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Home / Rotorua Daily Post

Special Rock Hunt raising awareness about an inclusive Rotorua community

Shauni James
Shauni James
Rotorua Weekender reporter·Rotorua Daily Post·
4 May, 2018 01:00 AM2 mins to read
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Beautifully painted rocks hiding in the shade of the Redwoods will be part of an event all about being an inclusive community.

Family group Zerkas Rocks are holding a Special Rock Hunt next Friday for members of the community with special needs.

Zerkas member Liz Morrison says this event is to raise awareness for a special group of people living in the community with physical and intellectual difficulties.

Painted rocks will be placed along the Mokopuna Trail to be found and shared among all those participating.

Their families, friends, teachers and support workers are also welcome to attend.

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Special prizes will be awarded to the finders of specially marked rocks.

Liz says the event is to help make people aware everyone is different.

"We want people to be aware there are these people doing so well living in the community independently, with support.

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"It is trying to show people how easy it is to be an inclusive community. It's just something small, but special.

"If you see them along the trail say hello."

She says there will be beautiful rocks to find and some have positive messages on them.

Liz says her son Shannon Puha, who has special needs, loves his time in the Redwoods and loves hunting for and placing the rocks.

She says the Redwoods is a great place to lift spirits, have joy and smiles.

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Their family became part of the rock hunting community after Liz used to see beautifully painted rocks while out walking, and then looked up Rotorocks after seeing the name on one she had picked up.

The family now paint rocks too and have a Zerkas Rocks Facebook page.

"It's just the happiness and joy we bring to these children and even adults when they find these rocks and then post with them.

"It's great to know a little painted rock can bring joy to people and put a smile on people's faces, because some people don't get enough of that these days."

Some of the rocks end up going all over the country and even overseas.

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