Wangapeka’s 50th anniversary year celebrations continue
Wangapeka Centre’s 50th!
A pilgrimage of hearts
And ready hands
Keeping the bonfire rippling, alight
A place that transforms us
How else would we dance together
Without places like this to collect
Converge
Dream and practise?
Aspiration that grows through the effort we see in each other
To awaken.
Growth spurs growth,
Deep rest encourages deep rest.
Investigation, communication, experimentation.
All this imprinted into the landscape.
Stories shared: from the elders, middle and youth
Naturally, gratitude and awe at contributions throughout time and space
All those who contributed in myriad ways
still amongst us, decades on.
– Written by Cara Conroy-Lau after the 50th anniversary Easter weekend
Greetings dear Wangapeka Community, near and far,
As you know, we are now well into Wangapeka’s 50th year.
Please enjoy this abundant, colourful collection of photos, poems and stories that share what’s been happening, and also remind you of what is yet to come.
Thank you to Di Johnston, Cara Conroy-Lau and John Massey for all the wonderful photos! There will be more to share in future editions.
We hope this encourages you to get involved in our 50th year in any way that you can.
With love,
Wangapeka Communications
What’s been happening
50th Anniversary Easter Weekend
written by Cara Conroy-Lau
It rained all weekend. Like a sigh of release. And deep nurturing.
Over 40 community members came to stay, or visit, from Friday to Monday. In the main hall, where we spent most of our time in conversation and sharing, this was written on the whiteboard, providing inspiration (Thanks Kaya):
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua
I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past.
Next to this whakataukī there was a hand drawn 50 year timeline from 1975 to 2025. Which year did you first come to the centre? We wrote our names next to the appropriate year.
On Saturday morning we gathered for ‘conversations’. Matthew opened the floor and invited the sharing of stories – we moved chronologically along the timeline. Sean spoke first, having come to the valley as a young man well before 1975. Janet followed. We moved along the timeline, hearing each person’s voice. So many unique stories were shared. With many common threads: How people met the Dharma for the first time, what inspired them to come to the centre. All the activity, bracken clearing, construction, maintenance and rain! “When the roof leaked you fixed it”, summer programs, generations of caretakers, Mike Elliot’s patient mentorship, thousands of trees planted by James Mathieson. We heard of Namgyal Rinpoche’s visits and the contribution of the many Teachers who have taught and served. And the inspiration and growth this sparked, with interweavings across the planet.
You can read Cara’s full piece here
Planting of 50 native trees
A call went out for people to sponsor a native tree to mark our anniversary. We had a very generous response and raised enough money to buy a range of 50 native trees and some ornamentals too. Thank you to all the tree donors, as well as Danielle Lomas and the Landcare group who organised the planning, preparation, purchasing, transporting and planting.
The trees were planted over the Easter weekend, with perfectly soggy conditions to water them in!
Most of the new trees have been planted in the space that has been opened up behind the wood sheds, in between the two paths to the Whare Wānanga. This is such a central point as everyone passes it several times a day.
A walking meditation track will go through the centre and plantings either side to make it a space of active practice. There will be a combination of native and non-native because Wangapeka is a place where traditions are combined and all are welcome.
Beech Tree Bench
Chris Petzold has created gentle paths into the area above the Mother Beech tree. He has made a beautifully crafted wooden bench of white ash and totara ideal for sitting and enjoying the tree and surrounding environment.
Walking in the rain
Making offerings to the land
To the one of the elders
Of the land
One of the Beech trees
Where Chris P has sculpted a bench
And paths
And magical mushrooms
Appeared, dancing, relishing the rain
Amanita muscaria
Magic
The walkers in their brightly colored coats
Moved on
while my phone was restarting
But benches, and rocks, trees and fungi were not going anywhere
– Poem by John Massey
Commemorative Aprons
Mandy Reid, with help from some of her West coast friends, has made 25 aprons from good quality recycled sheets and duvet covers. Each apron has the Wangapeka logo on the front. Mandy has suggested that money raised ($25 + each) go into a catalyst fund for a further project.
Places to Rest
Tim Leyland is currently working with Tapawera MenzShed to build two benches (with backs) using Tasmanian Blackwood from our property felled by Patrick some years ago.
Full Moon Practice for Peace
Individuals and groups in Aotearoa and elsewhere have committed to meditating for peace, ideally, each full moon 2025. Join in this collective practice if you can. For more information on how to join in, please contact Jane Hobday.
What’s still to come
50th Anniversary Lunch – FULL
Fairfield House, Nelson
June 15th 12.00 – 3.30pm
Sorry, there are NO places left! $30 per adult. Kids by dana.
Food for lunch will all be gluten and dairy free, prepared by Ronnie Englard and helpers. We will catch up, share stories, enjoy a little entertainment, warm wholesome food and excellent company. Come and join this relaxed celebration commemorating 50 years of Wangapeka Centre. Families are welcome.
Lunch Registration and Payment
To reserve your places please contact Jane Hobday ASAP jane.hobday17@gmail.com
Only after speaking with Jane, make your payment to
Account: Jane Hobday
38-9011-0409670-02
Please write “50th lunch” and <your name> with your payment.
Ethics and Precepts Course
“Refraining from Harm, Supporting all of Life – a community exploration of ethics in action”
This online course will be facilitated by Kath Mitchell, Mark Schrader and Chani Grieve and feature invited guests. It will be run for 10 weeks from July 2nd – September 3rd. Registrations will be opening soon.
Labour Weekend Hui: Walking Backwards into the Future
All the Elders have been invited to take part in the Labour weekend October 24th – 26th.
We hope this helps you to feel connected to the celebrations. We warmly welcome your involvement and would love to hear any creative ideas you’d like to initiate.
The 50th anniversary team are
Ronnie Englard
Graham Price
Mandy Reid
Dan Burgess Milne
Jane Hobday
Contact jane.hobday17@gmail.com for more information.