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YMCA Tauranga “Bombs” Arataki Community Centre
24 September 2008
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE
YMCA Tauranga “Bombs” Arataki Community
Centre
Over the weekend of September 27-28, local graffiti artist Garreth Steiner will be painting (“bombing”) a large mural on the Arataki Community Centre in preparation for the start of the YMCA’s new OSCAR programme on October 13th which will be housed there.
“We are launching this programme due to the demand in the area for our services. The Papamoa and the Mount OSCAR programmes are full with waiting lists and we continue to get calls from parents looking for care” explains CEO Amy Thaler. Thaler says “the YMCA is here to respond to community needs; it is part of our mission. We just couldn’t ignore the plea from parents to help.”
The community centre is Council owned and managed by Tauranga Leisure Limited (TLL) both of whom are supportive partners of the YMCA. “When the YMCA approached us about the increased demand and their ideas to improve the buildings appeal, we were thrilled!” says Kylie Williams, Arataki Facilities Manger.
The new porgramme is available to families with children attending Arataki, Te Akau Ki, Tahatai Primary and St. Thomas More schools and will be full of all the activities the other YMCA OSCAR programmes are known for. Every afternoon kids have a choice of art and craft activities, sports and outdoor play and baking, usually in tune with the weekly theme which can be anything from Crazy Hair to Creepy Critters and Challenge week. Families enrolled at the Arataki, or any other OSCAR, programme may also join in on the YMCA’s other family oriented outings such as the annual snow trip and the Camp OSCAR to Finlay Park as well as raft races, talent shows and plenty more!
About Garreth
Steiner
Garreth started out tagging when he was only 8
years old. After years of illegal artwork, Garreth simply
decided to ask permission to “bomb” a wall one day.
Garreth now promotes graffiti art through legal means to
local graffiti artists and leads by example. Now at 27 years
old, Garreth paints the majority of the legal walls in
Tauranga including the Te Munga wall on State Highway 2
which he runs.
Garreth’s talent has been applied to kids’ rooms, scenic backdrops, and the Bin Inn at the Mount. He is part of a hip hop crew called OBVIOUS ADICTION (OA) which was established three years ago by Levi MCDonald, artist and MC(mic controller). OA is made up of graffiti artists, writers, rappers and MCs As Levi explains “We have members from 13 to over 30 but OA is more about a state of mind then age.” OA strives to create a positive image for the genre.
For more information about Garreth or OA email GarrethSteiner@gmail.com
About the YMCA
The YMCA
is the largest provider of afterschool care and holiday
programmes in the Western Bay of Plenty. All programmes are
CYFS and MSD approved.
The YMCA Tauranga provides great
opportunities for people of all ages to participate in
education and sport and recreational activities in the
Western Bay of Plenty.
The YMCA Tauranga embraces the
National YMCA vision to build strong kids, strong families,
strong communities.
It is an affiliate of The National Council of YMCA's of New Zealand, and the World Alliance of YMCAs.
More information is available at http://www.ymcatauranga.org.nz
About Tauranga
Leisure
Tauranga Leisure proudly manages 10 different
sporting and recreational facilities including two
facilities with on-site fitness centres on behalf of
Tauranga City Council. Their core business is hiring out
spaces for sports organisations, clubs, community groups as
well as to individuals for private functions. This includes
hosting sporting tournaments and commercial events.
To learn more check out their website www.taurangaleisure.co.nz
Ends
YMCA
Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities
The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.
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