Rangatahi take charge in reimagining Simson Park

Ngā rangatira o nāianei. Rangatahi of Moerewa take charge in reimagining Simson Park and shaping their communities' future with determination, one where their voices resonate in every corner of their cherished community.

Healthy Families Far North have been working alongside the Far North District Council (FNDC) to collapse the distance between decision-makers and those affected by proposed changes. The opportunity for a new Reserve Management Plan for Simson Park was a great opportunity to look at how we might involve the community and whānau differently.

Across our mahi, Healthy Families Far North are seeing the opportunity to centre rangatahi in the design and decision-making processes for these open spaces, as a clear line of sight to health prevention.

In the mid and Far North, we have around 500 hectares of parks and reserves in over 30 locations that are managed by Far North District Council. These reserves are places of recreation, belonging, and physical activity, and serve as places that keep us well.

In September 2023, the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board resolved to renew a Reserve Management Plan for Simson Park in Moerewa where they highlighted that it empowers the community to collaborate in determining the park's usage and shaping its future. This plan aimed to understand the community's vision for the park's future, supporting Far North District Council to plan for these community aspirations.

Healthy Families Far North have been working alongside the Far North District Council (FNDC) to collapse the distance between decision-makers and those affected by proposed changes. A new Reserve Management Plan for Simson Park was a great opportunity to look at how we might involve the community and whānau differently, building stronger connections to their open spaces.

With the support of HFFN and FNDC, local rangatahi formed the group ‘Te rōpū rangatahi o Simson Park’ and took the lead in engaging with their community on what’s needed for the future of Simson Park.

Empowering rangatahi to take the lead in designing locally driven solutions for their hapori not only shifts power dynamics but also returns the process of community engagement to the hands of the community itself.

Over 2 months, rangatahi held events and workshops and asked key questions like ‘How do you use Simson Park now?, ‘What is hōhā about it now? and ‘What could the future of Simson Park look like?’. In each session, they learnt a little more and brainstormed what they could do next to learn more.

Rangatahi aged 12-16 gained confidence and a sense of belonging, expressing their excitement to participate in this initiative. Empowering our rangatahi, we compensated them as consultants for their exceptional contributions. On the final day, rangatahi presented the insights and ideas back to the Council. FNDC will now use these insights to write up the first draft, and then go through their formal community feedback processes.

Healthy Families Far North are privileged to work alongside the Moerewa community and Far North District Council in this kaupapa and looks forward to exploring the next phases of this mahi.