The Taniwha Project

Led by a mighty Taniwha in a parade of colour and movement, hundreds of Cherry Farm Hospital residents and staff laid to rest the "Mythical beast" of mental illness last night.

There were moas and Maori warriors, folk toting banners and adorned in multi-coloured robes, marching from villa to villa to the sounds of drums and tambourines.

For the residents and staff at the hospital, Project Taniwha is the fruition of three months of art and performance workshops, under the guidence of Ainsley Yardley, head of the hospitals creative expression unit.

She said "The project is a springboard for music and dance workshops which will be run at the Hospital on an ongoing basis.  It is a stimulus for getting people involved.  It will help them to understand what it is all about and what we can do for them."

More than that however, the performance was the vehicle for an important message.

"We're using symbols to depict the community's views of mental illness.  It sees it as a problem which is separate from it and frightening.  we're breaking down the barriers in a creative way."

The performance started with a haka party challenging the Taniwha.

More than 15 meters long, the beast wound it's way round the hospital grounds with the aid of helpers who supported it underneath.

Outside the administration block, the myth was given medication by the medical superintendent of the Hospital, Dr Julia Faed, who pierced the beast's side with a huge syringe.

The Wakouaiti recorder group serenaded the monster to sleep, fires were lit and prayers were said.  The gathering performed a dance of unity and acceptance and statements of myths about mental illness were read and burnt in the fires.

A spectacular fireworks display, followed by a supper, ended the celebrations.