Our most recent unit in STEAM has been our ‘Re-Imagined Spaces’ Project, which has seen students working in pairs to re-imagine a real-world site on Auckland’s North Shore, aiming to transform it into a space that better serves the local community. With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and cultural responsiveness, students are researching community needs, consulting experts, and designing creative proposals informed by real-world challenges.
Reflecting our STEAM programme’s emphasis on integrated, applied learning, the project draws on multiple subject areas. Each student pair is completing a Horticulture standard (landscape planning), an Art standard (sculptural or creative structure design), and an Education for Sustainability standard (developing a strategic plan to address a local issue).
To support their learning, students have heard from a range of guest speakers with professional experience in public space design. Travis Committee, a parks and community facilities programme manager from Auckland Council, offered a ground-level view of planning and building outdoor spaces, drawing on his work on Orewa’s Harvest Ave Playground. Councillor Richard Hills provided a broader perspective on public project development and community consultation, sharing examples such as the Quay Street waterfront upgrade and Hurstmere Road improvements in Takapuna.
Later in the term, students heard from Melissa Powell and George Wood of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, along with Council landscape architect Tracy Ogden-Cork. They spoke about upcoming projects – including the dragon-themed destination playground at Knightsbridge Reserve – and explained how public feedback shapes council design decisions.
In Term 3, we look forward to hosting Drina Paratene of Ngāti Paoa, who will share insights into Māori iconography, wildlife, and the cultural significance of our local project sites. Her visit will highlight the importance of iwi consultation in creating inclusive and sustainable public spaces.
We are grateful to all our guest speakers for generously sharing their time and expertise. Their visits have brought valuable real-world relevance to the project and opened students’ eyes to future career pathways.
The project will conclude in Term 4 with our ESTEAM Expo – a public showcase of student work. Those interested in attending can contact Head of STEAM, Mr Jono Howan, for more information.