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A Sandspit documentary maker is collecting instruments to bring music back to Vanuatu following the devastating cyclone earlier this year.
Rowena Baines has had an affinity for Vanuatu since “hitch hiking” from boat to boat around the island nation a decade ago.
“I’ve been to 57 countries and it’s rare to come across a country so unaffected by western society,” she says. “They are such welcoming people. I’ve been back three times.”
When Rowena heard Vanuatu had been hit by a category-five cyclone in March, her first thoughts were about the music.
“Music is what keeps them going. It’s what keeps those little, isolated communities together. Every island I visited had a string band of some description.
“There are already a lot of agencies providing food and building material for the country, but music plays such a crucial role in the culture. I thought ‘that’s where I can step in to help’.
She is accepting donations of guitars, ukuleles and guitar strings.
She would also like to hear from any yachtie heading to Vanuatu, who might be able to help transport an instrument or two.
Rowena plans to fly to Vanuatu in August to meet up with some of the yachts and help distribute the instruments and film the trip for a documentary.
“I want to show people how they can help people in need. Anyone can start a project. You don’t have to fly to Africa and work for an aid agency; you can do good work close to home.”
It is the second aid project Rowena has managed in the region. In 2008, she worked with 29 yachts and the Royal NZ Air Force to transport 2500 textbooks to schools in Vanuatu.
Info: Vanuatu Music Revival Project rowenabaines@gmail.com 021 274 6688
