Christmas brings light entertainment to Palmerston North
Christmas delight is shining upon Palmerston North, with one family welcoming the end of a difficult year more than most.
A special surprise for 2-year-old Ahurewa Rapira and her wha¯nau brought a smile to her face as she turned on the lights of the city’s Kiwi take on the traditional Christmas tree.
Rapira spent months in Auckland’s Starship children’s hospital after battling leukaemia, returning to Palmerston North a cancer-free
She was diagnosed on May 14, but with the help of chemotherapy and cannabis oil she was cancer-free by May 27. She will continue to use cannabis oil for seven years.
This year the city has lit up a living pohutukawa tree in Te Marae o Hine – The Square on the clock tower lawn for the first time.
For the past 12 years the city has erected a fake tree, but has looked towards a native celebration for 2020.
‘‘Palmy’s previous tree has been used since 2008 and was expected to have a 10-year lifespan, so it has served us very well,’’ said Tasha Paladin, head of events and partnerships for the Palmerston North City Council.
Palmerstonians are also lacing up their skates for their chance to soar across a travelling ice rink that landed in Te Marae o Hine this weekend.
Made in Holland, the rink opened on Thursday evening, drawing in up to 500 people in six hours, with a couple of thousands expected to visit across the weekend, rink owner Robin de Goeij said.
‘‘You definitely feel it after this year so people want to get out and have a bit of fun.
‘‘You see amix of emotions. For some kids it can be intimidating, but most of the time they are excited and laughing. It’s probably the only time it’s OK to fall.
‘‘It’s a bit tricky to say howmany people we’re going to have this weekend because the weather isn’t very good.’’
Amanda Kerekere, 45, took her twins Rhys and Aaliyah, 8, to skate.
‘‘It’s actually quite surreal. You wouldn’t expect to be doing this in summer.’’
The artificial ice used on the rink does not require cooling, which means there’s no need for a beanie or jacket.
The rink could take amaximum of 70 people depending on who’s out on the ice, de Goeij said.
The rink is surrounded by inflatable sides, which help cushion the impacts for learners and create a barrier between the rink and spectators.
Chairs can be used on the rink to help people balance until they find their confidence, and children under 16 will need to wear a helmet and gloves.
Other events include a Christmas parade tomorrow and a Christmas concert today.