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This is a shared group ritual acknowledging the time of year.Bethells Beach/Te Henga, Date: Saturday 22nd June 2024.
Main Facilitator - Beth St Claire
Gather at the grass area at the beach end of the car-park between 1.15 and 1.30pm to meet the team and do an initial whole-group welcome process, then leaving for the beach and cave at around 2pm.
The facilitators will be at the carpark to greet you - look for the tall staff with tassels. (If there are any major problems with weather or tides, it may be we have our gathering on higher sand areas).
The Cave Gathering: We can gather together and celebrate according to the needs, passions and contributions of those who have come. This is a unique and very special event that has been going for many years now, and continues to evolve. This year the focus will be on a quieter 'tuning in' to the ecology of the beach area and the cave, connecting to the natural elements, and especially to Papatuanuku. This will mean we will not have a fire or drumming this year.
Once we get to the cave, the gathering usually takes at least 2 hours, followed by sharing food. Realistically, with the walk down to the cave, settling in, and food afterwards, we are unlikely to finish before 4.30pm.
The cave gathering is structured as an event for adults, and it can be challenging with cold weather, some silent times and the possibility of some spiritual activities and time sitting in reflection. This means it is generally not very suitable for children. However, if you believe your child would cope well, feel free to contact the organizers to run it past them.
Suggestions to bring for the cave gathering: any contributions of songs, dances, poems or other expressions of what this time of year means for you; a koha for the local iwi; a candle and holder; something to sit on eg cushion or plastic; food and drink to share afterwards.
Dress warmly and have good waterproof footwear!
Transport - please feel free to arrange ride-shares on the RIDE SHARE post conversation that will be put up on this page ?
For more information text or Direct Message Beth on 0274 881 380 or email on [email protected] (NB the beach does not have mobile reception, so try to check out anything you need before the day). See less
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bethells Beach, 317 Queen St, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand,Auckland, New Zealand