Porirua’s young people have made a big splash, literally, thanks to a unique collaboration at Te Rauparaha Arena that puts rangatahi voice at the centre of community design.
The popular but often controversial activity of “popping a manu” had been creating tension at the Aquatic Centre, with lifeguards and swimmers frustrated by unexpected splashes in shared areas. Instead of banning the activity, staff at Te Rauparaha Arena saw an opportunity to engage with local youth and find a solution that worked for everyone.
Recognising rangatahi as a priority group, Arena staff worked closely with young people to understand their needs and preferences. Questions like “How high do you think you can jump?” and “How deep?” helped shape the design of a custom-built, movable manu platform that met safety standards and reflected youth input.
The project also involved reviewing the wider pool network to identify gaps and ensure the new installation complied with diving safety guidelines. Collaboration with stakeholders and similar facilities reinforced the regional benefits of a connected aquatic system.
The result was a safe, purpose-built platform that could be set up or packed away as needed. It quickly became a hit, with regular manu competitions introduced to further foster community connection and participation.
“The fact that rangatahi were involved in the design from the start meant they felt ownership over the space,” said staff. “They respected it and were excited to have a dedicated place where they could just be themselves.”
The initiative has been praised by the community, including stakeholders and pool staff, as a model for incorporating youth voice into facility planning. It not only strengthened relationships between young people and public services but also highlighted the power of listening to those most affected by community decisions.
This Porirua success story is now an example of how local facilities can support active, empowered youth, by hearing them out and diving in with practical solutions.