This weekend is the Bethlehem Pottery exhibition Bay-Clay 2013 and Arohanui were invited to have a stand exhibiting our pottery work. Arohanui general manager Peter Gibson was also the guest speaker opening the event.
If you are able to get to Bay-court Tauranga over the weekend do go and view the exhibition the pottery on display is very high quality and you are also able to purchase items and very reasonable prices.

We had a visit this week from Kane Williamson one of New Zealand's  top cricketers
 Kane spent time at our Greerton centre chatting to everyone and being interviewed by Matthew Gaskin for our comet newspaper.
At the end of the interview Kane presented Matthew with one of his player shirts which will take pride and place in the Arohanui gallery before Matthew takes it home.
Kane is a genuine all round nice guy who offered his time freely and without restrictions it was very much appreciated from all the people at Arohanui. He is a fantastic role model of someone who has reached the top of his chosen sport/career at a young age and yet remains very grounded with great values
We wish Kane all the best in the up coming series at home and for his future with the Black Caps.

 

Well the new Garden at the Wilrose is all but complete and has transformed the area into a very welcoming user friendly space.
There are a few finishing touches to do, water lilies, tables, chairs and shade but all in all everyone is very pleased with the end product.People will now be working on various art pieces to truly personalise the garden as their own.

New projects

With winter nearly behind us we have made a start on the new naturally native sensory garden at the Wilrose centre. When completed it will be a fantastic environment for everyone at Arohanui.
The garden will be done in three stages and as funds permit.
Stage one is hope to be completed by early September just in time for those spring bar- b-ques.
Please feel free to come and have a look and to enjoy.

Also it may seem early but we are well underway with planning for our Christmas event. This year will be something very special with lots of entertainment and a surprise at the end of the evening.
The evening will be held on Tuesday the 17th of December at the fantastic Trinity Wharf Hotel
So please pencil in the date now and more information and invites will follow soon.

BUSY BUSY

The last few weeks has been pretty busy with lots of great things going on. I never cease being very proud of what can be achieved for the people who choose Arohanui. With the right support and encouragement people really do achieve their goals and dreams.
Four people who have been studying hard doing the course of Papa Ako (learning to learn) recently graduated and it was my great pleasure to be invited to hand them their certificates,
Check out the individual blogs. Michael, Ani, Shelley and Katiana
A mothers day morning tea was a great way for everyone to get together and show their appreciation  for what mothers do and how important a part they play in our lives. This was followed up two weeks later with another morning tea ,this time to raise the awareness of breast cancer. The theme was pink, with lots of pink icing on the cakes and everyone getting into the spirit dressing up in pink as well.
A great time had by all and the money raised sent to the Cancer society.

The first week in June has seen the new programme start so keep an eye on the blogs to keep up with what everyone is doing. We welcome your feedback.

                                                         Melissa on Pink Ribbon Day

SPCA disco

The recent disco night was a great success with everyone getting into the theme of the 60s by dressing up and for us that are a little older,we were able to sing along to the songs
Entry was by way of a donation of pet food or gold coin all of which was taken to the local  SPCA.
They were very appreciative of the donation and credit must go to Shelley Maffey who came up with the idea and to everyone one else at Wilrose who spent many hours on the decorations and getting everything ready.
Well done!!

Keeping up the mommentum.

Short weeks hasn't stopped the momentum of people getting out and about and having a great time.
This week has seen a trip to Rotorua to the very pretty Kuirau Parks where there is natural mud and hot pools.  Another group enjoyed the "pop opera" in Tauranga which also included lunch.
It hasn't all been recreation though we have also help out with the puppy dog appeal which we do every year.
Coming up for the rest of the month are a number of trips including Hamilton zoo, Marshals farm and the Maori culture are going to Hamurana Springs for a day of learning and the significance of this beautiful area to the local iwi.
Keep an eye on the individual blogs to see what everyone is doing on a personal level to achieve their goals

Easter Time

Wow hard to believe Easter is here and we are already through the 1st quarter 2013.Just goes to show time really does fly when we are having fun.
All three centres having been making Easter gifts and cards for family and friends and I know that everyone is looking forward to the making of hot cross Buns and  easter egg hunts on Thursday which are always great fun to be  enjoyed by everyone.
On behalf of Arohanui staff we wish everyone a restful and safe Easter break.

Wilrose Camp

The whole team from Wilrose are enjoying three days in Taupo staying at the very picturesque Bradshaw Lodge.
They are checking out all the local attractions including the Mosaic Gallery and the De Bretts hot springs be sure to catch up with the individuals blogs to see the pictures of the trip.
What a great trip!!

Te Puke Camp

Everyone is very excited today at Te Puke as they set off on their camp. The ones that are staying overnight are all organised with sleeping bags and pillows and set off at 9.30 am.
The rest of the day campers were heading down at 10.30.
With lots of home baking, venison patties, salads, and the hope of catching some eels for the smoker I am sure every ones tastes are well catered for.
Check out the individual blogs to see how everyone got on in the next couple of days.
Big thankyou to the staff and families who have helped to make this happpen it is very much appreciated.

Fun times in the sun

It is great to see everyone making the most of the great summer we are having
There has been fishing trips not a lot of fish being caught but everyone is keen to keep trying.
A groups had a great day at fairy springs in Rotorua,the bird show and feeding the trout being a highlight
Another group went to Mclaren's falls for a B-B-Q lunch, this park is a great spot.
We are very lucky to have so may great spots and parks here in the sunny Bay of Plenty and the Arohanui team will make sure they make the most of them.
Keep checking the individuals blogs to see what they have been doing. We welcome your comments.

Pottery Club

Arohanui is now a member of the Bethlehem Pottery club. This will enhance the pottery programme that we already have and expand the types of art that is able to be created. We are looking forward to building on what is already avery positive relationship with the local pottery community.
A big thank you to the Bethlehem pottery club for thinking outside the square and accepting Arohanui Art and education trust as a member.

First week back

Arohanui is back and ready to go after a great 3 week break. Everyone is feeling refreshed and looking forward to another great year of assisting people achieve their goals. Already there are some exciting things planned with 2 overnight camps happening in February.
We are working on everyone having thier own blog which is linked to the Arohanui Blog so be sure to check regularly to see what everyone is doing.