The Commons Project

February 26, 2026

Finding a way home

It was only meant to be a six week project, but it lasted for two years. The engagement and results speak for themselves, with a number of city's most difficult to reach rough sleepers now housed.  Most of the 'kaewa' or 'wanderers' have been living on the streets for years and struggle with multiple issues including addiction and mental health problems.  Housing First- Otautahi sit up the commons project during covid so the homeless would have somewhere to gather during the lock down. The result was a shared meeting place in the central city, where those needing help could connect with those providing help, but on their on terms. The gatherings only last for a few hours each week, but that's all it takes to build trust and deepen relationships. My thanks to all the Kaewa who trusted me to keep their stories safe.

Farid Ahmed tours Nelson to speak to schools and community groups about compassion and forgiveness.

Wheelchair tour of Nelson

By John Sellwood • October 8, 2026
Farid makes a whistle stop tour of Nelson to speak with schools and community groups about Compassion and forgiveness. A survivor of the massacres at two Christchurch mosques in 2019, Farid is campaigning for March the 15th to be recognised as a day of compassion. He wants those who died to remembered for their love and not the hate visited upon their community by a lone gunman. In this video Farid speaks to: 

Māori Rock Art

By John Sellwood • June 7, 2026
For generations, the ancestral rock art of the Arowhenua people has been owned by others, with the land and limestone caves held in private ownership as part of a Gould family farm. Now after more than 170 years, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua has purchased back the land and full access and ownership of their ancient taonga.