Peace Tree Walk

Uisce Peace Tree Walk Story

Saturday 10th of May

Alan and I arrived at the riwaka source at night . tree walks had already put up their tents and the fire was lit. I met some kids there. Some I already knew. Their names were China, Cleo, Orinoco, Roawan and Guenivere's China and Cleo were twins and their brother was Jarvis. Orin and Rowan I already knew. The children played and the adults played music around the fire.

Sunday 11th of May

We walked together from the Riwaka source to Brooklyn Reserve. It was me who set the pace because we reached the camp before dark. We had to be careful on the main road. Wearing bright yellow vests helped. I had a pram (mountain buggy) to carry my things. It was a long walk but Alan had made sure we had lots of yummy snacks. Tomaash came to meet us for the last stretch. When we got to Brooklyn Reserve I played with the other kids while Alan helped with the cooking. After dinner we all made the peace ribbons for the trees. Then we went to bed in the tent. We were very tired.

Monday 12th of May

It was a cold, frosty morning. We had porridge for breakfast. Then we all walked to Brooklyn School. First we introduced ourselves. We told the children where we were from. The Peace Tree Walk 2008 was very international. We had people from Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, Germany, England, Ireland, Japan, Australia and the North and South Islands of New Zealand. We sang a call and response song: "We're gonna plant some trees, we're gonna walk in peace." Then we walked to Atet in Riwaka followed by a visit to the Montessori pre-school called Horizon. I enjoyed sitting on the horse and cart on the way there. Next we walked to Motueka. In Motueka we went to Motu Idea. We formed a big circle. After the introductions we sang many songs and handed out ribbons with a request to make wishes for peace. We also planted some trees. Then we went to set up camp in Ian's garden for the night. We picked up most of the bigger trees from there, too.

Tuesday 13th of May

We had some very busy days in Motueka. On Tuesday we started from Ian's place. We then walked to Greenwood kindergarten. When we got there the children came out to join us under a big oak tree. I took some photos and handed out peace ribbons. Then we all walked to the community hospital. Many people greeted us with a smile, a wave or a beep. When we arrived we left our prams outside. Inside we introduced ourselves to the old people and sang songs. The reporter from the Motueka Golden Bay News took notes. Afterwoods he took a group picture of us all under a ginko tree. Mot South school was next. After our usual introductions and songs one of the classes performed the Motueka haka for us. We then formed a big, big circle around the trees that we gave to the school. It took a long time to hand out the peace ribbons. We sang songs meanwhile. Next mission was Mot High School. We introduced ourselves to the Environmental Class in their classroom. Then we went outside to plant lots of trees together. Then they sang us a tree song to the tune of 'I am a little teapot' and we sang along. Then we did some busking outside the museum. Some of us were drawing with chalk on the pavement. Some of us were playing music. Some of us were face painting. Then we went to Parklands School. This is the biggest primary school in Motueka. China, Cleo, Jarvis and I all played on the playground while the other walkers played music and donated trees. After this we did some more busking. Our camp that night was at Rachel and Andrew's. Hone, the horse and cart man, did magic tricks, mostly card tricks. We were all tired.

Wednesday 14th of May

On Wednesday we went to Rudolf Steiner school, which was my old school. We sang some songs and introduced ourselves and left some trees. Then we walked to St. Peter's Chanel School. China, Cleo, Jarvis and I played on the playground while the others played music with the kids. We left native trees and a fruit tree. Then we walked to Thorp's Bush to Oasis kindergarten. We did the usual thing; playing music and leaving trees and peace ribbons. From there it wasn't far to walk to Rudolf Steiner kindy. We played music and left some trees and peace ribbons. I used to go to this kindy. Then we went to 8-Ball and did all the usual things. Afterwards, we went to Te Awhina Marae for a powhiri. Then we went to the marae kindergarten called Kohanga. We had juice and biscuits. Next was Woodlands Resthome. We sang many songs and left some trees for the caretaker to plant. The Peace Tree Walk camp that night was at Bernie's. Bernie had three kids but one of them was at their friend's place. The kids watched a movie in the house while the adults played music outside by the fire.

Thursday 15th of May

The next day started with a big walk to Lower Moutere School. We played music, handed out peace ribbons and left some trees. We then walked to Whenua Iti. We were early so we had time for a relaxed lunch. My friend Rosie came and we played and did face painting while the rest of the Peace Tree Walk did a 'Little Tree Walk' with John Glasgow. The newspaper man came and took photos of us (me, Rosie and Tirama) for the Guardian. The circle with the Whenua Iti students and staff was huge. That night we stayed at Riverside Community. Rosie lives there and she came to sleep in the tipi with us. We had a feast in the hall followed by a long talking circle. The next morning I had to leave the Tree Walk because I had to go to my mum's birthday party in Totaranui. I really enjoyed the Peace Tree Walk.


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