Children’s creations to shine a light on conservation

Published on 29 August 2025

Thanks to the creativity of local children and help from UCOL’s Workhub, Palmerston North’s city centre will soon be lit up in spectacular fashion on the wall of Downtown Event Cinemas as part of Conservation Week 2025.

In an effort to raise awareness of global wildlife conservation, 16 tamariki from the Manawatū Multicultural Council’s ‘Welcoming Schools’ programme have spent the past 10 weeks working with local artist Belle Chadwick to create vibrant drawings of endangered animals.

Working with UCOL’s Workhub, Bachelor of Creative Media student James McDonald has transformed their fabulous artworks into digital animations, bringing them to life.

In its second year, Palmy Walls Alive is part of our Council Play Policy, which encourages creative and playful ways to make the city more vibrant and welcoming for tamariki and whānau.

This year’s project, ‘Palmy Walls Alive 2025 – Wildlife Illuminated’, has given the children the chance to grow their artistic skills, learn about wildlife conservation, and see their work showcased in the heart of the city.

Artist, Belle Chadwick says the project is about creativity with a powerful purpose.

“The art is a call to action for wildlife conservation with kids using their talent as a point of difference to highlight the importance of these amazing animals that we’re in danger of losing from the world.”

She says working with the children has been deeply rewarding.

“It was important to pass on my knowledge and my love for wildlife and art in the natural world with these children, who have absolutely surprised me with their enthusiasm and willingness to take everything in and make their mark on the world. I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be part of this.”

UCOL’s Workhub Facilitator and creative lecturer, Leanne Miller, says it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity through projects like this to connect current students with industry mahi.

“This project has allowed James the opportunity to refine his animation skills in new and innovative ways. Taking flat illustrations and creating them into animated works of life provided the platform to create characters with their own personalities that interact with each other.”

The animated projections will launch during National Conservation Week from 1–7 September and can be viewed on Broadway Avenue after dark. The original artworks will also be displayed at the Palmerston North Central Library through the week.