Waitati Music Festival 2022 – Photos

Kia ora koutou
Here is a montage of photos from the Waitati Music Festival 2022
Held at Bland Park, Waitati, just north of Ōtepoti/Dunedin in NZ.
5 November 2022
Music: ©Paul S Allen 2011 (Anthem and Come On Home : Deep Thought Project by Paul S Allen)
Photos: ©Paul S Allen 2022 (apart from the cover image and two photos of me taken by Mandy Mahem-Bullock )

A new passion – Watercolour Painting

Just a short few weeks ago I started painting watercolour pictures – I am very much learning but I am finding this very therapeutic, and helps to calm my anxiety.

Here are a few examples – to see more follow my Instagram account

All images ©Paul S Allen 2022

Support For Ukraine from Dunedin New Zealand

A rally was held in Dunedin New Zealand in support of Ukraine.
With Putin’s forces invading the Ukraine people are being injured and killed, this MUST stop.
Here are some photos from the rally today

First Tattoo – for remembrance ;

I had my first tattoo today
Huge thanks to @kesi.ink at Subconscious Studios. Kesi was fantastic, their care and work was so good for this newbie’s first tattoo. I love it so much!

;

I got this tattoo for many reasons. it is a reflection of the person I am comfortable being, the musician/guitarist/songwriter/poet/performer.
It also represents the battle I have had for mental health over the last few years especially over the last year. The semicolon represents that I am not finished and that life continues.
I dedicate this to all those who have struggled with mental health and to my friends who have passed away or are also currently battling with their mental health.
I particularly remember in this tattoo, the wonderful Dunedin NZ, musician, songwriter and wonderful human that was Nick Knox who passed away a year ago. (Arohanui Nick )

These are difficult times and so many people are struggling so please be kind to all, especially to yourself. Reach out for help, and ask your friends if they are ok really listening to them.

Peace, love and good health to you all;
Noho ora mai rā

Paul Allen – Singer songwriter

New Zealand Support Contacts

• 1737, free 24/7 phone and text number
• Healthline: 0800 611-116
• Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543-354
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828-865 
• Samaritans: 0800 726-666
• General mental health inquiries: 0800 443-366
• The Depression Helpline: 0800 111-757

for NZ music industry people
Check out MusicHelps

For Dunedin people
Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust has a Crisis Café in the Hope Centre, 3 Albion Place, in Dunedin. The Hope Centre is a safe place for those in crisis during the Crisis Café hours of 1pm – late on Thursdays.
https://www.lifematters.org.nz/

New Year’s Eve – Arc Brewing co. – Dunedin, NZ

Music in the video: “Shine your light” and ” Stay” © Paul S Allen 2019 (me) Photography: Paul S Allen http://www.thewaterside.co.nz

A video of images from the NYE event held in Arc Brewing in Blueskin Bay Dunedin New Zealand
on 31 12 2021 to bring in 2022
I opened the evening with a set of my own so no photos of me =)

The acts for the event

• Paul S Allen – Singer Songwriter (Me not in the video or photos)
• Tall Folk
• Flying Man
• Ollie Crooks
• Hystera
• Coin Laundry
• Bo and the Constrictors
• Glad Rabbit

Here are some of my images from the night.