Jono's vision integrates his love for LEGO with community engagement, mental health advocacy, and sustainability. Here's a brief synopsis:
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WA165 Steam Train Replica: A LEGO replica of the WA165 steam train will be built to honor his family's legacy in restoring the original, promoting local tourism and history.
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Pop-Up LEGO Store: We will set up a pop-up store to sell LEGO sets, host workshops where the community can help sort LEGO and build sets for resale, fostering community involvement.
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Educational Outreach: We're introducing neurodivergent-friendly LEGO games and activities in schools, enhancing inclusive education.
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Media Projects: Through "Spitting Bricks with Jono," a podcast/TV show, he'll document his journey, exploring creativity and LEGO across NZ.
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LEGO Bus Conversion: We plan to convert an old NZR Bedford bus into an electric vehicle, filling it with LEGO to travel Aotearoa, promoting creativity, storytelling, and STEAM learning while supporting neurodiversity.
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LEGO Workshop: We aim to establish New Zealand's first LEGO Workshop in an eco-friendly cottage, showcasing LEGO art from around the world, with a focus on mental health and creativity.
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Community and Mental Health: We are collaborating with local researchers, engaging with the community through social media, and seeking funding to support the mental health aspects of our initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact through LEGO.
This comprehensive plan uses LEGO as a medium to connect, educate, and heal, while celebrating creativity, heritage, and sustainability.