| Breaking
News
March 15-16, 2008
Auckland Decompression
by Rowena, aka “Serendipity” Budd
Yet another gorgeous weekend in Auckland’s endless and
somewhat dry summer saw the Waiheke Domes host to the ‘08
Decompression party for the Auckland contingent of Kiwiburners
on March 15/16. The Wellington Burners had had their fun –
albeit, damp – Decom a few weeks previous [thanks for
hosting me, you Welly Wonderfuls], it was great to see you all
again].
Back on the Island… A few of the locals and young city-siders
had already made a start on the partying on the Friday night,
but once they were rested and the balance of the party-goers
arrived throughout Saturday, the Decom weekend was in full swing.
The usual suspects of JAFAB and Trailer Trash were present,
as well as Drop Zone and Camp Pedro representatives. There must
have been upwards of 50 people – Kiwiburners and other
guests as well.
The Domes’ back yard garden, complete with sofa and fire-pit,
was the scene of much Kiwiburn style party shenanigans. Couch
ninjas came and conquered throughout the night, morphing from
empty squabs to unidentifiable human masses under blanket in
the blink of an eye (apparently the effort at maintaining couch
dominion remains in contention however, as it was host to Bacon
for sun-up).
The addition of some random performances burnified the event
for me [sure I was one of the ‘perpetrators’, so
of course I’m biased], but it was good to see something
a bit different happening within the party: expression, creativity,
performance.
Some woman ;) dressed up colourful-like and read aloud to a
newly participatory audience, which in turn warmed them up for
Piha Jen and the Colourful One to read stories from The Vagina
Monologues. Well done Jen, for a stellar characterisation of
My Angry Vagina. Yes, rather an unusual topic for presentation,
but an informative and enlightening experience don’t you
think guys?!
We Auckland Kiwiburners were also graced with the presence of
a few out of towners who’d made a mammoth journey north
to join us from Christchurch and Wellington; Hippie and our
esteemed documentarist Bunny. Plus current travel residents
Squirrel, Anne Bonny and DougalDutch were still partying on
under the influence of NZ hospitality.
The Decompression was an excellent party to continue the Kiwiburn
memories and vibe. Many thanks to Kiwi, Hidive and Ingrid for
hosting the event, and allowing us to make it a party space
and a home for the weekend. Not to forget the roast for dinner,
and bacon and eggs for breakfast… Kiwi you’re a
gem.
If I’ve forgotten anyone or anything, aroha mai, forgive
me (spanking welcome); this is just one person’s take
on a weekend full of individual characters creating a Kiwi-spirited
Burning Man. You’re all amazing.
November 23-25, 2007:
Howdy all,
So the first ever Kiwiburn Work Weekend has come and gone and
was a tremendous success.
A big THANK YOU goes out to the crew who came from Wellington..Wendy,
Johnathan, Jezz, Rich and Polly and the Auckland crew Sam, Karl,
Lilly, Poppy, Linus, Dave, Jen, Ants, Shelley, Kyla, Hidive,
Ingrid, Jamie and Eric the couch surfing Californian. Jack and
Jen arrived from Tauranga midday Sunday with cold beers and
he cofirmed that the Fire Camp will be in the same place as
this year, so fun and flames in the Village Square.
For some of the crew it was their first visit to Whakamaru
and the weather worked with us all weekend including rain only
on the Friday night/early Saturday morning, glorious and hot
sunshine during the days, an amazing sunset on Saturday night
and a complete fog out for those that stayed the distance through
till dawn Sunday (some one has to keep vigil during the night
while most of us sleep)
Projects achieved...
Grubbing of the thistles, which gave everyone a chance to wander
the paddocks digging and hacking at the prickly bastards and
take in once again the majestic and peace full place that we
have to play on.
Painting of the toilet block, not the easiest of jobs as they
are rough texture plastered concrete block work and even armed
with fluffy rollers and 4 inch brushes it was a mission but
the result was out standing. There is still the mens toilets
to paint for which we might bring a spray unit down next time
just so we can have more time to play...
Village Planning, lots and lots of discussion as to what goes
where, like the large sound camps, theme camps and general and
quiet camping zones.Community craft and village square location,
where the Man and the Temple will be placed, allowing access
for the Volunteer Fire Brigade and many more other considerations.
We also had a meet up, on Saturday, with Tina Jakes who is
Taupo District Councils, Mangakino Community Manager. She is
a great lady and fully supports what we Kiwiburners are doing
as far as the festival goes as well as our general community
involvement. The Council supplied the paint and some brushes
for the toilet block.
Kirsty Truman from SLAM (Sports and Leisure Association of
Mangakino) visited on Sunday and we had a great introductory
meeting and she outlined their involvement in the Domain in
regards to the Motor Cross tracks that will be established there
next year. SLAM is also taking over part, if not the whole less
of the Domain when Keven Harrison's (the present holder of the
lease and farmer of the Domain) lease runs out in May 2008.
Kirsty is also very supportive of Kiwiburn and can see us both
collaborating well together.
So folks all and all a very successful weekend and a bonus
for some of the city dwellers to get out onto our beautiful
land and soak it up even if we had to negotiate the lagre amount
of fresh cow pads lovingly placed by the beasties.
We will have another Work Weekend hopefully in early January
so stay tuned for updates.
See you at the Burn
Kiwi
_____________________________________________________________________
Oct 17, 2007: Kiwiburn08 posters are available
here now: download A3 size here
[pdf] and A4 size here
[pdf]. You, participants of the community,
are free to dowloand, print, and post around your home community
and bring awareness to the event as you see fit.
October 15, 2007: Combust in Unity Morphman
Guidelines: It’s time to get started with your morphman
art project! Yes, this year’s theme encourages everyone
to bring or make on site a little personal icon of whatever
tickles your fancy to be burned communally with Sunday night’s
burning of the man. You do not need to register your morphman
as a separate art installation unless your artwork is going
to be more than 2 metres tall. See the art
installation set up guide for general guidelines. Also all
morphmen will be screened for burnability by our Health &
Safety Officer – so think wood, cardboard, paper mache.
Use paints made for kids (drinkable and therefore non-toxic!).
Absolute No-No’s: Anything that gives off toxic fumes
is not acceptable for burning: polystyrene, plastics, rubber
spring and most paints. Avoid the use of nails and screws where
possible because after the burn these must be picked up individually
from the burn site.
October 9, 2007: Carbon neutrality comes to
Kiwiburn08. The community overwhelmingly agreed that KB should
participate in carbon offsets. Read Dr. Science's research on
the issue [pdf].
September 21, 2007: Tickets for Kiwiburn are
now on sale here!
August 9, 2007: Kiwiburn is now a registered
incorporated society. What does this mean? Buying at ticket
to Kiwiburn automatically grants you membership to Kiwiburn.
You will have voting rights and will have a say in the organization.
The incorporation documents are here
[pdf]. |
