Some of my time-consuming activities this year have arisen in the course of local community commitments; others have been projects which have emerged through meeting interesting people further afield. Here are some examples of both…
Earthsong Centre Trust constitution and new reporting requirements
At meetings of the Earthsong Centre Trust, which I chaired 2015-16, it became clear that our constitution was out-of-date. I led theprocess to update the Trust’s constitution. This required several meetings, several drafts to be circulated, and when successfully completed and approved by Earthsong, submission to the Societies Office and the Charities Commission
Extra jobs for RAP
As a Board member for the Ranui Action Project Society, I had to take on some additional responsibilities for staff supervision and support, writing employment agreements and suchlike.
DR Congo Information Meeting
Lema and her daughter Amani
Our friend Lema Shamaba has had a particular concern about the way in which the media almost ignore the desperately bad situation the Democratic Republic of Congo. So I helped her to organise a public in information meeting, which involved researching the current situation carefully, meeting with other Congolese refugees, writing letters to the Catholic Church, Members of Parliament and others, organising publicity and follow-up.
Poutasi Ukulele Project
The Poutasi Ukulele Project in Samoa was revived this year in a different form – Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale decided to find a suitable trainee in Poutasi Village, and send him here. We organised his travel and gave him some support while he was in Auckland.
Talanoa Magele and John Hewitt
Talanoa Magele proved to be an outstanding craftsman, and after staying for five weeks and working with John Hewitt, he was able to make a range of ukulele from coconut shells and other timber. I arranged with John the purchase of new woodworking machinery, and the selection of some of his own equipment and materials, and helped organise the packing and shipping to Samoa.
He Kete, He Kōrero
When we were in Northland earlier in the year, we spent time with Toi Te Rito Maihi and Maureen Lander. Penguin Books unexpectedly offered to reprint the book He Kete, He Kōrero, written by Toi and Maureen. Tanya and I agreed to underwrite the reprint, and I have spent time liaising with Toi, Maureen, and Graeme from Penguin Books.
Friends of Toi’s are now helping with storage, and a sales process will be organised soon.. .
That’s enough to give you some idea of how I’ve been spending many of my days in 2016!
Earthsong Eco Neighbourhood
Public Good
What good citizens you both are. Has the book been released? I want a copy. xx