The Creativity Forest
A Community Grows Together
What happens when children’s creativity, school values and community spirit come together?
The Creativity Forest – A Community Grows Together is a Cheekee Hero kaupapa bringing imagination to life along the Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai pathway, transforming it into a celebration of tamariki, creativity and connection.
In 2026, Ōrākei School students helped bring this vision to life through seven creative themes: Patterns & Place, Harakeke of Hope, Manu of Imagination, Atua Adventures, Awa to Moana, Putiputi of Kindness and Cheekee Hero Monsters. Each artwork celebrates the ideas, values and possibilities that help our communities grow stronger together.
Our vision is to grow The Creativity Forest into a shared community canvas, inviting more schools along the pathway to showcase what makes their tamariki, values and communities unique.
Imagine what your school could bring to the forest.
Special thanks to:
Ōrākei Arts (initiated by the Ōrākei Local Board): Your generous grant was the foundation upon which this project was built. This display would not have been possible without your belief in our vision and your commitment to fostering art and inclusivity in our community.
A very special acknowledgement and gratitude to Colour City, a small local printing business in Glen Innes. Owned and operated by Shannon Wells - thank you for your amazing service.