Word from our Mayor Kirsten Wise
Kia ora koutou.
Summer is here and it’s a great time to welcome visitors to Napier. Whether you’ve got family coming home for the festive season or guests coming for a first-time visit to the Bay, you will probably take on the all-important role of tour guide, entertainment host and social organiser!
We all love Napier and we’re lucky because it’s an easy place to show off! It’s got history and heritage, culture and vibrancy. It’s close to nature with plenty of places to get some fresh air, from Maggie’s Way down to the seashore. There are lots of free or low-cost, family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy.
Here in Napier we’ve got first-class facilities that offer a range of experiences, from our penguin rehabilitation centre at the
National Aquarium through to significant works of art at the MTG. Century Theatre and the Municipal Theatre have performing arts covered, Faraday Centre offers a hands-on experience of history, Par 2 mini-golf provides a great place for some friendly competition and Ocean Spa is the perfect way to wind down after a busy day.
Over the summer, we also have a full calendar of events from music festivals to sport, from big community celebrations like our famous New Year’s Eve at the Soundshell in the middle of the city to our boutique urban food and wine event Napier Night Fiesta at Clive Square.
Everybody is welcome and there’s plenty on for everyone to enjoy. To get started with your holiday planning, head to the newly refurbished Napier isite. Our friendly team there will help build an itinerary that’s perfect for you and your guests.
It’s been a full year with lots of challenges to navigate. May the holiday ahead be restful and rejuvenating. From me and the whole team here at Napier City Council, I hope this summer is full of fun, good times with family and friends, and lots of opportunities to make happy memories.
Emerson Street’s two historic squares – Clive Square and Memorial Square - are kicking summer off to a bright start with picnics, music and art. Squares in the City runs from 1-8 December, with a different event - and a different summery vibe - on offer every day. Councillor Sally Crown, is the Squares in the City Ambassador and Chair of Napier City Council’s Prosperous Napier Committee.
She explains the reason behind the activation is to celebrate summer and bring people to a part of the city that is currently under used but full of potential. “The Squares are really special, iconic to Napier and have a cool blend of history and vibrancy,” explains Councillor Crown. “We want to create relaxed, interesting reasons for people to rediscover the Squares and fall in love with them. They are a space that’s open to everyone and inviting for all. Whether you’re a local or a visitor they have a distinctive character that’s 100% Napier.”
“We are bringing together local talent – artists, musicians, performers – as well as everyone’s favourite food trucks to create a week of entertainment and connection in the middle of the city. It’s going to be bright, quirky, a little bit loud and a lot of fun for everyone,” says Councillor Sally Crown. “We have a vision of helping create places and spaces where everyone wants to be and this is a great example of making that happen.”