The Convergence Festival began in January 1986 and was originally called Towards 2000. The founding group wrote the following words regarding their intention for the event.
“The Towards 2000 Festival is not out to promote particular styles of living or specific values. The people who form the cooperative come from many different areas of Christchurch community and we are reaching out to everyone who wants New Zealand to be a healthy, peaceful place to live.
It is without doubt if we do not change direction we will end up where we are headed. At present where we are headed looks grim. In the face of starvation and wars that persist all over the world, the violence in our cities, the poisons collecting in our environment and even the anger in our personal relationships; most people feel despairing and powerless to help.
The vision that inspires Towards 2000 is that we can change the present situation. We can live meaningful, joyful lives in a supportive creative community. The purpose of Towards 2000 is to begin these changes now with the goal of peace and a positive social environment for everyone.”
Convergence today holds true to this original intention and has evolved into a co created event, meaning that all attendees are encouraged to participate in the smooth running of the event. Convergence is held every year from December 28th to January 3rd at Journey’s End, in the country-side just north of Christchurch, New Zealand. Convergence is an inclusive gathering open to people of all ages, beliefs, and backgrounds.
The event is GE free, alcohol and drug free, dog free and eco-friendly. The food provided is vegetarian and vegan. The site has two large grassed camp sites, for tenting, campervans, house trucks, a marquee for communal sleeping, showers (inside & outdoor), toilets, facilities for hot water & washing dishes. No money changes hands during the event and lunches, dinners and all educational workshops are included in the ticket price.
Participants offer free workshops in a variety of subjects such as massage, healing relationships, self healing, yoga, arts, crafts, meditation, natural healing, sexuality, song, dance, and more. In addition to this, attendees can learn about cooking vegetarian and vegan meals from the talented cooks during meal preparation each day. Where possible all waste is recycled or composted.
In addition to the workshops Convergence offers swimming holes in the river, moonlit baths, sauna, music, jamming, drumming, cabaret, New Year celebration, arts and crafts, nurture space, creative kids’ space, spirituality, candle light sharing, support and community.
Bring yourself, bring your experience, and share it with everyone. Experience the beauty and wonderment of participating in creating a heart based living community. And always remember by changing ourselves we can change the world.
Anon.