Stories of Water - Animations
COLLABORATORS:
Stitchbird Strategy, National Park Studios, Charles Paringatai, Jen Craddock
CREATED FOR :
Waiaroha Water Discovery Centre, Heretaunga Hastings
Our Watercycle
An animation created for Waiaroha Water Discovery Centre in Heretaunga Hastings, tracing the journey of water from trickling mountain streams through groundwater, the treatment plant, the sewers, and out to sea, where it evaporates and forms into clouds.
A curious water drop leads the way, greeting a tuna and a pūkeko along the journey, with warmth that makes infrastructure feel like an adventure.
Made to build water literacy and connection to the local water system for visitors of all ages. Helping communities understand where their water comes from, where it goes, and why it matters.
Our Water Use
An animation exploring our relationship with water — how little of the world's water is drinkable, how much is hidden underground in aquifers, how much our bodies depend on it, and how much the average person uses every day.
Designed to make abstract numbers feel real and recognisable, helping visitors connect their daily habits to the wider water system and consider what it means to use water well.
The Whakapapa of Water
An animation created for Waiaroha at the request of local hapū, and narrated by the niece of a holder of this kōrero.
It traces the journey of water from Aio and Te Kore all the way to the sea to Tangaroa and Tāwhirimātea.
Every illustration was developed in close collaboration with carver Charles Paringatai, bringing his carving language into the animated work.
The animation plays in the education centre at Waiaroha. At the opening ceremony it was projection mapped onto the outside of the building itself — a way of bringing the story into the open air and into the life of the place.
