Common Ground newsletter, May 2025
Topics:
Women R-Evolutionising Housing Hui—info & survey
CoHoHui—on the future of housing in Aotearoa
Participatory Permaculture Design for Thriving Neighbourhoods
Cooperative Living & Affordable Housing event—18 May near Motueka
Homefullness Show—upcoming episodes & first member
NZ Housing Survey—have your say for better housing choices
Community-Led and Affordable Housing--—a successful model
Housing Crisis Unlocked: The Legal Path to Affordable, Cooperative Living
In the latest episode of the Homefulness Show, Sophie, a PhD graduate in law, discusses her research on achieving affordable housing through collective and cooperative models.
The discussion covers the state of collective housing in New Zealand, challenges in changing the narrative around “only private” homeownership, and lessons from foreign models.
Sophie highlights the need for regulatory changes and stronger policies to recognize the right to housing as a human right. The conversation delves into practical solutions, legislative advancements, and spreading awareness about collective housing.
Building Strong Community Connections through Playback Improv Theatre
Playback Improv Theatre is a unique form of performance where the audience shares personal stories, and the actors “play back” those stories in an improvised performance. What makes this process so powerful is that we don’t just re-enact the events; we focus on the emotions of the storyteller—how they felt at that moment in time. This allows the community to connect on a deeper emotional level, learning things about each other’s lives that might never have come up in everyday conversation.
Each time we perform, we witness incredible moments of commonality, empathy, and shared celebration—or sometimes mourning—of life’s significant events. The collective experience of watching these stories unfold on stage fosters a greater sense of understanding and unity within the community. After each performance, we hold a discussion where the audience can reflect on how the stories made them feel, further opening up conversations and connections around themes of identity, emotions, and shared experience.
Building a non-residential community of purpose and belonging
The five take-aways from this interview are:
Positive Impact:
The intentional community has profoundly impacted individuals, helping those suffering from depression and disconnection. Members express deeply personal benefits and emotional support from the community, which enhances their sense of belonging and life purpose.
Concept of Homefullness:
"Homefullness" is described as the feeling of being able to rely on and connect with people around you. It emphasizes the importance of interrelatedness and creating a supportive environment that fosters a sense of home.
Development and Leadership:
The community, initiated as a thesis project, has continued to thrive for years. The leadership promotes shared roles and responsibilities, empowering members to take on leadership roles and contributing to the evolution of the community. Leadership includes facilitating conflict resolution and ensuring equitable participation.
Ecological and Social Activities:
Key activities include bi-weekly potlucks that strengthen social bonds, garden days that teach and involve members in sustainable practices, and various thematic events that encourage community engagement and personal growth.
Measuring Success and Future Vision:
Success is measured qualitatively through heartfelt feedback from members rather than formal metrics. The community prioritizes emotional and social well-being through personal testimonies and shared experiences. Future visions include potentially expanding to a more residential model while continuing to foster inclusive and cooperative community practices.