Two things!

Thing 1:Poets for Peace

Poets for Peace is an evening of poetry on Saturday 18th April 2015 where I will be reading with these other lovely people:

* Teresia Teaiwa * Maria MacMillan * Sophia Tara * Ali Jacs * Martin de Jong * Meg Hartfield * Vivienne Plumb * Tim Jones * Madeleine Slavik * and more, with a musical interlude by Mighty Ukes for Peace.

From 7pm to 9.30pm at the St Andrew’s Conference Centre, 30 The Terrace (entry via the pathway on the right hand side if you’re standing on The Terrace facing the church).

Entry by donation, all proceeds to a West Papua peace and justice initiative.

Poets for Peace is part of the ‘Remembering war / ending war: Challenging militarism and building peace’ weekend – an antidote to the militaristic myth making fervour around the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli invasion – details at https://www.facebook.com/events/972037769491199

For more information, please contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, email pma@xtra.co.nz

Thing 2: Projected Fields Community Picnic

On Sunday 19 April from 12-3pm, there will be music, poetry and activities in MacAlister Park (Vogeltown). Jodie Dalgleish and I will be reading a few poems.

Norwegian-born artist Siv B Fjærestad, with Letting Space and in partnership with Wellington City Council, is creating an enormous artwork on the fields of MacAlister and Liardet Street Parks, Berhampore.

Her painting has been inspired by field markings, and the stories and activities of the people who use the parks and their dreams for its future. Over 2014 Fjærestad and volunteers surveyed the local community and park users to inform the painting’s design and how it might be activated.

11am Pre-picnic Tai Chi by Tai Chi Associates on MacAlister Park

11.50 am Join a dog walkers parade to top of park (meet at Berhampore dog zone off Stanley Street) – off lead, on lead, off lead.

12noon  Bring a blanket and food to share. Spoken word and poetry, Acroyoga, Hula Hooping, Zumba, DJ Kedron Parker.

2.15pm    The game of Ki o rahi – guided instruction (on Adelaide Rd side).Have a go at painting the field blindfolded – bring old clothes.History Booth –  Bring along stories of the area and talk to co-author of the forthcoming Berhampore History, Kerryn Pollock. Bring photos to be scanned and added to the archive.Kite making and flying

Rain day: Sunday 3 May

Contribute to discussion about the parks at this Facebook page.

Learn more about the artist’s process at the Projected Fields Blog.

More info here: http://www.lettingspace.org.nz/projected-fields

Bring your friends, neighbours, work mates, cousins, children, parents, dogs; some kai to share and something to sit on.