Five Stones Research Corporation’s Post

The week that was and boy what a week! 3 weeks in and I’m starting to settle nicely into the role. Connecting with members has been a big focus this week and I am impressed with the passion and encouragement coming out of Waimakariri, Selwyn and Christchurch councils (more to come later next week 😉). But it has also been about reflecting on the year and the hard mahi our stakeholders have been through and continue to deliver on. Recovery has been a big theme, with wide scale damage and changing how we react or manage our open spaces. Service delivery models, analytics and data driven research in our fields that stack up against other competing departments, community projects and much more. A lot of it comes back to resilience and what it means in our Parks, Play and Open Spaces networks. How are we delivering resiliency in these areas? Are we helping our communities to become more self aware and resilient along the way? With the LTP’s around the corner there is more work to come and is an opportunity to see how your plans might stack up through the lens of resiliency. Food for thought, from your staff Christmas party mini putt and ten pin bowling champion (trophies to come).

Watching the journey & story of Plush SE16's displacement is a reminder that real community is largely created by individuals & small self-funded businesses; not the large well funded public organisations, charities or even CICs. There is a common sign often posted in shops that I have read since being a child - "Please don't ask for credit as refusal often offends". The reality of this sign is that for small businesses credit is often STILL given. Whether it's letting someone off a penny or pound, allowing someone to pay next week or end of the month, throwing in that extra product, giving advice for free or at a discount - it is all forms of credit. Small businesses are the arterial connectors of community both deprived, enriched & everything in between. Many organisations which are grant funded are only in operation when funding is available, when it is done, the services also cease. For most small businesses, families have to work for free in that business to help support the legacy of the venture, weather the storms & to ensure its survival. All of this labour is love & is poured into the community it serves. The support & acknowledgement given to those reaching into their own pockets to give community an anchoring of placement, a voice to be heard & sense of belonging is sadly overlooked with a nonchalant disregard by so many. There are heroic people around us who need the protection to keep thinking & acting from the heart. Will we keep waiting for high engagement numbers, celebrity endorsements or popular statistics to see the value that small business brings to our community, culture & local economy? Plush SE16 did many things & broke some barriers over

Imagine transforming hidden blemishes of our urban landscapes—those old, forgotten underground tanks—into the heart of community joy. With a bit of expert intervention (shoutout to Tri-State!), these once-unused plots become the backdrop for children's laughter, family picnics, and neighborly chats. This is not just a cleanup; it's a canvas for community masterpieces. Each step from uncovering these hidden tanks to cultivating vibrant green spaces is a testament to creativity and community spirit in action. It’s a story of turning environmental woes into wins, proving that with a little ingenuity, we can craft the communal oases of tomorrow. #UrbanRenewal #GreenSpaces #CommunityBuilding #EnvironmentalInnovation #TriStateSuccess

Watching the journey & story of Plush SE16's displacement is a reminder that real community is largely created by individuals & small self-funded businesses; not the large well funded public organisations, charities or even CICs. There is a common sign often posted in shops that I have read since being a child - "Please don't ask for credit as refusal often offends". The reality of this sign is that for small businesses credit is often STILL given. Whether it's letting someone off a penny or pound, allowing someone to pay next week or end of the month, throwing in that extra product, giving advice for free or at a discount - it is all forms of credit. Small businesses are the arterial connectors of community both deprived, enriched & everything in between. Many organisations which are grant funded are only in operation when funding is available, when it is done, the services also cease. For most small businesses, families have to work for free in that business to help support the legacy of the venture, weather the storms & to ensure its survival. All of this labour is love & is poured into the community it serves. The support & acknowledgement given to those reaching into their own pockets to give community an anchoring of placement, a voice to be heard & sense of belonging is sadly overlooked with a nonchalant disregard by so many. There are heroic people around us who need the protection to keep thinking & acting from the heart. Will we keep waiting for high engagement numbers, celebrity endorsements or popular statistics to see the value that small business brings to our community, culture & local economy? Plush SE16 did many things & broke some barriers over its 20 year lifetime Here is my little list: - They broke down racial divides using the culture of food (Think people like 90s skin 'eads eating Jerk Chicken before & after a Millwall game) - They provided a safe place for young & old - They held a neutral space from youth violence - They created warm spaces for deprive community members - They were the ears & eyes into the wider community - They created jobs & entrepreneurial opportunities for up to 30 people at any one time from marginalised communities - They became a happy place to laugh, commune, de-stress & relax - They held a place for cultural conversations & expression - They gave men grooming advice & confidence in their appearances - They inspired, supported & loved on their whole community My questions is how many more places, spaces & business like Plush SE16 will our community lose?

Studies show that people are experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, polarization, and division. City parks are among the last public spaces where people can meet and build community. Check out the latest findings --- just released today --- from Trust for Public Land on the transformative power of high-quality park systems. #TPLparkscore

"Living in a Cul-de-Sac: The Benefits of a Quiet Street 🏡🌳" "Ever wondered about the perks of living in a cul-de-sac? 🤔 Our latest video explores the advantages of residing in these unique and quiet streets. From safer spaces for kids to play, to less traffic and a tight-knit community feel, cul-de-sacs offer a peaceful living environment. Thinking about making a move to one of these desirable locations? Watch our video to learn more, and let us help you find the perfect cul-de-sac home in El Paso! #YourElPasoHomes"

2 years ago, a flood rocked a small, rural community in Kentucky, leaving it reeling from the devastation... But guess what? They’re not just bouncing back; They’re leaping forward! 💪 Imagine this: Cooperative Extension in Breathett County starts following the Innovation Collective plan for creating a #FlourishingCommunity. What happens next? They start to engage with and plan a community and economic activation events series with groups like the local chamber and the beloved pizza place down the street. This new alliance becomes an engine of community as they begin to deploy our events and experiences model. What do you get? Magic! ✨ Their first fireside chat is not just about getting out of the house; it's about igniting the spirits of the community as they go on a journey toward community flourishing and resiliency. As they choose to show up for each other and do the work together to build a tomorrow they believe in. When we focus on human flourishing and bring everyone to the table, amazing things happen. They’re not just rebuilding; they’re reimagining what success means for them and how they can work together in new and novel ways. It's not just about living; it's about thriving together. When a community comes together with resilience, innovation, and a sprinkle of pizza, there's nothing they can't achieve! 🍕💫 #Resilience #CommunitySuccess #FlourishingTogether

Communities are built through connections between people. Creating shared facilities or merging existing ones encourages serendipitous meetings and run-ins, building the sense of connection. Learn more about our approach to planning and designing shared facilities from Associate & Project Manager Leah Marthinsen below. #HEDAdvances #ArchitectureAndDesign #Community #Facility #Facilities #Government #GovernmentFacility #Local #Library

Explore the considerations that go into fostering a safe, inclusive and empowering space for program participants through our new resource: Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Spaces: GESI and Safeguarding Tips for Local Organizations #FHI360 #LocallyLedDevelopment #InclusiveDevelopment  #GenderEquality #SocialInclusion #Safeguarding