Please join us Thursday April 25th (Anzac Day), 2019 as we bring our communities together.

 

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The Peacenic Story

Each church, mosque or prayer centre in our local area connects with a unique section of our community.  We want to provide an opportunity for people in each community of faith to build friendships with their neighbours. 

Launching in 2016, Peacenic grew out of a desire to replace the  polarising bad-news stories that dominate media attention with real experiences of hospitality and friendship in our own backyard.  The simplest gift of sharing our time and lunch together is rewarding in itself, but perhaps goes beyond that to offer a glimpse of the world as it could be.

Within our increasingly mutli-religious and multi-ethnic community, we want to help build bridges across the divisions that have historically separated the Muslim and Christian worlds. A useful first step towards understanding is to simply meet together as families and individuals and to share simple things like food, conversation, and your favourite “backyard” sport.

The purpose of “peacenic” is not to downplay or ignore the differences between the Christian and Muslim faiths, but to find a starting point that might lead to friendship in the presence of difference.

Western+Park

Western Park, Ponsonby

With huge lawns, iconic sculptures of sunken buildings and a great new playground, this Ponsonby Park is loved by locals and visitors alike.  Big open space to kick or throw a ball around.  Generously large trees to shelter from the sun (or rain) and of course the impressive new playground. There’s something for everyone..

Where?

5/7 Howe St, Freemans Bay, Auckland, Picnic near the children’s playground.

Take a walk around the park by following the clearly-marked track. Enjoy all the new plantings and large established trees. The track goes up and down in places so isn't very pram-friendly but the views are great. For the best parking enter the park from Howe Street, however there’s often parking alongside Ponsonby Road as well.

There’s 10 minute parking in front of the Early Childhood Centre if you’d like to drop your family and picnic items closer to the park.

 

Welcome to your Peacenic

12:00

Arrive and claim your spot for the day, set up your picnic blanket and settle in.  There’s a great new playground where your children can exert themselves until food is served.

You can expect several games to be underway.  Cricket, Football or even Petanque for the more sedate sportspeople among you. There are even some free tennis courts just a stones throw away.

12:30

Those who have just attended Anazc Day or other events will start to arrive, perhaps after stopping at home for a change of clothes and to stock up from the fridge.
Time to get introductions underway, and post your best selfies!?

1:00

Let the repast be served! 
Expect a few guests to your blanket looking for conversation and to share their picnic wares with you. 

1:30

There will be opportunity for afternoon prayer.
Afterwards, gather around to meet Achmat & Felicity, current co-presidents of CCM, who hope to introduce themselves and share a few words.

2:00

Re-hydrate, Meet someone new.  Graze for an afternoon snack, or invite someone to a social game of your favourite picnic sport.
Stay and chat for as long as you like, or explore the park on your way home.

3:00

Pack-up begins. Farewell to friends, and hope to see you next year.
 

 
 

What stuff do I need?

Bring your own chairs, mats or rugs.  Come prepared for sun with hats and sunscreen; shady trees provided free of charge!

Put a jacket in the car in case the afternoon breeze picks up or the heavens open.  Sports equipment.  Cricket set, football, frisbee or petanque set.

Remember your medication if you require access to any. 

What food should I bring?

Bring your own food to enjoy, and drink to stay hydrated. If food is to be shared with others and you're not used to halal cooking, vegetarian or seafood is best.

Some plates and cutlery can be useful for sharing food, or a flask and cup for sharing tea.