2000 hippies converge on West Coast

About 2000 members of the worldwide transient "Rainbow Family" started arriving in Bruce Bay on the West Coast today for a six-week-long gathering.

The first Rainbow gathering – described on its website as an "organic outgrowth" of the hippy movement – was held in the United States in the 1970s.

This year the group will camp near the Ohinamaka (Black) River, a one-hour hike from the Doughboy Creek bridge on State Highway 6, halfway between Bruce Bay and Lake Paringa.

Participants are expected from all around the world.

A "seed camp" was due to begin this morning, with people planting seeds and plants to prepare the site for the next arrival of guests.

The official Rainbow Family gathering will run from new moon to new moon – December 16 to January 16. Up to 2000 international guests will have to tramp into the bush to reach the remote site in a bush clearing.

The gathering is open to anyone who wishes to attend peacefully.

It is a non-commercial event. Communal cooking ensures everyone is fed, and bartering takes place for goods.

A "magic hat" is passed around to collect money for essentials. Drugs, alcohol, electronic devices and dogs are banned.

The Rainbow Family has no official leaders, no formal structure, no official spokespersons, and no membership.

Instead, they form a community through passively shared "traditions" of love for the Earth and gatherings to pray for peace.

- NZPA