In continuing my invitation to attract awesome people and work in my life, here's a collaborative project I've had the utmost pleasure of being a small part of earlier this year, in New Zealand.
This is a story of resilience in Ōtautahi Christchurch. This is a story of community. A story of people coming together. Of co-creating spaces that serve not only our bodies, mind, and spirit, but also of the greater invisible bonds that bind us together, as well as for the greater good of the ecosystems that nourish us and other living beings. Fundamentally, food connects all of us, and in getting to know these wonderful people in the local community all around Ōtautahi, I got to hear and learn about their why and how, their inspirations and greater vision especially coming out of the traumatic earthquakes that rocked the city over 7 years ago now. The destruction led to tremendous loss and sadness, however it has henceforth provided immense opportunities to come together and rebuild a city that better serve us and all living beings. My invitation down under last year stemmed out of these new sprouts, and I am personally very thankful for the time spent and connections made whilst in Aotearoa New Zealand, and for this piece to be story that we co-created and tell all around Canterbury and beyond. May inspirations spark and seeds be sowed in the minds and the earth for months, years, and decades to come.
Please share the aroha far and wide!
Directing: Jonathan H. Lee, Subtledream Photography
Production: Michael Reynolds and Jonathan H. Lee
Videography, editing, sound mixing: Jonathan H. Lee
Additional video: Jonny Knopp, Peanut Productions Photography
Video and sound assistance: Milena Pascuzzi
Music: Scott Nice of Jumpsuit Records, used with permission via Bandcamp membership
Special gratitude:
Peter Wells, Otakaro Orchard
Michael Reynolds, Food Resilience Network Canterbury
Hayley Guglietta, Richmond Community Garden
Catherine O'Neill, New Brighton Community Gardens
Alex Davies, Gatherings
Ashvin Goburdhone, Cultivate Christchurch
Kit Hindin, Kit Hindin Activation
Marian Johnson, Ministry of Awesome
Erica Austin-Knopp, Te Pūtahi - Christchurch centre for architecture and city-making