Kiwi North hosted a wonderful Live Day here at Heritage Park recently.
After a stormy Saturday, when the marquee blew down the hill and the Cubs sadly had to cancel their camp in case they also blew away, Sunday March 4 dawned clear, still and beautiful.
Right from the start the park filled with visitors as they explored, took rides and visited the kiwi house, museum and club buildings.
Many people picnicked on the manicured lawns or ate in the Kiwiana cafe as they listened to the wonderful sound of Basin City Big Band.
We are thankful this fine group of musicians voluntarily gave of their time to make the Live Day so successful.
One of the most delightful happenings of the day was the spontaneous dancing, to the Big Band, by a group of joyous young children, which went on for some considerable time. What energy!
Some of the Education Centre's games were put out for the children's entertainment, the most popular activity being stilt walking.
It is interesting to see, in the absence of today's sedentary electronic games, that children are able to enjoy themselves as much as we did.
One of the Live Day regular highlights is the miniature horses brought along by James and Shirley Warner-Summers who volunteer their time and horses willingly, with their reward being the smiles on the children's faces. The animals are so gentle and people friendly that just patting them is a joy even if you don't get to ride in the tiny horse drawn cart. We are very grateful to Shirley and James for their time and commitment.
Without a doubt the star of the day for the children was James Mulligan-Hill who used his knowledge of working with children (he is a valued member of our Education Team) as well as his considerable acting skills to impersonate a school master of the early 1900s in the historic Riponui Pah School. The children cued to perform classroom activities of the time under his very strict discipline. They loved every moment of it.
So many people give of their time freely and willingly to provide Live Days that give pleasure to the community and visitors from other climes. The public ate, drank, played, rode, explored and most of all smiled throughout the happy day.
Our next Live Day is on Sunday April 8 where we will be well entertained by the Circus Kumarani. The performers will also hold free workshops for the children, and music will again ring out across the Heritage Park. There will also be Easter Services in the Oruaiti Chapel.
A reduced Live Day entrance fee of $10 for adults (children free) goes toward the future development of the Heritage Park.
Kiwi North (Whangarei Museum, Kiwi House and Heritage Park) is open daily from 10am to 4pm.