Activism for 'introverts': Craftivists find their political voice
Auckland crafters are on a mission to change the world one stitch at a time.
The newly-launched Craftivist Companions are turning to needlework to find their political voice at Ponsonby's Unitarian Church in central Auckland.
Ten “introverted” activists are creating mini protest banners
– the square placards will form a temporary quilt that will be presented to Auckland Council on April 1 for the updated living wage announcement.
The banners will then be left as “respectful graffiti” on public spaces such as lamp posts.
Group founder and church member Kay Parish said the goal was to get people thinking from a different perspective.
A midwife driven by a strong dislike of injustice, she was inspired by a movement in England led by Sarah Corbett and the Craftivist Collective.
“Sarah talks about craftivism as being an ideal form of activism for introverts, people who don’t love getting out there shouting and challenging people in a confrontational way,” said Parish.
“Craftivism is a way of approaching people more gently and presenting a message in a more respectful and thoughtful way.”
Corbett’s group persuaded British retailer Marks & Spencer to pay its workers a living wage by giving every board member a personalised hand-embroidered handkerchief explaining why paying a living wage should fit with their values.
“The board members really took that message on board ...and it just shifted their perspective,” Parish said.
The Titirangi resident said paying people a fair wage helped them live their lives with dignity.
Read more here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
20% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
60% Nah - not for me
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
-
85% Same!
-
15% Would have liked to try something different
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
-
78.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
-
21.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
Loading…
