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.
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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