Word from our Mayor Kirsten Wise

Kia ora koutou.

This month, we’re helping warm up winter by hosting a Matariki lightshow similar to the one we ran last year. Matariki is a wonderful celebration that really resonates with us because it is uniquely New Zealand’s. It also echoes the time of year we’re currently in. The middle of winter is a great time to think about the year ahead, and what has gone before. It’s a time to reflect but also look forward. For many in our community this is particularly important this year.

Matariki is traditionally a time to honour those who have passed away in the year, but it is also a time of remembrance, joy, peace and spending time together as a family or with our friends.

There are groups all over Hawke’s Bay who are providing opportunities to get together and think about all that Matariki means. With our Matariki events, we play a part in bringing life to the middle of the city during winter in the form of a lightshow and storytelling. Many of our council facilities like the National Aquarium and the libraries are holding Matariki events too.

Cyclone Gabrielle

To view the latest updates on Napier's recovery visit napier.govt.nz/cyclone-gabrielle

Coming into the city on a chilly winter’s evening brings its own magic. For a city as sunny as ours can be, it’s sometimes nice to view it in a different light. With the building façades lit up and festoon lighting outside bars and restaurants, it gives us a new experience of the city we love.

With Ocean Spa newly opened there’s another enticement into the city on a winter’s evening. Soaking in the steaming spa is good for the body and the soul, and set right beside the ocean it makes for a picturesque evening out.

Both MTG and the Municipal Theatre have evening events that bring people into town. Rugging up in winter woollies and taking in a show or a movie followed by a bite to eat gives a really warm winter feeling and keeps up those social connections that are so important for wellbeing.

Whether you’re attending Matariki events, spending time socialising in town, or staying tucked up at home, connecting with the people you love and care for is the most important part of this season.