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.

Art in the City is a creative initiative to transform empty shop windows and spaces into vibrant showcases for local art. By bringing colour, light and imagination into the spaces we pass every day, the project aims to bring a sense of aroha and creativity to revitalize the unique character of the city. You will see windows popping up with local creativity over the next few months. Some feature the work of local artists. Other windows are project based collaborations to showcase community creativity.  Below is more detail about each of the installations. The info will tell you about the projects, the artists, and the intention behind the work.  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to acknowledge Rongowhakaata as mana whenua of our city centre in relation to this project. Here is a link to their website Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust This project is generously supported by Gisborne District Council and Trust Tairāwhiti, and plays a small part towards the wider City Centre Revitalisation Programme. TAIRAWHITI   WILDLIFE STARS Hospice Tairāwhiti and Tairāwhiti Environment Centre Collaboration.  38 Peel St. Seven of Tairāwhiti’s wildlife creatures have been produced as giant soft sculptures by groups of young enthusiasts. Art in the City brought Tairāwhiti Environment Centre and Hospice Tairāwhiti together to collaborate. With both sharing a strong environmental stance and commitment to working towards a sustainable future, it seemed a recipe for success.  Resources and knowledge came together to create a learning and making experience for children through fun hectic school holiday workshops. They learnt about some of the amazing creatures in our region and set about recreating them for an art display which would showcase their creations alongside information about the animals. The making journey has been fun and colourful and the end result delivers a fun and educational window for inner city pedestrians which highlights some of our most special and vulnerable critters.  Special thanks to Hospice Tairāwhiti and the Environment Centre, the sewing leaders, the participating children, DOC, Rebecca Pettitt and Kenzie Sampson.  TINY GALLERY Outside entry - HB Williams Memorial Library – 35 Peel St. There is a flash new gallery in town! Three floors of crisp white walls, floor to ceiling glass, and the best part…its filled with young local talent! The Tiny Gallery is located outside the Peel Street entrance of the library. The small space is currently being curated by the talented Steph Barnett who has been commissioned to deliver six shows over the course of a year.  Steph shares her creative learnings with rangitahi through the IDEA School at EIT so we’re looking forward to seeing what they are going to roll out. The first show is a collaboration with the SPCA where you can see illustrated drawings from the level 4 IDEA students of some of the adorable dogs and cats waiting for a home. The second show is filled with handmade, handpainted snails by Yr 10 Campion College students. The show comes with a seasonal message to slow down. Thanks Steph and students for making another corner of our city a lot more interesting.  HAPORI By Michelle Hinekura Kerr - Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea, Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Raukawa - 63 Gladstone Road This work celebrates the people and communities of Te Tairāwhiti, creating a space where everyone feels acknowledged and included. The installation encourages connection and positivity, bringing energy and vibrancy to the city centre while engaging viewers both close-up and from a distance. It reflects the stories, histories, and contributions of the region, inviting all to see themselves as part of a shared community.  Strands of beads are the core of the work. Harakeke beads represent the strength of interwoven communities, beads with inspiring words offering encouragement to the people, and reflective glass beads mirroring viewers, reminding them of their place in our woven tapestry. Lastly, bought together in the woven vessel, these elements bring the idea of unity, connection, and resilience to life, highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of Te Tairāwhiti.  Michelle Hinekura Kerr is a kairaranga, artist, curator, and wisdom keeper of Te Whare Pora . Descending from a whānau of weavers, Michelle continues the creative legacy of her whanau, honouring the intergenerational weaving matauranga continuity. Her work embodies the renewal and transmission of this body of knowledge for future generations. At the forefront of Michelle’s practice is the indigenous fibre arts, supported by painting and curatorial work. While her art practice appears contemporary at first glance, it is deeply grounded in kaupapa and tradition, expressing stories of whakapapa, connection, and cultural resilience.  “Ka tipu te whaihanga e hika, ki Uawa!” — Let creativity flourish, my dear, in Uawa! INFINITUDE By Leah McCann - 58 Gladstone Road The concept of endless possibility is explored through colour, texture and form as a visual reminder that when we focus our energy and imagination, anything is achievable. The painting and the text form a unified visual and emotional statement, creating a moment of quiet inspiration in the heart of the CBD — a reminder that creativity, resilience, and hope are living forces within us all. Leah is an abstract and intuitive artist based in Gisborne.  You can see several of her murals around town. ‘I don’t plan my paintings — I simply begin, letting colour, movement, and instinct guide me. The objective of all my art is simple: to create a good feeling. Whether that’s joy, calm, or comfort, I want the viewer to leave with a lifted spirit. Ultimately, my art is about emotion — about leaving people feeling a little lighter, a little warmer, and reminded of the beauty that surrounds us every day.’ 5 POSTERS Lily Paris West - 46 Gladstone Road Initially inspired by a love of the weathered sign writing around Gisborne, this archival project documents forgotten signage, symbols and objects from the region, remixing them respectfully with a spirit of fun and bright colour, into new words and designs. The project is research-based and plays into Lily’s strengths as a designer of unique, maximalist, uber colourful posters. The end result – a series of 5 posters that make our city the main event. If you look a little closer, you may find something familiar! Lily is an independent maker with a playful, multidisciplinary practice that bridges art and commercial design. ‘My practice is an evolving journey in play, colour and deep research. I’m an eternal fan of bright projects that support culture, social values, and hospitality. For the over a decade I have been involved in contributing visual culture to the arts community and businesses as a designer and artist.  I have received national awards for my work in creative design, book design and music. More info can be found on my website.  Originally from Te Whanganui a Tara, I have spent every summer in Gisborne for the last 10 years and am now based here. It has been a great joy to discover so much visual wonder in the rich and complex history of the area; I hope with this project to deepen my understanding of the area and to share my findings back to the city.’

Your Guide to wellness & movement around Tairāwhiti The Yoga Room Facebook Instagram Location: Upstairs at 113 Gladstone Road, Gisborne, 4010 Email: gillianlewis74@gmail.com Phone: 0210414990 | 068672973 Classes: Hatha | Beginners | Hatha Floor Yoga | Birthlight Pregnancy | Restorative | 60s Plus | Yoga Nidra | Pranyama Authentic Pilates Facebook Instagram Location: 114 Bright Street, 4010, Gisborne Email: fabio@authenticpilates.net.nz Phone | Text 0278066478 Classes: Private | Mat Wall | Mat Classes | Pilates Gold Specialising In: Yin| Mat Pilates | Trauma Informed Reset Yoga Instagram Facebook Location: Level 2, 38 Childers Rd, 4010, Gisborne Email: contact@reset.net.nz Phone: 0274215808 Classes: Studio Yoga Classes | Reiki Sessions | Online Yoga Classes | Specialising In: Hatha Yoga | Vinyasa Flow | Yin Yoga | Hot Yoga Series Kiri Yoga Facebook Instagram Location: 113 Gladstone Rd (upstairs to the right) Email: kirisutherland@hotmail.com Phone: 02102789225 Classes: Yoga Classes | Online Yoga Classes Specialising: Ashtanga Yoga | Broga | Sangraha Yoga Pilates With Tilly Instagram Location: Yoga Coast Plus, 46 Makorori Beach Road, Makorori, 4073 Email: tillyhxdges@gmail.com Phone: 0273311032 Classes: Pilates Specialising: Tone, Sculpt & Flow To The Root With Natali Instagram Location: Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council, 241 Gladstone Road, Gisborne Email: natali.totheroot@gmail.com Phone: 0211402576 Classes: Community Yoga Classes | Online Yoga | Ayurvedic Consultations | Yoga Events Specialising: Hatha Yoga | Ayurveda| Holistic Habit Change Heart Space Facebook Instagram Location: Gisborne Email: becs@heartspace.co.nz Phone: 021913318 Classes: Yoga Classes | Breathwork & Meditation | Ayurveda Specialising: Hatha Yoga | Meditations & Mindfulness | Breathwork Courses | Yoga Nidra | Ayurveda | Digestive Health |Seasonal Resets | Sleep Silent Flute Taijiquan Facebook Location: Anytime Gym, Gisborne Email: mikebaker916@hotmail.com Phone: N/A Classes: Taijiquan Classes | Personal Trainer Specialising: Solo Forms | Partnered Routines | Self Defence | Weapons |Myofascial Release Therapy Masseur |Community Strength & Balance Coordinator The Sauna Project Facebook Instagram Location: Tatapouri Bay, Gisborne Email: Contact Phone: N/A Classes: Sauna | Silent Sauna | Morning Sauna Specialising: N/A Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Facebook Instagram Location: Tairāwhiti, Gisborne Email: manager@tairawhititrails.nz Phone: N/A Classes: Tracks & Trails | Walking | Biking Specialising: N/A Ayurwell - Holistic Health Through Ayurveda Facebook N/A Instagram Location: Inner Kaiti, Gisborne Email: hello@ayurwell.co.nz Phone: 027 292 8864 Classes: Ayurvedic Treatments  | Ayurvedic Detox Programs  | Ayurvedic Education | Ayurvedic Consultation | Ayurveda Products Specialising: 13+ years practising and living Ayurveda First Light Face Yoga NZ Facebook Instagram Location: Gisborne Email: FirstlightFY@hotmail.com Phone: Classes: In-Person/Online Small Group Classes | In-Person/Online One-on-One Sessions Specialising: First Certified Face Yoga Method Teacher in New Zealand, trained under Fumiko Takatsu, the internationally recognised founder.  Total Body Power Plate Facebook Instagram Location: 6 reads quay marina view building 4010 Email: totalbodypowerplate@gmail.com Phone: 02108347868 Classes: Powerplate Memberships Specialising in: PowerPlate

Story by Aimee Milne “Ka ora ngā tāngata i te pūrākau, ka ora te pūrākau i ngā tāngata”  People are healed by the story, and the story is healed by the people - Hine Pūrākau  Writing stories is nothing but human connection. Sharing your personal story; the good, the obstacles overcome, the deepest fears, the greatest hopes, the grief and shame, allows other people to relate to your humanness. Not everyone will accept your vulnerability without judgment so it’s an act of bravery to tell your story anyway.  When I met Rahera and Matawai Solomon I was disarmed by their authenticity. I walked into the interview tired and middle-aged but I swear I walked out younger, revived by the passion of this dynamic young couple new to town. They have separate stories that are rich on their own, but woven together, they become more brightly textured. You find yourself leaning in, wanting to hear what comes next. The couple had a creatively catalytic meeting 6 years ago   on a dating app which has enhanced both their lives and their individual talents. Matawai is from here, he uri nō Rongowhakaata me Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki. Talent runs in his family, you’ve probably seen his musician dad around town, T Bonez Entertainment (Thomas Solomon).   As a kid, Matawai grew up in various places. France and Australia included. At school in Australia he enriched his predominantly white classmates by teaching them kapa haka. He is a natural performer and from a young age he was starring in plays and winning talent quests and dance competitions.  Rahera is from Rotorua but has Ngāti Porou nui tonu, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti whakapapa and was also performing from a young age. She shared the stage with Suzanne Prentice and Frankie Stevens as a young singer and she writes her own songs, poetry, and plays. Her most recent work in progress is a play about her non-verbal takiwātanga (autistic) son. The play has no dialogue but uses taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments), physical gesture and expression. It is currently in development and (hopefully) we will be the lucky first audience when it is ready. Rahera is an easy conversationalist and her honesty is refreshing. Childhood trauma derailed her life for a few years, but she successfully completed an 18 month stint in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction and has been in recovery ever since. Matawai was still actively drinking when he met ‘the love of his life.’ “It could have gone the other way,” says Matawai “I had a box of beers and she was going to have one. I didn’t want her to relapse, so I told her no.” Then he realised that he didn’t like his own behaviour when he was drinking either, so he quit alcohol and joined Rahera in recovery. This is the power of story and connection. Young humans pulling each other up to the next level. And they want to lift up other rangatahi too.  Rahera worked as an addictions counsellor and has designed a communication workshop called Hine Pūrākau. She and Matawai will be running the first workshop on Saturday 24th of Jan at 100 Grey St, level 2. It is free to attend and is open to all. The workshop is about communicating difficult conversations, or just improving communication in general. Couples, workmates, managers, whanau, anyone is welcome! Hine Pūrākau as the name suggests is entwined with story. Their work blends ‘indigenous wisdom, trauma-informed practice, lived experience, and creative storytelling to support intergenerational healing’ and reconnection to self, whānau and origin. You can read more about it on their website   and Facebook .  As if that’s not enough goodness for us, Rahera and Matawai will also be running a poetry slam night.   Again, everyone is welcome, especially rangatahi who write. Whether that be song writing, rap or poetry. You don’t have to perform but you will be in for a treat. You’ll have the privilege of seeing the recent regional winners, and finalists of the national poetry slam competition perform (Wellington Poetry Slam). That’s Rahera and Matawai. Like I said, they’re talented. Ridiculously talented.  That was their first time entering the competition, but they noticed there was no other representation from Te Tairāwhiti, the closest was Te Matau a Māui/Hawkes Bay representatives. With that in mind they aim to give the talent here a space to build and to help encourage more locals to enter the Wellington based competition. If you want a safe space to perform, or just to soak up some of that youthful, optimistic passion, come along to Gizzy Local on Thursday January 22, from 6pm-8pm.  WORKSHOP registration here

Check out the offerings by these fine, local activity providers who will have the young ones entertained and engaged during the long and free days of summer. Tōnui Collab STEMM Workshops : 7 - 13 years old Tōnui Collab, 466 Childers Road, Te Hapara $50 per child per workshop 9 am - 3 pm each day, need to bring morning tea, lunch and a drink Online bookings and workshop details, www.tonuicollab.com/holiday-workshops December - Week 1: Tuesday 16 December - Game Development Wednesday 17 December - Virtual Reality Thursday 18 December - Digital Art January - Week 2: Tuesday 20 January - Virtual Reality Wednesday 21 January - Game Development Thursday 22 January - Rocket Engineering January - Week 3: Tuesday 27 January - Robotics Wednesday 28 January - Animation Thursday 29 January - Virtual Reality Free Holiday Fun @ The HB Williams Memorial Library All these fun events are happening at the Gisborne Library - Children must be accompanied by an adult for all holiday activities. Raumati Taniwha Hunt December 15 – January 24 during library open hours Search for the taniwha hidden around the library. Collect the letters hidden with the taniwha to solve the secret message. Pick up a hunt form in the children's area. Wiki Tuatahi | Week One Monday January 05 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Bookmarks & book accessories Bookmarks & Book accessories We're getting bookish today and making bookmarks and a bunch of other book crafts. For ages 5+ Tuesday, January 06 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Tinfoil boat challenge You'll have 30 minutes to build your boat, then the challenge will begin. We'll see how well it can float and how much weight it can hold. For ages 5+ Wednesday, January 07 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Fridge Magnets Create your very own personalised magnets to bling out your fridge. Your imagination and creativity is all you need. For ages 5+ Thursday, January 08 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Face painting Parents, bring your artistic flair, ready to paint your kids. Let the kids paint you if you're brave enough. We'll supply the paint, you bring the creativity. Self-managed craft that could get messy! For all ages Friday, January 09 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Lego We're pulling out the Lego for a morning of building fun. Build your own creation or join the team build to build a life-size creation. For all ages. Under 5’s must be supervised at all times. Wiki Tuatahi | Week Two Monday, January 12 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Marble Run We've got paper straws and marbles galore, ready for some marble rolling fun. Fun, easy craft for the kids. Young children will need a helping hand from a parent or caregiver. For ages 5+ Tuesday, January 13 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am DIY Reusable water bombs We're making water bombs out of sponges so you can use them over and over again for some cool water fun this summer! For all ages Wednesday, January 14 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Dominoes Help us build a domino track. Let's see how many dominoes we can line up before they all fall down. For all ages Thursday, January 15 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Tower Building With just newspapers, magazines and cello tape, how tall can you build your tower? For all ages Friday, January 16 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Games, games, games We’re pulling out all the board games we can find. Monopoly, Operation, Headbandz, and more!!! Bring your morning tea and competitive streak for a morning of family games. For all ages Wiki Tuatoru | Week Three Monday, January 19 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am STEM Creation Stations We're emptying the resource cupboard and letting the kids go for gold. IMAGINE, BUILD, CREATE! Let your imagination run wild and see what you can make. For all ages Tuesday, January 20 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Paper Planes We're making paper planes! Challenge our librarians and see whose plane will fly the furthest. For ages 5+ Wednesday, January 21 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Badges Help us test our badge maker and turn your art into a badge. You draw the design, wear your badge art or give it away as a gift. For ages 5+ Thursday, January 22 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Mini Art Inspired by the tiny gallery, we're getting creative and creating mini works of art. For ages 5+ Friday, January 23 | 10.00 am – 11.30 am Cookie decorating We're zhooshing up wine biscuits with colourful icing and sprinkles. It may not be suitable for children with food allergies. For ages 5+ All activities are free . East Coast Museum of Technology ECMoT is home to technologies of the past, like stationary engines, amateur radio, computers & games, vintage cars, firetrucks and much more! They’re located at 67 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne. They welcome people of all ages. Entry is $10 per adult, $5 for seniors/students, and $2 for primary/secondary students. Under 5s are free. Over the school holiday period, ECMOT is open. SATURDAY 13th December. 10 Am - 4 PM SATURDAY 10th January. 10 Am - 4 PM Reach out for more information by email enquiries@ecmot.org.nz. Pine Hollow Riding School / Riverview Treks Jacquie and the team offer the chance to get up close and personal with her gentle animals. Their holiday programme is open from 9:15 am - 3:30. They are located at 2424 Matawai Road. If you require transport, they have limited spaces in a van for pick-up and drop-off at the Tudor Park Motel. Pick-up is at 8:50 am and drop-off is at 4 pm. If you require the minivan, please note that at the time of booking. Participants need to wear appropriate footwear (gumboots or closed-toed shoes) and dress to the conditions. Caters to ages 5-18. Cost is $65 for the day.  Email pinehollowridingschool@gmail.com  to register. Payments are via bank transfer (acct: Pine Hollow 06-0637-0264724-00). For more info, including booking and cancellation policy, ring Jacquie on 0277491629, email (above) or message the team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverviewtreks Empowering Young Women Through Ayurvedic Education. Join Moana for an Ayurvedic workshop designed for young women aged 14-18 With Moana, you will explore the foundations of Ayurveda, have fun with simple cooking, and learn about the different qualities that make each person unique . You will learn about yourself, how to accept your own nature, and how to understand others with more ease and compassion. For more information, get in touch via www.ayurwell.co.nz or call Moana on 027 292 8864 105 Wainui Road, Gisborne

Recently, while chatting about what makes Gisborne special, we got thinking about those local gems that have been part of our community fabric for generations. You know the ones – they've been there forever, but somehow they keep reinventing themselves, staying fresh and relevant for each new generation. The Poverty Bay Bowling Club is exactly that kind of place. When a group of bowlers decided Gisborne needed a third club back in 1920 alongside Gisborne and Kahutia clubs, they probably couldn't have imagined what their venture on Ormond Road would become. Starting with just a simple green on the corner of Ormond Road and Hall Street, the club steadily grew – installing floodlighting, extending the clubrooms, and most recently, laying an artificial turf surface that allows year-round play. Friday Nights Just Got Good Picture this: It's Friday afternoon, you've wrapped up work, and instead of the usual rush home through Gizzy traffic, you're standing on a bowling green with the evening sun warming your back, about to send a bowl rolling toward the jack while the smell of beef burgers wafts from the kitchen. This is Bowls, Burgers & Bevvies – the club's weekly social evening running until Christmas. Every Friday from 5pm to 7pm, the club throws open its doors for what might be the most relaxed introduction to lawn bowls you'll ever find. The beauty of it? You don't need any experience. The club provides the bowls and coaching if you want it – just bring flat-soled shoes and maybe some mates. Whether you nail your first bowl or send it sailing into the next rink, nobody's judging. There are raffles to win, burgers to demolish (nuggets for the kids), and that perfect Friday atmosphere where the work week melts away. (A big thanks to the sponsors for Bowls, Burgers and Bevvies: The Village Butchery, Pak n Save and Leaderbrand.) Wahine Bowls: Where Women Roll Together When the club participated in Well Wāhine Week organised by Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti, something became crystal clear – women wanted to learn bowls as a group, in a relaxed environment, without the perceived pressures of jumping straight into club roll-ups. And since afternoons didn't suit many of them, Thursday mornings became the perfect solution. Now 15 months strong, Wahine Bowls has become a Thursday morning institution. Starting at 9:15am, women gather for a fun, social morning where learning happens naturally through laughter and encouragement. Every session wraps up with morning tea – think yummy scones, sandwiches, or muffins – because what's better than bowls and baking combined? Several participants have now become full members, and once a month, a mini tournament brings out those competitive streaks that were just waiting to surface. It's the perfect example of the club's inclusive approach, recognising that sometimes the best way to learn is when you feel completely comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and celebrating those small victories over a cuppa. All wāhine are welcome, with non-members paying just a small green fee to join in the fun. Why Bowls? Why Now? Here's what nobody tells you about bowls – it's like meditation with mates. Each delivery requires focus and visualisation, engaging your mind in that sweet spot between concentration and relaxation. You're moving, bending, walking (surprisingly, you can clock up decent steps in a game), but the controlled, low-impact nature means your knees, hips, and back stay happy. It's the perfect antidote to desk jobs or physical trades – gentle enough to avoid injury, active enough to keep you mobile. There's something quietly revolutionary happening in lawn bowls. The sport is shedding its traditional image and emerging as genuinely inclusive – one of the few activities where age, fitness level, and experience don't create barriers. Whether you're recently retired and looking for your next chapter, or still working but craving something more meaningful than gym sessions, bowls offers that rare combination of mental strategy and physical activity wrapped in genuine social connection. With membership options from full competitive to casual, the club maintains a good balance of male and female members, all enjoying the benefits of Gisborne's only artificial green that's playable in any weather. The club's modern approach focuses on participation rather than just membership, creating opportunities for everyone to engage with the sport at their own level. With the Wahine Bowls and Bowls, Burgers and Bevvies initiatives, it's a sport that's tactical without being overwhelming, social without being forced, and active without leaving you gasping – the kind of activity that suits our Gizzy lifestyle perfectly. Your Invitation to Roll As we head into summer, there's something comforting about a local institution that's been weathering storms for over a century. After celebrating its centennial in 2020 and coming back stronger after cyclone Gabrielle with a brand new green, the Poverty Bay Bowling Club isn't just surviving; it's thriving, evolving, and creating new ways for our community to come together. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, here's a chance to be part of something real and local – a friendly environment that's been bringing Gisborne people together for 105 years and counting. The mental health benefits are real: the focus required quiets the mind, the social aspect and banter brings good vibes, and there's something deeply satisfying about watching your bowl curve gracefully toward its target. Plus, where else can you learn a new sport, win a raffle, and knock back a burger all before 7pm on a Friday? Whether you're joining the wāhine on Thursday mornings or rolling up for Friday night's social scene, there's a place for you on the green. See you on the green, Gizzy locals. Let's roll into summer together. Poverty Bay Bowling Club is located at 111 Ormond Road. Find more information on their facebook page or email questions to Secretaryatpbbc@gmail.com .

Photo Credit: K.Wallace As Gen X kids, the possibility of nuclear war was our 80s mileu. Tairāwhiti seemed too far away to be affected, but that sense of safety was a luxury; one that is increasingly difficult for this, and future generations, to feel. We’re still geographically isolated, but we’re more globally connected now than ever. Our planet is teetering on a see-saw. Climate change, global conflict, the consequences of unsustainable land use, and general scarcity. These forces do, or will, affect us locally. We all have a say in which way the see-saw tilts. What comes next depends, in part, on what we add weight to: what we tolerate, amplify, or normalise. Our community has important collective decisions to make. When we vote in the upcoming local elections, we will also be voting in a referendum to decide whether to keep or remove the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward for Gisborne District Council. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the Māori or General roll. If you’re enrolled, you can vote. If you haven’t enrolled yet, you can do so here. https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online/  I’m not here to tell you how to vote. I’m just providing information, and hopefully dispelling any myths.  So, what are Māori wards?  I can’t give you a definition without the historical context, so I’ll start at the (formal) beginning, in 1840, when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Due to the misinterpretation of certain words, there is ongoing debate about what was promised. But Māori signed the treaty with the understanding that the Crown would have the right to govern settlers while Māori retained tino rangatiratanga (autonomy/authority) over their own lands, resources, and way of being.  That did not happen.  Māori wards are the local government equivalent of the Māori electorates in Parliament. They ensure that Māori communities can elect councillors to represent their interests, perspectives, and priorities.   Māori wards are upholding the Treaty principle of partnership.  Until recently, voters could block the creation of Māori wards by forcing a binding referendum, a barrier that did not exist for any other kind of ward. This was widely criticised as discriminatory, so parliament removed that requirement in 2021, allowing councils to establish Māori wards in the same way they would any other ward. However, some communities, including ours, are still facing referendums.  What are we feeling today? Last July the Government announced any council that had started a Māori ward since 2020, must hold a referendum or remove those wards. This is where we are at now.  At that time our Council had a majority vote to keep the Māori wards. Mayor Rehette Stoltz said “I see Māori Wards as a positive, it’s a plus plus and I am proud of how we’ve all come together. It’s up to us to make sure the Council voices around the table are all of us, we need to hear the voices of our people and more than half of our people are Māori.” I asked a couple of Tauiwi/Tangata Tiriti (non-Māori/people of the treaty) what message they think supporting Māori wards sends about who we are as a region and as a country. Jane Luiten is a local who believes that “in a time of increasing divisiveness and backtracking on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Tairāwhiti support for Māori wards is a beacon of hope.  For Pākehā like me, it speaks to commitment to address the harm of our colonial past and to acknowledge the value Māori bring to our present. He maungarongo ki te whenua, he whakaaro pai ki ngā tāngata katoa, (peace on earth, good will towards all people).” Tim Marshall agreed. “I think it’s sends a message that we are mature enough to understand our opportunity as a region with 50+% Maori to truly demonstrate partnership in a genuine way, as a model for the rest of the country.” This was a common theme amongst the locals I spoke with. Here in Tairāwhiti we have a chance to be exemplary. We have an opportunity to unite in a time of crisis and division. To be world leaders. We are the first city in the world to see the sun, after all.  Most Tauiwi I interviewed said it was less about politics and more about values. Our values should guide how we structure local government representation. “He waka eke noa, Jane continues. It’s about shared purpose and collective responsibility. Local government represents the community it serves, and should acknowledge the diverse world views of its community to enrich decision-making. Let’s break down the ‘us and them’ barriers. Councillors can work together and be informed by multiple perspectives, giving the council confidence in its mandate to make decisions for the community at large. And having representation on council helps future generations feel more connected to local democracy. My son is in Tāmaki Makaurau and reckons there is no one to vote for! The line-up for Auckland has almost zero Māori representation. Why would you bother? My future Tairāwhiti is one that works together: where mana whenua are an integral and valued given in a collective local government entity. Not just an ‘add-on’ to the existing system, but part of rethinking how local government best works in Aotearoa 2025.” Says Jane. Supporting Māori wards is not an act of division. It is an act of inclusion and recognition that our community is stronger when all voices are heard.

Check out the offerings by these fine, local, activity providers who will have the young ones entertained and engaged during the long and free days of summer. Tōnui Collab  STEMM Workshops:  Across the first week of school holidays, Tōnui Collab offer 4, 1-day workshops, 9am to 3pm each day at their location at 466 Childers Road. Their workshops encourage children to explore the diversity of STEMM - science, technology, engineering, mathematics and mātauranga Māori through the experimentation and creation of animation, engineering, game development, robotics, coding, virtual reality and more! Bring a lunch, morning tea and drink bottle and they have the rest covered for a creative and inspiring day! For a description of all the courses offered, follow the link to their website (below). Caters to ages 7-13 Cost is $60 per day. Information and to book online, https://www.tonuicollab.com/holiday-workshops Questions? Contact Moana at admin@tonuicollab.com  or 0800 8 TŌNUI Week 1: Tuesday 23 September - Friday 26 September Tuesday 23 September - Virtual Reality Wednesday 24 September - Animation Thursday 25 September - Game Development Friday 26 September - Robotics BubbleWrap Fun Fun Days This 25 & 26 Sept, BubbleWrap Fun are putting on two indoor Fun Days at the Gisborne Event Centre. Enjoy bouncy castles and fun play for all ages, with an under 5’s and soft play areas, as well as ponies. Book your tickets in advance online for your 2.5 hour window of fun (there are no door sales). Cost are free for under 6 months, $15 for 6 months - 12 years, $10 for 13+ and adults Book your tickets and find more info here . The Y Oscar Spring Holiday Programme   The YMCA OSCAR Spring Holiday Programme is the place to be for the Holidays. Offering a variety of fun activities every day including Kiwa Pools, Odeon Theatre, Skate Park, Sports days and Amazing Race.  22 Sept - 3 Oct. Monday through Friday.  For ages 5-13 (three age groups) Bookings are available from 7:30am to 5:45pm at YMCA Oscar House, 155 Disraeli Street.  Cost is $60 for a full day (7:30 am - 3:45pm and includes breakfast till 8:30am).  You can add on afternoon care for $20 per day (3:45pm - 5:45pm).  To enrol, register at  YMCA Gisborne - Holiday Program   Contact them with questions by emailing oscar@ymcagisborne.nz or ringing 867 9259 EXT 3 www.ymcagisborne.org.nz Pinehollow Equestrian Jacquie and the team offer the chance to get up close and personal with her gentle animals. Their holiday programme is open Monday - Friday, 22 Sept - 3 Oct from 9:15 am - 3:30. They are located at 2424 Matawai Road. If you require transport, they have limited spaces in a van for pick-up and drop-off at the Tudor Park Motel. Pick-up is at 8:50 am and drop-off is at 4 pm. If you require the minivan please note that at the time of booking. Participants need to wear appropriate footwear (gumboots or closed-toed shoes) and dress to the conditions. Caters to ages 5-18. Cost is $65 for the day.  Email pinehollowridingschool@gmail.com to register. Payments are via bank transfer (acct: Pine Hollow 06-0637-0264724-00). For more info, including booking and cancellation policy, ring Jacquie on 0277491629, email (above) or message the team on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverviewtreks H.B. Williams Library  The Gisborne Library have all sorts of activities to keep your little ones learning and happy this school holiday break. All the events are located at their beautiful space at 34 Bright St, are FREE, and are open to all – just turn up. All activities run from 10.00am – 11.30am except the first one that is open during library hours. Starts Saturday September 20  | Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori Scavenger Hunt Open during Library Hours, Saturday 20 Sept - Saturday 4 Oct Search for the taniwha hidden around the library to find the clues to crack their secret message.  Once you have cracked the code, fill in your details and submit your entry to a librarian. Suitable for ages 5+ Week 1 Monday 22 Sept | Crafts We’re making wheku masks, paper kākahu and more. For ages 5+ Tuesday 23 Sept | Pasta Art We’re making art with pasta.  Get creative and have fun turning pasta into art! Suitable for ages 5+   Wednesday 24 Sept | Crafts Make a potaka (spinning top), porotiti (spinning instrument), whai (string game) and more. Suitable for ages 5+   Thursday 25 Sept | Tukutuku Get creative with māori patterns on our DIY tukutuku boards and make a set of tītītōrea to take home. Suitable for ages 5+ Friday 26 Sept | Storytime Following on from Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori we’ll be having storytime, learning waiata. Suitable for all ages. Week 2 Monday 29 Sept | Totem Sculpture We’re upcycling and turning things around the house into fun totem sculptures. Suitable for ages 6+ Tuesday 30 Sept | Book holder With string and jenga pieces we’re making book holders.  Easy craft for kids. Suitable for ages 5+ Wednesday 1 Oct | Spring Crafts Spring is in the air, decorate a mini seed planter & make a little spring basket to take home. Suitable for ages 5+ Thursday 2 Oct | Tākaro Māori Come and learn some fun māori games for all the whānau to play. Suitable for ages 8+   Friday 3 Oct | Felt Crafts We’ve got a stack of felt ready to create some cute little felt plushies. Suitable for ages 5+ Events 4 All The team at Events 4 All have heaps of activities that will keep your tamariki safe and having fun throughout both weeks of the school holidays. They operate Monday through Friday, 22 Sept - 3 Oct,   from 7.30am till 5.30pm. They're based at Awapuni School and schedule a variety of activities to keep the young ones entertained and to make sure there’s something for everyone. You provide a bag lunch and a drink and they have breakfast, morning and afternoon teas sorted. Weather-appropriate clothing is a must on outing days.   Caters for ages 5+.  Cost is $60 per day. Book at this link: https://enrolmy.com/events-4-all/book-now/258-Events-4-All-September-2025-Holiday-Programme- For more information, reach out to Colleen at 027 531 5756. Comet Swimming Club Holiday Programmes   Whether just starting out or improving technique, Comet has just the thing for you. You can book in for Week 1 and/or 2 . They have two locations, at Elgin School Pool and Kiwa Pools. Cost is for all 5 daily 30min lessons for the week. During the school holidays is the perfect time to boost your little one’s confidence in the water.   Caters to 3+ years. Cost is $60 per week. To book, login to the portal at https://www.cometswimmingclub.co.nz . Email questions to Libby at comet.libbyd@gmail.com Eastwoodhill Arboretum The folks at Eastwoodhill Arboretum (2392 Wharekopae Rd, Ngatapa) have two options to entertain and inspire the kiddies this school holidays.  Pot Planting Activity with Tairawhiti Museum Tuesday 23 rd  September  10am - 2pm (3 Sessions) Tairāwhiti Museum will be hosting a hands-on potted plant session from 10am to 1pm! Create your own leafy masterpiece and explore nature-themed interactive worksheets — perfect for curious kids and creative grown-ups! It’s a fun, relaxing way to connect with nature — and take a little green friend home with you! Caters to ages 5-13 years. Cost: Normal entry fees apply but the activity is free of charge Fun Filled Family Day Tuesday 30th September 10am - 3pm Get crafty with arts & crafts, go exploring with the Find & Go Seek family packs, and don’t miss a fascinating talk from GDC’s Glenn Brown on water and pest control at 10am. Chill out with a picnic lunch or grab a café combo or sausage sizzle — then settle in for interactive storytelling with Chris Sommerton in costume!  And we have also have a big kids ‘Rogaine’ – find the secret spots around the park’. Caters to the whole family. Cost: Normal entry fees apply but the activity is free of charge For both of these events, enrol via their website: https://www.eastwoodhill.org.nz/events/ Contact Rose at rosie@eastwoodhill.org.nz or 06 863 9003 with any questions. Gisborne Gymnastics Club Open Gym During Week 1 of the school holidays, the Gisborne Gymnastics Club offer unstructured play sessions and more. The location is the Stihl Shop Sports Centre (537 Aberdeen Road).  Week 1:   Open Gym Monday - Thursday 9am - 12pm and 12pm - 3pm OPEN gym, $25 Preschool Gym Friday (only) 9.30am - 11am, $10 Classes Monday - Friday see timetable for Silks, Parkour, Tumbling and Cheer, $15 Caters to ages: 5-14  Book in or find more information here: https://gisbornegymnastics.com/holiday-program

Our green spaces, parks, and reserves are not just nice-to-haves. They’re instrumental to our wellbeing, literally our “grass roots,” the places where we connect to one another and nature. As the Livable Spaces name at Gisborne District Council suggests, these spaces improve the live-ability of our communities. (Just for a second, to imagine our city and townships without these spaces is to glimpse something grim.)  Gizzy Local are excited to share this new Mean Mahi listing. Council are recruiting for the full-time role of Senior Parks Officer . Do you have the right passions and skills to oversee this vital part of our lives and ensure that these spaces are the best they can be and accessible for all of us?  The Senior Parks Officer leads the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and improvement of these Liveable Spaces across the Gisborne operational area. You’ll oversee contractors, deliver minor capital projects, and provide expert advice to ensure our parks and community facilities are safe, vibrant, and accessible for everyone. This role is a frontline link between Council, contractors, and the community, problem-solving operational issues while building strong relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, and other stakeholders. Senior Parks Officer Lead, protect, and enhance the spaces that make our community thrive. Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required: GDC are looking for someone who is: Experienced in asset maintenance, parks, recreation, or community facilities (minimum 7 years) Skilled in managing contractors, projects, budgets, and service delivery Confident in fostering strong relationships with the community, iwi, hapū, and stakeholders Strategic and solution-focused, with excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills Physically fit to access diverse terrains and outdoor worksites Qualifications & Desirable Experience: Bachelor-level qualification in horticulture, parks management, business administration or related field Valid driver’s licence Experience with asset management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and project management tools Understanding of local government, auditing processes, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi application is an advantage   As Senior Parks Officer, your leadership and expertise will directly shape these spaces, ensuring safe, high-quality, and well-loved parks and community facilities across Gisborne. Ngā Huanga | Benefits Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu jabs, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events Perks: Modern offices, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks Growth: A values-led environment where your development is supported Relocation support: Assistance available to help you make the move to Gisborne Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning they deliver both district and regional council mahi. They're committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything they do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti. Their mahi is diverse — from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region’s future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, they’re a team that’s passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play. Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply Help care for Tairāwhiti’s liveable spaces – apply today. For more information, email recruitment@gdc.govt.nz Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will be filled once the right candidate is identified. To view the full job description, visit their careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers and check the job attachments section.

This street installation makes it easy to see how many bikes can be parked in the space of single car park. Cycling in Gisborne I’ve lived in New Zealand for 22 years, most of them in Auckland, and before that in the Netherlands and France. Now, you might wonder why that matters. Hang in there, we’ll get to that. After visiting Gisborne regularly over a seven year period, my partner and I finally made the move last year. We knew we wanted to leave Auckland… it just took us 21 years to do it. Our main requirement? A coastal town on the North Island where you could get around by bike. In Auckland, I cycled. But to call it cycling is rather generous. It was more of a sport involving hills, honking, and lots of deodorant. With the slow progress of cycling infrastructure and the increase of cars on the road, it was starting to feel less like transport and more like combat training. Gisborne, in contrast, is flat. It’s compact. The roads are wide. Some even have cycle lanes, though let’s be honest, they’re the kind where you develop a sixth sense for opening car doors. You’re never fully relaxed. A cycle-friendly (left to right) roundabout, footpath kerb, and bus station. The Missing Crossings But for someone starting out, especially families or anyone walking, scooting, or using a mobility device, Gisborne isn’t exactly welcoming. The big road corridors, free of pedestrian crossings, carve up our city and result in a disconnect between our homes and our destinations: the city centre, services, beaches, parks, friends, workplaces and schools. Take Rutene Road. Two kilometres long and not a single pedestrian crossing. Te Wharau School, Ilminster Intermediate, Dunblane Village and Kaiti Mall are all nearby. Good luck trying to cross safely. Same with Awapuni Road... great beach, no safe way to walk there. Or Ormond Road, where you're expected to detour 20 minutes to the Ballance Street crossing just to get to the other side in one piece. Busy Wainui Road—near the popular shops level with Harris street—has no zebra crossing. And Wi Pere, Lytton etc etc… The Cost of Convenience We live in a city where most families need two cars, not because they want to, but because it’s the only safe option. But imagine ditching one car because walking or cycling became safe, normal, and convenient. That's money saved on fuel, maintenance, and insurance, plus a little more sanity during school runs. And here's a bonus: zebra crossings and safe infrastructure make drivers more considerate too. They remind us that other humans exist, small ones on scooters, older ones with walkers, tired ones just trying to get home. Not All Projects Are Created Equal... and that’s OK Now, if you’ve been following the Grey Street saga, you might be thinking: “Cycling infrastructure? We tried that. Look how that went.” Fair enough. Even as someone who cycles, I’ll admit: that project wasn’t ideal. The intention might have been good, but the execution left too many scratching their heads, including cyclists. Here’s the thing though: one bumpy rollout doesn’t mean we abandon the whole idea of improving how we move around our city. It just means we need to do better. We involve more locals early on, including those who cycle, those who drive, and those who do both. We think carefully about how designs work in practice, not just on paper. And we learn from places that have done this well, including other NZ towns. We all want the same things: safe roads, less congestion, healthier communities, and a town where our kids can walk or ride to school without us worrying. If we get that right, the benefits aren’t just for the cyclists, they’re for everyone.   From Amsterdam to Paris… to Christchurch The Netherlands didn’t become a cycling paradise overnight. In the 1970s, after decades of prioritising cars, protests erupted following tragic road deaths, many involving children. Combine that with the oil crisis, and the Dutch began rethinking the car-first model. Fast forward to Paris, 1995. I moved to Paris just before the start of a national rail and local metro strike which brought the city to a standstill.  It was mayhem. Cars were parked and left for weeks in places you can’t imagine you could park a car. People walked, dusted off old bicyclettes, or resigned like only the French can... "Laissez faire". For 22 days, in the lead up to Christmas, Parisians found out what life without public transport (and with way too many cars) looked like. And surprise: many realised that cycling was faster, more reliable, and oddly liberating. Investment followed. And continues to this day.   purpose-built cycle-way rubbish bins And right here in Aotearoa, we have Christchurch, now considered the leading city in New Zealand for active transport. Following the 2011 earthquake, the city was given a rare opportunity: a clean slate to redesign its transport network. And they used it. Instead of rebuilding around cars, Christchurch invested in public transport, separated cycle-ways, pedestrian-friendly design, and smarter urban connections. It has paid off. Not just in bike use, but in liveability, health, and city resilience. What Can We Do Right Now? Local elections are coming up. That means we’ll have the chance to shape the kind of city we live in, not just through our votes, but by asking candidates the right questions. If the idea of a safer, healthier, more connected Gisborne inspires you, here are some questions you could ask at Meet the Candidates events (or email them directly to candidates if you are not able to make one of the events): Safe Crossings: What is your plan to make it safer for people to walk, cycle, or use mobility scooters, especially on roads connecting neighbourhoods with schools and shops but no pedestrian crossings? Active Transport: Do you support investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, so families have a genuine alternative to needing two cars? Learning from Others: Christchurch rebuilt with cycling at its heart after the earthquake, and is now NZ’s leading cycle city. What lessons from Christchurch (or other towns) would you apply here in Gisborne? Grey Street: How will you ensure that future projects involve locals from the start so designs work for both cyclists and drivers? Long-Term Vision: Where do you see Gisborne in 10 years’ time? A city locked into car dependence, or one where people of all ages can safely and confidently walk or cycle to school, shops, work and the beach? These conversations matter. They signal to candidates that this isn’t a “cyclists versus drivers” issue. It’s about building a city where everyone can move safely, affordably, and connect with the city in a way you can’t from behind a windscreen. Gisborne’s Potential Gisborne already has the ingredients: flat terrain, manageable size, mild weather. With a little investment and vision, we could become New Zealand’s most cycle-friendly city, and the healthiest, happiest, and most connected, too.   Let’s Not Let This Slip Past Whether you ride a bike, drive a car, or walk your dog, we all benefit from safer, better-designed streets. The question is: do we wait for a crisis to force our hand, or do we start building a city we can all enjoy now? It’s our move. Words and photos by Silvia Spieksma