Has the idea of a new role got you thinking about making a real impact in Tairāwhiti? If creating safer, more connected communities sounds like your kind of mahi, this opportunity with Gisborne District Council could be the one. Gisborne District Council is on the lookout for a Walking and Cycling Programme Lead  to help bring active travel projects to life across the region. This part-time (32–36 hours per week), three-year fixed term role is all about turning big-picture strategy into real, on-the-ground change. From planning and partnerships through to delivery, this role plays a key part in shaping how people move, connect and experience Tairāwhiti. You’ll be working across council teams and alongside external partners to keep projects moving, remove roadblocks, and identify opportunities to get things happening faster. Whether it’s navigating planning and funding pathways, providing clear advice for decision-making, or unlocking quick wins within existing projects, this role sits right at the heart of meaningful regional change. If you’ve got a relevant degree, around five years’ experience in a similar space, and confidence working across complex environments, they’d love to hear from you. A solid understanding of legislation like the RMA, Reserves Act, LGA and Land Transport Act will set you up well, alongside strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to working in partnership with iwi. Beyond the role itself, Gisborne District Council offers a supportive, values-led environment with flexible hours, wellbeing support, and plenty of opportunities to connect — from waiata groups to Te Reo kawhe kōrero. It’s a workplace grounded in purpose, with the added bonus of living and working in a region known for its beaches, rivers and strong sense of community. As one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, Gisborne District Council delivers both district and regional services, making their work wide-ranging and impactful. With over 500 staff, they’re a team committed to shaping a thriving future for Tairāwhiti. If this sounds like your next step, reach out to the team at recruitment@gdc.govt.nz  or head to www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers  to learn more.

Nau mai, haere mai, ki Gizzy Local’s first ever Affordable Art Exhibition!  Something special is hitting Gizzy Local in May - an art space for everyone! Somewhere you can exhibit and buy art without a huge budget or the pressure of a traditional gallery setting. Running from the 22nd to the 24th , Gizzy Local’s inaugural Affordable Art Exhibition is all about making art accessible. Think prints, photography, small works and sculptures, all priced between $25-$250 so you can take something home that connects with you. All this without sacrificing the grocery shop, because let’s be real - life’s expensive right now! That doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice things that bring us joy. Art has a way of doing that. It shifts a space, a mood, and becomes a part of accumulating memories. Katy, coordinator of this exhibition, has a lifetimes collection of art that has come through friends and community acquaintances. “We have spent our lives around creative people, and it has been a privilege to swap and purchase pieces that have a connection deeper than face value. All of our pieces hold memories of people, places, opportunities and times in our lives. It is so rewarding to be able to support peoples’ practices while getting something beautiful to live with. Our walls are filled with art by our children, our friends, artists we admire, local finds, a painting by our neighbour, and pieces unearthed from unusual places. Our hallway has a series of nine portraits my partner found at a garage sale!”  This kaupapa is a chance to support the incredible local creative community we have, while giving everyday humans with ‘cost-of-living’ budgets the chance to buy an art piece that speaks to them. It’s no secret that the artistic culture in Tairāwhiti is off the charts. An often overlooked part of the process is having your art seen. Hanging art and it being viewed is as important for the artist as it is for the audience, making a moment for the transition from studio into everyday life. Maria shares “The first piece of art I bought was from an exhibition my brother and his friends put on in their flats in Wellington when they were studying. A bunch of creatives wanting to make and share art with minimal budgets. I bought this face painted on a piece of canvas for $10. It is so compact and flexible, it has moved around the world with me. Since moving back to Aotearoa, it’s lived in a frame on my wall and, man, the stories it could tell.”  Moving art out of the expensive sphere and into your living room is a crucial part of breaking down barriers between artists, their work, and the continued life of the art in the viewer’s lives. This is where the magic happens - when art becomes part of everyday life.  By opening up an alternative, community-led space, where artists aren’t just  exhibiting - they’re part of the experience, there will be opportunities to connect directly with the people viewing (and buying) the work. This show will be a co-creation, where artists can share the stories behind their work and contribute to the approachable vibe of the space.  This is a call out for artists to submit their work to be shown. Gizzy Local will be accepting expressions of interest until 24th April.   We’re looking for: Prints Small works Photography Sculpture Or anything you’d like to sell within the $25-$250 range There is a $30 submission fee per artist, and a volunteer roster to staff the show and support the curation of the space. That’s right! No commission!   You keep 100% of your sales. Your time as an artist is important. The exhibition is open to all artists, but it is worth keeping your time in mind when creating your work. It is great if you are established and selling prints of your mahi at an accessible price. If you are an emerging artist sculpting the next Venus de Milo, maybe save that for another show and create something less time-consuming. Steph Barnett knows well the ongoing impact art can have on both the buyer and the artist. She recalls “when I was about 16 I purchased my first ever original piece of art, a small pencil drawing of a dog for $20. I still have that piece and it still gives me the feeling of art being a portal into something unnamable but gloriously human and hopeful. Art inspires art and that dog represents an early inkling towards a future as an artist made possible by seeing others create (and sell) their work.” Thanks to Gisborne District Council and Creative New Zealand’s CCS funding for helping to make this show possible.  If you’re keen, email your expression of interest to marketing@gizzylocal.com  with your contact details and info about what kind of work you want to show. You have until Friday the 24 th  to put your name in the ring.  Come along, bring a friend, and have a look. You never know, you might just find something to take home.

Check out the offerings from these fine local activity providers who will keep the young ones entertained and engaged during the Autumn Holidays! Tōnui Collab STEMM Workshops : 7 - 13 years old Tōnui Collab, 466 Childers Road, Te Hapara 9 am - 3 pm each day, need to bring morning tea, lunch and a drink Online bookings and workshop details, www.tonuicollab.com admin@tonuicollab.com 0800 8 TONUI Digital Art - Tuesday 14th April Game Development - Wednesday 15th April Virtual Reality - Thursday 16th April Free Holiday Fun @ The HB Williams Memorial Library Nga mahi kei te haere | What’s on @ the HB Williams Memorial Library Free kids' activities 9.30 am - 11.30 am daily. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wiki Tuatahi | Week One - Tuesday 07 April – Saturday 18 April Library hunt Library hunt Search the library for clues to solve the hidden sentence. Once you have solved the hidden sentence, fill in your details to go in the draw to win a prize. Face painting - Tuesday 07 April We’ve got the paint, you bring the faces. Self-managed face painting. Diorama - Wednesday 08 April Turn a shoe box into your very own miniature creation, let your imagination run wild. Whacky hat day - Thursday 09 April We’ve got a bunch of hats that need decorating. Get whacky with your creations and have fun. Lego | Boardgames | Beamafilm - Friday 10 April We’re setting up LEGO, board games, and a movie corner for those who just want to chill while the rest of the whanau play games. Wiki Tuarua | Week Two S ecret garden - Monday 13th Create your own little secret garden just like the book. Bird feeder - Tuesday 14 April Build your very own bird feeder to hang in the backyard. Watch the birds flit around the garden Key chains - Wednesday 15 April We’re turning our bits and bobs into key chains. Come and see what you can create. Bottle cap mania - Thursday 16 April Turn the humble bottle cap into something fun. We’ve got a ton of bottle caps ready to be upcycled. DIY games | Board games - Friday 17 April This was a hit last year, so we’re bringing it back. Create your own board game, you make the rules. Pine Hollow Riding School / Riverview Treks Pine Hollow’s holiday programme runs during the holidays, giving kids plenty of fun-filled days with treks, pony rides, and lessons. The programme runs: Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April Monday 13 – Friday 17 April Sundays (12 & 19 April)  also have lessons, treks, and pony rides, while Saturdays (11 & 18 April)  are closed. Holiday program $65 per day If you require the minivan, please book at the time of booking - Pick up by the Tav 8.50 am and drop off ia at 4 pm. If you're bringing out to Pine Hollow, drop off is at 9.15 and pick up is at 3.30 When booking, please ensure you choose your days correctly, as there is a cancellation policy. Bank details are Pine Hollow 06-0637-0264724-00. Please use the child's name as a reference. Please contact Jacquie on 0277491629 or pm/text or email pinehollowridingschool@gmail.com Gisborne Gymnastics / Club Holiday Program $25 9 am - 12 pm $25 12 pm - 3 pm Week 1 = Tuesday 7th / Wednesday 8th / Thursday 9th Week 2 = Monday-Thursday Friday morning 9.30 am Preschool ONLY under 5 - $10 537 Aberdeen Road, Gisborne Gisgymenrolment@gmail.com Book online www.gisbornegymnastics.com Commet Swimming Club - Holiday Programme Week 1  = 7th - 10th April Week 2  = 13th - 17th April Elgin Week 1 : 4x30 min sessions - $48 Week 2: 5x30 min sessions - $60 Kiwa 4 - 4:30 pm Use the portal to book or email Libby @ learntoswim@commetswimmingclub.co.nz Tairāwhiti Museum - Holiday Programme For more info and to register, head over to our friends at the Tairawhiti Museum reception. East Coast Museum Of Technology Open Saturday 4th April - 10 am-4 pm. Adults: $10 Student/Gold Card: $5 Children - Primary/Secondary: $2 Under 5: Free Tel: 06 927 7081 email: enquiries@ecmot.org.nz Kiwi Pools - Holiday Programme There is a school holiday programme at Kiwa Pools from Saturday 4 to Friday 17 April The schedule (below) remains the same for both weeks.