The Len Reynolds Trust recently made a submission in support of Hamilton City Council’s Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy. We welcome the intent and direction of the proposed policy, which recognises the vital role that creativity, art, and cultural expression play in shaping inclusive and thriving communities.
Our submission reflects our belief that public art is more than decoration. It is a way of telling stories, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, affirming identity, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. When art is woven into public infrastructure — bridges, parks, walkways, libraries — it can reflect who we are as a city, and who we hope to become.
In particular, we encouraged the Council to:
Prioritise early engagement with mana whenua and diverse community voices
Uplift rainbow, takatāpui, and intersectional identities through inclusive creative expression
Embed tikanga Māori and cultural competency in all project design and decision-making
Support youth, grassroots, and community-led projects that reflect lived experience
Ensure universal accessibility — physical, sensory, cognitive, and cultural
We also supported the proposal to allocate up to 1% of infrastructure budgets for artistic and cultural components and suggested exploring co-funding options with philanthropic, iwi, and creative sector partners.
Public art is not just about aesthetics — it’s about belonging, equity, and connection. Done well, it brings us together, reflects our histories, and helps shape a more inclusive future for Kirikiriroa.
We are hopeful that this policy, once adopted, will help build a city where everyone can see themselves reflected — with dignity, depth, and pride — in the spaces we all share.