Timber: Waiuku Theatre Club's season including fundraiser for youth mental health support
Waiuku Theatre dedicates performance to efforts to rally mental health support for kids
The Waiuku Theatre Club is putting on a show for the next two weeks, telling the story of a dilemma set in 1965.
For the cast and crew, it’s an opportunity to get out in front of a crowd after years of no theatre, but also a chance to highlight an issue close to their hearts.
Production Manager Haley King said for the crew, it was “icing on the cake” that one of their performances falls on November 04: Gumboot Friday, an annual rallying cry to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health.
“I think everyone is aware of the rising youth mental health concerns not just within our community but the whole of New Zealand, particularly with the impacts of covid on our young people and their school, team and friendship connections,” King said.
“The work that the people at I am Hope do and the commitment they have in fighting for our young people is incredible.
“They continue fighting and providing accessible help to our young people no matter what barriers are put before them, we should all fight for our young people. Supporting their work is the very least we can do.”
Money raised from tickets for the November 04 performance will go straight to I am Hope.
Waiuku Theatre Club are putting on ‘Timber,’ which follows kiwi lumberjacks who stumble across an ancient Kauri that is meant to be cut down. The crew is torn, and soon tree advocates and the council are involved in the saga.
Liam Hagenson, who wrote Timber along with Emily Laing, said the writers wanted to create a story that would appeal to the community they were born and raised in.
“But we wanted a light hearted story with a bit of conflict, this is where the thought of the hippies came in. Which leads to the setting of the 60s, the music, the attire, it all fits perfectly.”
So far, the crew have raised $800 in sponsorships from local businesses to donate, and had items donated for raffles too. On Gumboot Friday there will be spot prizes during the performance, and guests are encouraged to wear their gumboots to the show.
Tickets are available via www.waiukutheatre.com... and the show is running until November 12.
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
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