Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Locals of all ages tried out circus games using skills which can also be useful when dealiing with real-life situations according to the organisers Circability.

Locals were excited to “pick up circus props and have a play, as soon as the event started”, said Circability team members.

The activities help children develop their determination and problem-solving skills, they add.

“If a kid drops something, seeing them figure out how to pick it back up, that can be carried into everything else in your life.”

Children learn to trust themselves, which team members believe helps them exit their comfort zone in a public space.

Auckland Council funding is crucial to support such community events, says Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light, especially helping people struggling with the  cost-of-living crisis to take part.

Funding allows local communities to run events and break barriers, “if we can make it free, it removes the barrier and engages people”, Light said.

People are led to try something new and “open them up to a whole new world of experiences that they’ve never thought of before”, Light said.

However, he  says that adjustments need to be made so that people can understand local events better.

“We rely a lot on Facebook for promotion; the usage is generally declining, and it doesn’t (reach) a demographic that don’t use it,” Light said.

This declining usage can result in la struggle to connect with diverse cultural communities, he added.