Think Tank kicked off their NPDL journey last week by inviting some guests in to celebrate what Timaru has to offer already. They shared some of the projects that are already happening in Timaru.

The guests included Mr Bowen ( Mayor of Timaru), Ash Ronald, Kate O'Connell and Owen Jackson.

Mr Bowen talked to us about Timaru and the Timaru district. He also asked for our input into making Timaru a better place. He informed us about his job as the mayor, what he does on a day to day basis and what he's in charge of.

He lastly told us about where the money goes and what it goes towards such as new stuff for the Timaru district, new things for Caroline Bay and shared some new ideas that are up and coming.

Kate from Venture Timaru

Kate taught us about Timaru and what we could do to make it better. She said when she's at work she has to break up seasons to figure out what to promote. She also told us what's going to be added (food wise) and good things they want to add to the bay. The last thing she talked to us about was good places to walk around in the Timaru district.

O.J from C-play

OJ talked to us about a playground (C-Play) that he and a few others are working on for down at the Bay. They’re making one that gets kids physical/mental/economic/social. They are planning on spending $1.5 million on the playground. A couple of ideas he has are, a pirate ship, a lighthouse, and a massive flying fox.

Ash from Vibrant Timaru

Ash talked to us about street art, where it's going, how long it takes and how they paint it. He said there are a few in town if you look around you will see them.

He said they take at least a week to paint. He also said to watch this space as there will be new projects popping up around Timaru all the time.

Nicole Teixeira and Kyiah Pinnell