Porirua Writers’ Walk

Proposal for Development  

Some of New Zealand’s most talented artists have lived, worked and studied in Porirua City. These include several major award-winning authors and poets such as Patricia Grace, Briar Grace Smith, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, Noel Hilliard, Louis Johnson, James K Baxter, Fleur Adcock, Sam Hunt, Michael King and Gary McCormick. The Porirua Writers’ Walk Committee proposes to establish a walk which celebrates and commemorates the work of writers and their connection to Porirua. It will also enhance the status of the written word and learning in our community. See our business plan and design concepts. By the end of 2012 it is hoped that there will be at least three designs in place and development plans for at least three more.

About the Committee

The Committee is a community non-profit group that meets monthly. Members include Porirua Arts Council members, Whitireia Community Polytechnic staff and students, and local residents.  A special welcome to Whitireia Digital Design student, Lynette Haywood, who has joined the Committee in March 2012.

Phil O'Connell, David Stanley, Moana Hilliard, Kim Baxter

Welcome to our new committee advisors from the Business Faculty, Whitireia NZ:
Girl Wijohn, Jikai Zhang, Shiori Miyachi, Thomaskutty Jose, Grant Morgan, and Jill Clark (Senior Lecturer)
joined in March 2012.

Community consultation

We are currently consulting with community groups, and welcome your suggestions, feedback, and support. We are available to attend meetings, speak to your members, or do a guided tour.

Bachelor of Nursing Pacific tutors and Phil O’Connell on a guided tour of the proposed site, 7 March 2012.
The Writer’s Walk, Wineera Drive, Porirua
 "Recently the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific staff enjoyed a leisurely amble with Kim Baxter along Wineera Drive to learn more about the proposed writer’s walk. This social event was made more enjoyable with a sunny, warm day with a gentle  autumnal breeze blowing over the Porirua Harbour. Kim explained the local history of the environment including the waterways, and the proposed prospects of the walk. The walk will connect to the existing walkways. It is accessible and most suitable for all levels of fitness or none. The beauty of the harbour set among the trees, the hills and the sky is enriching for the large community that gathers daily at Whitireia. Those who walk will have their attention alerted to the fragility and tenuous nature of the ecosystem. A  question I  ponder often! What are  better  ways to ensure that the environment is maintained and the health of the fish and the bird life can be improved ? Quotes from  local poets and writers...maybe their inscriptions will assist us to consider this question and offer some insight. I believe the walk itself enhances the environment and will be benefit the city in healthful and creative ways beyond what this  pen can imagine!  The BNP team who walked (in shoes, walkers, heeled and flatties!)  from Whitireia talked some, learnt something, enjoyed the fresh air and took the time to put down their pens and step away from the desk for an hour – it was an hour well spent!"  Marie Preston

To join our mailing list, or for more information (including arranging for one of us to speak to your members), please contact:

Secretary
Phil O’Connell, Porirua Community Arts Council
Email: secretary@poriruaartscouncil.org.nz
Phone: 237 9902
Mobile: 027 786 5542

Chairperson
Kim Baxter, Whitireia Library
Email: kim.baxter@whitireia.ac.nz

Launch Event