New and exciting local connections were forged recently when thirty children from Pomare, Taita and St. Michael's schools met with Hutt City Council to develop a number of skills, including planning and the ability to express themselves to adults in positions of power without feeling intimidated.

This meeting was an outcome of Great Start's discussions with local residents, who had expressed their desire for a park in Taita. Although the primary focus of the meeting was to progress plans for the park's development as a collaborative venture, the enthusiasm of the Council and the thoughtful planning of the day meant much more was achieved.

The children were encouraged to actively participate in deciding both the large picture and the smaller details of the park's planning. With the help of a Council horticulturalist who provided background information on the advantages and disadvantages of various plants, they were able to make informed decisions on appropriate planting for their park. In an interactive presentation by a city planner, Sean Audain, images from exceptional parks around the world challenged the children to consider what sort of park they might like. They were inspired to look beyond traditional concepts of parks and think creatively about textures, shapes, colours, smells and even parks in congested areas. Then they were given the opportunity to fill in huge coloured maps of the area with their own ideas, images and events.

As members of school leadership groups, the children were also interested in the work of the Mayor, and city councillors. An informal discussion developed with the Mayor, David Ogden, as children asked intelligent and probing questions about his role and that of his councillors. He urged them to think about leadership as something that can confront everyone, suggesting that there will be times when each of them may need to "talk from a place of leadership". And importantly, the children learnt that they could feel comfortable and relaxed engaging in conversation with political figures in a space which would normally be intimidating.

The day included a visit to the Dowse Gallery where children were inspired to think about art and creativity. According to Karen Clifford, from the Great Start team, it was a "magical day" and the "Hutt City Council did the children proud". On leaving, each child was given a tray of flowers to take back home for planting, making the link to families and the wider community. The children reciprocated with a gift for their hosts and their busdriver, Kilioni Masima, who had generously volunteered his services for the day.

Nā tō rourou, nā tāku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

With your basket and my basket we will sustain the people