Wednesday, December 06, 2006

The New Zealand Trust of Conservation Volunteers wants you...

Here’s an opportunity for lovers of the outdoors to help save the environment and have fun at the same time. The New Zealand Trust of Conservation Volunteers are looking for people that are willing to rough it and get a bit dirty. Projects include hut and track maintainence, wildlife and habitat conservation, pest control, and tree planting.

Both New Zealanders and overseas visitors are encouraged to apply for the various projects listed on the website.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

The Aigantighe Art Museum

This little gem was found on a recent trip to Timaru, 2 hours south of Christchurch.
It is the South Island’s third largest public art museum and is home to an eclectic collection of works from sixteenth century to present day including New Zealand artists such as Goldie, McCahon, and Hodgkins.

The Edwardian House that holds this collection was built in 1908 by Alexander and Helen Grant, Scottish immigrants, as a retirement home. Aigantighe means ‘at home’ in Scottish Gaelic and is pronounced ‘egg and tie’. It was gifted to the city of Timaru and formally opened as an art gallery in 1956.

Beside the paintings and the architecture, another reason to visit Aigantighe is it’s thought provoking International Sculpture Garden.