Every year, in the second week of September, the first of the godwits arrive from Alaska. To celebrate this event, the Motueka Arts Council have planned a weekend of activities. You can be part of this celebration by taking part in the competitions and visiting the displays.
Competitions include photography, poetry and short story for adults, and art for school children. Details can be found at www.motuekaonline.org.nz under Coming Events.

Programme
Saturday 11 September
10.00am - Memorial Hall open to view displays, Church bells ring
11.15am – Opening ceremony begins
11.30am – Hon. Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Conservation
11.35am – Mayor, Richard Kempthorne
11.40 am– MP, Chris Auchinvole
11.50 am– Song by Paul Bond and the Ukes of Hazzard
11.55 am– Presentation of competition prizes by Hon. Kate Wilkinson
2.00pm – Trevor James, TDC resource scientist, speaking on Looking After Our Estuary

Sunday 12 September

10.00am - 4.00pm - Memorial Hall open to view displays
1.30pm - David Melville, ornithologist, speaking on godwit research in Alaska
3.00pm - Viewing of godwits from Motueka Quay with Pauline Samways and members of Ornithological Society.