Over the last few years  Arohanui Greerton have entered the local yarn bombing competition where they decorate a local tree.

This year they went all out and created Wilson the rugby player. Wilson attracted a lot of attention, so much in fact that someone decided they would steal him for their own.

This was very disappointing for everyone and even with local papers getting involved Wilson was never to be seen again. But as they say, with every dark cloud there is a silver lining and with the locals getting behind Arohanui we won the public vote and $700 which was kindly sponsored by Leigh Crockord of Crockford real estate.

The money was spent on the purchase of new Samsung tablets for the Greerton center.

 Staff and clients have not be put off by the experience and are gearing up for next years theme of 

  "Color My World"

Arohanui Art and Education Trust is back up and running with full attendance after what, dare I say 'unprecedented times'
The Covid- lock down period was something that we had no manual for. We did however have a pandemic plan which worked well and gave clear guidance for all staff.
During the Lock down we continued to offer services virtually and the staff came up with some very creative ideas and activities for the service users.
Senior Management delivered medication and groceries for those who asked.
No one can deny that the lock down, for some was stressful and others took it in their stride.
It showed me the best of some people and the not so good in others. Peoples true values came to the surface and it is a persons values that  cannot be camouflaged when facing adversity. 
I am very proud of the Arohanui Art and Education staff especially those who went well beyond what was expected of them through this period. What they did to support people truly did make a positive difference. I sincerely thank them all. 
We are all looking forward to the rest of the year and assisting people achieve their goals and we can all look back on this period of history knowing we where there.

2020 has got of to a great positive start with all three Centers starting their new programs.
A great new initiative has been doing weekly flower posies for the Waipuna Hospice. The Clients create the flower posies each week with the support of staff and a volunteer. The posies are then delivered to the hospice and go on peoples meal trays.
It is hoped over time that this initiative will grow into random acts of kindness and flowers will be given to people and services in the local community. Watch this space!

 A group of 9 clients and 3 staff are heading of to the Gold coast in Australia on the 8th of March for a week. This is an exciting time for the people who are going and for some a trip like this is a dream come true. We will be going to Sea world, Movie World and the Australian zoo and several other excursions. Big thanks to the staff who are willing to give up their spare time to make this happen
We will post an update of the trip when we get back .