9 February 2011

February free public events announced for WAIRARAPA MOANA

Aratoi has announced February’s ‘must-see’ events for anyone interested in learning more about Lake Wairarapa’s ecology and history, from experts in their fields.

Wairarapa Moana – A Lake in Crisis Part I, will explore the current state of the lake’s flora and fauna. The panel members are John Rhodes, a local tramper, cyclist, writer, photographer and amateur geologist; Ian Gunn, project coordinator for the Wairarapa Moana Wetland Project to restore the lake; and Tony Silbery, who has been working as a biodiversity ranger for the Department of Conservation for the last 15 years. The panel will look at the evolution of the lake from its natural formation to a state of highly managed flood control, which has forever changed the ecology for plant and animal life.

The following week, historian Bruce Stirling will be speaking about what led Maori to alienate Wairarapa Moana to the Crown in 1896. Bruce is a Wellington historian who, since the 1990s, has been extensively involved in researching the Wairarapa Treaty of Waitangi claims. He has recently completed a heritage study of Wairarapa Moana for Greater Wellington Regional Council, and is currently writing a political history of Wairarapa iwi. March and April will see descendants of Maori and early settlers families sharing their stories; prominent Wairarapa-based artists and others talking about the influence of the natural environment on their work; and a discussion on the Wairarapa Treaty of Waitangi claims. For more information on the free events and education programmes, go to www.aratoi.co.nz .

Wairarapa Moana – A Lake in Crisis Part I, Main Gallery, Aratoi, Thursday 17 February, 6-8pm. Giving up the lake – A talk by Bruce Stirling, Main Gallery, Wednesday 23 February, 6-7.30pm.

WAIRARAPA MOANA: He pātaka kai, He pātaka kōrero - Stories about a lake and its people 6 November 2010 – 7 May 2011 Open daily 10am-4.30pm; www.aratoi.co.nz

Aratoi acknowledges the generous sponsorship of Wairarapa Moana; Eastern & Central Community Trust, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa; Masterton Trust Lands Trust, McAuley’s Transport Ltd, Newbolds 100% Electrical, Masterton; and Technology Solutions. WAIRARAPA MOANA is generously supported by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Department of Conservation, Whanganui Regional Museum, National Library of New Zealand, The Sign Factory, Henley Men’s Shed, Loader Construction Engineering Ltd, Rangitane o Wairarapa, Rigg-Zschokke, Ornament, and The Village Art Shop.

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