Between a rock and a kind place

Taumarunui opening

Enrich+ staff from Taumarunui and Te Awamutu planted rocks of kindness in Manson’s Gardens in Taumarunui. Cherie McDowall, Tani McElroy, Ian Cotterell, Janet Edhouse, Theresa Siemonek, Karen Scott, Leanne Cummins, Cat Toomey, Stevie Cook.

If you spot a kindness rock in Taumarunui’s Manson’s Gardens, don’t throw it away.

Chances are it’s one of the many rocks Enrich Plus’ Supported Activities clients from Taumarunui have painted for a Kindness Rock project held in conjunction with Ruapehu District Council.

To celebrate the opening of the Enrich+ premises in Hakiaha Street, the Supported Activities arts programme participants have been painting and leaving messages on rocks.

At the opening of the building led on Tuesday by Cynthia Russell from Kaitupeka Marae, Taringamotu – Enrich Plus chief executive Karen Scott from Cambridge and participants of the programme in Te Awamutu watched on as Scott said the organisation had long links with Taumarunui, previously as Gracelands.

Previously they shared premises and then were based in The Arcade where window space to display artwork was limited.

“Now we have so much more room for our clients, room to spread and room to display some of the stunning art they’ve produced,” said Karen.

The Supported Activities programme enables disabled people in and around Taumarunui and Waikato to participate and make a positive contribution to their community.

They are able to participate in community activities, learn how to develop and maintain social and support networks and build new skills to manage their lives.

Taumarunui opening – Janet Edhouse, of Taumarunui, left, and Leanne Cummins from Te Awamutu plant their painted rocks in Manson’s Gardens.

More Recent News

Adrianna makes the cut

Te Awamutu butcher Adrianna Te Aonui knows first-hand how hard work, the right support, encouragement and opportunities can transform a career. Fifteen years after joining the store as a teenager, Adrianna is an award-winning qualified…

Understanding intelligence

Pukeatua-raised author, designer, film director and AUT professor Welby Ings was near illiterate until 15 – now he goes to bed with poets and authors. “Every night, I am in an intimate relationship with something…

From Waipā to Kansas City

Te Awamutu teenager Maori Te Wake and senior constable Scott Miller recently returned from a 13-day youth leadership exchange in Kansas City. Six New Zealanders aged 15 to 17 attended as part of a partnership…

Seniors get on their bikes

Next week’s national Bike Week 2026 is an opportunity for one group of Te Awamutu seniors to show how retirees can enjoy cycling just as much as their grandkids. Twelve residents at the town’s Arvida…