Things to remember...

I know it is supposed to be Spring, but here in the Hutt Valley we can still see snow on the Rimutaka hills, so bring some warm clothes if you are coming from a warmer climate. The evenings and early mornings are still quite cold.

Also please remember that breakfast is NOT catered for in your registration. You will need to bring your own breakfast foods. There is a supermarket close to the venue if you need anything in a hurry.

Costumes!!! We would love for you to dress up with us for the Saturday dinner. The theme being 1940's army hospital. Use your imagination and surprise us. We have three local costume hire companys offering discount if you require a costume from them and we can arrange to drop off costumes back to the shops on the Monday if necessary.

See you all next week!!

Don't Miss Out

Register now before it's too late. Some field trips are getting close to their limits as are some workshops. Don't be disappointed - register soon if you want to get your first choice of either.

There are still two motel units available for those who want the luxury of their own space. We also still have share twin rooms and plenty of bunk rooms available.

Registrations both full or part (you choose which events you wish to attend) are being accepted online on the website.

Two weeks to go!!!

We have only two weeks to go to convention!!

There are only a couple of places left for the wedding workshop and the macro one is filling fast also. Both workshops have limited numbers so if these are the ones you want to do then now is the time to be registering.

One workshop that you might like to consider is Momento Photobooks.
This workshop will show you how easy it is to create and publish your very own photobook with high quality materials. Great for those Christmas presents to folk far away. Great for a coffee table book for you to display your best images in. This workshop is one not to be missed!

Part day registrations now available.

We understand that times are tough, so we have made it a little bit easier for you to take part in the Central Regional Convention at the end of this month (Oct 30, 31 & Nov 1). We have revised the registration options and now opened it up to part day registrations.

The options are:

Friday evening only: $40.00
Saturday morning: $55.00
Saturday full day: $95.00
Saturday dinner & entertainment: $35.00
Sunday morning only: $55.00
Sunday full day: $75.00

If there is a workshop that interests you, now it is more affordable to attend. Some workshops are limited so if you would like to attend, register as soon as possible so as not to miss out.

Come and join us for the dinner on Saturday night. Where else can you get dinner and entertainment (we have a special surprise organized) for only $35 per head? There will be a cash bar operating.

To register, or to find out more information on the workshops, please visit our convention website at www.get-a-grip.co.nz

27 days to go

The count down has started as we are in the last few weeks before the Convention. The committee is busy doing all those last minute organising things to make it all happen and everything is almost ready to go.

We understand there are a good few of you out there who have yet to register. Can we ask that if you are planning to register that you let us know so that we can give the caterers some indication of numbers ahead of time. We would hate to have too little food!

So if you are planning to register in the next 27 days, can you please email me and let me know to expect you. The address is toya @ digitalpix . co . nz (just remove the spaces out of the address before sending to make it work).

Thanks folks :)

Pauatahanui Inlet - Sat morning field trip.

Choose between birds, boats or boatsheds - the choice is yours!

Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve
The Pauatahanui inlet is home to waterfowl, both local and migratory waders, with occasionally a rare visitor such as the bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica, for the birding enthusiast. The inlet is the only large area of salt-marsh and seagrass in the Wellington region. At the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve you will find well defined paths through the wetlands, several hides around the reserve which are ideal for photographing those elusive birds. You will need good walking shoes and a warm jacket.

Refreshements will be available in the Reserve car park at 6.30am we suggest you all meet here before heading off into your chosen directions for that early morning cuppa.

Pauatahanui Village
This historic settlement located nearby features several historic buildings such as Taylor Stace Cottage and St Alban's Church with a churchyard featuring the graves of some early settlers.

Paramata Boating Club
Further around the inlet you will find the Paramata Boating Club with numerous colourful boat sheds and interesting craft of all shapes and sizes.

Mana Boatsheds
More colourful boatsheds can be seen on the north-western side of the inlet. Walk along the path directly behind them where numerous photographic opportunites can be found.

To top it all off and if you have time, the cafe at the Pauatahanui Village will be open for breakfast!

Motel Rooms

We have two motel rooms left on site for those who want more luxury accommodation. These units have a separate bedroom downstairs with a super king bed and a loft bedroom with two single beds upstairs.

We have these rooms available at $150 per night for two people and $20 per extra person. So if you put four people in the motel the cost would be $190 per night. If you are interested in these rooms contact toya @ digitalpix.co.nz (remove spaces).

We still have share twin rooms available at $21 per night (own bedding) or $27 per night (bedding supplied). Also bunk rooms at $17 per night (own bedding) or $23 per night (bedding supplied).