30TH MARCH UPDATE: Ok faeries, we're approaching capacity so registrations for the autumn gathering are now closed. If you've already expressed interest in coming but haven't registered, you are still on our list so just confirm your attendance ASAP. You can also email us to register your interest and if anyone cancels(there's usually a couple at least) then you can fill their space....

Kaydakowhai@gmail.com

A score of faeries have already arrived and are diligently setting up structures, digging holes and arranging kitchen magic. We look forward to welcoming the rest of you soon xx

The Call / Kooo-eee
The year past has been one of challenge and at times of isolation. This year the call is but a simple one; to regenerate, to gather in the garden, to relax, to laugh, to hug and to share. Let the archetype of the jester, the fool walk with you into the gathering to celebrate the day of the Fools. Remember those energies of our ancestors that bought laughter to the courts and town squares of those places they travelled through, as they wove story, joy and a sprinkling of magic into the lives of those they passed.

Again we welcome you to gather at Faenua, a farm and dedicated faerie space near Raglan, Waikato. The gathering will straddle Easter; beginning with an opening ritual on the night of Tuesday 30th March, and close on the morning of Monday 5th April. You’re welcome to arrive any time on Tuesday, or if you’re available to assist with setup in the days prior to the gathering please message Kayda directly. For those who don’t need to rush away, we like a long tail on the gathering and so welcome you to stay for a few days afterwards.

We welcome all the genders that gather under the rainbow tree; be ye them’s and their’s, cis-him’s or her’s, trans this way and that, expansive genders of indigenous norms from the pacific and beyond, queer and inter, hear our call...

Pre-registration is essential. Your Queen Roosters and points of contact for this event are Kayda (primarily) and Tinker. You can contact us through the email address: kaydakowhai@gmail.com

Please follow the link and complete the google form to register for this event: https://forms.gle/UCCB5VtVwhqjZeRu8

What is a Gathering?
* It’s a time of creating community, a time to connect with the land and the seasons, a time for ritual and meditation, a time for sharing and expression. We embrace each other as friends and lovers. We embrace ourselves as exceptional queers. We embrace the world we inhabit and this planet that gives us life.
* The retreat is based on international Faerie traditions of co-creation so anybody can propose and lead whatever workshop, ritual or activity they like. Whether physical or cerebral, structured or chaotic, serious or downright silly - we cherish your varied contributions.
* Heart Circles, usually held each morning, are spaces for sharing and active listening that are integral to the Faerie experience.
* The ‘Talent/No-Talent’ (TNT) show (a gala in the loosest sense) provides a stage for displays of genuine prowess, earnest expression or shambolic spectacle.

Location
Faenua is a dedicated faerie space situated on 260 hectares of farmland. It’s a 20 minute walk across the paddocks and down to an effectively private beach. We will be sleeping in the tents we set up around the homestead and permaculture garden. There are a limited number of beds available indoors for those most in need. As well as the house there’ll be several marquees as gathering/workshop spaces, outdoor showers and bathing facilities, compost toilets and outdoor fire baths. Vegetarian food is provided and we will do the cooking communally.

We’ll send you instructions and a map of how to get there when you register. We encourage people to car share as much as possible and this is best co-ordinated via the event page on facebook.
If you’re using public transport, you’ll need to get to Hamilton and then take the bus to Raglan. In weekends and public holidays there are 3 buses per day, school holidays 4 buses per day, and term time 6 buses per day. The School Holidays begin at Easter, so be aware of the timetable change between arrival and departure. The current bus schedule is here, https://busit.co.nz/regional-services/raglan/ From Raglan we will be able to organize to pick you up.

Faenua is a clothing optional and body positive space. Our buildings aren’t set up for wheelchair accessibility, and while the property is relatively flat there are steps into the house. We can’t allow anyone to bring dogs, but there will be two farm dogs on the property, Rio and Spud.
The gathering is an opportunity to leave the concrete jungle behind and be present with each other and on the land. Camper vans can be accommodated but there are no powered sites.
Cost

The registration fee for the gathering is $140 for food and other costs. We’ll publish a statement of accounts for the gathering on our website after the event. If there’s any surplus over $500 we’ll reimburse that pro-rata to registrants.

Faerie Fee Fund: We operate a ‘NOTAFLOF’ (no-one turned away for lack of funds) policy. If the registration cost is a problem please contact your Queen Roosters. Also, if you would like to contribute to our Faerie Fee Fund you are most welcome to do so. To make a contribution, include the extra funds when you pay your registration fee. Your Queen Roosters will sort the payment to those in need. Your contribution will be very much appreciated.

Helper Roles:
Rideshare Faerie: We’ll be busy setting the site up in the week or 2 leading up to the gathering so we would love for an organised faerie with an affinity for checking emails to coordinate rideshares.
Chime’n’Time Faeries: A faerie for each day that can keep an eye on the clock and provide timely alerts for workshops and rituals, enabling people to make the most out of scheduled offerings.
For the rest of the roles, we would ideally have faeries that are present for the entire gathering. We encourage these faeries to delegate but would love them to take primary responsibility for keeping things ticking...
Tidy Faerie: Someone to keep an eye on the various spaces and recruit others into cleaning action when the chaos and clutter gets a bit much! Abandoned costumes, suspicious towels and wayward drinking vessels will all be in your domain.
Kitchen Witch: 1 or 2 people with experience catering for lots of people, that can make sure each meal team knows kitchen logistics, supplies available, food allergies etc, but they won’t be resonsible for cooking every meal...
Breakfast Faerie: A reliable early riser to ensure breakfast is on the table in time for morning heart circles.
Fire-bath faerie: Someone that can keep the fire-baths running smoothly and well stocked with fuel.

Alcohol Policy
We operate a sober space and ask you to abstain from alcohol and drugs in order to remain present and respectful to ourselves and to each other. Mainstream gay community spaces typically include alcohol, and part of the goal of the faeries is to provide a space that is alternative to this. There will be a separate smoking space for tobacco users and we ask you to not smoke anywhere else around the house and gathering spaces.

Food
Included in the price are 3 vegetarian meals a day, and these can be adapted to suit vegans too. If you have any food allergies/special diets please let us know in good time and we will do our best to accomodate you.

What to bring:
Most people will be camping – so please be aware you will need to bring everything to make your stay comfortable.
- Tent (if you haven’t got one, contact us—we’ll come up with something).
- Bedding: pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, mattress
- Outdoor clothes and footwear (there are thistles if walking around the farm) and cold weather gear (just in case!)
- Torch/head torch with batteries/charge
- Eating utensils: cutlery, plate, bowl, cup
- Swimwear and towels for the beach
- Biodegradable hygiene products
- Suncream and sun hat, umbrellas are also good for shade
- Home baking and snacks to share
- Costumes, drag
- Musical instruments
- Games, decorations and art supplies
- Anything for the altars (crystals, candles, lights, whatever you feel is right!)
- Anything needed to run your own workshop!
We are a 30-minute drive from any shop so bear this in mind before you arrive! Any questions, contact your Queen Roosters. kaydakowhai@gmail.com