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Pukekura Park the purr-fect setting for Ross the Cat video with help from NPDC Creative Communities funding

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PUBLISHED: 23 JUL 2025
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A host of Taranaki tamariki bring two of Ngāmotu New Plymouth’s stand-out stars to life in a new short film based on the best-selling local children’s book, Ross the Cat, thanks to funding from the NPDC-managed Creative Communities Scheme.​

The children read the story of Ross and his favourite hang-out, Pukekura Park, highlighting the many attractions at the world-class, multiple Green Flag recipient park, which Ross roams almost every day.​

"Never work with children and animals – isn’t that the saying? Well, following the success of my book Ross the Cat, I decided to create a real-life action version involving local children to narrate the story and of course, including the real-life Ross. The video was professionally shot to showcase the story and Pukekura Park at its best. It is a celebration of young talent in the district, a high-profile feline ambassador and the iconic Pukekura Park,” said author Helen Griffiths.​

"Creative Communities supported the project that combined community storytelling with children’s involvement in the arts. Their enthusiasm and excitement were obvious, and the project culminated in a red-carpet premiere at the Len Lye Cinema, giving the children a taste of film star glamour – no doubt the first of many appearances for some.”​

The video production received $2,755 from the Creative Communities Scheme.​ Creative Communities funding applications are open until 18 August.  Find out more and apply here.

FAST FACTS​

  • The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between the government’s Creative New Zealand arts agency and councils to promote community involvement, diversity and young people participating in the arts.​
  • Each year the NPDC Creative Communities Scheme distributes around $50,000 on behalf of Creative New Zealand to local artists and arts groups.​
  • Artists and arts groups can apply for up to $2,500 each round, but larger amounts can be granted for major projects.​
  • Last year the scheme helped about 40 artists and arts groups.​

Caption: Author Helen Griffiths and video star Ross the Cat. Photo supplied. 

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Page last updated: 09:58am Wed 23 July 2025

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