Well the first quarter of the year has been very busy for Arohanui and the people we support

Recently we were successful in obtaining funds from the Pub Charities for two job chairs

These chairs allow people who have mobility issues to enjoy the beach and other terrain's that would not normally be accessible to these people.

The kontiki trips have proved very popular and it as bonus when fish are caught.

It is great to see people having new experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

We have been experiencing a increase in enquiries for services which is great and we have had a number of people joining us after moving to Tauranga from different parts of the country.

 We are now supporting 61 individual's and their families, full time, part time and some on a casual basis. It is a privilege to be chosen to be involved in supporting someone to achieve their goals and dreams. We never get tired of sharing and hearing about what people are doing so if you want to share something special do not hesitate to contact us.

Keep checking out the individual's blogs!!

 

2014 is just flying by and we are already planning for end of year functions. The centre managers have also started working on the new programmes which will start in January 2015.
Recently we have been able to purchase some new resources which are proving very popular.
Music equipment in the form of some very cool karaoke machines as well as a load of percussions instruments. I am am always impressed by the range of talents we have with the people we support.
We have also purchased a  Sea horse Kontiki  which is going to be used by all three centres and hopefully we will lucky enough to be able to send fish home with those who want to take part in this very cool activity.
The pottery is also proving very popular and people are getting pieces ready to exhibit their pieces in the annual Bethlehem Pottery exhibition in November.
With Christmas just around the corner don't forget to pop in to the Next Door Art Gallery and purchase a unique gift at a fantastic price or just pop in and say hi, we would love to see you.

Fundraising

As you would be aware the contracts we have to provide services do not cover the extra costs we require to be able to deliver the high quality service we strive to do on a daily basis. So we are always looking at different way of raising the extra funds needed. Here are a couple of new initiative’s we have introduced and hope that you support us and will tell everyone  else you know to come support Arohanui and the work we do.

 

The Next-Door Gallery

At our Greerton Centre a space became available next door to our existing centre so we have leased the ground floor and put in a designated pottery/art workshop at the rear and in the front we have created an art gallery to display and sell some of the art products that everyone has been doing.

We have a wide range of mosaics, pottery and other art forms for sale at very reasonable prices

We also have a collection of pieces from the Bethlehem pottery club some donated and some on commission which is something we want to encourage for any community artist out there who would like somewhere to display and sell their works.

So tell all your friends and family and pop into the Next-Door Gallery at our Greerton centre and pick yourself up a piece of unique original art. The gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

All money from sales will go directly back to the people we support and to assist with buying art resources.

 

The Entertainment Book

Many of you may be already aware of, and using the Entertainment Book which has hundreds of valuable up to 50% off and 2 for 1 offers for many best restaurants, arts, attractions, hotels, travel, shopping and more. I have been using this book and can testify that you can get a lot more from it than the cost of the book which is $60.

An extra this year is they have gone mobile and you can download the app onto your phone so you don’t have to carry the book about.

Arohanui is now selling these books and will receive 20% from each sale. If you would like to purchase one you can go to our website www.arohanuitrust.co.nz and click on the tab support us.

Or you can ring Gaye in our office on 579-4603 as we have some books for sale on site.

 

Please remember that we are a registered charitable trust and if you do wish to purchase any art, an entertainment book or just make a donation you can claim it back against your tax. Just let us know and we will arrange a receipt for you.

  

Back to work

 After a well deserved break of three weeks everyone one is back on board fully rested and enthused for another great year.There is a number of  activities planned over the next few weeks to make the most of the summer, so check out everyone's blogs to see what they are up to and feel free to leave a comment.
The 2013 year finished off with a bang with the Christmas party being a great success. The circus carnival theme was a big hit as was the fireworks at the end of the evening. Feedback from people was, that it was the best party ever. Our challenge will be how to match or top it for this year.
Arohanui Greerton has managed to secure a space adjoining the existing centre. This space will become a designated area for art, pottery and woodwork/renovation out the back with the front area becoming a gallery/gift shop open to the public. It is anticipated that this will open by the end of March so keep an eye out for the opening, tell all your friends and come and check it out. You will have the opportunity to purchase some fantastic art craft and gifts and a very reasonable price knowing that your money will be going back to people we support.
We will also be happy to display and sell peoples art and craft from the community so if you are looking for somewhere to display your wares please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You can contact Peter on 07 579-4603

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.