Photography project at social housing complex brings neighbours together

Te Mātāwai is the largest, single site supported social housing complex in Aotearoa New Zealand, with 276 homes and 24/7 on-site support services.

With the complex newly opened in August 2023, Dayne Smith, Kāinga Ora Community Development Manager, says the photography project is an initiative designed to help residents, staff, visitors, and neighbours get to know each other better through having their portrait taken.

One of our residents, Shadow, has been the driving force behind this idea. The concept has been brought to life through the support of Kāinga Ora, AUT arts lecturer Dieneke Jansen, and another creative resident, Te,” says Dayne.

“Te invites people inside to introduce themselves over a cup of tea and a bite to eat. The photographer, Shadow, takes their portrait with participants able to choose their favourite shot and how it will be displayed. Those keen on something more creative can even go for AI-generated backgrounds.”

With participants' permission the selected portraits are displayed on the ground floor exterior windows at Te Mātāwai for the local community to view. “The portraits will be taken and displayed over a two-week period but we have plans to display them longer in a communal space inside the complex and share them in our community newsletter after that. Participants also get to keep a copy for themselves,” Dayne says.

Dayne says further initiatives are planned for the complex.

“We are always looking for ways to help Te Mātāwai become a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving community and invite anyone interested in working with our customers on creative projects or other ideas to get in touch.”

For more about Te Mātāwai(external link)