Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board members from left to right: Keir Leslie, Lee Sampson, Karolin Potter (Chair) and Melanie Coker with Charlotte and Noah.

Charlotte and Noah from Waka Tētē’s ‘Change Makers’ group presented to the Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board. They were invited to attend a board briefing on the ‘Innovating Streets’ project, a project that will see Christchurch City Council support community-led improvements to Selwyn Street.

The two year five students were representing a group of ākonga (students) who have begun investigating how to make the busy street safer for all users. The project started as part of their ‘deep learning’ which works to engage students in real world problems and prepare them for their future.

They were invited to attend alongside two project representatives from Christchurch City Council; Project Manager Kirsty Mahoney and Community Activator Clare Piper. Justin Rogers, a Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo parent who spoke to the community board in February about opportunities to improve both traffic safety and the way the street feels to people walking, also took part in the briefing.

Charlotte and Noah seized the opportunity to contribute to the team’s presentation by researching, writing and preparing a speech for the meeting. Their handle on the key issues, possible solutions and commitment to making positive change for the wider community was warmly received by the assembled board members and council staff.

Some of the ideas presented included narrowing the road near intersections, making it easier to cross. A local example where this has been completed permanently is Lyttelton Street. The Selwyn Street project aims to use more ‘tactical’ tools, rather than expensive and permanent works, to quickly make our neighbourhood a safer and more enjoyable place to walk or ride.

Karolin Potter, Chair Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board, congratulated Noah and Charlotte on the quality of their presentation and how well they articulated their ideas.

Their speech set the scene for a positive discussion about the potential of the project, with the community board, council and community advocates looking to build community awareness and engagement – including with other local schools and preschools – in the coming months.

The opportunity left the two students enthusiastic about the fun and creative ways they could help get the community involved.

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Community survey

Would you like to help make Selwyn Street a safer place for tamariki and people with extra mobility needs?

Please take a moment to fill in the survey, created by the Year 5 Waka Tētē Change Makers https://forms.gle/xQGLazuXYvwhdG5Y8