Latest news with #Six60
RNZ News
a day ago
- General
- RNZ News
From a tragic accident to a sporting dream
On March 4th 2016 Bailley Unahi suffered a severe spinal injury following the collapse of a crowded balcony at a Six60 concert on Dunedin's infamous Castle Street. Trapped underneath, her life may have changed in a few fateful moments but Bailley says there is much to be thankful for. She talks to Kathryn about the career she never knew she wanted and the sporting pursuit which she hopes will take her all the way to next year's Winter Paralympics. Bailley Unahi Photo: Red Bull
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Wānaka disability community 'left out'
Bailley Unahi. Photo: ODT Files People with disabilities say they have not been considered or consulted in Wānaka's town planning, leading them to be disadvantaged. An Upper Clutha Community Board member and several Wānaka residents with life-altering disabilities said there had been little consultation around access and equipment for those who needed it. In 2008, Bailley Unahi was on a Dunedin balcony listening to Kiwi band Six60 when the balcony she and her friends were on collapsed and she was crushed beneath it. "I looked up to see what the noise was. I didn't even realise what it was, didn't have time to make any move and then it crushed me — the balcony with all the people on it." Since then, she has been in a wheelchair. But not one to let barriers hold her back, she moved to Wānaka to pursue a career in occupational therapy and take up ski racing. "I still want to do all the things other people can do. I think in this area, the people who are involved in the planning of the facilities aren't aware of what needs to be done or how to do it." As part of her job, she is helping others adjust to life-altering accidents that have left them with physical and intellectual disabilities. From what she had heard and in her own experience, the council did not speak to the community enough about what was needed to live a relatively regular life. "I really want those living in the area and travelling here to be able to experience the same thing everyone else can." Her first goal is to get more information online about where in town has access for those who need it — be it eateries, accommodation, sports or trails. Miss Unahi said she had contacted several businesses as well as the Queenstown Lakes District Council and Lake Wānaka Tourism, but had heard nothing back. A council spokesperson told the Wānaka Sun it was considering a review of its disabilities policy and that would involve community feedback. The council's current approach was to support and advocate for the development of a more inclusive and diverse community. "It will respond to the needs of disabled people living in and visiting our district, with a focus on removing barriers to their full participation in our community, and acknowledges and respects the diversity within the disability community," they said. Miss Unahi said Wānaka was not user-friendly for those with disabilities. While the streets and some trails were well thought out, there were public facilities and private businesses with no wheelchair access. For example, the Lake Wānaka Centre has no upstairs access for wheelchair users. "There are areas to improve. From a wheelchair users' perspective I manage most places but there is always events upstairs at places we cannot access. I am excluded from those events." When she moved to Wānaka several years ago, she found the information to be lacking and all research had to be done herself. Miss Unahi would take a friend with her on trails, as a fall-back option in case she "got stuck". "We want to experience our backyard, but we are not really considered and it is isolating. Even accessing the lake is a common frustration for all of us. So you just don't go. "Consultation with people that have had these lived experiences isn't happening. The big barrier for us is information." Community board member Linda Joll was also frustrated by the lack of consideration given to those who needed it. She said disability groups in Wānaka had approached the board for safer crossings and she was disappointed that Bike Wānaka was given priority by the board to plan stage four of the lakefront development plan. Priority had been given to active travel and cars, she said. "There should be full consultation required with all community on this jewel in the crown for the lakefront, which must include iwi, Wai Wānaka, Heart of Wānaka, the disability groups, business owners, property owners. None of these groups are aware of this dissecting of the plan." Board chairman Simon Telfer said council policies around accessibility covered off consultation. "I don't think when they're doing planning they can necessarily go out and consult with individual groups each time. I assume the policies are being followed as opposed to every time they're going out and consulting with a group. "Accessibility and ensuring that we have infrastructure that's inclusive for everyone is a real priority for the board, so that's always taken into account. Mrs Joll asked the mayor about consultation for other groups but she had not yet received a response. Meanwhile, Queenstown Lakes District Deputy Mayor and Wānaka resident Quentin Smith, who is a paraplegic after a 2008 paragliding accident, said Wānaka was more disability friendly than most. "I would say Wānaka isn't bad in terms of accessibility, mostly because these are new buildings. We have grown so rapidly so there is not a lot of older buildings." He had little trouble in the town, as the pathways, parking and often buildings were accessible for someone in a wheelchair. However, the council was open to feedback. "The attitudes are generally very accommodating and supporting and any shortfall in the provision is a result of not knowing there is a problem than opposed to not being able to come up with a solution." Mr Smith is a member of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust and was instrumental in making improvements to the town's active networks and pathways for all users. This work included flattening trails and removing unnecessary barriers. Mr Smith admitted the town's main place to gather, The Lake Wānaka Centre, lacked good facilities for those with disabilities. "There are cases we can do better and in time we hope to be able to build a lift." Mountaineer and published author Dave Vass has been in a wheelchair since 2015 after a mountaineering accident in Fiordland resulted in incomplete tetraplegia. He said in the 25 years he had lived in Wānaka, the town had improved for people in need of wheelchair accessibility. "It's a mixed bunch. Some of the tracks are fantastic, the new tracks around Mt Iron into town are quite good. Once they hit town you have to rely on footpaths, but that has all been improved." Vass said businesses could pay more attention to detail. "Eating out is a classic one, if you are in any kind of power chair you don't fit under tables, it is only 100mm difference for us. Wānaka is terrible for that, no-one caters specifically for wheelchairs; they are crowded places also. "When those things don't happen and when it becomes a bit hard it means you don't go to places and wheelchair people aren't seen to be out, it can get too hard."
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Waiata Singalong To Launch At Blues Vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific Match
Press Release – Waiata Singalong Waiata Singalong aims to share the joy of waiata, encouraging all New Zealanders to take part so they can feel more confident and connected to their culture, fostering a profound sense of unity and belonging. On Saturday, 31st May 2025, Eden Park will come alive with the first-ever Waiata Singalong, a series of activations and live events designed to bring people together through the power of waiata. The first Waiata Singalong in the series, will take place just before the Blues vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific match kick-off. Blues fans and whānau will have the unique opportunity to come together in song, following the lyrics of the classic waiata 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' and Six60's 'Pepeha' displayed on the big screen. Project founder, Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM says, 'We are thrilled to host the inaugural Waiata Singalong event ahead of this match and witness this kaupapa come to life. Waiata Singalong offers an incredible opportunity for all New Zealanders to learn and sing waiata, celebrating our cultural pride and nationhood.' 'Waiata is a wonderful way to unite people, whether it's for a celebration or a commemoration. We've designed these events to be inclusive and made as simple as possible for people to participate. You don't have to know any waiata to be able to take part. And it doesn't matter if you have never sung waiata before. All you need to do is come to the event and join in the experience,' says Dame Hinewehi Mohi. Following the successful call for New Zealanders to participate in the Stand as a Nation HAKA event, to reclaim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest haka in 2024, Dame Hinewehi realised these iconic events have the power to unite people in ways that other events cannot. 'Seeing New Zealanders from all walks of life, performing Ka Mate in unity was incredible. It made me realise how much New Zealanders want to connect with each other and how much pride we hold as a nation. I want to ensure that we continue to celebrate our cultural heritage and unite in doing so,' say Dame Hinewehi. Waiata are more than just Māori songs, they are a powerful medium for expressing emotions, preserving history, connecting people, and learning more about the language and culture of Aotearoa. Passed down through generations most New Zealanders are familiar with some well-known waiata but have lost the practice in their everyday lives. Waiata Singalong aims to share the joy of waiata, encouraging all New Zealanders to take part so they can feel more confident and connected to their culture, fostering a profound sense of unity and belonging. 'This initiative not only enriches our cultural knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori, but also strengthens our community bonds through the shared joy of singing together,' says Dame Hinewehi Mohi. Fully supporting the first Waiata Singalong, a selection of Blues players, as well as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will join veteran broadcaster Stacey Morrison on the field just before kick-off to lead the Waiata Singalong. 'As a team that represents all people across Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau, we're proud to support this kaupapa,' Blues forward Angus Ta'avao said. 'Waiata is a powerful way to bring people together, and we're stoked to support our fans and whānau in sharing this moment as a show of unity on and off the field.' The first in a series of events and activations, Waiata Singalong provides comprehensive support and guidance with links to valuable waiata resources and easy steps so that everyone can establish their own waiata practices, all while learning te reo Māori. How to get involved The first Waiata Singalong event will take place on the 31st May 2025 at Eden Park ahead of the Blues vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific match. By purchasing a ticket to attend the match you will be able to take part in the Waiata Singalong. Tickets for the match are available (insert link) To access the lyrics and music ahead of time, visit – 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' by Wī Te Tau Huata & 'Pepeha' by Six60. About Waiata Singalong Waiata Singalong is a suite of activations and live events, aiming to connect people through waiata, bringing meaning to their cultural context and a channel through which we can further learn te reo Māori. Waiata Singalong provides links to valuable waiata resources and easy steps to learn waiata gaining confidence and a repertoire for inclusion at gatherings, functions and events.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Waiata Singalong To Launch At Blues Vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific Match
On Saturday, 31st May 2025, Eden Park will come alive with the first-ever Waiata Singalong, a series of activations and live events designed to bring people together through the power of waiata. The first Waiata Singalong in the series, will take place just before the Blues vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific match kick-off. Blues fans and whānau will have the unique opportunity to come together in song, following the lyrics of the classic waiata 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' and Six60's 'Pepeha' displayed on the big screen. Project founder, Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM says, 'We are thrilled to host the inaugural Waiata Singalong event ahead of this match and witness this kaupapa come to life. Waiata Singalong offers an incredible opportunity for all New Zealanders to learn and sing waiata, celebrating our cultural pride and nationhood.' 'Waiata is a wonderful way to unite people, whether it's for a celebration or a commemoration. We've designed these events to be inclusive and made as simple as possible for people to participate. You don't have to know any waiata to be able to take part. And it doesn't matter if you have never sung waiata before. All you need to do is come to the event and join in the experience,' says Dame Hinewehi Mohi. Following the successful call for New Zealanders to participate in the Stand as a Nation HAKA event, to reclaim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest haka in 2024, Dame Hinewehi realised these iconic events have the power to unite people in ways that other events cannot. 'Seeing New Zealanders from all walks of life, performing Ka Mate in unity was incredible. It made me realise how much New Zealanders want to connect with each other and how much pride we hold as a nation. I want to ensure that we continue to celebrate our cultural heritage and unite in doing so,' say Dame Hinewehi. Waiata are more than just Māori songs, they are a powerful medium for expressing emotions, preserving history, connecting people, and learning more about the language and culture of Aotearoa. Passed down through generations most New Zealanders are familiar with some well-known waiata but have lost the practice in their everyday lives. Waiata Singalong aims to share the joy of waiata, encouraging all New Zealanders to take part so they can feel more confident and connected to their culture, fostering a profound sense of unity and belonging. 'This initiative not only enriches our cultural knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori, but also strengthens our community bonds through the shared joy of singing together,' says Dame Hinewehi Mohi. Fully supporting the first Waiata Singalong, a selection of Blues players, as well as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will join veteran broadcaster Stacey Morrison on the field just before kick-off to lead the Waiata Singalong. 'As a team that represents all people across Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau, we're proud to support this kaupapa,' Blues forward Angus Ta'avao said. 'Waiata is a powerful way to bring people together, and we're stoked to support our fans and whānau in sharing this moment as a show of unity on and off the field.' The first in a series of events and activations, Waiata Singalong provides comprehensive support and guidance with links to valuable waiata resources and easy steps so that everyone can establish their own waiata practices, all while learning te reo Māori. How to get involved The first Waiata Singalong event will take place on the 31st May 2025 at Eden Park ahead of the Blues vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific match. By purchasing a ticket to attend the match you will be able to take part in the Waiata Singalong. Tickets for the match are available (insert link) To access the lyrics and music ahead of time, visit – 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' by Wī Te Tau Huata & 'Pepeha' by Six60. About Waiata Singalong Waiata Singalong is a suite of activations and live events, aiming to connect people through waiata, bringing meaning to their cultural context and a channel through which we can further learn te reo Māori. Waiata Singalong provides links to valuable waiata resources and easy steps to learn waiata gaining confidence and a repertoire for inclusion at gatherings, functions and events.
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Revealed: The new location of Homegrown music festival
The team ran the extreme sports event X*Air at Claudelands for three years before moving it to Wellington for four years. X*Air gradually evolved into the Homegrown festival. 'Returning to the Waikato is not just about nostalgia; it's about creating something that celebrates our roots and gives back to the region that inspired us,' Tuck said. 'We want the whole of Aotearoa to feel proud of this festival, and we are committed to making it unforgettable'. The organisers said Hamilton's status as New Zealand's fastest-growing city offered potential to 'expand and evolve while staying true to its roots'. I ts central location was another reason for choosing it. 'Accessibility is key for Homegrown,' Tuck said. 'Being close to such a large population makes this dream even more achievable'. According to the release, several cities presented hosting proposals, but Hamilton's 'unique charm and cultural significance' stood out. Recent large-scale events in Hamilton include the Six60 concert in 2021 and the Summer Concert Tour 2024, both at Claudelands Oval, and the Fifa Women's World Cup 2023. Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said with Hamilton-Australia flights starting in June, the event would be easily accessible for Kiwis and international tourists. Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good said the move was a great opportunity 'in so many ways'. 'With the festival's reputation for selling out and drawing crowds of more than 20,000, local businesses can expect a surge in foot traffic and revenue.' Homegrown has taken place on Wellington's waterfront since it started in 2008, growing from a crowd of 10,000 to 23,000. It showcases genres including rock, reggae, and hip-hop, and has hosted iconic acts including Sir Dave Dobbyn, Shihad, Six60, Shapeshifter and Opshop. Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald's entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke's Bay Today.
