Community campaign celebrates safe advocates

What does a “safe person” look like?

They don’t have to be wearing a uniform or a badge, says Cultural Conversations creative director, Tanya Nock.

“Could they be the person next door? The teacher? The hair braider down the road? We want to encourage people to see that safety and support can come from anyone in the community.”

When safety is often equated with authority, a new campaign is aiming to reframe it — highlighting everyday people who quietly provide safety, trust, and connection.

The Community Advocates project, run by the Nelson arts and community hub, and in partnership with Motueka Family Service Centre, is showcasing portraits and quotes of ordinary “safe“ people.

They are appearing on calendars, fridge magnets, and billboards around the region.

For some, seeking help from mainstream services may feel “scary,” but finding someone safe in the community could open the door to support, Nock said.

“We were intentional about choosing people who are trusted in their spaces — often the quiet achievers.”

The portraits, taken by World Press award-winning photographer Tatsiana Chypsanava, are accompanied by each advocate’s positive messages focused on family safety and building a harmonious community.

Among those featured are youth leaders, a Buddhist monk, a former refugee, an arts worker, a sculpture artist, and more.

Lo’an Heran, a registered social worker with Whanake Youth in Stoke, said his message was that safety started with having basic needs met — and being yourself without fear.

“Safety in the family means access to food, shelter, and love,” he said. “And in the community, it’s being able to be who you are, without being judged or attacked. Especially for wāhine — safety means being able to walk at night without fear.”

As someone who migrated from France 10 years ago, being part of the campaign held deep personal meaning.

“Now I’ve been recognised by the community as a safe person. It’s a big gap. And it’s a big, huge thing for me.”

Every day, he aimed to show up for youth — offering safe, non-judgemental spaces to be themselves and speak freely.

“Many in the community can be a safe person. And sometimes it’s a neighbour who can help another neighbour.”

Joshua Smith, who works for the Ministry of Education’s attendance service, said his message was about “turning up and being present”.

“That kind of lost idea of the village,” he said. “There is a togetherness—you’re actually part of a community, and we can talk to each other.”

As an attendance kaiāwhina, Smith works to dismantle old ideas about truancy officers.

“Our referrals come from the school, but it’s the whānau we work for. We build trust—and from there, we can dig into the sometimes uncomfortable truths about why students aren’t engaging.

“From there, build little plans. Some work, some don’t. You just keep going back. It’s about relationship and, you know, trust.”

By being part of the campaign and showing his face, he was “more than happy to get behind the kaupapa” and be visible, approachable, and part of that collective effort.

It was about putting a hand out and saying, “I’m here if you need”.

Calendars and magnets will be available next week, with billboards already appearing ahead of Matariki.

Cultural Conversations, launched in 2019, has become a vital hub for former refugees, migrants, and under-served communities in Nelson and offers social enterprise opportunities.

Some include Global Stitch Up, a sewing collective supporting women from migrant backgrounds, and Her Business Journey, a directory for migrant women starting their own businesses toward a pathway of independence.

Source: Nina Hindmarsh, Nelson Mail , https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360721529/community-campaign-celebrates-everyday-safe-advocates