winter events programme
Welcome to our winter events programme for March to May 2024.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, Cornwall Park is still a wonderful place to visit for some seasonal events.
This winter we have some calm, educational workshops including weaving, carving and centring on the art of rest, alongside some popular guided walks on the park's heritage. Two of the walks are for tamariki, focusing on discovery and imagination.
All our events are FREE to attend, though some may need you to register as we have limited numbers. All registration links are provided, but if you run into any trouble flick us an email at info@cornwallpark.co.nz or give us a call on 09 630 8485.
June
Exhibition: Winds of Matariki
Discover how Cornwall Park connects to Matariki and Te Taiao, the natural world through the whetū star Ururangi and the associated winds. Our Matariki exhibition is a welcoming space for whānau, friends and communities to come together.
Matariki is a star cluster that appears in our skies in the winter month of Pipiri (June-July) and marks the first month of the Māori lunar calendar. Ururangi is one of the stars of this cluster and is closely linked with the winds.
Mānawatia a Matariki, Happy New Year from all of us at Cornwall Park.
Saturday 8th June to Saturday 31st August
Open daily: 10am - 4pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub can be found next to the Cornwall Park Bistro in the middle of the park. Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Tamariki Imagination: Farm | Postponed to Sunday 16th June
This guided walk, led by our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team, will encourage tamariki to use their imagination, and learn about our farm and adventure in Cornwall Park.
Suitable for ages 3+, grown-up participation is encouraged. Please dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy shoes and bring a drink bottle as we will be leaving pathways behind.
This walk is held outdoors and this walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather it will be cancelled on Sunday morning. No dogs are permitted on this walk.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 16th June
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Workshop: Harakeke Raranga Flax Weaving
Come together with like-minded individuals and learn the art of harakeke raranga flax weaving this winter with kaiako (tutor) Annie Ah Mu.
During the workshop, you will be introduced to harakeke (flax), the history of its use and the tikanga for harvesting. You will learn the fundamental processes to begin weaving where you will be able to create a variety of beautiful projects.
The workshop is open to ages 12 years and up. Child supervision is required.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Saturday 15th June
10am - 12pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Guided Walk: Hospital Heritage
Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team for a walk exploring the highlights of Cornwall Park's hospital heritage.
Cornwall Park was home to three different hospital units, the United States Army 39th General Hospital, National Women's Hospital and Cornwall Hospital Geriatric Unit. It served the people of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland until 1973.
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 23rd June
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
July
Guided Walk Walking Meditation
Join us on a restorative, nourishing and restful walk through the beauty of Cornwall Park in the crisp winter air. Enjoy arriving with each step. Nurturing inner calm, peace and happiness.
"Each step brings a fresh breeze. Each step makes a flower bloom. Kiss the earth with your feet" - Thich Nhat Hahn
What to expect on the day:- A round of introductions - Gentle warm-up exercises/ loosening up- Slow, gentle and silent walk- Sharing in a circle a few words for those who wish, about what they noticed in the inner and outer environments
“And forget not that the earth delights in the touch of your feet, and the wind longs to play with your hair “- Khalil Gibran
This experience would suit ages 7+ and adult accompaniment is required. This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather it will be cancelled on Sunday morning. No dogs are permitted on this walk.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 7th July
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Workshop: Sew a Softie
Join a global sewing party and sew a softie in July.
With colder weather drawing in it's time to get cosy! In this workshop, you will learn basic sewing skills to make your own mini soft toy inspired by the park. We'll be making use of recycled and upcycled materials to craft your cooky creations.
All materials and equipment will be provided. Suited for ages 5+, children must be accompanied by an adult and adult participation is encouraged.
We'll be running two sessions and registration is essential because numbers are limited! To register click the links below for the session you would like to attend or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz
There will be a limited number of walk-up spots available on the day.
Sunday 14th July
Session 1: 10am-12pm - Register here
Session 2: 1pm-3pm - Register here
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
About the Sew a Softie project:
Sew a Softie began life as a single day in July on which people from all over the world could post a softie tutorial and share their sewing skills with others. The initial response was overwhelming, the event so popular it had to move beyond a day and the name changed to Sew a Softie in July. www.sewasoftie.com
Kōrero & Kaputī
Delve into a sensory world exploring the flavours, smells and remarkable healing properties of Aotearoa’s native plants. Many of these rākau (plants) have a rich history of traditional use, helping to maintain ora (well-being).
Relax with a kaputī (cup of tea) and learn from Helen Paul-Smith (Tapuika/Ngaī Te Rangi) Co-Founder of ŌKU New Zealand in this relaxed kōrero (talk).
The session is suitable for ages 12+ and ends with a Q&A and the chance to sample ŌKU tea. ŌKU products will also be available to purchase.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Saturday 20th July
11am -12pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Tamariki Discover: Winter
Join us on an exploratory walk through Cornwall Park, where curious minds will discover special taonga (treasure) in the park. The walk will concentrate on experiencing the park using our five senses. Adventure through groves of trees, scout fascinating insects and explore big root systems all while learning about the park.
Suitable for 5-12 years old and caregivers must accompany children on the walk.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this guided walk click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz
Sunday 21st July
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.
Guided Walk: Ecology Identification
Explore the ecology of Cornwall Park and become your own nature guide with our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub Team. We will show you how to use various resources like field guides, apps, and keys to identify plants and animals so you can teach yourself about nature everywhere you go.
This walk is suitable for older kids interested in nature and adults who want to be able to better understand and connect to nature.
We'll also explore the amazing tools available on your phone. Closer to the event we'll follow up with an email including all the details on the apps we plan to use so you can download them if you would like to bring your own device.
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz.Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 28th July
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
August
Workshop: Taonga Puoro
Experience the ancient sounds of Aotearoa and join the Aotearoa Bone and Stone Carving Team to learn about Taonga Puoro (treasures that bring sound to life).
In this waananga (workshop) tauira (participants) will learn how to create and play a basic Kōauau (Māori Flute) from bamboo and also a Porotiti (Spinning wind instrument) from native timber.
This full day workshop will break for a shared lunch. Please bring a plate of kai (food) to share.
You will be working with tools and machinery and must wear covered or closed toe shoes.
Suitable for ages 16+ registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 4th August
10am - 2.30pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Workshop: Harakeke Raranga Flax Weaving
Come together with like-minded individuals and learn the art of harakeke raranga flax weaving this winter with kaiako (tutor) Annie Ah Mu.
During the workshop, you will be introduced to harakeke (flax), the history of its use and the tikanga for harvesting. You will learn the fundamental processes to begin weaving where you will be able to create a variety of beautiful projects.
The workshop is open to ages 12 years and up. Child supervision is required.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz
Saturday 10th August
10am - 12pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Guided Walk: Heritage
Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team for a gentle stroll through some highlights of Cornwall Park's heritage.
This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Sunday 11th August
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Workshop: The Art of Rest
Explore how to rest into making some art. The class gently focuses on posture and breathing to experience how this influences art making. Move away from a goal or outcome-orientated approach, into being present to the process of creating.
Through a series of exercises that will encourage fun, spontaneity and curiosity you will look at what nourishes you when you engage with art.
Using a variety of different media on paper you will observe the effects of bringing a gently meditative quality and awareness into artwork.
Suitable for ages 16+ and any level of experience.
Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Saturday 31st August
10am -12pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
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About your tutor: Benni Bonnin is originally from Paris, and after years of happy globetrotting, eventually called Aotearoa New Zealand home.
She attended every possible course at Ponsonby Art Station (now Studio One) in Auckland. In 2006 she completed one year at AUT, Bachelor of Visual Arts, before transferring to the Learning Connexion in Wellington. She has run a Meditation Retreat Centre in the beautiful Coromandel and will be a familiar face from our Walking Meditation guided walks.
Benni’s art practice is illustrative, colourful and whimsical. She has exhibited in Wellington and the Coromandel and is part of the Watch This Space and Hauraki House Shared Studios artist groups. You can follow Benni on Instagram @BonninBenni