sunnews
Preparing for a Christmas baby
Youth poetry slam a first Wanaka’s young writers will have a chance to showcase their work at the inaugural Poetic Justice Youth Poetry Slam at The Creek on Monday. Poetic Justice, which has been organising adult open mic nights for more than two years, thought it was time to do something specifically for the young people in Wanaka. Co-founder Liz Breslin has run poetry workshops for primary and high
school students and has been impressed with the high calibre of the writing. Poetry slams
slam, meaning anyone who attends can participate in one of the three age categories: under 9 (at 3.30pm),
Contestants need to bring three poems each, aiming to make it through to the final round. originated in the USA and have gained a large following around the world. The Wanaka event will be an open
9-13 (at 4.30pm) or 14 to 19-years-old (at 5.30pm). Contestants need to bring three poems each, aiming
to make it through to the final round. Judges will include Sam from Beats FM, Selina from The Creek and Luke Dyer from Hawea Flat School. Prizes have been donated by local businesses and the winners will also have their work broadcast on Beats FM. The Poetic Justice Youth Poetry Slam starts at 3.30pm on Monday December 12 at The Creek.
Chris Turnbull and Amber Russell with Plunket nurse Helen Umbers. PHOTO: Charlotte Trundle
Antenatal classes have begun for Joseph and Mary from this year’s Christmas by the Lake nativity play. These expectant first time parents have had quite an unusual pregnancy so far, and have an exciting birth plan in place. Shepherds and wise men will be on hand in case the couple need assistance at Christmas by the Lake, Wanaka’s Community Christmas. The sights and sounds
of the first Christmas will be brought to life at the annual event, which features local personalities and animals in the nativity play, a traditional carol sing-a-long, a costume parade for the kids, and a BYO picnic. “Christmas by the Lake was a big hit last year, with the combination of a lively nativity, wonderful music, and a picnic by the lake. People of all ages can feel welcome again as we bring
the community together to celebrate Christmas,” Combined Churches committee member Kathy Dedo said. “It’s a great opportunity to relax with your family and friends while reflecting on the true message of Christmas.” In case of poor weather, the postponement date is Sunday, December 18, 5pm at the Dinosaur Park or the Lake Wanaka Centre if an indoor venue is needed.
Local heroes awarded Sue Wards Two members of the Wanaka LandSAR group have been awarded the Supreme LandSAR award for their rescue of an injured canyoner. Lionel Clay and Davie Robinson (pictured above) received the award for their part in rescuing the canyoner, who broke his leg in a deep gorge near Makarora last April. Both experienced members of Land SAR, Davie and Lionel agreed the rescue, which took place after dark, was one of the most challenging in their experience. Davie was winched down to the canyoner while Lionel was in the helicopter
directing proceedings. “It was a team effort and it all came together nicely,” Davie said, acknowledging the work of Aspiring Helicopters and the regional air ambulance in the rescue. Lionel was also reluctant to take much credit for his role. “So much of it was about the piloting,” he said, citing regional air ambulance helicopter pilot Graeme Gale and winchman and paramedic Doug Flett for their work. Lionel credited the men’s flying, the training Land SAR has undertaken with them, and the ease of working with the air ambulance service for the success of the rescue. The award was presented by
Governor General Jerry Mateparae to Roy Bailey (pictured inset), Wanaka LandSAR chairman, who was the local delegate to the LandSAR national AGM last month. The Governor General is the patron of LandSAR. main PHOTO: wanaka.tv
Thursday 08 December to Wednesday 14 December 2011
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