Learning fest marks REAP’s 40th birthday
Tararua REAP turned 40 this month and to celebrate it hosted a Festival of Adult Learning in The Hub on Monday, September 5. An amazing 46 different groups all run by or linked to Tararua REAP presented interactive activities for the large group of visitors to try out.
They ranged from crafts like Oamaru stone carving to harakeke (flax) weaving and pounamu shaping to making bees wax cloths.
There were also a large number of health-related exhibits, ranging from mental health through photography to brewing tea from local therapeutic herbs.
Quite a few of the above were presented by Tararua REAP staff but there were many groups with which Tararua REAP interact invited to display what they do like the White Ribbon Fight to prevent violence against women, the Menz Shed, Civil Defence, the Tararua Federation of Womens’ Institutes and Horizons Regional Council Road Safety.
There were even things for children, Zappo the Clown having the youngsters in hysterics while Sarah Tindall had older kids fascinated doing science with microscopes.
The festival started with an amazing powhiri by Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Tamaki Nui a Rua and concluded at 7pm but not before an official welcome at 4pm in which Tararua REAP Board members Stephen Paewai and Chairman Wendy Lansdowne spoke to the crowd.
Wendy compared the roles REAP played 40 years ago (like courses on electrical wiring — now illegal and
how to use your microwave) with those of today — recycling and how to make best use of the internet.
Tararua REAP manager Claire Chapman said it was a huge privilege to work with her staff calling them “a great big beautiful whanau all walking side by side making the
community better”.
Gloria Hauiti spoke on behalf of Rangitane, calling Tararua REAP “the heart beat of Tararua where you are surrounded by people who want to learn and teach”.
The welcome was adjourned while a party of staff went out to formally cut the ribbon on Tararua REAP’s latest acquisition its Mobile Cabin available for any organisation to hire.
REAP is looking for a name for the cabin and is keen to hear suggestions.
Attention then returned to the cutting of the two commemorative
cakes. One was covered with lollies for the kids cut by Mila-Rose Chapman and the other for the adults by Ian Barnett.
There were some pretty tired people by 7pm, particularly the staff in the kitchen who kept up a steady supply of free food including delicious scones the size of small houses.
In addition a static display of crafts associated with Tararua REAP was on display in the former Baywide Bank all of the week.
There were some wonderful pieces of Kakahu traditional weaving by Aroha Petera and Boronia Lilo.
There was art from Elspeth Atkinson’s two courses, pounamu pieces by Cherry Peeti-Taparau, whakapapa quilts by Ron Te Kawa, Oamaru Stone work by Heather Newland and wahakura baskets for babies.