Newsletter - December 2011

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GNS Facility Opens - “Te Matapuna O Paptuanuku”

Opened on Monday, the 3rd of October 2011. This new earth & science facility takes our village to a whole new level of understanding. Not only does it preview the myths and legend of the Maori people, but also scientific explanation of the geothermal volcanic activity in the Bay of Plenty area.

Situated in the heart of the village, Te Matapuna O Paptuanuku also offers visitors an historical trip around the region by way of DVD featuring the late Rotorua historian Don Stafford. Displays through out the room also describe how the geothermal features of the village operate.  Te Matapuna O Papatuanuku is open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 5pm with 2 staff who are dedicated to providing you with interesting facts and information pertaining to the exhibits within Te Matapuna O Papatuanuku.
So bring the family and enjoy our new facility.

Staff Celebrate Christmas Wild, Wild West style …….

On November 25th the staff of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours celebrated the upcoming  Christmas with a evening of fun & games in the Wild, Wild West.  All staff who attend dressed to impress as cowboys/girls, Indians, and of course a saloon girl.  Prizes were awarded to the best dressed, which was won by Huhana Hemara as the Saloon Girl, and Paora Tapsell as Colonel Castor.  Other major prizes included the longest ride on the Bucking Bull, won by Ramari Ross, most clays hit in the clay shooting, Wiremu Gardiner, and the knife throw won by Waimarie Maxwell.
Thank you to all staff who attended, a wonderful night was had by all. 

 

Waitangi Day Celebrations at Whakarewarewa

Since 2008 Whakarewarewa has held an annual event to celebrate Waitangi day.
Each year a theme country is chosen and celebrated along with our own Maori culture.  For 2012 we will be celebrating the African community.  We have contacted our African cousins who are able to help with Food, entertainment and arts & crafts, but we also need your assistance to ensure our day of celebration is and will continue to be a popular community event.
If you or anyone you may know would like to provide entertainment, arts, crafts or volunteer their time for the day, please contact us.

For entertainment or
to volunteer please contact:

       Renee Raimona on 021 741 210 or
       email on:renee@whakarewarewa.com

 

For stalls arts & crafts
please contact:

                  Shannon Taia on 021 741 790 or
                  email on:shannon@whakarewarewa.com

Or call our main office on 07 349 3463

Nau Mai, Haere Mai Whanau.

 

New Wing at Rotorua Museum

In September, Whakarewarewa staff along with a number of industry personnel were invited to view the new, Don Stafford wing at Rotorua Museum.
The new wing was opened to the public on the 3rd of September 2011 in dedication to the late Rotorua Historian, Don Stafford.
It has a beautiful collection of Maori art, myths, legends and a number of displays to support our rich heritage.
All were amazed at the beauty and amount of work that went in to the new wing. Feedback from all staff that attended the famil was excellent.
For those who wish to view the new wing please remember that it is free for local Rotorua residents with proof of residency, so take the whanau along to view the newest edition to the Rotorua Museum.

 

New Whakarewarewa Seasonal Staff

Kia Ora and Welcome to new Staff Members who have joined our Guiding Team.

 Waimaria                Robert                Sandra

EMMA ANETA GARDINER

Sadly in October we lost a pivotal member of our team.
We would like to acknowledge Aneta’s dedication and commitment in her position  initially as the Guides 2IC and then as the Guides Supervisor at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours.


Our love and deepest sympathies go out to Nanny Chris and the whanau.

 

 

 

 

The Trustees and staff at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Tours would like to thank you all for your support over the past year, and wish everyone a  very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

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