Otaki Schools Bank on Lantern Parade

July 2, 2012

Schools Bank on Lantern Parade

School students around Otaki are busy making their own lanterns in preparation for the Otaki Village Matariki lantern parade on the evening of July 20.

At Manakau School, Time Bank members BenMc Hugo and Yvonne de Mille have been helping the pupils make the lanterns, which are easily constructed from bamboo and paper. The lantern parade will be a key part of the Friday night street party organised by the Otaki Village Promotions Group.

Manakau School is a member of the Otaki Time Bank, which shares skills and trades time with other Time Bank members in the district.

Yvonne de Mille, who is one of the street party organisers, has been visiting other schools and running lantern-making workshops – for adults and children – at The Hub Church in Tasman Road, Otaki.

“We’ve got schools and other groups making some great lanterns, and we’re keen to see local residents, business owners and artists get in on the act,” she says. “All materials are provided and the Hub Church has generously allowed us to use its Sunday School building up until the event.

“Having this space for lantern making means people can drop in and keep working on structures whenever they have the time, while drawing inspiration from others and having some fun.”

The street party and lantern parade celebrate Matariki and officially re-open the recently upgraded Main Street in Otaki Village. The celebration with live bands and children’s activities will run from 5-9pm.

Contact yvonnedemille@paradise.net.nz for more information or visit the Otaki Village page on facebook. Hub times for lantern-making are Monday-Wednesday 10am-2pm, Thursday 3-6pm, Friday 5.30-8.30pm. Other times by arrangement.

To find out more about Otaki Time Bank contact Ben at bmchugo@gmail.com or visit www.otaki.timebanks.org

ENDS

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