Circus Kumarani steps up with entertainment and fun to brighten up many of Kaipara’s local events, from market days to the forthcoming river festival and A&P shows. New manager, Tania Whetu, shares the group’s creative vision.
Circus Kumarani got its start in 2003, promising and delivering circus for all ages and abilities. Tania came to the top job in the charitable, not-forprofit creative trust from a background in community event management. She holds a degree in genetics and has experience working in preschools, as well as teaching circus arts to primary and secondary school children.
The choice to move to Dargaville was partly due to her partner hailing from this part of New Zealand, and partly because of the opportunity to helm the Kumarani organisation. “Dargaville has been a friendly and welcoming town,” says Tania. “
It’s great that there are existing community relationships with Circus Kumarani and a lot of goodwill. Of course, the aim is to build new ones, too, and to invite those who have passed through here, and who have fond memories, to come back.”
That’s the kind of ethos which has seen the growth year-after-year, of the Northland Circus Festival, hosted by Kumarani. “The event returned from January 8 to 10 this year for three days of workshops, ground and aerial skills, arts and creativity, from beginners to advanced level, and fun for all ages and abilities. That could mean you,” says Tania. “Just come in and give it a try.
Circus is not competitive; there’s no scores, and no targets or grades. You have to step outside your comfort zone to find new things, but we’re here to provide a safe and inclusive environment. It’s all about celebrating people getting better, not marks and points.”
February 2cnd 2021
Author Andy Bryenton - Kaipara Lifestyler