From the Peninsula

Matariki

A particular highlight for the Peninsula community was the hikoi to the tihi of Takarunga on Matariki Saturday. Kaumatua Ngahiwi Walker led the way from the library reserve up through Victoria Road, which had been closed off for the evening, and on up to the summit.

Over the course of the preceding fortnight, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki staff and volunteers had helped families make lanterns and when everyone was gathered at the summit, these glowed beautifully against a grey evening sky. Although there were some speeches and waiata, it was a simple celebration bringing people together. A number of organisations collaborated including Devonport Library, the Community House, the Rose Centre, and the Devonport Business Association, whose Manager Katherine Downs had arranged a number of events, including the colourful 'lighting up' of Victoria Road for the Matariki month. Well done everyone.

The Devonport Arts Festival Committee

This group has decided to work in partnership with the Peninsula Trust, with the Trust providing governance support for the Arts Festival Committee. A successful application by the Trust for the Local Activation Fund has enabled two murals to be added to the existing Art Trail, and will allow the trail to be digitised and a new Art Trail flyer to be printed. Sparrow Philipps, himself a street artist (“Component”), has guided the process.

Devonport Senior Citizens Association kindly consented to a mural on the wall of their Harmony Hall. Dan Tippett was chosen to create the artwork and the fantastic result has been celebrated by many. The second mural by Ross Liew and Rita Vovna, is being installed on the eastern face of the Community House. One other organisation has now made contact, wanting to install a mural on their building. It would be marvellous to be able to extend the Art Trail across the Peninsula. If any other property owners are interested, please email me. Obviously, funding is needed to pay for access, prep, paint, not to mention the artists themselves.

Ongoing and Upcoming events

Hōtoke/Winter Fun Tamariki Play – continues each Tuesday morning 9:30 to 11:00am at Bayswater School Hall. All welcome. Many thanks to Bayswater School for its support.

Devonport Senior Forum – this group meets monthly. If you would like to join the group, email me.

Community Network meeting – August 11th at 1:30pm at Devonport Yacht Club. This is an opportunity for people to come and share in what is happening across the Peninsula, to hear from Local Board members, to let others know of their initiatives, and to raise questions and concerns. All welcome. Please RSVP to nigelbioletti@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz