1175 days ago

Balinese Performance in Seatoun!

Vaughan from Seatoun

Seven years ago, with the aim of inspiring Kiwis to create, play and perform music and dance together, as well as ethnic communities to learn and treasure their traditional art-forms, we crowd funded our family group (Sekaa Selonding Semeton) from Bali to bring this rare gamelan art-form called Selonding to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Now, with funding from the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, we have created a new group here in Seatoun Village under Mekar Bhuana Aotearoa that is made up of our nuclear Balinese family and Kiwis who have fallen in love with Balinese gamelan music.

We’ve been rehearsing for the past two months with much enthusiasm at Seatoun Village Hall to present a free public event of this rare and incredible bell-like music to the people of Seatoun and the wider Wellington community.

Our performance will showcase ancient traditional music that dates back to the 9th century as well as new compositions by young Balinese composer, Gede Semara, together with a newly choreographed dance by Mekar Bhuana director Putu Evie.

The workshop will include a short explanation and demonstration led by gamelan researcher Vaughan Hatch. The audience will be encouraged to participate and is family friendly – children are encouraged to have a go and experience trying their hand at the giant iron-keyed instruments, as well as learning a short traditional song and game while accompanied by Selonding.

Don’t miss this rare and special opportunity to find out more about another side of Bali you’ve never seen or heard!

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.7% Complete
  • 16.5% Hmm, maybe?
    16.5% Complete
  • 10.8% Yes!
    10.8% Complete
556 votes
18 hours ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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16 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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