Tickets will go on sale on 1st October 2024 for this year’s Convergence Festival
Changes to Start and End of Convergence
With the success of the event over the last two years some of the changes made will continue this year. The most significant change that will be trialled again this year is a different structure to the set up and pack down of the event. In the past, set up and pack down have been the responsibility of a small group of people that arrived early or stayed on an extra day or two. This year the creation and pack up of the event will be done by everyone who attends the event.
Convergence will start a day earlier than pre-covid, with arrival on the 27th December for the opening ceremony on 28th at 9am (Convergence time). After the opening ceremony has happened, the physical space will be set up. The kitchen will be cleared out and set up, marquees erected, nurture space created, sauna cleaned out, children’s tent erected and stocked, chapel decorated and so on. We will create the space we intend to use together and turn the campsite into a beautiful space for us to enjoy during the event.
Workshops, circles, and any other activities commence from the morning of the 29 th. Food preparation is an important activity throughout Convergence – think about volunteering for this task for 2 meals during the event. See below for more food detail.
A morning circle on the 3rd January will be used to coordinate the pack down and cleaning of the site. As the campsite has been hired for the event it must be returned to the same state that we found it in, preferably better if possible. The kitchen will be packed up and cleaned, marquees dropped, nurture space emptied, sauna packed away, children’s tent emptied and dropped, chapel reset as it was on arrival and so on. This will be followed by lunch. The intention is to get as many people as possible involved in returning the camp site to the state it was in when we arrived. Many hands make light work.
The closing ceremony will occur after lunch and then people are free to leave when they choose. Please note after the evening meal on the 3rd January food may or may not be available depending on what is left over. Everyone must vacate the site by the evening of the 5th January before the next group arrives at the campsite. Your feedback on how this goes will be considered before the next event.
Food
Change – and adapting to it – is part of life, and this year the menu will be the same as the last two years. We trialled a simpler set of recipes which were well received, both by the eaters and the makers. The food will be created by all of us in the Convergence community and we encourage and support everyone who attends to commit to at least two kitchen shifts during Convergence. We are inviting people to contact us in advance to offer themselves as team leaders for a shift.
Eating together is a vital, nourishing part of Convergence community life – the heart of our time together – the intention is to maintain this culture, supported and overseen by a Kitchen Heartbeat Team. It is intended that everyone at Convergence be involved in some way with meal preparation. Instead of full-time designated cooks and wwoofers forming the main workforce in the kitchen, our solution is to form teams and share responsibility for meals in the spirit of our co-created community.
Key menu points
- The chosen menus are simple and wherever possible, include seasonal produce.
- The main dishes will be gluten free and vegan with “add ons” (dairy, etc)
- Lunches will be simple with separate bowls of salad vegetables, dips, spreads, dressings, sauces and protein ingredients. You can make your own choices to place onto either gluten free or normal – bread, wraps, crackers.
- Evening meals are simplified with recipes that can be cooked with less effort.
- The main ingredients for the evening meals will be boxed up in advance with recipes and instructions for preparing the meals in each box.
- Special diets will NOT be specifically catered– most specifically, this refers to onion, garlic, nightshade-free. So some of you may need to bring some supplementary food.
- Cross contamination: Gluten free is a central part of the theme but cross contamination may occur as the kitchen is not set up with separate cooking areas and we cannot guarantee completely gluten free. However, anyone with a high sensitivity to gluten (coeliac) could be served first to minimize cross contamination
Invitation
We, the Kitchen Heartbeat Team, are inviting you to take part in and support the meal creation at Convergence 2024. We envisage this as a fun, co-creative opportunity for everyone to be involved.
We are inviting:
- People who are confident in leading a team (or want to learn how). You don’t have to necessarily be a cook and this role could be shared with another person. The critical part of the new process is to co-create, with a Meal Team, a positive environment for the preparation of a lunch or an evening meal.
- Support and assistance will be available with recipes and ingredients organised in advance of your shift.
- Everyone to take a turn at being a member of a Meal Team (or support crew, see below) to help with the preparation of a lunch or evening meal.
- People to step forward as support crew with non-cooking jobs, such as: washing pots and utensils after cooking, keeping food preparation areas clean, laundry, stoking the fire, wood stacking, dealing with rubbish, recycling and compost.
This is a chance to apply all the personal development stuff you’ve been learning, like:
- how to work in a team,
- letting go of the need to control,
- problem solving through effective communication,
- how to incorporate mindfulness,
- learning when and how to give loving constructive feedback,
- upskilling in time management and coordination
- and what it really means to put love into the food.
We will be encouraging entertainers to be present in the kitchen and create an uplifting and enjoyable atmosphere.
What we are hoping for
A stimulating time of creative experimentation to feed and nourish the Convergence family in a way that is enjoyable and satisfying for everyone. Ultimately, we hope to lighten the process of food provision and instigate a framework for succession so that it will be relatively easy for new people to step up and take on the organizing responsibilities each year.
Why has the way we do the food changed?
Change – and adapting to it – is part of life, and in 2022 Convergence changed the way the kitchen operates. Previously the dedicated work of a few cooks, a team of wwoofers and daily volunteers prepared our delicious meals twice a day including catering for special diets for a third or more of the participants.
The need for change was realised when the cooks who have been trying to meet so many specific needs said they can no longer sustain the complexity of meals created in the kitchen. They also struggled with isolation, a feeling of them doing it FOR us, a separation from the rest of Convergence activities
Call to the Convergence community for input and ideas
In early June 2021 an online discussion was initiated, inviting ideas on new ways to manage the kitchen and meals at Convergence, to spread the load and simplify the food. Thank you to those of you who engaged in the exchange of ideas with comments, suggestions and feedback re: a revamp.
Eating together is a vital, nourishing part of Convergence community life – the heart of our time together – the intention is to maintain this culture, supported and overseen by a new Kitchen Heartbeat Team.
It was clear from the feedback that in general, the Convergence family wish to see more simplicity and co-creation in the meal creation, as this is an area for people to be involved in the direct application of what it takes to truly live together in community.
A small group of volunteers (Jazelle, Gail, Jeff, Gordyn, Kristina, Paul, Kate, Ritz and Ara) worked together over several months to create the system we now have in place
Theme
The theme for this year’s event is New Growth.
Watch this space for any updates or words of wisdom. If you want to write about what this means for you, we can add it to the website. Send your creativity to info@convergence.net.nz.
Location
Convergence is held at the Journeys End Campground on Smarts Road, in North Loburn. The site is about 40 minutes from Christchurch, New Zealand and is in the base of the foothills across the Ashley river inland from Rangiora. The site is at the end of Smarts Road and surrounded by the Grey river.
How to get to Journeys End Campground
Journeys End Campground is now on Google Maps. Search for Journeys End Campground, Smarts Road, Loburn.
Directions NORTH from Christchurch
Travel north from Christchurch on Highway 1, once on the Motorway take second exit after Waimakariri River bridge “Ohoka/Kaiapoi Exit”
Turn left at top of exit ramp and turn right at the T intersection. This road takes you to Rangiora. Follow the “Ashley/Loburn” signs through the Rangiora township.
Go over the Ashley River bridge, straight ahead past the “Sefton” turn off and turn right at the end of the straight. This turn off is in the middle of the 85km sweeping left bend, just after the “Welcome to Loburn” sign.
Continue on Carrs Road for 10km of tarseal, then reduce speed and continue straight ahead for another 4.2km on gravel road (take care when passing livestock and horses).
At the top of the rise continue on the road past the Journey’s End Farm, down the hill. The entrance to Journey’s End Campground is through the second gate on your left.
Directions SOUTH from North Canterbury
Travel south on State Highway 1 to Amberley, turn right at the “Inland Scenic Route” sign post and follow “Inland Scenic Route” signs along the road through Sefton towards Loburn.
Turn right at the Loburn/Rangiora T-intersection, then turn right at the end of the straight. This turn off is in the middle of the 85km sweeping left bend, just after the “Welcome to Loburn” sign.
Continue on Carrs Road for 10km of tarseal, then reduce speed and continue straight ahead for another 4.2km on gravel road (take care when passing livestock and horses).
At the top of the rise continue on the road past the Journey’s End Farm, down the hill. The entrance to Journey’s End Campground is through the second gate on your left.
Timetable
Convergence runs to a loose structure that has evolved over the years. This is of course subject to change and any times listed are purely guidelines. A watch is not required as Convergence can easily revolve around the signals for morning circle and meal times.
26th December
Site open from 12pm for early arrivals at Convergence
Self catering for meals prior to 28th Dec.
27th December
Set up of Welcome Tent
General arrival day allowing people to establish their own campsites
Equipment and food deliveries
Self catering for meals
28th December
9am Opening Ceremony
Next Creating Community and Site Setup
Then Lunch
Then Creating Community and Site Setup continues
Then Dinner
Then Event Orientation Evening for Task Groups
29th December to 2nd January
9am Morning Circle
Next Meal preparation / Workshops / Playshops
Then Lunch
Then Meal Clean-up/ Meal preparation / Workshops/ Playshops
Then Dinner
Then Evening Entertainment
3rd January
9am Morning Circle
Next Site Packup / Meal preparation
Then Lunch
Then Closing Ceremony / Meal preparation
Then Dinner (prepared from left-overs)
4th – 5th January
9am Site Packup / Hire equipment collection
All attendees must be off site by 5th January when our campsite booking ends. Note catering will not be provided and will be dependent on availability of left over food or self catering after 3rd January.
Things to Bring
Whether you are a Con-vergin (first timer) or a Con-verget (veteran) there are a number of things you could bring to make your time more enjoyable.
Essentials to bring
Eating bowls, plates, cups, cutlery, water bottle, tea towel and a carry bag for these.
Sleeping gear, mattresses, rugs, groundsheets, cushions, torch, chair
Breakfast, drinks, snacks (No refrigeration available)
Sun-block, insect repellent, first aid kit, toilet gear sunglasses, towels, gumboots, swimsuit (optional), warm clothes as it can get cold!
Love, lightness and laughter!
Optional items to bring
For Music and Dance: guitar, drums, flute, voice…or whatever you play.
For Creative Nature Space: bio-degradable craft resources, newspapers, dress-up clothes, string, hemp, glue, egg cartons, corrugated cardboard, cane, feathers, seashells, fine copper wire, balloons, end rolls of newsprint, poster paint, brushes, old sheets.
For Main Marquee, Nurture Space, Kitchen/Cuddle Cafe, Chapel etc: big cushions, incense, candles and holders, wall hangings, music, tissues, towels, sacred objects, icons, plants, flowers.
For the Cabaret or New Years Celebration: Your favourite elegant clothes or costume for dressing up or dressing down.
Camping
This is possible in 3 main areas, namely around the main field, near Leigh Lodge and a ‘car free’ walk in-area further downstream.
Due to the possibility of strong to gale force winds, only sturdy and well-anchored tents are suitable.
A communal sleeping marquee is available you’ll need a ground sheet, camp mattress, sleeping bag or similar.
There is limited sleeping accommodation available in the buildings for those with special requirements. This has been used in the past by parents with young babies and the older members of our community, or those with significant health challenges. Please contact us to reserve a place in these areas.
Meals
Vegetarian and vegan buffet lunches and dinners will be provided every day during the event. Please note the meals are strictly vegetarian and do include a lot of vegan, soy free, nut free, gluten free dishes to cater for the majority. If you have special dietary requirements, health issues or allergies, you are advised to bring some supplies of your own to supplement what is available. As much as possible, the food will be organic and GE Free. Everyone is encouraged to help with preparation and clean-up after meals.
Please bring your own breakfast foods, snacks and drinks. Hot water is available in the ‘Cuddle Cafe’ area of the kitchen for hot beverages.
The first community meal will be lunch on 28th December.
Meal times may vary during the event. Please ensure that you bring snacks for your children for between meals.
Meals are signalled by an air-horn (3 short hoots), blessing 15 minutes later.
Lunch and Dinner are served at the Main Marquee following a short blessing. Your pendant is your event ticket and proof of your membership at this year’s event. Thank -you for wearing it to meals.
Meetings
Morning Circle: This is something you want to be a part of! Any group activities can spontaneously occur! (maybe you have one in mind) each morning at approximately 9:00 am at the Main Marquee. This is often time to play with the whole group and feel the heart of the community aspect of Convergence.
Morning circle will be signalled by the sounding of an air-horn (1 long hoot) & start 15 minutes later.
Amenities
Networking Tent: This is a place were you will find information about daily workshops, housekeeping matters and general information, as well as communication with other Convergees.
Wash up of personal dishes and cutlery occurs at the basins along the outside wall of the main hall/kitchen area. Food scraps go into plastic compost buckets.
Toilets: The site has male and female flush toilets opposite the Amberley Hall/kitchen building. There are 4 composting toilets at the north side of Main camping field. You are encouraged to use these. (Small amount of mulch added to the waste after you have finished). Another composting toilet is located at the south end near the Octagon. Portaloos are also located around the site as shown on site map.
Showers: Amberley Lodge located opposite main hall and Leigh Lodge located across the main field and down by the river and sauna.
First Aid: please provide your own first aid kit. A first aid room is located at the ‘Pines Hut’ behind Amberley Hall/kitchen and beside Amberley Lodge. 1st Aid volunteers are also identified by small red cross patches.
Found Property is located outside the entrance to the Amberley Hall/ Kitchen (near wash up area).
The Heart Cave (Chapel) is a sacred place, the spiritual centre of the event. Thank you for respecting this and for being mindful when near it of people who maybe meditating inside. Feel free to place meaningful objects & photos in here. Thank you for respecting that these items belong to someone and leave them where they are placed.
The areas near the workshop tents, massage tent, and nurture space are also places to be mindful of excessive noise. Once again thank you for respecting these places.
Cuddle Café is located in the far end of the Amberley Hall accessed from the doors on the North wall. Hot water & herbal teas are available here. This is a comfortable space to rest and/or chat with others.
Water: All tap water on-site is either from council supply or filtered and safe to drink.
Workshops: If you wish to offer a workshop please email workshops@convergence.net.nz for a workshop form. Workshops are given freely by participants of Convergence.
There are 5 main Workshop Marquees available they are labelled ‘Water’, ‘Fire’, ‘Earth’, ‘Wood’ and ‘Air’ on the site map. Other workshops maybe offered in places such as the Nurture Space, Massage Tent or The Circle. Workshops will begin after Morning Circle and in the afternoon afterlunch. To find out more about workshops check the Networking Tent and listen tothe announcements by the workshop presenters at evening meal – for following morning workshops and at lunch for the afternoon workshops.
Cell phones: Due to limited reception cell phones are unlikely to work on site. In case of emergency please go back down the road until reception is available.
Parents
As primary caregivers you are responsible for the children in your care at Convergence.
Creative Kids Space: This is an area that has paint, paper, books, dress-up clothes etc supplied for you to use with your children. Feel free to bring other items with you.
There will be opportunities to meet other parents and organise/assist with activities for the children to participate in.
Snacks: Bring snacks as meals aren’t necessarily when your child will want food.
Cuddle café please respect that this is a space to quietly relax and chat to others.
Further Tips
To help with preparation and making your experience more enjoyable, we have collected a few tips below.
- More info: For lots of info and a list of what to bring, see https://convergence.net.nz/event-details/.
- Rubbish: There is no rubbish disposal other than food scrap compost! You must take your own rubbish back. Pack it in, pack it out!
- Crockery: Bring your own plates and mugs, and wash them yourself. Teatowels are not provided.
- Fridge/Freezer: There may be less fridge/freezer space available this year; please bring as few perishables as possible.
- Light: Most of the site is unlit at night to celebrate the natural setting, so bring a reliable torch or two.
- Mobiles: There’s no cellphone reception on site. Areas with reception are 0.5km–5km up the road, depending on your phone. It’s an opportunity to take some time out and immerse yourself in the physical, not the virtual.
- Showers: Bring a solar shower if you have it, shower facilities are limited. (This year in particular.)
- Massage: Massage tables are provided for people to exchange massages. The facilities are provided, but not the service — giver and receiver volunteers need to match up themselves. Tables need to be protected and completely covered with 2 large towels; bring your own or share the ones provided.
- Large towels: Bring several bath/beach towels, especially if you want to use the massage tables.
- Wind + tents: Strong winds are possible, any tent would want to be sturdy and well-anchored. Bring tent repair gear too, like pole segments and duct tape.
- Sleeping: A communal sleeping marquee is available — you’ll need a ground sheet, camp mattress, sleeping bag or similar.
- Octagon camping (car free walk in-area): It is not possible to take cars or campervans there by either road. Both roads are now 4WD only, and may become impassable after rainfall. There is only an old longdrop, and no water supply.
- Flooding: Low-laying areas below Leigh Lodge are likely to flood in bad weather and are not recommended for camping. If you insist on camping there be prepared to move in the wee hours at short notice!! i.e. you’re on your own and the complaints department is closed for the holidays.
- Toilets: There will be lots of composting toilets but no chemical ones this year. Very few flush toilets are available so don’t miss the introduction to composting toilets.
- Lost&Found: Each year there is a large heap of items that were left behind. If you put your mobile number on your things you are much more likely to get them back fast. A volunteer will keep the items for a while, before donating them or disposing of them.
- Co-creation: Co-created events and workshops are always welcome, especially for children. Bring creative things, and if you wish to offer a workshop please email workshops@convergence.net.nz .
- Dress-up: There will always be opportunities for dressing up, so bring whatever funky, outrageous, colourful things take your fancy.
- Expectations: It’s often best not to have too many, and to go with the flow instead. Convergence is different every year so no-one can predict what experiences you’ll have. Take responsibility for your own experiences too.