Welcome to the Newsletter of the German Embassy in Wellington

A long lasting legacy – Samoa and Germany

(©Volker Matten)

Two exhibitions opened at the Porirua Pataka Museum in November exploring the historical impact and lasting legacy of Germany´s colonial past in Samoa at the beginning of the 20th century. Over 200 guests attended the official opening ceremonies at the Pataka Museum in Porirua led by museum curator Helen Kedgley. Ambassador Thomas Meister, who in his opening address emphasized the strong bonds between the two nations, was joined by Hon. Prof. Winnie Laban, former Labour MP and Labour Spokesperson of the Pacific Islands and HE James Blakelock, High Commissioner of Samoa in New Zealand.

(©Volker Matten)

Following a musical contribution by the Elios String Quartet, the guests were able to discover what the exhibitions held in store for them. Under the title “Samoa and Germany: Old Ties and New Relationships”, the project originally conceived by well-known German Prof. Hermann Hiery, historian at the University of Bayreuth, represented the world's first exhibition depicting the heritage of the German colonization of Samoa between 1900-1914. Ms. Kedgley described the exhibition as “an amazing collection of old photos and historical information that includes everythin from education to ecology of the time, to Samoan chiefs and German pioneers – many of whom have descendants among us”.

(©Volker Matten)

The second exhibition, created by famous New Zealand/Samoan artist Michel Tuffery and opened by HE James Blakelock, also explores German-Samoan relations. It comprises the first release of Tuffery’s expanded exhibition body of works which includes a new series of paintings, sculptural artworks and internal gallery projection installation, incorporating a dance performance by Whitireia Polytechnic Performing Arts School. The exhibition also looks into the question what future perspectives Samoa would have had, had it remained a German colony.

The exhibitions will be on show until 19 February 2012.

For more information and photos, please go to our website www.wellington.diplo.de

Visit to Germany by Representatives of AOSIS

Seven representatives from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) recently participated in an information visit to Germany following an invitation by the German Foreign Office. Among them were high ranking officials Toelau Viliamu Iulio from Samoa, Keshwa Nand Reddy from Fiji, Alexander Tama Henry from the Cook Islands and Conchitta Paul from Kiribati.

From left: Peter Napwatt, BSR, Cochitta Paul, Mr. Kloeckner, Secilil Eldebechel, Keswa Nand Reddy, Mr. Furman, Alexander Tama Henry, Toleau Viliamu Julio

(©europäische Akademie, Berlin)

The visitor programme combined a range of events and activities in Berlin and Hamburg under the general heading “Adaptation to Climate Change and Creation of the Green Economy”. Talks with German climate change experts at the Foreign Office Climate and Environment External Policy, Sustainable Energy and South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific divisions and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety were followed by a visit to the German Renewable Energy Federation and a brief tour of the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation’s new building in Berlin. Further appointments in Berlin took them to the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, the “Der Tagesspiegel” newspaper, solar energy production sites, the Berlin Centre of Competence for Water, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Adlershof Science and Technology Park.

During a day in Hamburg, they met experts at the Climate Service Center, the Climate Computing Service Centre and Greenpeace Headquarters. The programme was then rounded off back in Berlin with a working breakfast, a visit to the “Grüne Punkt” recycling organisation and a tour of the Federal Parliament Building.

Restoration Project in Samoa

As part of its Cultural Heritage Conservation Programme, the German Foreign Office has been actively involved in the evaluation of a project designed to preserve the old Court House in Apia, Samoa. The programme, which has been running since 1981, supports localized projects outside Germany with the aim of enhancing both the respective country’s cultural heritage and its mutual cultural dialogue with Germany. The Court House project examines the possibility of a full restoration of the 106 year old building.

(©Archifact Limited)

As a first step, an initial feasibility study was conducted by the director of New Zealand architects practice “Archifact”, Adam Wild who specialises in the conservation of places of cultural heritage value worldwide. Mr Wild recently travelled to Samoa accompanied by some of his colleagues to assess the court house’s present condition. Their visit was funded by the governments of Germany, New Zealand and Samoa and Unitec and actively supported by the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Samoa, Arne Schreiber.

During their three-day stay in Apia, over 280 3-D scans were taken representing over 330 billion data points of three dimensional information about the building which will be transformed into a three-dimensional computerized model. With the scanning process and on-site analysis completed and over 1000 photographs taken, the way is now clear for creating a conservation plan with a feasible prognosis for the building’s future image and purpose.

Gesellen – Germany’s wandering Journeymen

To most New Zealanders, these strange-looking travellers from Germany may look like dressed-up fans on their way to the Rugby Sevens or left-overs from a Renaissance fair, but they are actually followers of a European tradition reaching back several hundred years. Dressed all in black with a slouch hat, a double-breasted vest with huge white buttons and corduroy bell-bottom trousers, they represent one of Germany’s most endangered species – the Gesellen or journeymen.

"Gesellen" - Germany`s wandering Journeymen

(©H.G. Velten)

Since the Middle Ages, many German craftsmen have gone on what they call “The Waltz”, a kind of working pilgrimage taking artisans who have finished their apprenticeship all around Germany, Europe or even further afield. Most of them are carpenters (all dress in traditional carpenters’ outfits from long ago), tile layers, masons, roofers, joiners or plumbers. They embark on a three-year journey to see the world and at the same time gain the practical skills they need to become master craftsmen. In medieval times, they were not even considered for entry into their respective guilds before going on “the Waltz”.

The journey can take them halfway around the world and follows a strictly observed set of rules: it must take exactly three years and one day, and they must leave and return with 5 Euro in their pocket. Their few belongings are packed into a small leather backpack (the “Felleisen”) and must not contain anything other than their uniform, tools, undergarments, a sleeping bag, a book and their trademark walking stick (the “Stenz”). During the Middle Ages, they also wore gold earrings and bracelets which were used to raise money for a burial if one died on the way.

Money and goods for survival come from casual employment they find on the way and donations from anyone kind enough to support them. As part of their routine, the journeymen visit the embassies of the countries they travel through, where they recite a poem or sing a song and present their travel diaries which are duly sealed with an official Embassy stamp.

Today, their numbers have shrunk to a mere 500 or thereabouts who make the decision to go on “the Waltz” – so if you come across one of the German “Gesellen”, be kind to him (or her)!

Temporary Literaturhaus Launch in Wellington

7 - 11 February 2012 at various Wellington locations

New Zealand will be in the international spotlight this year as guest of honour at the world’s largest book fair in Frankfurt. In tandem with this event, Wellington will also see five days of reading, readings and events at the “Temporary Literaturhaus” exploring New Zealand’s literary connections with the rest of the world, focusing initially on literary links with Germany.

(©Temporary Literaturhaus)

The Literaturhaus concept was first developed in Berlin in the late 1980s and has since been adopted in numerous cities in Germany and beyond. Literaturhäuser are at the heart of literary life in Germany, providing a venue for innovative literary events and education and a meeting place for all those interested in books. Their central mission is to communicate and promote interest in literature in all its forms among diverse readerships.

The Temporary Literaturhaus in Wellington will provide a flexible and mobile platform for literary events that bring together different communities of readers and writers. Following an intensive series of launch events organized in collaboration with the New Zealand Book Council, the New Zealand Centre for Literary Translation and Wellington City Libraries, the Temporary Literaturhaus will reappear on a monthly basis at different venues in Wellington and connect with other literary institutions and initiatives in the city (supported by a grant from Creative New Zealand).

In the tradition of the German Literaturhäuser, the Temporary Literaturhaus will focus on innovative programming, moving away from conventional readings to focus on “live” literature and providing a welcoming and stimulating atmosphere for people to engage in the wider conversation about literature, translation and books. The list of contributors includes well-known New Zealand authors such as Fiona Kidman, Paul Diamond, Apirana Taylor, Elizabeth Knox, Hinemoana Baker; Lloyd Jones and Kate de Goldi.

For more information and a detailed programme, please go to www.literaturhaus.co.nz or contact gmail%27%com,literaturhausnz

Source: Goethe-Institut Wellington

New Exhibition: Oh Tannenbaum – Grim(m) Tales & Quirky Trees

The Goethe-Institut has brought its internationally renowned exhibition „Oh Tannenbaum“ to the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington. Drawing on a wide range of contributions by various artists, it represents a highly creative play on and with the iconic evergreen symbol of the Christmas tree (called „Weihnachtsbaum“ or „Tannenbaum“ in German).

(©Susanne König und Christian Metzler)

Taking into account its historical roots as a Christian as well as a pagan symbol, it is safe to say that it is one of the objects which offer endless opportunities for playful interpretation. Visitors will be amazed to see the diverse creative approaches each reflecting the invidual creator's views. From objects focussing more on the traditional image of a cone-shaped object clad in green needles to modern, abstract, critical or satirical/humorous contructs, anything will be presented.

The title „Oh Tannenbaum- Grim(m) Tales & Quirky Trees“ not only refers to the above mentioned variety of works on display but also to the many ways in which the viewer my react to the artist's concept. Ranging from enthusiastic approval to bemused consternation, visitors may respond with a delighted „Oh yes“, the occasional „Oh dear“ or even the rare „Oh no“. It also draws a clear allusion to the beautiful fairy tales written by the world famous German Grimm Brothers who have influenced many writers and have brought joy to the young and the young at heart ever since publishing their first volume of 86 stories exactly 200 years ago. Even though the first christmas tree is believed to have been put up in Germany in the Middle Ages, its universal appeal today is as strong as ever.

Time and Place of Exhibition: New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington. The exhibition runs from 3 to 29 Feburary.

Source: Goethe-Institut Wellington

Wellington Puppeteer at Europe’s largest Education Fair

Two Wellington-based Germans, puppeteer Norbert Hausberg and Musicisthelanguage agency producer Werner Nowitzki, have been invited by the Goethe Institut to take part in the 2012 “Didacta” education fair in Hanover. The “Didacta” is Europe’s largest education fair. With the first fair being staged in Stuttgart in 1999, this year’s event is expected to draw over 800 exhibitors and about 100,000 visitors.

(©Goethe-Institut)

Werner Nowitzki’s Musicisthelanguage (MITL) agency for a number of years now has been supported by the Goethe Institut in a programme offering innovative projects, programmes and teaching resources to over 60 countries. In 2009, MITL teamed up with the “Strings Attached” puppet theatre with over 80 marionettes established by fellow German Norbert Hausberg in New Zealand in 1984. They have since collaborated in creating a fresh new interpretation of the famous fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm which will be celebrating their 200th anniversary this year.

In an interplay of contemporary music and innovative marionette theatre, workshops and shows such as “Rumpelstilzkin Goes Hip Hop” with their own soundtracks have taken them around the world with audiences including far-flung places like Senegal, Ethiopa and Siberia, various European countries and spots closer to home in Australia.

For more information, please go to:

www.musicisthelanguage.com

and

www.stringsattachedpuppentheater.com

Berlinale Talent Campus February 2012

The 10th Berlinale Talent Campus will take place from 11 – 16 February 2012. It is a creative academy and networking platform for 350 up-and-coming filmmakers from all over the world.

(©dpa)

Over the years, the Berlinale Talent Campus (BTC) online community has become a networking platform of filmmakers, creative thinkers and artistic individuals from all fields of work and active in all aspects of cinema. The Campus lasts for six days and offers a huge variety of different programme elements for actors, directors, cinematographers, distributors, editors, film critics, producers, production designers, screenwriters, sound designers and composers. Its format offers lectures, panel discussions and stars-in-the-limelight sessions addressing the burning, inspirational and vibrant issues in filmmaking today.

There are also large public events with topics that are of general relevance to all talents. Many of these events will relate to current issues addressed in the cinema showcased at the Berlin International Film Festival, as well as reflecting the focus of the Campus 2012, “Changing Perspectives”. This year’s Campus will include works by New Zealanders Josh Mckenzie (21), Kristian Eek (33), Marc Chesterman (41) and Zoe McIntosh (27).

Josh Mckenzie is an actor and screenwriter from Auckland, Kristian Eek is a producer also from Auckland and Marc Chesterman is a sound designer and composer from Wellington whose most recent film “Love Story” , a hybrid documentary, won Best Film, Director & Editor at the 2011 New Zealand Film Awards. His filmography include the documentaries “Land of the Long White Cloud”, Rubbings from a Live Man” and “Lovely Rita” (about NZ painter Rita Angus), the road movie “Wooden Head” and the drama “Eating Sausage”. Director/producer Zoe McIntosh is from Auckland.

Lübeck - German "City of Science" in 2012

(©DZT/Rainer Kiedrowski)

The German city of Lübeck is an old Hanseatic City founded in 1143. Formerly an independent state as a “Free Hanseatic City”, Lübeck is now, in terms of size, the second-largest city in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein and claims for itself the title of cultural capital of the north. Since 1987, parts of the historic Old Town have been registered on the World Heritage List of the UNESCO. It is situated in the northern part of Germany at the Baltic Sea close to Hamburg.

The water-enclosed Old Town with its roughly 1,800 listed buildings, historical alleyways and criss-crossed lanes is not just pretty to the eye, however, but also the hub of an extremely lively, major city with roughly 214,000 inhabitants.

On 29 March 2011, Lübeck was elected to be the German "City of Science" ("Stadt der Wissenschaft") for the year 2012. „Hanse meets Humboldt“ is the slogan of the year which will see more than 70 scientific projects realized in cooperation between the City of Lübeck, local companies and the universities and schools. All in all, more than 2.4 million Euro will be invested in the city. The city has given itself the challenge to understand science as a core part of urban development and put this into practice as part of public communication, picking up on Alexander von Humboldt’s of science as a holistic concept.

Please click on the link below to unsubscribe from the newsletter.