Singing to support festive struggles

BY JULIA WADE

For a second year Kaipara voices raised in harmonious song inspired a Christmas gift for a local organisation proactive in bringing relief and some joy to the many who struggle through the festive season.

Organised by Otamatea Repertory Theatre directors Maura and Peter Flower, the delightful Christmas Carol concert on December 20 was a showcase of east-Kaipara musical talent, with young vocalists from Mangawhai, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto and Paparoa joining the Mangawhai Community Choir and ukulele group Totally Uked, wowing a full house at the Village Library Hall with a collection of both festive and classical songs.

Proceeds from gold-coin koha were donated to Mangawhai’s hardworking social support and advocacy agency, Te Whai Community Trust, to help stock the organisations annual Aroha food baskets, given to struggling residents as well as funding other social-support events.

Giving both their time and experience as well as the use of their sound equipment, the Flowers say they enjoy coordinating the show and believe Christmas carols are ‘a wonderful way to bring communities together’.

“What could be better than to have youngsters singing carols with some singalong songs for audience participation to raise much-needed funds for a very worthy community group?” Maura says. “I thought the concert went very well and the audience was very encouraging and supportive.”

Most of the singers have been tutored by the Flowers for over eight years and perform at Northland’s Performing Arts Festival with many going on to sit Trinity singing exams Maura says.

“However we encourage them to perform in the community as it is great experience and good for the kids to sing when there is no examiner present. Peter and I are hugely proud of all of our young singers.”

n Interested in contributing as an ongoing sponsorship or a one-off donation? Contact Helen for details at tewhaitrust@gmail.com

In the lead up to Christmas, Te Whai volunteers put together over 75 Aroha Christmas baskets for local families and seniors in the Mangawhai community.

Talented vocal group, Songbirds, performed two songs including a poignant rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water.