 1 May 2027.
Local grants are generally available up to four times a year, supporting arts, community, environment, events, heritage, and sport and recreation projects.
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