The fourth annual Ōtaki Summer Camp is being held from the 22nd-25th of January in the beach community of Ōtaki, north of Wellington. It is three days jam-packed with discussion of political issues, speakers, music, bush, rivers and sea.
Political summer camps have played an important role in the history of Aotearoa, inspiring many who have gone on to play important roles in the politics of the country. Ōtaki Summer Camp is designed for anyone with an interest in politics, decolonisation, social justice and the environment. It provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for you to openly deliberate on issues that matter to you. Aimed at 17-30 year olds, the camp brings together passionate and inquisitive rangatahi who have historically lacked political representation and suffer the effects of previous disenfranchisement.
In the last camp held in January this year, attendees were able to learn from speakers and discussion leaders including Tina Ngata, Russel Norman, School Strike 4 Climate, Nicky Hager, Mike Joy, and many more. Attendees had a range of experience with politics and activism, but all were determined to learn from one another and enjoy the judgement-free space to do so. Some of the guest speakers for 2021 include grassroots leader and community activist, Laura O’Connell Rapira; journalist, human rights defender, writer and film producer, Behrouz Boochani; journalist and TVNZ reporter and presenter, John Campbell; and New Zealand Muslim community leader and human rights activist, Anjum Rahman.
The camp is run on a local organic, self-sufficient farm so you will be able to enjoy homemade, organic food, and the surrounding bush, river and sea whenever you need to take a break.
Earlybird tickets are on sale for $100 per person (or $120 if you pay after 20th December), covering all food and accommodation over the three days. There are scholarships available for anyone who requires financial assistance, or if you’d like to help others attend, you can sponsor a ticket. In the case that there is a COVID-19 alert level shift, all tickets will be fully refunded.
Register online at otakisummercamp.com. For any questions, email hello@otakisummercamp.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
