Easter was our second showcase of the year at Our Rakino Community Arts gallery, and it kicked off with a community get-together organised by the participating artists on Good Friday. A big thank you to all the artists, and to everyone that turned up over the weekend to support their efforts! It was arranged at very short notice, so I was really impressed at how it came together. We hope to be able to present another showcase for Labour Weekend, with more artists participating, and a dedicated space for Rakino kids to show their artworks too. I’m contemplating a Rakino logo/flag contest. Bellbirds with laser eyes coming to an inbox near me…
It was quite a throng!Regular arts enthusiasts Elisabeth and David putting their best smiles forward.Lauren and Mr. Felix Fox.An admirer of Holly’s work.Sheryl Garden’s lovely drawings were very popular….….as were Carolyn MacKenzie’s vibrant paintings!Julianne Taylor’s detailed etchings were coveted. 🙂 Mia Straka’s beautiful contemporary jewellery.Jim Wheeler’s bronzes and prints were snapped up…Harriet’s pearls were in demand!
The fate and future of the hall has been in almost endless discussion over recent years, but matters look like coming to a head.
The RRA committee look close to making some decisions, and they are asking for feedback with a very tight timeline. I thought I’d help out by canvassing the community about what they want from public facilities, and encourage a bit of discussion.
We are told that saving the existing hall, library, and gallery / art space is not a feasible option, so now is a critical point to have your say.
In the past few years, here’s what the facilities have been used for:
*Wedding Venue
*Parties & Celebrations
*Library
*Art Exhibitions
*Studio space for artists
*Venue for visiting musicians
*Hang out area for the kids and other table tennis fanatics
*Community meetings
*Theatrical plays
*Shelter from the storm whilst waiting for the ferry
*Storage for crappy old furniture
It has been suggested that, due to budget constrictions, a new building could not have the same footprint, and that a dedicated library and art space would not be possible.
There are an increasing number of people visiting the island, so any talk of a smaller venue is foolish. We need to plan for the future, not ten years ago.
The council seems to be prepared to cough up around $300,000.
It must be noted that a show of hands at the RRA meeting showed strong support for the construction of a new building, because it was presented as a fait accompli.
Currently, the hall has a usable space of around 50 square meters, which is marginal as far as a functioning venue is concerned. The current proposal by the RRA committee involves demolishing the existing hall and replacing it with a turning circle for SUVs. The new building would replace the existing loos which is an additional zero meters above sea level compared to its current location.
Here’s an online survey for you to have your say. Log in and check the boxes for what you’d like to see from new community facilities, also please comment on this. I must stress this survey is not on behalf of the RRA, it’s informal but hopefully useful. The results will be passed onto the RRA committee. You have 3 weeks, so get amongst it! You’ll need to log in to vote.
Chairman Clews has decreed the minutes will only be published through ‘approved channels’, so miscreants with ‘agendas’ can be excluded. Alas, discerning reader, he was referring to this website, because I had the audacity to publish what he felt was a less than flattering portrait of his conduct as Chairman in my Anarchist Amanuensis minutes, which you can read here.. https://www.rakino.org.nz/2020/10/28/rra-meeting-25-10-20/
I believe it was an accurate portrayal. The job of the Chair in a community meeting is to move the meeting along at a decent clip, ensuring protocol and procedure are attended to, and that the agenda is adhered to, not to use the position as a podium to bluster at reprobates who have displeased the chair.
Because I find the passing of motions very tedious, I’ve chosen to write a review of the meeting instead. I will publish the ‘official’ minutes if they ever get published on the official channel, because they are community property, and I know how to cut and paste. Aside from that a goodly portion of you lovely subscribers indicated it was something you wanted, so I want to hold to my promise. Happy days.
Here starteth the review:
I arrived fractionally late to the meeting, so missed the apologies. Alas, I have almost no idea who is officially on the committee, so I couldn’t tell if anyone was absent.
Almost immediately some long-building frictions surfaced. Kevin Wragge and Chairman Clews fro-ed and to-ed, with regard to matters of constitution and whether or not the RRA was adhering to it.
It wasn’t, of course, but that’s because subs haven’t been collected in a long time. Here is the constitution, if you would like to familiarise yourself with it. Parts of it make quite interesting reading, but more of that later… https://www.rra.nz/assets/RRA_Constitution.pdf
Stephen Thomas said the purpose of the RRA was to liaise with council, but having perused the constitution, I’d suggest it’s rather more than that, and some of it’s reason for existence may have wayside fallen in recent years.
The upshot was that most of the decent and long-suffering folks attending the meeting should not have been permitted to speak at said meeting because of clauses 6,7,8, and 9, but for some obscure reason this was waived. Alas! The meeting would have been considerably shorter if it had not, and we could have all enjoyed the lovely day instead, except for me, and maybe a couple of others who had paid subs, who may have felt compelled to stay indoors endlessly re-litigating meetings gone past. But I digress…
Chairman Clews then decreed from the podium that the RRA minutes will only be published through aforementioned ‘approved channnels’, because of the aforementioned miscreants with agenda (me, the Anarchist Amanuensis). I have no agenda, of course, except to promote arts, culture, environmental and conservation values on our lovely island, but because I permitted Kevin Wragge to publish his concerns about the future of island facilities in an opinion piece on this website, with a careful preface from me, I apparently have an ‘agenda’.
To reiterate; anyone may submit articles for publication on www.rakino.org.nz including Chairman Clews, or any members of the RRA, for that matter. All I request is that there is nothing defamatory and no private emails submitted. This website exists to inform, educate, and promote community engagement and democracy. If you were at this point to glance at the RRA constitution, you would see that is part of their mandate, at clauses i, j, k, and l, but that’s okay, Rakino citizens will happily carry out those activities with no interference from the committee. We don’t holiday in a dictatorship.
I welcome your articles with open arms! It’s very time-consuming maintaining a website and trying to keep it fresh, something the secretary of the RRA will soon discover. But I digress…
David Mahon then made his presentation with regard to the hall. This is a deeply contentious issue that has been re-litigated endlessly.
The upshot of David’s presentation was that we would have a smaller building with no separate space for the artists studios/gallery, and that the library could be down-sized to a cupboard.
There was no clarity regarding questions about budget, and no actual square meterage was hinted at.
We all accepted the oft-repeated stories about health and safety/maintenance issues/that the council won’t provide a community facility for ’17 people’, without any supporting documentation. As such, the majority of the minority attending the meeting all put up their hands for a new building, presumably to be constructed on a small footprint at the bottom of a crumbly cliff, but not until Barbara suggested a show of hands could be a good idea. Thank goodness for that suggestion, otherwise the repetitive re-litigation could have gone on for days. Kevin suggested an OIA was made with regard to hall costings. Chairman Clews concurred.
The most outrageous thing we were told was that Downer have not been doing the scheduled maintenance on the Hall complex as contracted, and to quote Chairman Clews, the trip out to Rakino to do maintenance has long been regarded as a junket. If this is true, I would suggest the council take immediate steps to look into this claim and recover any costs due from Downer for failing to do their job. There does not appear to be any accountability, from anyone.
When the Anarchist Amanuensis took the hall proposal back to her compatriots who did not have the inclination to attend the RRA meeting, there was a righteous anger. A smaller facility is pointless; there will be no weddings at a tiny venue, no visiting musicians, no plays performed, no community arts, or holiday arts classes for your children. The library is a well-used facility. Never suggest to a community that you may downsize their library; it’s unthinkable! This would not happen in Auckland City, and should not happen on Rakino.
What there will be is a venue for RRA meetings, which will be perfectly adequate, because no more than 35 people ever attend them.
The community was invited to submit feedback, which I’m sure you all will!
Elisabeth reported on the baseline marine survey, the finding of kina barrens, sediment run-off, functionally extinct crayfish, and over-fishing. She spoke about Waiheke instigating a rahui on the collection of crays, scallops, mussels, and paua. The survey is still to be completed. We are still looking forward to the visit from Dr. Tim Haggitt to present his findings to the community. Regretfully ‘Walks, Talks, and Snorks’ had to be postponed a couple of times because of lockdowns and Cup racing, but fingers crossed this cool event can still happen at some stage. You can read about it here… https://www.rakino.org.nz/2020/12/19/walks-talks-and-snorks/
Please ignore the date; it’s awaiting a refresh!
Many thanks to Elisabeth for her succinct and to the point presentation, worthy of emulation.
The next topic to arise was the fire situation. At some stage there will be a meeting in town and on island to work on the creation of a community resilience plan in conjunction with FENZ. There was much reminiscing about fires gone past, and at this point I briefly started to lose the will to live. The Anarchist Amanuensis has asked a few times to be supplied with some fire safety prevention information to publish, but it’s yet to materialise. I’d love to publish some simple handy tips about prevention, and print them out to distribute to any interested bach owners and Rakino visitors who aren’t accustomed to island protocol around fire prevention and safety, but it’s still to be acted on, because no-one seems to have the time to supply them, despite education being what FENZ wants most of all.
Unfortunately all of the recent island fires have been due to carelessness which was preventable. Statistically we also have high rates of fire incidents if you consider the size of the island and the number of dwellings.
Les then provided the Dog, Dragon boat, and Delinquent report, which has become a recent highlight of RRA meetings. The BAD DOG that bit Les has been re-domiciled in the country, so good luck to all the hapless sheep out there. Apparently the juvies are out in force, driving cars underage, rampaging around on scooters, still playing at hood ornaments. At this point the Anarchist Amanuensis finally managed to shout over the top of the males of a certain age who enjoy dominating RRA meetings at volume and explain the Island Battleaxes including herself have had words with said delinquents but to no avail. The dragon boat racing hasn’t happened for a couple of years, and I believe Wayne and Carleen offered to take over the organising of the event. Apologies if I’m mistaken, but the good volunteers were sitting behind me. Chairman Clews held forth for a bit.
Bev made her report in a good humoured fashion that is to be applauded, regarding the new no parking signs that everyone is wilfully ignoring. Please people, don’t park you cars there; it’s a hazard for pedestrians if you do. It’s also potentially an environmental hazard, and a Hank hazard.
Please be considerate. Bev is just trying to enforce the council rules, and she has no mandate to do anything other than to appeal to your better natures. C C h f f a b.
We were supposed to nominate and elect officers, as per the sent out agenda, the relevant details cut and pasted here, however we didn’t get to 8, and 9 on the agenda…
“Agenda 10am Sunday 4th April 2021 Location: The Hall Rakino Island
1)Welcome
2)Apologies
3)Past Minutes See attached Finances and Correspondence ST to present a) Financial Report inc. Payments received / to be made , Cash Book status ST b) Subs Actions to get back on track c) Correspondence IN / OUT
4)Community Hall The hall maintenance is still a stumbling block. Present possible way forward on the hall but need to understand the community needs. DM to present possible options
5)Marine Survey Report. Due to Covid there has been a delay in getting on island meeting to present. EE to give update
6)Fire Capability for the Island. Need to discuss. Propose of the meetings with FENZ and the outcomes. Define best times to have community meeting both on the island and in city.
7)General Business
8)Nominations
9)Election of Officers Meeting Closed”
Meeting closed at 11.54am. I was relieved to see Kevin Wragge proffer Chairman Clews a manly handshake on the way out.
Sadly there were no baked treats or cups of tea. The Anarchist Amanuensis left feeling angry and depressed, and narrowly avoided stepping in a pile of dog turds poised outside the hall. Happily she ran into a good citizen outside who shared with her a fabulous idea for an island event next Easter. Watch this space! 🙂
If I were to offer up one criticism of this meeting in my review it would be that we don’t get to hear from a variety of voices. This is because a few men of a certain age loudly dominate, and it’s very hard to find an opening to say your piece. It’s not good democracy in action. I’d like to urge everyone to have their say on the important matter of Rakino facilities. You can comment here, by logging in and scrolling down to ‘leave a comment’, and of course you should send your thoughts to the RRA.
Cheers all! (and credit to David Shrigley for his excellent Venn diagram)
Here is a link to the constitution of the Rakino Ratepayers Association for all the community-minded folks who will be attending the Easter meeting at the Rakino Hall…
After consultation with the permanent artists of Rakino, we’ve decided to christen Our Rakino Community Art gallery ORCA, because who doesn’t love a snappy acronym?
This Easter will be ORCA‘s inaugural Easter Showcase with a snappy new name, so we invite the Rakino community to join us for a get-together upstairs at ORCA to partake of a visual feast, as well as comestibles and cold beverages. BYO also welcomed! Proceedings kick off at 5.30pm.
Biggest scribble, image courtesy of Mia Straka
We will have a selection of work on offer from full-time and part-time artists, all affiliated to Rakino Island. The final list of participants is still to be confirmed, but includes Carolyn, Clinton, Dylan, Harriet, Jim, Julianne, Lisa, Mia, & Sheryl.
Nikau, image courtesy of Carolyn MacKenzie
The gallery will be open daily over the Easter break, 10.30am till 5.00pm, for all your art requirements, and if any assistance is required out of hours, you can call or txt Lisa on 027 340 7007.
Wasp pests are out in force on Rakino right now, and they’re a menace that needs to be dealt to. We have at least four pest varieties; the Asian paper wasp, the Australian paper wasp, the common wasp, and the German wasp. The paper wasp varieties are easily dealt with by assiduous application of large quantities of common fly spray directed at the nest; dusk is the best time as they will be back in their cells.
The common and German wasps are a more aggressive and trickier proposition, as the threat of being stung is reasonably high, especially if you inadvertently stumble into a nest. They appear to currently be in a protein eating phase, as we observed them swarming over fish remains this weekend. This is good, as it means wasp bait can be safely placed in traps on tinned fish or jellimeat, which won’t be attractive to our birds. As you can see from the link below, they are potentially a real problem for our native critters, as well as any human that encounters a wasp nest.
The good news is that Josh McCann is an accredited Vespex user, and we have Vespex on Rakino. I understand he’s been out today murdering angry wasps, and there have been reports of a number of nests. If you find a large number of foraging wasps that you’re concerned about, he’s happy to be death-bringer to the stingers. Apparently they don’t forage close to the nest, but if bait is laid where they are feeding, they will carry it home and feed it to their waspish friends and family.
The next four weeks is critical hit time on these beasties, so it would be most efficacious if all sightings could be notified. Josh would like to be able to do a site map, and attack them in one big hit. Please report all sightings, so bait can be laid where the densest concentrations are.
The Rakino Island community has a couple of pressing issues requiring urgent attention. One is the ongoing problem of the undermining of our Hall by the unrelenting sea, and the other is our limited capability to deal with the unfortunate event of a fire.
The RRA committee is voluntary, and the weight of fire-fighting and Hall issues are reasonably heavy burdens to fall on a small number of shoulders. They are also complex, and require input from experts, and a lot of consultation with Council, and FENZ.
It’s a problem in small communities that it’s hard to get people involved in committees and volunteering generally, because most people are busy, hate going to meetings, and if you volunteer to do something you often get roped in further and further till you just start resenting the whole thing and regretting your initial enthusiasm. Another problem Rakino has is that we don’t have representation on the Waiheke Local Board. It’s easy to get overlooked and by-passed. Things can feel futile.
For a long time, the burden has fallen to the same people in our community. That burden could be lifted and shared equitably if more people could spare the time to participate. When we work as a team, we are more likely to see a resolution to the pressing issues, as opposed to endlessly re-litigating them year after year. Your informed opinion and skills matter.
Below is an appeal to the community to get more involved in Rakino issues, penned by Kevin Wragge.
This website was originally set up to disseminate information, and facilitate some on-line democracy, sowhether or not you agree with Kevin’s thoughts, any feedback would be greatly appreciatedand welcomed.
Lisa.
Fire and Emergency Service on Rakino is at a crisis point. Your community needs you…. Now!
Politics is a tough game.
It can be divisive, explosive and more often than not unproductive.
When we stand on the side-line it seems the answers are obvious to all but a fool.
Get involved….and it’s not that easy, or so it seems.
The Rakino Rate Payers Association (RRA) is a case in point.
Nothing much seems to happen. They don’t hold meetings. They don’t issue minutes. They don’t even collect annual subscriptions. The AGM is a bit of a yawn… a push and play. We nevertheless know that some individuals like the current Chair, Chris Clews has done more than most for Rakino. He always puts his hand up. He’s a good guy…. he has passion for the place. He describes himself as the top of the tree. He accepts responsibility.
Should we care that nothing much seems to happen? After all we don’t like change!
Should we simply be grateful that a few of our neighbours feel they can contribute to a better Rakino, join the committee and allow them to do what they do…until of course it impacts on…. you…me …the cat…a wood pigeon…whom ever.
I personally couldn’t. I need to achieve.
The really impassioned and irate seem not to debate a problem over a fence but go instead to the top……Local Member of Parliament, Council…DOC…. or like me recently, the Waiheke Local Board. We know who they are. I’m putting my hand up.
May I acknowledge that I’m a thorn in the side of all RRA committees. Its politics after all. My mantra is; do something…anything…but whatever is done…you’re accountable…to me…. you…the cat and the wood pigeon. Some things don’t really matter. Some things however have serious repercussion.
The critical thing that we need to understand is; Councils, the Fire Service want to chew the fat with a representative of the community and in our case the RRA. They don’t want dissent. They want one voice. They want things rubber stamped or in our case put on the back burner for year after year, ad nauseum.
This leads to a very important point…just one of many.
Fire and Emergency Services on Rakino
The RRA has been told;
The organisational risk associated with untrained community groups firefighting is not acceptable.
We cannot provide training to community groups who are not registered volunteers. This would require the establishment of a volunteer fire force on the island, including all the requirements such as medicals, guaranteed turn out and response, maintenance of training currency and skills that will take up to 3 – 5 years to obtain.
The reason I am asking is to clarify some of the points discussed particularly around risk reduction and education options given training of volunteers, medicals, police checks, currency training and time required to train a Fire Fighter did not appear realistic to the group.
I need to reiterate we cannot expose untrained people to the risks associated with fire fighting or the operational risk to Fire and Emergency NZ.
I am happy to assist the Community in Fire Reduction and Education but cannot support any additional equipment to untrained and unqualified members of the public for Fire Response.
Should we care; damned oath we should care.
Are you aware that one Fire Lord has already been withdrawn from service?
Are you aware that the RRA, which doesn’t hold meetings, is in negotiation with Fire and Emergency Services and has ignored what is perceived as the risk to the community (you and me) and suggested some of us will be trained in good time? That’s the sum total of the RRA’s response…other than constructing a little shed.
Do you realize that Fire Services are saying the community should not be providing a first response but instead should await the attendance of trained personal from a Fire Station in Auckland which has that capacity at the time? One imagines they trundle down to terminal 3 at the Ferry Terminal and await the next Belaire ferry service…Wednesday though it may be.
We are expected to watch our property or that of our neighbour burn to the ground.
It seems to me that the focus is on risk, not of property but of people.
Fair enough but life suggests that in an emergency event, everyone will rush to help. It’s happened before and will happen again…unfortunately. It’s what we do.
I’ve got nowhere with the RRA or Fire and Emergency Services (and believe me I’ve tried) and in desperation have a approached the Local Waiheke Community Board to inform them of our predicament.
Its not for me to make decisions on behalf of the community but it seems to me that Rakino needs to establish an initial response of its own.
We need land on which to have all equipment in the one place out of the elements, a command centre, develop an emergency strategy, work out whether we could indeed meet the requirements of registered volunteers and receive FENZ support, purchase our own equipment, take control.
What do you think?
You may wish to;
Comment here.
Seek clarification from the RRA
Seek clarification from Fire Services; ‘Tawa, Dale’ <Dale.Tawa@fireandemergency.nz>
Motutapu Island lies to the south West of Rakino and is part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park
Waikalabubu Bay is more or less straight across from Home Bay.
The slopes of the foreshore have been fenced for stock management and nature has been left to do what it does best…unhindered.
Back on Rakino, there’s been an influx of noxious weeds in recent times and in particular moth plant.
Much effort by Auckland City and a small dedicated local team have been working hard to eradicate and control moth plant in particular.
The cost to the Auckland City Rate payer must be significant to pursue this ecologically important task.
There has been discussion as to why this once seldom observed weed has impacted Rakino so dramatically in recent times
It’s everywhere.
We may have the answer.
Beyond a sign at Waikalabubu Bay urging everyone to
“Help Keep our Hauraki Gulf Island Pest free”
Is the most significant area of flowering moth plant one might imagine could exist.
The infestation is predictably spreading either side of Waikalabubu Bay at alarming rates.
When recognized, the green of the moth plant is discernible from Rakino.
Obviously, the parachute like seeds are impacting Rakino and could well explain the expediential increase in the number of the plants in recent times.
Perhaps pressure from Rakino residents against the various custodians of Motutapu to take their responsibilities with some seriousness, rather than just erecting a sign, may result in some positive action to rectify…..before the seeds implode…..soon.
The weekend got off to a cracking start with the exhibition opening Upstairs at the Rakino Community Art Gallery on the Friday night. Liquid refreshments were generously provided by Harriet and the Malings, and a good time was had by all attendees. It was encouraging to see the level of support for Rakino and Rakino associated artists. Holly and I were so surprised by all the people that snuck out of the woodwork and showed us the wonderful art they make ON THE DAY OF THE EXHIBITION, so we decided to make it a regular event throughout the year, with shows of Rakino artists work on big island weekends. Please let us know if you want to be included at Easter! It takes a fair bit of toil to hang works to their best advantage, so the earlier, the better. We’ll be harrassing you for work regardless…
Holly and her lovely rondels.Group shot with Terry and Scarlett’s paintings in the background.Julie and Mia.Harriet resplendent in pearls.Clinton and David framing Carolyn’s painting beautifully.
Ling’s much sought after phone box painting red-stickered.
Glamorous Mclafferty’s, and Holly’s paintings.
A bold piece on a happy customer.
Elisabeth, suitably astonished by a fabulous piece of art.
Saturday morning started off in drizzle, but thankfully brightened up. I didn’t have time to get down to the Rakino Nursery open morning and sausage sizzle, as I was running around like Billie the Dog with two tails, but John assured me it went very well, with lots of trees pre-purchased for the winter planting season. The nursery was looking pretty sharp as the previous weekend there had been volunteer tidy-up, many thanks to all who attended.
Images courtesy of Stacey Thomas.
John’s precious kowhai in the sun.
Carolyn on bread and butter duty.
To my regret I also missed Rewa Grimsdale’s flax weaving workshop, owing to the continuing two tails issue, but reports of it glowed, the photos are wonderful, and I understand that there will be an ongoing weaving group on island, as the participants are keen to expand on the skills they learned. Maybe I can join in with this??
Photos courtesy of Rewa Grimsdale.
Weavers at Josh and Holly’s.Lyndsey and Rewain action.
Similarly, Mia Straka’s talisman project was also very successful. I saw a number of women wearing their talismans on the beach on Sunday…
Photo courtesy of Mia Straka.
Saturday night, and the event I’d been quietly working on for several months was about to eventuate. The fabulous Mr. Anthonie Tonnon and his wife Karlya were finally on island and Anthonie was about to perform his Rail Land show. I was a bundle of frayed nerves, but my anxiety was unfounded. He was wonderful, and so was the audience (mainly 🙂 ). I fulfilled my dream of having him perform on Rakino, and I understand they similarly had a great time. There are so many great photos of his performance in our hall; I’m just going to post a selection below, and credit you for the images if they are yours. Here is a sweet video from Clare first up.. https://www.facebook.com/seaclare/videos/2765086670372814
Billie the roadie. Photo courtesy of Rob Cawte.Before the gig in the outdoor lounge, courtesy of me.Courtesy ofJulianne Taylor
Courtesy of Elisabeth Easther.
Courtesy of Rob Cawte.Courtesy of Stephen Thomas...and the party went on, courtesy of Rob Cawte.
Up at the crack of noon, DJ’s Hudge and Bobby Brazuka were down at Sandy Bay, where we swam, picnicked, and listened to some summer sounds on the beach, a perfect wind-down. Many thanks to Alf for his stellar pizza delivery service, and Hayden from Sea Cleaners, who cheered me up with tales of how much plastic waste the Sea Cleaners team has removed from the Hauraki Gulf. It’s really impressive.
Jackie and Jimi hooking into the snarlers.Photo credit Rob Cawte.Beach beats! Photo courtesy of Rob Cawte.
Thank you to everyone that participated in the weekend. It was a great success, and hopefully we can do something similar next year. Your support was invaluable, and much appreciated.
It started off as a whim to get Anthonie Tonnon to perform on Rakino, and grew from there into a weekend of events and activities…
Proceedings kick off on Friday Jan 8 at 5pm with an art exhibition opening Upstairs at the Rakino Art Gallery. There will be a range of works to peruse and purchase, paintings, prints, woodwork, and jewellery, made by Rakino locals and Rakino friends. Join us for a celebratory glass of wine and nibbles. As always with island gatherings, feel welcome to BYO!
10am till 12pm Saturday morning starts with a Rakino Nursery open morning with John MacKenzie on hand to advise and take orders for the coming winter’s tree planting. The baby trees are looking lush with lots of new growth. They’ll look even better planted in your backyard, and our burgeoning island wildlife will appreciate the gesture! Please walk down to the nursery via the track from the AT land on South Pacific Rd. https://www.rakino.org.nz/event/rakino-plant-nursery-open-morning/
1pm till 4pmRewa Grimsdale will be holding a flax weaving workshop at 21 Woody Bay Rd. (Josh, Holly, & Billie’s house). Participants will have the opportunity to learn to prepare flax for weaving, and make a flax flower and loose woven kete. https://www.rakino.org.nz/event/flax-weaving-workshop-with-rewa-grimsdale/ I’m keen on this one; harekeke is a material there’s no shortage of on Rakino!
From 3pm till 5pm contemporary jeweller Mia Straka will be holding a talisman making jewellery workshop at 21 Woody Bay Rd. You can get a feel for her work here: http://www.miastraka.com/ Mia’s work is sculptural and thoughtful, and this workshop will probably suit ten year olds and up.. https://www.rakino.org.nz/event/mia-straka-jewellery-class/
8pm – Anthonie Tonnon begins his performance at the Rakino Community Hall. I really can’t emphasise how lucky we are to have him perform on Rakino. I can only urge you to purchase tickets here: https://www.rakino.org.nz/anthonie-tonnon/ because this will be a really unique experience. You can learn more about Anthonie here: https://www.anthonietonnon.com/
Anthonie Tonnon
Sunday the 10th starts at a leisurely 12 pm with a flurry of activities. DJ Hudge, Bobby Brazuka, and Friends will kick things off down at Sandy Bay with Beach Beats. Koha and pizza deals available courtesy of Alf’s Woody Bay Pizzeria. https://www.rakino.org.nz/event/sunday-wind-down-with-extra-cheese/
Drag the teens out of bed for these inspirational and informative chats down at Sandy Bay. Bribe them with beats and pizza!
Day
Date
Depart Stanley Bay
Depart Downtown
Depart Rakino
Arrive Downtown
Arrive Stanley Bay
Fri
Jan 8/21
10.40am
11am
11.55am
12.40pm
1pm
Jan 8/21
6.50pm
7.45pm
8.30pm
8.50pm
Sat
Jan 9/21
10.40am
11am
11.55am
12.40pm
1pm
Jan 9/21
3.15pm
3.35pm
4.30pm
5.15pm
5.35pm
Sun
Jan 10/21
10.40am
11am
11.55am
12.40pm
1pm
Jan 10/21
3.15pm
3.35pm
4.30pm
5.15pm
5.35pm
Belaire’s timetable for the weekend of the 8th/9th/10th
Sadly the event ‘Walks, Talks, and Snorks’ has had to be postponed due to America’s Cup racing. As soon as the Hauraki Gulf is no longer a four-lane highway, the event will be re-instated.It will follow the same format, however, so read on…
Saturday, January 16 and we have more treats in store! Walks, Talks, and Snorks is an eco fiesta on Rakino. We are very lucky to have a visit from scientists and enviromentalists Tim Haggitt, Tim Lovegrove, and Kerry Lukies, thanks to the efforts of Elisabeth Easther. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our birdlife, our marine environment, and our little blue penguins. Those with good swimming skills and their own gear have the opportunity to participate in a guided snorkelling experience with Tim Haggitt in Sandy Bay. For more details and links, visit https://www.rakino.org.nz/event/walks-talks-and-snorks/
