Whaingaroa Talent Factory Applications Opening Soon: Whaingaroa Talent Factory will open for applications later this week, with the annual youth music showcase set for Saturday 4 October.
Each year, rangatahi aged 13–18 from the Whaingaroa area have the opportunity to meet professional musicians such as Reiki Ruawai, learning more about the craft of songwriting and performance. They then work on their music for two weeks before taking over the Town Hall for a big show at the end of the September/October school holidays.
Prizes for this year’s event are yet to be announced, but last year two lucky acts earned a slot at Soundsplash and another recorded a track at CSR Studios.
Raglan Arts Weekend Turns 15
Raglan Arts Weekend marks its 15th year this Labour Weekend with an Opening Cocktail Launch.
Tickets are available at www.raglanartsweekend.nz or from the Old School and other locations around town, including The Hut at Rangitahi, Bayleys Raglan, and the iHub.
According to the guide, 43 artists around Whaingaroa will open their studios to the public, with 15 emerging artists exhibiting at The Hatch in the Town Hall. The weekend will also be filled with live music – including the legendary Mudsharks performing at the Raglan Country and Blues Festival.
Sport
In rugby league, Turangawaewae edged out Whaingaroa Whai Tāne 26–16 in the WRL men’s semi-final. It wasn’t the result Whai Tāne were hoping for, but reaching the semis after just three years in the competition was still a strong showing.
All eyes now turn to Whai Wāhine, who booked their spot in the Grand Final with a 30–22 win over Ngaruawahia Panthers Wāhine. One more big week before the whānau enjoy a well-earned off-season.
In football, the Raglan Roosters were knocked out of the Scottish Cup with a 4–0 loss to Hamilton Masters at Papahua on Sunday. The result was a reversal of fortunes after the Roosters beat the same side 11–2 just weeks earlier – but under the loose rules of the Sunday League, the Masters were able to import several Saturday competition players, boosting the quality of their squad if not their sportsmanship.