Help Tiny Shops Village Build on Community's Strengths

Kia ora koutou -

For the past two years, many local residents and community members of the Inner City East/Linwood area have given their time, sweat, and love to help build a temporary community space for their neighbourhood in the Linwood Village. This area was hit hard by tough economic times before 2011, only to lose 60% of its buildings to the earthquakes. Despite being an important centre and meeting place for the community, recovery has been slow. Locals have been keen to get involved in a number of transitional projects, such as Kua Hua Ake Te Ao Cafe and the Linwood Village Market, and help their neighbourhood to get back on its feet.

In early 2017, with support from CCC and assistance from other community organisations, Greening the Rubble led locals in building the Koha Garden. In late 2017, Greening the Rubble, Te Whare Roimata, and CCC came together with community members, with the support of a number of generous Christchurch businesses, to build the Tiny Shops Village. The Village provides a space for small businesses to get a start, and for community projects to pop-up in response to community needs and hopes.

Greening the Rubble and the community have built a beautiful space, and it has quickly become a meeting point for local people. Currently the site is home to tiny PURPLE shed (selling local crafts, and second-hand books and clothing), as well as Kua Hua Ake Te Ao Community Cafe. ICEcycles, a community bike workshop, are onsite once a week.

The community is very supportive of the project, but with many in the area living on very tight incomes, it can be hard going financially. The community has said they would like to see more events, including workshops and classes, at the Tiny Shops Village, as well as more places to play. These things have a number of benefits for the community, including more opportunities for social connection and learning for those on tight budgets, as well as the chance to start up businesses and open new doors to paid work. We would like to be able to pay tutors, entertainers, and other community members who give their time and energy to bring life back to Stanmore Road, and give hope to their community. We'd also like to be able to pay for resources and facilities (e.g. improvements to the kids' area) that will bring the community together, and make it an accessible and welcoming space for all. It's a win-win for all, and we'd like your help.