Thursday, February 13, 10am – 2pm

Tug o War

 


Auckland Home Educators Inc has been building this annual get together since the year 2000 when it was originally “Not Going Back To School, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah!” Day. It’s held in early February and is now Auckland’s largest Unity in the Community get-together, drawing together families from across the Greater Auckland region and beyond. Largely in the form of a BYO picnic, a programme of activities for all ages has been incorporated over recent years.

Everyone’s welcome, and you’re encouraged to invite a partner, wider family, neighbours and supporters, if only for a short time.  Even sceptics can be persuaded to drop in to gain a better understanding of your community, all with the help of a huge third party! We’re constantly thrilled to see the relieved smiles on dad/grandma’s face when they see how many others enjoy this minority lifestyle! And remember to invite that someone you know who’s considering home education. So much networking goes on for both new and established families.

Venue: Magnificent Cornwall Park (Greenlane) is the most central and convenient option for a gathering from all four corners of the Greater Auckland region. It’s easy off the motorway and not too far from the train station. Amazingly, some families specifically plan a trip to Auckland around the Celebration’s date. We’ve welcomed families from Hamilton, Coromandel, Gisborne, Far North, Nelson and even Christchurch! Aucklanders can surely make the effort for this once-a-year fun-filled morning.

The site we book has a fabulous playground, including a great flying fox and push-along train. Teens also have a larger piece of ground in close (not too close!) proximity for some casual soccer/rugby/cricket fun. Of course, Cornwall Park is not just a beautiful tree-lined place to soak up some atmosphere. There’s the Stardome PlanetariumHuia Lodge which houses the Information Centre and Maungakiekie Education Centre (offering enlightening geological, archealogical and historical information and some great footage and photos), Acacia Cottage (Auckland’s oldest surviving building), One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie and so much more! Why not tag on a visit after the Celebration?

For the next Annual Home Education Celebration with AHE, check out the Calendar of Events for February. In 2014 it is 13th February 10-2.

More information here….