Merivale Community Centre
Press release
26 March 2012
A Positive Community Celebrates Together: Valefest Twenty12
The sound equipment is booked, the bands are coming and the Merivale community is looking forward to ValeFest Twenty12,
a celebration of their community, their youth and their families. ValeFest Twenty12 is an open community event that will
be run at Yatton Park on Saturday 31 March 2012 from 10am to 3pm.
ValeFest Twenty12 is being organised by local young people who planned and organised the festival for the enjoyment of
their local community through their fortnightly Youth Leadership Group nights at the Merivale Community Centre. “We are
really proud of their mature attitude and hard effort,” commented Graham Cameron, Services Manager. “These are our
leaders for tomorrow: we’re pleased to see them grow the skills to lead our community.”
With the support of Mai FM and Creative Communities, the headline act for this year’s festival is Adeaze, a well known
New Zealand R group, who had a number one hit with their song Getting Stronger. They will be supported on the stage by local reggae group 62TB and other groups including kapa haka and local talent.
“Securing Adeaze is real coup for us,” said Becks Watts, Youth Worker. “They bring an amazing act that promotes positive
and life-giving messages.”
With a huge range of foods suited to everyone’s tastes, people will be able to eat, watch the stage and visit the stalls
from a variety of local providers of health and social services. The chair-o-plane, merry-go-round and other games and
amusements will keep children happy for just a donation.
ValeFest Twenty12 is the latest in seven years of local festivals and a great way for curious and interested people to
get to hear about the wonderful work of the Merivale Community Centre, Merivale School, Merivale Whānau Aroha Centre and
Tutarawānanga Te Kōhanga Reo. The festival is open to everyone in Tauranga.
If it is raining, ValeFest Twenty 12 will continue at the later time of 2pm to 6pm at the Merivale Action Centre,
Merivale School, 25 Kesteven Ave, Merivale, Tauranga. For more information contact Becks Watts at becks@merivale.org.nz.
END