Capturing Community Voices: Roslyn Youth's Photovoice Journey
December 15, 2025
The Roslyn Community Hub Feasibility Study has been more than a planning exercise—it’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and shared aspirations through the lens of local voices.
Photovoice was one of the participatory methods used in the Roslyn Community Hub Feasibility Study, offering a creative way for individuals to share their perspectives.
What is Photovoice?
Photovoice is a participatory research method that empowers individuals to share their perspectives through photography. Participants, youth aged 16-24 years, took photos that reflect their experiences, ideas, and hopes. These images became the foundation for group discussions, storytelling, and ultimately a public exhibition—ensuring local voices are seen, heard, and valued in shaping community development.
Insights from Roslyn
Through Photovoice, Roslyn residents revealed what truly matters to them:
Belonging & Identity: Churches, friendships, and cultural spaces anchor community life.
Nature & Environment: Parks and green spaces offer connection and wellbeing.
Basic Needs: Food security and transport access remain critical for resilience.
Aspirations: Education, travel, and cultural continuity inspire future goals.
Community Voice: Behind practical needs lies emotional and cultural depth—reminding us that development is about people first.
A Window into Roslyn
These photographs, now displayed at the Roslyn Library, offer a vivid glimpse into the heart of the community—from treasured green spaces and bustling streets to quiet corners and places of faith. Each image tells a story of belonging, resilience, and hope.
Photovoice is more than art; it’s a conversation starter. It invites everyone to reflect on what makes Roslyn unique and how a community hub can strengthen these qualities.
Why It Matters
By centering local voices, the feasibility study ensures the proposed hub will not only serve the community but embody its spirit. Mana Pacific is proud to support this initiative, demonstrating the power of participatory research in shaping meaningful, community-led development.
When we listen—and truly see—the stories of our communities, we build spaces that matter.
"This photo of the resource I created with some of the kids at the Roslyn Library...it represents my growing connection to the land, the people, and the history of the place where I am learning to teach. Making this resource helped me understand the significance of mana whenua and the value of sharing local stories with tamariki. It also reflects my commitment to being a culturally responsive educator—someone who honours te ao Māori and incorporates local history in meaningful ways. This resource is not just a teaching tool; it is a reminder of my own learning journey, my respect for the stories of this region, and my responsibility to pass them on with accuracy and aroha" Fa'afetai
"I often come here and enjoy the arts and crafts when I can, I also love the wifi."Suia
"(Family home in Vaigaga, Samoa) Samoa is my first home. A land of radiant sunshine, crystal-clear seas, lush green plantations, and warm-hearted people. I carry deep pride in my aganuu (traditions), my gagana (language), and my fa’asinomaga (identity), which continue to define who I am. It was hard to find another place home. But I have here [Roslyn]"
"Every sunrise feels like a gift, a reminder that life has granted me another day. Watching the sun rise and set is my time of peace; a chance to meditate, reflect, and express gratitude for the beauty of creation and the blessing of life itself...A blessing to live in Roslyn and to see sunsets like this..."Suia
"This is more the negative side of Roslyn that is more hidden and then don't get fixed and could be a lot nicer...I don't think many people know about this path at Pitt Park...it goes straight through to the doctors...it would be useful to a lot of people though...we need better access ways"Oscar
"He [Pastor] lived 5 houses away from the church and he was a significant part of my life and allowed me to use may talents in church. He encouraged me to be a better person everyday. We visited there [pastor's house] every day and sunday to drop off koogai [Sunday lunch] on behalf of my grandparents. We used to go there for band and sing cause his daughter is the leader of the band leader and we would practice our songs and learn from each other." Selyndah
"When I first came to New Zealand and it was my first day at Freyberg school, it was a rainy day but luckily I can see a double rainbow...it was really cool and beautiful...you know in Vietnam, the rainbow is really small and really rare...I showed my friends and family this photo too and I said that I am ok and beautiful community..." Kenny
"My old house in Roslyn, this is my last memory of me and my dad...and that's where I learned how to dance and remix songs and stuff. Now I'm in the church band using my talents... This house is special because my dad passed away 3 years ago in 2022. 3 of my siblings also grew up there and it shows how long we lived there and how much it's a special place. We lived there for like 8 years."Selyndah
"My friends bring joy, laughter, and emotional support. They accept me for wo I am, and together we create memories that remind me of the beauty of shared experiences. Their presence helps me grow and keeps life vibrant...If I wasn't here [in Roslyn] the I wouldn't really have close connections I don't think..."Maryanne
"I took this photo on the football field cause you know the grass gets cut so many days...you know our football field in Vietnam the grass maybe high as my tummy so it's really hard to play and no one cuts it...And when I see the grass here and the nature is really good and beautiful and it makes me feel satisfied...with my toys its small about 15cm so it shows the grass is small but also why not display outside of the box...in some anime the robots are outside in nature and the city...my toys go on an adventure"Kenny
"The church was one of my first classroom's, where I discovered God, listened to Bible stories, and built the foundation of my faith...It shaped may values and taught me the importance of spiritual guidance in my life..."Peta
“My Church is a place that means a lot to me cause, this is where I had gifts and talents that I never knew I had- like playing instruments. I remembered that I asked our leader if I can be in the band and she helped me realise my dream. I visit here daily and strengthen my faith and share with peers and other youth" Selyndah
"The photos of Pitt Park are really important because there's lots of bush there and plants and it's a nice place to walk around...It attracts a lot of native birds and plants there as well...at school we sometimes go down there for PE and it's also a great place to walk dogs, not unless you're not a dog person..."
"I think it's really important to have these [kai pantries] especially because of the price of groceries now and it's not really easy for people to access foods...This is always full to the brim. There's a man, I'm not sure who he is, but he fills it up with bread and buns like everyday. I see people taking in [food[ allthe time, so I know that it's helpful...sometimes we go down there if we need it...I have helped the man once cause, he needed help filling it..."Oscar
"I think it's important because we don't have a car and my mum has a disability, so we use the bus quite often...I find it really important to have access to public transport... it's good cause we need to get groceries, go to school and work. We don't want to have to pay to get a taxi or an uber... the bus is significantly cheaper, and we use it everyday. The bus has ramps, and they can lower the bus for mum's wheelchair which is good. Also, the Māori designs are important so we can acknowledge them [Māori] too..." Oscar
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