Youth Search and Rescue (YSAR) is proud to present a four-year journey of community collaboration, technology integration, and youth empowerment through our partnership with the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust (OKT) and Zespri International. Both YSAR and OKT are recipients of the Zespri Community funds and work closely together for positive community outcomes. This project, which focuses on YSAR supporting OKT's conservation efforts, exemplifies the power of community-led initiatives in advancing ecological stewardship and resilience. YSAR has provided critical GIS capabilities to OKT by deploying tools such as Survey123 and ArcGIS to optimize the management of pest trap and bait lines across over 1,200 hectares of protected kiwi habitat. This project has been supported by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council's GIS teams, leveraging the newly established Community Repeater site, developed in partnership with Eagle Technology. Looking ahead, the project will integrate next-generation communication technologies to further enhance field operations.

This is a joint venture project of the Cancer Society─University of Otago Research Collaboration (Te Rōpū Rangahau ō Te Kāhui Matepukupuku). The imperative for cancer prevention extends beyond individual efforts to encompass community-wide initiatives, especially in spaces where our children learn, play and live. The Cancer Society underscores the pivotal role of Territorial Authorities (referred to hereafter as ‘councils’) in shaping environments conducive to health and well-being. This presentation unveils our innovative approach, harnessing the power of GIS technology to advocate for crucial factors in cancer prevention within council playgrounds. Our work integrates data from a nationwide research study on shade provision in approximately 3,500 council-managed playgrounds, culminating in two dynamic resources utilising ARCGIS technology.

Nationwide Playground Mapping:

Our publicly accessible map, which will be launched on the 1st September 2024, serves as a comprehensive guide to council playgrounds across Aotearoa New Zealand. Beyond pinpointing locations, it intricately overlays shade ratings, playground amenities, and contents. We delineate shade availability for both playground users and spectators, leveraging visual media to emphasize the importance of sun protection. Each playground entry is accompanied by photographs, offering a tangible glimpse into the recreational spaces that shape our communities.

Advocacy Resource for Cancer Society Staff:

Complementing our public-facing tool, this resource equips Cancer Society health promotion staff with a robust advocacy platform when engaging with councils. It mirrors the content of the public map while providing succinct summaries, facilitating targeted advocacy efforts. With customisable filters, health promoters can tailor their messaging to specific councils, amplifying the urgency of prioritizing cancer prevention initiatives in outdoor facilities.