562 days ago

Timber: Waiuku Theatre Club's season including fundraiser for youth mental health support

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Waiuku Theatre dedicates performance to efforts to rally mental health support for kids

The Waiuku Theatre Club is putting on a show for the next two weeks, telling the story of a dilemma set in 1965.

For the cast and crew, it’s an opportunity to get out in front of a crowd after years of no theatre, but also a chance to highlight an issue close to their hearts.

Production Manager Haley King said for the crew, it was “icing on the cake” that one of their performances falls on November 04: Gumboot Friday, an annual rallying cry to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health.

“I think everyone is aware of the rising youth mental health concerns not just within our community but the whole of New Zealand, particularly with the impacts of covid on our young people and their school, team and friendship connections,” King said.

“The work that the people at I am Hope do and the commitment they have in fighting for our young people is incredible.

“They continue fighting and providing accessible help to our young people no matter what barriers are put before them, we should all fight for our young people. Supporting their work is the very least we can do.”

Money raised from tickets for the November 04 performance will go straight to I am Hope.

Waiuku Theatre Club are putting on ‘Timber,’ which follows kiwi lumberjacks who stumble across an ancient Kauri that is meant to be cut down. The crew is torn, and soon tree advocates and the council are involved in the saga.

Liam Hagenson, who wrote Timber along with Emily Laing, said the writers wanted to create a story that would appeal to the community they were born and raised in.

“But we wanted a light hearted story with a bit of conflict, this is where the thought of the hippies came in. Which leads to the setting of the 60s, the music, the attire, it all fits perfectly.”

So far, the crew have raised $800 in sponsorships from local businesses to donate, and had items donated for raffles too. On Gumboot Friday there will be spot prizes during the performance, and guests are encouraged to wear their gumboots to the show.

Tickets are available via www.waiukutheatre.com... and the show is running until November 12.

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...

Prospa

A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.

The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.

The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!

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4 days ago

Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?

Triton Hearing

Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.

What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and they’re available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?

Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!

*T&C’s apply – must be over 18.
Find out more

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What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
  • 87.9% a) The size of a pea
    87.9% Complete
  • 4.9% b) The size of a AAA battery
    4.9% Complete
  • 7.3% c) The size of a $2 coin
    7.3% Complete
412 votes
6 days ago

The Tova Show

Jen from Stuff

Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner

We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.

We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).

Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.

Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.

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