Browse these diverse reflections of hope. The Hope Project includes this media initiative that explores the subject of ‘hope’ with a broad range of New Zealanders. These reflections are authentic recollections from the people we spoke to on the streets. Activities (happening throughout the country) are based on the simple belief that if we share hope, we will grow it in our nation. It’s just another thing we can do to help make New Zealand a more hope-filled place. If you’d like to be part of the conversation, join us at our Facebook Community page at: www.facebook.com/HopeProjectNZ
As part of our exploration of ‘hope’, the Hope Project team have taken time to interview a wide cross-section of every-day New Zealanders - which in itself had been a thoroughly rewarding experience. However, in sharing these reflections, it is our hope that you will reflect on what ‘hope’ means for yourself... and to share your thoughts at our community Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HopeProjectNZ
"We've been married for 3 years and we know we don't see eye to eye on everything. But something we do agree ... whatever happens in the future, we hope we'll always find fun in whatever we do together - as we do now."
“At 51 I’m thoroughly enjoying gliding around on skateboards. I understand that my technique needs a bit of work, but I leave it to my 13 year old son to do the fancy tricks. I just hope that I’ll continue to find fun and enjoyment in everyday life and not feel the need to conform to the molds of others.”
We asked people on the streets to write a message of hope, attached it to a balloon, then let it float into the sky. For some it was a symbolic gesture about a hope they held for themselves. For others it was something they could do to encourage someone else. We think balloons are great and they just make us feel happy. But now balloons can also help us to grow a little more hope in our communities. The next time someone offers you a balloon... take it and do your bit to help make New Zealand a more hope-filled place.
We spoke with Sara in a city park. When asked about her hopes, she talked about her Mum. Sara hadn’t seen her for two years and missed her. Her mother now lives in Morocco and isn’t easily able to travel – nevertheless, Sara hopes that something will happen that will bring them together again. When the balloon floated into the sky, we wondered if it might, by some miracle, make it as far as Morocco.
We met this couple from Argentina who were in New Zealand on holiday visiting with friends. They were having a great time and wanted to make a gesture of thanks. Their hope for us all: ‘Peace, health and love’. Well, we think these are all very admirable things to hope for - thanks.
AJ had a really big hope for the world -
‘I hope terrorism can be eradicated from this world.’ When asked what kind of world it would be if his hope came true, he said: “Probably a world filled with candy and marshmallows. And lots of pinkness.”
And yes, AJ set a pink balloon free that day.
‘I hope terrorism can be eradicated from this world.’ When asked what kind of world it would be if his hope came true, he said: “Probably a world filled with candy and marshmallows. And lots of pinkness.”
And yes, AJ set a pink balloon free that day.
Gisele hoped that we can all learn to accept people for who they are – as they are. When asked why this was important to her, she said: “I hope for this because I think there’s such a pressure for us to all be the same – and to conform. But I really think that what makes us unique is truly beautiful about everybody.”
‘I hope for equality for all people of any gender, race, sexuality and person. Freedom of expression and love.’ Being heavily involved in the queer community, Krysta hopes that one day it won't be a big thing for people to come out as different from the norm.
“I hope for world peace... that’s all I can think of.”
As part of our exploration of ‘hope’, the Hope Project team have taken time to interview a wide cross-section of every-day New Zealanders – which in itself had been a thoroughly rewarding experience. However, in sharing these reflections, it is our hope that you will reflect on what ‘hope’ means for yourself… and to share your thoughts at our community Facebook page:www.facebook.com/HopeProjectNZ
From a reluctant start, Azriel decided to express a big picture hope and wrote: ‘I hope that we don’t let the world’s preconceptions of us hold us down.’ He explained that he came from a darker background, where expectations for his future weren’t really high. “I just want people to know that you can break a stereotype - and be more than just a statistic.”
Charlotte hopes that mothers can connect and support each other rather than feeling isolated and judged. She holds this hope having seen friends go through tough times.
We spoke to a couple of flatmates, who wrote: ‘Our hope is that your flatmates will always help you when you’re in need.’ “We’ve got a great flat and we hope that others can experience this - the same friedships that we have at our flat.”
Walter had some lofty hopes: ‘I hope for an end to all war, corporate greed and corruption - I hope that human rights are maintained for the greater good and that it brings about an everlasting peace.’ When asked about his thinking, he said: “We need to get these things out of the way so we can become everything we can really be.”
Evan wanted to make a statement in support of a close friend - ‘I hope you and your family find peace after the loss of your beautiful wife.’ He went on to explain that 3 weeks ago, his friend’s wife was lost to cancer - she was a real icon in their community and that this was a huge loss. Releasing this balloon was one small way to express support for a good friend and to encourage hope for the future.
Hayley had been studying sciences, only to find that it wasn’t for her. She’s now figured out what her direction should be and wanted to make a gesture of encouragement for her sister. She wrote: ‘I hope for my sister, and for the strength to study hard and ‘believe’ when working hard for her goals in life. Heart H.’
Alex wrote: ‘I hope that one day I will be able to give back everything my country has given to me - to someone less fortunate.’ When asked who’s been most instrumental in making her life so fortunate... she acknowledged her parents.
Lizzie wrote: ‘I hope for the day the word ‘gay’ loses its negative connotations.’ She went on to remark that it should be considered ‘normal’ and not ‘wrong’.
As part of our exploration of ‘hope’, the Hope Project team have taken time to interview a wide cross-section of every-day New Zealanders – which in itself had been a thoroughly rewarding experience. However, in sharing these reflections, it is our hope that you will reflect on what ‘hope’ means for yourself… and to share your thoughts at our community Facebook page:www.facebook.com/HopeProjectNZ
Bryce wrote: ‘A little bit of hope can get you places’. He then drew a smilie-face. The thinking was that someone far away would find this message... when asked what this meant to Bryce he said: “Hope can get you places - whether it’s just a job or family or just going through the days... just don’t give up.”
Margaret wrote: ‘I hope for world peace.’ She explained it this way: “We don’t realise how safe New Zealand is compared with overseas. World peace to me is respecting each others' customs and values – and caring about each other.”
Day-by-day we don’t often give mind-space to big-picture questions about ‘life’ and ‘hope’. We’re happy to have been the catalyst for this group of three to hold a quick conference - the result was that each recounted a proverb or phrase that we’ve all been hearing for years and years. Could it be that big truths in small proverbs help us to carry deeper wisdom? Here’s what they wrote: ‘You reap what you sow.’ ‘You are the product of your thoughts.’ ‘Everything happens for a reason.’
John and Shelley held a quick family conference to decide what their collective thought on ‘hope’ might be. They recalled an old Maori proverb: ‘Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.’ Sometimes seeing the positive side of things is a conscious choice... little Hazel certainly seems happy with their choice.
Dani, Chelsea and Claudia are friends. When sorting their thoughts about ‘hope’ they asked: “Can we do real similar ones? We are a group, so we work together.” We loved that thought so much that we figured that the best way to convey their thoughts was to blend them all together. The result: ‘We hope that no one is judged by the colour of their skin - in looking beyond this we’ll see the real person and can choose to be happy along with them. In the process we’ll eliminate frowning.’
