New mural by Raglan Emerging Artists R boasts a beautiful new mural aglan Top Cut Butchery now
A chat with the councillor – a report from Raglan councillor Lisa Thomson on her new initiative
thanks to the creative talents of a group of young women.
Freelance film-maker Maryann Tuao, who co-ordinated the painting of the mural as part of her documentary Raglan Creative Series, says the group – Kaea Ruawai, Frankie Reynolds, Olivia DeanChambers, Reeve Harry-Wright and Terri Toxward-Nicolson – were mentored in the design process and a one-day painting workshop by artist Paul Bradley. Bradley shared his expertise in mural painting techniques and the materials required for exterior design, while Raglan Top Butchery offered their wall for the final product. The mural shows a full moon over Mt Karioi and the Raglan Harbour, and a pohutukawa in full bloom. Mt Karioi features in many Maori legends and its profile is likened to a sleeping lady. “We had a lot of fun together, and it was a privilege to experience the girls sharing their passion and creative talents during the project. “It was an opportunity for the youth to express their creative talents in a public space based on what is significant to them today and their connection to WhaingaroaRaglan.” Tuao says many people have commented how the mural has changed the space into something stunning and incredible. She says a special thanks goes to sponsors Bunnings, The Warehouse Te Rapa, and Raglan Top Cut Butchery.
I “Councillor Community Chat” went was
Artists taking part in the Raglan Creative Series from left: Paul Bradley, Terri Toxward-Nicolson, Kaea Ruawai, Olivia DeanChambers, Reeve Harry-Wright and Maryann Tuao.
Painting poppies for ANZAC
Seven-year-old Harlow Bidois is looking forward to some mural madness at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre holiday programme.
P Raglan Old School Art Centre as
oppies will be popping up at the
part of the upcoming school holiday programme. Young artists attending the programme will paint an ANZAC-themed mural at the Old School to brighten up the dreary concrete wall in the car park. Programme supervisor Jill Freeman says the children who attend the holiday programme will have the opportunity
Councillor’s Column
to share their artwork with the wider community, as well as leaving an artistic legacy at the Old School. “The holiday programme fits in nicely with ANZAC commemorations and it provides a chance for the children to learn about New Zealand’s war efforts and to express that creatively.” Dubbed Easter Eggstravaganza the programme will also include a bevy of Easter activities such as egg treasure hunt, Raglan Park ‘eggscursion’, egg ‘n spoon
and 3 ‘egged races, movies and many more fun endeavours. Running from April 18-21 and April 26-28 from 9am-3pm, the programme is open to children aged 5-12. A half day is $21, full day is $39 and $136 for the first week and $102 the second week, subsidies are available - bookings are limited to 20 children per day. For enquiries about subsidies and bookings contact the Old School at info@ raglanartscentre.co.nz or 07 825 0023.
pleased
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on Friday. Thank you to the eight people who helped make it worthwhile – we chatted about a whole range of topics and generated some good ideas.
When I went into that glass-walled room in the middle of the library, I wondered if anyone would come along or if I’d find out what it's like being stared at, like a goldfish in a bowl. But I didn’t have to wait long before one person came in and then another. We talked about freedom camping (I’m getting to be quite an expert on that!), the meeting on after-hours health services and the related topic of provision for the elderly. That’s when one of the best ideas came up. Why not try a community potluck dinner? Whaingaroa Social Soup worked well last year, but it was a lot of work for a handful of people. Potluck would solve that problem and offer food to appeal to a wider range of tastes. Would anyone like to help me organise one? That got us on to talking about poverty and unaffordable housing. At that stage one “chatterer” left and three more joined. I already knew about the problems of tenants having to move every few months, summer shortages, high rents and houses unaffordable to many who used to live here, but I hadn’t fully appreciated how much of a problem these things also pose for businesses wanting to attract staff. Hopefully our morning chat will get all those with an interest in housing working together for solutions. In choosing to time the chat from 10.30am to 1.30pm in the library, I hoped it might fit in with people’s lunch breaks. It does mean I get peckish, though. So, whether you want to eat lunch together, or come in earlier, want to have a group chat, or talk confidentially, I hope you'll come and have a cuppa and a korero with me next Friday (I won’t be there on Good Friday) about any concerns, issues or ideas that you have. I will do my very best to help. Next up is our community consultation on our Annual Plan, specifically looking at options for our wastewater upgrades district wide and the implications on our targeted rates. If you can't come in on Fridays, you can contact me on 021 179 8256 or email: lisa.thomson@waidc.govt.nz. Lisa Thomson Raglan Ward Councillor
RAGLAN Chronicle 5