Bringing nature and art together at Tapapakanga

8 February 2006

For the first time in the six-year history of Splore, visitors will be offered guided walks through the festival’s visual arts programme before Splore 06 begins.

A free public art trail will provide access to sculptures and artworks in the week leading up to the festival. The trail will be open from Saturday 11 February until Wednesday 15 February.

The ARC is running guided walks through the art trail on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February at 11am and 1pm, and on Tuesday 14 February at 6.30pm.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Sandra Coney says the ARC is pleased to support the art trail, which showcases the sculptures and artwork of more than 35 talented New Zealand artists.

“I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity to be guided through the artworks and learn a little of the history of Tapapakanga Regional Park.

“This is a fantastic chance for the public to take in the visual arts aspect of Splore while enjoying the beautiful setting that is Tapapakanga Regional Park.

“The ARC is committed to incorporating artwork into regional parks – whether it be through supporting initiatives like Splore, or reflecting the natural and cultural histories of the land through art.

“Many of our parks already boast significant artworks, from pou whenua and carvings, to children’s artwork.”

Leading New Zealand artists Fatu Feu’u, Jeff Thompson, Louise Purvis, Andrew Hall and Steve Woodward are among more than 35 artists to exhibit their work at this year’s festival.

Splore 06 – a three day biennial outdoor arts and music festival – is being held at Tapapakanga Regional Park from 17-19 February 2006.

Tapapakanga Regional Park is 70km south of Auckland’s CBD, set on the Firth of Thames and nestled at the base of the Hunua Ranges.

ENDS

Please note: the public will have access to Tapapakanga Regional Park during Splore 06 but the festival site will be restricted to ticket holders. Park visitors can view the sculpture trail until 8pm on Wednesday 15 February.

www.splore.net

- Tapapakanga - pronounced Ta-papa-ka-nga

- Tapapakanga Regional Park is 171ha in size. It has rolling farmland, enjoyable swimming beaches, ancient pohutukawa, forested valleys and expansive coastal views. Recreational activities include walking, picnicking, camping, mountain biking and swimming. Tapapakanga has an interesting history from Maori occupation to the Ashby family homestead.

- Guided Walks:

Saturday 11 February 11am – 12pm and 1pm – 2pm

Sunday 12 February 11am – 12pm and 1pm – 2pm

Tuesday 14 February 6.30pm – 7.30pm

- How To Get There:
Tapapakanga Regional Park is located on the Firth of Thames coast. >From Auckland CBD, take the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) to the Papakura off-ramp. Head towards Clevedon Village, and through Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point. The park is signposted from there.

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