Stories to be shared
We love sharing stories! There’s so much happening in communities across Aotearoa, and so much we can learn from each other.
Here you’ll find stories of local projects, creative ideas and insights from our past events. We hope they spark a little inspiration for your own work.
Snapshot:
Global Kitchen
The Panmure Business Association shares the story of Global Kitchen. This event supported local hospitality operators, attracted new visitors to the town centre, and celebrated Panmure's cultural diversity.
Learn how a placemaking approach highlighted the incredible potential of Panmure's rich and diverse culinary landscape and transformed it into a celebration of authentic flavours and stories.
Snapshot:
Places for Good
Places for Good shares the wonderful story of Te Rimutahi Mural, workshops and student sidewalk gallery.
Learn about this collaborative creative project with three local schools, Waitematā Local Board, and artist Ross Liew which transformed a graffitied hoarding fence into Te Rimutahi Mural on Ponsonby Road.
Snapshot:
Kia Mataoho @ Dominion Rd
The Kia Mataoho @ Dominion Rd Matariki celebration in June 2026 was a pilot event and community activation of the under-used Ballantyne Square.
Grounded in Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei whakairo - the Kaupapa created a contemporary Matariki experience that is uniquely of the whenua, the community and moment in time.
Our Snapshot series is regularly updated! Keep an eye on our social media for new stories.
Event insight:
Placemaking an urban hauroa
In September 2026, Catalyse and Placemaking Aotearoa hosted an event in Tāmaki Makaurau exploring how urban design impacts hauora (wellbeing). We share insights fro Paris Kirby’s on placemaking as preventive health infrastructure and insights for placemakers.
Event insight:
Placemaking in a built city
Discover lessons and insights from Ōtautahi Christchurch’s evolving urban journey in our post-even summary of Placemaking in a Built City.
As temporary spaces give way to permanent developments, this conversation explored how local practitioners, grassroots organisers, and rangatahi are navigating urban evolution, supporting community agency, and fostering inclusive, vibrant places across Aotearoa