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While we were disappointed to have to postpone the Bayswater Halloween Trail until Friday 1st April 2022, we wanted to provide some fun and entertainment to our local tamariki in the meantime! Colour or decorate one of our four spooky designs, then display it in your window or somewhere else that is visible from the street, like your fence. Take a photo of your beautiful work and send it in to us via email: devonportcommunity@gmail.com or Facebook for a chance to win a prize! Click on the pictures below to access the downloadable PDF. If you don't have a printer at home, there are hard copies available from the Devonport Community House and The Rose Centre. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Facebook on 1st November. Make sure to go for a hīkoi on 31st of October to spot the Halloween colouring in around your neighbourhood! Lastly, follow the Bayswater Halloween Trail event on Facebook for updates, and don't forget to buy your Halloween costumes now while they are available in shops! We can't wait to see all your spooky creativity, The DPT rōpū.    
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 We are thrilled to welcome our newest team member, Madelaine Crawford in the role of Summer Events Assistant!
A born and bred Kiwi, Madelaine grew up on Waiheke Island and has spent many days (and her hard earned pocket money) in Devonport over the years. She has a BSci in Food Science which she gained in Dunedin. Whilst loving the Dunedin lifestyle, she needed to move as the ocean swims down there made her lips turn blue! Devonport seemed to be the perfect place for her and her whānau with the warm water beaches, stunning walks, sights and of course, the beautiful welcoming community. She cannot wait to meet you all at the upcoming Summer events the DPT have planned. In order to get to know Maddy a little better, we asked her a little lightning round of questions below! Where is your happy place? Has to be floating in the ocean, preferably being able to see the shore. Best coffee or eatery on the peninsula? A current favourite of our whānau is Vauxhall, they give TWO marshmallows with each fluffy. They also have delicious food and wonderful service. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be Prime Minister, but I could not see myself in the role now. Takarunga or Maungaika? Takarunga, I definitely have a soft spot for it. Favourite spot on the peninsula? I’m still exploring all the goodies the peninsula has to offer, I’m a sucker for the beaches that’s for sure. Would love to hear others' favourite spots! Thank you Maddy, we can't wait to spend many fun Summer days with you!  Kia ora koutou, we hope you are all enjoying the extra freedoms brought by Step 1 of the Roadmap for Auckland out of Covid-19 alert level 3 lockdown. Our regular programmes like Hōtoke/Winter Fun Preschool Play and Intergenerational Meet-ups are still on hold for now. But we continue to plan for events behind the scenes! A lot of planning has been done for the Bayswater Halloween Trail already, but we have decided to postpone this event due to the uncertainty around alert levels as we head into October. The new date will be announced shortly – follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date details. We hope to be able to start Raumati/Summer Fun Preschool Play mornings from 2 November – Tuesdays at Windsor Reserve, Devonport and Thursdays at The Rose Garden, Belmont. We also hope to be able to hold Devonport Christmas Festival on Sunday 5th December. Working with Devonport Library, Devonport Youth Forum have a youth art exhibition planned to take place at Devonport Library as part of Artweek Auckland, running from 9th-17th October. If necessary, this exhibition will move to an online platform that will be promoted by Devonport Library, Devonport Youth Forum and Devonport Peninsula Trust.  While we continue to keep to our bubbles as much as possible at alert level 3, there are a number of volunteers in the Devonport Peninsula community who are willing to help with grocery shopping or pharmacy pick ups, for those in the community who are unable to get out or feel uncomfortable doing so. If you would like this kind of support, please contact one of the following people who will link you with a volunteer:
Age Concern Auckland are also coordinating essential support to those older adults who need it. The support they can provide is:
Noho ora mai, Maria by Maria Teape – Devonport Community Coordinator, Devonport Peninsula Trust  There is a lot of focus on how to keep our little pals occupied during lockdown, while caretakers needs often go by the wayside. Gemma has lovingly put together a few ideas to remind parents and caretakers to prioritise their own wellbeing, too. Gratitude - When you start to feel overwhelmed, try to think about the good things in your life. Even if it’s just little things. This helps you change your mindset and focus on the present instead of potential future anxieties. Connection – call a friend or join a virtual club. There are ways that we can be physically socially distanced but still emotionally connected with others. Be kind to yourself – these are highly stressful unusual times. Not everything will go right and you may not be as resilient or patient as normal. Give yourself a break. Tomorrow is a new day. Fresh air – if you can get this fresh air in a greenspace or by the sea even better. Studies have found this is great for mental wellbeing. If this is not possible, step into your garden or pop your head out of the window. Exercise – an online class, bike ride or a 30minute stroll – exercise has unlimited benefits and will help reduce anxiety in these times of uncertainty. Sleep – go to bed an hour earlier and switch off devices. Sleep is essential because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day. Take care, The DPT rōpū.  We are so thrilled to be able to introduce the wonderful Gemma Fellowes, who is joining our rōpū as the new Summer Events Coordinator.
Originally from the UK, Gemma and her family have called Devonport “home” for the last 9 years. She feels blessed to live in such a wonderful suberb surrounded by white sandy beaches and an incredible community. She has attended and enjoyed many of Devonport’s community events with her own 3 young children and values how important they are for all. With a passion for organising events and bringing people together the Summer Events Co ordinator role is her ideal job and the opportunity to give back all the support she has received. Gemma has a BA in Business Studies and work experience primarily in sales, events and administration. With a keen interest in health and well-being she has recently completed a certificate in Health Science with PreKure. This course highlights how important a strong community and social connections are for our general health. You may spot Gemma walking, biking or talking around Devonport village! If not she will be at the beach. A little fire round of questions below to get to know Gemma ! Where is your happy place? Piha beach captured my heart the first time we met! Strolling along with my family makes me happy. Whats your guilty pleasure? Chocolate; current obsession is dark chocolate dipped almonds. There will always be a space for these in my shopping basket. Favourite spot on the peninsula? Takarunga. How lucky are we to have this beauty on our doorstep; I will never tire of the view. Our daily morning lockdown walk to the top has been my saviour. First celebrity crush? Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street. With Patrick Swayze a close second. Would you go to a movie alone? Yes, but I’d prefer to go with my friends. If you were buying takeaways - where on the peninsula are you buying from? Cafe Hunt Viet - always! I love the pan fried spring rolls and the chicken salad. Thanks Gemma, we can't wait to work alongside you this Summer! At time of writing, we are at the start of Level 4 lockdown, without a clear picture of how long it will last. We hope that during September, lockdown restrictions will be eased, but for now our regular programmes like Hōtoke/Winter Fun Preschool Play and Intergenerational Meet-ups are on hold until further notice.
We will continue to plan for events happening a bit later in the year and have our fingers and toes crossed that they will be able to go ahead. Watch this space for information on the Bayswater Halloween Trail, planned for Friday 29th October this year and annual favourite, Devonport Christmas Festival planned for Sunday 5th December. Raumati/Summer Fun Preschool Play mornings will of course also be starting from 2 November, all going well! There are a number of volunteers in the Devonport Peninsula community who are willing to help with grocery shopping or pharmacy pick ups, for those in the community who are unable to get out or feel uncomfortable doing so. If you would like this kind of support, please contact one of the following people who will link you with a volunteer:
The Kai 4 Communities team behind Kaitahi Dinners, are looking at how they can serve the community safely. Please reach out at hello@kai4communities.org if you know of groups they can support in the Auckland region. Age Concern Auckland are reinstating their Emergency Response Service, coordinating essential support to those older adults who need it. The support they can provide is:
Noho ora mai, Maria Kia ora koutou katoa, We hope you are all keeping well, finding some time for self care, and not getting too cabin feverish! As promised, in lieu of our usual Rātū morning Preschool Play sessions, we offer instead a round up of some great ways to keep little hands and minds occupied. In order to get the very best resources around, we turned to other local families and asked if they would share their top tips and secrets with us, so you know that these have all been road tested and come recommended by those in the same boat as you ! Let's get into it!  DrawTogether with Wendy Mac DrawTogether with WendyMac is an interactive drawing class for kids (of all ages.) Join thousands of kids around the world to learn, laugh, and DrawTogether with WendyMac. The classes are interactive, engaging and with a hearty dash of silliness, your kids will love them.  The Coconet.TV The Coconet.tv is a hub for Pacific moving image content online, aimed primarily at Aotearoa’s burgeoning Pacific communities. Their aim is to prompt connectivity and conversations for Pacificans around the world, and their Coco Kids section includes animated legends, Coco Kids Cooking, language learning games and more!  The Mini Māuis Club - Maritime Museum New Zealand Maritime Museum has a wonderful activity library - Mini Māuis, where children of all ages can try their hand at knot tying, colouring, activity packs and other educational content.  Kids Greening Taupo - ECE Nature Resources The Kids Greening Taupo website has an amazing library of free resources, activities and ideas for connecting tamariki to nature. They have a huge range of ideas to help you support your little ones home learning in a relaxed and holistic way.  Nanogirl - Impactful STEM Learning Experiences Engaging, accessible, and often explosive, Nanogirl is on a mission to give all young people the opportunity to be blown away with science and engineering like they've never seen before. Visit their Facebook and YouTube channel every weekday of lockdown at 3.30pm for a live Nanogirl STEM show! Or browse their huge collection of episodes on YouTube. We are looking forward to sharing more with you over the coming days, and make sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
Have a wonderful afternoon and of course, follow the Alert Level 4 Guidance. We will be seeing you back at Hōtoke Preschool Play before you can google "how many coffees is it safe to drink in a day?". Ngā mihi, The DPT rōpū.  Wondering how we can help our favourite local businesses keep afloat during these tricky times?
Enter SOS business, a non-profit initiative supporting local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. It enables you to easily purchase a voucher that you can redeem once businesses are able to safely trade again at lower alert levels. Check out their range of registered North Shore businesses (and the rest of Aotearoa!) here. The Devonport Business Association has also compiled a helpful list of Devonport essential services that are operating under Level 4 guidelines. You can view that list here. Stay home, stay safe everyone. Ngā mihi, The DPT rōpū.  There are a number of volunteers in the Devonport Peninsula community who are willing to help with grocery shopping or pharmacy pick ups, for those in the community who are unable to get out or feel uncomfortable doing so.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you would like this kind of support, please contact one of the following people who will link you with a volunteer: Jacki Fortune, Devonport Self Isolation Support Group: 021 515 532 or jackifortune@yahoo.com William Neale, Connect Church Devonport: 021 105 3842 Nicola Teague Grundy, Devonport Methodist Church: 021 274 1957 or minister@devonportmethodist.org.nz ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Kai 4 Communities team behind Kaitahi Dinners, are looking at how they can serve the community safely. Please reach out at hello@kai4communities.org if you know of groups they can support in the Auckland region. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Age Concern Auckland are reinstating their Emergency Response Service, coordinating essential support to those older adults who need it. The support they can provide is: Shopping for and delivering essential groceries, including pet food Delivery of face masks Collection and delivery of essential prescriptions Welfare calls for those who need a friendly chat Anyone needing support can call Age Concern Auckland on 820 0184 or email ageconcern@ageconak.org.nz ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Stay home, stay safe everyone. Ngā mihi, The DPT team x Photo from the Herald archives: View of Devonport (foreground) and Auckland city taken from Takarunga. Kia ora everyone, We hope that the first week of lockdown has been a time for you to rest, enjoy some time with your whānau and potter around your homes and gardens. Of course, the uncertainty of knowing how long this lockdown may last, as well as other difficulties in managing work and childcare, we acknowledge that this can be a very difficult time for many. Later on this week we will share more resources for those feeling isolated and needing additional support. For today, on this overcast Tuesday morning when we would usually be at The Rose Centre setting up our popular Preschool Play sessions, we wanted to share something for all the parents and caregivers doing the admirable work of trying to occupy their little ones from the confines and safety of their homes. Keep scrolling for a list of resources, websites and activities to add to your toolkit.  STORYTIME by RNZ New Zealand stories, audiobooks and music for all ages. A great way to engage children's imaginations and give you a chance to cook dinner (or sit down with a coffee!) https://storytime.rnz.co.nz  Devonport Library Rhymetime with June We all know the captivating June from Devonport Library, who engages all our tamariki on a weekly basis with her beautiful voice and great sense of fun. June has recorded 7 Rhymetime sessions in previous lockdowns, which are all available on the Devonport Library Facebook page, under the video section. Each video times in around 20-25 minutes, so grab your favourite teddy and settle in for a fun morning activity. OverDrive for Kids and Teens Auckland Libraries also has their online portal OverDrive where you can browse and check out a huge range of eBooks from your device, using your library card.  My Lockdown Diary The Lockdown Diary is a free download from artist and designer Stephen McCarthy that aims to help give kids a chance to talk through their eyes. There’s some prompts and activities but loads of space for kids to write and draw how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Think of it as a memento to the future so one day in 20 years, they’ll find it hidden in an old cupboard and remember how strong and resilient they were through this. It’s also a good conversation starter, and can hopefully help give you as a parent or caregiver a small insight into your young ones mind and help start a chat about things.  Cosmic Kids Yoga on Youtube Cosmic Kids provides free yoga and mindfulness meditations on Youtube that kids LOVE, so they can enjoy the physical, mental and emotional benefits early in life. They also have a "30 Days of Play" pack you can download for free for more activities and ideas.  Playcentre Aotearoa Resources and Recipes for Play Playcentre Aotearoa has some great resources on their website with lots of ideas for active play, box play, science experiments, messy and water play and so much more. Play Resources listed here. Play Recipes listed here. We have so many more wonderful ideas and resources to share with you, so check back in next week for updates!
In the meantime, take care of yourselves, follow all the Alert Level 4 Guidance and we will be seeing you all back at Hōtoke Preschool Play before we know it ! |
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With special thanks to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for funding the Devonport Peninsula Trust.
The Devonport Community Coordinator passes on information that is relevant to the community on the Devonport peninsula, without endorsing any views stated in that information.
Copyright© Devonport Peninsula Trust I Website developed and sponsored by Outbox Ltd
Copyright© Devonport Peninsula Trust I Website developed and sponsored by Outbox Ltd