New photography exhibition a first for Edith Amituanai and Adam Art Gallery

Adam Art Gallery Te Pātaka Toi at Victoria University of Wellington is proud to present the first survey exhibition dedicated to the work of artist Edith Amituanai.

Amituanai came to attention in the early 2000s for her largescale colour photographs of her family, friends, and wider Pacific community, bringing an insider’s view to the nuances of social custom and complexities of migrant life.

She was singled out in 2007 for the inaugural Marti Friedlander Photography Award, and the following year she was nominated as a finalist for the Walters Prize for her series Déjeuner, which documented a new generation of professional rugby players of Pacific descent who were pursuing careers far from home in Italy and France.

Adam Art Gallery director Christina Barton says “Since those early successes Amituanai has deepened her engagement with migrant communities in New Zealand and across the world to produce perhaps the most engaging and perspicacious account of the impact of globalisation in the South Pacific and the changes this is effecting to the face of her hometown of Auckland.

“This exhibition canvasses almost all the major bodies of her work. The overwhelming effect of seeing these works together is to sense and celebrate the diversity and dynamism of the new Aotearoa. Whether this is the souped-up cars of the Switchhittaz siren crew, the scrubbed faces of children in their best White Sunday attire, or the athleticism of young bodies, Amituanai shows us ‘her’ people.”

Curator Ane Tonga says “As a woman of Pacific descent, I’m honoured to have been invited to curate this exhibition which looks closely at the work of one of our most celebrated artists who has had a profound impact on contemporary art in Aotearoa. This is an auspicious moment, for her, for me, and for the many communities represented in the show.” 

The exhibition is accompanied by a lively public programme, beginning with a tour of the exhibition with the artist and curator on Saturday 11 May at 11am.

A major publication on the artist will also be launched during the exhibition, with the first in-depth analysis of Amituanai’s practice and a large selection of images laid out by the artist and designer Kelvin Soh.

Barton encourages audiences to visit the show: “This is a first for the Adam Art Gallery to dedicate our spaces to a single photographer. Edith’s work brings a different energy to the building that gives us pause to reflect on the creative ways in which her community responds to their circumstances.”

For further information and media opportunities with the curator and artist, please contact Stephen Cleland at stephen.cleland@vuw.ac.nz or on 022 264 7996.

Exhibition: Edith Amituanai: Double Take

When: 11 May – 14 July 2019

Opening: Friday 10 May, 6pm
Where: Adam Art Gallery Te Pātaka Toi, Victoria University of Wellington, Gate 3, Kelburn Parade, Wellington
Cost: Free

-Victoria University of Wellington

Trans-Tasman artist exchange builds capital bond

The inaugural Canberra Wellington Indigenous Artist Exchange programme starts this month, with Canberra’s Dean Cross arriving in Wellington, and local artist Ana Iti going to Canberra on 28 May.

Dean Cross from Dropping the Bullshit (we look like this too) series

The programme supports a Wellington-based artist to go to Canberra for six weeks and a Canberra-based Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to visit Wellington for six weeks each year.

Designed to strengthen cultural connections between the two cities, as part of our Sister City Agreement initiated in 2016, Mayor Justin Lester says this is a great example of the trans-Tasman partnership.

“As our closest neighbour, it’s invaluable for both countries to have stronger cultural, economic and political ties between our two capital cities.

“Where we have so many similarities like our tourism industry, innovation and smart city initiatives, and business links, there are also big differences – and this artist exchange programme provides the opportunity to study, identify, acknowledge, and celebrate these,” adds the Mayor.

While here for six weeks, Dean Cross will explore the shared histories of Indigenous ANZAC’s.

“There is a long history of First Nation's military service in both Australia and Aotearoa,” says Dean.

“I am interested in exploring in what ways this impacts the First Nation's people and their legacies within a colonial landscape. Through this I hope to develop a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between our two cultures,” he adds.

In May, local artist Ana Iti will visit Canberra and will base her research on the complexities and effects of learning, re-learning, and continuing to pursue indigenous languages.

"The area of research I’m entering into for this residency is around the use of language within the practice of indigenous artists. Being an ongoing learner of te reo Māori myself I’m hoping to open up conversations between artists about the complexities and difficulties that learning language brings up within our work," says Ana.

There are over 1,000 different aboriginal dialects/languages in Australia, and it’s not as accessible as Te Reo in Aotearoa. This is particularly relevant this year, as 2019 is the year of indigenous languages.

-WCC

Little Yellow Bird offers Kiwis a chance to invest in New Zealand’s first ever community-owned ethical fashion brand.

For the first time, Little Yellow Bird is offering everyday Kiwis a chance to buy a slice of the fashion revolution for as little as $500 as it becomes New Zealand’s first community-owned ethical fashion brand. The Wellington- based fashion company is taking flight overseas, scaling its impact and transforming the global fashion industry one garment at a time.  

The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change across the world, producing 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. But Little Yellow Bird is proving there is another way. The fashion brand has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMe to meet growing demands for its product as it expands into the international market. It’s hoping to raise a minimum of $750,000 with investments starting from as low as $500.  

Founder Samantha Jones says: “We are expanding, and we want to scale our voice & impact. We believe the best way to do this is by having a community of values aligned investors.“ 

The fashion brand uses only 100% organic, rain-fed cotton and non-toxic dyes. It follows a zero waste policy in its factories, and saves millions of litres of water each year. Little Yellow Bird is Living Wage certified and is developing recycling programs for used clothing, taking  steps toward a circular waste-free industry.  

In four years, the fashion brand has seen massive growth now supplying over 400 organisations across New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Canada who proudly wear Little Yellow Bird uniforms. 

Ms Jones says: “Now we’re excited to launch our equity crowdfunding campaign, and bring on everyday kiwis as shareholders. The impacts of the global fashion industry are an issue for everyone and bringing more people along on our journey is crucial to our wider mission.” 

Little Yellow Bird is a certified B Corp, meaning the business went through a rigorous assessment process, which determined the company’s impact and dedication to social and environmental issues. 

Become part of Little Yellow Bird and you’ll join a company that respects people, and planet. To help us bring ethically-made clothing to the mainstream, please visit http://pldg.me/littleyellowbird

-Little Yellow Bird

Five days, one pass. Explore the future at WLG-X: A Festival of Creative Collisions. Tech x Design x Film x Music.

Part summit, part festival, part awesome. WLG-X: A Festival of Creative Collisions is a whole different experience to anything New Zealand has seen before.

WLG-X inhabits the worlds of Tech, Design, Film, Musicand "the X" the place that sits at the intersection of these worlds...

...and when ideas meet at that intersection, we call it a 'Creative Collision'

OK, nice elevator pitch. Now explain?

We're grabbing everything that is tech, interactive, design, film, music, fun, games and good-times, blending it, putting it through a uniquely New Zealand filter then serving it up on a Wellington shaped plate (with a good, hoppy IPA)

The result is a five day programme of headline speakers, panels, workshops, gigs, film screenings, parties, events, interactions and a whole lot more. All of it revolving around the creative and innovative ideas that coming into and out of New Zealand.

ONE pass. FIVE days. Full immersion.

Buying your ticket here will reserve you a pass for the full five days of the festival.

The doors across all streams are open. You can explore, indulge your curiosity, seek out inspiration, connect with like-minded people and explore as much as you wish across everything the festival programme.

Spell it out a bit more. What's happening at WLG-X?

Our programme is split into a few broad streams...

eXchange: Knowledge-sharing and Inspiration in over 200 sessions with global and New Zealand-based experts!

• Keynote speakers

• Panels & discussions

• Workshops

• Mentor Programme

eXpo: Showcases and Opportunities from well-known heroes to plucky start-ups!

• Innovation Showcase

• Start-up Village

• VR Cinema

• Career opportunities

eXperience: Events, Culture & Connections. Wellington doing what Wellington does best!

• Music: gigs & showcases

• Film: screenings & awards

• Sponsor lounges & partner activations

• Industry summits & gatherings

• Meetups & parties

• Taste experiences - coffee, food, craft beer, wine.

• Interactive installations and pop-ups!

WOW, sounds like a lot for one ticket! How does it all fit together?

Well everyone, something like this...

Indicative days/times only

Get involved!

Want to get on the programme? We've got a few opportunities you can get on board with...

• Present a talk, panel or workshop

• Perform for the crowds

• Submit your film

Join the community!

• Like our Facebook Page and click 'going' on our Facebook event!

• Follow our Instagram

• Hear us Tweet

• Get up in our business on LinkedIn

-WLG-X

Wellington Mayor calls for insurance forum

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is calling for a forum with the Government’s Earthquake Commission Minister, insurance companies, and affected stakeholders to discuss rising insurance premiums.

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

The Mayor was responding to an announcement by Insurance Australia Group (IAG) – New Zealand's largest general insurer – that it will start to charge higher home and contents premiums for customers who live in areas prone to natural disasters and severe weather.

“IAG has between 40 and 50 percent of the Wellington market, so this could potentially affect a lot of our residents,” he says.

“This will be a daunting prospect for those facing increasing premiums on the homes they already own, and also make it even more difficult for first home buyers.”

The Mayor says he had raised the issue with Megan Woods, the Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, and he will be convening an insurance forum and inviting the Insurance Council, IAG, body corporate and home owner representatives who are significantly affected by premium increases.

“I want to canvas issues in the Wellington market and look at the immediate and long-term future for people needing insurance.

“It may be that the Government needs to consider what insurance companies are required to offer in a market, and they may have to offer an affordable option where they operate.

“Residents, businesses and property owners are now facing the prospect of higher premiums. Some may not be able to afford it.

“Insurance is crucial for a city. It has to be available and affordable for banks to lend, for businesses to operate efficiently, and for people to have peace of mind.”

-WCC

Hurricanes trio return to face the Chiefs

Record Hurricanes points scorer Beauden Barrett is among a trio of front line players who will return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Investec Super Rugby derby match against the Chiefs in Wellington.

Barrett, along with younger brother Jordie and in-form loose forward Ardie Savea, missed last week's 29-23 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo but have all been named to start against their New Zealand rivals.

The trio are part of five changes Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has made to the run-on side.

The others are up front where Asafo Aumua starts at hooker while lock Kane La'aupepe returns after he missed the Sunwolves match due to illness.

Jordie Barrett will start at fullback with Chase Tiatia moving to the wing in place of Ben Lam who suffered a minor leg injury in Japan.

Lam's absence has also seen a change on the bench with specialist wing Salesi Rayasi named in the reserves.

Plumtree said the onus was on the squad to improve on some aspects of their play as they faced another tough New Zealand derby.

"We know the character the side is showing us each week and we know we can get better and we will need to be against the Chiefs," he said.

"The squad is really excited about getting back to Our House at Westpac Stadium after a few weeks away and we want to put a performance together that we and our fans are proud of."


Kick-off at Westpac Stdium on Saturday is 7.35pm.

The Hurricanes squad to face the Chiefs is: 

15 Jordie Barrett 
14 Wes Goosen
13 Matt Proctor
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Chase Tiatia
10 Beauden Barrett
9 TJ Perenara (c)
8 Reed Prinsep
7 Ardie Savea
6 Vaea Fifita
5 Kane Leaupepe
4 James Blackwell
3 Ben May
2 Asafo Aumua
1 Fraser Armstrong

Reserves

16 Ricky Riccitelli
17 Xavier Numia
18 Jeff To'omaga-Allen
19 Isaia Walker-Leawere
20 Sam Henwood
21 Richard Judd
22 James Marshall
23 Salesi Rayasi

-Hurricanes Rugby

Young trio signed by Hurricanes until 2021

The Hurricanes continue to position their squad well for the future by adding three more promising players to their roster for at least the next two seasons.

Lock Liam Mitchell (23), fullback Chase Tiatia (23) and utility back Danny Toala (20) are the latest group to have signed with the club until 2021.

Their decision follows closely on from promising prop Xavier Numia (20), openside flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi (22), and lock James Blackwell (23) also committing to the Hurricanes for the same period with Vince Aso (24) and Alex Fidow (21) signing on until at least the 2022 Investec Super Rugby season.

Tiatia has quickly become an established selection since he was given an opportunity as injury cover following a long period of training with the Hurricanes while Mitchell has also impressed in his rookie season and has appeared in every match to date along with Blackwell.

Toala, meanwhile, has been a real stand-out for the Hurricanes Hunters and Under-20 sides. He was on the cusp of making his Hurricanes debut against the Stormers in March when named on the reserves bench without making it on to the field.

Hurricanes general manager of rugby Ben Castle said it was great news for the Hurricanes to have a real commitment from these talented young men.

"It is really pleasing for the club to announce further signings. These players have great futures ahead and we are delighted they will be part of the Hurricanes family over the next few seasons." he said.

Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree felt the latest group of players would add significantly to the stability of the squad moving ahead.

"We know a lot of players move on during a Rugby World Cup cycle so it is really important to have a group of players who want to establish themselves in the Hurricanes jersey and play a big part in our plans moving forward," he said.

-Hurricanes Rugby

Unbeaten Hurricanes Hunters to face Japan A

The Hurricanes Hunters will have a chance to end their season unbeaten when they meet Japan A in Tokyo on Saturday.

The match is the second time the two sides will meet after the Hunters won their first encounter 52-31 in Porirua last month.

Hunters coach Darren Larsen has made nine changes to his starting XV from the last match.

Hurricanes Super Rugby squad member Peter Umaga-Jensen returns to the run on side after he scored a try off the bench at Jerry Collins Stadium.

He is joined by fellow squad members Alex Fidow, Geoff Cridge, Salesi Rayasi and Heiden Bedwell-Curtis who will captain the side.

Rayasi and No 8 Teariki Ben-Nicholas were two of the stand-out players against the Jamie Joseph coached Japan A side in their first meeting with both men scoring a brace of tries.

The Hunters bench features a number of promising players who have been involved in the Hurricanes development programme at age-group level, including former Wairarapa Bush halfback Isaac Bracewell who started in the Hurricanes Heartland Under-20 side.

"This is a massive opportunity for a large number of players who get the chance to play an international side," Larsen said.

"It also allows them to experience preparing and playing overseas alongside fully fledged professionals."

The Hurricanes Hunters squad to face Japan A is:

15 Ben Werthmuller
14 Mark Telea
13 Pepesana Patafilo
12 Peter Umaga-Jensen
11 Salesi Rayasi
10 Piri Paraone
9 Kemara Hauiti-Parapara
8 Teariki Ben-Nicholas
7 Mateaki Kafatolu
6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (c)
5 Geoff Cridge
4 Tom Parsons
3 Alex Fidow
2 James O'Reilly
1 Sitiveni Paongo

Reserves

16 Tyrone Thompson
17 Tim Farrell
18 Tietie Tuimauga
19 Veikoso Poloniati
20 Caleb Delaney
21 Shamus Hurley-Langton
22 Isaac Bracewell
23 Kienan Higgins
24 Ollie Sapsford
25 Aki Makita

Working together for te reo Māori in the capital

Wellington City Council and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori have signed a mahi tahi agreement with the goal to work together on revitalising te reo Māori in the capital city.

Mayor Justin Lester and Te Taura Whiri CEO Ngahiwi Apanui signed the agreement at a small ceremony on Monday, April 15.

“This whakaetanga kia mahi tahi is a great opportunity for Wellington on our journey to become a bilingual te reo Māori and English city,” Mayor Justin Lester says.

“We have already partnered with Te Taura Whiri on projects such as the haka pedestrian lanterns and te reo Māori street flags, so formalising the relationship is important.

“I am excited to work together on many other initiatives in the years to come.”

The mahi tahi (work together) agreement commits the two organisations to combining resources to increase the use, status and modern-day relevance of te reo Māori.

This could include advice, research and planning support, collaboration on projects in the city, the sharing of language resources, partner on events of city, regional and national significance.

Wellington City Council also agrees to use licensed translators for publications and promotional material, and interpreters at public events when required.

“We need partnerships like this to help us put the building blocks in place for a New Zealand that embraces and proudly speaks te reo Māori,” Te Taura Whiri CEO Ngahiwi Apanui says.

The agreement was an item in the action plan of Wellington City Council’s Te Tauihu policy. 

E mahi tahi ana mō te reo i te tāone matua

I waitohua e te Kaunihera o Pōneke rāua tahi ko Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori te whakaaetanga e mahi tahi ai rāua kia rauora ai te reo Māori i te tāone matua.

I haina te Koromatua a Justin Lester me te Tumuaki o Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori a Ngahiwi Apanui i te whakaaetanga i te Rāhina 15 o Paengawhāwha.

“He huarahi whakahirahira tēnei whakaaetanga mahi tahi e tere ai a Pōneke i tana haere kia reo rua ai tō tātou tāone,” hei tā te Koromatua a Justin Lester.

“Kua mahi tahi kē mātou ki Te Taura Whiri ki te hanga i ngā rama whakawhiti kapa haka me te waihanga haki reo Māori, nā reira i nui ai te whakaōkawa i te hononga i waenganui i ngā whakahaere e rua.” 

“Ihihi ana ahau ki te mahi tahi i ētahi kaupapa anō ā ngā tau e haere ake nei.”

Ka here te whakaaetanga mahi tahi nei i ngā whakahaere e rua ki te whakatōpū rawa e nui ake ai te whakamahinga, te mana me te hāngai o te reo ki te ao o muri nei.

Ka tae atu tēnei ki te tuku whakamāherehere, te rangahau, te tautoko i te whakamahere reo Māori, te tohatoha rauemi me te mahi tahi i ngā kaupapa reo mō te tāone, te rohe me Aotearoa whānui tonu.

E whakaae ana hoki te Kaunihera o Pōneke ki te whakamahi i ngā kaiwhakamāori kua raihanatia ki te whakamāori i ngā tānga me ngā rauemi whakatairanga, ki te whakamāori ā-waha anō hoki ki ngā kaupapa tūmatanui a te Kaunihera. 

“Mā ēnei momo rangapū e ita ai te tūāpapa mō te Aotearoa matapopore, whakahīhī anō hoki i tana kōrero i te reo Māori,” hei tā Ngahiwi Apanui te Tumuaki o Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. 

He kaupapa tēnei whakaaetanga i te mahere hohenga o te kaupapa here reo Māori a te Kaunihera arā Te Tauihu. 

-WCC

Hurricanes partner with Ricoh Black Rams

The Hurricanes are excited to announce a three-year partnership with leading Japanese club Ricoh Black Rams.

A long-time supporter and partner of the Hurricanes, Ricoh have extended that partnership in an agreement that is set to benefit both clubs.

The partnership, which has recently commenced, will see players, coaches and high performance staff from Ricoh Black Rams spend time in the Hurricanes environment throughout the term, including while the Investec Super Rugby tournament is being played.

On certain occasions, high performance staff from the Hurricanes will also travel to Tokyo to work with the Black Rams as they prepare and play in the Japan Top League.

The partnership has already been put into practice this week with the Hurricanes training at Ricoh as they prepare to face the Sunwolves in Good Friday's Super Rugby match at Chichibunomiya Stadium.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee, who is in Japan, believed the partnership was an exciting step forward for the two clubs.

"We have had a strong commercial partnership with Ricoh New Zealand and we are delighted to formalise this agreement which will benefit the Hurricanes and the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan," he said.

"It's a massive year ahead for rugby in Japan with the Rugby World Cup and we look forward to supporting the Black Rams and growing our presence here."

As well as the Hurricanes playing the Sunwolves, the Hurricanes Hunters will face Japan A in the return leg of their home and away fixtures on Saturday.

The Hunters, who defeated Japan A in Porirua in March, have named Black Rams midfielder Aki Makita in their squad after he spent several weeks training in Wellington with the Hurricanes.

-Hurricanes Rugby

Expressions of Interest open for Waitohi café

Wellington City Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the café at Waitohi, Johnsonville’s new community hub.

Waitohi brings together a new, larger library, with on-site café; Keith Spry Pool; Johnsonville Community Centre; and Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten; with access through to Memorial Park via a new outdoor landscaped area.

The Council is looking to partner with a café operator to help achieve its vision for Waitohi – Te Manawa o te raki: the vibrant heart of the north.

Waitohi is currently under construction and is due to open next summer. The Council expects more than half a million people will visit Waitohi each year.

Café operators have until 5pm, 9 May 2019 to respond to the EOI.

More information and EOI documentation is available on the Council website. 

-WCC

Significant increase in residents support for Predator Free Wellington

Wellington residents are right behind the Predator Free Wellington project, and more people are rolling up their sleeves to get involved.

Photo: Bob Kattenberg

A massive 92% of Wellingtonians said they support the project, this is significantly more than 84% when we last surveyed in 2017. Over one thousand people completed the survey (1008) from a demographically representative panel, as well as Wellington residents who opted-in to the survey.

Predator Free Wellington Portfolio leader Councillor Andy Foster says “Wellingtonians are increasingly involved in hands on restoration work and  70% of survey respondents are currently actively involved in controlling predators in their backyards or in reserves, or have done some predator control in the past”

“Checking a trap, and enjoying tui or kākā in your backyard are now a regular part of life in Wellington” Councillor Foster said.

Survey respondents' reasons for being involved in controlling predators varied, however most people wanted to protect native species and also people just don’t like having predators on their land due to the damage they cause to property and the diseases they can carry.

Predator Free Wellington Project Director James Willcocks says "This is fantastic feedback from Wellingtonians and reinforces what we are hearing from people and their desire to live in a city where our amazing native species can flourish without rats, possums, stoats and weasels.

“It is incredible to see so many Wellingtonians stepping up to define the type of city they want to live in by getting involved in all sorts of ways and it’s really encouraging to hear that even more people are wanting to contribute." 

Predator Free Wellington is an ambitious project which aims to increase native wildlife by making Wellington City free of rats, possums, stoats and weasels.

The first phase of the project is to eradicate rats, stoats and weasels from Miramar Peninsula before extending throughout the city. The Miramar Peninsula was chosen as the initial area of focus as it has been possum free since 2006. As a peninsula it is more defendable from predator reinvasion. While work proceeds in Miramar, Predator Free Wellington will continue to support backyard trapping across the city and the other ways people can get involved. Wellington City Council is supporting a large number community groups trapping predators across its reserve network.

The project is a partnership between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Counci, mana whenua and the NEXT Foundation. It is also supported by central government’s Predator Free 2050 initiative.

-WCC