Designer key to communicating project vision

Student journalist Fareh Farhan spoke to North Harbour hockey player Samantha Weston about her role as the graphic designer for our environmental restoration.

Samantha Weston may not fit the conventional image of someone driving an environmental restoration initiative, but it is precisely this divergence that makes her contribution to Te Hōnonga a Iwi so powerful. As a professional graphic designer, she brings a rare yet crucial skillset into the environmental sphere: the art of visual communication.

Her journey with Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park began serendipitously. During a casual conversation at a birthday gathering with project founder Nicky Shave, Samantha offered her design expertise—unaware this spontaneous gesture would evolve into a central role as the creative architect behind the project’s identity. At the time, the kaupapa was unnamed, but what followed was a process deeply rooted in collaboration, trust, shared vision, and bold innovation.

From the outset, Samantha saw something that many people overlook: the power of design to strengthen how Te Hōnonga a Iwi’s vision is displayed. In her own words, design is often treated as “fluff” in environmental projects, seen as an optional extra rather than an essential part of how a kaupapa is communicated.

However, Te Hōnonga a Iwi took a different approach. Nicky Shave immediately understood the value of Samantha’s perspective, giving her the freedom and support to shape the visual identity from the ground up. This reflects one of the project’s greatest strengths: its openness to embracing and uplifting diverse perspectives, encouraging contributors to shape the kaupapa through their unique skills and passions.

The name Te Hōnonga a Iwi means “the connection of people,” and Samantha's design choices reflect that value. The logo, which she developed in close consultation with the team, combines powerful symbols: a koru to represent growth and new beginnings, a water droplet to acknowledge the surrounding awa and natural ecosystems, and a leaf to symbolise regeneration. Each element ties back to core values such as community, environmental care, and respect for kaupapa Māori.

Inclusivity was a key part of her design process. The main typeface used by Te Hōnonga a Iwi supports macrons for te reo Māori, and a secondary font includes Chinese characters—an intentional move that ensures the project welcomes a wider audience. She also chose a bright, rainbow-coloured theme to reflect diversity and warmth, setting a tone that is inviting, fun, and engaging.

Samantha’s creative process is thorough and grounded in research. She began by identifying key themes: environment, regeneration, and community. She studied Māori carving traditions and worked closely with the wider team to ensure the designs were not just visually appealing, but culturally respectful and meaningful. This aligns with Te Hōnonga a Iwi’s wider vision of working with mana whenua and recognising the significance of the land, people, and stories tied to Rosedale Park.

One of Samantha’s proudest achievements was designing a permanent sign for the project site. Made from a large stone and recyclable aluminium, the sign is both durable and environmentally responsible. What excites her most is that this was a collaborative effort made possible through relationships with experts, project volunteers, and the trust placed in her vision. For Samantha, it was more than just a creative job; it was a practical expression of sustainability in action.

Working with Te Hōnonga a Iwi has shifted the way Samantha approaches her own professional design work. She now considers the long-term environmental impact of every project, looking for ways to reduce waste, reuse resources, and support community values. While many parts of the design industry still rely on fast-paced, single-use outputs, Samantha is proof that there is a better way forward: one that combines creativity with conscious decision-making.

To others thinking about getting involved in community-led projects, especially those outside the typical environmental space, Samantha Weston offers genuine encouragement. “It’s super fulfilling,” she says. “You get to try new things, meet the best people, and make an actual difference. If you want to help, just ask. There’s probably a place for your skills.”

Why not become part of a growing movement—one that allows you to develop your leadership potential, expand your networks, and actively shape a more sustainable future for Aotearoa?