Re: STEPS Ahurangi Festival – Thank You
Freddie June 3rd, 2013
A big THANK YOU
On 14 April STEPS held our first Ahurangi Festival. “Ahurangi” means coming from the sky . It is the name that our Kaitiaki Dianne Pomare (Principal Kura Kaupapa) told us refers to the upper Meola Creek on the foothills of Owairaka Mt Albert, where the Kura is located.
STEPS was delighted at the turnout of well over 100 people on the day and by the enjoyment of everyone involved. We are very grateful to all our VIPs for supporting us on the day – especially Roy Clements, Maurice Hall former MAGS Headmaster, and Albert Eden Local Board member Helga Arlington.
Four local schools were key to the success of the event : Te Kura Kaupapa o Nga Maungarongo, Marist School, Marist College, and Mt Albert Grammar School.
- The pupils of these schools under the guidance of Arts Teachers Ainsley, Erin, Kylee and Ngarangi along with Arts Co-ordinator Tosh Ahkit produced beautiful art works and hung them before the walk started.
- Another group of six Senior students from Mt Albert Grammar School and Marist College project managed the event and kept everyone safe under the guidance of Kev Carter from YMCA.
- A group of Marist College students organized a creek cleanup day before the Arts walk.
We also had fantastic support from organizations including WaiCare, AC Stormwater team with the “Drain Game”, various Auckland Council people and Auckland Transport. We thank Albert Eden Local Board for funding. Our Meola Creek treasures (Sel Arbuckle, Melissa Marler and Nick Goldwater ) did a great job introducing the walkers to Rock Forest, flood plains and the STEPS wetland. Finally we thank Colleen Foster who made and discussed her tukutuku panel of Meola Creek which was both beautiful and informative.
Thank you to all our members, supporters and all the participants on the day. We look forward to seeing you at the Ahurangi festival in 2014.
