Our first Kumanu Wangapeka was very warmly received. We hope you continue to enjoy a greater sense of connection with what’s happening “on the land” and how you may be able to contribute and get involved. This Kumanu includes information from a summary of the November BOT meeting.
Read on for volunteers needed, updates on the water supply, Yongdu hut, and more!
Save the Date
Arising out of the AGM and Hui weekend in July this year was a suggestion to have more regular community Hui conversations. Responding to this, the next Hui has been scheduled for February 23rd/24th 2019. The theme is yet to be decided but is sure to be another rich and informative sharing among interested community members. More details coming soon!
Volunteers Needed
Building/Carpentry
Wangapeka needs a volunteer with carpentry skills for a month or so to tackle lots of bigger and smaller maintenance jobs. Mike Elliott is missed! Also needed are people with strong bodies and some building skills for work exchange eg. building long-drop toilets and general maintenance work. If interested please contact Guy at the Centre.
The maintenance sub-committee is going to conduct an audit of maintenance and capital works items on 31 January. It is expected this will produce a schedule of jobs, priorities, skills and costs. A summary will be put in Newsphere when it is complete.
Carbon Credits
Looking for someone to work on researching carbon credits and look at feasibility study for Wangapeka to join this scheme, to present to BOT.
Donations Needed
Does anyone have good quality curtains or duvet covers (of any size) to donate? These would be gratefully received!
Yongdu Hut
Is nearly complete and in late November Chris Petzold became its first retreatant. Yongdu still needs to be properly furnished, and we are looking for someone to oversee and co-ordinate furnishing this beautiful new hut with quality donations.
Furniture needed:
- Good single bed with divan base
- Bedding: sheets, pillowcases, duvet, duvet cover, pillows
- Rug, chest of drawers, small writing desk and chair
- Toaster, kettle, plastic basin for dishes, large plastic jug, wood box/basket, fire poker, broom, pan and brush, mop
- Stand or trolley suitable for toaster and kettle to sit on.
Please contact Faith at the centre if you have something to offer or alternatively you can make a donation through the website (PayPal link in footer of every page).
Water Supply
Upgrading Wangapeka water supply and water treatment is nearly complete. The last step is to buy and install an 8,000 litre plastic tank. This will be an additional settling tank and its use will help to relieve the load on the filters. Caretaker Guy aims to buy the tank before Christmas. It will be installed when he can get a digger and operator to the site.
Coolstore
Recently our Coolstore had a magnificent facelift. It now looks like Vajrasattva’s palace! Interior paint job, new tiles, new shelving and a thorough clean have made it a worthy abode for our precious food supplies.
Electricity Line Clearance
There is ongoing dialogue between Tasman Energy and office caretaker Faith on how to best maintain clear space underneath the power line that runs from the main road up to the Centre. Scrub cutting is expensive, and while spraying is cheaper, there are concerns about residues and affect on the environment. Faith is exploring possible alternatives.
Farewell to Heidi
On Sunday November 25th the local Nelson Sangha gathered to honour and farewell Heidi, who has been an integral part of Wangapeka life over the last two years, cooking for retreats and giving service in countless ways. Our community has been enriched by her generosity and presence and she will be missed. We wish Heidi all the very best for her return to Canada, and look forward to hearing what life has in store for her!
More Action Shots from the Land
Guy and Franz (water supply guy) installing the revolutionary new culverts. Now when it rains the land caretaker doesn’t have to roam about mid-storm unblocking pipes!
The Bridge-building Wangapeka team.
Sarva Mangalam, All is blessing