Positivity party on Auckland overpass

West Auckland locals take to a busy overpass to spread positivity amongst commuters.

A group led by Regan Staples and Ethan Smith have been throwing what they call a ‘positivity party’ at the West Auckland motorway overpass.

Staples says that the idea was created through repeated talks about the effects of negativity on people's mental health.

“It started after a conversation we've had many times; about how social media and news media is inundated with negativity and divisiveness these days.”

Waving signs, dancing and cheering started off as a banter and quickly became reality.

“I half-jokingly suggested that we have days where we go to an overpass and try to spread positivity and unity.

“Ethan is a very enthusiastic person so next thing I know we're doing it,” says Staples.

Responses from the public were positive, with many pedestrians and drivers sending back a wave or tooting their horn as they went past.

Staples recalls his interaction with a passerby who confirmed the value of their actions.

“On the very first day we did this, an older lady with her dog walked past us and I could see on her face that she got a real kick out of us hyping up and spreading positivity for people in traffic and walking by.

“The next week she stopped and told us that we actually made her day”.

For Staples and Smith, moments like this make all their efforts worthwhile.

“Honestly if she was the one and only person that felt like that, I'd feel like we did a great job. Her words really made it all worth it.” says Staples.

Te Kotuku Ki Te Rangi’s clinical service director Vita Dick says positivity is so important for mental health.

“It’s absolutely important, especially for people living with mental illness. It shows that people care.

“With all the uncertainty in the world at the moment it’s those little moments that help.”

Dick encourages everyone to reach out with their community service providers or GP when they are struggling.

“They often have the best resources to help you, and of course, talking to Whānau and friends.”

Negative reactions to the positivity have been rare but still occur sometimes.

“I heard one guy on a bike say, ‘You guys don't even know what you're fighting for,’” says Staples.

Although, he remains unfazed by their comments and knows their goal is connection and not activism.

“I absolutely think every little bit counts. Positivity, unity, and laughing is infectious.

“If society got ourselves to where we are through the propagation of negativity and divisiveness then we can get ourselves out by reaching out to each other,” he says.

But behind all the giggles and smiles, the pair hope to provide something deeper.

“If anyone needs anything from a shoulder to cry on or new friends to rely on, I hope they come up to us and have a kōrero to see how we can help.”

*AI was not used in the creation of this story.