and for the Driftwood & Sand festival on Hokitika’s beach, 21-27 January.
The beach sculpture event is already warming up with the annual, much photographed and now iconic driftwood HOKITIKA created on the beach by Don Neale. The West Coast Blue Penguin Trust is again joining forces with the festival team to provide the children’s fun beach creation activity, Penguinville. As children and families create stylish penguin homes in the imaginary penguin community from the flotsam and jetsam on the beach, they also learn about the basic needs of penguins, including safety and shelter. 
The forecast is for sunshine every day – perfect for spending time at the beach, being creative, having fun and appreciating the creativity of others.
Activities presented by the Trust include an evening illustrated talk by Trust Ranger, Reuben Lane, who will also provide the popular childrens’ plaster penguin painting. The talk will be held in the Post Office garage in Weld Lane on Weds 23rd at 7.30pm – all welcome. The penguin painting will be on Thursday 24th at 1pm and 2pm – places ($20) are very limited and may be booked by emailing driftwoodandsand@gmail.com. 
Talented teacher, Zoe Watson, will be presenting fun beach games for children at 1pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the festival – just turn up!
Representatives of the Trust will be around for much of the week to talk to visitors about penguins in the area and to answer questions. We look forward to meeting you.
Full details of the Driftwood & Sand festival and the programme can be found http://www.driftwoodandsand.co.nz/.
