Kia ora tātou, writing to you from wet and thunderous Waikanae, hoping you are well and happy as we approach the longest day of the year. The combination of summer solstice and Christmas makes for a busy, full, festive energy … we hope you are riding the activity of the season with a steady sense of the ground under your feet.
The Wangapeka welcomes a new set of Caretakers onto the whenua. Tracy Abbot and Chris Petzold have moved into their quarters (Bellbird and Mike’s Caravan) as Centre and Land Caretaker respectively, while the wonderful Brooke Walker has taken on a part-time remote admin role. The Board is grateful to these three for stepping up and into new positions, giving their time and energy to help keep our beloved Centre running with care and clarity. May you receive many benefits through this mahi!
We also welcome Brandon Schwinn back to Aotearoa, wishing him well in his three month voluntary role at the Centre. Brandon is working on specific projects, hand picked by the tireless Maintenance Committee, the fruits of which you will no doubt witness as we turn into 2023. Many thanks also to Malu and Hadleigh, who have returned from their sojourn in the Netherlands and are currently volunteering at the Centre. All hands on deck to prepare for a busy summer programme. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou – heartfelt acknowledgements to you all for weaving together in this process, together with an ongoing stream of volunteers.
After what seems like a long drawn out process, both resource and building consent have been approved for the two person dwelling! (Also known as the New Teacher’s Cabin) This is a big relief and means work on this project can move forwards again. Woohoo! Here is a note on the recent “Site Blessing”.
https://wangapeka.org/site-blessing-for-new-teachers-cabin/
Also the carpet in the Volunteer Units is being laid in January. This means that the building is complete. Next up is furnishing it.
What we are reckoning with
Although retreats are picking up, there is still a sense of uncertainty as we adjust to living with Covid19. The Centre continues to feel the effects of this in its financial instability, mostly due to cancelled retreats and low numbers. The future remains uncertain as we begin paying 2.5 Caretakers again. As always, we are grateful for donations, which allow us to continue upgrading / maintaining the basic structures of our beautiful Centre.
What we need help with
Outdoor furniture – any to donate? We need either to fix or replace the table / chairs under the cherry tree as well as the seat in the corner of the courtyard.
We are looking for a better trailer. If anyone knows of one or has one to donate we would be grateful!
Who to contact
Cashy Yates – coordinator.wangapeka@gmail.com (Health and Safety, Programmes)
Tim Leyland – secretary.wangapeka@gmail.com (Fundraising, Maintenance)
Simon Jones – treasurer.wangapeka@gmail.com (Finance, YoS)
Elli Yates – elliyates@gmail.com (Comms, Te Tiriti Focus Group)
Dave Pooch – dpooch@me.com (Finance)
Brooke Walker – wangapekacentre@gmail.com (remote office admin)
Tracy Abbot – centrecaretaker.wangapeka@gmail.com
Chris Petzold – landcaretaker.wangapeka@gmail.com