New signage helping make Hāwera parks more inclusive

Council is pleased to support a community-led initiative that is helping make Hāwera’s public spaces more inclusive, with four core communication signs now installed at King Edward Park and Kōwhai Park.

The project originated through Te Hāwera Community Board following discussions with Enabling Good Lives Hāwera about some of the challenges neurodiverse children and adults can experience when interacting with public spaces.

The signs provide a simple visual communication tool for people who use alternative or assisted forms of communication. By pointing to symbols, words and images, users can express their thoughts, feelings and needs while enjoying the parks.

Council worked alongside Te Hāwera Community Board, TalkLink Trust and local businesses to bring the project to life. Council staff supported the initiative through te reo Māori translation work, helped identify suitable locations and worked closely with the Community Board to ensure the signs would be accessible and useful for local families.

What began as a conversation quickly gained momentum, with local businesses stepping forward to support the project. Pam and Paula – First National Real Estate Hāwera, Precision Building, Simply Speech and Matty Neil Building fully funded the signs, while Precision Building crafted the timber frames and completed the installation. As a result, all four signs were donated and installed at no cost to ratepayers.

Just six months after the idea was first raised, the signs are already making a difference for local families. Te Hāwera Community Board hopes the project will inspire further community-led partnerships, with additional opportunities set to be announced later this week.

South Taranaki District Council acknowledges and thanks Enabling Good Lives Hāwera, Te Hāwera Community Board, TalkLink Trust and the project sponsors for helping transform a simple idea into a lasting community resource that will help make Hāwera’s parks more welcoming for everyone.