Creative space for youthful expression
The South Waikato’s ageing population means it’s not always easy for youths to be able to express themselves.
The Rangatahi Creative Arts Summits, run through registered charitable trust Transform Aotearoa, are aimed at changing that in Putaruru.
Once a month free creative arts summits, which are supported and funded by Trinity Lands, are being held with knowledgeable local, national and international tutors teaching the likes of hip hop dance, poetry, and music at Transform Aotearoa in Tirau St.
Coordinator Naomi Reese said the aim was to facilitate a space in which young people could learn, develop and express themselves.
‘‘Through the vehicle of creativity the aim is to establish a positive place of belonging and to connect rangatahi (youth) with awesome role models,’’ she said.
‘‘Nau mai haere mai - all youth are welcome. It doesn’t matter if you’ve taken a creative class before, come learn and have fun with us in a friendly environment.’’
Reese, who has been organising the creative summits since November 2016, said similar summits are also hosted in Cambridge and at Whakamarama Marae near Te Awamutu.
She said feedback has been nothing but positive since they were launched.
‘‘At the last summit we learnt the whakatauki (proverb) ‘He aha te mea nui i te ao? What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tanagata, he tangata. It is people, It is people, it is people,’’ she said.
‘‘Feedback heard at our debrief at the end included that it was ‘‘fun’’, ‘‘I didn’t know I could write poetry’’, ‘‘I learnt heaps of dance moves’’, that there was ‘‘good kai’’, ’’people are important, I am important’’ and ‘‘I want to come back next month’’.
She said the next creative summit will take place on February 11 from 10am until 3pm and will be a workshop featuring music and hip hop movement. There is also the added bonus of a free lunch.
‘‘We are are committed to providing positive opportunities for the young people of Putaruru in their local community,’’ she said.
‘‘It will be funnest place to be on Saturday and we would love to jam, bust a move and hang out with you. Bring a friend, it’s free.’’
For more information visit facebook or transformaotearoa.nz and to register text 027 326 1701.