Just be yourself at Jammin’ in the Park!

A new music festival on tomorrow in Tauranga aims to empower youth to be themselves and not let struggles get in the way of life by enjoying the sounds and experiences of local young performers.

Jammin’ in the Park is a fun, free, sober youth music festival, which welcomes youth aged 12-21 to Carlton Street Reserve in Otūmoetai 3pm-7pm this Saturday, February 25, to enjoy music from college bands and local musicians. e line-up is Sophie-Maude, Unit 51, Seaside Jams, Brothers Uprising, Jahvis Stantiall, and Blah Blah Uh Huh Boo Hoo.

Hosted by Tauranga Youth Development Team, general manager Erika Harvey says Jammin’ in e Park is about empowering local youth to push through struggles – and be themselves. “Youth are going through so much these days – they’re in uenced by social media, by peers, by everything that they see – and we’re seeing a range of mental health and wellbeing issues because of it. We wanted to host a festival, where youth can be themselves and actually enjoy being who they are.”

Sophie’s message

Erika says the event is to highlight you don’t have to be like everyone else – that’s why she’s asked Tauranga musician Sophie-Maude to perform.

Sophie, aged 19, makes and performs music that draws from her own life experiences and coping with Autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourette’s syndrome –via her stories and shared perspectives she connects with a range of audiences. Her latest single ‘Take Me Away’ went to number 1 on the NZ Hot 40 Singles Chart last July.

“I think this festival is a great opportunity to perform in a welcoming and inclusive environment for all youth of Tauranga with good vibes,” says Sophie.

Sophie, who has overcome health and con dence issues on the way to wellbeing, says it’s important to be upfront about your struggles – as you can help speak to and inspire people. “I really love giving people hope and getting them to acknowledge their possibilities – whether it be getting into music, coming to terms with themselves if they’re on the spectrum and things like that.

“I’m always trying to make people feel welcome because of the experiences I’ve had growing up being on the spectrum. I understand a lot of about how people who are struggling feel –as I’ve been there myself.”

Connect and understand

Erika says the free event o ers a sweet afternoon vibe, where TYDT can also connect with, relate to, and

Art and books wanted ahead of Rotary sale

Have you a got piece of art gathering dust? Or an artwork sitting in the bottom of the closet instead of proudly on the wall? Maybe a piece no longer brings you joy? If this is the case, Joan McKirdy wants to speak with you – ASAP!

Joan is kindly asking Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty residents to donate their unwanted, unneeded and/or preloved artworks to a good cause.

Joan and Margaret Cooper run the Art and Painting sale at the Tauranga Rotary’s annual book and art sale –which is coming up on March 3-5 at the Seeka Coolstore, Harvard Way, Mount Maunganui – and they need more art to sell. “We welcome donated pre-loved art, which we can put into the art sale – which is a new section of the famous book sale.

“As we all know, many people have or are downsizing their homes and they may have art that they no longer require or do not have the space to hang so much art in their new homes,” says Joan. “Should people wish to donate pre-loved art, they can phone Margaret on: 027 497 9308 or myself on: 021 670044 and we’ll arrange to have the art picked up.”

Joan says we live in a beautiful community “and it is an honour to give every dollar earned from the art sale back into the community”. is year better understand local youth. Artist Sam Allen will work on a collaborative artpiece onsite people can join in on, there’s roaming performers, food trucks, and a chill out zone with bean bags and giant outdoor games.

Kennards Hire has assisted in the hiring of fencing to hang artwork on. “Hanging pieces on the wire fencing will make the art much easier to view.” e book and art sale is at the Seeka Coolstore, Harvard Way, Mount Maunganui, from noon6pm on Friday, March 3, and 9am-4pm on Saturday March 4, and Sunday, March 5.

“ is event is focussed on providing a fun, safe and sober event for youth, but everyone in the community is welcome!”

Job Opportunity

Role: Trustees for Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (1) and Tourism Bay of Plenty (2)

Location: Tauranga

Closes: Sunday 5 March 2023

Do you have a passion for the visual arts and creative sector? Or a passion for the coastal Bay of Plenty and growing the region’s visitor economy in a sustainable and regenerative way? If so, a trustee role on the Board of Tauranga Art Gallery Trust or Tourism Bay of Plenty may be your perfect opportunity.

Tauranga Art Gallery Trust owns and operates the Tauranga Art Gallery – toi Tauranga, on behalf of the residents of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

The Gallery’s purpose is to create exceptional art experiences that engage, inspire, challenge and educate through exhibitions, public programmes, and events.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a trustee whose skills and experience complement those of the current board. Diversity is valued, and these trustees will typically have a mix of some of the following attributes:

• Future chair capability and leadership skills

• Legal expertise, in employment law or property

• Property management/ development or infrastructure experience

• Strong community relationships

• Marketing and/or communications skills

• In-depth appreciation and understanding of the cultural history of Aotearoa

• A strong interest and understanding of visual arts - locally and nationally

• Links with the local arts community and education providers, as well as local and central government agencies associated with the visual arts.

Tourism Bay of Plenty’s vision is to “share the love of Te Moananui Toi / the coastal Bay of Plenty with the world” and its mission is “growing a sustainable visitor economy for the benefit of the community.”

As a Destination Management Organisation (DMO), a partnership approach, engagement with the community and Council support is required to enhance visitor experiences.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two trustees who will typically have a mix of some of the following attributes:

• Governance experience and a solid understanding of governance best practice

• Strong financial acumen, preferably at a governance or strategic advisory level and/or

• Legal experience at a senior level would be highly desirable, as this is an identified gap on our current board

• Experience in the visitor economy, possible industry links with local tourism operators and knowledge of the tourism industry in the coastal Bay of Plenty and New Zealand

• Understanding of the Tauranga business community and economic development agencies

• Empathy with and an understanding of the cultural history of the region.

If you believe you have the skills to make a difference and a real contribution to the Board of either Tauranga Art Gallery Trust or Tourism Bay of Plenty, your interest in the positions is welcomed. Both are council-controlled organisations, which operate autonomously but in a political environment, with a requirement to meet the expectations of both its shareholders and its community in accordance with an agreed Statement of Intent.

Applicants should reside in the Western Bay of Plenty region, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships within the relevant communities.

For more information please visit: www.artgallery.org.nz and www.bayofplentynz.com www.tauranga.govt.nz/cco

Expressions of interest should be addressed to:

Chief Executive

Tauranga City Council

Private Bag 12022, Tauranga 3143

Apply online via email to: sanjana.france@tauranga.govt.nz.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 5 March, with interviews being held on 13, 14 and 20 March. All applications will be dealt with in strict confidence.