RadFaeNZ Beltane Gathering at Autumn Farm – 24 to 28 October 2019

A gathering for gay/bi/pan/queer/cis/trans men and trans-masculine people.

Radical Faeries Aotearoa/New Zealand (RadFaeNZ) warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Beltane at Autumn Farm, home to our esteemed hosts: Peter Findlayson and Pete Banham (Twitter). The gathering begins with the evening meal and opening ritual on Thursday 24 October and ends after breakfast and the closing ritual on Monday 28 October.

** Here's the link to register: https://forms.gle/2ZK6ho3jcGfA9zjU7 **

What is a gathering?

Faerie gatherings are a time of creating community -- as we embrace each other as friends and lovers and men who love men. It is an opportunity to leave the concrete jungle behind and be present with each other. The retreat is based on international Faerie traditions where activities and workshops are co-created. Anybody can propose and lead a workshop, ritual or other activity.

Beltane

Beltane is a Gaelic festival held in the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It marks the beginning of summer where rituals are performed to protect the crops and people and to encourage growth. We invite participants in particular to reflect on and be inspired by the themes of new beginnings and abundance of the inner world of our rich queer selves.

Location

Autumn farm is a clothing optional, eco-friendly establishment in Golden Bay; just five minutes from Takaka Village. The lifestyle is eco positive communal facilities with solar water heating, recycling of waste and inclusive social atmosphere. This tranquil venue has a bathhouse, composting toilets, and an outdoor fire bath. There is a sheltered deck as well as the mature gardens for gatherings, rituals, and other activities. Vegetarian food is provided and we’ll do the cooking communally. (Please note that Autumn Farm is a dog-free venue.)

Cost

The base registration fee for the gathering is $120 to cover the cost of food and other expenses for the gathering. You can pay this fee directly to our account 38-9018-0818186-00, account name: RFAERIESNZ (with “Labour wknd” in the reference).

 There is an additional charge for accommodation (see below)

Accommodation

For accommodation, Autumn Farm has camp sites, dorm rooms, cabins, and rooms. The costs are:

Campsite: FREE for the whole weekend.

Dorm room*: $75 per person for the whole weekend

Cabin/room: $175 per cabin/room for the whole weekend

To book your accommodation, please contact Peter and Pete at Autumn Farm directly at:

03 525 9013 or  stay@autumnfarm.com

and ask for the rate for the Faerie Gathering during Labour weekend.

 *There are two dorm rooms, one with beds with bedding included. The other is “Marae-Style” with mattresses on the floor where you would need to bring your own sleeping bag. If you don’t have one let the Queen Registrar know and we’ll sort something out for you.

Faerie Fee Fund

We operate a ‘NOTAFLOF’ policy (no one turned away for lack of funds). If the registration and accommodation cost is a problem please contact your Queen registrar radfaenz@gmail.com  and we will sort the payment for you.

Alcohol Policy

We strongly suggest you abstain from recreational drugs and alcohol during the gathering in order to remain present and respectful to ourselves and to each other. Mainstream gay events typically include alcohol (for better or worse); part of the goal of the faeries is to provide a space that is alternative the mainstream. 

Warm regards,

Moose, your Queen Registrar

(I’m on Facebook as Moose in’Newzealand)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Warm regards,

Moose, your Queen Registrar

(I’m on Facebook as Moose in’Newzealand)