When a seat at the table brings safety and security
They may just look like picnic tables, but for Dunedin families escaping domestic violence, they represent places of safety and security.
The tables were built by Otago Polytechnic He Toki carpentry trades students and were given to the Ōtepoti-Dunedin Whānau Refuge yesterday.
Refuge practice manager Claire Horwell said the people in the refuge's safe house were there because they were in imminent danger from family violence.
"For those families going into our safe house, these tables provide a space outside for them to get some sunshine, get some fresh air and watch the children while they play, give mum a break, give their brains a reset and help them find some normalcy again.
"To receive these picnic tables is amazing. It's such a cool thing to have, and to show that it's our community that has supported us.
"It's not something that we as an organisation can afford to do ourselves, so it's going to mean a lot to the families," she said.
The polytechnic's He Toki carpentry trades training programme is for Māori and Pasifika students, working towards a New Zealand certificate in construction trade skills (level 3) in carpentry.
Otago Polytechnic Māori Development and Kaitohutohu Office kaiwhakatere (manager) William Woolnough said it had been a positive experience for all involved.
"This kaupapa strengthens community connections while giving our learners a chance to contribute meaningfully to a local cause.
"PlaceMakers Dunedin came on board with materials and support, making this a great example of industry and education working together for social good."
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
25 minutes ago
- NZ Herald
Māori wardens play vital role in natural disasters, push for more volunteers
Māori wardens have long served the Hawke's Bay community. More volunteers are now needed, including to play a vital role in future natural disasters. There is a push to have 500 Māori wardens volunteering by 2027 across the Te Piringa Manatōpū region, which spans from Hawke's Bay to Wellington. At
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- RNZ News
Supreme Court finds riverbeds can be included in Māori customary marine title
law policy 25 minutes ago The Supreme Court has found riverbeds can be included in Māori customary marine title - if other legal tests are meet. Māori news reporter Pokere Paewai spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
20 hours ago
- Scoop
New Nature Mural Blooms In Celebration Of Upper Hutt's Diverse Cultural Roots
Following the recent completion of a new community mural, the southern end of Upper Hutt's Main Street is set to wow locals and visitors alike. The stunning artwork, installed on the side of the Lagans Pharmacy building, celebrates the city's growing cultural diversity and the impact of its natural environment on shaping a sense of belonging. Th e mural is a collaboration between Upper Hutt City Council and the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council, with local students from Maidstone Intermediate providing considerable input into the mural's design. 'Many of our ākonga (students) have families who set out from different parts of the world to make Upper Hutt their home. It's great to see them so actively engaged to contribute to their city, and to capture what they love about growing up in Upper Hutt,' says Wikus Swanepoel, principal at Maidstone Intermediate. Artist Aidan Walbækken (Te Ātiawa, Tainui), whose murals are featured across the wider Wellington region, combined the students' artistic vision with his signature style using rich, saturated colours and iconic nature imagery. While working on the mural during the last school holidays, many passersby stopped to comment on and delight in the giant kiwi, fantail, and other elements taking shape. 'It's a uniquely Upper Hutt mural. My aim was to put the spotlight on the native fauna and flora that so many locals love about living in the valley. It's a common thread that unites people, whether their families have been here for generations or whether they are new to the area,' explains Walbækken. The mural also includes Māori and Pasifika motifs, alongside examples of international flora, with each continent being represented by a flower. Integrating the mural into the surrounding architecture and landscape was a key consideration for Walbækken, who stresses the importance of honouring existing features in the placemaking process. 'Council has a lead role in maintaining welcoming and safe public spaces,' says Mike Ryan, Group Manager Community Services at Upper Hutt City Council. He adds that murals bring value to the cityscape well beyond their effectiveness in reducing graffiti. 'Murals like this one create a sense of local identity and belonging, which is crucial for social cohesion and community wellbeing. The final artwork is a credit to the artist, the students, and our partners at the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council, and the full support from building owner Peter Lagan has been fantastic,' he says. Successful collaboration, inspired by the shared goal to make the community feel welcome and included, has created an exciting art feature that will generate smiles and encourage intercultural exchange. 'The mural is a beautiful reminder that even though we may speak different languages, or may have started our journey somewhere overseas, Upper Hutt and its wonderful surrounding nature is our home,' says Pancha Narayan, president of the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council. Locals and visitors can see the mural at 10 Main Street in central Upper Hutt.
