world gathering 2009/10

world gathering 2009/10

last modified December 20, 2009 by strypey

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009/10 world rainbow gathering in Aotearoa

The over-arching vision of the rainbow family is of a world in which humans are at peace with each other, and with all beings. We care for each other, respect each other's need for freedom, and seek to live in harmony with other animals, plants, ecosystems, and the living environment of Gaia as a whole. We acknowledge the environmental wisdom of many indigenous peoples, and aspire to learn from their examples. By sharing, we create abundance.

Who can come to a rainbow gathering?

Anyone with a navel is a member of the te whanau uenuku/ rainbow family! We especially welcome elders and children, without them, we are not a family.

He mihi mahana ki a koutou o te tangata whenua, nga kaitaiki o nga motu nei o Aotearoa. Nau mai, haere mai. Ki a Kai Tahu, te iwi nui o Te Wai Pounamu. Ka arohanui te mihi, nau mai, haere mai ra. Ki te whanaunga o te hapu kaitiaki o te whenua nei, te whenua e tutaki ana matou o te whanau uenuku. Ka rahi rawa te mihi ki a koutou o taua hapu, kei a koutou te mana whenua, ka tino pirangi matou mo to koutou powhiri ki te whenua nei, karanga mai ra.

(If you are tangata whenua, especially of Kai Tahu, we will be honoured to have you among us. If you are part of the hapu that holds mana whenua over the place we gather, we seek your blessing to gather on this land, and respectfully invite you to work with us to create a ritual of encounter to formally recognize our presence for the duration of the gathering)

When is the world gathering?

The consensus at the last world gathering in China was that the main gathering would run from new moon December (16) to new moon January (15). A request was made by a representative of one of the indigenous peoples to shift the dates, due to a timing clash with the Parihaka Peace Festival. Although unable to make this change without consensus on the land, world gathering focalizers are giving serious thought to how to bridge this divide. The Parihaka festival occurs in the last week of a 4 week main gathering, which means whanau could come during the first 3 weeks of main gathering, and still help set up at Parihaka. We also hope to form synergistic links with other like-minded events occurring during the gathering, such as Climate Camp, Convergence, and Prana.

Where in Aotearoa (NZ) is the site for the world gathering?

Dec 19: The new site has been found, a unanimous consensus emerged on the land, with NO discussion required! :) We are in the Victoria Forest Park, in the heart of Te Wai Pounamu (the south island), near te Kopi o Kaitangata (Lewis Pass), and about 2 1/2 hours from Mawhera (Greymouth), Whakatu (Nelson), or Otautahi (Christchurch). The closest international airport is Otautahi.

Access to the site is via the Rappahannock Valley, on Highway 65, about 30km north of Springs Junction or 54km south of Murchison. Turn east onto Rappahannock Rd, which is 10km north of Maruia Village. Car park is about 3km along, visible from the road.

What do I need to bring?

This is an entirely outdoors event, so you will need your own camping gear, and clothing for all possible weather conditions. The stream we are gathering by are tributaries of the Rappahannock River. Wikipedia claims that "The name 'Rappahannock' comes from the Algonquian word lappihanne (also noted as toppehannock), meaning 'river of quick, rising water' or 'where the tide ebbs and flows.'". So, plan for wet weather, as well as sun.

Bring your own plates, cups, cutlery etc and avoid sharing with others, this helps to avert the spread of illness. There are two communal food circles each day, but you might want to bring your own food for snacks and treats, especially if you are bringing children. Although sandflies are few so far, bring plenty of all-natural insect repellent. Due to fire risk, communal fires only, approved by talking circle. Bring strong food containers to keep out rats and mice. Bring tarps and pots and tools. Bring musical instruments, circus toys, games, good things to share, and love and light.

Magic hat is in need of love, send to aotearoacaravan @ gmail.com via http://www.paypal.com, or bring koha (donations) with you to the gathering.

Anything I should not bring?

Please leave your drugs (especially alcohol), electronic devices, dogs (cats, ferrets, rats etc), chainsaws, guns and helicopters at home.

Which airport should I fly to?

Since the site is in Te Wai Pounamu (south island), you would be best to fly into Christchurch Airport.

I am flying into Te Ika a Maui (north island), how do I get to the Te Wai Pounamu (south island)?

One option is to fly to Otautahi (Christchurch) and travel across te Kopi o Kaitangata (Lewis Pass) on Highway 7. You could also fly to Wakatu (Nelson), and travel to Murchison on Highway 6. Otherwise you will need to cross the strait from Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). There are two ways to do this, plane and ferry.

Flights from Wellington to Picton, or Blenheim are between $80 and $100 for adults:
http://www.soundsair.com/fares.php

There are two ferry services that cross the strait, Interislander, and Bluebrige. Be aware that the two companies sail on different timetables, Ticket prices for walk-on passengers are about the same, but Bluebridge is usually much cheaper for vehicles. Not all Bluebridge sailings happen on Saturdays and Sundays, and the Interislander does more sailings per day, especially at this time of the year:
http://www.bluebridge.co.nz/timetable/index.aspx
http://www.interislander.co.nz/Timetable.aspx

How can I keep up to date with news about the gathering?

You can join the world gathering YahooGroup, or subscribe to the rainbow-Aotearoa newsmail. Any news about scouting councils, site announcements, or timing will be sent out on both these channels as it comes to hand.

rainbow-Aotearoa newsmail

world gathering YahooGroup

Where can I stay once I arrive in Aotearoa?

There are some houses around the country willing to act as contact points for international rainbows. As well as contacts for people who have volunteered as local focalizers, there are suggestions for how to make contact with alternative types, and places you can camp for free. Please note: there are NO guarantees that you can stay with the people on this list, and they may ask for a koha (donation). I know rainbow brothers and sisters will be loving, considerate and respectful if you contact them.

See rainbow family and friends for a list of places and contact information.

Where can I get a donkey?

Donkeys are not usually available in Aotearoa. If you don't want to buy/ hire a motorized vehicle, or take public transport (train/ bus/ ferry), you can hitchhike (pretty safe and reasonably reliable).

te whanau uenuku - rainbow family of Aotearoa