Wānaka Charity Art Exhibition
The Cook Islands is dedicated to championing sustainability, yet Aitutaki, one of its most pristine islands, faces a serious waste management issue. This fragile paradise currently depends on a large, makeshift landfill to handle its waste. Recognising the urgency of this problem, Reset's internationally award-winning 2020 Spatial Plan highlights waste management as a top priority.
Wānaka and Aitutaki share the growing challenges of waste management in communities that welcome significant numbers of tourists annually. Recognising Wānaka Wastebusters as a trusted source of expertise in circular economy practices both locally and nationally, I approached them intending to connect the Wānaka and Aitutaki communities as part of Reset’s practice of supporting their community.
In December, Sophie Ward, Wastebusters’ Business Development Manager, will visit Aitutaki for one week, hosted by the Mayor of Aitutaki, Nick Henry. The visit aims for WasteBusters to share their expertise in waste reduction, community engagement, and social enterprise, inspiring the Aitutaki community to take positive environmental action and develop a similar programme focused on reuse, recycling, and zero waste education. Sophie will present to the Island Council, schools and community groups, assess the existing situation and complete a recommendations report for the Island Council.
Since there is no public funding available for this project, Garth Falconer is helping to raise the necessary funds to bring this vision to life. Garth will offer 12 of his paintings for sale, with all proceeds dedicated to this initiative. The funds from the charity art sale will be used directly to connect these two communities.
We invite you to view 12 oil-on-canvas paintings of Wānaka landscapes exploring the interplay of light and form, often with an environmental awareness theme. My works are part of collections both nationally and internationally.
Exhibition Opening
Monday 11 November, 5-7pm
Pembroke Wine Bar
24 Dungarvon St, Wānaka
Exhibition Closes Nov 24
Our heartfelt thanks to the following businesses for their support of this project:
Pembroke Wine and Spirits – hosting exhibition
Air Raro – providing flights to Aitutaki from Rarotonga
Tumanu Resort – or providing accommodation
Romani Katoa – Cook Islands PM's Office for coordinating the visit
