Week One, Site visit: 25/08/17Sophie Wilkin

12:45pm: Boarding van for trip out Maraenui; our site for project.

Location of investigation: Maraenui Shopping Centre, empty plots of land opposite.

Observations made: Empty plots of land contained small amounts of rubbish:

Shops are under renovation for new businesses – positive Police station is closed, not in use People on the outskirts of our welcoming were less willing to talk or

engage in the BBQ There is an EIT campus building in shopping area

Information collated from Interviews:

1. Anon – Male, Maori

When asked, “What would you like have in Maraenui and why?”, the interviewee responded in advocating the input of splash pad system for children in the summer to give them a local and safer option for cooling down. He also mentioned that an open sheltered covering would be beneficial for the outside stage, to protect equipment and people on stage. Seating for watching and enjoying local performances.

“What do you like about Maraenui as it stands?”

Most of the community are aware of or know each other; there are many families with children here who use/share the shopping space as a place of gathering.

2. Jean Beamsley & Sherlee Sherman – Females, Maori

Jean Beamsley runs the KohangaSherlee Sherman is a coach for local schoools

“What would you like have in Maraenui and why?” Basketball courts or multi-use courts, P.E/sport facilities or sheds to store equipment. Brought up the need for security and lighting to create a safe family-friendly environment. Suggested the employment of local community members to look after and run the sheds. –Why? There is a lot of sporting talent in the community and a local place for developing this talent is desirable. Within walking distance for the many children and youth that hang around the shopping area for multiple reasons; its renowned as a popular hangout spot, kindy and schools are nearby, parents bring their children, playgrounds and skate park are here. Security to ensure no loiterers, to keep equipment and people safe.

Drinking fountains, another toilet block on sport site, more parking, appropriate seating for watching games. –Why? Hydration as is there is currently nothing, the only toilet block is currently by the playground so people would have to cross the road. Only parking area currently by shopping center. Seating to make it a social event; to give parents and supporters a place to watch with comfortability. *

*Would have to consider shelter for all seasons of play.

Other ideas fired they fired off:

Having a playground that incorporates the use of space for all ages Interactive games painted on the ground Open structured shelter Pedestrian crossing of some kind – old one was taken away Incorporation of bright colours into design – eliminate red/blue

stereotypes Statue or Po; forms of community symbolism or identification

Quotes: “Kids always need to be visible; when a kid is in trouble, the mother needs to be six steps away”. “Sport/leisure and communal family activities should all be close by to one another so that we can keep an eye on each other but also enjoy the use of our place.”

Other interactions that occurred: Formally met and shook hands with Api Tapine; took group photo – NCC We were informed that use of local EIT space is permitted Turn out from neighboring region churches, Bay City and Pirimai