Celebrating the benefits of active and creative recreation

Active and creative activities have long been recognised as pillars of community wellbeing, fostering physical health, mental resilience and social cohesion. The uniting features of these activities are found in new in-app experience, ‘Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha,’ an interactive animated guided arts experience developed by Creative Waikato in partnership with PickPath. This unique creative experience takes participants through the city’s CBD, exploring local street art and cultural stories in a game-like mixed media format. Walking from the river to the highest point of Kirikiriroa Hamilton CBD, it creates a fun way to incorporate active movement through a creative experience.

To explore the synergies between active recreation and creativity activity, CEOs Matthew Cooper of Sport Waikato and Dr. Jeremy Mayall of Creative Waikato met last week to experience ‘Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha’ together. The two organisations, Sport Waikato and Creative Waikato, share a special connection as two of the three regional capability-building organisations supported by Trust Waikato and other regional funders, with the third organisation being Community Waikato. The relationship between these organisations goes beyond collaboration; it encompasses strategic connection, collective impact and mutual support. ‘Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha’ was the perfect project for them to unite and reflect on the mutual wellbeing benefits this experience offers.

They began their journey at the river near the jetty, which took them along the scenic river path, up through Victoria on the River and upwards into the city’s bustling heart. As they walked, they shared in the experience of the various artworks, each telling a unique cultural story. Together, they walked, listened, explored and reflected on the shared wellbeing benefits of combining recreational and creative activities. Amid the uphill climbs, laughter and storytelling, the benefits became apparent. The blend of physical movement and artistic exploration made the activity enjoyable. The engaging narratives and challenges of ‘Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha’ provided a more appealing experience for those who may typically shy away from physical exercise.

“For us, it was about experiencing art and history in a new light, beginning from our mighty awa and exploring the city through an interactive and enjoyable lens,” shared Cooper.

“Aligning physical activity with creative arts not only enriches our understanding of local history but also promotes a deeper sense of connection and wellbeing,” he added.

The ‘Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha’ experience demonstrates the broader significance of play in lifelong wellbeing. “Play, whether through active recreation or creative pursuits, transcends age and fosters crucial skills like physical agility, social interaction and emotional resilience,” emphasised Mayall.

Activities like these encourage the community to explore diverse avenues for enhancing physical and mental health. “Engaging in creative activities that bring joy and foster community connection is essential for holistic wellbeing,” he continued.

“The strategic connections with an organisation like Sport Waikato help to strengthen the understanding of these outcomes and how support for people in our community can flourish. Whether in walking arts experiences like this project or kapa haka, dance, theatre, singing, and more, the links between physical health, mental health, community connection and wellbeing are a rich space for further collaboration.”

There are many ways to engage in creative activities that are good for your physical and mental health. Find those things that bring you joy, get you active and moving, connect you with the people around you, and help support the development of five core skills: physical skills, social skills, emotional skills, cognitive skills, and creative skills.

Projects like ‘Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha’ set a precedent for collaborative, wellness-focused endeavours in Kirikiriroa Hamilton as interest grows in initiatives that blend art, recreation and community engagement.

So why not head out on a walk to explore the art and cultural storytelling around you? There will be lots to see and explore while enjoying a walk!