The Power of Collaboration: Auahatanga ki te Kaainga Strengthens Communities Through Creativity
In a world where communities thrive on connection and shared experiences, the importance of working together cannot be overstated. Auahatanga ki te Kaainga, a Vital Impact Grant-funded project by WEL Energy Trust, is an example of the power of collaboration. Led by Creative Waikato in partnership with Community Waikato, this initiative weaves together artists, community organisations, and Whaanau to achieve meaningful social impact in Hamilton's neighbourhoods.
At its core, Auahatanga ki te Kaainga is designed to equip children and families—particularly those with limited access to high-quality art materials and creative knowledge—with lifelong artistic skills. Research has long demonstrated the positive impact of creativity on well-being, and this project seeks to make that impact tangible for communities that might otherwise miss out. By fostering creativity, it offers an opportunity for whaanau to experience joy, pride, and a sense of belonging.
Beyond skill development, the project integrates a multi-disciplinary approach, introducing participants to a wide range of artistic practices. This inclusive engagement with the arts is more than just fun—it has the potential to install confidence, build resilience, and enhance community cohesion.
The project is actively engaging with two key communities: Hamilton South and Fairfield. The community houses involved include Glenview Community Centre, Te Whare Kokonga, Te Whare o te Ata, and Te Whaanau Putahi.
The first milestone of the project—completing the initial phase of capability building, project implementation, and activation—was marked by a series of vibrant Community Open Days. Whaanau gathered at community houses in Melville, Glenview, and Fairfield, embracing creativity through a diverse array of artistic activities.
Attendees immersed themselves in circus performances, spray-painting, drawing, creative pizza-making, burger construction, whare tapere, and coloring-in. Each community house added their own unique contribution including candy floss and snow cones, waiata, ukulele, Karapitanga Kaumatua, and a local youth choir.
The Open Days were more than just events—they were an embodiment of connection. They provided a space for Whaanau to celebrate their neighbourhoods, for artists to engage directly with their communities, and for organisations to strengthen their ties to the people they serve.
By tracking participation, the team estimated over 450 people engaged in activities throughout the Open Days. More importantly, the feedback from community members highlighted the deeper impact of these creative experiences. Their reflections included:
"When I am creative, I feel...love and I like being with my whaanau."
"You can really feel the awhi surrounding this event."
"When I am creative with my friends, I feel inspired, empowered, heard, and relaxed. Arts are cool and we need more arts funding/programmes!!"
"My neighbours are my friends!"
A key strength of this initiative lies in the deepening collaboration between community houses, artists, and supporting organisations. By fostering stronger relationships between Creative Waikato, Community Waikato, and the participating community houses, the project has created a model for sustainable community-driven impact. These partnerships ensure that artists are not only bringing creativity into these spaces but also forming meaningful, ongoing connections with the people who live there. Through this collaboration, community houses become hubs of creative energy, reinforcing their role as central gathering spaces for whaanau to engage, learn, and grow together.
As Auahatanga ki te Kaainga continues to unfold, its impact will only deepen. The project stands as a testament to what is possible when organisations, artists, and communities unite for a common purpose. By fostering creativity, strengthening connections, and empowering whaanau, this initiative is not just about art—it’s about shaping a stronger, more vibrant community. This is the power of collaboration in action, and its ripple effects will be felt for years to come.