Chalk the Walk 2025: Whānau invited to colour Gisborne waterfront

Expressing themselves through art to kickstart the Chalk the Walk initiative on the cycleway/walkway along Tūranganui River are, back row (from left): Cain Kerehoma, Renay Charteris and Te Aorangi Harrington. Front: Hine Pewhairangi, Hone Kewa Pewhairangi, Harata Pewhairangi, Katie Kennedy, Anna Tolich, Alexandra Boros and Suzi Lupman.

A creative spark born from the Tāne Ora Tairāwhiti Conference 2025 is coming to life along the side of Tūranganui River.

Chalk the Walk 2025 is inviting whānau across Tairāwhiti to bring colour, creativity and connection to the city’s waterfront footpath/cycleway through chalk art in a celebration of community pride, wellbeing and the beauty of the awa.

Running until January 31, the summer-long activation will see locals turn the walkway from Portside Hotel through to Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club into “a living gallery of joy and whānau expression”, a media release said.

The idea came to light at the Tāne Ora Tairāwhiti Conference, where Hone Kewa Pewhairangi (of SafeMan SafeFamily, ChangeMakers Aotearoa) shared the vision of using art and play as a means of prevention and to make wellbeing visible in public spaces.

From there the kaupapa gathered momentum through a project team including Anna Tolich (Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti), Gisborne district councillor Alexandra Boros, Toni Akana (Hikitia! Tāne Ora) and council play advocate Katie Kennedy.

“It’s such a simple concept ... grab some chalk, grab your whānau and create something together,” Pewhairangi said.

“But underneath that, it’s a statement. It’s about reclaiming our shared spaces as places of whakapapa, connection, colour and pride.”

Non-toxic chalk packs are available at key points along the riverside, with themed days and spot prizes adding to the fun.

“We know play and creativity are powerful tools for wellbeing,” Tolich said. “When we engage tamariki, rangatahi and whānau in positive shared experiences, we strengthen the protective layers around them. That’s what this kaupapa is also for.”

The initiative is a collaboration between Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti, Hikitia! Tāne Ora, Gisborne District Council and ChangeMakers Aotearoa.

“Chalk the Walk embodies the kaupapa of hauora in action, creating spaces where tamariki and their whānau can connect, play and express pride in place and people,” the release said.

“This is prevention made visible,” Akana said. “It’s parents and kids drawing together, laughter echoing along the boardwalk and our awa becoming a canvas for joy.

“It’s the kind of community activation that reminds us what wellbeing looks and feels like when we build it together.

“With summer fast approaching, the call to the community is simple. Grab your whānau. Pick up some chalk. Bring our riverside to life.”

Chalk packs and event updates are being shared on the Chalk the Walk Tairāwhiti Facebook event page.