We don’t imagine many Tairāwhiti locals are taking this summer we’re having for granted. We’ve all probably had at least one, if not many, conversations about the summer we didn’t get to have last year, “the non-summer of 2023”.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle our memories of that time, and the days and weeks that followed, will undoubtedly resurface.
And while it is an important part of the process to remember, and commemorate, it is even more useful to look at what has emerged and grown in its wake, and how we’re continuing to evolve for our future.
Aimed at doing all of those things, Te Weu, a charitable trust focused on sustainable land use and climate change in Tairāwhiti, has organised a series of events aimed at reflecting on the past, understanding the present, and envisioning a resilient future, running from Friday 9 - Friday 16 February.
‘Ka Mua, Ka Muri’ will include a two day research symposium, a series of community hui showcasing local research undertaken over the past year, and a creative collaboration and exhibition for regional climate and community initiatives.
This weekend an eclectic group of creative minds are arriving in our region to lend their expertise and passion to local climate resilience projects, with the aim of elevating extreme weather preparedness discussions and supporting local groups that are actively engaged in sustainable land use and adaptation planning.
The initiative is in partnership with Toi Aria, the centre for social impact design at Massey University and will look like a fusion of art, design, music, and storytelling. The visiting creatives include design researcher, educator, and founder of Toi Āria, Professor Anna Brown, cartoonist and social commentator Toby Morris, jazz singer and graphic designer Wallace Gollan, journalist Michelle Duff, writer Ingrid Horrocks, designer and illustrator Hanna Breurkes, visual communication designer Kirsten Browne, digital producer Emma Bossley, designer and illustrator Jean Donaldson, writer and art collaborator Tim Corballis, photographers Johanna Mechen and David Cook, and photographic artist Jonathan Kay.
They will be grouped with local artists and community initiatives, Slash For Cash, Radice Soil Solutions, Ngahere Network, Exchange Cafe, Tāiki E! Next Gen Escapes, East Coast Exchange, Te Kautuku, Circular Economy Mission, Tairāwhiti Bioeconomy Project, Tōtaranui Nama Ono Trust and a wāhine water focussed collaboration out of Uawa.
Visiting and local creatives will work with their respective community groups over the course of the weekend, workshopping ideas and creating works, culminating in an exhibition and performance event at 6pm, Sunday 11 February at Midway Community Hub.
Public are invited to attend this free event.
Stay tuned to learn more about The Tairāwhiti & Extreme Weather Research Symposium, which will also at the new Midway Community Hub on February 15 and 16. It will be free to attend but has limited numbers - registrations can be sent to info@teweu.nz or phone/txt: 0274202957
For more details about all of these events head to www.kamuakamuri.nz and to find out more about Te Weu charitable trust, and access some of the excellent resources they have compiled around land use, check out teweu.nz.