The Regenerative Communities Pilot, was a two-year, place-based community research initiative centered on a Tiny Forest in South Christchurch. 

Delivered through a partnership between Flourish Kia Puāwai ( I was Founder/Co-Director) and Te Hapu o Ngāti Wheke, the project translated regenerative principles into practical community action — strengthening connection, Kaitiaki (stewardship) and wellbeing. 

The initiative was recognised with a Kūmara Placemaking Award for “Tiakina te whenua, ka manaakitia te tangata — Caring for the land, caring for the people.” 

I was appointed as the founding Coordinator of a Healthy Cities–based regeneration model in South-East London. Positioned within a joint health unit between the NHS and Greenwich Borough Council, the initiative brought together statutory services and community organisations to deliver innovative, partnership-led regeneration in the poorest parts of Greenwich.

The model gained international recognition, and I was invited to present at health conferences across Europe on effective partnership with NGOs. Shortly after my departure in 2003, the project received a UK regeneration award.

River of Flowers is a natural disaster commemoration initiative I created and coordinated with the late Evan Smith ONZM to support healing and connection following the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. 

The Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) asked me to create and deliver a community-focused anniversary event, following a survey and collaboration. the first River of Flowers was held on 22 February 2012 as a partnership between Healthy Christchurch, CERA, Avon Otakaro Network and many schools, churches and community organisations.. 

The event brings people together along waterways across the city, inviting participants to place flowers in the Ōtākaro/Avon and other rivers, share messages of hope and observe moments of reflection and silence. 

Embedded with community development and positive psychology values, I designed it as a simple but powerful way for communities to come together locally, to remember loss, celebrate resilience and look towards the future. It has grown into a city-wide ritual of collective care and reflection. 

Places of Tranquillity was a health promoting placemaking initiative I created and coordinated in Christchurch as part of the city’s post-earthquake recovery and regeneration.

Reflecting on which communities may have been missing out on supported recovery initiatives and opportunities to shape the future city, I developed this multicultural project to create more inclusive participation and visibility.

Informed by Te Whare Tapa Whā Māori Health Promotion principles. I created this based in Healthy Christchurch and in collaboration with Greening the Rubble, The Multi-Cultural Centre, Lincoln University landscape architecture students and Whakaraupo Carving Centre. The project transformed a vacant site on Manchester Street — opposite the Margaret Mahy Playground — into gardens of peace and reflection.

As a transition project it has now been built on but for about 8 years it became a place for lunch, yoga and a Mental Health Garden.

Flourish began as an informal umbrella for me to carry on mahi I had started in Healthy Christchurch. I continued to co-ordinate River of Flowers every year. sometimes paid, mostly volunteer and curated a Bloom exhibition with the Canterbury Museum to commemorate the five year earthquake anniversary.

In 2017 I decided to really focus on the potential of Flourish as a formal community organisation and well-known community leaders Mark Gibson came on board as a Co-Director and Sharon Torstonson ONZM as an Assoc. This became the core leadership team for the social enterprise (charitable company) for community and environmental wellbeing initiatives. 

In just under 6 years we achieved a lot. Including, A Climate 4 Change, Deep Time Walks, Our Papatūānuku, Regenerative Communities, River of Flowers, Rubbish Talk, Good Vibes, Waikuku Exchange and championed Pāpango for BOTY 2022.