It was a great experience re-working this art work Lilo safely this Saturday for AT (Auckland Transport) who are commissioning artists and community groups to activate the shared pathway between Avondale and New Lynn NL2A including the Avondale Night Ride & Street Festival which we were part of. Lilo safely was originally a survival drill in preparation and response to climate crisis. It felt profound performing this again post pandemic and after recent cyclones and floods. It encourages rafting-with others through collective resting and recovery. By acknowledging the collective trauma while evoking hope, we perhaps bring attention to what it is to survive in todays uncertain world. At Matariki we say goodbye to those lost and look to the future gently. Pic against the blue building is us forming the Matariki constellation. Arohanui. Mānawaitia a Matariki
Lilo Safely
Rafting-with - Christina Houghton
Avondale to New Lynn on the NL2A shared pathway
Leaving 4:45 pm to 6pm catch train back
Rafting-with - Lilo Safely
Times are tough with climate change causing weather events such as cyclones and floods, not to mention the impending sea level rise. Lilo safely aims to share with you techniques and coping mechanisms that will help your wellbeing and others in times of crisis. Join us on a rafting walk with an inflatable lilo as your companion. Together we will action rafting, resting and recovery along the New Lynn Avondale shared pathway practising collective actions for support and wellbeing while taking care of each other, as well as acknowledging the Whau river which originally connected Avondale and New Lynn. Lilo Safely reflects on ways to move safely through this uncertain world. Lilos cannot save you from floods, rising sea levels and climate change but perhaps they offer ways to navigate this uncertain time.
· First inflate your lilo. You can use your breath or a pump.
· Your lilo is your companion. Use it gently. Take care of your lilo and it will take care of you
· The lilos soft skin and layer of air will offer protection from accidents or natural disturbances
· There are a number of ways you can hold or use your lilo, both individually and with others. Follow your guide
· It will offer support against hard surfaces and provide a buffer between your body and the outside world
· You and your lilo can connect with others to create rafts for further protection
· Together you can create a mobile art work along the path follow instructions as we move along
· Health and safety/crossing roads – we will create a raft. Keep together & keep left. Use your torches and bike lights to make your raft visible to other users of the pathway.
You can use your lilo again and again. When the lilo loses its buoyancy it can be used as a survival blanket or it can be refashioned into a high vis vest.
You may wish to also watch Lilo Safely instructional video 2017
http://christina-houghton.blogspot.com/
Thanks to … Fresh Concept and Auckland Transport
Below is how to recycle your deflated lilos into high vis vests for cycling or for safety drills.
