Midlands Region Activities & Services
Don't leave town til you've seen the Country - Hawke's Bay Summer Series 2011/2012
Come along to our series of three events to be held in the Hawke's Bay - aimed at celebrating those hidden gems we have around!
See flier for details.
November ‘Meet ‘n' Eat'
The second Palmerston North based Meet 'n' Eat for the Midlands Region was held on a very hot and sunny day on 14 November at Victoria Esplanade on the banks of the mighty Manawatu. What a turnout with 30 attending what turned out to be a top notch day in every way. Speakers were Colin Veale and Maree Taylor showcasing their work around Tararua District - highlighting developments and issues relating to parks, cemeteries, halls and pensioner housing we all resonated with. Christine Godetz started hot discussion on how to work on a limited budget making the most of community and government resources to make a difference for the communities themselves. Lots of ideas from the floor on this one sparking great debate. Michele Frey gave a special presentation on the relationship between community halls and how the lives of ordinary and not-so-ordinary New Zealanders intertwine with the halls carrying the trials and tribulations as well as hopes and aspirations of the of the nation over past decades. Brian Way of Palmerston North CC led discussion on natural burials and how they work. As with Christine's talk, there was much discussion and good ideas from the floor on what may well be the way of the future.
A super lunch At Cafe Esplanade was enjoyed by absolutely everybody.
The spot prize draw for Michele's book 'Native by Design' was won by Mike Allerby of Fulton Hogan - Congratulations to Mike and thanks to NZRA for sponsoring this great prize
The calories were worked off with Brian leading the way for an hour and a half walk around Victoria Esplanade. A very special place with a rich history and many facilities - we simply did not have enough time to see them all - I know some are coming back for a lazy Sunday stroll later in the summer. The walk finished off along the languid Manawatu River winding its way into our memories on this halcyon day.
This is what NZRA is all about. Great people sharing stories, cementing friendship, swapping hints and solutions and just plain enjoying what a privilege it is to be in the position we are all in - looking after parks in New Zealand, does it get any better??
It will all happen again in March in New Plymouth.
Anna Crawford of New Plymouth DC was supported by the group to have the next meeting in New Plymouth to connect up with WOMAD. This is a three day event of international fame with many acts and visitors from overseas heading over especially for the event. Check out http://www.taft.co.nz/womad/womad-home.html The team will be working hard to make sure we get the opportunities to be a part of this extraordinary event as well as another special NZRA Meet 'n' Eat. When you get the chance - book yourselves in as it will be something you will remember for many years to come.
Lastly a very special thanks to Aaron Phillips and Brian Way of Palmerston North City Council for all the organising and working behind the scenes and Palmerston North City Council and NZRA for providing sponsorship to make this one out of the box and making sure that all we had to do to enjoy it, was to be there.
