In 2024 the Bishop’s Action Foundation (BAF) led a scoping report for Kainga Ora prior to completion of their New Plymouth housing development on Leach Street. The scoping process sought to identify how the shared community space that was being included in the Leach Street development might be best utilised and organised.
Following a desk top review of the feedback from a previous community survey and workshop undertaken by Kainga Ora and, BAF undertook a range of conversations to identify potential users and coordinators for the new space. These conversations were also informed by discussion with the Community Partnerships team at New Plymouth District Council.
Following this process, it was concluded that there was interest from the wider community in the space because New Plymouth lacks affordable and small-scale venues that can be readily available for community organisations / community members to provide a wide range of connection opportunities, small group programmes and community-level engagement.
BAF then worked with the YMCA as a preferred coordinating partner and supported the completion of a pilot partnership between Kainga Ora and YMCA.
Since then, the community space at Leach Street has flourished under the leadership of the YMCA with large numbers of community events and activities and amazing change stories occurring. The space provides a connection point for Kainga Ora tenants living in the Leach Street housing and members of the wider community. Deanne, the Coordinator for the shared space commented that “the Community Space is a vibrant, trusted, and heart‑filled place. It continues to offer connection, support, and moments of joy to both tenants and the wider community. The kindness shown by tenants toward one another, the partnerships with local organisations, the warmth of shared activities, and the simple daily interactions all contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. The space continues to stand as a testament to what happens when people feel safe, supported, and welcomed — they flourish, they give back, and they create community together.”